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Post by jason on Sept 8, 2009 10:46:54 GMT -5
Jyo came through the gate, it was an odd feeling, he couldn't be sure what to expect from this. He had figured out he would be going to a different world, but aside from that, he was stepping into the unknown as far as he was concerned.
Emerging from the gate, Jyo stumbled slightly. He looked odd for a moment. You know when you see that ripple of heat above the road on a hot day? imagine Jyo's whole body doing that as he fell to one knee. What is this? How could traveling from one world to another, have such a forceful effect on me? He thought as bent over and braced himself with his left hand. He had never felt so weak in his life, if he was honest about it, this was a terrifying feeling for him. A being so reliant on his strength, suddenly at the mercy of anything around him in an instant.
And then that was it, his body stopped wavering and he felt his strength return. Everything seemed fine now as he got to his feet. Looking around, he noticed there were two men standing there. Both unarmed, though one had the build of a warrior, Jyo assumed he used hand to hand techniques, he had met others like that. The other had a healthy build, but looked weaker. Jyo would have to guess that he was a magic wielder. He himself had a fair hand in some magic, but he would guess this person was either a white mage or black mage, as his world would call them.
Neither of them looked readily hostile, but they had there eyes on Jyo, and looked ready for anything. Keeping his right hand which held his weapon down at his side, he raised his left hand. "I'm a simple traveler, I mean no harm by coming here. May I ask where I am at?" Jyo was never great at introductions, but he was good at getting the point across to people.
The two men gave nods and small smiles while one of them stepped forward. "We're SEEDs from Balamb Garden, a group of organized mercenary soldiers. You've just stepped through the gate that connects different worlds. If you need some rest, the best choice would be at the inn of Balamb. the town not far from this place and the Garden." The Seed member said. He wasn't overly friendly, but he was helpful. Jyo gave a small nod of thanks before heading to the indicated town. He really could use some rest after all.
So there really are other worlds, I wonder what this place holds for me. i probably should have asked a few more questions, but I'll find out what I need to know in due time. There's a path to follow, so I bet that's mostly safe. no sense in going out into the wilderness without knowing whats in there. if this place is like Spira in any way, the creatures around might be dangerous. Jyo thought as he started on the first leg of what was to be a long journey of self-discovery.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 12, 2009 2:12:49 GMT -5
After a little time on the road lending from the portal to the nearby city, he finds himself at the gates to Balamb town. It's a peaceful shore-side town, lazy and laid back. The scent of salty ocean mist weighs heavily on the air here, driven in by the westerly winds, washing the town in a pleasant, though salty humidity. In the distance, Balamb garden looms on the hill like a blemish upon the green fields that edge up and surrounds the back of this little shore-side town.
At the gate, Jyo may take notice of an unusual woman standing with her back against the a gate post. She's a tall jackal-rat creature, an epitome of Burmecian femininity; that is a lanky, though well proportioned female. Graceful in her exotic, animalistic features. Her luxurious fur, gray with spots and strips, just visible through the exposed parts of her clothes. Her hair is brilliant with shine, encasing her head like a old picture in a locket, accented with small, rounded but slightly pointed ears, each pierced by a single ear-ring. She wears no shoes, instead her digigrade legs are wrapped around the ankle with a very expensive appearing leather wraps for support, laced with gold and silver. She's dressed in a flowing white coat, cut in the back for her delicate fluffy ring-tail that pitter-patters around her ankles. Her blouse is made of a thin dark material, letting it breath which one would imagine would be important for any creature with natural fur, its unbuttoned at the top and if it wasn't for the coat over her shoulders, its clear she would be breaking any public decency laws. Her short skirt, made of a thicker material of the same color and pattern of her blouse leaves little in the way of coverage. She flaunts what she has, flaunts it and runs with it.
Her brilliant eyes follow Jyo as he passes by from under a Bastone Maschere Veneziane mask, it's of gold and black with a single polished gem in the forehead and looks like it's designed to be a cross between perhaps a jackal and raven, designed perfectly to fit over her Burmecian features. She lowers the mask, twirling the stick between two fingers as he walks by, shooting him a devilishly little smile.
"Hello, stranger" she calls to him, her voice is seductive and predatory, "traveled far? You're certainly not the usual rabble of mercenaries and young buck students who grace the life of this sleepy little town." She steps forward, positioning herself skewed on the road, just slightly blocking his path into the town. "What is your name, green-eyes? Don't be afraid now, I don't bite...much." She smirks, with a flutter of her eye lashes. "Well, I'm Miss Bardi, Miss Sinia Bardi and it's a pleasure to meet you, green-eyes."
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Post by jason on Sept 12, 2009 5:31:48 GMT -5
Incredible. There isn't any place like this on Spira. This place seems to be so... Harmonious in comparison, but there were guards at the gate leading from Spira to this world, and that means it is likely I am only seeing the nice side of things. Thought the fiend as he entered Balamb. Jyo was used to ruined towns, or restored temples, this was a little different.
As he started making his way, a person who was certainly not human spoke to him.
"Hello, stranger"
Jyo could quickly tell that this being was female, it was far too obvious. Though he had never seen the likes of her race before this, the mask stood out more than anything else she was wearing. Which to be frank, wasn't much. Though it certainly wasn't a sight to complain about. Compared to the exotic look of the woman addressing him, he felt very bland. Brown shirt and jacket, a pair of brown pants with black boots, and fingerless gloves. To only things that really made him stand out were his Katana and the bright green eyes.
However, he certainly caught her attention for some reason or another.
"traveled far? You're certainly not the usual rabble of mercenaries and young buck students who grace the life of this sleepy little town."
Jyo gave a small chuckle at this as a small surge of lightning crackled around his body. He had come far indeed. "Yeah, pretty far away from this place. I guess you could call me a tourist of sorts." He replied as he allowed a grin to spread across his face. It wasn't really all that funny, but something about it amused him.
"What is your name, green-eyes? Don't be afraid now, I don't bite...much."
Jyo grinned at this. There was little that scared Jyo, a new species didn't even phase him outside of curiosity "I'm not worried about biting, it can be rather nice really. I'm Jyo Mashima. I'm glad to meet you Miss..." He trailed off hoping she would answer with her name.
"Well, I'm Miss Bardi, Miss Sinia Bardi and it's a pleasure to meet you, green-eyes."
"Well Miss Bardi, I hate to sound rude, but I'll be blunt, what are you? I've never encountered your race before, and I'll admit to being unstably curious about meeting a new race." He said with a relaxed grin. He could read her body language pretty easily, though it was clear that Sinia wasn't trying to hide anything.
Though he appeared relaxed, he was already prepped to spring into action. He had been in situations like these. They turned out very good or very bad. He had yet to find a middle ground in this situation back in Spira, though here things may be a little different.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 12, 2009 11:43:12 GMT -5
"'Pretty far..?'" Miss Sinia copyed while her eyes scanned Jyo, from head to toe, smirking as if she if enjoying the sight. "You could say then that we share more in common then what would appear at firssstt... Jyo. Is it alright that I call you Jyo?"
A car rattles by, just behind them, momentarily stopping their conversation as the engine noise drowns out all other sounds around them for its brief pass. Sinia watches it from the corner of her eyes as it passes, her ears twitching to the annoying racket. The moment it's out of earshot, her eyes and ears snap back to give Jyo their full attention.
"Sorry, little sensitive to noise." She reaches out with her mask and taps Jyo's chest. "You certainly must of traveled far to never have seen my kind before; Spira, I take it? First time going through the gates?" She chuckles. "Such a virgin, that's ok, we can fix that." She says with a wink, her tail twitching, sweeping against the hard ground. "Well, Jyo, I'm a Burmecian, from Burmecia ironically." Once again she chuckles. "A place not from around here either; see how much we already share in common. So where you heading, familiar stranger? On a 'quest' or just filled with wanderlust? If you don't mind me asking, here, I'll even it up. I'm looking for someone myself, the protege of a former business associate of mine. Sadly, he must be at a different Garden, the one to the south."
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Post by jason on Sept 12, 2009 20:41:13 GMT -5
"You could say then that we share more in common then what would appear at firssstt... Jyo. Is it alright that I call you Jyo?"
Jyo gave a slight nod at this. He didn't really go by anything else. Granted even his name wasn't his own. By all rights he should simply be called an elemental, like the other fiends, but he took the form of this young man, along with his skills and his name. But Jyo just didn't have it in him to be nothing more than another fiend, he was different and wanted to know why.
Jyo couldn't help but gaze at the car as well. Machina, used so casually. That will take a lot of getting used to He thought before Sinia spoke up again.
"You certainly must of traveled far to never have seen my kind before; Spira, I take it? First time going through the gates?"
Jyo was a little startled that Sinia was able to guess at his origins so quickly. He revealed almost nothing about himself outside of the fact he came from another world. The way I looked at the machina maybe? Or perhaps she's been around enough places to get a sense of where people are from. He thought, Jyo figured he would see if she really had a good sense of where people were from, or if she just made a lucky guess.
"Well, Jyo, I'm a Burmecian, from Burmecia ironically." Once again she chuckles. "A place not from around here either; see how much we already share in common. So where you heading, familiar stranger? On a 'quest' or just filled with wanderlust? If you don't mind me asking, here, I'll even it up. I'm looking for someone myself, the protege of a former business associate of mine. Sadly, he must be at a different Garden, the one to the south."
Jyo listened to this part intently. Burmecia was a word that would have meant nothing to him outside of this context. he quickly made a mental not to memorize the name. The names of races and places would be vital if he was to start traveling worlds. "Well I'm not sure what makes you think I'm from Spira, but to answer your question about where I am headed, I'll be frank... I don't know." He said with a grin and a shrug.
"I guess the best answer is a bit of wanderlust, and some self-discovery. no noble quest or anything of the like. I'm just trying to find out who and what I really am." He said as a thoughtful look crossed his face. "This may seem a bit forward, but if you are indeed heading to another Garden, might I accompany you? I do not know this world, but I am sure that I could still be useful, and I need a guide." He said.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 12, 2009 22:34:10 GMT -5
Sinia smirks with delight. "Why, I was just hoping you'd ask that very question, there's something about you I like and I don't let things I like slip through my fingers." From between her breasts, her free hand slips to pull forth a small little electronic device, which she promptly slides the device open and raises it to her ear. "Bring the car around ... we have a guest, make sure the right accommodations are made." She slides the device once more and it turns off.
Stuffing it back between her breasts, she shoots Jyo a little smile. "The car will be right around that will take us to the yacht." Almost as she finishes her sentence, a black town car rolls up behind Jyo and from the driver's side a large man in a black suit emerges and opens the passenger door. "If you will, green-eyes." She motions for him to get in the car but without a word, the large chauffeur places his meaty paw on Jyo's shoulder and 'escorts' Jyo into the car.
"Please, be gentle with my new friend, Kane. Don't want to break him just yet." She jokes as she follows Jyo into the car, followed by the door slamming shut, her tail just barely making it inside before being shut on.
Sinia takes a seat opposite Jyo in the black leather limousine like interior, legs crossed as she fixes herself a drink. A martini, dirty, with several olives, which shes lazily nestles between her fingers.
As the car begins to roll, Sinia starts up the conversation. "You want to know how I knew you are from Spira? It's simple, really, it's the way you're dressed. Your clothes, they're not mass produced and you certainly don't look rich enough to afford custom clothes in the more advanced regions. That leaves me with two real options, either Gaia, where I'm from, or Spira. And since you obviously have never seen my kind before, that only leaves one place." She then takes a sip from her glass. "Simple deductions is all it took. So, green-eyes, what was your job back in Spira? Definitely a warrior of sorts, hired gun perhaps... or should I say sword." Her eyes falling upon Jyo's katana. "Are you as good with that as you look?"
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Post by jason on Sept 13, 2009 2:24:04 GMT -5
Jyo grinned when Sinia informed him that she was waiting for him to ask about traveling with her. Granted several little red warning flags popped up in his head. He wasn't used to things being this easy, and he suspected some kind of catch. Though for time being, he would give this person a measure of trust.
The chauffeur, who happened to be a rather large man, steered Jyo to the car. Jyo had tensed slightly, but moved along to get in the car. Sinia made some crack about not breaking him yet, a smirk appeared on his face. He wasn't frail or helpless by any means.
"You want to know how I knew you are from Spira? It's simple, really, it's the way you're dressed. Your clothes, they're not mass produced and you certainly don't look rich enough to afford custom clothes in the more advanced regions. That leaves me with two real options, either Gaia, where I'm from, or Spira. And since you obviously have never seen my kind before, that only leaves one place."
Jyo gave a nod of understanding. From the way Sinia was talking, she had likely visited enough worlds to deduce where most people came from. Though he doubted she would guess his origins on Spira as easily.
"Simple deductions is all it took. So, green-eyes, what was your job back in Spira? Definitely a warrior of sorts, hired gun perhaps... or should I say sword."
He gave another nod in reply to this. "Yeah, I primarily hunted the fiends in Spira in exchange for food, and a place to rest between my travels. I made my way to Zanarkend, found the gate, and now here I am." He replied. Due to having a simple lifestyle, he saw no harm in revealing a little about it.
"Are you as good with that as you look?"
Jyo couldn't help but chuckle at this as another surge of lightning crackled around him. "Well that really depends on how good you think I look with it. And the standards you are used to. For all you and I know, I could have the skill of a master or an amateur with this blade. It really depends on one's viewpoint." He replied.
"So how many other worlds use Machina so freely? In Spira, only the Al-behd use it in any type of abundance, though it is starting to become more widespread as cultural understanding becomes more broad." He said as he ran his hand along the seat. Jyo was used to walking from place to place. He would ride on boats and the like when it involved crossing large bodies of water, but for the most part he roughed it. He wondered what the people of a place like this, where this kind of transportation was used so commonly, would be like if thrust into Spira. He doubted many would survive at first.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 13, 2009 11:45:24 GMT -5
Sinia chuckles as Jyo explains, in vague terms, his skill with his weapon. She was enjoying this little conversation and her new 'pet', why perhaps is unclear, but something about him made her want him.
"Dear, when a lady asks you if you are good with a blade, you just nod and say yes." She says with a devilish smile and predatory eyes, as if looking upon Jyo like a delicious meal about to be had. "So a fiend hunter? Then I nabbed the right man for the job. You see, this wasn't an entirely random encounter, you and I. When I realized I would need to cross the southern ocean, I needed someone with a little expertise in dealing with various types of... unpleasant creatures. It's not that my personal security is inept, just they aren't specialized in dealing with non-humanoids. That's why I wanted someone like you... and someone like you just happened to walk by at the right time."
Her head turns so her eyes can gaze out the tinted windows at the seaside town outside, like a Mediterranean village all the houses look the same. White stone and plaster, interlaced between winding little paths, say for the one main road. In the closing distance, the harbor emerges, the car rolling towards its docks at a smooth, relaxing pace.
"What was that?" She asked, turning her attention back to Jyo as he asked his next question. "Oh, 'Machina' is becoming more and more common in all the worlds. My homeworld and yours are the only two still behind. Not really sure the condition now in Spira, New Yevon has continuously been a thorn in my side about expanding my operations there, makes seeing the whole picture difficult." She takes another sip from her martini. "As for Gaia, the last decade we've seen an explosion in technological expansion, thanks in part to those commie LSR snakes in Lindblum. Though I prefer to credit my own business for the advancement, mine and my partners in ShinRa."
They arrive at the harbor, the car pulling up beside what appears to be a yacht club. It's a large facility, standing out by its numerous flags whipping in the sea breezes. The call of the gulls penetrates into the cab and when the door swings open, a cool gust of that salty ocean air fills the tiny cabin. Kane stands beside the door to help Sinia out, once on her feet she hands him the martini glass. Kane waits for Jyo to exit then slams the door shut.
"This way, green-eyes." She calls back to Jyo, walking towards the docks beside the club-house. The marina is small but filled with a multitude of expensive boats and small yachts, but one stands out among the rest. On it's own private dock rests one yacht that draws ones eyes too it unlike any of the others. One that is the size of seven or eight of the largest of the small vessels combined. A brilliant white ocean traveler, a yacht of only the most wealthiest of people. Well over a hundred feet in length, this vessel shines on the white like a white pearl, and this is the exact vessel Sinia is heading towards.
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Post by jason on Sept 13, 2009 13:32:03 GMT -5
"Dear, when a lady asks you if you are good with a blade, you just nod and say yes."
Jyo simply gave a shrug to this. He had found over the seven years of his life, that when he gave answers like his last one, he often got interesting responses, though Sinia didn't seem to take the bait on that one, not that it really bothered him.
Then Sinia explained a little about the reason she quickly accepted his request to travel with her. Considering she seemed a highly observant person, spotting him and deciding he would be good for a job that entailed killing was likely very easy for her.
Now thats an interesting revelation. I wonder what she's up to that makes her need someone like myself. Well as long as I can simply keep going, it should be fine. And this is something I know. Exterminating some of the more unpleasant creature of the world is what I do. He thought as a smile spread across his face.
Sinia also explained a little bit about how other worlds used Machina. Jyo never really felt one way or another about the use of Machina, but he was impressed to think that it was so widespread. He couldn't help but wonder how advanced some of it was, his own world had lost technology, but the glimpses he saw, particularly in Zanarkand, told him that his world was once a technological wonder.
Once at the dock Jyo stepped out and then his door was slammed behind him. The chauffeur didn't seem like a man that Jyo wanted to be around with on a bad day. Then he saw the boat they were being led to. Impressive was the only word that ran across his mind. He was by no means unaccustomed to boats, but this was different. He was used to the bare essentials, this was lavish. "Well, color me impressed." He said as he walked along with Sinia.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 13, 2009 18:27:31 GMT -5
Sinia turns around as Jyo stares awestruck. "I do hope it's up to your usual standards, green-eyes." She asked playfully, her right index finger lightly touching Jyo's chin as she speaks, her nail just lightly scraping his skin as she pulls away. "Just don't get too comfortable, I'm not bringing you along for a pleasure cruise. I'm a woman of business and as such I expect those who work under me to be in the business mindset as well." She trots off toward the gangway, just a short distance away.
The gangway is flanked by two men, a younger deckhand dressed in nautical whites and shorts, standing at attention beside another man, older in a similar uniform but with gold trim on his skipper cap. He looks to be the captain of the vessel. They both greet Miss Bardi as she walks up the gangway and when Jyo approuches, they greet him too, by name. "Afternoon, Mr. Mashima." They say, somehow already knowing his name.
Once on the yacht, Jyo finds himself aboard the lap of luxury where is greeted by another deckhand that instructs him to the aft patio deck where Sinia waits for him, reclining in a chair, relaxing. On a table beside her is a file, opened, showing pictures of some sort of creature emerging from the water.
"Jyo, please, take a seat." She motions for him to sit across from her. She snaps her fingers and a waiter appears, asking Jyo if he would like any refreshment.
"Since you showed interest in providing me with some excutive protection, I believe its best you understand what you may be up against." She slides the file over to Jyo. "For a lack of a better term, that is a 'kraken'. It has been attacking ships passing through a the strait we'll be passing through to get to Leah garden." She leans back, crossing her legs. He tail sweeps the deck beneath her chair, making delicate little ticks as she speak. "You think you can deal with such a beast? You'll be compensated well for your efforts, even if the beast fails to show itself. Does this suit you, Jyo?"
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Post by jason on Sept 13, 2009 20:28:08 GMT -5
"I do hope it's up to your usual standards, green-eyes."
"To be honest, it's beyond what I'm used to. Though I tend to adjust pretty well." He said without a flinch of the eye when Sinia slightly scraped his chin. This type of attention wasn't lost on Jyo. There had been a young woman in Bevell who acted in a very similar fashion, though she didn't set little warning flags off in Jyo's head like Sinia did. Jyo could tell he was dealing with a person that would likely be a vicious enemy if he crossed her.
He gave a nod when she informed him that she wished for him to act professionally. This wasn't an issue for him, Jyo was mostly business as it was.
He wasn't really concerned with the fact that some or all of the crew knew his name. He had the feeling that anyone whom Sinia wanted to know about Jyo, had already gotten whatever info they were to receive. She seemed very competent and on top of things. When invited to sit, he gave a smile and slid into the chair with one smooth motion while resting his sword against one side of his seat.
Jyo thought for a moment about the refreshment offered to him. He didn't need as much nourishment as many other races, though a drink did sound nice. However, his experience with most drinks was limited. "While I would enjoy a drink, keep in mind my selection has often been a limited one. I'll be open to suggestions." He said.
Then Sinia explained as to why she would find his services to be useful. This Kraken she spoke of reminded him of a fiend he had fought before, it used to prey upon sea-faring vessels. It had been an interesting battle, not difficult, but interesting.
"You think you can deal with such a beast? You'll be compensated well for your efforts, even if the beast fails to show itself. Does this suit you, Jyo?"
Jyo gave a smile. "It sounds like this should be a fun job. I haven't exterminated something like this for a little while. About three years now that I think of it." He said as another surge crackled around him. "As for compensation, a place to rest my head for a few nights and some food until we reach the south Garden would suit my needs." He replied. Jyo would have likely visited the Balamb Garden he arrived near had he not left with Sinia so quickly after arriving in this world. Still, he was interested in the Gardens and wished to learn a little bit about them firsthand.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 13, 2009 20:55:36 GMT -5
Sinia nods with a coy smile. "Letting the lady choose the drink for you, aren't you just precious. Bring something strong for the strong boy." She waves the waiter off, who departs inside. "I'm glad to hear that this beast doesn't intimidate you, the last one I came to with this offer refused outright - something about being afraid of being crushed and dragged to the bottom of the ocean to die in a watery tomb. Personally, I just don't think he had the bravado that you possess."
The waiter returns with a fruity smelling drink in a tall glass, its slightly brown, like dark lemonade mixed with cola. It comes with a little green umbrella and a slice of orange. The waiter sets it on the table, atop a napkin in front of Jyo.
"Please, green-eyes, I wouldn't dream of letting you just accept simple lodging and food. One needs gil to survive in the modern world, even one the likes of you. I'll tell you what, I'll write a number on this napkin-" Pulls the napkin from under her drink and a pen from between her breasts. "And you can either accept or not and I'll keep throwing you numbers till you find one you like." She proceeds to write something on the napkin, folds it, and slides it over to Jyo.
Taking the note, Jyo would see a number written over a peculiar logo. A silhouette of some sort of three-eyed canine, beneath which is the name 'Triceutical, Inc.'. The number written over that reads: 25,000.
Sinia sits, waiting for a response from Jyo, looking smug and in control. Like a queen over her domain, standing before peasants in a high balcony, tossing them money and lies to keep them complacent to prevent any insurrection or dissension.
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Post by jason on Sept 14, 2009 0:52:02 GMT -5
"Letting the lady choose the drink for you, aren't you just precious."
Jyo gave a shrug to this comment. "Keep in mind this is my first time out of Spira. I don't come from a place where such things are a luxury to vagabonds. So I figured I would show a measure of trust and go with your Suggestion." He said with a smile.
"I'm glad to hear that this beast doesn't intimidate you, the last one I came to with this offer refused outright - something about being afraid of being crushed and dragged to the bottom of the ocean to die in a watery tomb. Personally, I just don't think he had the bravado that you possess."
"Well I do have certain advantages that would keep this creature from dragging me down, even if it managed to get a grip on me, and I don't die easily. I'm not sure if I have more courage, or if I'm simply better equipped than the last person. Though the bottom line is that the beast shouldn't pose much of a problem. I actually look forward to this." Jyo responded taking a slightly more factual manner, though he couldn't help but keep a slight edge of predatory anticipation out of his voice and expression. He enjoyed destroying fiends and creatures like this with a single-minded passion.
Once his drink arrived, Jyo didn't even bother to smell it or look at it any longer to the guess as what it was. Though there was something he liked about Sinia, something told him that he didn't want to trust her too quickly, but he wasn't a human. He wasn't even truly alive, if for some odd reason it was poisoned (or more likely drugged) it wouldn't have a desired affect on him. He took a deep drink, not a gulp, just about half a mouthful and let it run down his throat. "Interesting flavor." He commented before Sinia went a little more into his payment.
Jyo looked over the napkin. He took note of the company name and logo on it before seeing the amount of Gil. "Well I'm not used to accepting Gil as payment, but I guess in a different world, I might have to resort to different methods to survive." He said and pondered the amount. For a person who aside from food and lodging, only needed his weapon and the clothes on his back, that was a large amount in Spira. Though he needed to figure out something first. "Only one thing before we decide on the price. Is there any type of exchange rate between worlds, or does Gil have the same value from world to world?" He asked.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 14, 2009 1:21:10 GMT -5
Sinia chuckles. "You certianly have been sheltered from cross-world politics, haven't you. No, my dear, since the Universal Monetary Exchange Act of 3127, all gil is governed by a representative body which decides the value and inflation rate of currency. Most city-states have signed on to it, say for a few sprinkled here and there but you shouldn't worry your little head on it. That sum there will get you plenty far and, after we arrive at Leah, I'll even double it for you just to be sure."
A deckhand approaches beside Sinia, garnering her attention for a moment. He mentions that the captain is ready to depart, Sinia replies positively, asks a question concerning something called a 'helicopter' to which the deckhand states is on the way. After this conversation, she waves him off and turns her attention back to Jyo.
"Sorry for that, I like to be informed before we leave." She rests her left arm on the chair's arm, sitting entirely relaxed yet attentive. "As I was about to say, if you choose to stay with me longer, I can arrange a contract for you and figure out some form of regular payment. Be it lodging, food, gil, whatever you want. This is all of course if you do prove yourself worth the price if we come across that fiend, I may like you Jyo, but I haven't gotten to where I am by being overly trusting and letting my more... primal instincts take over." There again is that predatory smile with a sparkle of illicit thoughts that shine through her eyes.
Three bells chime in the background, followed by a loud ship's horn just as a very soft rumble shakes the vessel. It lasts only a moment, to be replaced by an almost pleasant hum. Out the aft of the yacht, a white torrent of mist, bubbles and twisting water kicks up as the vessel begins to slide back, away from its moorings.
"The trip will take a day or two; in the mean time, you have full reign of the facilities offered aboard. Just inquire from the staff if you want anything or can't find something, they're eager to help." She stands from her chair, eyes still on Jyo. "Just don't get too comfortable, you still may have a job... or two too do." Before turning away, she blows Jyo a tiny kiss, then walks off to the inside, her hips swaying with each step, tailing softly teasing before she's out of sight.
*Throat clearing* A young deckhand no older looking then Jyo carrying a silver tray stands beside him, offering it to Jyo. Upon it's polished surface is a keycard and a paper card with what appear to be house-phone extensions. "Sir, your cabin is A3, one deck below. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call. And is there anything I can do for you now?" He asks.
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Post by jason on Sept 14, 2009 1:44:19 GMT -5
Jyo listened raptly to Sinia as she explained a little bit about the Exchange policy. It wasn't a lot, but enough to make Jyo curious enough to look into it before long. It didn't hurt to be informed about these things. He knew he would have to learn how to fend for himself between worlds, even if he got help as he went along.
"The price sounds fair enough for my needs." He replied before there was some talk between Sinia and a member of the crew. Jyo took another small swallow from his drink. It was enough to make him light headed, which was saying something as he didn't have much and his body chemistry didn't work the same as most races. he would have to be wary of drinks like this in the future.
Sinia turned her attention back to him. "As I was about to say, if you choose to stay with me longer, I can arrange a contract for you and figure out some form of regular payment. Be it lodging, food, Gil, whatever you want. This is all of course if you do prove yourself worth the price if we come across that fiend, I may like you Jyo, but I haven't gotten to where I am by be overly trusting and letting my more... primal instincts take over."
Jyo didn't miss the look one her face, it was the same look he got whenever he found a fiend to slay. He could already see that similarity, they were both hunters of a type, though it seemed that they had slightly different tastes in their prey. He returned the look with a smile of his own. "I believe you'll find my performance to be most interesting. And I'm skilled in other things outside of combat. By nature I tend to be a quick learner. If you have a job I can manage it." He said. Jyo wasn't afraid of Sinia, but he was wary. Though from what he could tell, as long as he stayed in her favor and was useful when around her, he wouldn't have an issue.
Then there was the sounds of bells and whistles. These he was accustomed to. And the boat left the dock, he was on the first leg of what he figured would be a long journey. Sinia told him he had more or less no restrictions on the ship, and to keep on his toes before leaving the room after blowing a kiss. Far to much like that woman on Spira, though that woman was nothing but a sweet soft-hearted girl, Sinia certainly has some similar traits, but its more like being around a beautiful fiend, they'll tear you apart if you aren't careful. He thought as a young man approached him carrying a few items on a tray
"Sir, your cabin is A3, one deck below. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call. And is there anything I can do for you now?" Jyo grabbed the items and put them in his inner jacket pocket. He thought for a moment before giving a nod. "The trip to this world took a little toll on me. Is there a good place on this ship to get a little exercise?" He asked. The traveling between the gates had made Jyo feel a little uncomfortable, he just needed to get some movement to feel better.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 14, 2009 2:25:08 GMT -5
The deckhand nods, "On deck 2, forward. If you go inside here." Pointing towards the same doors Sinia walked through. "There will be stairs on your right, just past the baby-grand, take that down till you get to deck 2 and continue toward the bow, there you will find the gym. You can't miss it." He waits for a moment. "If that is all, sir-" He's cut off by the sound of something overhead, a loud chopping/sweeping noise that drowns out all other sounds, its source swoops overhead, a flying machina similar to a car, blue and white with the same symbol as on napkin painted onto its sides. It shoots overhead, hoovers for a moment then lands atop the yacht on an upper, flat deck, it's deafening roar whining down to a quiet sweeping sound as its rotating blade slowly come to a stop. By the time the noise dies, the deckhand is gone.
Inside the vessel, coming in from what is called the promenade deck, Jyo will find himself in a sparsely lit entertainment room. It's polished wooden walls, tinted windows, Chobi carpets, and white ceiling create an atmosphere like a warm, fire place lit study. It's soft and comforting. It's chairs and couch look welcoming and soft, like one could loose themselves in their leathery grasp. A baby-grand piano is in one corner near the stairwell the deckhand mentioned.
Going down, Jyo finds the rest of the vessel's living interior is much like the first room. Everything is polished clean, carpets appearing as if never have been walked upon once, mirrors spotless, and wood well oiled and rich. The gym itself rests behind sepia colored glass, inside there are an assortment of odd machines: treadmills, bicycles, weights, rowing machines, and other less obvious exercise devices, including a most peculiar enclosed device in the far corner, larger then the rest. It's labeled as 'VR Training Sim' on what looks to be the door, the rest of it has various other lines of text but what stands out most prominently is the word 'ShinRa', the name of the company Sinia had mentioned in passing earlier. There is also a counter with a young girl standing behind it, dressed in a white polo and shorts, appearing bored. When Jyo enters, she immediately places a towel on the counter, offering it to him, and asks if there is anything else he may need.
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Post by jason on Sept 14, 2009 2:46:00 GMT -5
Keeping the directions in mind, Jyo picked up his weapon and started heading to the door as the man finished up. Before the deckhand could finish asking if Jyo needed anything else, a loud noise sounded. Jyo was interested, but not alarmed.
Seeing the source of the noise, he simply took it in for a few moments. He hadn't seen something like this before. However, he paid it little mind for now aside from the fact it served to give a deeper glimpse into what Sinia had access to. Jyo was clearly correct in his observations of this person.
Heading down to the gym he took note of the ship. It was meticulous, something Jyo wasn't accustomed to aside from parts of Bevell. Though he was accustomed to ships themselves, the high class vessel deeply impressed him. Particularly that gym he was walking to. He expected to work on an unused part of the deck, but this would suit his purposes just fine.
Entering the gym, he was greeted by a young woman who handed him a towel. he accepted it with a nod of thanks before looking around. "I should be fine thanks, I just came here to stretch and get moving." he said with a smile before heading to a nice open mat, likely used for stretching and warm-ups, it suited his needs perfectly, though he couldn't help but look at the VR machine for a moment. ShinRa, Sinia said that name, something about the name itself has a bit of foreboding about it. Though it's a "Training Sim" I'm not sure what VR is though, but I might have to look into at later point. He thought as he removed his jacket, boots and socks. Setting his sword next to them, Jyo walked to the center of the mat and closed his eyes while taking a deep breath.
He was still for a few moments and then with a sharp motion he dropped into an unarmed combat stance and his left arm swung out in an incredibly fast and sharp copping motion before he took a step forward and mimicked with with his right arm. Pivoting on his heel, he did the same motions heading back the way he came, then he started throwing in kicks and backfists.
Soon he was going through entire sets of attacks and defensive moves, Jyo found practicing his combat motions was an excellent way to keep him limber and in shape, while constantly maintain muscle memory of his movements. He would keep this up for about an hour unless interrupted, if he went over an hour, he would likely be just worn out enough to have a problem with this Kraken if they ran into it before he could rest.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 14, 2009 3:07:11 GMT -5
::From another part of the vessel::
Sinia in her personal cabin, now with her coat off, sitting in a high-back black leather chair that is positioned before a series of monitors and CC-tv screens takes special note to watch Jyo's routine. She presses a button on a remote, filling the eight screens with just one large picture of Jyo in the gym. She watches, analyzing his movements, focusing in as he carried on with his expertly practiced routine. She leans in close to the center screen, fingers toying with her masquerade mask, eyes fixated on this rippling embodiment of masculinity performing the martial arts. She took great delight in the voyeurism, made her feel more like a god sitting on high, omnipresent in her ability to survey all under her domain. After a while of this watching, she flips up a panel on the desk before the monitors, revealing a mic.
"Joanna."
Back in the gym, the girl in the polo-shirt suddenly perks up as the little device in her ear rings, does a quick about-face and goes through a door behind her, leading into a storeroom.
"Joanna, be a dear and coax our guest into the VR machine, I want to see something."
Without a word, Joanna the gym manager emerges back to the spot behind the counter and waits till it appears Jyo comes to a stopping point.
"Sir!" She calls to him, "You may find our VR machine to your liking if you want a bit of a challenge. It's programed to create a number of different battlefield conditions and has a large list of known fiends and well-known advisories and heroes you can spar against. Perhaps you might like to try it out?"
The VR machine is nearly idiot proof, allowing the user once started up to select from various categories in a 'H.U.D' display projected through a set of goggles. All it requires beyond that is a series of electrodes attached to certain parts of the body that channel a persons energy into computer signals, in essence damping their attacks and magic into electrical impulses that the machine reads and recreates in a virtual environment, as to not damage the machine and anything nearby. All of this is briefed and instructed after the user enters the machine and starts it up.
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Post by jason on Sept 14, 2009 3:46:53 GMT -5
Jyo was about halfway through his workout and was doing a Ki buildup, he couldn't manipulate Ki in the way people often thought of when that word was mentioned, but instead he was able to focus on every part of his body at once when he attained full focus. This was a mental discipline and a way to assess his physical condition.
Then the young lady who had greeted him approached him. "You may find our VR machine to your liking if you want a bit of a challenge. It's programed to create a number of different battlefield conditions and has a large list of known fiends and well-known advisories and heroes you can spar against. Perhaps you might like to try it out?"
Jyo thought for a few moments. It sounded interesting enough to give it a try. Giving a nod he stepped inside and found it very easy to operate. Slipping the goggles on and listening to the instructions on how to operate the machine, he was soon making selections. So this stores and transmits things, similar to as if one stepped into a recording sphere in some ways, though I'm sure the process works differently with this. I wonder if what I do can be recorded here. He thought as the program started.
Soon Jyo seemed to be standing in the center of a grassy field. He was a projection now. Looking down he saw his sword, or at least the projection of one, it didn't look as detailed as his own weapon, but that hardly mattered. Then the opponents appeared. Jyo had taken a few moments and looked up Mako enhanced humans and creatures. Now standing before him were several creatures of many varieties and several powerful looking humans with a vast difference in weapons. Unsheathing his weapon, Jyo now held his sword in one hand as lightning began rapidly arcing across his body.
Jyo waited for a few moments before quickly darting in and slashing at a giant armored creature with a large sword. His first strike caught the creature across it's waist, which caused it to step back, before it could regain itself, Jyo had already darted past again and slashed even deeper, the monster fell and dispersed into nothingness. Much like I would, it's unsettling. Jyo thought as his left arm flew up so he could block a two-handed strike with his sword. Twisting the blade slightly, Jyo caused the man to stumble past him and he lashed out with a side-kick to the man's back, sending him to his knees before darting by and slashing at the man's neck, two down and twenty to go. Jyo darted in and would be little more than a blur to those who were not accustomed to combat.
Interesting, apparently I chose a weak batch of enemies, I'll have to try upping it next time. He thought as he parried an attack sent his way and caused the sword used to stab into another foe while he whipped his arm back and slashed at the original attacker. There was one figure staying back for now, this was the one Jyo figured would be a challenge, but he had other foes to rip through.
In slightly over thirty seconds, the only one standing were Jyo and the last opponent. Jyo has used nothing but swordsmanship, he had revealed incredible speed, better than average strength for an adventurer, and a high degree of skill with the blade. The lightning was still constantly crackling around him as he approached the final target.
His opponent had Spiky blond hair, a purple outfit, with an odd gleam in his eyes, and a very large sword. Cloud Strife stood before Jyo Mashima. Jyo had found that this man was indeed a powerful opponent. Skilled with the large sword he carried, powerful with magic, and considered exceptionally dangerous in combat, Jyo wasn't sure how he would fare against this opponent, but as they were in a virtual world, Jyo wasn't concerned. If anything he had a good chance to test his skills against a very powerful person.
There was a few moments of stillness, then they both launched at each other. The blades crashed and while Jyo was able to hold the attack at bay, he could feel the pressure that would easily overpower him if he tried to push Cloud back. Instead he stepped to the side and dropped his blade, letting Cloud pass him. Jyo struck for his opponent's exposed back, but Cloud had already whirled around and the blades met once more.
Blow and counter blow were exchanged for roughly fifteen minutes. Jyo was holding his own, but he was wearing out. If the simulation was accurate, Cloud had been a man only slightly slower, much stronger, just as skilled, and extremely more resilient that Jyo was. Jyo decided to turn it up a notch. expending some of the magical energies inside him, he started moving twice as fast. Now he literally was a blur as he circled Cloud and found an opening. he struck and was then amazed to find that Cloud had blocked him. He can use that as well?! Jyo thought. Jyo knew his ability to double his speed wasn't a rare thing, but for someone like this to harness that ability, no matter how they did it, was a scary thought.
Once again Jyo was being pressed into defense. Then it happened, Cloud struck true. Jyo would have suffered a blow to His right ribs, scored deep, but missing the lungs. He was glad to be in the simulator. Suffering that blow still wouldn't kill him, but it would have revealed something he wanted kept hidden. Jyo feel to one knee and saw Cloud lift his hand. A bolt of lightning jumped out and Jyo grinned in anticipation. he wondered if the machine could copy one of his most dangerous advantages.
It did. Once the bolt struck, Jyo was back on his feet. The simulated shirt still torn, but the body underneath was repaired. Clearly the machine either played fair and didn't give his foes foreknowledge of his powers, or it was being recorded to evaluate what he could do. Either way, the simulator was good at actually making the fake Cloud look surprised. Jyo darted in once more and the two warriors engaged once more.
It was another ten minutes before Jyo lost to Cloud. He was covered in shallow cuts, and now had the buster sword hovering over his head, ready to come down for the last strike. Cloud wasn't faring much better. The simulator had him panting and standing weakly, covered in as many light wounds as Jyo. The weapon came down and the world went blank. Jyo was back in the simulator itself. After unhooking he stepped out feeling slightly odd. This man he faced was clearly powerful, but Jyo was still on the road to unlocking his true ability, he would have to face that man in the simulator once more.
Now outside of the machine, Jyo looked around to see if anyone was there in the gym. He was done for the day and wanted to know if there was a place where he could get cleaned up.
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Post by Miss Sinia Bardi on Sept 14, 2009 4:30:52 GMT -5
Sinia watched from her monitors as Jyo engaged the virtual enemies, she was delighted in how quickly he dispatched the first round of advisories. They were no real match for this man, which was comforting but if he was to challenge this kraken, he'd need to up the ante, which thankfully he did just that. "Interesting..." She mutters, clicking her claws against the keyboard, the screen changes, two of them switching to black with scrolling text. Readouts on Jyo's condition, displaying a number of life-functions. The electrodes he hooked himself up to have been scanning and sending back information about Jyo's physical makeup which have churned out very, very fascinating results. "I wonder..." She types in a command line into the terminal, but keeps her finger away from the enter button, instead the VR battle calls her attention. The battle waged long and hard, keeping Sinia unflinching as both the computer and Jyo took a beating. Finally when it ends in Jyo's defeat, though a close fight, Sinia frustratedly sighs as she moves her hand away from the keyboard. Her fingers grace across a touch pad beside the keyboard and highlight the command line text she entered earlier. :run vrpgrm\ ~LOCI It's quickly deleted as the VR simulation ends and Jyo exits. Disgruntled, she flicks her monitors back to their normal operating cycle and with a heavy sigh pushes back against the chair. "Hope you can fair better against a kraken than you can Cloud Strife." She spits out, talking to herself. "Don't fail me, green-eyes. I don't like failure." With a spin from her chair, she stands, her monitoring station descending into the wall, replaced by a oil painting that falls from the ceiling. Back at the gym, Joanna, noticing that Jyo appears to be done mentions that his personal cabin has a shower and any thing he wishes to be cleaned, he can either leave with her or call up housekeeping once in his room.
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