Chapter 1: To Deling

[Storyteller]

Mercurymari83~
Rika remained silent during the briefing, standing against the wall, arms folded, and one foot crossed over the other. She listened carefully to what everyone said, and she fully agreed with Gaiea. They had no choice but to trust this Laice person, but there was no telling what would happen when they finally arrived in Deling.

We never accomplish anything easily; something will definitely go wrong on this mission, I'm sure of it. But there's no point in staying here and not taking a chance. We need that gem, and this is the only way to go about it.
She pushed herself off the wall and strode over toward the door, where Reese motioned for the "ladies" to go first. Resisting a smart comeback, she pursed her lips with a smirk and looked away. Simultaneously, she couldn't help but wonder who could have it in them to betray SeeD and divulge the confidential information.

[Storyteller]

Ani~
"Give me that," Walking over to Blaze and Jun, Stardust snatched the profile and studied it for a bit.

"I'll be holding this," she said sharply, folding the paper and slipping it neatly in her pocket.

Giving another glance to the Headmistress, Stardust saluted and briskly made her way towards the door. She snobbed Reese.

[Storyteller]

Ash~
Blaze studied the picture for a moment, as her teammates crowded around for a better look. Her eyes scanned the picture quickly, but she was inturrupted by a newbie.

"Hey, could I take a look at the picture of the contact please?" Jun asked politely.

"Give me that," Stardust snarled and snatched the picture before Blaze could reply. Stardust folded the picture nicely and slipped it into her pocket, briefly turning to salute the headmistress which was Blaze's cue to steal the picture back.

Never try to steal from a theif. Blaze grinned as Stardust walked out the door with no knowledge of the missing picture. She handed it to Jun as soon as Stardust was out of sight.

"It's not me you have to watch out for," Blaze said to Jun. "It's Stardust and all those men on our team. As far as I'm concerned... she's one of them. I can't trust any males on our team, especially--" She stopped short for she realized that Reese was still in the room.

[Storyteller]

Bunny~
Wolfe absently began playing with Tomoe's hair as Headmistress Xu finished the briefing. It was a comforting thing to do, and Wolfe was plenty nervous. This was going to be his first mission ever since he came back to Garden. He didn't want to screw anything up--it wasn't an option.

"If there are no more questions, you are dismissed," Xu suddenly said, startling Wolfe out of his thoughts. His fingers stilled and he rose to his feet, one of the first to leave the room. The anxiety and tension building up inside him was going to make him do something stupid if he stayed in that room any longer.

Tomoe looked after Wolfe as he left the seat beside her and strode out of the room. ....He's nervous.
/Aren't you?/ Obsidian's presence was comforting and his aura was practically dripping with anticipation for the new mission.

No. Short, succinct, Tomoe was business-minded now. The SeeD Ball was last night, today was the mission, she wouldn't worry about anything else. Maybe except...

"Well we should probably get going, guys..." Zacke glanced around the room and caught her eye. He quickly looked away and headed towards the exit.

Tomoe's lips quirked into a slight, cynical smile. He didn't look like he wanted to even see her, much less talk to her. So much for a quick conversation before the mission....

/You've never felt so disappointed about any male before./

I thought he was special. Besides, what are you talking about? You're male, and I'm always disappointed with you.

/Yes, but I'm special. And also irresistibly cute./

Tomoe laughed inwardly. You wish.

[Storyteller]

QuistisTrepe002~
Dan frowned as he caught the black haired girl's glare. His confusion increased when he saw Terry's little notepad in his hand. "Let's get our stuff," he said, moving towards the exit of the room, ignoring Terry's enquiry into his well-being.

I'm in no mood for this idle chit-chat. Let's get this bloody mission over and done with, so I can go home and be a dad to Geni again, he thought, as he walked out of Xu's office.

With a shrug of his shoulders, he opened the door that led to the stairs.

Colum walked over to where Gaiea stood. "Good morning," he said, a cheeky grin showing on his boyish features.

"When you're ready to go, meet me outside Garden," he said, winking at her, and then leaving the room to pack.

==Dan's Dorm==

Dan threw a few things into his already heavy duffel bag. With a groan, he realised he'd left a pair of his gloves back in FH, along with nearly all his other things.

Looks like Geni took them, he thought amusedly, as he found his other pair.

Being careful to wrap the gunblade up in oilcloth, he packed it carefully.

He heard a sharp rap at the door, and the voice of a certain Ms deUltim could be heard.

With an amused chuckle, he opened the door. "What do ya want, Sym?"

[Storyteller]

Spiffy Goddess of Death~
Noting that the mission briefing was over, Sym rose to her feet and saluted the Headmistress then turned to leave the room. She still had to gather a bit of her potions stockpile and rewrap her feet before leaving on the mission, and the sooner she got to her room the sooner she'd be able to meet up again with the others. Besides, she did need to stretch her cramped muscles out as well.

Walking carefuly to the door, Sym smiled and bowed her head slightly to the one holding it open. At least she didn't have to worry about trying to balance and hold the door, "Thank-you, sir."

Slowly Sym made her way down the halls of the garden, ready to pack up her stuff and leave. First, though, an apology was in order. No matter how fun it had been to poke the living daylights out of her cousin, she was sure that he hadn't enjoyed it at all, his expression at the meeting had been proof of that. Next time, she'd shout before poking him.

Without knowing her tracks stopped in front of Dan's dorm, and she stood there for a moment, thinking of what to say. Sym giggled and shook her head. . . it didn't matter what she said, he'd still be the same no matter what. Probably a bit sore, but laughing inside at the fact that his cousin had poked him awake, "Hey, Dan, you inside? I've gotta tell you something."

She heard a man's chuckle, followed by a gruff "What do ya want, Sym?"

Giggling herself, she entered his room and smiled at her cousin, "Just wanted to say sorry for waking you so abruptly this morning. But you've gotta admit, it was funny."

[Storyteller]

Seiferfetish~
Gaiea started towards the door and stopped short as Colum appeared in front of her.

"Good morning," he said with a grin. "When you're ready to go, meet me outside Garden." He winked and left the room.

Gaiea's eyes narrowed. Trust no one, Gaiea. Everyone is a suspect.

/Besides, who does he think he is, telling you what to do?/

Tilting her head to the side, Gaiea considered. I could meet him. But Ki's right. A couple dances doesn't mean I have to listen to everything he says. When I'm ready to go, I'll go. I don't need a chaperone.

Her eyes met Rika's and a certain understanding passed between them. She walked over to the girl, Kyou standing next to her, and lowered her voice. "You're suspicious too, aren't you?"

/Why don't you suspect her?/

It's just a feeling I have.

Kyou's eyes narrowed as he watched Colum say something to Gaiea, wink, and walk away. He wasn't jealous-definitely not...after all, he was standing next to the girl he liked-but it didn't sit well with him. Judging from Gaiea's expression, she wasn't too happy either.

Of course...she's never particularly happy.

His red eyes drifted down to Rika and he smiled, thinking back on the night before. One of the best nights of my life. He rested a hand on her shoulder and raised an eyebrow at the tension. "What's wrong?" he asked, but Gaiea approached.

"You're suspicious too, aren't you?" she asked and Kyou frowned.

"What are you talking about, Nature Girl?"

Her gray eyes moved to him and he saw judgement in them, which made him bristle. "It's nothing, Catboy." She looked behind her at the entrance. "But can I travel with you two?"

Ahhh...I see. Kyou smirked. Miss I-Can-Handle-Anything doesn't know how to handle someone having a crush on her. But, in a very uncharacteristic move, Kyou nodded. "Yeah, you can travel with us."

He stepped away from the two of them, but his hand lingered on Rika's shoulder. Giving her a smile, he saluted Xu and walked out, calling,"I'm going to pack."

[Storyteller]

Auria~
Zacke stopped in the hallway outside Xu's office, stalling. Once more people started filing out, he noticed Wolfe. He was on the mission too?! Tomoe exited also. He wanted to ask her but he felt nervous. He didn't know what he was nervous about, just an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. If I look anything like how I feel, I must be a mess...and I can't even imagine what that Wolfe guy would do if he saw us talking. Probably bodyslam me or something...

He gave a wary glance over at Wolfe.

/Well he's just being protective of Tomoe. Just like you and Cleo./

I would never yell at Cleo for dancing with a guy, Iris. he thought, irritated. And don't mention her anymore.

He made his way over to Tomoe. /Forgetting her won't numb the pain./

I'm not forgetting her. Now shut the fvck up before I unjuction you.. He lowered his head and muttered into Tomoe's ear, his eyes on Wolfe's back. "That Wolfe is on this mission too?" he straigtened and looked down at her.

[Storyteller]

Mercurymari83~
Rika looked up at Kyou when he placed his hand on her shoulder. She was about to answer his query when Gaiea voiced exactly what was on her mind. "You're suspicious too, aren't you?" She silently listened to the resulting dialogue between Kyou and Gaiea; when he left, she gave a small smile and wave, before he disappeared through the doors.

Rika then turned to face Gaiea and kept her voice low, and the noise of the others filing out kept her from being heard. "Yes, I am indeed suspicious. Hell, everyone else must either be completely oblivious, or hide their doubts very well; something is most definitely fishy around here, and I don't like it."

Rika then looked around casually to make sure that no one was listening and continued, in an even lower voice. "I don't even think it's any regular SeeD that's doing the talking. That was extremely privileged information that got out. Hyne, it disgusts me to think that someone's betraying us for... her. I bet you any gil that there's going to be a nasty surprise ahead for us... we're walking right into the middle of some carefully laid subterfuge. Needless to say to you, but keep an eye out; it could be anyone."

She smirked slightly and took a step back. "I have to refine some spells for the mission, so I'll see you in a little bit." She nodded to Gaiea, turned around and saluted Xu, and strode out of the office.

Rika couldn't help but think to herself, Why is it that I feel I can trust Gaiea? I know her about as much as I know Stardust, but... Anyway, I better keep an eye on those newcomers... and those from the first mission. It could be anyone...

She began to hate herself for being so cynical and paranoid, but she felt that her doubts were well-founded.

[Storyteller]

QuistisTrepe002~
He'd seen Gaiea's gaze as he left the room. He was pissed off.

Storming downstairs, thundering on his brother-in-law's door, he opened it, not waiting for Dan to open it.

"Col!" Dan's expression was one of shock.

"F-ing females!" Colum ranted, "She's just being so bloody cold now," he continued.

Dan chuckled, he was sure he knew what this was about. "Miss Walker, right, Col?"

"F-uck her," Col shouted, now reaching a high temper. "She didn't say anything, and I'm sure she hates me"

Dan laughed, which made Col even angrier. "What're you laughing at, Daniel?"

"The fact that you're insulting every female in the world, and there's one in your prescence," Dan said calmly, pointing to Sym.

"Sh!t!" Colum swore.

[Storyteller]

Ani~
Stardust looked back and noticed that all of her teammates were busy doing something. Either that or some of them were still out of sight.

What are they doing?! she thought as her coolness began to wither. She was getting grouchy again. She didn't even know what kind of transport were they going to use to get there. Wanting nothing but to get to Deling, Stardust bellowed over to them.

“Instead of dawdling with each other, I advice you lowlifes to focus more on the mission!” Stardust glanced around to look at some of the SeeDs in the hallway. It looked like she got their attention.

"So, are we going to ride another airship or what?" she asked impatiently.

/Stardust, that is not a good way to start the day. / Diwata said but it seemed like Stardust heard nothing. She just wanted to meet this SeeD contact, and get this over with.

[Storyteller]

Spiffy Goddess of Death~
Sym had heard the approaching footsteps long before Col had barged into Dan's room, a sound much like a great storm, and had hidden herself in a far corner of the room. From such a vantage point she could listen to the entire conversation without him noticing a thing, or jump out and scare the living daylights out of Col before he saw her. Either way, hiding was wisest, and the most fun, in any situation.

She heard him barge in, heard his entire tirade and Dan's unbridled chuckling, and tried not to laugh herself. He truly didn't notice her standing in the far corner. Had he, Col would have stopped his speech before condoning all women in front of her.

"The fact that you're insulting every female in the world, and there's one in your prescence," Dan's voice cut through, and Sym heard Col swear as he finally clued in to her presence. Honestly, Sym mused, he could have noticed.

"Goddess, Col. Not only do you insult women in front of a girl, but in front of a girl that happens to be your cousin-in-law. Really, that was low. . . ," Sym smiled as she walked up to Col, trying desperately not to laugh at the expression on his face. Soon, it'd turn to one of shock and amazment. All she needed now was a camera.

[Storyteller]

QuistisTrepe002~
Colum's ears turned bright red. He honestly hadn't seen her in the room.

"Sorry, Sym," Colum said, feeling very, very, daft. "If I'd known you were here, I woulda gone somewhere else."

Turning to Dan, he started his tirade again. "What do you mean by cousin-in-law?" he asked.

Dan chuckled. "You're Aly's brother. Aly's my wife. Sym's my cousin. Does that make it clear to you?" he asked.

Colum stormed out. Someone's gonna pay.

[Storyteller]

Lily~
"Hey, could I take a look at the picture of the contact please?" Jun asked the girl politely.

Before she could reply, however, Stardust had went up to them.

"Give me that," She snarled and snatched the picture, slipping it into her pocket, and briefly turned to salute the headmistress.

Before long, however, the girl had somehow stolen the picture from Stardust, and handed it to Jun.

"It's not me you have to watch out for," She said "It's Stardust and all those men on our team. As far as I'm concerned... she's one of them. I can't trust any males on our team, especially--"

She stopped short at that point.

Jun raised an eyebrow, wondering whom she was referring to.
Discreetly, she tried to follow her line of vision, and thought it rested towards the door's direction.

Hmm.... interesting....

Realising she was still holding onto the picture, Jun shook her head, and concentrated on committing the features of the contact to memory.

"Thanks." She handed it back to the girl with a small smile, saluted Xu, and headed towards the door.

"Thanks, Reese." She said, walking past while sneaking a sidelong look at him.

Very interesting indeed...

[Storyteller]

Shadowfoxblight~
Alaxia walked over to Xarin. Her eye's tearing she never thought Lamara would have done this to her.

"Xarin, I'm sorry I didn't mean that I would never do that to someone and I especially would never do it to you."

Alaxzander walked over "Alaxia why are you still talking to that freak?"

Alaxia glared at her brother "Stop calling him that, He is not a freak And if he was he would be my freak."

Alaxzander twitted at the sound of that. Alaxia looked at Xarin and held his hands "I'm sorry, It wasn't me." Alaxzander rested agents the wall

Alaxia looked at Xarin "Please for give me."