Welcome to Adventu, your final fantasy rp haven. adventu focuses on both canon and original characters from different worlds and timelines that have all been pulled to the world of zephon: a familiar final fantasy-styled land where all adventurers will fight, explore, and make new personal connections.
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year 5, quarter 3
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If Angeal thought he was stressed before he crash landed in Torensten, he had no idea what else had been coming for him.
The orphanage kept him quite a bit busier than he expected it would. Which was only fair, of course, he owed so much to Rosa for taking him and giving him a place to wait out the never-ending storms. She was caring for kids of all ages, and despite her kind and angelic presence and persistence, the Soldier could tell it was wearing her down. She’d never admit it, of course, and she would never call them or her duties a burden. But, Angeal could see the exhaustion hidden in her eyes. He’d seen it in his own mother’s gaze, all those many, many years ago, when he and Genesis had been too rambunctious for their own good when his father was out at sea.
So, he offered to take a few of the kids out for the day. Normally, they used him as a jungle gym inside, but there was no reason he couldn’t take them out for a little trip. Angeal Hewley was no father himself, but he was comfortable taking care of kids. After all, his dearest friends were a lot like giant children themselves. He had a stern voice and a kind demeanor, and the type of personality that said just abuse me, apparently.
They melted his heart, though. Andrei was a rough and tumble eight year old, lanky and too-tall for his age, missing a couple of front teeth with his dark mop hair all tussled. Victoria stayed loyally by his side, a shy six year old girl who took his hand if he began to walk too quickly. Her hair was done in a beautiful braid, completed by Rosa’s patient hand, dressed in a hand-me-down dress just a little too big for her. Running ahead with Andrei was Luca, the ever anxious follower, his tousled brown hair becoming unruly in the wind as he complained for Andrei to slow down.
And, of course, little Jean. The three year old sat high atop his place on Angeal’s broad shoulders, giggling at the others, one hand twisted around Angeal’s collar and the other impatiently tugging on his hair. Thankfully the Soldier was anything but tender-headed, as he needed all of his focus on the two kids running ahead of them.
“Andrei! Luca! Stay close,” he warned the boys in a stern voice as Victoria’s hand grasped his again, “If you two run off on your own, we’re all in trouble.”
The two spunky rugrats, thankfully, ran back toward him as they pitifully played tag with one another. It wasn’t as fun without a bigger group, but there were only so many kiddos Hewley could handle at once. It was going to be difficult enough to find something they could all enjoy together. With the two boys being older, and Victoria being as shy as she was, they didn’t quite all mesh well enough together. Angeal sighed, readjusting the toddler on his shoulders who pointed and this-and-that endlessly and occasionally dribbled on his head.
Well, if anything, at least the kids distracted him from his own problems. Here, working at the orphanage with Rosa, he wasn’t Angeal Hewley, the 1st Class Soldier. He was simply … Angeal, the man, the helper. The Buster Sword sat safely out of children’s reach back at the orphanage, hidden in the rafters. His typical Soldier uniform was being patched up by Rosa, and he could only procure some simple clothes to wear in the meantime. A pair of worn, durable working pants, and a simple, dark button up shirt. They meshed well enough with his army boots, and for the most part, he appeared a normal man for the first time in many years.
If it weren’t for the glowing eyes, that was. And the kids all being aware that he was capable of having two giant wings sprout out of his back.
They walked along the streets for a bit, giving the kids a chance to wear out some of their energy. Angeal didn’t want to take the kids too terribly far, lest he get a disappointed stare from Rosa either. The people of Torensten were generally kind, thankfully, and thought nothing of the rambunctious kids and their caretaker, offering a wave or a laugh here and there. Just as he was beginning to think there were no nearby parks or activities nearby, a tug came to his sleeve.
Victoria, her bright blue eyes wide and curious, pointed over in the direction of a few benches, set around a small stage, “What’s that, Mister Angie?”
Angeal blinked, tilting his head as he considered it. It looked like … Perhaps, a little stage for performing? As the group drew a little closer, they came upon a sign, announcing the show times.
“I think it’s a play,” the Soldier answered, as he turned his attention to the kids, “Looks like a performance is going to start soon. Would you all like to watch?”
The boys, of course, shrugged and didn’t really give a committal answer. Victoria, however, nodded her head aggressively. And well, Jean was too young to really care either. Angeal hummed, steering his little posse toward the benches. He kept Andrei to his right, and made sure to set Luca on the other side of Victoria on his left. Otherwise, the two would pick at each other the entire performance. Carefully, he plucked Jean from his shoulders and set the toddler on his right leg.
The performance wasn't due to start for a bit, still, but it was good for the kids to settle down. Well, as much as kids ever did. Instead of peaceful silence, Angeal was treated to a game of never-ending questions from the children, most of which he didn’t know the answer to.
“Where are we?” “Torensten.” “What’s the show about?” “I’m not sure.” “Can we go yet?” “No. The show is going to start soon, I promise.” “I’m hungry!” “We’ll get food after!”
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
That morning gave Asael one of the worst headaches he’d ever experienced. In fact, it was worse than his initial awakening on Gaia following the end of the Meteorfall crisis. Of course, waking up at Jessie’s apartment meant another encounter between the two drinking partners. Jessie, who was just as enthusiastic as she was the night prior, asked Asael to remain in town for an additional day in order to watch her perform with her acting group. He begrudgingly agreed. Maybe it was his way of repaying Jessie for keeping the stray swordsman the streets, or maybe it was because Asael was genuinely curious about Jessie’s acting and if she was truly as good as she claimed to be. Whatever the reason may be, it led to the silver-haired man appearing at the site of the play later in the day.
[break][break]
Daylight slowly fled across the horizon while the shadows of nightfall swept across the city. At the location of the play, several lanterns and braziers were posted to keep the area illuminated well enough for the onlookers to see. Benches also laid out like pews in a chapel-like pattern in front of the large stage, which was nearly finished being set up. Various props laid about, too, likely parts for the show. There were some finishing touches being put onto the area, but enough setup was completed that the citizens of Torensten began seating themselves.
[break][break]
Asael, on the other hand, chose to remain away from other people. It was partially due to the still throbbing headache from the day’s hangover, and partially due to his antisocial personality. Rather than sit among the other observers, the swordsman chose to remain in the back where he leaned against a wall with his arms crossed. Despite the darkness of night looming overhead, he positioned himself near one of the well-lit lantern so that the illumination could reveal his position to Jessie while she performed her show. It’d save himself from having to argue about whether or not he was actually at the show.
[break][break]
Not much time passed before the man in black could spot Jessie appear with her fellow actors. She was moving among the crew, likely trying to prepare herself for the play ahead. From where Asael stood, it really did seem like the brunette enjoyed her profession. A lot of effort was being put into getting ready, so it was likely that she took her role during the play very seriously. He’d have to wait and see if it would pay off.
[break][break]
As the crew nearly finished preparing the show, something odd came Asael’s way. He could hear an unfamiliar voice shouting in a fatherly tone towards what was likely children. An unfamiliar voice, yet a familiar sensation. That pull. It was like the masquerade all over again, where Asael met a man named Genesis who was Sephiroth’s companion. He was never given a full explanation as to why he felt his body being tugged in this direction, but an explanation would have been nice. Especially since he felt the same way when he first encountered his nemesis.
[break][break]
When Asael’s head turned, he caught sight of the man that he was feeling drawn to. This individual wasn’t someone that the clone recognized, thankfully. The other man was escorting a group of small children towards the show. Despite not knowing who this other man was, Asael did want to know exactly why this feeling was returning. That, and if the other man could feel it, too.
[attr="class","jroverlap"]Sorry! I'll freak out if I don't talk.
[attr="class","jrbody"]“Hold still,” Mirna grumpily instructed Jessie as she pulled at her hair, sweeping it into an intricate braided hairstyle that looped all around the back of her head. Jessie groaned as her scalp ached under the hairstylists’ merciless fingers. In front of her, a slender man expertly applied the finishing touches to her make-up. She knew it would be worth it in the end. The final result would be beautiful, bordering on ethereal and otherworldly. She hoped her slightly bloodshot eyes wouldn’t be too noticeable. Drinking all night certainly hadn’t been the best choice. But at least she’d managed to convince her drinking partner to come see her show before they went off in search of adventure. [break][break] This show was special and Jessie was excited. It was an old play, a famous one from Zephon. It wasn’t on the troupe’s normal list but this was the two-hundredth anniversary of the first showing and the troupe leader, Brinia, had decided to commemorate the event with a modern take on the old classic. Afterward, Jessie had already decided she was going on an undetermined length sabbatical. Theater was her passion and joy. She’d met so many wonderful people on and off the makeshift stage. But it was time for her to branch out, to become more. Caius, Mikoto, Dagger, now Asael. She’d been thrilled to share her joy for the art of theater with each of them in turn. And she hoped to return one day, Brinia had assured her she could, but for now she knew this was goodbye. And she vowed to give a proper sendoff. [break][break] “Show starts in thirty,” an assistant said, peeking into the tent just as the hairstylist and makeup artist finished their work. Jessie nodded her thanks then looked at herself in the slightly dirty mirror that was held up for her. Her makeup was perfect, unsurprisingly. She looked regal and elegant, just like the queen she was playing. But she looked perpetually sad too, somehow the man had conveyed emotion in the stroke of the brush on her face. It was pure artistry and Jessie complimented his work. Her hair was intricately designed as well and a beautiful silver and jeweled crown nestled in the middle of the braids. She even has prosthetics on her ears, extending them out through her coiled hair. She really looked the part. [break][break] As she stared at her face in the mirror, the painted mask of Her Royal Majesty Isolda Sarenessa, she ran through her lines just one last time. This play wasn’t her normal forte. It was a tragedy, a completely morose show in which she, along with nearly the entire cast, died in the end. Generally, she preferred more light-hearted plays. But The Lament of the Faerie Queen was so beautiful, so classic, so popular. There was no way she could have passed up the role of the titular Faerie Queen when Brinia had approached her. In fact, she might have even squealed in delight. [break][break] “You all set, Jess?” A large, heavy-set woman with thick blonde hair poked her head into the tent. Brinia. Jessie nodded and swallowed down any fear and nervousness she might feel. She’d give the role of Queen Isolda the Faerie Queen her all. She wanted to be remembered on a high note and what better send-off role was there? [break][break] And within what felt like seconds, Jessie found herself standing proudly on the troupe’s makeshift stage in a packed Torensten square. She briefly caught sight of Asael in the crowd, pleased he’d stayed. She wasn’t surprised to see he was standing off to the side instead of sitting amongst the majority of the onlookers. The play itself lasted only a little over an hour. Jessie acted her heart out, fully embodying Queen Isolda Sarenessa as she watched her own son launch a coup against her that eventually brought the doom of the entire Faerie Realm. [break][break] Her last soliloquy was the lament, the soul-wrenching finale that gave the play its name. “Memories dance through my mind like ghosts. They speak to me of what was and of what could have been. They speak names long forgotten and failures long hidden. They seek to show who Isolda, Queen of Faerie, could have - nay, should have - been. If only I’d loved more. If only I’d had more time and more soul to share. If only I’d seen the present instead of the nebulous future. But now, there’s nothing left. The doom has come. The Goddess of Fate has cast her final reckoning across Faerie and she’s deemed us unworthy. The time of the Fae is to end, the time of magic has come and gone. It is the end of all that we once held sacred, all that we once loved. My dearest son, you are my deepest and most terrible regret. But now, I go to join you. The time of the Fae is ended. Its queen has no purpose without her people. Goddess Lachrymorsa the harbinger, I summon thee to take my soul and to end the rule of the Fae.” A figure cloaked all in tattered black and lit with a magical, ethereal glow appeared. A hand painted to appear skeletal reached out and touched her chest near her heart. Perfectly timed fog rolled across the stage as Jessie fell to the stage with a crescendo of violin music. [break][break] Elation filled her as she hurried off the stage before the fog could clear. Only Lachrymorsa appeared in the final scene among wisps of fog. She spoke in a soft voice, proclaiming that the Fae were ended and that there would never again by magic in their world. Then all the flickering lights illuminating the stage winked off and the crowd began to applaud. She was jostled back to the stage for the final bow as the lights flickered back on. When Brinia got to announcing her at the very end she grinned hugely out at the gathered crowd. Then it was over. Perhaps her final play ever but damn did she end on a high note! [break][break] She slipped nimbly away from her fellow actors before they could ensnare her in questions and congratulations. She was searching for the distinctive silver-hair of Asael.
[break]
[attr="class","jrinfo"]Sorry for all the death, kids! Hope you're not too scarred xD / @asael Angeal Hewley
More people began to pack the little square around them, filling up the benches as people moved about, preparing to begin the show. Angeal did his best to attempt to glean what the show was about from people’s conversations around him, or the brief glimpses of things he saw backstage as the curtain moved to and fro. He didn’t gain much, however, and it slowly began to dawn on him that the show might not be overly kid friendly.
Surely that wouldn’t be the case though, right? The show was in the middle of the square … There were other families around. Hewley swallowed the unease he felt, hoping that Rosa wouldn’t worry about them for how long they’d been away, or chastise him for taking them to the show.
Besides, it wasn’t like it could be as depressing as Loveless.
There was another odd feeling itching at him, though. Angeal frowned, his hand stilling as he was about to chastise Andrei for rocking on the bench too much. He furrowed his brows, his attention falling away from the children as the same strange sensation flooded through his veins. As if he were being pulled to something. Curious, Angeal turned his head, searching the crowd. The feeling wasn’t unlike being watched, but it was more. It stirred something within him. Something he’d felt when he accidentally created a clone out of the griffon that attacked him in the desert.
His glowing-eyed gaze landed on an individual hidden in the back of the square -- but only for a moment. Only enough to see the dark coat and silvery hair, much, much too short. The play began, and Angeal ripped his stare from the strange man and toward the stage, his mind beginning to race.
The show was a distraction, and a very welcome one at that. Hewley buried the odd feeling deep, where he locked away other such fleeting emotions he didn’t have the time to deal with. Though his shoulders stayed tense, he bounced little Jean on his knee to keep him entertained as the show began, and a beautiful and strange world opened to them all.
What unfolded was, truly, a work of art. The actors and actresses were clearly very invested in their craft as they told their story, so beautifully tragic. It was something Genesis would have greatly enjoyed, Angeal lamented to himself as he watched the lead actress, the leader of the Fae. Her voice never wavered despite all the eyes on her, strong and ethereal and sad.
Even the kids were enraptured by the performance. Victoria sobbed softly over the deaths of the various cast members, while Andrei silently cheered for all the battles and blood. Luca watched in awe, gasping as things took him by surprise. Jean, well, he fell asleep halfway through, but that was just as welcome of a reaction. The kids eagerly stood and clapped and hollered as the performance ended, and the cast came out to take their final bows. Angeal applauded eagerly as well, as much as he could with a sleeping toddler set up against his frame as Jean wasn’t even bothered by the noise.
With the play over, the crowd began to disperse. The strange feeling Angeal had managed to bury before the performance came back, pulling stronger as he moved about the crowd with the kids. His gaze looked past the gaggle of bodies, zeroing in on the individual that seemed to be causing the sensation.
Was it something he should avoid? If it was trouble, he needed to. He had children with him, and the Buster Sword was back at the orphanage. Not that he needed the sword to defend himself -- Angeal was just as capable at hand-to-hand combat as he was with a weapon, if not more-so -- but with the crowds, the kids, the collateral damage could be too high.
Besides, what would he say? Hey, why do you make me feel uneasy? Not exactly an excellent starter to a conversation.
What if it was all in his head?
A blessing in disguise reared itself. At the edge of the square was a cart selling food, close enough to the stranger that Angeal could speak with him while keeping watch on the children. He readjusted Jean in his arms, grabbing some gil from his pocket and stopping the kids from going any further.
“I promised you food afterwards,” Angeal reminded them, Andrei immediately lighting up with excitement. He handed equal amounts among the three kids, before handing one extra portion to Andrei, “You can each have one thing from the food cart, alright? But you have to get something for Jean too, because I imagine he won’t be asleep for much longer. Can I trust you to do that?”
Luca and Victoria nodded, smiling and as obedient as ever. Andei, cheeky as he was, flashed a missing-tooth grin -- at least, until Angeal put Jean in his arms. Then came the pout, an eldest trademark when responsibility found him.
“I’ll be right here,” Angeal motioned to the bench next to the food cart, only mere steps from the man who was propped up against a light post, “So behave, please.”
The kids excitedly chatted amongst themselves as the Soldier took his few steps away, glancing to keep an eye on them. They were all too used to being very independent for their age. Orphans didn’t have parents to do things for them. They’d all learned, one way or another, how to do things for themselves, even as young as they were. It was a painful realization … that the children would never be just kids. All Angeal could do was hope to be a good impression on them, a father figure they’d sorely lacked, for what little time he was in Torensten.
But, for his few short moments of freedom, he needed to turn his attention elsewhere.
The silver-haired man lurked nearby, having not dispersed with the rest of the crowd. Again, Angeal tried to identify the strange sensation he felt, the way it made his shoulder itch where wings could, and would be. He felt … concerned. Confused.
Opening up the conversation could lead to more than was worth bargaining for. But, if he didn’t, how much would he regret it?
With open space between them, a good few feet, Angeal knew his voice would carry. Unless he was wrong about the man’s body language, he too had sensed he would be called out. He wasn’t sure what to say, but the words came of their own accord -- latching onto that strange feeling of familiarity.
“Do I know you?”
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
Hushes spread like wildfire throughout the crowd once the main cast of the troupe presented themselves onto the stage. Jessie was front and center and took on the persona of Queen Isolda, Queen of the Faerie, and her tragic tale. Over the course of an hour, Asael watched a performance unlike anything he'd seen before. Drama, conflict, death, and tragedy were the focal point of the play, with sprinkles of comedy and romance throughout. It was an amazing show, although the man in black would never admit it. [break][break] Witnessing such a show ignited small sparks of emotion that laid dormant within himself, emotions he didn't know were even there. Certain scenes made his heart beat more quickly with excitement and forced his eyes to dart between actors in anticipation of their next move. Other scenes brought a more tragic sensation to the man. On the surface, he managed to hold his typical impartial demeanor, but something else inside of the cold clone began to stir. Something that made him regret this promise to Jessie. Something that would make him choose to depart the area as soon as the play was over. Empathy. [break][break] Asael still felt the presence of the other man nearby, despite the play distracting him at times from his surroundings. His blue hues would occasionally shift to the side to see what the man was doing, only to spot the black-haired stranger preoccupied with the group of children around him. It seemed they both had their distractions. [break][break] The standing ovation signaled the end of the troupe’s act, who then gathered to converse with one another behind the set. Jessie, still in costume, chose to leave the group instead and waded through the mass of people in Asael’s direction. The clone’s response, which should have come as no surprise, was to turn and attempt to leave the area before the brunette could reach him. He’d had enough emotion for one day and was ready to leave for Metaia. Severing ties and burning bridges was something Asael had become quite skilled in, so much so that he could do it without even saying a word. This would have been one of those moment, but— [break][break] “Do I know you?” [break][break] That presence returned, pulling the swordsman in the opposite direction than which he was walking in. This compulsion tugged on him to stay here against his own will, regardless his attempts to push forward. When Asael realized that his attempts to proceed forward would not be granted, he turned his head to see the other man behind him. [break][break] “No,” the silver-haired duplicant responded, and quite coldly at that. Whatever was happening inside his body, Asael kept his emotions in check and remained resilient. His poker-face stayed on. “You don’t. Let’s keep it that way.” [break][break] Every part of his mind was screaming to leave before the unknown could happen. Yet, he still could not move. Jessie would likely find him now; frozen in place and forced to deal with this unwanted situation. [break][break]
[attr="class","jroverlap"]Sorry! I'll freak out if I don't talk.
[attr="class","jrbody"]Jessie ducked through the crowd, occasionally responding with a thank you or a oh, you’re too kind to some of the compliments as the people recognized the lead actress. Her dress was slowing her progress, just a little. The skirts were full and she had to hold them to make sure she didn’t trip and fall on her face. It was the same beautiful deep blue velvet dress with the feathered bodice that she’d fallen in love with when she and Mikoto had been out shopping together. The corset was laced just a tad too tight and if she breathed too deeply her ribs hurt just a bit. But it was gorgeous and fit Queen Isolda so well, so it was all worth it. [break][break] Jessie saw a small grouping of children near the edge of the crowd as she slipped through towards Asael. They were young and boisterous. Hopefully they hadn’t been too afraid of the play! It certainly wasn’t the most family-friendly play of all time. She gave the small group a friendly wave and wondered vaguely where their parents were before pressing onward. She was breathing a little heavily now from the effort of holding the heavy dress and dodging and ducking through the crowd. Not to mention the long play and the boning of the corset digging into her ribs and chest.[break][break] She caught sight of Asael trying to sneak away on the edge of the square. Too bad for him his hair was so distinctive! He couldn’t leave, not yet. He’d said they’d work together, after all. But as she got close to the man, she realized he’d stopped. It didn’t seem like he’d seen her yet, instead focusing on another man a few feet away. Jessie stopped and watched. The other man caught her eye. He was certainly handsome with shoulder-length black hair and the body of someone who definitely could handle himself in a fight. He seemed to be approaching Asael with a confused expression and asked if he knew him. [break][break] Unsurprisingly, Asael’s response was cold and terse. Did he really not know this man? Was it because his memories were compromised as well? What was going on? She finally pushed through so she was standing in the open space between Asael and the newcomer. She looked questioningly between them, sensing the tension palpable in the air. She knew she was missing something but didn’t know what. The young woman moved slowly to stand near Asael and tried to catch her breath. “What’s going on?” she asked. “Did I miss something?” Her gaze flickered back to the black-haired man. There was something about his eyes… They almost glowed. Where had she seen that before?[break][break] She gasped softly as she realized what they reminded her of. SOLDIER eyes. But he couldn’t be a SOLDIER, could he? She tensed and her hands clutched the skirts of her dress tighter. Was this the reason for the tension between the two men?
[break]
[attr="class","jrinfo"]Oh no. The tension. / Angeal Hewley @asael
The man froze on the spot, his attempt to leave effectively halted by the simple question that hung in the air. Angeal watched, curious, as the man turned only his head to acknowledge the strange tension that filled the space between them. There was something so … familiar about the stranger. Though the eyes, the hair, the face weren’t immediately placable, Angeal could have sworn he knew him.
But the stranger responded with a quick, efficient, and cold no. The Soldier deepened his frown as the man elaborated, making it more than clear that he had no intention of seeking any further knowledge on the matter. Angeal wasn’t sure what to do, or what to say. If the man truly didn’t know him, had no idea who he was, why respond so coldly? Why not just turn a curious eye and shake your head, apologize maybe. Maybe he’d caught the stranger at a terrible time.
… No. No, that wasn’t it. If that was the case there wouldn’t be that strange sensation of familiarity.
Before he could come up with a response however, someone else popped into view through the crowd. Angeal turned his body to maybe step away, but froze when he saw the young woman -- the Queen of the Fae. The costume was just enough of a shock to keep the Soldier’s boots in place, his glowing eyes wide with confusion, caught off guard. The young woman moved closer to the stranger, equally as confused, asking what she’d missed.
Angeal shook his head, intending to back out immediately, before he saw the girl’s eyes turn to his own. She gasped, clutching her clothes. A bubbling panic began to brew within Hewley as he recognized that look. She was scared. He didn’t even have wings present at the moment and yet she still knew he was a monster -- how!? Angeal put his hands up and took a step back, “Sorry, I mistook him for someone I know--.”
The Soldier was cut off by a loud and over-dramatic gasp. Bouncing into the space between the three adults was a little girl -- Victoria, all wide-blue-eyes, a hand full of popcorn that was beginning to fall to the ground, forgotten. She tugged on her braid uncertainly, turning to look up at Angeal as she stepped closer to him, “M-Mister Angie, it’s the Queen!! She’s alive!”
The little girl immediately reached for his hand, and Angeal let her. Her hand was sticky with popcorn remnants, but she was shy around strangers. Her bewildered expression slowly faded to something hidden, tucking her eyes to the ground, her free hand balling into her hand-me-down dress. The excitement could only bring her out of her shell for so long.
“Y-yes,” Angeal acknowledged Victoria’s outburst softly, before glancing back at the two strangers, “-- Sorry to interrupt your evening. We should get going.”
The Soldier crouched down to the little girl’s height, best he could, anyway. He straightened out her dress with an expert hand as Victoria shyly glanced back to the Queen, the immense curiosity evident in her eyes. Angeal glanced back to where she’d come from, squinting, “Where are Andrei and Luca? You shouldn’t have run off from them…”.
But, Victoria was tearing up. Oh, god, what had happened? Angeal wiped away a tear from her rosy cheek as she quietly asked, looked back to the Queen of the Fae once more, “Is … Is there really n-no more magic in the w-world?”
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
Right on cue, Asael's acquaintance found her way to his side. The brunette was quick to catch onto the stillness in the air between the two men and voiced her concern about the situation. She even fixed her gaze onto the other man, appearing to see some familiarity in him as well. It was a triad of uncertainty and the men didn't have the slightest clue as to why they felt that way. [break][break] "No," he said in response to Jessie's questioning, "I was leaving." The other male confirmed that there was no actual conflict at hand by admitting to have confused Asael with another person. It wouldn't take more than a second for him to realize who Asael was being mistaken for. Silver hair, black coat, long sword. Genesis had made the same observations. Asael resembled Sephiroth. And if this man knew Sephiroth, then he may serve some kind of purpose after, all. [break][break] Jessie had tensed up, too. There must have been something that remembered with this guy; something that Asael missed. Did she know him? Was it his appearance? The man did not come off as hostile. In fact, he seemed more confused and concerned about who Asael was. But that feelingremained, and it took every inch of his being to maintain his cool. [break][break] Asael's lips opened. He was a split second away from telling Jessie that it was time for them to leave for tomorrow's journey, when a child approached. Figures. Jessie had put on quite the show, and the guests that viewed the show did not hesitate to tell her how wonderful of a job she did. It was only natural for the children to look at her in awe, too. This one, in particular, seemed more shy than some of the others who were running around earlier. [break][break]
“M-Mister Angie, it’s the Queen!! She’s alive!” the girl proclaimed while reaching for the black-haired man's hand. Asael's immediate response was to roll his eyes and release a very audible sigh. [break][break]
"Do you know them?" Asael asked, leaning over towards Jessie and keeping his voice at a whisper. The question only came when the other man crouched down to speak with the smaller girl. An apology was made, and he told both Asael and Jesse that they were going elsewhere. GoodAsael thought. This was an unwanted encounter. Thank god that the kid didn't-- [break][break]
“Is … Is there really n-no more magic in the w-world?” [break][break]
Of course the kid had to come to Jesse to talk more. And here Asael was, hoping that the other people would just booger off somewhere else without stretching out this completely unwanted interaction. But leave it to a damn child to drag things out. It wouldn't be long before the irritation to evolve into anger. [break][break]
[break][break]
NOTES
And he would have gotten away, too; if it wasn't for that meddling kid!
[attr="class","jroverlap"]Sorry! I'll freak out if I don't talk.
[attr="class","jrbody"]Jessie was still trying to make sense of what was happening, of the fact that this man before her had the mako-tinged eyes of a SOLDIER. He seemed apologetic and backed away, hands up as if in surrender when she questioned him and she immediately softened, feeling sorry herself. She tried to smile in apology for her reaction. It wasn’t right to judge someone right away based only on appearances. She knew that. She was just...surprised maybe? Memories flickered at the edge of her mind, of another SOLDIER she couldn’t fully remember. Her emotions were a mess when she stared into the man’s familiar eyes. What did any of this mean? Her head began to throb with the beginnings of a headache.[break][break] Asael looked as tense and confused as she felt. He said he was leaving, which Jessie was just about to respond to. Leaving the square? Or leaving Torensten entirely? Leaving her, despite what they’d decided the night before? [break][break] But she was unable to voice any of these questions before a child abruptly interrupted the tense exchange. The little girl stared up at Jessie, then at the SOLDIER. At the girl’s exclamation, the rest of the tension and confusion Jessie was feeling melted away. And the sight of her reaching for the imposing SOLDIER’s hand (Mister Angie, she called him) was just too much. She grinned at them, her heart softening.[break][break] While Jessie was absolutely loving watching the adorable moment, Asael clearly had a very different reaction. She heard him sigh beside her. Then in a low whisper, he asked if she knew them. “No. At least, I don’t think so,” she responded softly.[break][break] The other man - was his name really Angie? - apologized to them and seemed ready to leave. “It’s no problem,” she responded to him earnestly. Jessie waved away any remaining confusing memories and grinned at the little girl who seemed to be receding back into her own shell. She walked right up to the man and girl and crouched down to her level, right as the man seemed to be doing the same thing. She let out a soft chuckle as they both ended up at child-height at the same time then fixed her attention on the girl. “Hi! How did you like the play?” [break][break] But, alarmingly, the girl started tearing up. Oh no, what was happening? What had she done? Jessie was about to back away, thinking she’d scared the kid. But then she asked in a tremulous voice: “Is...is there really n-no more magic in the w-world?” [break][break] Jessie swallowed a laugh at the seriousness in the question. “Oh, no, honey. There’s still magic in Zephon, I promise! Queen Isolda comes from a different world, you see? In her world, there is no more magic. But we still have it here!” If only she had magic materia other than bolt equipped, then she could prove it. Calling down a bolt of lightning in the packed square was probably not the best plan. “The University of Magi is still right over there,” she gestured in the direction of the magic university. “They’re definitely still working with magic and keeping the city running!” [break][break] She stood back up and stepped back beside Asael. Hopefully he wouldn’t try to run away again. “I’m Jessie, by the way,” she introduced herself in hopes of breaking the last of the weird tension between the three of them. Her voice was friendly and she smiled. “When I’m not Isolda,” she added for the girl’s benefit.
[break]
[attr="class","jrinfo"]Jessie can't handle the cuteness. / Angeal Hewley @asael
I have no idea if yall still wanna do this or not, so have a post anyway
Anyone would be heartbroken over the seriousness of Victoria’s question, simply by the look on her innocent face. Though Angeal had wiped away the tears that had managed to drip past her eyelashes, her reddening cheeks were tear stained, her eyes wide and lip trembling. The Soldier was ready to answer her question and put the little girl at ease, but the once-Queen had jumped in before he needed to.
Angeal couldn’t help the relieved smile that slipped onto his face as the young woman explained that magic was still very alive and well in their world. Honestly, why Victoria had suddenly worried that magic had vanished from Torensten in the first place was … strange. But, she was little. She didn’t understand that the play was about something made up. He’d have a chuckle to himself later, that the little girl didn’t consider that there was magic all around them, all the time here in the city.
Or, so he’d been told. It’s not like he was an expert on magic.
The young woman stepped back and introduced herself. Angeal smiled and nodded, standing up as well, but not before picking up Victoria and placing her expertly in his hold. She seemed relieved about knowing they weren’t suddenly magicless and had returned to being the shy little one she was, tucking her head against his shoulder.
“I’m Angeal,” the once-Soldier introduced himself, placing a hand on Victoria’s back to keep her steady in his hold before chuckling, “When I’m not Mister Angie.”
Jessie’s warmness seemed to draw Victoria in and out of her shell, like a bug to a light. The little girl lifted her head and barely mumbled, “‘m Tori,”, before retreating back to resting her head on Angeal’s shoulder. Probably emotionally exhausted from worrying herself over the world at large. Angeal glanced another look at the other man; the entire reason he was even speaking to Jessie in the first place. That odd sensation still lingered, but the man was cold, distant, aloof. It was clear he was ready to vacate the scene. Biting his curiosity back, the Soldier prepared to say his farewells-- “Ugh, Tori, you weren’t supposed to run off!”
Another boy stepped into the picture, stubbornly holding a toddler -- Andrei, and tiny Jean. Behind him trotted Luca, with three big bags of popcorn about to spill out of his arms. Angeal sighed in exasperation, quickly gathering Jean up with his free arm, “Andrei, help Luca with your food!”
“He said he could carry it all.” “It’s spilling out his arms, Andrei.” “Fine!”
Angeal glanced back to Jessie, apologetically, “I’m sorry -- we should get out of your hair. It was nice meeting--.”
Andrei suddenly popped up between them, shoving a handful of popcorn into his hungry mouth. “Woah, it’s the Queen lady! It was really cool when you died.”
Hewley couldn’t have mentally facepalmed himself any harder if he tried. Considering his arms were full of children.
How long can you swallow the pain? Before it comes round again, And a shadow in the valley will lead you to them, So don't follow.
