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[Matt :-: Atlantis -> Red Rose :-: Bedroom]

When Matt had split from the Drive with Joe and Kyle after the battle's climax, the battle-rush quickly drifted from his body leaving him weak. In an act of selfishness, he had kept a bit away from the rest of the group as they discussed the details of what had happened and various other members had a moment of weakness. Unless someone had been paying close attention to him, they likely wouldn't have noticed him shaking and fidgeting; certainly not the expression of fear behind his mask.

When people started dispersing, he distantly followed behind those boarding the ship, managing to slip off to the room he had slept in the night before. The bed was still unmade, but he simply crawled on top of it with his knees to his chest. he simply sat there for a while, his breathing slowly becoming more rapid and shallow. Eventually he balled up his hands into fists, and brought the base of his palms down into the back of his skull repeatedly. "Shut up shut up shut up!"

'Uh, chief, I'm not saying anything,' Dave said in confusion.

"Not you," he muttered weakly, digging his palms into the sore parts of his skull. He didn't move from his position, as if he was frozen. While visions of the dark force he had seen emanate from Ajora's aura watching him played before his eyes, and Ajora's eldritch scream ringing non-stop.

{James : Red Rose : Galley -> Quarters}

James remained silent, keeping his thoughts regarding Louis and pretty much everything else running through his head to himself. He couldn't help but sigh in relief, though to the others it may have seemed like exasperation, as Noelle relayed what Riku had said and told them that Louis would not be a viable option. It was good to know that while the darkness was painful, it wasn't an immediate threat.

"Alright, I'll be sure to keep an eye on it then and let you and Kyle know if it seems to be spreading rapidly," He stated and then sighed running a hand through his hair. This was his usual tendency when he was nervous or frustrated along with a habit of turning his wedding ring on his finger, one that particularly bugged one of his friends. "I think I'm going to go get some rest for awhile. I'll talk to you guys later," he stated with a small smile as he stood up.

Normally the caffeine from a coke would be enough to last him for awhile, but in this case he was just too tired, physically, mentally, and emotionally. All he wanted was to get cleaned up and rest, provided his mind would shut off to let him. He felt kind of bad leaving them, he was sure Noelle had wanted some actual company, not just more things to think about and concerns which he had clearly given her. He hoped that he would feel better after a good wash and some rest. He managed to find his way down to the floor where the sleeping quarters were and after a quick wash fell upon the comfortable bed of an empty sleeping quarters.

He looked down at his chest, at the darkness accumulated beneath the burn scar, it hadn't spread since he had left the galley, he supposed that was a good thing. He would be sure to make note of where it was at after he woke up. It would take awhile for his mind to shut off for him to fall asleep, but he eventually would fall asleep.

{Tseng : Ship Wreck Cove : Outside Red Rose}

If Tseng was paying any attention to the conversations between the Earthlings and Daniel, it wasn't evident. He had been silent since they had arrived, deep in thought as to their next move. It seemed that they were not going to receive permission to board the airship, or perhaps they were simply stalling for time while they themselves found out the best course regarding the Turks. When his protege suggested that he call into HQ to get an evac he realized that Daniel had come to the conclusion that they were not going to be allowed on board.

The Turk nodded his head in agreement and reached into his pocket and pulled out his PHS. He walked away a bit as he called into ShinRa.

"Tseng here, we need an evac. The submarine was lost on the way down to Atlantis. The mission has failed and only Daniel, Helga, and myself remain of the group....," Tseng stated, speaking to whoever it was he had reached and awaited for their response. "We are at Shipwreck Cove, use our PHS coordinates to locate us. I will provide a full report when we return to base... Understood, Tseng out," he concluded and snapped the mobile closed.

"They're on their way," he stated as he walked back towards Daniel and then fell silent again.

[ Noelle ~Shipwreck Cove ~ Red Rose: Galley]

Noelle shrugged a little, "My body needs a little rest, but I'm not so sure I'd be able to catch any shuteye."

When Quina gave the two girls food, Noelle thanked him graciously and eagerly took up her spoon. The soup was heavenly and just what she needed, and the sandwich really hit the spot. She was trying not to be a pig, but her body was screaming for the energy the food would provide. As soon as she managed to stop gobbling down her food, Noelle looked back to Dawn.

"So how did things go up here before you guys joined us in Atlantis?"

[ Noelle ~Shipwreck Cove ~ Red Rose: Galley]

"Well, I'm glad things went as well as they could have." Noelle replied with a small smile.

Her hunger began to abate as she poured herself another cup of tea. Food was definitely something that she needed, and she was beginning to feel much better--even if just physically. She sighed and leaned back into the cushioned booth. It was her hope that they didn't have anything else to do immediately, they all needed time to recover.

[Amy : Red Rose]

Amy had discovered that she could not destroy her charm, no matter how much she shot it, or what magical attack she used; she had given up, and went back into the Red Rose, where she stayed in her room during all of the excitement. The cabinets, even in her room, were enchanted. She had spent the day drinking, and then passed out on her bed, where she remained.

[Kai: ??????]

That b*****d! When did he?... how?!


Wait- that time. Back at the Beasts Castle… he must’ve done it then. It burned like it was hot as a branding iron! Kai would make him pay for DARING to mark her in such a manner! But then.. what did this mean? This sensation. Did something happen to him?

She hoped it wasn’t good. Less trouble to deal with.
Ajora. You simple minded fool.

‘Nevermind him much- but prepare incase that cockroach hinders anything further. In the meantime, remove that brand, NOW.’ She would not tolerate this invasion of personal being any longer then she must, and began her countermeasures to remove the stain upon her person. If she could not have him remove it if it was still there- she would have to reach inside and make sure it was gone.

After that- it was about time she move on and have a chat with some of the others.

Tracing the page with the original image, she curved her lips in satisfaction. Everything was ready. Every strike would seed more and more of her own influence into the weak, and fester a deeply seated curse. It will corrode what makes them worthy of being the saviors of this universe, and transform them into the most beautiful instruments of true entropy.

By now her original would have found her little message.

‘Yes, Fear. Tremble. Quake and await my reunion with you

. ‘
A soft tug on her sleeve directed her attention to a short stature figure clinging to her side. Slapping a the most unjustly sweet smile to her face she stoked the black curly haired crown. “shhhhh… do not worry. You will soon get to play with them too.”