Putting a few continents between himself and Alexandria for a while turned out to be a good idea for the assassin who had murdered Queen Brahne. Awaiting contact from his mysterious employer was becoming a test of patience, especially for the incredibly hefty sum of gil he was promised. Looking for clues to who this contract was with was Shadow's new goal. Waiting games weren't his forte. Thus he found himself headed in the direction of Balamb which had one of the Gardens he had heard of that sent their SeeDs on various missions. Why travel the world looking for clues when you can ask others who might already know who the Queen's enemies could be?

While he was thinking of these things Shadow's dog Interceptor stopped it's trot and gave a half bark in the direction of the ocean. Looking from the doberman to the beach Shadow spotted a figure standing in the small beach nearby. Quietly walking to the young, blond girl the ninja gave Interceptor a silent command with his hand and the dog walked behind him keeping silent. Being close to ten feet away from her Shadow looked down at her as she faced the sea. His ice blue eyes darted from the sketchbook in her one hand and paintbrush in the other. Everything about her so far reminded him strongly of Relm.

"........"