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| Too many topics at once? |
| Yup. Stupid girl. |
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| Total Votes : 27 |
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 Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 8:53 pm
Rainer was oblivious to Armine's observance of her attitude. All she could think of was soft beds, warm baths, real food.
Uh-oh... Thinking about food reminded Rainer that she had had no breakfast that morning. Grimacing slightly, Rainer banished all thoughts of food from her mind and lengthened her strides to match Armine's. The sand quickly gave way to grass and dirt. With the firm ground, Rainer ran easier and kept up with Armine. In the distance, Deling grew larger and larger with every step. Rainer could barely contain her excitement.
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:11 pm
As Deling grew closer, so did Isaac's hopes of finding the Balamb garden. They had to stop for supplies eventually, as Isaac and Rainer were about to as well. Isaac ran even faster and nearly stumbled over a rock, but kept going and they reached the gate in no time. Isaac motioned to Rainer, "Shall we?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:49 pm
Rainer stifled a laugh as Armine stumbled and followed him up to the gates. The city was large and beautiful. Not much had changed over the years; the large clock tower was still there, the bars still slammed down beautifully. The Caraway Mansion was still there, though abandoned. Vehicles acted as taxis taking everyone to different locations within the large city. The train station was off to the left somewhere. Rainer could hear the trains rumbling as they arrived and departed.
"Come on," Rainer called over her shoulder to Armine. "The buses are over this way; they can take us to the hotel. The shops are around there." Although Rainer had been there before a few times, she didn't really know her way around the area, though the buses stood out in her memory.
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:10 pm
"You know," a familiar male voice sounded in Rainer's ears. He didn't sound very happy, "it's generally a good idea to wait for the guy that is supposed to be supervising you. I understand your wants to see Balamb Garden, but you're supposed to be able to show self control as a SeeD and not just run off."
It was James Gunnar, Rainer's supervisor. James had taken up a teaching job at Esthar Garden in his late twenties. It was simple enough, supervise the physical progress of the new SeeD and make sure they do well in their courses. When one fell behind, it was up to James to help them catch up. He did his job fairly well, but Rainer never failed to shock him. She was always on the run.
"But," Suddenly the voice was friendlier, as he stepped into view, "I suppose I can forgive. I gave my supervisor just as much hell as you have given me."
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:22 pm
Upon hearing her supervisor's voice, Rainer froze, guilt written all over her face. Sighing, Rainer turned to behold James. She smiled apologetically at him and saluted him.
"Well," Rainer said, looking anywhere but at her towering supervisor, "you know me..." Her left hand fiddled with her gunblade hilt in her nervousness. But when James' voice became friendlier, Rainer's face lit into a friendly smile and she resisted the urge to hug him. He was a good friend and supervisor; although Rainer made things a bit hard for him, he was always kind to her.
"I'm sure you did," Rainer replied, smiling. "He often told me stories about what a hellion you were." Her smile shrank into a mischievious grin. "What are you doing, arriving so late?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:30 pm
"Our Beloved Headmaster," The sarcasm in James's voice was obvious, and the look on his face was one that many back at home would have paid to see, "had me tied into meetings that would have lasted through the next year. It took me this long to cancel the majority of the meetings and then arrange an alternate teacher for my classes."
James turned to face Deling City. It had been a few years since he had last had the pleasure of roaming such a spectacular place. Something about the area always kept it under the cover of nightfall, and so the lights were always gleaming. No matter where you went, the city was lit up in a beautiful array of colors. The best view was from the top of the old gates in the Residential District by the Caraway Residence. You could see the whole city from up there.
"And you're right, I do know you." James replied with a bit of a mocking wink, "You've been a student of mine for five years now? What did you have planned for your first time here, unattended to no less? I feared for the safety of one of the most beautiful cities I've ever had the pleasure of attending."
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:36 pm
"Beloved Headmaster?" Rainer scoffed, arching an eyebrow. "More like 'Dinosaur of today' headmaster." Rainer shook her head. "He always did talk too much... He almost kept me and Armine here in his office for half a day just to tell us we needed to reach Balamb Garden and deliver a message." She shook her head ruefully. "Sad times..."
At his last remark, a vein slightly pulsed in Rainer's temple. He feared for the city?
"I just wanted to have a little fun without a six-foot-two man breathing over my shoulder," she replied in mock hurt. "I can't believe you're more concerned about the city than me."
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:47 pm
"Oh come now Rainer, all in jest." He was as cheery as ever, of course. Very few things could bring James down, "You never did answer my questions though. What were your plans?"
As he spoke, the three drifted in the direction of the bus stop. They had to catch one so that they could make it to the shopping district eventually. The hotels were there; the shops were there; everything centered around the shopping district. It was why many women loved coming to Deling.
"A Hotel Room first, I would presume." James continued to speak, ignoring Rainer's mocking state, "Then perhaps some shopping. Spend a few days in Deling on the SeeD dollar before finally catching a train across the ocean to reach Balamb. How close am I to what you thought?"
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Posted: Mon Jul 09, 2007 11:55 pm
Rainer ambled along, not in any particular hurry. It was nice to just finally relax. The sky above was dark, though it was only around noon. That never ceased to amaze Rainer. She clambered aboard the bus behind James and Armine and remained standing. Rainer turned to James.
"Well, we did plan to go to the hotel and and stay a few days to stock up. But we didn't think to go to Balamb." Rainer's brows furrowed. "The Garden is mobile, so we were gonna ask locals when they had last seen it... Though that may not be such a good idea after all." Any news of the Garden passing by would most likely be old. "But Balamb seems to be a good start." Rainer shrugged. "It's really what you say, Boss-Man."
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:22 am
Isaac was sitting in a seat close to Rainer and James. He was thinking on what James had said and what Isaac and Rainer did and didn't do. "While the old news would be true, I should've thought of going to Balamb too. I doubt the garden strays far, or it would be defenseless... Why am I so stupid all of the sudden?" He leaned on the edge and looked out to the city, still listening carefully.
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:37 am
James gaged the look on Isaac's face and figured that he hadn't thought about going to Balamb either. It was alright, though. They were new to the SeeD program still, new enough at the very least to not catch on to things like that. Rainer had been in the program for six years now, while James was pretty sure Isaac was only in his second or third.
"I wouldn't say stupid," James's comment was directed toward Isaac, "You were right in coming to Deling to find information about the Garden. Balamb is mobile, yes, but the current Headmaster holds quite the fondness for that island. I think the current Headmaster is the Grandson of the late Headmaster Cid, the Headmaster that was in charge of the SeeD program during Squall Leonheart's days."
His hand raised to the cord to signal the driver to stop. They were approaching the Hotels area now, and missing the area would give them a twenty minute delay. They needed to check in at the Hotel, stock up on supplies, tune up their weapons, the list of things to do was a long one. Being a SeeD was no easy task; it required a lot of work and preparation.
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:12 pm
Rainer yawned slightly as she listened to James. She hadn't slept that long, and the sand made for uncomfortable bedding material. Rainer grimaced but then it melted into a smile. She'd be sleeping on a real bed tonight...
"So, Boss-Man," Rainer quipped, starting to use her nick-name for him, "How long are we staying here?" Her weapon needed some cleaning, as did Rainer and her clothes. With the items she possessed, she might even be able to upgrade her weapon!
Sweet.
Frowning, Rainer stood as the bus slowed to a stop in front of the Galbadia Hotel. She didn't really possess many items, so maybe upgrading may not be a possibility. However, she shrugged and stepped out of the bus. That would be for later, after she cleaned up and got proper rest.
Rainer turned to James and Isaac.
"So how many rooms, boys?" Rainer asked, a brow arching up. "Just two right? You two could sleep in the same room, hm?"
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Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 9:31 pm
"I suppose we could sleep in the same room." James considered his options. He was the highest rank of the three, but Rainer was the only female. Nah, he wouldn't pull his power card yet. He may as well have her own room, "That shouldn't be a problem, I don't think."
As he spoke, the odd group of three drifted into the hotel. James had actually been in Deling for some time; he didn't travel there on foot. He had taken a guess at where his students would have gone to, and went there by boat first. Luck would have it that he was right.
"Give me just a moment. You two wait here." James wandered over to the Check In counter and gave his name. His room was ready for him to sleep. After a short exchange with the counter personnel, some gil was dropped on the table and he made his way back to his students, "Isaac and I won't be sharing a room, the two of you will have your own rooms across the hall from mine. It was easier that way."
He then guided the two toward the hotel elevator. He pushed the button, and while waiting for the transport to arrive he handed Rainer and Isaac their room cards. With absolutely exquisite timing, the elevator arrived as James turned back to face it.
Pushing his two students in the elevator he said, "You two go clean up. Get some rest if you'd like. I have a small errand to run before the day is done, and it may keep me tied up for some time. If you're feeling up to it though, the music supplied downstairs never fails to be magnificent. Enjoy!"
The elevator doors began to close as James walked away.
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Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 12:57 am
Rainer frowned as James herded her and Isaac into the elevator. This seemed too planned. Surely Boss-Man hadn't arrived before they? If he had, then she underestimated him. Rainer had hoped to do the mission without Boss-Man breathing down her neck, but he was such a good guesser.
Must be the luck of the Estharians she thought with a small pout forming on her lips. However, before it took over her, face, Rainer fixed her composure as the elevator sounded a soft ding and the doors silently open.
"So, Isaac," Rainer said, grinning at Isaac. She took his arm and walked with him down the corridor. Dismissing all guilty thoughts of Boss-Man, Rainer looked at Isaac and said, "You up for a night of fun?"
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Posted: Wed Jul 11, 2007 10:06 am
Mimi had been sitting on the gates for a while and her eyes had clouded over as she watched the ground pass by in a soft-hued blur. Suddenly, the garden creaked to a stop and the gate she was sitting on slid open. She jumped off, landing on the tiled granite beneath her and dusted off her shorts and shirt. With a stretch, she began strolling back towards the garden, hoping to head to the dormitory.
Passing several other SeeD members, the intercom suddenly crackled and the headmaster's voice could be heard. "Mimi Leonheart, please report to my office immediately." Mimi winced at the mention of her last name and stalking away, she hoped to avoid any questioning looks.
Those students who had never met her were whispering to nearby individuals. This was what a last-name like that gave you. Before anyone could point her out, Mimi dashed into an elevator lift and quickly pushed the button 3. There was a mechanical voice that asked her, "Name and purpose of visit, please."
"Mimi Leonheart. Prescence requested by headmaster."
"Thankyou."
The lift came to a stop and Mimi stepped out into a long hallway, at the end of which was an elaborate door. Strolling down the hall and not caring to take in the elegance of the area, she reached the door and knocked. "Come in."
Pushing the door open, she stepped inside the room, closed it, and turned around to face the current headmaster. "Hello, headmaster." The man was not much older than her. He was certified for the position of course, though young, and the influence of his grandfather and father were much what helped him to the position that he held currently. "How can I help you?"
The man, darked haired and wearing glasses - yet handsome all the same - stood up from his desk and handed her a folder. There was a group of SeeD members that was supposed to have arrived this week, but I've been notified that they're staying in Deling. I was wondering if you could go retrieve them for me. Or at least let them know where the garden is."
Mimi sighed. "I'm playing fetch again? Is that it?" Her voice had a tinge of annoyance. The headmaster laughed.
"It's not what it seems. You'll see why members of Esthar garden are approaching Balamb. Just be patient. Now, you're dismissed." Mimi sighed and blew back a stray strand of hair from her face.
"Very well." She stated this matter of factly before she took the folder and stepped out of the office. Once she was down the lift, she strolled quickly to her dormitory. Looks like she'd be heading out to Deling tonight . . .
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