Welcome to Gaia! ::

||Quite alright! And it seems we still have one person yet to scare away... sweatdrop ||

Rainer's brows furrowed over her white-gold eyes in a frown of unhappiness and shame. He was crying, for Hyne's sake, and it was her fault. But how? It was no fault of hers if she had no memories of him!

Rainer winced as he spoke again, tears evident on his face. She gazed at him helplessly, wishing to allieve his pain.

"I... I remember fighting. A train... It was... Doo..." Rainer shut her eyes in concentration as her brows furrowed. No, there was no name she could remember of that train. "There was... a gunblade. It wasn't mine, I don't think." She shook her head slowly. "No, not mine. It shattered... and then the pain." Rainer sighed as she opened her eyes and gazed unhappily at James. "Then I remember pain, and that's where it all stops."

Rainer suddenly spied another man beyond James. It was Isaac. There was blood on his pants. Sudden worry gripped Rainer until she realized it wasn't his.

"I remember Isaac," she said, puzzled. "Funny that I remember him and not you... James."

(I haven't posted because Isaac's just listening to Rainer and James, nothing he can do. And if you're reading this and aren't apart of it, join! I'll try to think of something...)

Rainer sighed as she lifted a hand in greeting to Isaac. Why he was wiping the blood on his pants was a mystery to her. Rainer wrinkled her nose as the metallic scent of blood from Isaac and other patients wafted into her nose. Beyond anything else, Rainer hated the scent of blood.

Rainer stole a look at James. He was still standing there, looking at her like she had just broken his heart. Rainer's heart skipped a beat at his expression. Rainer bit her lip and looked back down as Mimi entered the room.

"I... I'm still alive, Mimi," she whispered to her from across the room.

Azhure stared into the mirror, hating her reflection. Gone was her beautiful white-gold eyes and her long white hair. Now she had green eyes and black hair, and that just killed her.

"I'm going to kill her," she hissed at the Sorceress, glaring at the reflection of her in the mirror. Turning to her, Azhure was seized with envy. Of course Leagh was still calm; she still had her beautiful self and her powers. Now Azhure was left with nothing. Now that they were no longer sisters as Sorceresses, Azhure could feel a rift between them where once there was none.

Leagh spread her hands helplessly.

"You know I tried to exact revenge on the girl," she said placatingly. "I tried to erase her most precious memories, but the girl accidentally forced them into me." Leagh's shoulders drooped in defeat. "Now I have her stupid memories of a man named James. Surely you understand why I hesitate to approach her again! You are... were more powerful than I and now she has your powers! If I try to approach the girl again, she could very well kill me!"

Azhure's lip lifted in a silent snarl.

"You owe me your life, Leagh," she snapped. "I've saved it more than once, and you owe me any favors I ask of you."

Now Leagh's eyes narrowed.

"I just saved your life," she snarled in return. "He doesn't want you anymore. You're of no more use to him now, fool."

Azhure took half a step back, hurt. Of course, Leagh was right. Now she was of no more use to him and now she was powerless.

"I cannot get your powers back for you, Azhure," Leagh said crossly. "You know that."

Azhure's anger returned.

"Yes, but you can kill the girl. Just because I am no longer a Sorceress, don't fool yourself into thinking I cannot kill you."

This time it was Leagh who took a half-step back. That was indeed what she had been thinking, and she wouldn't believe Azhure if not for the deadly look in her eyes.

"Very well," she whispered. "Just... give me a few hours."

Azhure smiled, sweet as sugar.

"But of course. Anything for you, Leagh."

Leagh frowned at Azhure but turned away and disappeared from sight.

"James," Rainer said quietly. "You know how they say in the history books that Sorceress Edea had her powers taken from her by the doctor in Esthar. Maybe we could do that?" she said hopefully. "I bet they still have the procedure written down somewhere, and they could do it for me!"

Rainer yanked at her white hair.

"Y'see this? I don't wanna look like this. I don't want these powers. I hate them. Please, take me to Esthar. Maybe they can even restore my memory!" Rainer's eyes started to shine, though with hope this time instead of tears.

( gonk AAHHH! Giant posts!)

Isaac had indeed followed the pair into the training center, James signaled to follow, Isaac followed. But he decided to act like a rear guard and was picking off creatures as they came and slashing at those that got too close. So as he fell further behind in collecting his knives, wishing he actually had gone to retrieve his sword from the Deling room. His jaw dropped when he saw the T-Rex some distance ahead of him and knew that James and Alister were there. Isaac smiled and started to flank it widely, trying not to be seen as he made his way to the monster’s backside. He would have to wait for someone to launch an attack that would really distract it before he could make his move.

||nyuu~~~ ish quite lost||

((OoC: Sorry for the really long post. I didn't know it'd turn out like that. Hope it's not too much reading for you guys. And Bluangel . . . pretty much, Balamb's on the ocean after defeating Galbadia and Rainer's turned into a sorceress and now the others are planning to go to Esthar to see if they can reverse Rainer's transformation. xp ))

Mimi, as she watched, decided that perhaps the others were best left alone. Leaving the Training Hall, with only a few minor run-ins, she made her way to the Residence Hall. It had been quite some time before she had sat and fiddled with her own relic of the past - something Alistar had passed down to her quite some time ago.

Seeing a few SeeD members making their way to their rooms, ready to call it a night, Mimi smiled and opened her dormitory door. Strolling in to her room and shutting the door behind her, Mimi sat down on the edge of her bed.

The sword she had left leaning against the wall. Reaching over, she pulled open a drawer and reached inside. Pulling out a thick silver chain, Mimi glanced down at the ring that hung off the necklace. The insignia of a lion could be seen on it's carved surface. Despite it's apparent age, the ring was still in good condition.

Pulling the chain over her neck, Mimi tucked the ring into her shirt. She had a feeling that after tomorrow, she might not be coming back to Balamb anytime soon. And if that was the case, then she would bring this with her. Alistar had told her to keep it with her. And so she would attempt to follow directions at last. It was - supposedly - a remembrance of the past. Or so Alistar said. And belonged to her namesake. The legacy of those who defeated Ultimecia could be traced to the ring.

Afraid to be pulled back into such historical - and sometimes emotional - pasts, Mimi stood up and made her way back outside. She remembered speaking with Rainer and was glad she did. Despite their rather uneasy start, Mimi was certain that Rainer was a good person. And it was unfair that such stress be placed on her.

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

Having gone up the elevator, Mimi stood now in front of Alistar's office, with the hopes that he would be in the Headmaster's chambers beyond the first room. The secretaries were gone - most likely already in their beds.

Mimi knocked and Alistar's voice told her to enter. When she walked in, Alistar was sitting behind his desk, his legs propped up on the cherry-colored wood.

"I was expecting you sooner or later. Sit down"

Mimi sat down in one of the leather chairs across from him and leaned back. Glancing at him, she smiled. "I'm guessing you already know why I'm here."

Alistar nodded. "Pretty much. After James earlier, well, it's a given. And . . . knowing you, you want to help Rainer."

"That's pretty much it. Even if . . . well, even if it's dangerous, it's better than letting her sit here and do nothing about it. I know . . . I know that I would want to be doing something about it. And . . . who knows. Maybe she'll be sure about what it is she wants to do when we get to Esthar." Mimi looked up again. "So we'll be leaving tomorrow, most likely James and Isaac and Rainer and I." Mimi didn't ask. It was a statement.

Alistar closed his eyes and sighed. "Of course. I'll contact the transport workers to prepare a vehicle and supplies for you. Do you want me to contact Esthar Garden?"

"No. We don't want any advance notice. It'll bring too much attention."

Nodding, Alistar stood up. "And I suppose you'll be seeing him while you're there?"

Mimi glanced up, not expecting the question. "I don't even know if he's still in Esthar. Some say he's gone a little . . . well, crazy."

Alistar laughed. "He probably has. Let me know how he's doing if you see him." Mimi nodded.

"Of course." With that, she stood up and made her way to the door. The air in the room had grown solemn and heavy and Mimi could feel it weighing down on her. She was about to leave when, halfway through the door, Alistar spoke.

"Mimi."

"Yes?"

"Be careful. And . . . " there was a pause before he spoke. "Well, I'll see you. When you get back."

Mimi hesitated before closing the door behind her. "Of course. When I get back." The door shut with a click and Mimi walked down the hall ready to make her way back to the dorms. Her fingers closed over the ring under her shirt for a moment before dropping down to her side. Standing in the elevator, she watched as the slidding doors shut out the oak doors leading to Alistar's quarters. With a lurch, the elevator went down.

Isaac had been exploring the Garden since he gained his 'consciousness' at seeing James' final attack. He hadn't quite seen anything that spectacular before. He laughed at himself quietly as he explored, he should be used to that kind of stuff by now. Even if it was only his second year. He didn't expect to be found either after the curfew and decided to take a quick breather against a wall. His eyelids started to fall and he nearly fell over. He shook his head and continued on, still hoping that no one would find him before he was inside.

Rainer sighed as she stared down at the moon's reflection. Yawning, she stretched and realized how late it must be. Something splashed in the water. Rainer started and stared at the splash it made, pausing mid-stretch. She dropped her arms to the railing and peered over the side, white-gold eyes wide in curiosity. Another splash followed, then another. Soon the water was full of splashes, and Rainer, delighted, leaned over the railing to watch the jumping fish leap out of the water. Her smile faded a little as the fish swam out of sight, but she felt immensely relaxed and happy. The sight of the little fish made her forget her worries, if only temporarily.

Grinning, Rainer slowly made her way back to the infirmary. As she entered, she forgot that she had snuck out. The doctors and nurses frowned at her in disapproval but let her go to her bed. She flopped onto the bed and lay on her back, staring at the ceiling. Her eyes drifted shut, and then she realized how exhausted she was. She was asleep within moments.

Seven hours later, Rainer woke up. There was a nurse by her side, reading several papers. She turned to see Rainer awake and bustled away.

Rainer sat up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. No sooner had she done this when James walked in. He moved stiffly, as if in pain. Concern crossed Rainer's features as she furrowed her brows at him in consternation.

"What's wrong? What are those--bandages?" Rainer scowled at him. She may not remember him, but the routine of scolding someone seemed rather familiar.

"What happened?" she said, frowning. "Did you go to the Training Center or something? You were fine before you left." Rainer swung her legs down off the bed and stood a little dizzily at first before gaining her balance and approaching James. She circled him, examining his bandages and frowning, sighing every now and then. She stopped in front of him and stood with her hands on her hips.

"So what now, James?" she asked. The name came strangely to her mouth; if, before, she had indeed known him, she called him something other than his given name. "Did you think about what I said? Either way, I think our best bet would be to head to Esthar and see about that operation."