[ action/video ]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

[ There's a man standing who looks rather disoriented and out of place in the business district of Lindblum. He's leaning heavily on what appears to be a staff, and his gauntlet-ed hand is clutching a couple of gyshal pickles which he is eying oddly. He also seems to be either unaware or distinctly ignoring the smell that allowed for the large space around him. Or, that could simply be because he looks to be in pieces. He fiddles with a 'skyphone' device he'd received from the moogles. ]

[ It had been a couple of days since the moogles had found him near-dead. It was rather sad, Noah thought, that the only species he'd done nothing against were the little pompom'd people. Grateful, nonetheless, that they'd helped get him back on his feet, even if he couldn't remember everything that had happened before.]

[The video was zoomed up close on Gabranth's face face, and a small, dark-red spot was coagulating at the right-hand corner of his lip.  He seemed somewhat off, like he was hunched over, unusual in a man who'd always had perfect posture.  He'd taken a bite out of one of the pickles, and after a quick jolt for the kick, a relaxed expression flashed across his face in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment before his expression hardlined again.]

As I am to understand, I've been transported to a world known as 'Gaia'. I seem to have arrived here in Lindblum.

[ His face seemed to twitch a moment, as if the next thought that came to his head is rather revolting. It morphs into a small, self-deprecating smirk. ]

My most sincere apologizes to those among you who are disappointed. It appears that I get rather cheated out of everything, death included.

[ A drop of blood drips down from the corner of his mouth. ]

Comments

[Video] It is very awesome dance of undying lurve

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

I am sorry you had to undergo such a trial. I am certain that you have a great wealth of experiences. Good luck on your endeavours.

[He wants to move onto another topic. Anything to keep this conversation going]

Will you tell me about SeeD? Squall Leonhart is a SeeD, yes?

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

It's alright. I learned from my mistakes and will not repeat them in the future. I welcomed the opportunity to focus on my duties as a member of SeeD.

[She has no clue that he's purposely trying to prolong the conversation. Not a one. As far as she knows, he's just extremely personable.]

Yes, Squall is our Commander. You know him, then? He was my favorite student, and remains one of my closest friends. SeeD itself is an elite fighting force that dispatches members all over the world for various mercenary purposes. SeeD and Garden were founded by Cid and Edea Kramer, and we are specially trained to dispose of sorceresses who abuse their power. [An easier explanation than giving him all the details about Matron and Ultimecia, at least.]

[Video] that icon is Noah's new favourite picture

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

[Noah nods] More of a casual acquaintance, but yes I know him. [He knows the boy's opponent more, but that woman is not someone he wants any association with unless it in loves a world of hurt]

[He listens attentively Nd tries not to grow goo-goo eyed at hercute little teacher mode. The rational, analytical part of his mind says that he's smitten, the rest of his mind agrees but frankly doesn't care. His eyebrows furrow as she begins to discuss rogue sorceresses. Ultimecia is fresh on his mind, and he is not very happy with her. He glowers at a point in space away from the videocam.]

Sorceresses like Ultimecia.

[The anger in his voice is palpitable and borderline oppressive.]

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[Quistis looks mildly surprised by his shift in demeanor and blinks several times in rapid succession. He had been so pleasant up until now. Of course, she couldn't blame anyone for being upset about Ultimecia's actions, but...]

... yes. Precisely. ... do you know her, as well?

[Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

[Noah suddenly comes to realise how scary Gabranth he's gotten. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath to calm down.]

My apologies. My temper was running away from me.

Yes I know her, far better than I would like. [He rather neglects to mention that he knows her better than he knows Squall] Though I suppose ideally I would rather not know her at all. She has hurt someone very l close to me, someone innocent and young, and I count it a very grave offense that she would even presume to do such a thing. The audacity of that woman... Well, any welcome she receives at my hands will be long and unpleasant.

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

I cannot say I disagree with you. When I arrived here, I was told that people could come from any place, any time. We had just defeated Ultimecia where I came from, and I dislike the idea that she could show up here, regardless. All of that time and effort, all of that hard work... for nothing. Although I guess it's not really for nothing, we still rid our home world of her, but it still stands. I never want to see her again.

[Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

It is my wish that she remain so. I have a deep-rooted desire to never see her again, and I would rather not have to deal with her running amok.

[The 'again dangit' is still very much implied. Of all his 'compatriots, he had liked her the least (second only to Kefka, who seriously gave him chills in a way even Vayne had not managed to accomplish)]

However, I think such an event would be most unlikely.

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

Even if she does appear, we defeated her once, and will do so again. As SeeDs, it's our duty. She's been in Gaia once before, from what I've heard, and while it's unlikely that she'll return, people do come back now and then. If she does, we'll be prepared.

Re: [Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

An excellent precaution, to be sure. Please count me in on any plans. I would greatly appreciate it. There is much to be settled, and I must confess that I would take delight in stopping her from harming others.

[Yes, so Noah is no longer a villain. He just isnt full-blown, never vindictive hero yet. He's getting there. Maybe. Not really, no.]

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

I'll be sure to let you know, Noah... though I hope there will be no need.

[Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

As do I.

[Noah pauses, and then cannot help but laugh at himself.]

I am sorry, this is an awful topic of discussion. I am such a horrible conversationalist. Perhaps less gloomy subject...

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[She cracks a smile at that.]

You're fine. [As though she's any judge. Small talk has never come very easily to her. Regular talk wasn't always so easy, either.] It had to come up at some point, especially if I was to inform you about SeeD. What about you? It seems like we've been talking an awful lot about me.

[Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

There is very little to tell about me. [A lie]  My brother and I were born in the Republic of Landis.  There was a war and by the end of it Landis was little more than ashes and old battlefields and Basch and I had split ways.

Basch had gone on to figtht. [Which was true, if misleading] I stayed with our mother who was ill and moved with her to Archadia, where she had family.  Tool on my mothers maiden name and joined the military and caught the attention of a few important people.  [Emperor Gramis and his son were both important people.  So that isn't exactly a lie either].

I managed to get up decently far in the ranks.  [Yeah, Judge Magister and head of the Ninth Bureau (and later Vayne's lapdog) was decently far.]

[Noah's smile gets a bit bitter and self-mocking]

I ended up in another war and did some extremely stupid things that I seriously regret.  [He'd gotten involved in a war of the gods as well, but that was a tale for another time]. Got myself turned around and ended up in a worst state than the one you see here and crash-landed on this lovely planet.

[So in recap, Noah was a normal guy who became a bad guy because there was enough that higher-ups had to hold against him.  The regret and guilt manipulated him towards treading that thin borderline of complete monster and then was near-killed.  A fabulous past, to be sure]

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

It sounds as though "little to tell" may be underselling it a bit, but I won't pry. [There are clearly volumes being left unsaid, and she can't help but think that the reason he has omitted so much information is not only because she is a stranger, but also because it must be painful. His earlier comments about his brother certainly lean that way.]

You have been in the military most of your life, then?

Re: [Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

[He appreciates that she has no intention of prying too deeply, and gives a small smile.]

Thank you.

And, yes, I've spent most of my life in the military among it's different branches.

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

[His military experience sounds vastly different than hers, though she supposes SeeD is different due to being independent, despite its intense training and strict operations guidelines. Still, she can relate, somewhat.]

Do you think you might follow the same path here? Or do your injuries protest too much? [She smiles.] I don't know much about Gaia's military, my experience is limited to SeeD's military operations, which I imagine are... different from what you're used to. [For one thing, every member is between the ages of fifteen and oh, say, twenty-four.]

Maybe you'll find something here that suits you better or is less hazardous, if you decide to deviate?

[Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

[He smirks at that, like something as stupid as a shattered ribcage and grievous injury are going to keep him from doing anything.]

My injuries are free to file request form QXJ2628c for a transfer to retirement as much as they damn well please. I don't have any intention of granting it. [Unless, of course, Basch desides to-in so many words-say there is no way on Gaias green earth and sits on him to make sure he doesn't.]. I am to understand it is mostly composed of city-states? I will likely ply my services to one such place.

[Or, barring all that, become a sky pirate. Hey, Bunansa never said no, and he was a pretty good kid, all things considered.]

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

I'm sure any of them would be glad to have you in their service, especially with the nature of things on Gaia these past two years. Never know when Garland is going to cause trouble again. You're fortunate to have arrived after we were all treated to a trip to Memoria.

[She smiles.] At least you have your armor to hold you together should anything unfortunate happen on the job.

[Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

Perhaps so.

[Memoria. He isn't quite sure to be handful or furious. There are close memories likely brought up that were extremely unpleasant and involving him. Basch, how could you ever.... then again, perhaps he would have seen something he had forgotten that would give him hope. All of his memories have been bad ones. He somehow doubts they could have been worst.]

I suppose I am thankful to have missed that little trip down memory lane. Asfor he armour, I've been considering losing it. It would increase speed and mobility, and I doubt anything I'll be fighting here would merit such heavy protection.

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

There are still a number of nasty creatures to be found in certain parts of the world, but many of us do manage without the use of heavy armor. I could never suffer it, myself. The weight of armor is too much of a distraction while casting.

[Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

Indeed. It has it's uses, but it takes a long time and much patience to get used to. It also does excellently in working up speed and endurance levels.

[Gabranth isn't a speedy speedster, but he is pretty damn fast. Without his armour? We are talking /lightyears/]

A caster? Of what caliber. I was familiar with only he most basic of magicks, and since my 'migration' have little access to them at all.

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

The common term for it here is "Blue Mage." I'm able to learn and duplicate spells that are typically used by monsters rather than humans.

[Video]

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

I believe I understandth concept. How fascinating.

[Noah is very impressed and curious.]

[Video]

[ultrawaves.livejournal.com]

It's a little unusual, I know. Most prefer standard black or white magic for whatever purposes. Blue magic isn't the most powerful, but it does mean I have a trick for almost any bad situation.

[Video] SHEER MASOCHISM FITS QUISTIS TO A T

[strays-pride.livejournal.com]

No, I think it is very excellent and a much needed skill. It is so very useful and really unique.

[Alright, so now he sounds stupid. And he wanted her to like her, not for him to sound like a lovesick idiot]