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Level: More Than Fair
Health: Tip Top
Magic: Bitchin'
Status: Upset
Location: Deling
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Stopping at Hiro's house, Salem closed the folder he was reading. With a sigh, he looked over at Hiro and shook his head. Even with that glance moment of tension Salem had the pleasure of observing between Hiro and his sister, it was pretty obvious to the Sorcerer their relationship was... strained at best. And, no doubt his own sibling relationship would follow soon in suit. Whatever it was, a small stroke of compassion perhaps came over Salem to 'cause him to speak to Hiro. At least, perhaps it seemed that way, but if things went right, it would also double as a fair use of sabotage.

"Yo, H. I'mma let you in on something. Salem began, glancing over at his comrade. "Your sister is going to do something dangerous tomorrow. And there is a fair chance she won't come back from it okay. If at all. See her off at least. Whatever bitterness will feel silly and petty when it's too late." And with that, Salem leaned his head back and looked up at the sky for a moment. "Don't let anybody know I told you that, and get out. I got places to be."

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The morning after, the country of Galbadia was as welcoming to the young Sorcerer as it had always been. For some reason this more militarized state was easier to move about freely. Perhaps because traveling armed was more reasonable with the large distances between towns, not to mention that the largest Garden didn't seem to prioritize the training of SeeD compared to neat weapon tech. Which meant weapons were a fair bit easier to get a hold of in any case then other places. At any rate, he was here again, and pushing open the doors to the Galbadian Hotel. Though, after passing through, a shriek erupted from another person attempting to open the doors to the hotel.

Salem had read the files he had stolen by now, and well, it was simple enough to state that was was beyond pissed off. Managing to restrain his rage to simple augmentation of his fists with heat, it was hot enough now to scold the next person whom tried to open the doors. And whatever pleasantries that the barkeep might have attempted were stifled by just the angered look on Salem's face. Making it clear enough that he was in no mod to be bothered, or even play his violin which he oddly didn't have on him at the time he came in.

Entering his own room, kicking the door closed with all the caution and grace of a Rhinoceros, Salem couldn't help but to continue to fume at what he had learned. How the Garden was keeping tabs on her sister, waiting for any moment to execute her if she so much as hinted at being magically gifted. Fascist, bigoted, prejudiced ********> He hissed, words being only the mildest and tamest way of expelling some of his new found hatred towards Garden and Seed. "Today, I suppose, i'll be able to repay a fraction of what I owe her."

{{O.o.c:// }}

As expected the trip to the station wasn't a problem. They didn't even all arrive at the station at the same time, instead they were separated before even getting to the station to lower any suspicions, not that many were to be worried about to start with. Things went rather smoothly, so much so that Kalay was rather content with it all, though he didn't like not having Carbuncle following him. It was a price he had to pay though. Upon arriving at the station, Sou-ho had lead Kalay and Lisanna after him, heading to the train with little delay. Of the 3 groups, Kalay expected they could have the most trouble. Given all 3 were known SeeD and 2 where certainly known as instructors, the new SeeD were exactly that, new. They hadn't really done a lot of field work to garner any attention aside from Aurel, where they had very nearly been killed. Regardless, no one bothered giving the trio a even passing glance as they had boarded the train. They weren't exactly in their normal clothes, which probably helped matters, and given their backpacks and the like many instantly assumed they were university students of some kind. Sou-ho's planning had worked out well.

Eventually the train had gone on it's way, Sou-ho and company having found themselves in a train care peacefully on their own, relaxing. As expected, they weren't the most talkative group, and as Sou-ho seemed intent on his book, there wasn't much conversation to be garnered from him. Still, it wasn't like the trio didn't know how to play their roles. For a short while they gave forth some effort of mindless conversation that sounded like schooling, and eventually the three set into their own things. Kalay ended up resting his head against the side of the train and sleeping as was probably expected of him. What the other two did was to their own liking, but having at least given any listeners the impression of them being students, little more was needed.

Kalay couldn't have said how long the train ride was supposed to take, but it certainly took it's time in getting along. It took so long that he actually got quite the nap in before finally waking and taking in the details outside the train. Given the terrain as well as the time of day, judged by the height of the sun, Kalay could assume they were close. This was compounded by the sound of the PA system announcing their arrival shortly at Deling Station. Kalay rubbed his eyes and stood up to stretch, getting out whatever tenseness he had before quickly sitting back down and looking up at the ceiling. He seemed to ponder things for a while before glancing down at Sou-ho. He didn't say anything, just watched the man for a moment before relaxing back and nodding his head lightly. "So what would you two be doing if you were home right now instead of on this trip to Deling." Kalay's voice might have sounded strange in the air given it was unusual for him to ask such a question. It wasn't out of character though, after all them answering what they'd rather be doing at home could be as much a cover as anything else.

"What would you be doing if you were home, Kalay?" A familiar voice chimed in his head softly. 'Probably sleeping. You know that full well. Though, if i was home home... spending time with mom. I'm sure she misses both me and Ellale.' Kalay could tell by Carbuncle's silence that she approved. It wasn't a cool silence, more of a warm one so that was enough for him as he waited for the responses from his two companions.

xxxxxxxxxx ❀ Taeria "TL" Limmari ❀



xxxx๑Junctions๑ Chero 1000/1000
xxxx๑Level๑ 5 (+4)
xxxx๑Health๑ 550/550
xxxx๑Location๑ Train to Deling Station, with Ellale and Lloyd
xxxx๑Magic๑ Cure- (?4), Cura- (1), Quake (?)
xxxx๑Music๑
xxxx๑Draws๑ Cure




Tae slowly blinked as she watched Sou-Ho glance around, for a moment she didn't think he either heard or would answer her. Her frown grew more as she followed his gaze before hearing him speak. If she wasn't here now she wasn't coming. Even at his words she tired hard to take it lightly. It was better that she wasn't here and joining them. It would mean she would be safe and around to fight another day. Tucking that thought close she nodded her head before moving to the groups items.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she looked for a bag that would be long enough to stow away her blades. Picking one of the longer bags she placed them in there before moving around clothes, shoes, a few books, note books, pencils, and pens. Checking into the different pockets she made sure she had everything that they would possibly need, just in case they were pulled to the side for bag checking. Everything was hidden if it was just a quick glance through.

Her eyes glanced up as Ellale seemed to have her gun's and accessories packed away, Lloyd had walked off after finishing his own. Looked like everyone was just about ready. Zipping up the bag she stood slinging it over her shoulder. A bell went off and Sou-Ho announced that they should get going. A smile over at Ellale as they headed out to the vehicles that would take them to the train station where eventually would take them to Deling.

As they headed to the vehicles she spotted a familiar figure standing near the gates but there was no time to go and investigate. As they drove passed him she stared out the window down at him. He glanced up pushing away from the post he'd been leaning against, a look on his face. Was he upset? Though, thinking about it he always seemed hostile towards her. Turning back into her seat she tried to ignore the thoughts that crept into her mind.

Getting onto the train was a lot easier than she thought. Keeping close to Ellale the trio; Ellale, Lloyd, and herself, made their way on and into a cabin. Sitting down on one of the seats Tae made herself comfortable placing her bag onto her lap. A smile upon her face as she pushed forward the excited student that was taking a trip to the festive's that were going down in Deling. It should only take us a few hours to get there... she quietly thought to herself.

Of course light chatter of their trip and the groans of having to write up a paper after it was all the fun was over was made. All while she had taken out one of the note pads and started to sketch out a picture of this moment. The three of them sitting on the train seemingly happy to be there. “I couldn't have asked for better friends to accompany on this trip.” she siad a soft wistful tone to her voice. Could there be something else on her mind? She was still sketching nearly finished with the picture when she had spoke.

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{{Ooc:// }}

After everyone had packed up things happened quickly, being put in a vehicle, driven near the train station and left off, separating into their respective groups. Her back was heavy with all of her things in it, but she didn't have too much trouble carrying as she went with Lloyd and Tae being her usually jovial self. Everything went perfectly, even the brief conversation they had gotten in with one of the conductors, talking about how they were heading to see the ceremony and how excited they were. In terms of acting like school children, they had it down without any trouble. And then they'd been in their seats being restless as always, Ellale finding the candy and such that Sou-ho had packed in their bags before sharing it. Even if their chatter was that of school children, it wasn't like it was forced. Ellale seemed to literally seem interested in ceremony, talking at length with the others about how interesting it should be on top of school related things. Eventually though they had all gone about their own things.

Ellale had taken note of Tae starting to draw, and then Lloyd getting lost in his own thought. It was while these two were distracted that Ellale did something that would have been very familiar to them. She laid her head against the warm side of the train car, letting the sunlight stream through the window on her, and slept. It was very similar to what her brother did, and yet at the same time fit her cat like nature. She remained like that until finally Tae said something, after the intercom made an announcement about almost arriving. Ellale let out a soft yawn, nodding her head as she did with a bright smile. "Hey, what are friends for but running around all crazy with one another?" She responded lightly. Of course, Lloyd seemed to have something important to say, so she listened with intent eyes even as he embarrassed himself. Even so, a faint blush tinged her cheeks as she laughed, smiling widely as she gave a firm thumbs up.

"They won't know what hit 'em!" She responded, looking from Tae to Lloyd and back happily. For a moment, there was almost a break there, a shift in Ellale's eyes to show she was hiding something. She wasn't positive. She was afraid, terrified actually. She sat back though with that smile and jovial manner firmly in place. She couldn't let the others see her worried. It wouldn't help them, so appearing like this was what she needed to do. It would all work out. She had to believe that. That, or that their actions would be en-.

"Even if it's impossible, I'll find a way. So don't worry so much, I'll watch over you."

'He wouldn't want me to worry...'

The girl smiled contently between her friends, whatever thoughts troubling her gone for the moment.

Varitas had been sitting in virtual solitude and silence, his eyes cast out the far window, much like his other male counterpart. His mind rested, clear and readying itself for the mission of the day. Laying absentmindedly in his lap, sat a relatively large instrument known as a bass guitar. From time to time he'd mindlessly strum. However his eyes remained focused out the window.
Then came the words of a tormented youth. "What are my biggest regrets? Why would you ask such a pointless question?" Varitas' eyes flitted over to Ryel, the man who had voiced his concerns. The tone in his voice betrayed no anger or diminuitive nature to the statement. As a matter of fact he was clearly just surprised by the nature of the question on the eve of something so dangerous. After a moment, his features softened and gave way to a knowing stare. These people don't know how to handle such danger simply due to lack of practice. After a moment of silence he spoke again, in almost a soothing tone. "Regrets... To focus on mistakes made in the past it pointless is what I mean. We can't be perfect. The best we can do is to learn from each mistake, each mis-step so that we can curb the damage in the future." Varitas made solid eye contact for a moment to relate to the young man before him. He sort of hoped that these words wouldn't alienate him from the two who he would need to rely upon in the hours to come.

Junctionsx x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xSeiryuu
Soundtrackx x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xn/a


With the train in session, and the several hours it would take to reach Deling, assuming the train maintained it's top speed for the majority of the journey, Sou-Ho relaxed, if only slightly. Curiously enough, Sou-Ho had always enjoyed train rides. He had taken them on occasion with his grandfather when traveling between cities, and there was something to be said about watching the world outside. The rocking of the train, the sound of the locomotives' wheels on the rail. A sense of serenity, perhaps not one everyone else found, from Kalay's drowsy disposition. Even with the tension of the mission that lay ahead, Sou-Ho could almost feel his body relax as he closed his eyes and leaned back into the cushioned seats of their cab.

While the train rode on, Sou-Ho worked. By the time Kalay had awoken, and, from out of the blue, asked his question Sou-Ho had withdrawn yet another book from within his jacket. This book was smaller, with a leather cover and devoid of any title or lettering on it's cover. With a pen in hand, he scratched at the pages of the book, looking much the part of a student as he stared intensely at the pages through the rims of his glasses, his writing almost furious except for occasional pauses to flex his hand or think about something. He gave no indication to having heard Kalay's question, instead continuing on as he had, but when Lisanna answered Kalay's question he did give a slight nod of approval, though whether that was to her, or to something in the notebook, was debatable.

Sou-Ho did not need to think hard on the question, and the answer he formulated was equally simple. "Exactly what I am doing now." He responded briefly, not looking up from his book as he worked. Even at a time like this, Sou-Ho found the time to immerse himself in work. Between being an instructor and the assistant headmaster there was little pause in the flow of paperwork that he had to deal with (especially after their most recent mission). Sou-Ho knew better than to attempt to bring any of that with him, the cabin itself would have been covered in scattered paper and files, but he managed enough with the notebook, Sou-Ho already preparing his notes and the schedule for the new batch of cadets that he would be teaching. Now that his current class had graduated he was due for another, and though many instructors found it easy to merely recycle notes and work from the prior year, Sou-Ho was notorious for constantly changing his methods. Often times he tailored his classes to fit the needs of the students, but most of his effort went into making sure that his students didn't cheat by copying the work of previous students. He hadn't had much time these last few days to begin preparing, what with preparation for the ball and the mission, so he was taking what free time he had now to get his notes for the following year together.

But even as he worked, his simple answer almost dismissive of Kalay's question, his pen paused, hovering over the page of the notebook as he thought more into Kalay's question. 'What is home?' Unlike Kalay or Lisanna, he did not come from some faraway city or Garden. Winhill was his origin of birth. It was his "home". And yet, it wasn't. His family had originated from the village, but all of his life, all of his energy, had been spent in Winhill Garden. For him, when he did visit Winhill, there was an odd sense of detachment with the place. A Unfamiliarity. For sou-Ho, home was... the Garden. It was the only life he had really known, and the only life he could imagine, and Sou-Ho could safely say that he did not hate that. There was work to be done, and he enjoyed the work that there was to be had. There was a certain satisfaction to be gained from training future generation SeeDs, knowing that what he taught them might help them in their careers, that he might have had some role in shaping their lives and helping them find their calling. This was the life he had aspired for, so even if he could call it work, it did not quite feel as such. If anything, it was missions like these, that required his presence away from Winhill, that felt like work. It detracted his attention away from home, and made him acutely more aware that as soon as he returned that there would be another mess to clean up or a bill to pay. And unfortunately, the children seemed to breed endlessly, making keeping track of them nigh impossible, much less control. Chances were Lisanna could relate to that, having grown up in a Garden herself. But then, her circumstances were far different from his own.

Sou-Ho had unconsciously close his book while in the midst of his thinking, staring aimlessly at the cover as he had. He was just moving to open the notebook once more, when Lisanna spoke again, this time addressing him. For the majority of the ride, Sou-Ho had remained on the outside of the conversations, merely adding his input every now and again while he read as he had before with Kalay's question. That said, Lisanna's words surprised him, although from look on his face, Sou-Ho over at Lisanna with his classic Sou-Ho expression, if it could even be called that, he gave little outward indication of it.

"Think nothing of it." He finally responded, having taken a few moments longer to respond than before. "We needed musicians for the ball, and Mr. Everett came highly recommended." Sou-Ho said, turning his eyes away from back down to his notebook, glancing over his notes. He had been just as surprised to learn of his existence as Lisanna, although probably less shockingly so. In truth, he had not even entirely known that Salem was in fact Lisanna's brother. From Lisanna's files, he she had grown up in Trabia Garden, her family lost in the Sorceress War. And yet, curiosity had piqued him to find out, and when he found the uncanny resemblance of the two, noting some similar features, he had been almost excited to bring Salem into Winhill, even going to some lengths in order to secure Salem's attendance. And from Lisanna's thanks, it had seemed worth it, although now, when he thought about what had happened, it seemed the cost had been much higher than he had originally anticipated.

He refrained from mentioning what he had discovered the night before, after reviewing the security footage. Lisanna seemed genuinely happy to have had the chance to meet her brother, and Sou-Ho did not feel that it was right to break up her happiness just yet. 'She doesn't need to know. Not yet.' He told himself, returning to his writing once more. "It was a chance coincidence," He said, voice trailing off as he wrote, "Nothing more."

By the time Sou-Ho had finished his work in the notebook, the train had finally reached Deling. He closed the notebook with a snap, pocketing it inside his jacket, and put the pen away inside of the bag, it having served it's purpose for the ride. Picking up his bag, and grabbing his bundle, Sou-Ho nodded to Kalay and Lisanna, indicating to them that they would proceed as planned. They would slip from the crowd and head to the sewers, and rendezvous with the other two groups at designated points mentioned within the files. They would all enter the sewers at separate points, but would meet once they progressed far enough into the sewers, provided the other two groups didn't get lost or fail to enter the sewers. Which Sou-Ho hoped wouldn't be the case. "Let's go."

xxxxxxxxxx ❀ Taeria "TL" Limmari ❀



xxxx๑Junctions๑ Chero 1000/1000
xxxx๑Level๑ 5 (+4)
xxxx๑Health๑ 550/550
xxxx๑Location๑ Train to Deling Station, with Ellale and Lloyd
xxxx๑Magic๑ Cure- (?4), Cura- (1), Quake (?)
xxxx๑Music๑
xxxx๑Draws๑ Cure




Tae slowly smiled at Ellale a soft chuckle escaping her despite herself. Act all crazy like with indeed. It was enough to lift her dark thoughts for now. She blinked as Lloyd seemed to want to add more to the thoughts or something else seemed to be on his mind. Something that he wanted to get off his chest, just in case. Regrets that wouldn't be should they not come back together.

She stared as he seemed to have a hard time saying what he wanted to say. His checks started to burn giving them a nice rosy color. She blinked a few times slightly confused on his jumble of words, though the phase 'I love you' seemed to hit her a moment late.

A soft color stained her own cheeks at his implications. Though those thoughts were disrupted by Ellale's response. A smile covered her other emotions and had just caught the look in the other girls eyes. Even though she was putting up a brave front the girl seemed to doubt herself. No matter, she would watch her back. Taking a deep breath she pulled her two friends close in one armed hugs. “You bet we will.” her voice was soft spoken.

Just then the train came to a complete stop and people started to stand to get off the train. “Looks like we're here." With that she released the two and packed away her notebook that had slid off her lap and onto the floor, stuffed it back into her back, zipped, and then pulled it onto her shoulder getting off the train. Her eyes glanced around at the ant mill of what the train station had turned into. They were certainly be able to get away unnoticed.

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