[Thread; Semi-open]

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Characters: Celes, Sabin, Ashe, Rasler (Terra and Locke?) - basically anyone near Figaro
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: A Hunt and a talk
Location: Figaro and surrounding area
Date: Let's say after Heads of State Meeting to make it easier
Warnings: TBA


Celes had an agenda: Take Sabin to where Figaro Castle had last been seen and go find that Hunt. It was some cactuar if she remembered correctly, and at least she had some backup in the form of Locke. She wasn't sure if her other companions would come with her, but that was all right. Come to that, she wasn't sure who was going to raise the castle. Or what the deal was. But hey, she was there to help Sabin out and to make sure things were going all right with Ashe and Rasler.

At some point she'd end up doing both. The order was the only thing she wasn't sure of. So just outside Figaro, she stopped to figure out what was going to happen.


((OOC: Party style or however you guys want. I kind of wanted to stick both the hunt and the Figaro Castle stuff in one post but I can split it if this is too confusing.))

Comments

Direction to Castle

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

[Locke buried the castle during the battle with Kefka]

[Pointing off in the distance]

The castle's over there.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes nodded in response to Locke. "Right. And our Hunt is that way." She pointed in the other direction. "Ready, Locke?" Who knew if anyone else would join them, but at least the two of them could work for it.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke remembered his previous hunt and how he almost died. He wasn't sure that he wished to risk Celes' life like this, but he couldn't bear to let Figaro be terrorized by this monster.

One last look towards the castle, then Locke turned the other way pulling some false bravado from down deep. "You ready to take out this cactus?"

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

"More than," Celes replied, gearing herself up for the fight at hand. "So do you have any magic here?" It was odd that she couldn't recall actually having that conversation with him yet.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke's loss of magic bothered him more than he would admit even to himself. "I brought some potions along instead. Guess you'll just have to keep me healthy!"

He paused when he realized that if his abilities had diminished then perhaps hers had as well, "Celes? Have you lost anything?"

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes paused and glanced at him. "You, too, then?" Potions would help. She had a fair few herself, but they would never take the place of high magic.

High magic that she didn't have here.

"Most of my magic. I only have the magic I was infused with, which is very little."

But she had enough to cast a couple of support spells for now to start with. The general took a few moments to cast Hastega and Protect. "I also have Vanish, still, but I want to wait on that one til we get a little closer."

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Feeling his adrenaline start to pump as the magical armor surrounded him, Locke hoped it would be enough to battle this beast, for he could not bear to lose her this way. He opened his mouth to call it off, but knew that Celes would never agree to such a notion.

"Of course. We wouldn't want to waste the spell before we find it."

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes was confident, but she wasn't stupid. She knew better than to expect it to be easy. Readjusting the rest of her equipment, she took a better hold on her sword and turned towards the vast desert.

"Right." At least the desert was a relatively familiar one. Or the castle nearby, buried or not, was familiar. "Time to go digging."

As far as she could tell, these things wouldn't jump out right away. Hopefully, though, they'd be able to fish it out without worry.

"Let's see where these things like to hide. Any ideas?"

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke was a little hesitant, "Celes, You seen any of these cactuars before?" He raised his hand up and begin to look around the desert. "I see some cacti off that way, but I'm not sure if it's out there."

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes paused momentarily and glanced at Locke. "No, I haven't. But I got a general idea of what to expect. It shouldn't be too bad."

Famous last words.

"Let's try towards the cacti, then."

Carefully. Cacti hurt from what she'd gathered.

And of course, she wasn't expecting anything above a couple of feet in height.

"I hope you aren't worried.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke couldn't believe he was hearing the General correctly, "Worried? We've taken out tougher creatures than this one or have you forgotten that slug we fought?"

He grinned as he thought back to their battle long ago, before turning back towards Celes indicating that he was ready to continue on.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes also offered a slight smirk at that. "Worried isn't in our vocabulary, is it?" she asked in what could count as a slight tease.

Finishing adjusting her armor and gloves, the general pulled out her sword and headed off in the direction of the cacti. After a while, she slowed down and addressed Locke again.

"All right. There's something down there. Here." She stopped and turned towards him, quickly casting Vanish on him. "So you can sneak up on it. I'll go in from the front." Or so she hoped. "Ready?"

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke pulled on his gloves and bared his dagger, grinning at Celes as he quickly made his way around to the rear of the cactuar. He rose his hand to acknowledge to Celes that he was in position and ready for their attack to begin.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes was expecting something small. But the thing that popped out of the ground was larger than almost anything she'd ever seen before. Oh boy... At least Locke wasn't going to get hit right off the bat.

"Goddesses..."

She took a deep breath and slashed into it with her sword, cursing softly as it jumped around. Her blade had barely nicked it. This... was going to be difficult.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

As the Cactuar lept from the ground, Locke wondered just how tough this foe would be.

Instincts kicked in as he charged the creature from behind stabbing into the flesh with his dagger. Surprise shown on his face when he realize that other than knocking a few pins off, he had only succeeded in garnering his foe's attention.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes sliced in another time before she glanced up and noticed that it was starting to lean. More than lean. It was falling over and if she didn't move, it was going to land its prickly self right on top of her.

Training kicked in and she carwheeled away. Unfortunately, she couldn't get far enough away to completely avoid the resulting earthquake as it hit the ground, but at least she wasn't a thorny pancake. The aftershock sent her to the ground and she coughed out a lungful of sand before she could gather herself back up.

Definitely would be harder than she expected. "Locke, be careful!" she called to him. "It's targeting you this time!" Who knew what else it would be capable of. In an effort to distract the large thing, Celes darted back in to aim a couple of slices at the thing's legs. If those could be counted as legs.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke tossed his boomerang at the cactuar as it turned it's fury upon him with full vengeance in a devastating counter attack.

He barely managed to dive to the ground as the creature released 10,000 needles. Locke managed a grin before passing out as the creature stumbled from Celes' barrage.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

A loud curse escaped from Celes as she noticed what was happening. The Phoenix Down was out of her pocket nearly before Locke hit the ground. As soon as she could make it over, it was emptied on his body with the hope that he would quickly wake up before she turned her sword against the Cactuar.

It promptly lifted a foot and tried to step on her, though she managed to dodge mostly out of the way, only getting thrust to the ground by the shock from that.

This was more than she'd bargained for, but she was not going to back out now.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke promptly awoke from his restful slumber. Having been through the technique many times before, he grinned asking Celes, "Did you leave a piece for me?"

With that, he took off running around the cactuar hoping to draw it's attention away from his friend and ally. As the cactuar began to step down again, he dove and flung his boomerang at his target again. Luckily, his dive carried him away from the creature's counterattack.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

"More than a piece," Celes grumbled, the relief showing on her face when Locke got back up. "Don't do that again. My supply isn't that high."

And she'd worry if it got any lower.

Gathering herself again, she sliced a few more needles off the cactuar. "How much stamina does this thing have?!"

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke was getting rather perturbed by the cactuar's resistance. "Should I ask him if he's thirsty?"

Placing his teeth between his knife, he darted in close to the creature before removing the knife to slice a nice LC into its hide. Learning quickly, he never stopped moving as he slid along the sand barely avoiding a nasty hit.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes smirked at Locke's words then, finding herself wishing Rydia was nearby. They could really use her summons right about now, especially Leviathan.

Reaching into her pouch to prepare an Ether, she dove in with a hard slice and a Blizzara. Unfortunately, the double attack made it nearly impossible for her to avoid the Cactuar's tilt-over counterattack. The ground shook her off her feet again and she faceplanted into the ground, sputtering.

Goddesses curse this stupid thing.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke knew better than to laugh at Celes' misfortune. Contrary to his instincts of protecting Celes, he used the creatures focused attention to dart in and slice once more. As the cactuar focused on him again, he hoped Celes would have a chance to regain her footing.

"You going to Eiko's party?" he asked as he lost his footing in the attack.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

And regain her footing she did. However, the Cactuar was starting to grate on Celes' nerves. The faster they got this done, the better.

"I hadn't heard about a party," she replied, barely dodging the Cactuar's next giant step, which was aimed at her and threw her to the ground again. At least this time she'd been ready for it so she could use the momentum to somersault her way back to her feet. That didn't mean it wasn't annoying, though.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

As Locke flew headfirst into the sand, he was unable to respond back to Celes. Spitting out the sand that had infiltrated his mouth, he looked up to see a foot coming down upon him. He had just enough time to stick his dagger up and cut their foe's foot as he rolled away from the step.

"You have now," he said as the cactuar stomped his full weight upon the injured foot causing it to stumble.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

"You know how I feel about parties," Celes replied, darting in to swipe at the Cactuar again as it stumbled.

She was about to elaborate on that point when she suddenly noticed that it was turning its attention back to her and lowering again. It had done this once before, but she'd been on the opposite end. This time it was focusing on her and the general was the recipient of its 10,000 Needles attack. The little pinpricks were too much for her all at once and she felt her vision cloud up as her knees buckled. She hit the ground a moment later with a thud.

If there was one thing Celes hated about battle, it was the possibility of getting knocked out like this. It showed a weakness she hated having.

At least she had phoenix downs in her pockets.

Going to Town

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes wasn't entirely sure where Ashe and Rasler were staying, but she had a feeling the Inn was as good a place as any to start. So, gathering herself up and glancing at her companions, she headed in the direction of that particular building, pushing the door open and glancing around for any sign of Lord Rasler and Lady Ashelia.

Going to Town - tea time!

[hi-no-dansu.livejournal.com]

Sabin had a lot on his mind as he followed Celes into town. There were many things to take care of and the Prince found himself wanting to get these matters taken care of. Figaro had to protected at all costs and Sabin still did not feel up to the task. Yet, he recalled the time where the Chancellor said that Figaro was to be divided amongst Sabin and his brother and perhaps this could be done now. There was so much to learn about ruling a nation that it boggled Sabin's mind just to think about it.

He wouldn't leave Figaro for the moment, that much he knew. For now, a meeting with the people who wanted to rule the nation in his brother's stead was in order. Sabin wanted to hear their point of view, get some advice from the young couple if there was any to give. There was so much to do and a whole other world of people to protect from a certain someone who was just better off staying dead.

A thoughtful frown had slowly bloomed over his face. The more that he thought about the matter, the more uncertain he became. Could he be half the ruler that his brother was?

Can't forget the thief, sip ahhhhh

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke was apprehensive as they entered Figaro to meet with Ashe and Rasler. He was glad that Celes had also spoken with them, but more than that it wasn't his decision to make anymore. With Sabin here, Locke could get back to the business of treasure hunting.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Upon noticing the change in Rasler's posture after looking to the door, Ashe followed suit and turned her focus to Celes and those in her company, Locke amongst them.

It wasn't unknown to the princess that some animosity existed between her husband and the other man, a concern which she'd strived to overcome during talks with the 'treasure hunter' over the network. Hopefully they would be able to put that aside, for the sake of Figaro's people.

As it was, it seemed the time to discuss proceedings with regard to the castle was now at hand. "We have been expecting your arrival," Ashe noted, looking to the party as a whole.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes nodded once to Ashe and Rasler as her group approached them. She was hoping this would go peacefully enough and that Sabin would understand what they'd been trying to do. She hadn't actually spoken to the two royals with Locke before, but she trusted each of them, herself included, not to do or say anything stupid that would raise tempers.

"Sabin, this is Lady Ashelia and Lord Rasler of Ivalice," she began, stopping next to the table. "Before your arrival, they'd agreed to watch over Figaro in the hopes that it could be spared from Kefka's destruction. Edgar would be the ideal choice of ruler, but in light of our situation, accepting the help we can find... It reminds me of when I first joined the Returners. No one trusted me, but I proved myself."

The looks she turned to each of her companions from home was an even one, but it clearly said, "Shouldn't they be given the same chance?"

so this would be the latest tag ever DDD:

[hi-no-dansu.livejournal.com]

Sabin studied the two newcomers for a moment before moving ahead of the others. This was his home after all and it would make more sense if he were the one to lead the talks between the two sides would it not? That could spell disaster if Sabin didn't word his thoughts properly but then he remembered that he should do what was best for Figaro.

The Prince decided that he would do everything in his power to protect Figaro. If letting these two rule the kingdom in Edgar's stead would keep the place from burning to the ground as it had in the past, Sabin would be very open to their ideas. Truth be told, he was quite open to their ideas and suggestions. Even though Sabin would be the most likely to rule in Edgar's place, he didn't feel ready to take on such a daunting task by himself.

Sabin inclined his head. "Thank you both for coming all this way. My Brother would appreciate your offer to watch Figaro in his place."

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke barely looked at Rasler, instead placing his attention upon Lady Ashe. He'd been over this before with Ashe and his expression said it all. He didn't Rasler worth anything and was still wary of the Lady Ashe.

As was his place, he took his appropriate place behind the King's Brother waiting to see Sabin's reaction.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Ashe remained in her seat, though she gave a respectful nod toward Sabin. Truly, she could only wonder whether he would request the rule of Figaro and if not, for what reason. "We hope someday to meet your brother in person," the princess began, "however, we desire to offer any aid of which we are capable, until that day."

She, too, awaited their new companions' decision, anticipating the direction in which this discussion would progress. There were two potential outcomes; either the castle would be raised for their occupation, or she and Rasler would continue to live amongst the people.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes inclined her head to Rasler and took the closest chair to him. "They've also been targets for Kefka, so they know how he works. I don't think they'd allow anything to happen to the people of Figaro."

Not entirely sure what else to add on, she glanced at Sabin to see his reaction.

[hi-no-dansu.livejournal.com]

As tempting as a home-cooked meal on familiar ground sounded, Sabin knew that now wasn't the time for him to be eating half the populace of the castle out of their next meal. Instead, his thoughts turned to learning something about this couple. What were their motivations? What were their thoughts on the matter of Kefka? What was their favourite tea?

However, the minute he learned that Ashe and Rasler too had been targets of Kefka's malice, his fists clenched together tightly and his usually cheerful expression took on a darker feel. Kefka should have stayed dead and the dead do not come back to life as far as Sabin as concerned.

"What are your intentions?" He asked the couple before going to sit in a chair.

[notathiefcole.livejournal.com]

Locke did not sit down as would have been his customary gesture. Rather, he proceeded to rest an arm upon Celes' chair. He knew that Ashe had been clear as to her intentions regarding helping Figaro, but he did indeed wish to hear Rasler's intention to the castle.

Learning from previous experience, he refused to mumble his true thoughts and feelings. Instead he simply echoed Sabin's thoughts as he glanced towards Rasler, "We'd all like to know."

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

Whilst her husband replied Ashe said nothing, allowing him to speak unhindered. The only time she reacted was upon that final statement, the princess' eyes looking to Rasler in a sidelong glance. His sense of duty, his devotion - both were boundless, this she knew with certainty. No sooner afterward did she look to Sabin herself, to offer her input.

"The Regent of Lindblum had requested that we, having experience of rule in nations possessing a desert climate, aid in governing the people of Figaro in the absence of their true ruler," she explained calmly. "Our intention is to honour that, should you consent, until the day your brother arrives in Gaia. Upon that event, we would rightfully relinquish authority to him."

Just as with Rasler, it was clear that Ashe meant every word she said, and she could only hope Sabin would appreciate their sincerity.

[magitekrune.livejournal.com]

Celes didn't have much to add this time around, so she simply nodded in response to both Rasler and Ashelia's words before glancing sideways at Sabin. With the two of them having experience against Kefka, the ex-general figured they were better suited to at least looking over Figaro in Edgar's absence. It was better than leaving the castle and town to someone entirely unsuited and unknown. But she wouldn't voice those thoughts unless it seemed this conversation was going to head south.