Freezing winds blew against the grain of my grey fur, making it flow in a dark manner. I stood, a quiet sentinel as the current guard. I wasn't one to travel from my homeland, so I would only leave when my duty called for it. Since becoming a Paladin, no demons appeared for me to have to deal with, so I did my best to merely do my duty. Today was my day to guard Mt. Gagazet and my Village from any fiends, as well as stopping any wanted criminals and such. I stood dutifully over my post at the entrance to my village which served as a passage to Mt. Gagazet. I looked onwards with sleepy eyes and without sound, I stared out to see who would enter, my shift was soon coming to an end, only a few more minutes.

Jayda's boots were merely shuffling through the gravel against the dirt path with slow, sliding steps of her worn out suede boots as her furrowed brow glared at the device in her hand. As the winds blew again, one of her hands slapped against her beaten cowboy hat that was once white, but now rather a grungy beige with a few mud stains. Luckily her beaten long duster coat was zipped up to protect her from the frigid temperatures as the fingers of her other hand continued struggling to get her hand held device to work properly.


Finally, her bright hazel eyes looked ahead for the hundredth time to see a lone figure standing off in the far distance, and as she ventured closer, Jayda could easily tell it wasn't a human. With her bountiful knowledge of countless races throughout so many worlds, she quickly identified the lone figure as a Ronso. She knew their reputation to be a proud race, and most weren't the hostile type unless their territory or comrades were threatened. With a boost to her hopes and her steps, Jayda trudged up the path through the whipping winds and waved to the Ronso with an eager smile and calling out with her usual thick southern accent. "S'cuze meeee!!! Ah think Ah'mma lost, sir! Mah locator seem'd tah take a fart an' Ah needs tah find sumplace called the Moonflow tah help out sum Hypellos....." By the time she reached him, Jayda was a little out of breath and chuckling at her misfortune at being lost. "Yew can be honest.... jus' how dopey lost am Ah?"

My eyes probably weren't betraying me at this point, but what I believe I saw was a stereotypical cowgirl, walking towards me. Not to say this was unbelievable, as one can never know what one can get from travelers. As she got close enough to me, I heard her start asking of her location, as she was apparently trying to get to the Moonflow. Her linguistic skills were heavy on the ears, but she was understandable. Besides, I didn't have much to speak for myself in the area of linguistics. "Few hundred miles... too far north," I said in my nearly incoherent Ronso speak. I looked at her wearily, trying to see if I recognized her from somewhere... but nothing seemed to ring a bell. "Never seen you, who are you Human?" I inquired.

Jayda's hazel eyes slowly widened with disbelieve at the Ronso's answer. Her jaw nearly fell to the ground. "A few... hundred miles!?!?" She sputtered in shock for a few moments trying to figure out how she came to be so horribly lost before slumping her shoulders in disbelieve with a great heavy sigh. She spared a deep scowl at the worthless device still in the palm of her hand before shaking her head solemnly and slipping the device into one of her coat pockets.

After slowly sliding her hat off in defeat, Jayda looked back up to the tall Ronso with weary eyes. "Name's Jayda.... Ah'mm frum anuther planet, which is whay Ah'mm sew lost. An' whut would beh the name tew the honorable Ronso Ah'mm speakin' to?"

I looked upon the female human as she almost collapsed with what I could only assume was both confusion and disappointment. Something that was a common thing to feel when hopelessly lost. I felt compelled to apologize because it felt like it was sorta my fault, "I sorry." I was still getting into the swing of this whole common language being spoken differently as she spoke a nearly incomprehensible jumble of hard to translate common. Trying to get what info I needed out of it, I could only decipher her name, Jayda, a telltale-sounding 'another world', then what I could roughly translate as an inquiry towards my name. I looked at her carefully, and deducted that she wasn't a bounty, at least that anyone would bother hunting, and I decided to give an answer. "I... am Lonan Ronso," I said having a hesitation in my speech so that I could use proper common for a moment, so that I would have had a proper introduction

Jayda couldn't help but at least force a weak smile up at the Ronso who appeared a bit taken back by her unexpected visit, as well as how to possibly handle her predicament. Although he seemed slightly uncomfortable or confused, she at least appreciated his gentle tone with her, which one would least expect from first sight of such a race. Although quite tall in stature, as well as obviously powerful by their feline physique, Jayda had often heard people describe Ronso's as soft spoken.


As the winds picked up again, Jayda didn't give a care this time as to how her long auburn hair was tussled about as she looked up at Lonan again with a sigh through her smile. "Well nice tah meet'cha, Lonan.... umm..." Her bright hazel eyes shifted nervously about their mountain surroundings, yet not out fear. She simply felt embarressed for her own directional mix up. "Since the Moonflow seems tah be sew very far away.... wuld yew happ'n tah know where I can gets me a guide? Them little Hypello critters are countin' on me tah be there..."

I was actually a little worried for this person. I could probably have mentioned that the global positioning systems that would lead to the moonflow didn't exist without the aid of an Al Bhed system hacker, but since I was a Paladin of Yevon, I was never to speak of those blasphemers. Nothing against them, but it wasn't good to use. I shrugged, "I guess I can show Jayda." It was a Paladin's duty to aid civilians to find their path. Metaphorical or not, I was as well versed in the geography of Spira as any tour guide.

I nodded and heard more footsteps. "Guard is changing... I free for 3 days to lead you there," I said as I started walking forward. The new guard taking my point as the guard for the next couple of hours, I was set to go on ahead. "Please follow, and keep guard up. Calm lands full of fiends, dangerous," I spoke. With that I started twirling my Bahamaut Kunai around my finger. It was skillful, but it was also very impatient looking. I wasn't upset, but I had a nervous habit of seeming impatient.

Jayda's face lit right up as if someone surprised her with a new puppy when she heard Lonan's offer, even if he spoke with monotone in his voice. "Aw Lonan! I can't thank yeh enuff! I'll ev'n pay ya fer yer servcices once we get thar!" A huge sigh of relief swept through her lips just as another Ronso appeared to which Lonan explained was the next guard to now relieve him of his duties. She gave the newcomer a friendly wave, but as all Ronso's were, she received a skeptical glance before a curt nod as the new guard passed by them.


She nodded eagerly to Lonan's instructions, having to trot at times between her walking pace to keep up with the Ronso's long stride, but she didn't mind at all while making sure that her pistols were loaded and the safety check to each of them before holstering them at her hips again. Presuming Ronso's weren't much for casual chit chat didn't harbor the young gunner's friendly social nature as she shuffled up to Lonan's side again to keep up with him and with a beaming smile. "Seein' as we gawt quite the trek ahead of us, might as well geyt better aquainted, righ?" She started off by holding out her slender hand towards him in a hand shake offering. "Ah know we alre'dy introduced ourselves, but it sure is nice o' ya tah help me out! So what else do Ronso's do fer fun besides guard mountains and help wayaward lost folks?"

As I continued my escort and Jayda began following, I heard profuse gratitude from her. As she said something about paying me, I had to interrupt that portion, "You do not have to pay. Lonan take you because it my duty as Paladin of Yevon." As the walking continued even further... she started to try and acquaint herself with me. I was friendly enough I suppose, but my soloist attitude made me a little weary of things. She was asking what we did for fun aside guarding mountains and escorting travelers. "Well actually..." I began, "Ronso are proud race who learn from fiends how to fight. We travel and accept all challenger, be them fiend or person. I not enjoy such luxuries. Yevon's teachings make me only fight fiends and hellspawn." I looked at my twirling kunai, with a blink and saw that there was getting to be a feint pink glow to it. "Darkness lurking ahead..." I said.

[ ┌∩┐(◕_◕) to you, Mr. Sephiroth]

Fury had seen Jayda at the front of the small Ronso village he had been sent to by Shade to establish a trade route. The fact that he had seen her there at all piqued Fury's interest. What in the hell was she doing out there? Fury quickly finished up the negotiations with the village leaders as soon as he saw her and began to follow her down the winding road. Seeing her with the Ronso made him smile, she always did find a way to surround herself with animals, even if they weren't really animals.

He followed her along further, and was just about to leave when someone emerged from the shadows.

Sephiroth

Fury remembered him from when he had invaded his home and tried to make off with his girls. Luckily, Fury was too far away and too well hidden for the one-winged angel to see him. It was then that he activated his cloaking. He watched as Sephiroth activated his mischievous spell, ensnaring Jayda and the Ronso in it's deadly grasp. It was time to move. Fury crouched, tensing his leg muscles as the AMP technology took hold. He then silently took off into the sky, the AMP tech sending him soaring into the air above the group. As he floated there a moment, looking down on them before starting his decent, he activated the beacon to his ship, summoning both Dusty and the rest of the crew.

He made himself like an arrow in the sky as he descended. He was moving faster than he ever had before. He had to get there, because.. because this just won't happen. He won't allow it. His arm fought against the g-forces as he reached for the grenade on his vest. He was almost there now. There was no way for any of them to know he was there. He thought how Jayda must feel right about now, afraid that she was going to die. But there was no other way. Fury's hand grasped the grenade and pulled. This was it.

He flipped in the air, and tossed the grenade, which was just as invisible as Fury was. It flew and dashed against Jayda before exploding, sending a puff of ice out that dissipated the spells that constricted her. Unluckily for the Ronso, it only effected one person so he would still be stuck.

Fury didn't have much time to do anything other than that, though. He finished his flip, bringing himself around to face Sephiroth. And then collided with him. Since he was completely invisible, there would be no way that Sephiroth would be able to respond to him. Fury's body crashed into Sephiroth with such force it created a crater around them. He tumbled along, grappling the one-winged angel the whole time until they came to a grinding stop. Fury lay on his side next to the man and started to try and stand. He felt a sharp pain in his side and when he looked down, he was surprised to see Sephiroth's famous sword piercing his side. He chuckled as his vanish dissipated, making him appear next to Sephiroth. He drew his pistol out and aimed it at the man laying next to him and said, "I think she can tell me herself."

Just then, the Kestrel appeared in the sky and aimed all of it's guns down at the two. Dusty roped down from it and landed next to Jayda. He pulled out his shotgun and aimed it at Sephiroth. This was about to get interesting.

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Cryo-grenade

Cloaking Device


800 - 50 - 30 = 720 MP remaining

Class Ability: Steal used on Sephiroth's sword.

Being caught off guard in such a stupid way already had Jayda angry enough, but to be caught unawares by one such as Sephiroth was the worst scenario anyone could foolishly walk right into. Just as her hands instinctively went for her pistols at her sides, her body suddenly went still, only able to breath until something unforeseen gripped around her throat, constricting her breathing while lifting her slowly completely off the ground. Jayda could only glare her hatred and silent threats at his arrogant grin as he taunted her, while various ways to may him suffer went spinning through her mind, mostly starting with chopping off his ridiculous hair.


It wasn't until he mentioned Fury that her sanity nearly snapped. Was it some form of hint that Fury would be Sephiroth's next target? Then she thought of the girls.... and Jayda's instincts went ballistic. Every ounce of her rage went into her fierce will, somehow forcing her limbs to snap free into a kicking frenzy, yet Jayda still found herself ensnared by whatever power had her by the neck and tightening fast.


What came next was a flurry of actions that left the young gunner thoroughly confused due her struggle for air and limited movement. All she knew was Sephiroth was suddenly tackled before her own body was tossed aside and collapsed to the ground. Through her frantic rasping coughs, Jayda heard the familiar voice that led her eyes to widen in disbelief, and now staring in shock when seeing Fury several feet away on the ground and bleeding by Sephiroth's sword. Even though Dusty was at guard beside her, one doesn't think smart when caught up by sudden waves of emotions that led her to tear off after Sephiroth from behind with her guns blazing their rounds at his back. Even though she knew of Sephiroth's abilities, even if she didn't hit him, at least the distraction would buy Fury more time.

Suddenly my blade's runes wet from a light pink to a crimson blood red. I saw that there was a huge evil before me... and man with a single wing with long silver hair, holding the longest nodachi that I had ever laid eyes on. Along with him were three things that I could deduct were summons. Suddenly there were way more runes around me, glyphs and such, the same that were surrounding Jayda. I could only get myself the hell out of there, as I made a handseal, and replaced myself with a crudely put-together wooden replica of myself and hid just behind a large mound of snow. I kept my breath silent, and saw that Jayda was saved by a man who managed to get the dark figure's sword away from him. Jayda looked dazed, and I became immediately worried. I would say nothing as people would soon come to notice my escape. I remained completely silent, and made another handseal, and I was suddenly under the Vanish Status, completely invisible now.

---

Spells Used
Ninja Art: Replacement - 30 MP (20 Remaining)
Vanish (Class Ability- Ninja) 1/5 posts consumed.

((OOC: The clock is ticking.... Fair warning, I'm posting within hours.))

And Lonan, you're spells are null and void. You know the rules. You posted your Profile AFTER you posted.))

((OOC: Let's see..... I waited 4 days.... I think that was long enough for anyone who wanted to jump in))



Just as Sephiroth was about to deliver his finishing strike on the pathetic girl, his body was suddenly lurched through the air by some unseen force that led him to crash hard against the ground with a violent roll, but finely trained instincts brought him swiftly on hands and knees to stand once more and discover the very one who attacked him. His teal shaded gaze narrowed with what appeared to be amusement, rather than threatening, as Sephiroth smirked at the man upon the ground pointing his gun straight at his chest. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, Mr. Leonhart. Although I must applaud you for effort and stubbornness." With a slow blink and a slight tilt of head, he sensed another weapon aimed at his back by the faint click echoing into the air. Yet Sephiroth's arrogance chose to remain upon the blood spilling from Fury by the mishap of the Masamune striking through the man due to his careless attack. ”Still.... I would think you much smarter in your tactics, Fury. How disappointing.” His hand slowly extended, using his Dark Manipulation spell to rip his sword from Fury's side and securely back into his own hand before hearing rushed footfalls coming from behind him.


Using his Samari ability, he dodged every one of Jayda's bullets, as his Manipulation Magic now turned on her, lifting her form from the ground and bringing the girl's back up against his chest to block whatever attempted fire from Fury's gun should he shoot before blasting another blow of Darkness energy into the ground to produce a massive wave of snow and dirt into Dusty's direction to obscure his vision as Sephiroth leaped into the air to land beside the helpless Ronso. Seeing the threat of the airship within the sky, Sephiroth knew there was no time to be wasted by mere pests and gathered his powers once again to grip the feline creature by invisible force to then toss his feeble form hard into the mountain wall alongside the trail to then transfer the the energy of darkness into the rock to have a landslide come crashing down. "Why I do believe this is becoming quite entertaining."


Knowing the multiple weapons upon the airship would prove quite the challenge, Sephiroth produced the same wave of snow and dirt again from the very ground to cloud the entire area with debris. What one couldn't see, one couldn't strike. With his silent, fluid movements, Sephiroth was found still directly behind Jayda after the dust settled with his long blade stretched across the girl's neck and pressing against the skin, nearly breaching through the flesh over the jugular. Now.... Sephiroth's heightened gaze returned to Fury with a slow sneer lifting his upper lip. ”Checkmate, my friend. What will it be, hmm?”


[url=http://finalfantasy.forumsmotion.com/t3724-dark-manipulation ]Darkness Manipulation[/url] x 5= 100MP
Click name for spell information if needed