AC II - The Battle For Balamb Garden

[Uncle Festy]

"Though I am loathe to do so, I will follow the lead of Cristo and Mustiado and give Fin the benefit of the doubt... for today. Instead, I shall reserve my point for Easyname."

[Helgraf]

The Cadet clears his throat and moves to join Cadet Cristo's group. "It doesn't matter if they kill us ... we know they'd do it to discredit you Cadet Meyers. It is an empty ploy - the traitors among us know this as well as you and I; and knowing that, they will, sadly, redouble their efforts to find SeeD Command instead. And if I am wrong, and fail to meet the dawn, then they have wasted their energies when they could have been better spent, and though I go where only Phoenix can follow, I know it would be for the glory and survival of SeeD."

"There must be two to lead the assault. I shall hold to my conviction. Let easyname and fin both prove themselves."

[banjo1985]

Wow you guys are rolling along pretty well!

Update pending, once I've trawled through the last few days of posts. The day will end in around 11 hours.

[pingcode20]

The mime nods as the voice-of-god booms. That had to be a good sign.

He ambles over to Fin, giving him a single monochrome carnation for luck.

EDIT: Before anybody decides I'm using flawed logic, I'll admit it right now. Personally, I reckon Easyname just got himself caught in crossfire, and I'm not about to accidentally kill someone with a Seifer check, so I'll go with the safe bandwagon option. Give me some time to read through everything first.

[Emperor Demonking]

Banjo: is the weapon you use in your narration posts always the one which the person actually has.

[banjo1985]

^ Now that would be telling. Make of the narrations what you will.

With about 10 hours left, here are the current votes:

Easyname - 11
Emperor Demonking - 8
Cristo Meyers - 5
Fin - 4
Fleeing Coward - 1

5 people have yet to vote, though none of them are at risk of autolynch.

[Almighty Salmon]

*Points at Easyname*

[Fin]

"There must be two to lead the assault. I shall hold to my conviction. Let easyname and fin both prove themselves."

((Doesn't seem like enough people were brave enough to send me in, either that or wolves need to hide there votes. I have less votes than Cristo now.

Interesting to know who pulled out at the eleventh hour))

[pingcode20]

((Having checked over things, I think I'll stick with my point.))

[easyname]

It seems that I will have to fight this beast.

Easyname gets his weapon ready.

[Cristo Meyers]

((Doesn't seem like enough people were brave enough to send me in, either that or wolves need to hide there votes. I have less votes than Cristo now.

Interesting to know who pulled out at the eleventh hour))

(you're welcome...)

[Emperor Demonking]

"Did you really get him off that." Said Emperor Demonking, as he started to get ready to fight. "If so, some people are giving him a little too much power. Well a lot too much power."
Emperor Demonking ran to the Grats. "THIS IS BALAMB."

[Diva De]

Cadet DivaDe stands at Cristo's side, Demonic Angel across on his opposite arm. She looks around at the small gathering of supporters they have and nods at them, the white-haired cadet, the Gardener, Mustiado, Helgraf, the others. She smiles her gratitude at them each, nodding slightly to each one and mouthing 'thank you'. She squeezes Cristo's hand and smiles at him, green eyes bright beneath the dirt on her face.

[Cristo Meyers]

Cristo smirks at Helgraf:

If I could count on anyone to see through the remnant's ploy, it would be you.

He looks around at all those that came forward to support him, finally settling of DivaDe's shining eyes.

I'll have to lean on all of you for support in the days to come, but right now, I think it's better for me to stand on my own.

He plants his shinobu into the ground, being careful not to put any pressure on the points he used to separate it into its chained form, and takes an unsteady step forward. Using his shinobu for support, he stands forward.

Today is where it begins. When we start to fight back. There will be sacrifice, loss, but such is the cost of war, and make no mistake, this is war.

He smiles darkly.

Today is the day we've all been training for. Let's show them what SeeD is made of.

[DemonicAngel]

"Cristo, I hope you are wise enough. This is war. tonight, we hunt." DA says as he lets Cristo stand on his own, watching the look which DivaDe gives Cristo, and he smiles to himself.
~I hope I'm right.~ he thinks to himself, looking at the cadets, and then at the garden. he starts walking into the garden, alone.

[Uncle Festy]

The Gardener nods. "I wish I had something else to say... but I do not. Cristo, you have my full support."

[Diva De]

DivaDe reluctantly lets Cristo go as he steps away from her. Without him at her side, she fidgets nervously with her mono-whip. She takes a few steps back, behind Cristo's other supporters, then turns and wanders around. She finds a terrace overlooking the fountain that is miraculously undamaged. She climbs up and sits, hugging her knees tightly. After a few minutes, she lowers her head and weeps, all her fear and anguish coming out in a torrent. She's all alone again and starts to wonder if perhaps it's for a reason.

[The Bushranger]

O'Connell, the white-haired cadet, watches her, a concerned look on his face, but isn't sure whether or not she wants to be approached, so he does not.

[Cristo Meyers]

(way to deflate my ego...)

Cristo sees out of the corner of his eye DivaDe blend into the crowd and then disappear entirely.

Prepare, my friends. Center yourselves in today. There are battles to be won, and they start now!

He nods slightly to Angel before slowly making his way to the gardens, following DivaDe.

It doesn't take long to find her, curled up on the terrace, crying.

You know, you can lean on me...from time to time.

She turns around, perhaps a bit startled.

He smiles. I get the feeling that...I am not the only person that has lost someone dear to them. It's written all over your face. You fear being alone, has someone left you alone before?

He doesn't wait for an answer, he just sits down beside her.

There is no tomorrow in this place. No room for sorrow like ours, but unfortunately such sorrow is in great supply in these situations. There is also no room for promises, so I won't make any. I will, however, say this. As long as it is in my power, I won't abandon you.

[Diva De]

The tired cadet leans her head against his shoulder, her eyes closed. I came here to become stronger, to make sure no one ever hurt me again. I...my family said I was a disappointment. They paid for my training, dropped me and my bags at the door, and left. They...they told me to try and make myself proud and "reclaim some dignity". She sighs heavily and looks around. The academy is all I have, and now, seeing it like this, it hurts. A lot. On top of that, we're all down there pointing at each other and arguing while our comrades are killed right under our noses. She spots O'Connell and she nods the slightest bit at him to let him know she's alright, then turns her gaze to Cristo. So long as I have a reason to stand and fight, someone to watch their back, I'll be alright. She looks down at the graves below them. She was your woman, wasn't she?

[The Bushranger]

O'Connell nods back, then heads off, looking thoughtful.

[Cristo Meyers]

I suspect that she might object to the term "my woman," but yes, we were lovers. Only one night together, but I don't think I'd give it up for anything...

He wraps an arm around her shoulders.

You came here to gain dignity, I came here to maintain it. My family has fought in the Galbadian army for generations. My father fell fighting Esthar. But I never quite shared my father's love for Galbadia, so I came here instead.

He squeezes her shoulders gently.

Your family says you needed to be made stronger. Well right now I see someone who, rather than follow the crowd, stood up for what she believed was right. That takes strength, courage. And now, now you stand with me against an unseen foe. How can anyone say you lack strength?

He smiles again.

Let me support you like you did me. It is the least I can do.

[Uncle Festy]

The Gardener smiles, seeing Cristo and Diva sitting together. "Perhaps... something good will come of this, after all."

[Diva De]

DivaDe smiles at his praise and his assessment of her. Thank you, Cristo. I'd be glad to call you a friend, in this or any circumstance. She blushes a little as he mentions the night he spent with Faeli. I hear an evening spent in another's arms is...quite wonderful. I don't imagine if I had a night like that there's much I'd trade it for. She flushes deeper and wipes her cheeks, leaving clean streak with her fingers. She feels much closer and better having shared her story with him. However long or brief my time in this life may be, I'll be glad for this moment. She takes his hand and squeezes it briefly before dropping it again. She looks down at the other cadets. They probably need you back down there more than I do up here.

[Ranna]

*Ranna runs by with several boxes, (including one on her head) glue, scissors (the plastic safe type) and crayons. She bumps into Diva and Cristo, mumbles somthing apologetic (you can never tell, as a full sentance has never been heard from her yet..) and continues to blindly run towards her new "den"...*

[Cristo Meyers]

Cristo gives her shoulders one last squeeze.

Of course, of course. You know where my room is if I'm needed again. You can't miss it, just look for the massive hole in the floor in the east wing.

He presses his shinobu into the ground and pushes himself back onto his feet. He dodges Ranna's exuberant run, before making his way back to the others.

He stops in one of the hallways, alone. Memories of his night with Faeli had come washing back into his mind. This time they would not be supressed. He leans with his back on the wall, trying not to let the memories overcome him.

I can't fall yet...they need me. He mutters to himself. But...gods above...

So he leans, unable to move from the spot on the wall. Doing the only thing he could...enduring.

[Shadowcaller]

SC watches Cristo with a expression of amusement.

What´s so funny? (this could be the gardener if he wants or just npc #42)
Oh nothing, its just the differences among cultures.
Where im from people tend to hide their emotions as good as possible, showing your emotions are often seen as a sign of weakness.
Not that I agree with that but this is just so... different if you know what I mean.

[Helgraf]

The Cadet shook his head slightly as he watched Cadet Meyers slip off. Always the bridesmaid, he thought quietly to himself with amusement. He quietly headed toward the gardens, to the cairn of stones that marked the Faeli's resting place. A second lily was placed to join the first.

Nothing was said. There was nothing to be said with words, but the Cadet sat next to the rock cairn, placing a hand upon it and just letting go. Releasing the pent up tension and adrenaline, letting all the anger and fear and disappointment slip loose and go on its way.

"Thank you," he murmured softly.

[Diva De]

DivaDe watches Cristo walk away, then turned her attention back to the courtyard and fountain below. At least they weren't all screaming and accusing each other now. She settled in the savor the quiet before the storm.

[DemonicAngel]

DA was just behind the bushes in the garden, practicing with his dagger-tail. he was fast, and sharp, and he knew it. but his trust already hurt him once, he wasn't going to let it slip once again.

as the thoughts crossed his head, he quickly launched his dagger tail at a nearby statue, taking a large piece of it with him.

he smiled to himself once again as he heard the talking of the latest couple. and then it hit him. that time when his trust did betray him.

a tear ran on his cheek as he walked back to the east wing where his room was set. he didn't need this, not now. "So we shall flow a river forth unto Thee, and teeming with souls shall it ever be" he mumbled to himself sa he went past the gardener and DivaDe, not even seeing them in his despair.