Solace In Night [RP Thread]

[Lumine]

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Town...

The warm summer breeze brushed Ciel's face as she exited the door of their ship. The sun's setting rays sent an ambiance of a soft orange everywhere, layering the city with a slow and peaceful tranquility. The distant whistle of the train echoed in the background as the trail of its steam raced towards the tall clock tower of central station. It felt as if nothing has ever changed in this world. No Empire came, no grief, no shattered peace just like what every world used to be before the tides of change washed on it. Here inside its cocoon, Twilight still held on a fragile calm. Ciel almost felt bad bringing any disturbance to this secluded place. Still, she had a mission to carry out...

The generals had all taken their leave before she did, scattering in different directions across the city. She had spotted Nomis and Jaakuna walking off in the direction of the station, Ryoko had trotted off on her own somewhere else, so did Spirit and Joseph most likely. Ciel noticed Salforge walking off along with Alfa in a different direction of their own, and she glanced towards him, her stormy blue gaze following them as they exited the hangar. For a moment, she was worried, hesitant to speak with him directly. But no, it can wait. There will be more suitable times to converse, she eyed Alfa neutrally for a second, even if the coldness of her gaze was hard to miss, before deliberately she took her leave herself. This might complicate things a bit...

She wandered around the streets for a while, taking note of the City's landscape and layout, subconsciously making a list of the good places to start from. With the current City's population, and its size they would need a quick means to narrow down the scope of their search. She had just arrived to sunset terrace when she felt a buzz in her pocket. She took her phone out only to find it was a message from Ryoko:

I am sure you have a plan in mind to find this keyblader, mind filling me in?

So much for good company, She sighed, sliding her phone closed. Ryoko wasn't on the list of Ciel's favorite people. The woman definitely had some screws loose, and she was a talented psychopath, enough to earn Ciel's disgust of the creature. But work is work, she would at least find out how Ryoko was going to go about her search as well. She hoped their meeting would be short lived though, it wasn't the best company. From where she was, it took only a few minutes to get to the shopping mall in market street. The setting rays of the sun tainted the sky a darker red, as the sun started to sink slowly in the horizon. Soon enough it will be night, she would need to find a good inn somewhere. She walked past a couple of shops displaying a special sale for some ladies' bags and shoes, and found Ryoko standing near the display of another shop right ahead.

"I thought you would be doing things on your own as usual?" Ciel commented casually, sparing a bored glance towards the shop and back at Ryoko. "I do have a plan in mind," She reassured Ryoko, crossing her hands across her chest. "But let's see what you have in your mind first, perhaps you would do better..." she offered, monotonously and with enough indifference that might make one wonder if she even cared for the answer. Maybe, she did...

 

[King Sora X]

What could be described as a pretty okay sight, Jaakuna almost felt bad that Twilight Town would soon fall under the control of the Empire. His original answer would to just destroy the entire world, but as he was told by almost every general minus a few, the need of finding a pure of heart, AND a Keyblader, would be the mission’s priority. Another thing that should be noted is that Jaakuna was told by his own partner that there would have to be a withdrawal of Jaakuna’s need to kill. According to Nomis, that would quite possibly set Jaakuna out from everyone else.

In his own mind, Jaakuna didn’t like the fact he did have to down his sadistic urges. Jaakuna knew that The Emperor would have his head if such an important mission would go south. Perhaps that’s why he and Nomis are such a good fit. The “gentleman”, as some would call him, has held Jaakuna from killing anyone. Whether or not said people deserved it or not. Granted Jaakuna still had the urges, but he has been learning how to channel them into witty, and really sarcastic comments.

As the time went by, Jaakuna and Nomis had wondered off into a section of Twilight Town that seemed very busy. Of course, based off of the architecture design and how the clocks sound off in a repeating pattern, they found themselves in Central Station. Jaakuna really wanted everyone dead. He found the very notion of them roaming free in their pathetic lives repulsive. However, he withheld his urges, but instead looked around.

“So, Nomis. How are we going to narrow the search of finding this Pure of Heart and Keyblader?” Jaakuna right up and said it. Of course he was asking where to find the objects of the mission.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -​

Cerden had bought his ticket, hoping to get on the trail of Nomis, and quite possibly find out why they have traveled here. Back in Radiant Garden, he only found out they were heading to Twilight Town, but not why. It was very odd that they would travel to a world that was not under the direct or indirect control of their forces. That would only draw two conclusions for their means. Either the Empire is looking to kill the leader of Twilight Town or their looking for someone who can help them.

But who would hold such importance.

Cerden was puzzled about this. His thoughts made him think back to a book he read about two decades ago. This was at a time where was still a general of The Empire. This particular book was about the Keybladers, and Pure of Hearts. It wasn’t a big book, but it held definite keys to their power.

It is said that the Pure of Heart, when paired with a Keyblader, can have the power to unlock the Keyhole within a world, but they must be together or they won’t be able to utilize their full powers. That’s the only thing Cerden remembers. He had to think about it for a few more moments until he put it together. “So, that’s what their here for.” Cerden finally realizing that the Keyblader and Pure of Heart is what The Empire is after, he knew he had to find them first, or they’d be goners.

“But how?” The million dollar question that needed to be answered if Cerden was to succeed. But Cerden is just one man. If he’s to do this, he’ll need to be smart, and not how he was in Radiant Garden.

Just as Cerden was going to compile a plan, he heard a familiar voice.

“So, Nomis. How are we going to narrow the search of finding this Pure of Heart and Keyblader?”

It was Jaakuna, that was for sure. Cerden looked around. Fist to his right, and nothing. Then to his left, and still nothing. He went back right, and then nothing. When he returned left, he saw them right in the middle of the crowd. Cerden would play this cool, and not shout out their names. Instead, he would follow them as if they were his shadow. He would stalk them like a Hawk does its prey.

And just like Di’Vinchi painted the Mono Lisa, Cerden followed Jaakuna and Nomis just to see where they would be going.
​

 

[Piercing Light]

Standing in front of a fashion boutique Ryoko pondered a new outfit. She reached into a plastic container, taking out a golden brown meat bun. She chewed on it thoughtfully, nothing in the store was catching her eye. She was fairly picky about what she wore. "Mghmm..." She condemned the place as being dull, she was about to head for the next clothing store when she noticed Ciel heading towards her. She took another bite of her food as the woman spoke to her. She knew better than to speak with her mouth full, so she simply gave Ciel a quizzical look as she chewed. She also took this as a chance to see if Salforge was tailing behind her, he wasn't, good.

"I'm fine with a little company as long as it's you Ciel darling. I absolutely adore those cold eyes of yours." She took a small bite out of her bun, holding out the container and offering her one. "mghmm.... They're humble, but fairly enjoyable." She took another bite, her eyes drifting to a couple that passed them by. They were young, and couldn't look more happy with each other. "Almost makes me sick to my stomach, HA, 'love' what a confounded ideal..." She munched on the rest of the bun, nearly chomping down the rest of it. "...Oh yes, I do have a plan." She grinned mischievously. "I can summon a few possessor heartless and have them posses areas of the town. Normal people will assume they are ghosts, however a keybearer should know otherwise." She shurgged her shoulders, making it obvious that she hadn't thought about this plan for long.

"What course of action did you have in mind Ciel darling?"

 

[Lumine]

"What course of action did you have in mind Ciel darling?"

"Something better..." Ciel answered thoughtfully, but there was a form of amusement dancing around the edges of her lips. It wasn't bad, not bad at all. It had a minimum chance of revealing any unwanted leaks, it acted like a beacon of danger as well to any -even unwary- Key Wielder around. It was isolated enough so as to not involve a lot of innocent civilians in or draw suspicion. There was just one flaw to it, though, it required time. Something they didn't have the luxury to waste at the moment, no no, they had to be moving faster. The Emperor sent them all in for just a single Key Wielder and a Pure of Heart after all. This all matter had to be wrapped quick, and without intercepting what other goals she had in mind. Luckily, she had the perfect remedy to liven up this party.

"mghmm.... They're humble, but fairly enjoyable." Ryoko said, offering her one of the meat buns she brought along in a container for a snack. If it was anyone else, they'd be wiser to consider accepting something edible from Ryoko. She loved to play games, and not always innocent, human-friendly and fun ones. Ciel knew better, however. Ryoko wouldn't try somethings as those during that sort of a mission. Ciel accepted the meat bun from Ryoko with a simple Thank you, and took a bite as they walked along the shops. It was surprisingly delicious. She gave Ryoko a quick explanation about her own plan, and detailed how she would go about it. In perspective, her own method would narrow the scope of their search considerably and save time, as well as retain a low rate of detection.

"-In which case, I'm planning to execute it tomorrow," and she pointed to a number of colorful posters plastered to the walls advertising the next day's Struggle Tournament. "And this would be a good place to start." She finished her meet bun, and exited the mall with Ryoko. Outside there was a small park overlooking the sea, the sun was dipping red near the horizon. They walked to one of the benches and sat down watching the view silently. And for a moment, Ciel was curious.

"I thought you were from around here Ryoko?" Ciel asked, her eyes were still on the rolling waves of the reddened waters. "How come you don't come here so often?" and at that she directed her discerning blues at Ryoko, wondering what would make her abandon spending the time, in such a peaceful haven, a place where she would properly call home.

 

[Ðari]

Alfa was a bit moved, as he tapped the glass on his helm he had to swiftly deny the request. "It goes with my image, and I'm particularly critical of being identified, by face. I'll try to find something else to wear while we're here." the general said, with a stroke of graciousness in his tone. Alfa caught a glimpse of her gaze, he couldn't help but feel as if he'd gotten under the woman's skin. It was of no consequence, the malign lining of his lips beneath his helm smirked as he in some out of an informal way hung Salforge under his arm and gripped him by the neck.

"Time to find a less suspicious attire subordinate."

"Subordinate?" Salforge retorted confused, without a prepared response. "Phil, you can let go of me at any given moment you know."

Alfa then freed him from his grip. The two stood outside of clothing store, one could be sure, as they left the hangar to take note of the path they'd taken into town. This happened to be the south end, marketplace? Likely where they would all certain regroup in street clothing, being identified by each others faces and not brandishing the empire Sigil in sight. They'd stumbled into a men's clothing store, filled to the brim with the attire of juveniles. As Alfa stood at the section eyeballing hats and high collar shirts to conceal his face (think Vivi), Salforge stood on the other end for combo'd sets.

As the general moved to a fitting room. He removed his helm and held it to his chest, the door was open and his face peered into the mirror. The women that passed by, though his eyes fell on his chest, they marveled for a moment before he used the reflection to grab and close the curtains. Sitting his helmet down, the greatest changes to his appearance had already begun to manifest. His crisp, now amber eyes peered at his reflection as he placed an articulate hat over his head, and hung it over his still very much though elongated green hair. A vest he wore, zipped all the way up, covered the remainder of his face.

The general held up his kakugane and stared at it momentarily. He'd devised a plan to catch this keyblade, using kendo. His eye fell on the struggle poster plastered in the fitting room. Likely the most skilled would be a definite summation to the keyblader's presence.

As the mercenary looked in the mirror, his highlighted bangs drooped down in front of him. The penetration of his listless red eyes were among the empty vessels in his group of peers. He feared, he was the last one and in later reality it would be in fact that he was the last of his kind. The more he stared at his own reflection, the closer and more tightly he gripped his own self-solitude. Did he really miss any of it? Sleep? Sustenance? Fatigue? All these things had in common, were requirements of the body. For years he'd done without, all the tireless pursuit of his master.

He just thought to much, to be completely honest he never stopped thinking. There was a knock at his door, as he stood there snapped out of space half naked, from the waist up he turned. Alfa layed against the side of the door. "You sure do take an awful long time to put on some clothes. Don't be a perfectionist kiddo." Alfa's words of advice.

Salforge sighed, "Be right out." he said as his hands fell on his belt, unfastening the buckle as the sound of gravity carried his pants down his waste. At first he'd originally thought to just coat his entire body in a different image, and allow reflections of light perceived by his on looks to make him the ultimate chameleon. But you had to think of it like this at the same time, anyone manipulated light could see you were just in your underwear even if to others you're fully clothed. 'How embarrassing.' the thought applied to someone he knew very well, the feeling he experienced was appropriate as well.

He settled for some khaki cargo pants, from top to bottom with a jean-like finish. A black dark-green shoulder-less tank top, and a red vest that he kept unbuttoned. In a nutshell, Salforge didn't immediately know how to coin his preference in attire. As he opened the door, and turned left Alfa remained just as arcane and elusive, though resolving to street attire. The mercenary just shook his head, and took the tone he normally did.

"Interesting to see you in something thats neither green nor black."

"Gotta learn to crawl, before you can walk kiddo, easy on the joke block. Leave that bit to me, I've got years of experience."

Salforge rose his hands almost apologetically, and took a step back, turning as they approached the counter. Taking the tags off of their clothing, they paid separately. 800 Munny, for their sets respectively. Hardly putting a dent in either of their wallets, they took the bag with their clothing and head back onto the street. His eyes seemed to pan the marketplace, "where did they all run off too?"

"Beats me. We didn't exactly make a plan, but lets just say for the sake of common thinking there is a hotel that we're all residing in. That hotel is where we will all eventually meet. Come on, lets check this one down the road here. It seems they have a discount for tourist."

As they entered the front lobby, crossing the threshold of the double doors. Salforge had quickly pulled out a notepad from his back pocket and began to jot down names. As they approached the main service desk and asked for available rooms, all on the same floor. He'd presented the clerk with the list of residents from alfa's name down to Spirit's. The Clerk inquired that each ask for a signature, as a show of 'signing in' to the hotel as to avoid the maids unwanted entry to the room. The alotted keys were to be held for the remaining guest and would be given to them upon signing in. It was Alfa's idea to pin the tab to the empire's conjoint account since traveling expenses were divided and covered, personal expense such as their attire was out of their own pocket.

The general clung to his key and waved, to Salforge as he approached the elevator to the third floor, where all of their rooms were for that matter. The mercenary took a seat in the lobby and eyed his simple flip cellphone. He'd thought about the letter that he'd written to Ciel, he was positive at this point she'd understood him a little better now. Though he'd yet to explain his true reasoning for turning from his previous route.

The memories of the reason played like an uninterrupted cinema in his mind.

His recent softness was beginning to get to him. It would beget only a distraction from his cause, but it was admittedly becoming harder to strengthen that personal range of isolation for much longer. Alfa made him see that, albeit in a mundane fashion, but he was right. His thumbs tracked the phone's number pads as he used the qwerty keyboard. He began to picture it, the remnicient prologue of his past as a keyblade wielder on the road to the mark of mastery. It was pre-ordained in a sense, but others that held the weapon had no way of being aware of the other. Only when shadowed against darkness would they appear to another. Old legends, things he'd try to forget all those years ago.

Ciel,​

I'd like to talk more with you about my means of delivering the keyblader to our side. Perhaps we can exchange information over dinner later this evening?
​

--Salforge


​

 

[Piercing Light]

Ryoko forced back a giggle as Ciel whispered in her ear. There was a mischievous flame burning in her eyes, fanned to ferocity by Ciel's cunning plan. "-In which case, I'm planning to execute it tomorrow," The chilly General pointed to a chain of colorful posters adhered to a wall. An annoying ping of reverie hit her as she recalled the events from her time living here in the past. Pointless shows of bravado as she saw it, all that it amounted to were worthless trophies and bragging rights. "And this would be a good place to start." Ryoko nodded in agreement. This event was quite popular and would gather a large crowd. If they were lucky the keyblader they were looking for would be a participant.

She continued walking with Ciel, with stolen glances she could tell that she was admiring the world. Reveling in the scarlet sky, the glamorous ocean and the peaceful atmosphere. She envied that she was able to enjoy this world as it is. As they walked Ryoko dared not look up at the red sky, knowing that it's blood red color would only serve to make her insides boil. She cared not to gaze upon her surroundings, as it did nothing but pull on strained heart strings fit to snap. They came to a bench, it was then that Ryoko noticed she had been walking with Ciel with a burdened head, she wasn't even aware of where they were in spite of the fact she knew the area well. She sat down beside Ciel, who was content with simply watching the crawling sunset. Ryoko watched her, there was a look of contemplation in her features that made her tug at the locket around her neck. She let it loose as she noticed Ciel speak.
"I thought you were from around here Ryoko?"

Ryoko dropped her gaze to the ground. "I am." She spoke harshly, cringing as she failed to catch herself before she let her anger slip out.

"How come you don't come here so often?"

Ryoko coughed on a stifled bitter laugh. She didn't even know where to begin answering that. She let out a sigh, then leaning closer to Ciel until she could feel the heat off her body. "I despise this world, with every fiber of my being." She whispered, her voice a mixture of conviction and hatred. "I know this place appears perfect, but my life here was nothing short of a nightmare. Parents that couldn't care less about me, that didn't even have the common decency to kill me along with themselves. An abusive orphanage, with violent children only slightly higher levels of trash than the perverted staff. A loved one... Failing you when you needed them most..." Ryoko leaned her head back, her eyes closed. "Connections to one another... Who needs them when all they do is rot your heart and fill you with regret? This place reminds me of it all, I hate it."

 

[ThePromise]

"Well, it depends on your perspective of what it means to really be at 'the bottom'."

Catherine's details were few but adequate enough to form her own opinion, and this Ryoko character may need to be examined. Mass murderers who dressed up girls in maid outfits were of interest, but this interest remained only if they were able to be redeemed. There were people at her home, at Elysium, who were the type to strike the unjust and impure down without a second thought, and there were those who tried to give these irredeemable people chances to change themselves for the better. Rika's side was undefined, but with Catherine she saw sort of a resemblance to herself. A weapon-for-hire, and usually it was nothing but the pay that motivated them. Rika knew that was not much of a way to live, even if it was efficient depending on the buyer and the skills of the one doing it. While it would have been easy, too easy, to kill this girl right here and now, she hesitated.

There was not much for negotiations in her mind, yet it was rare for her to come across another 'mercenary' type in another world. In another life, if things had been different, she might be another pawn like Catherine was.

Keeping step with her temporary guide, Rika kept things as casual as she could manage without making her intentions too obvious. As far as Catherine would have known, they were just the same. Her eyes darted around the architecture and various dark, depressing curtains and other decorations. Some of this stuff appeared as though it'd come to life and attack her if she had examined them for too long, but she knew the odds of that ever happening were slim to none.

"Some would say ..that being a doll to some girl is the real bottom. I mean sure you've got a respectable rank and, as far as I know, you're not doing anything else too humiliating. But for me, my dignity surpasses my desire for money. I wouldn't want to look like a joke for someone's amusement just for money, because money can't buy self-respect, you need to keep it ..and keep it strong." At this time Rika had refused to really look the girl in the eye. This may seem like she was belittling her position, and in a way she almost was. That was no way to operate. "You can hit anyone you want across the temple and send them flying through a wall and have a big fancy rank ..but look in the mirror at the end of the day, and what do you see? All I'd see is one big walking joke ..because while you're at the top, all the people below you who kept their dignity and freedom to choose, are laughing at you. Conditions may be worse, but at least they live the way they choose, and they're stronger people because of that."

Rika had cocked her head to Catherine for the first time and shrugged her shoulders. Her world, her society, had been saved by people who had been classified as outcasts and some, even worse, as 'losers'. Yet it never phased them, and society had been fought, and freed, by these very same outcasts.

Those at the bottom kept their freedom.

"But what do I know, right? You obviously know what you're doing."

 

[Piercing Light]

"Well, it depends on your perspective of what it means to really be at 'the bottom'."

Catherine's pace slowed down, her eyes were trained on Rika and she was silently listening. She knew how to read the mood of a conversation, so she knew she was about to say more. There was nothing of merit to point out so far in the halls, unless Rika was curious as to where they acquired their decor.

"Some would say ..that being a doll to some girl is the real bottom. I mean sure you've got a respectable rank and, as far as I know, you're not doing anything else too humiliating. But for me, my dignity surpasses my desire for money. I wouldn't want to look like a joke for someone's amusement just for money, because money can't buy self-respect, you need to keep it ..and keep it strong."

Catherine stopped walking, her eyes averting to a nearby window. Was she being chided? She hardly even knew this woman... She crossed her arms, her hands tightly gripping the frills of her uniform. She didn't want to hear this, she knew her dignity was in question, how could it not be? Rika went on however, cutting even deeper into a subject that she strained to keep enclosed in the back of her mind. She avoided taking a look at herself, because each time she did she felt less and less like her past self. In the world in which she was raised pride was the highest priority. Those worthy of respect were the people in power that held their head up high, that refused to compromise themselves under any circumstance. She had no right to call herself a native of that world, not anymore. She hated what she had become.

"But what do I know, right? You obviously know what you're doing."

"Don't patronize me... I know that my life is a joke." She turned to face Rika, only to find it too difficult to maintain eye contact. "...Sorry, you're right." She mumbled as her face tensed up, she was desperately trying to avoid crying. "I don't want to live like this, it makes me sick to my stomach every time I have to call that woman 'master.'" She coughed, no longer able to hold back the tears swelling in her eyes. "I'd rather die! But I no longer have the courage to even escape. There's just nowhere for me to go, what other options are there?"

 

[Ðari]

The new prince sat in the window (physically sitting on the window sill) and looked over the town below him. His eyes seemed to look down, as he tilted his hat that covered his face up a tad to get a better view. So many civilians, likely they were equally vigilant and cautious being so well guarded all these years. He scanned below, the people seemed friendly, calm, and peaceful enough. Though, this wasn't what he even payed much attention to, rolling his eyes he took the leap of faith and jumped out the window.

His hand on his hat as gravity ferociously pulled him down, he caught wind of a flag pole jutting out horizontally, and used it to swing himself around twice before spring boarding off. The children loved that kind of display, random applause admittedly shocked the general. As he waved to a group of teens that'd seen him jump from the window. The group quickly scurried off into the town, bundling in front of one of the struggle posters seen all around every which wall. Turning around, he'd seen one plastered on the hotel, it only fueled his idea for joining.

Following the group of children, he spoke with them briefly. "Where can I sign up for this struggle tournament?" he inquired. The group of teen had lead him to the community center to complete his request.

~~~

Salforge had moved beyond the hotel and up the hill towards the train station. His solitary movement was fitting of him, the sun hit the crown shaped sigil on his back. It appeared golden in the sun against his red and gold vest. He was taking precautions, coating the ground with his shells. Everywhere he'd walk he could keep the presence of people's visits in check. Taking time to admire the scenery, he began to wonder how he'd feel about it all. There wasn't a disagreement in grandeur valor of the landscape. It leaves the mind free of thought or a great place to come and think.

It had to be the insomnia.

The man hadn't slept in whats been a something of a few weeks. True, sleeping was optional for him, but with his engrossed thoughts and the additional stress on his mind, it was nigh impossible to achieve REM sleep. He shut his eyes for a moment and massaged his eye-lids. Releasing a sigh, he placed both of his hands on the railing and looked over into the seat of downtown. Truthfully, it was harder to really maintain his prior disposition. His last excursion to the realm of darkness left him with questionable faith, and his game plan drastically changed.

Though he couldn't put his finger on it, and whom he spoke to was very vague. Likely it was a clue to figuring out what he'd done to them, the five of them. As he held his steel heart in hand, he looked at it, chipping at the paint. The seal around it broke some, the tint...was white. What did this mean? As if watching a scab form by blood platelets, the paint resealed. It did the same, for the body, but a lot more gradually, gathering more of them though, made the process faster.

"Sleeping is to dream. Dreaming is to escape. Escaping is to sleep." Salforge muttered with a sigh.

He yawned, strangely enough. Lifting his head, he turned around to marvel the bell tower that housed the train station. His hands were buried in his pockets as he continue to walk around, now heading back to the hotel.

 

[ThePromise]

Wow.

She didn't believe it at first but by now Rika noticed she could really hit home with some people. Catherine had gone from cool and collected with that annoying guy to absolutely vulnerable with her, and Rika could have sympathized if she didn't seem so dishonest about herself. In the middle of her talking she peered down at her sack of dough, only to look back up at Catherine as she wrapped herself up. The question hung in the air for a short time as her eyes scanned the halls in front of them, and behind them. She wasn't hearing anything, no hushed breath or even the thumping of a heartbeat. It seemed to be just them here as of now, but if there's one thing she came to learn, it was that people liked to listen just as much as she did. There was no data on the Emperor, so there was no telling what he could do. If she exposed herself here, in these walls, it could mean a little trouble on her part.

"...Well." Rika dismissed that thought for a moment and stopped pretending she didn't know her way around. Beckoning her little maid friend with her free hand, she began to make her final trip towards the outer gates of this place. Yet she halted herself a second later and had changed her mind, moving towards the inner courtyard itself. "I know you're lying since if you rather have died, you've have ended it yourself already. You want to live just like anyone else. That Ryoko woman doesn't seem to be here and I doubt the big guy cares about one person ..not unless you know something important and, given your role, I'm not sure you know anything I don't know by now." In the middle of her trek she looked over to Catherine, and them to her outfit.

"..You wanna change?"

-

There was kind of that awkward moment between Connor and Ace as he continued to address the Director on who Ace only knew as 'Masaki'. For security reasons the man in charge could not broadcast this exchange louder, something Ace might have understood due to being part of a rebellion. Yet the exchange continued, a question of names that the Director received as well as their threat level were discussed. Names like Ryoko, Ciel, and more were crossed off as potential nuisances but nothing they couldn't manage. By they, that meant Section III, but the rebellion also had to be taken into account. They needed this information because they were in this together, but there was something the Director had to know about from a more personal account. Sometimes things were best heard rather than read on a screen.

At least now, turning around, Connor could spare Ace from staring at his back as they stood around in this alleyway. Shut away from the world's eyes for now, they had privacy, but if Ace was a fighter then he likely grew tired of standing around while some guy talked about something behind his back.

"Ace." Connor lowered his finger from his small audio device in his ear. The Director could receive the retelling better this way. "A former member of my organization has infiltrated the leader of the Empire's fortress and has retrieved some highly sensitive data. We're willing to offer it to you, and your people, as proof of our desire to back you ..but we've got to know something before that happens." It couldn't have been Ace's fault, it wasn't like they asked these questions, but it wasn't like they were told anything either. Information was key in conflict, and the most informed had the best advantage in the long run.

"The massacring of the key wielders ..and a 'Pure of Heart' ..can you tell me about either of them?"

 

[SwagStarIV]

While nearing his place of departure, Taiyo found himself in a daze about the different forms of life that may be on this planet. He was excited yet scared at the same time. Hopefully he wouldn't run into any heavily armed enemies. The gracefully moving Esper seemed to be moving towards a specific star that shined in the distance. Her movements as graceful as a dancer on ice. Before we could reach the destination, we were halted by an immense cloud of darkness. It was so thick that we could only see the light that rolled off the top and bottom of the mist. Ultima froze and Venat began to communicate with it telepathically, "Menahsh soul crewthen. Ipo slight."

This statement of gibberish to the human race caused Ultima to aim the castle like object below her as if it where a stinger. A blast was exerted from the Esper of holy orient and a path as carved through the shadows. The capsule, which contained the confused yet awkwardly aware Taiyo, began to detach from the Esper and was shot through the small enclosing path. Taiyo instinctively grabbed his fathers sword, as it was the nearest and dearest thing to him at the moment. As he did this the his alter ego Ventaiyo gained control of his body. Ventaiyo called upon the Esper Adrammalech, and sliced out from the pod as they entered the atmosphere of the planet, which could only be described as ravishing in light. While falling from the atmosphere Ventaiyo grabbed his box of personal items and jumped from the pod. While in the sky the Esper, Adrammalech caught Ventaiyo and they descended to an open area that seemed vaguely empty.

Ventaiyo began speaking to the Esper, "Nosh dey ayo. Lo pre menis dey!" The Espers flight became vigorous and they began fiercely diving into the open area surrounded by houses, a stairway, and a gate leading to a castle. The Esper curved its landing so that it did not hit the buildings and dropped Ventaiyo, allowing him to freefall from a safe distance into the center of the court. Ventaiyo fell with his arms and legs stretched and chest to the sky. He watched as the Esper circled above, seemingly in concern for the fate of his landing. After smiling and turning towards the ground, he noticed a few shadowy figures awaiting his arrival. Ventaiyo cast an aerora to keep in the air, right out of their reach, observing their actions as a couple of them faded into nothing. All the shadowy fiends struggled to reach him as if it where their dying breath. Ventaiyo used the force of his miniature tornado to jump and come crashing into the bulk of them. At the sound of his pod crashing into the crevices of a nearby wasteland, he began slaughtering the creatures one by one, only giving them the chance to react to his presence before sending them back to the void they arrived from. In a loud cry, Ventaiyo screamed while destroying the weak and seemingly endless monsters, "This is what I live for!!!!"

 

[Piercing Light]

"...Well."

Catherine tilted her head curiously as Rika began to take the lead. She already knew the layout of the castle it seemed. She wondered why she put on the farce, but waved it off as needless suspicion. She followed after, stopping for a moment as the young woman changed her course. They were soon in the outer courtyard, surrounded by an overgrowth of trees and bushes. The place hadn't been tended to in a long time, and it showed. At this rate the courtyard would eventually become a bio dome. She looked to Rika, wondering what was on her mind. Opening up like she did felt like a ton of moogles was liften from her shoulders, however it wouldn't mean anything if all it did was make this woman believe she was some weak willed weirdo.

"I know you're lying since if you rather have died, you've have ended it yourself already. You want to live just like anyone else. That Ryoko woman doesn't seem to be here and I doubt the big guy cares about one person ..not unless you know something important and, given your role, I'm not sure you know anything I don't know by now."

Or maybe she wasn't giving this woman enough credit. "Huh..." Catherine felt a sense of vigor she had not felt since before she became a soldier for the Empire. She was wasting her self away as she was. She needed to find a way out, or at the very least stop the demeaning behavior. Funny how all it took was a little push from someone.



"..You wanna change?"

Her eyes widened at the suggestion, her right hand moving to the ribbon on her top. She tugged at it, eying it thoughtfully. She still remembered the first time Ryoko made her put it on, at the time she had to resist the urge to burn the clothes right off of her. Right now, the outfit was familiar to her, but not in a good way. It was like becoming familiar with a punch to the face every morning to go along with your coffee. Regardless she had been conditioned to wear it, and as long as she had an ounce of hesitation in the matter she would not remove it. "Yes, I am going to change, but not out of this outfit. I don't deserve to remove it just yet." Catherine took Rika's left hand in both of hers. "Thank you, I needed a wake up call... Oh, I never caught your name?"

~~~~

While Connor chatted with who he assumed to be his superior, Ace communicated with Aya via texts on his phone. She was giving him an update on the information they gained in the Empire's now ruined base. Apparently the source of power mentioned in the information was not something confined to just this world, there were factories on every world controlled by the Empire. Also there was mention of a conduit that was required to make these work, though there was no leads as to what it was.

Hearing Connor call his name Ace looked up from the lighted screen. He listened to his proposal, impressed that they had someone on the inside so soon. Putting his phone away he looked Connor in eyes. The extermination of the keybladers was a sore subject for him and one that he would rather avoid talking about.

"Those with no darkness in their hearts are called 'Pure of Heart.' I believe each world is home to at least one, they were seen as highly important figures in the balance of light and darkness... At least to the keyblade masters anyhow..." Ace tapped his foot, he couldn't beat around the bush like this, if he was to tell all he knew of the Pure of Hearts then he would have to mention what became of the keybladers. "Keybladers are able to locate them, you could say they possess a certain 'connection.' That's all the technical information I know about them." He let out deep breath, as if it were a struggle to go on. "The Pure of Heart of this world vanished during the attack on Radiant Garden... She's most likely dead. As for the attack it's self, it was a nightmare. Heh.. There wasn't even any organization in the attack, just countless heartless seeping out of the ground as if the world was bleeding death. Fighting back was pointless, keybladers were struck down without mercy, and anyone else that resisted met a similar fate."

Ace shrugged his shoulders, a futile attempt to shake off and ignore the pain remembering that day brought him. "That's it, if you don't mind I'd prefer to omit the gory details."

 

[Brol]

Leaning against the castle gates, Brol idled and watched the newcomer fighting his way through simple shadows of darkness. His fingers twitched a bit, almost begging to act and join in the joyous adventure as he clenched his hands to fists.

"Its... not my time anymore..." He whispered to himself as he looked towards Taiyo/Ventaiyo.

"This is what I live for!" Screams the guy as now Brol gets off his lazy position on the gate and approaches Taiyo. Lighting a small cigarette, Brol clears his throat as he loads his pistol gun, Aftermath.

"I wonder what are you doing here.... alone in this courtyard. You best learn your place here.... the Empire will smear out any small traces of light... Especially once so unique with your astral powers.

He sighs softly and shakes his head a bit, holding his forehead as he grunts a bit. "Er... If you want to survive... I suggest leaving this area... You are still too new to this, too new to these waters of knowing exactly what your actually facing my friend." He points his gun towards one heartless and turns.

Immediately, Brol swings around and whips his arm, firing outward a spray of crystal spikes out of the gun as he blows the barrel of Aftermath as he puts the gun away, watching the creatures evaporate as his head perks up. Paranoid, Brol constantly looks around, his breath staggering as he glares at Taiyo. "You must leave...Now!, I feel a large presence of troops arriving soon.... They may have realized you have come here, they feel your light. They Fear your light."

 

[Ðari]

The Prince had been at wits end, upon exiting the community center. He couldn't help but feel, somewhat pitious now. Having undergone the transition from heart of steel, to heart again, he'd not of believed it where it not for the experience. It was a little disheartening, mainly when it came to just how vividly he remembered everything. What was even more insidious, was that he didn't.

"I'll never forget that day. You bastard...how does that just vanish from your memory, like it didn't even exist!" his fist hit the wall, the impact cracking the cobblestone and brick deposits. As he could feel it, feel the darkness that Clement so tightly gripped upon, it was otherworldly. To think, O'um Van Glieth...was actually O'nam, and he'd changed back so recently. The evidence in his disgust, to where at times he'd attacked him actually showed that he remembered the incident from over 23 years ago, as accurately as Alfa did.

They knew there master was no saint, but what he did to their friend, almost as if he were programmed to fufill a request. Upon which the order was completed, the code was erased and replaced with something equally astonishing. Attemping to be civil with his comrade, he knew from Salforge's explanation of their master that something so shrewd and cruel had to of been implemented on him. Earlier conversations with Justice and Vortemis prior to finding Salforge again, now a mercenary serving his sixth or seventh year under the empire. It didn't make sense, once more there was...a difference between them.

From the five of them, when the steel hearts resolved each had undergone a significant change in appearance. Alfa pondered why it wasn't the case for his comrade. Truthfully, as he'd gotten older and aged to his forties, his rage subsided in the downtime. He grew ambitious, on his current path he could rekindle that anger with him at any given moment, but he gave the responsibility to taking his anger out through one of their other collegues. Split between O'nam, and Justice. To think though, O'nam was fond of the very man he just killed, that much Alfa did not account for...but it was to be expected with him no longer being a steel heart and his unprepared emotions took root.

"Damn. It doesn't look like I can use him to destroy him for me thinking about it now..."

Alfa spoke to himself, with all the recollection he'd wandered to the sandlot. Sitting on the bench as the children began to practice their "Struggle" wearing such ridiculous gear was unreasonable. As he looked first hand at the sport, his years of kendo practioning mastery would gain him the edge necessary. Yet, even this sincere distraction could not alleviate him of his frustrations and rage he'd built up for years. Seeing O'nam unleash so much of his own upon Salforge without being specific or even to "remind him" what he did was almost cruel. Though as a steel heart, witnessing how cold and hardened his eyes were, even in the face of former comrade, he was the perfect depiction of his sin and deathlike solitude.

A man came and sat on the bench besides alfa. He was large, quite well built, and his frame was similar to that of a body builders. The kakukange was held in his hand, it somewhat larger than the relatively average palm sized box.

"Has he remembered anything?"

"You got me. I'm guessing the master-sabotaged him, my guess is he was pitted against us and as this was taking place, the master simultaneously replaced that memory with something else more horrific, painting himself as the villain responsible for what happened to us all those years ago. At least, thats what he says whenever we talk about the issue."

"Tch. Either way, what he did is something Van Glieth never forgave, and while Justice acted as if he never cared to begin with. He's rotting away in a prison cell for his heinous acts since then."

"What about you old friend. Have you forgiven him?"

"I have. I did, because I saw the master a long time ago. Sitting. In the same spot, he says he's never left it...he says his regrets are how these things orchestrated. He pleaded with me, that I should be merciful and that he was innocent. I had a hard time, accepting that being the second after you to resolve and become human again. The initial anger and rage, with time was soothed by compassion. Hmph, now I actually feel sorry that he still doesn't know, the master told me it was something he could never tell him even if he found him." the figured carried on as one of the boy's had be knocked down, and the struggle balls scattered all over.

"He was too ashamed...so he lied..."

Alfa looked at the boy as he'd been knocked unconscious, and began to speak.

"Remember those days. Not being able to feel anything, not even fatigue? Most importantly, the endless nights where you're unable to sleep because your body doesn't need it. When you have insomnia, your never asleep, but your never really awake. Do you think, if we prolonged our change back, it could've potentially killed us? Vortemis?"

Vortemis looked a the posed question, very grimly. "If theres one thing we all have to accept, its the bleak reality that we're all going to become apart of kingdom hearts one day. No one knows, values, and respects that more than our group does. But I kept feeling the master kept a personal truth about him from us, maybe he hasn't changed back because of something we just don't know about him."

"We do know he's a keyblade master. How else could he have done that to us?"

"I know that, but It feels like theres just something else we don't know. We all recieved black kakugane remember. Black kakugane feeds off the emotional empathies of other people, so we gain a sense of that when we're with people and we resolved relatively fast. Damn near all of us did, but Salforge hasn't, and from what you've said about him, he's still as plain and unphased by any kind of experience aside from this Ciel you mentioned. It just doesn't add up, whats different?"

The other young man was helping up his friend whom was knocked unconscious and woke him up. As Vortemis and Alfa watched, they were subdued in thought about their collegue.

 

[SwagStarIV]

Ventaiyo had stopped attacking the shadowy figures as the all had vanished from this new guys attack. Ventaiyo decided the enemy of his enemy is his friend, so this new guy must have his best interest in mind. Ventaiyo was not interested in needless fighting, and put his sword away. Taiyo, on the other hand, recognized the soldiers as a real chance to test his abilities in this new enviroment. Taiyo walked up to the newcomer and smiled.

"Soldiers huh? The way you easily defeated those monsters shows that your definitely adequate in combat... For you to be so adamant about such an occasion must mean that these soldiers are pretty tough..." Taiyo looked into the sky, observing his Esper. It continued to nonchalantly circle the skies above. Taiyo then came to the conclusion that a few knights wouldn't be any different from the Imperial army back at his home planet. Taiyo smirked and said, "The names Taiyo, but you can call me Tai for short. I think us three can handle a few soldiers." Tai sat on the ground with his left knee bent and his right leg exended, placed his left arm on his knee, held himself up with his right arm, then looked up to the new guy like a child in a toy store, "So who might you be, and what is this vibrant world called?"

 

[sephiroth2]

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~~~~~~~~~~~Twilight Town - Central Station~~~~~~~~~~~

The entire station was filled with people coming and going throughout this world. Crowds pushed and shoved past one another, or in the case of Nomis and Jaakuna, around the two men, allowing them to move as freely as it was possibly throughout the massive structure.

“So, Nomis. How are we going to narrow the search of finding this Pure of Heart and Keyblader?” Asked Jaakuna, as he and Nomis continued to walk through the bustling Central Station, until surprisingly, through all the crowds of people, the gentleman made a bee-line for a wall covered in flyers and notices.

“It is safe to assume that for them to be here, they must have cultivated a life already. Perhaps they have some interests, something that may be connected to their roles…just like this.” Said Nomis as he pointed to one poster in particular, detailing something called a ‘Struggle Tournament’.

“Best to go where they might gather. It’s also safe to assume that the others have realised this. How does a little friendly competition sound to you, Jaakuna?” The man said with a small smile, moving away from the wall of posters and proceeded to take a seat in something resembling a café of sorts.

“This search should be considered an intellectual game on our part. Have fun with this tournament, and if it appears you have found them, then all the better. And if not, if this competition is not good enough to draw them out, then we will have to give them a reason to make themselves known.”With that said, Nomis placed a small pouch on the table towards Jaakuna, rattling the contents from within.

If he was to open it, Jaakuna would find dozens of tiny, metal, black gears, their size betraying their true form as the pouch would have felt incredibly heavy to anyone, unless strangely handled by Nomis himself.

“Remember, Jaakuna. Those are to be used, only when absolutely necessary. You better go, or else risk missing a spot to take.” As one of the waiters came around to Nomis while he watched Jaakuna leave, the gentleman smiled as he continued to sit comfortably in his seat, the waiter returning with two cups and a large teapot, to which Nomis began to pour into one.

“Please now, won’t you take a seat, Cerden? Such a long trip, you must be tired.”Said the cane wielding man, picking up the hot, steaming cup and began to sip from it.

 

[King Sora X]

The influx of people that were around was making Jaakuna antsy. It was pretty dangerous, and if Jaakuna didn’t release his misguided anger, he might regret his actions. Well, probably not to Jaakuna, but to the Empire and the other generals, he’d probably regret it as he’d face the wrath of the Emperor, which Jaakuna fears. Yes, even such a guy as himself, fears the leader that recruited him.

Jaakuna and Nomis continued through the crowd of people until they entered a part of Twilight Town that seemed be less populated, and if Jaakuna weren’t here on work, he’d probably enjoy this scene of people fighting for money. It was then that the hot-boiled man noticed Nomis move rather quickly, but still in his gentleman fashion. Jaakuna followed him to see what Nomis was going to look at, and based on the poster, Jaakuna’s dreams to hit people had came to life.

A Struggle Tournament, eh? It has been far too long since Jakauna has participated in something so simple, but so satisfying such as Struggle. It was then that Nomis made a remark that Jaakuna take part in this competition. In his mind, Jaakuna is thinking that he would love a chance to release some tension he’s currently feeling. On the other hand, he might expose himself as a killer. Then again, a reason to hurt people really jumped at him.

“Sounds like fun.” Commented Jaakuna.

Jaakuna and Nomis went on to sit down at a table to which Nomis ordered two cups of some hot tea. In that same moment, he brought out a small pouch. As he handed it to Jaakuna, the merciless killer was a bit curious, so he took a peak. Inside the little, brown pouch were little black gears. Jaakuna looked up in pure wonder.

“So, should I even ask what these are for?” Jaakuna obviously knew that question would go unanswered.

After Jaakuna put the brown pouch into his jacket pocket, Nomis noted that Jaaku better hurry or he’d might miss his chance. “Yeah, yeah. I’m going.” Jaakuna said as he got up, and proceeded to register for the Struggly Tournament. This was going to be a fun day.

- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - -

As Cerden proceeded to follow Jaakuna and Nomis, he found himself in the area where they held the Struggle Battles. Based on the amount of posters that were around, Cerden didn’t have to take much time to figure out that the Struggle Tournament was soon approaching. Such an event would garner some interesting fighters, perhaps even fighters such as the Pure of Heart or perhaps a Keyblader. Yes, Cerden knew this would be the one place where he would be most fortunate to find them.

Continuing to carefully follow them, Cerden saw that Jaakuna and Nomis were talking about something, but due to the distance that was between them, he couldn’t hear them. So, in order to hear what they were talking about, Cerden trailed a little closer only to hear the last thing that Jaakuna said. “Yeah, yeah. I’m going.” After hearing that, Cerden pieced it together, but he had to know more.

As he was going to do that, Jaakuna was coming near him, so Cerden turned his head, and flipped his hood over his head. Thankfully, Jaakuna didn’t see him. Even better, it seemed Cerden didn’t have to piece it together as Jaakuna was at the registration booth where the kids and adults could register to participate in the Struggle Tournament. It was that, when Cerden thought he was in the safety zone, he heard his brother.

“Please now, won’t you take a seat, Cerden? Such a long trip, you must be tired.”

It was with that, Cerden’s cover was blown. Might as well join his brother for a nice cup of tea. That’s exactly what Cerden did as he sat down in the chair that Jaakuna was previously sitting his ass in. As he did that, the waiter brought the other cup of tea, and Cerden picked it up , and sipped it a couple of times. It was green tea with lemon and honey, and three sugars. “You remembered.” Cerden said as he noted that Nomis remembered how Cerden liked his tea.

Sipping it one more time, Cerden set it down on the little plate it came on, and he lifted his head up, and took in a deep breath. As he let it out, he turned to Nomis’ direction. “So how long?” Cerden briefly said. “How long did you know I was tracking you and blondie?”

​

 

[Brol]

Brol blinked a few times, taking a few puffs of his sweet death stick as he sighs, breathing the smoke out of his lips as he clears his throat. "Um...." He quirks his brow a he smiles a but and crosses his arms.

"I recognize your enthusiasm to fight but you don't know what's actually out there... The Empire is one thing.. but what is approaching is not human... they are the heartless, those creatures you were fighting. In spurts they are not a problem, however in masses they are lethal... I know this only too well.."

He immediately looks upward to the esper as he shakes his head.

"You got a lot of strength and magic to summon them, but you can't just go around flaunting them as you do now... Your going to attract more attention to yourself than you need, resulting in an unnecessary fight. I suggest you put that away and YOU go find some cover... Taiyo... I don't DO party fighting anymore..."

 

[SwagStarIV]

This new guy seemed more like a father figure than a companion. Something Tai lacked, but still he definitely could use less scolding. Venat began to chuckle and Tai knew why. Even though the laughing could not be heard abroad, Tai began to laugh as well. He then said, "Haha so... What your saying is. Those little things i was just killing where the things that i came here to hunt, and my pal up there is what attracts them. You have a lot more to learn about me my anonymous friend." Tai put his fingers in his mouth and whistled. The esper plunged down to the courtyard and landed beside the newcomer. Tai continued, "Meet my buddy Addy. He's a lightning beast!" The Esper roared in the new guys face, and blew out his cigarette. It was almost as if it was triggered by Tai's emotion.

"How about this. You grant me a little intel on these Heartless, such as what they want, what they're after, and where i can stop their existence, then I'll tell my friend there to stop roaring out your chest killers. Besides that, he's not going anywhere..." Mid-sentence Tai got up and sat on his Esper. Almost simultaneously, the Esper and Tai looked at the man, then Tai continued with a teasing smile, "And neither will I. Unless you would much rather fi-" Almost as if he had Jinxed it he heard the sound of clanking armor echoing from every direction.

Tai looked to the Alleys and the stairs to see several small soldier like creatures. They were heading towards them. Tai hopped off his Esper, looked to the guy, and teasingly said, "Looks like we don't have that much time. You can talk and fight at the same time can't you?" Tai grabbed his Excalipoor, casted haste on the group, and continued saying, "I would hate to have you fighting your worst nightmare forever." Tai grabbed Excalibur in his other hand and adamantly said, "So about those Heartless."

 

[Lumine]

Ciel, neglecting her silent and absorbed contemplation of the tranquility surrounding her, turned towards her distraught companion. And for once, her gaze wasn't cold and uncaring. It was hard to discern her expression, harder to understand what thoughts lingered behind it. Why were her eyes, suddenly, old and beyond her young age? why all this sadness and pity filled their blue depths as they reflected the heated hatred in her companion's face? It was very contradicting, and unfit of this lovely scenery. Of the refreshing breeze that played with the folds of their clothing and hair and the sound of the sea's lapping waves as the red of the setting sun stared to fade in the sky.

"Its such a shame, Ryoko..." Ciel voiced distantly, calmly returning her gaze back towards the horizon. "That all you see here are bad memories. There is so much more here to see than just the ghosts of the past." she wouldn't claim to completely understand what Ryoko had been through before she became what she became, but she knew what it was like to resent and run away from one's past, to clip and cut all the 'bad' parts that were part of you. To deny the connections that were tied to you and think that severing them would be the end of it all, and then you think you're all done and brand new, nothing of what once was before will cling to you now. It was sad. It was sad to think that such childish and naive thoughts once dwelt in her head as well, and that she too believed them, blindly, in rage, following them. And here again she sees them in someone else. Its never this easy and simple to just label all of this bad, and the rest good. To condemn without knowledge, as if you are a saint thinking you know it all and seen it all, when you are just a wandering fool. Just anything to silence the pain, to calm the wounds. There was a lot of gray in between, there was a lot of missed good in the gap, as well as yet to be faced bad among. But running, always seemed the easier choice, didn't it?

"Hiding behind all these frail conceptions... One day they will shatter and fall apart, Ryoko, and when this happens, you will see how it all was just your mind's twisted dreams to blindfold you from reality, but then, I'm afraid it would already be too late." her voice trailed softer at the end, as she relived the silence into the skipping rail of her own memories, watching and not really watching the faint twinkles that began to glimmer one after another in the darkening sky. She had quietly stood, and turned her head towards Ryoko, her gaze was sincere and serious as can be "Wake up before you're in too deep in to turn back," she paused, momentarily, as the street lamps around them sent bright patches of light across the park against the night sky that settled in its velvet darkness. "Anyways, we should find somewhere to pass the night in." and at that her voice returned to its former monotony, and her features had retained their frosty mask, as if the words uttered mere minutes ago, were never there.

As they started making their way to the nearest hotel available, Ciel felt a buzz emanating from her pocket. She took her phone out and slid it open. It showed one new message.

I'd like to talk more with you about my means of delivering the keyblader to our side. Perhaps we can exchange information over dinner later this evening?

--Salforge​

Perfect, she had been meaning to speak with him as well about a matter as much concerning, and this came right on time. She quickly texted him back her reply, before sliding her phone back closed. They found a good hotel, not far from market street, and to their pleasant surprise, their names had already been checked in as well as the rest of the Generals. Decent move. At this Ciel parted ways with Ryoko, took her own room's key and climbed the elevator to the third floor. The rooms were well furnished and prepped finely to accommodate even the most demanding guests, seems like Twilight Town was indeed a place popular for tourists, but more importantly they provided a much needed sense of privacy.

Ciel quickly discarded all the troubling thoughts and worries she had, and sought to give herself some rest for now. She indulged herself with a good and long shower that washed away the exhaustion of the day, and changed into something more comfortable and suitable for the evening. A simple and long, off the shoulder crystal satin black dress, she left her pale light blue curls to tumble down as they usually do, choosing only to don her only accessory the silver snowflakes bracelet in her left wrist. It was mere fifteen minutes later, when she walked in the well-kept and humble dinning restaurant of the hotel, spotting Salforge quite easily sitting at one of the tables near the end.

"I hope I haven't been keeping you waiting for long."