(no subject)

[assassin-shadow.livejournal.com]

Who: Shadow, Open
What: Following up leads on info about the Heartless
When: Late afternoon
Where: Edge, 7th Heaven
Rating: PG



Traveling from town town, and eventually from continent to continent, Shadow had finally heard word of someone who may have more information on the Heartless other than just 'You mean those black thingies?' The only kind of info that he would get from someone getting plastered at a bar.

But it was at a bar where he was told he might run the chance of finding someone who would be able to fill him in on the source of the Heartless, and if was lucky enough, were to find it. He did make a promise to Terra, Firion, and Locke that he would find out as much as he could.

His eyes read the sign above the entry to the bar. Interceptor sniffed at the ground near the door, then looked up to his master.

"Well I've never been to Heaven." he said to his canine companion. He walked through to the inside, Interceptor naturally scouted ahead of him. The doberman pinscher must have smelled food because the stub that was his tail began wag happily. Shadow walked over to the bar and sat upon one of the stools. It wasn't a theme bar, in fact it had a friendly atmosphere separate from the usual 'BEERBEERBEER' pubs he had met clients in. His eyes looked from picture to picture along the walls, trying to get a feel for the owners of the bar.

Comments

[poshultime.livejournal.com]

Speaking of Poshul, the large pink dog waddled through the crowd. Since she came to the world, she had become a defacto mascot of 7th Heaven. She smiled when she saw a new person enter, this one with a dog. She ran up to the dog as she looked at it. The dog growling slightly as she frowned. "PO-SHU-SHU!"

[blitzeraeon.livejournal.com]

Jecht had wandered into Edge looking for something to do. He'd found it easily in the many dives and barfights such dives brought, but for now he was looking for something quieter. He pushed open the door to the bar, something called 7th Heaven, and noticed immediately the doberman being bothered by some kind of fat, pink dog. "Ho-lee-shit. I didn't think drinkin'd bring on visions 'till I was -really- drunk. That is one pink freakin' dog!" he grinned, and squatted down beside Poshul, immediately forgetting that he was there to drink, scratching at her ears, "Hey there girl. I think you're a girl.. you're pink, after all. Not too manly." he had big hands and strong fingers, but apparantly had run into trouble with animals before, because he wasn't roughing her ears up.

One time, he'd gotten in a fight with a Shoopuff, shortly before declaring himself King of the Shoopuffs. That hadn't gone over well, actually.. Whatever. "What's your name, fellette?"

[assassin-shadow.livejournal.com]

After taking a god look about the bar, discerning who would be knowledgeable and who would be ridiculously drunk Shadow turned his head to look at the tender. She seemed young to be tending, but the black suited ninja never brought up such an issue when it came to one's profession. Especially when he considered his own.

"Your finest steak. Medium rare." he answered as his icy blue eyes scanned the girl's face. She seemed hardened by life upon inspection. "I would also be interested to find someone who could tell me about dark creatures called the Heartless. A tip would be included of course." he added the last part to discourage a false lead.

Then he heard Interceptor growling, which wasn't too surprising. His eyes merely looked down to his faithful attack dog. And the...pink....dog that was talking..? Obviously Interceptor found it to be a nuisance. Before he could command the dog to be silent, it's growl grew deeper and Shadow saw a man who seemed to be about his own age. He seemed to be drunk already as it were, however he had scars that had to have come from battle. A warrior.

Either that or he was incredibly clumsy with kitchen knives. Possibly while drunk.

"The dog bites strangers." Shadow gave his usual fair warning when people got too close to Interceptor.

[kid-cc.livejournal.com]

She chuckled at the sight of Poshul and the other man's dog. It reminded her of he time in Termina where the pink dog got into a barking contest with one of the other dogs near Zappa's house. Hopefully Poshul wouldn't hurt the poor thing...though as she stared in the dog's eyes, she sweated, forgetting that you were NEVER to stare into into the eyes of anyone, even an animal; it was disrespectful and would earn their wrath.

The other man caused her eyebrow to raise even further. He was clearly built for fighting, and no man could take having a paint job like the tattoo on his chest without crying in pain, at least the men she hung around with anyway. Still, he appeared nice, but Kid would have to keep her eye on him; Sephiroth had fooled her, and she didn't want another sneak attack or someone else being kidnapped.

"Comin' right up!" she said, turning around back to the over and gathering her materials. As she cooked and seasoned, she explained the matter as best as she could. The tip may have convinced her more, but anyone who was willing to help take down Sephiroth and his army of darkness was perfectly okay by her. "As for your Heartless, I dunno much. I just got here in this world a few months ago. But I think I know who the blokes are that are responsible for all of this..." She paused, the memories of what Serge had discussed with her filling her mind, along with the day Tifa was kidnapped. She glared at he steak as she said the culprit's name. "Sephiroth. We believe he and his remnants, Loz and Kadaj, are the cause for everythin' involvin' Heartless, includin' the shit that went down in Dollet that me and me mates had to clean up, along with Terra and Aqua. The bastard even took Tifa, the former owner of this here bar, away. Dunno where she is now..."

She glanced back at Jecht. "Oi! When you're done pettin' her, you want a drink or somethin'?"

[poshultime.livejournal.com]

Poshul grinned as the new guy scracthed her head while the ninja mentioned something. "Yeah, I'm a gir. My name'th Pothur!" she said as she laughed, her leg doing that weird dog thing it does when they get scratched. "what'th your name?"

[blitzeraeon.livejournal.com]

Jecht smiled at Poshul, petting her for a moment more before standing, "Thanks for the tip, Mister.. well, I dunno yer name, so what's yer name? ANYway, yeah, see, the thing is that the Heartless have been kickin' around for a long, long time now. Some mouse dude sealed 'em away, so if there're any around, it's gotta be residual. I don't think that, in the case of 'em lookin' that they're reproducin', that they are. More likely," he smiled broadly, and gave a thumbs up, "These jerks are just summonin' 'em from all corners of th'world."

"Long as King Mickey's still in Kingdom Hearts, we know for damn sure it's still sealed up tight." he tromped over to the bar, and sat on a stool, "Mmkay.. lemme see.. I'll have a.. well," he scratched the back of his head, remembering Braska's warnings, "Just gimme a chocolate shake. I'm.. er.. takin' it easy today."

[assassin-shadow.livejournal.com]

The smell of cooking meat made Interceptor stop growling long enough for him to sniff the air, his stub of a tail began wagging, his tongue licking his chops. The dog even managed to look at Jecht without baring it's teeth.

Shadow however was listening intently to the young tender's words. He would have to remember to look into any incidents at Dollet, because first and foremost was this Sephiroth and his, Remnants was it? They seemed to be a focal point to the Heartless, as well as kidnapping. Shadow paused at the mention of the name Terra.

When he had heard the dog and the man ask for his name, he almost wondered if this was a sort of ventriloquist act.

"I am Shadow, I sell my services for the right price." he answered. Apparently the man wasn't the drunkard Shadow pinned him for, at least not today. There were many things he needed to ingrain in his memory. Kingdom Hearts, which apparently was a prison for the Heartless. he made no comment regarding a mouse sealing the Heartless within it.

After all, he had actually met the Abominal Snowman/Sasquatch Umaro...

Awaiting to include his tip when he paid for the steak he had promised Interceptor, Shadow decided to sit down as well. There was more going on here than he had anticipated. Talking dog included.

"I see. That is quite enlightening." he said as he turned the idea over in his head before turning his attention back to the blond girl. "What of this Sephiroth and his gang? Where could I find him?" Shadow doubted that he would be able to simply find this vulgar person in mere passing. Besides, if they had anything to do with the fall of Fynn, he would definitely need to find out and inform his comrades.

[kid-cc.livejournal.com]

Nodding to Jecht, she briefly left the stake alone to prepare his shake, readjusting the heat as to not overcook it; she always preferred perfection in whatever she did. Satisfied with her creation, she placed it on the bar. "I'm surprised. Not many blokes like you order desserts." She shrugged. "Well I ain't complainin'. Enjoy mate!"

Turning her attention back to the steak, she scowled, impatient as always. "Bloody hell..." Gripping tightly on the handle she flipped it in the air, then truly did what she did best: burn. She spat a ball of flame, and watched as the fire danced along the steak, cooking it perfectly. Smirking, she placed in on the plate and handed it to her other, more darkly clad, customer. "Careful, ninjaboy. It may be the best damn steak, but it's still pretty hot." she said with a smirk.

She soon frowned however when the topic of Sephiroth came up. "The bastard and his mates...if we knew how to find him, they'd already be dead, mate. I want to be there when that bloke gets what's coming to him." She sighed, realizing she may not even get that chance, but it was fine so long as the demon was gone. "But until then, Cloud and me other two mates are gonna be searchin' for him too."

"Ugh..."

Kid turned her head at the moaning of her two allies, dragging themselves down the steps, each covered with various wounds. She sighed heavily, shaking her head. "Speak of the devils....You guys really went all out trainin', didn't ya?"

Serge was the first to speak, after sitting himself onto the bar stool. He held his head, his mind swirling in circles. "That hurt like hell...."

Glenn finally collapsed on a nearby table, panting heavily. "You're hurting!? I hit you on the head 128 times yet you are still conscious, while you threw me around like a rag doll!"

"And who's the genius who fires off a thousand elements at once and just tired himself out!" countered Serge.

Kid groaned, hitting her own head against the bar. "Yeah....a lot of good luck they're havin'..."

[lockehunter.livejournal.com]

As the two sparrers came down, Poshul ran over to them, her mind suddenly having a great idea. "Hey, Sergie-poo, Grenn. I courd herp fight thith Thephy guy. He can't be ath bad ath Lynx"

Meanwhile the door opened again as Locke walked in, this was his second stop on his recruitment drive, Aqua and Terra had both recommended these three as good warriors. Locke walked up to the table as he took a seat. "Hi, I'm a friend of Aqua and Terra, we're looking for people who can I fight you know any" Locke said before hearing a familair growl. He glanced to the left as he spotted the black-suited assassin.

"Huh, didnt expect to see you again so soon"

[blitzeraeon.livejournal.com]

Jecht took his shake and leaned back against the bar, sipping at it and frowning. "Hmph, pair of chumps, those two. Sparrin' ain't meant to wind up with the two in a sling, nope. If ya can't pull a punch, y'ain't got no self control and y'ain't meant t'be fightin'." like he was one to talk about self control?

"Wouldn't bother with those two, prettyboy, they're a damn liability. Hell, pick Shadow here, he at least seems competant." he smirked, as cocky as he'd ever been, and why not? Jecht was the Final freakin' Aeon, the most badass thing to happen to Summoners since, well, the Eternal Calm. He finished his drink, and slapped some gil down, shrugging, "Hell, even when me'n Auron were goin' at it, Braska knew the two of us wouldn't be fool enough to come back broken down and beaten up."

He looked at the table bearing the first less-than-stellar combatants, and shrugged nonchalantly, cracking his knuckles, "Best to be movin' on after y'ask Shadow, I guess." he wasn't signing on for anything that he wasn't involved in; wasn't his business.

[assassin-shadow.livejournal.com]

"I'm sure he can handle it." Shadow said answering Kid's warning as he set the plate on the floor before Interceptor. The dog looked at the steak, slightly twitchy, but managed to stay still. After a pause, he nodded to the doberman pinscher. Immediately the dog began to fiercely rip into the steak, sometimes stopping to lick it's teeth before biting off a piece. Satisfied Shadow placed a nice amount of gil on the bar, and then added a bit more for the tip.

He wasn't surprised that she hadn't known the location of Sephiroth. She spoke his immediate thought. If they had known he doubted they would be here hating him. When two incredibly worn out young men arrived, Shadow merely watched them as they sat down.

A familiar voice caught his attention, as did the growling that came from Interceptor. Slightly louder due to the fact he was eating. Shadow looked over his shoulder to see Locke heading towards the bar. He refrained, greatly, from making any sort of comment at Jecht's brusque manner. Despite how true it may have been.

"I didn't expect to see you for a while myself." Shadow replied to his nimble comrade. "I have been gathering information to supply you all with in regards to the Heartless." Of course he would have liked to get a hold of some more solid material, but that seemed quite impossible to obtain. So far, the 7th Heaven had provided him with a great deal of knowledge.

He turned his gaze to Jecht. Either he was a warrior of great skill or had been once upon a time. However, Shadow was never one to coax a man from their path to fight for another cause. If it was to happen, it would. Much like it had been with him. He had no intention of being boon companions with the large faction that had toppled Kefka, yet here he was.

No. He would that task of persuasion to Locke. Although he was quite sure that if it was a woman, Locke's effort would be redoubled.

[lockehunter.livejournal.com]

Locke nodded as he held up a hand. "Give me a beer" he said, ordering the first thing that came to mind as he turned in his seat to face Shadow and Jecht. "I'm good to see some of us are getting good information, Firion and Terra are going to check out the Opera House since they belive the survivors might of gone there, however." L:ocke bit his lip. "A pair of people, a brown-haired guy named Terra and a blue-haired girl named Aqua joined us, and Terra was captured by a man known as Master Xehanort who seems to be the source of this according to Aqua."

He then stood up on the chair as he shouted. "People of this bar, I am putting together a team to take out a man known as Master Xehanort, the same man who created the heartless who have plauged these lands. I need good strong warriors, who's with me!" Locke yelled, knowing Shadow was probaly face-palming right now.

Poshul yipped happily. "Yay!" she said as she turned to Serge. "Can I herp?"

[sergerp.livejournal.com]

Kid half-expected her friends to lunge at Jecht for his insults, but then realized that was what she would do in this situation. Neither seemed bothered, minus the vein protruding from their skulls in annoyance. She was rather steamed as well, had he not also paid up. "Oi! Whenever those blokes train, they always go all out like in a real fight. Tis the curse of rivalry!" she chuckled, taking away the coins of gil and tucking them into the register. Nodding, she was already onto the next order and poured Locke a beer, placing it on the counter, waiting for the fizz to fade.

But then Serge got up, stretching and ridding himself of any kinks left in his body while glaring at Jecht. The man clearly looked as if he had been in some harsh battles, however, Serge had seen these cocky types, and always ended up in a fight with them...and proving how weak they were. "If we wanted training advice from a drunkard with a sweet tooth, we would have asked you. But we didn't, and I am already in a foul mood since yesterday, and am really not in the mood for a pointless argument that doesn't concern you and will no doubt end with you through a window and me on fire courtesy of Kid for breaking a window!"

When Locke had stood on the chair, Kid's eye twitched, fire sprouting from her fingertip. Why was it there always had to be some nut to stand on the furniture and such!? "Get off the goddamn chair before I pour the beer on ya and light you up! I just cleaned the goddamn the place!"

Serge and Glenn had mixed reactions however, overhearing that Terra had been taken. Neither warrior really recalled Terra well, but knew he was the one to help save Dollet. But they both had their own things to do, mainly to find Schala and help Dagger's queen.

But when Poshul asked, Serge sighed heavily. Knowing the dog, she would run off anyway. And he had to repay Terra for his aid. "No..." he smirked, raising his hand as he walked over to . "The two of us are going to do it!"

The Dragoon remained seated however, waving the offer off. "I'll pass. I have other matters to deal with."

[soul-of-artemis.livejournal.com]

Maria let out a sigh as she strolled along Edge's streets. Being from Fynn, an area not very up to date with technology, she couldn't very well get the hang of all these electronics. As could be judged from the bow and quiver slung across her back, Maria preferred weapons and ways of life that were less mechanical and more organic.

She tilted her head as she saw what looked like a bar up ahead of her. Well that certainly looked tempting. A nice drink would do very nicely after what she had to go through.

The archer paused as she entered the 7th Heaven bar. People were standing on the furniture, shouting...seemed she walked in right during Happy Hour, or so she figured. She couldn't resist a little laugh as she strolled over to the bar counter.

"Business is good, mm?" she asked the blonde girl behind the bar as she sat down. "Can I see a menu please?"

[lockehunter.livejournal.com]

Locke nodded as he stepped down from the chair, nodding at Serge. The kid reminded him alot of himself, then again it could just be the simlair clothing style. "Glad to have your help" he said as he turned to Jecht. "We could use your help as well"

As that was said the door entered and a girl stepped into the place and Locke quickly moved over to her. "Hi, I'm Locke Cole, me and a couple friends of me, Terra and Firion are looking for people to help search for the survivors of Fynn and the kidnapper of another person named Terra"

[soul-of-artemis.livejournal.com]

Maria just stared at the thi- treasure hunter with a confused expression. Most of what he said went by too fast for her to even register properly. She froze at the mention of Firion and Fynn, however.

"Did...you say Fynn?" her eyes widened as she grabbed at his collar. "How do you know Firion?!"

[blitzeraeon.livejournal.com]

"Welp.. I'm outta here. Seeya'll then." he smirked and mock-saluted, dusting his hands of the whole affair. He really had more pressing concerns, such as finding Auron or Braska, so Jecht would be on his way. "Nice meetin' ya," he spoke to no-one in particular, before heading out the door, half waving as he did so. Maybe Balamb, or Rabanastre, would have the people he was looking for.

[lockehunter.livejournal.com]

Locke nodded as Jecht left and then yelped in surprise as the blueish purple haired girl grabbed his collar and started interrogating him. Locke frowned as he removed her hands. "Well ya see, me, that guy", he pointed at Shadow, "Firion, a magic user named Terra and some girl named Lani" he rubbed his neck. "We were fighting the heartless after they took over Fynn, why?"

[soul-of-artemis.livejournal.com]

She released him immediately as he spun his tale. Her brow creased as she mulled over this new information. Her eyes glanced over at the ninja for a brief moment before settling on Locke again. They certainly did seem like the type of people Firion tended to be around. Odd, but trustworthy.

'Firion was that close by when Fynn fell?' she wondered. If only he and his new allies had been able to get closer before the Heartless came up. She did remember seeing what looked like a storm far off, with tornadoes and lightning flashing all over a mile or so away. She wasn't able to get a good look since she was busy escorting Hilda and her closest advisers to safety.

"I'm from Fynn as well. Firion is...I suppose you could say he's like my brother." she admitted. "Where is he? Knowing him, he's off looking for Princess Hilda, right? She's safe. We were able to get a good amount of the people away from Fynn before those...things appeared."

[lockehunter.livejournal.com]

Locke nodded, "Aye, we couldn't find any survivors at Fynn, but Firion told me that he found footprints of some, I assume that would of been you guys" he said as he rubbed his chin "It would be nice to know where your friends are, so I can tell him"

[soul-of-artemis.livejournal.com]

"Princess Hilda is in a place called Jidoor. We took her to this opera house first, but a noble in the city offered to let her stay in his mansion while he was off making a business deal in Alexandria." she said. Maria had long since moved back to the bar stool she'd sat in earlier. "She's safe. Guy is with her, as well as a good chunk of the noble's bodyguards. Miss Bartender, do you perhaps know how to make a strawberry daiquiri? I need one like mad."

Maria wished she could talk to Firion, but didn't know what they could talk about. Princess Hilda's whereabouts was a good enough topic, even if it was one she didn't particularly like mentioning too much. There were already too many ears. Especially those of the ninja. Sure, his kind typically didn't blab secrets to the world, but if someone gave him the right amount of gil...

She forced herself away from those thoughts as she noticed Interceptor. She flashed the ninja a grin. "That's a beautiful dog. What's his name?"

[assassin-shadow.livejournal.com]

After Locke had finally stepped down from the stool Shadow had merely eyed the drunkards of the bar who held up their mugs and slurred something completely unrelated to what Locke was speaking of.

"Riveting." he said in usual dark voice.

Unsurprised by Jecht's departure, Shadow watched his dog finish off the last bits of steak, licking his teeth making sure to savor the delicious food. "You make a good steak." Shadow said as he patted Interceptor on the head, the dog wearing a very pleased expression. The addition of the blue haired youth to the Locke's rally caused Shadow to observe him unscrupulously. He seemed to carry himself well despite being exhausted from sparring.

An archer of some skill, judging from the craftsmanship of the bow, had grabbed Locke demanding answers regarding Firion. Knowing Locke had only a few answers, he almost expected the thief to hold her hands and look into her eyes professing his undying aid to her and her friends. A smooth thief, but a thief none the less.

Naturally Shadow had been the only one in the party that saved the world from Kefka to refer to Locke as such. The "T" word was never to be used lightly around Locke.

Licking the remainders off his plate chewing bits of meat, Interceptor was oblivious to the girl. Considering his answer before speaking Shadow said "The dog eats strangers. He's finishing the last one who touched him."

As was his usual approach, Shadow sounded deadly serious as his ice blue eyes moved the from bow on her back up to her face. So this was one of Firion's companions.

[lockehunter.livejournal.com]

Locke glared at Shadow, "Hey, show her some respect, this is a lady." he said before turning back to Maria. "Please excuse my companion, he's angry because he hasn't gotten a job today. So you want me to show you around, I know this place like the back of my hand"

[soul-of-artemis.livejournal.com]

"Eats strangers, huh? Must be a great guard dog then." she laughed, not really bothered by the statement. She waved away Locke's apology and his offer at the same time. He was just a little too eager, she noticed. Though that wasn't necessarily a bad thing, she didn't want to hang around Edge and Midgar long. "Nah, I'm fine. I'm not gonna be here long. Bounties don't catch themselves."

[assassin-shadow.livejournal.com]

Unperturbed by Locke's reprimand, Shadow tilted his head as he shamelessly scrutinized the archer. Interceptor, done with his meal, sat at attention once more, his eyes moving between Locke and Maria ready to growl a warning if they got too close to himself or Shadow.

Again he was a bit surprised when Locke was politely rebuffed. Normally Locke had much more luck with the ladies than King Edgar could hope for.

"No. No they don't." Shadow responded. He supposed he could be called a bounty hunter of some sort even though his main source of income was assassinations since they brought in much more gil. Vendettas, revenge, and hatred have always an expensive hunger to feed. And he was more than willing to collect the fee.

"We must be off as well." he stood from his seat, Interceptor immediately followed the action. "I have a stop or two before I see Terra and Firion to give them what I've learned." he said to Locke as he walked past him and Maria. "Bad luck about the airship."

Whether the last part was for Locke or Maria he did not say, after exiting the bar with his dog, the ninja was gone.