Justifying Curiousity (OPEN)

[Arleen Reinhart]

As things had been going, I had decided that is would be a good idea to get to a city, rather than run around and explore, risking the chance of getting attacked by monsters and numerous other possibilites. I had decided it would be a good idea to enter the city, which I now found out was called Luca. I don't really know if it was a good idea or not, but it certainly reminded me of home.

I stood in the central plaza of the place, just observing things. I had taken the liberty to thoroughly explore the city right as I'd entered it. It was a lively, bustling city, much like home. However, it didn't have a similar "feel" too it. It felt like a place of sanctuary; not like home felt, but a similar type of sanctuary nontheless.

When I was exploring, I came across a giant stadium, with... a floating ball of water, I had no other way to describe it. Inside the ball, there were people playing what looked like a sport. I had been so confused that I exited the stadium immediately. If I ever have any free time, I might go back and investigate, but for now, I didn't need more confusion added to what was already in my mind.

I sighed heavily and walked over to and sat down on the side of the fountain that graced the middle of the plaza. After the small events I had had in what I now knew as "The Calm Lands", the peace in this place was refreshing. I slipped the beret off my head and let my hair flow free, setting the symbol on my lap. The people here were happy, almost in a carefree manner, but that probably was because of the feeling of this place. Or that was what created it.

It made me homesick.

I smiled slightly, almost laughing at the depression I was feeling. My current homesickness reminded me of when I first entered the academy. At first I was so timid and complacent that I had all the grunt work shoved on me. However, after a while, when I was able to meet my parents again, I'd changed. Drastically, it was almost like flipping a switch. It had been so suprising to other people, that I'd shot to a commanding position within the group I was in like it was natural. However, this time, the learning wasn't so straightforward. That was life though.

I crossed my right leg over my left, crossing my arms and closing my eyes, contemplating. I had told Auric I would meet sometime after I had explored around the area, and if it was impossible, to find me at Cocoon in two weeks. The task of getting back to the intended meeting spot seemed impossible now, so the only way would be finding my way to Cocoon. If all went well, it wouldn't be too hard of a journey, however, nothing had seemed to be any less than difficult thus far.

For now, I should just rest here.

[Gideon Uriela]

Gideon, the EX SOLDIER turned avid traveler made his way to Luca a few days prior by boat. His extended stay afforded him the time to partake in the many amenities of the city by the sea. It was a place of tranquility and positive energy much like his homeland of Wutai. In fact Wutai and Luca were so eerily similar that Gideon felt almost as if he never left home. The salty sea breeze, the seagulls' shrill cries, the sun held all beneath her in a warm embrace of summer time bliss. At the pub, Gideon was confronted by a group of blitzball players who acknowledged him for his size and apparent physical abilities. The rest is history, Gideon immediately fell in love with the sport, learning all there was to know about it like the proverbial sponge. From sun up to sun down he spent most of his time at the stadium practicing blitzball.

Moreover he sidestepped the little dilemma of not being able to hold his breath for an insanely long time like the other players with the help of an underwater materia although he didn't let them know that. With practice and fine tuning he was turning out to be a real prospect for blitzball. His talents lead him to be best suited as a forward, his athletic ability allowed him to develop into an all around player. His strength and long limbs came into play in the more aggressive aspects of the game as well as catching and intercepting the ball. One day in the middle of an intense training session Gideon happened to be at the edge of the sphere and noticed a peculiar woman enter the stadium. It was evident that she was a foriegner much like Gideon himself, judging from the way she was dressed she probably held from one of those more advanced civilizations.

In that moment Gideon forgot that he was the ball carrier until he was dog piled by two of his training buddies that tried to wrestle the ball away from the giant of a man to no avail. Cutting practice for the day short he hurried out of the sphere in hopes of catching her as she left the stadium to no avail, now tired and wet long inky strands of hair clung to his amber skin the glistened in the sunlight. Perhaps he would run into the woman somewhere else he wondered although he knew that was just wishful thinking. Exiting the quaintness of the stadium the EX SOLDIER casually strolled the city streets garnering the attention of the people who've seen him train with the Luca Goers and their prospects. Gideon hopped to actually play for them one day or even start his own team in Wutai what a great tourist attraction that would be, but only time would tell.

Tipping towards the convenience he noticed the woman sitting by the fountain, fortune smiled upon him this day indeed she didn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon so Gideon decided to go into the store and buy a couple of energy drinks one for him and one for her that is if she would even accept it. Casually he made his way over to her sitting beside her on the bench. He looked at her for a moment before he spoke taking a moment to analyze and pickup little clues about what type of person she might be. Her attire seemed to be a uniform that could most likely be armed forces. Taking a gander at the beret sitting on her lap it validated his suspicions. To be honest she was a fairly attractive one Gideon hadn't seen a woman of her caliber for sometime. Why did such a pretty face seem so sad, a deep velvety voice that lacked a noticeable accent called out to her."Hey you're the one from the stadium earlier." It came out more like a question than a fact.

[Arleen Reinhart]

I looked up at the voice that invaded my silence in slight shock. It was highly distinctive, and seemed comforting. I first was looking at his chest, then I followed the expanse up until I found his face. He was a larger man, almost intimidating, but I had seen his kind before, and I'd learned to manage around them. After all, I'd had to command some such soldiers before. My short experiences still left me with a little awe and uneasiness around them though, and I sometimes found it awkward, but I dealt with it.

Regardless, he confused me with his question. So I had been noticed on my little bout into the stadium? It hadn't been a long stay, it was more of an inspection and look around than anything, but I apparently had been noticed. Should I be flattered, or worried that I stuck out that much? I readjusted myself into a relaxed position, keeping my legs crossed and leaning back with my hands against the bench, stretching slightly. "I did go in there to look around a bit, but I didn't stay long. Did I stand out that much?" I asked, frowning at him.

With all regard to his size and stature, he didn't seem to be menacing, or threatening. If anything, he was like a "friendly giant". The likeness almost made me giggle. Almost. My frown had turned into a slight smile due to my thoughts before I addressed him again. "How about you? You had to be there to see me there, right? Were you looking for me or something?" I was smiling slightly, and my tone conveyed my amusement.

Maybe I could distract myself with this for a while.

[Gideon Uriela]

He had startled her, it wasn't Gideon's intention but what other way could he have gone about getting her attention? At first her eyes fell upon the man’s bare chest, droplets of water still coursed down is his wanton flesh. Finally their eyes met, jade optics peered down and across at the women, they carried something lambent about them a misty green glow it was part of his mystique. Generally people were uneasy around him due to his of intimidating size and consistent scowl, although it wasn't actually a scowl it was just how he looked. It seemed that his daunting persona didn't affect this woman in the least, how very curious. Maybe she didn’t scare easily or had grown accustom to being around big burly men all the time which gave more credence to his belief of her possible military background.

The giant of a man lightly nodded as she vindicated his earlier assertion then her own inquiry gave rise to a nefarious grin as the man spoke. ”Almost as much as I do.”He stifled a small chuckle as he continued. Not many women are gifted with your [charms/i], and the fact that you look like a soldier doesn’t do you much justice either. The last part was spoken more dryly insinuating its humor. The woman gave off the appearance of a delicate flower, even with her face scrunched and brows furrowed she was adorable. Not what one would expect of a soldier. Gideon’s rough style of play had finally caught up with him through the days pretty much every inch of him experienced an ache or a pain but he was use to such a gift granted from his life as a former super soldier. He stretched a little a host of pops and crackles resulting in his motion, afterwards he turned to face her more directly.

Just then her expression changed it seemed that she wanted to laugh but something held it back nevertheless she smiled. Gideon wondered what brought about the sudden change.”Hmm?” His head tilted to the right slightly as a brow peaked with curiosity. Casually he moistened his parched lips as she posed her question.…Yeah, I was there… practicin’ with the Goers when this blond bombshell walked in and broke my concentration. He cracked open energy drinks taking a large gulp that ended in a sigh of satisfaction. Looking to her again another can was held loosely in his hand supported by a limp wrist that shook it lightly.”Hey want one, you look hot.” His emphasis on the word hot alluded to the shameless double entandre.

[Arleen Reinhart]

The man's words made me blush slightly, but I tried to keep my demeanor. File and rank were no longer a factor, I couldn't discipline him for hitting on me. I had always avoided such confrontations in my time among the Guardian Corps that his sudden blunt behavior startled me. He was complimenting my appearance, so I felt happy, but I just didn't know how to respond to his advances. Boys around me when I was growing up were afraid of my father and mother, so I'd never had such things happen to me. It was a situation I hadn't been in before.

"U-um, thank you." I replied, immediately chastising myself for the obvious nervous tone I had. So what if I hadn't ever been in a position like this before? It made no difference if all I did was blush and stay meek. Besides, this was somewhat... fun. "Well then, if I look so hot, then maybe this will cool me down?" I smiled and took the can from his hand, which was definitely larger than mine, and studied it a moment before opening it. It didn't seem to be anything to peculiar, but it's always best to look beforehand, so as not to be surprised. I took a sip from it to taste it, and found I liked it, so I took a drink from it, absorbing the new taste.

"What is this?" I asked, wondering at it slightly. It tasted like something I could obtain back in Cocoon, but it had a different texture to it, and slightly different sensations. i liked it, but it was exotic to me, and therefore seemed extremely foreign to me.

[Gideon Uriela]

He could tell that his words were winning her over, her cheeks were painted with a rosy pastel although she kept a straight face, was she playing hard to get or was she simply not use to this sort of treatment because of her occupation? Women in the armed forces sometimes tend to forget the small things that make them women while they try so hard to survive in a male dominate field. She stammered slightly as she spoke Gideon could tell that she was thoroughly flustered from the sound of her voice it was cute. Gideon smirked and nodded along. By her reply it seemed that she was starting to loosen up a bit perhaps this was all a new experience for her and Gideon had the pleasure of being her first. ”Yeaaah...” He managed to get out through a chuckle, the woman had a nice smile that made Gideon feel the need to smile as well.

After she took the can he took another sip from his own and allowed his arm to rest along the back of the bench. He watched as she examined the can, smart girl she knew better than to take something from a complete stranger and not question it even if it didn’t appear to be open. Testing the waters she took a sip she must of liked it because she drunk some more. ”Taste good don’t it?” He replied in earnest. It’s a new drink that was made to keep blitzball players energized but it just so happened to taste really good so they started to sell it to the public it’s called Blitz(Cause Goer-Aid sounded too corny lol)‘The official drink of the blitzball league’.” He mimicked a Luca accent making fun of one of the announcers that advertise the drink.

The large man offered the petite woman his hand.”Gideon.” They had already started a conversation without even knowing each other’s name, funny how people take to each other sometimes.”So where are you from? I’m from Wutai a nation much like Luca just smaller.” It seemed like a proper question to ask it wasn’t too invasive.

[Arleen Reinhart]

The man's mimicking voice made me laugh. the phrase sounded as corny as what would be said back home. It seemed like advertisements for products as such had a similar constant, even if you're from a different world. There was one thing that was confusing me though. but I would ask him about it later, as it didn't seem important. I took his hand, still smiling. "Arleen."

His question didn't surprise me; it was a common thing you'd ask someone you had just met, or someone you wanted to get to know better. I kept a slight smile, but the topic of "home" wasn't a happy one for me. "I'm from a place called Cocoon. It's..." I paused for a moment, trying to think of how to describe it. "... it's bigger than this place, much bigger..." I stared down at my drink for a second before turning to Gideon.

"So... what is this thing you call, 'blitzball'?" I had to get on to a different subject, and I was partially interested in it actually was. No doubt a sport of some kind by its name, but the details would ellude me until I asked about it. It seemed like something of big renown in this town called Luca.

I wondered slightly at what it was like.

[Gideon Uriela]

The playful mockery begat a laugh from the other, keeping peoples spirits high had somewhat became one of his skills as he found himself a mentor amongst the new recruits it inspired them to hear from a SOLDIER FIRST CLASS, someone who has been there and done it all for better or for worse, SOLDIERS like he became icons for the lower ranks they all strived to be like him while he strived to be like Sephiroth, a man he once held in the highest regards, a man who was deemed a hero after the Wutai war. It was strange how your idol could just as easily be your worst enemy given the circumstances. Arleen was her name, which was kind of funny he was expecting something more exotic.”Ohhh Arleen? ” She briefly described where she was from, Cocoon sounded like a very interesting place.

Gideon wondered if he’d be able to go there someday.[]color=scarlet]”Sounds like a cool place, mind taking me there someday?”

[/color] Arleen averted her gaze for a moment and Gideon took another sip of his drink already starting to feel refreshed, he began to wonder what was actually in it the stuff was like ether. She inquired about blitzball, a sport that has existed for a long time in the Spira Universe, Gideon cleared his throat before replying.”It’s a sport that existed for a long time in Spira, it was created by an ancient civilization that may have been just as advanced as where you’re from. Anyway it was adopted by Yevon, Spira’s dominate religion. It’s fast pace and hard hitting a lot like rugby just underwater. The position I play is called a forward, that’s the guy up front in the middle who’s the primary scorer and apart of the first line of defense. ”

He looked to her curiously to see if rambling sufficed as a understandable explanation.”Anythin' else you wanted to know?”[/justify]

[Arleen Reinhart]

I listened intently as he described the sport called "Blitzball". It seemed like an interesting thing, being actually adopted by a religion and all, but it was hard to believe at the same time. What was "Yevon"? what's more, was this man, Gideon, played it? He seemed to have adjusted well to this place, considering he said this wasn't his actual "home". I smiled up at the man in mixed wander and curiosity.

What drove him to do the things he did?

"No, that's all." I mulled over the information he just dispensed a moment, taking another sip from the drink. Could I take him to Cocoon? It was possible that he could come with me, but why did he want to go? Did he not enjoy the time he spent here? "I could take you to Cocoon, yes. I'm trying to get back there now." I replied to his earlier question, frowning slightly. If I returned to Cocoon, what would I find there? If I set off now and left this city, would I make it there?

No clear answer seemed to be in sight.

[Gideon Uriela]

Gideon knew that, that maybe it was a lot to swallow for some people at one time. Especially someone of Arleen’s background she came from a different world. To be fair Gideon did as well but Gaia was a mixture of things ancient and new, technological and cryptic. Yevon was a subject that Gideon wasn’t well versed in himself at this point, all that he knew was it was the religion of choice among the people of Spira. A part of people a good soldier and human was the ability to adapt. Gideon at heart wasn’t what you would call a ‘people person’ but he had to overcome his introverted nature to better communicate. Arleen smiled at her new acquaintance and he grinned back amiably, his long raven colored fringe was finally drying out becoming curled at the ends and he took a moment to gather his hair into his hands combing it back into a faux ponytail.

Gideon was a man who was experiencing midlife crises early on in his years, after the war he had lost everything he had come to know and love. Being a soldier was his life and he was forced to give all that up to protect his homeland from the very faction he proudly use to represent. After that nothing wasn’t the same Wutai wasn’t the same, the world wasn’t the same, he wasn’t the same. He became a wanderer doing odd jobs for money. He once played the role of body guard to an obnoxious man named Don Corneo, needless to say that union didn’t last long. After the merging of the worlds, Gideon was adamant about learning everything these new places had to offer. Maybe he felt he could find a new path in life for himself this way. She agreed to his request but something seemed to be bothering her.”What’s wrong?”

The velvety tenor called out to her with a genuine concern as he scooted a little closer. Then he realized something Cocoon, he had heard of the place before, it was the great spherical structure looming in the sky, its hull seemed to have sustained a great deal of damage on one side which made him wonder.”Are your people at war?” It was a random question but it didn’t go unfounded, her appearance her was unusual people from the more advanced civilizations tend to avoid places of less technological advancement unless they needed something like resources. Moreover he was fairly certain she was in the military although he didn’t know if it was wise to ask her outright.”Why are you in a place like this if you don't mind my asking?” He was beginning to pry a little but tried to be as accommodating as possible people feel less threatened if they didn’t feel forced to answer such questions.

[Arleen Reinhart]

Why am I here?

It was a question I ought to ask myself more often. In all honesty, I had no clue why I had stopped in this place. I hadn't been running low on supplies or any other essentials, it just caught my eye. I had more urgent things to attend to than to sate my own curiosity about new places, yet I couldn't help but feel uneasy about leaving this place. Was I afraid?

I sat and mulled over his questions for a few seconds, uncertain of how to answer him. Cocoon was at war, as far as I knew, but I didn't know with whom, and I didn't know why. If I answered him with what I thought I knew, it might as well be as good as a lie. I didn't know anything about what was happening at home. It was making me worry. I could only answer him uncertainly.

"Last I heard, Cocoon was at war, but I never found out with whom." I couldn't maintain a smile, instead; I felt scared. What would I find when I returned? "I woke up in a meadow, alone, with no idea how I got there... I had no idea where I was, and I still have no idea how I got there..." There were too many questions.

I just wanted things to go alright.

[Gideon Uriela]

His question struck a chord it seemed her demeanor shifted somberly. It took her a moment to respond to the question and the response was a bit shocking.”I see…” Gideon’s once optimistic tone faded as well. Gideon listened intently as she continued on and sighed softly before he spoke.”Well, at least you made it here safely, although I doubt you find much solace in that.”[/b] Gideon felt for Arleen, he wanted to help her but how could he? ”How are you planning to get back, maybe I can help you?”[/b] Gideon began to think it over, Cocoon was close to Wutai, and so they both were a pretty good distance away on the northern continent. Neither of them had a mode of quick transportation to cover the expanse so what were they to do?

”You don’t have some kind of communication device do you?”[/b] It was somewhat of a silly question at this point but he had to ask when trying to assess the situation.

(sorry it’s so short )

[Arleen Reinhart]

I gave him a sad smile before turning my gaze to the beret in my lap. It was nice of him to offer to help me, and to be honest, I might take him up on the offer. After all, why not? Such a long distance might be suicide on my own. He looked like he knew how to handle himself, so I wouldn't have to worry about him in a fight. I paused moment at his question, then procured a small comm unit I had hidden under my tie. "Just this, but it's not strong enough to reach that far of a distance. It's mainly just used for patrolling."

I realized it then.

I had gone out on a patrol with one of the units under my command. It was starting to come back to me; we went on a patrol into the Lake...

My head started to throb violently. It was like a shock, like something had hit me in the head, but it was a pain from the outside; it felt like my head was starting to explode. I kneaded my temples gently, breathing carefully. "What is...? My own voice felt like it had been removed from my body, like I was in a dream. The pain got hotter, and my vision swirled. "What's-" I felt myself falling. Without realizing what it was...

My vision was swallowed by blackness.

[Gideon Uriela]

She offered the other a troubled smile then averted her gaze to her beret. Gideon lightly chewed at his bottom lip marinating on the situation, however way it went they were very far away with a hell of a lot of monsters between them. If this new world had anything to offer it was monsters, their numbers seemed to almost triple in recent times. Gideon knew he could make the trip, he did it to get here but he didn’t know about Arleen, she said she had woken up in a meadow with no recollection of anything. That worried Gideon a little; maybe Arleen had received a concussion which is why she’s having trouble remembering. She showed Gideon the comm device and explained that it was only short range, so much for that then.”Damn.” Gideon hunched over placing his right balled up hand on his hip while the other tested his chin. He glanced over at Arleen whose expression had changed as if she was starting to remember something then shifted to a visage of pain as she rubbed her temples.

”Hey, you okay? Arleen, ARLEEN?” He seen her swoon and quickly came to her aid knocking over their drinks as he saved her from falling off the bench. It was becoming more likely that she did experience some head trauma, mindful of the Gideon supported Arleen’s head against his chest as he picked up her.”I need a doctor!”

[/b] He shouted out to the masses a group of concerned citizens stopped to ask what was wrong with her and give the man directions. He expressed his gratitude and bolted towards the hospital trying to keep her head still as possible. Getting to the hospital he was almost too out of breath to speak as he asked for assistance, a nurse called for support and brought out gurney asking questions. All he could tell them was that she fainted as the wheeled Arleen into the emergency room. They made him stop at the door and he gave a exasperated sigh having nothing more to do but wait.[/justify]

[Arleen Reinhart]

"Ah, so you remembered?" The words were like a blade being jammed into my head. I could feel the venom in them ripping my reason apart, and I was helpless to stop it. Memories were flashing through my mind, even the ones that had been missing. I watched them in horror and despair, remembering the events of that day. Why did I want to remember that? It would be better off for me if I just forgot it, if it would just never be mentioned again. The voice took on a form, and while hazy and disfigured, I couldn't make out what it was. "Ah, so you have, but it's not time yet." It started moving closer.

I wanted to scream, to run, anything to get away from it, but I couldn't move; my body was rooted. As it approached, the flow of memories got more erratic; everything got hazy, and a piercing crescendo of sounds assaulted my senses. "I'll have you forget what you've learned now, and be a good girl; we'll meet again..."

"When you return home." It reached a hand out and touched my forehead, a surge of pain following it. And again, all faded to black...

---

---

I woke up with a violent headache, and found to my surprise that I was in a strange bed. I sat up, rubbing my temples again as I looked around. The pain was fading, leaving behind only a pulsating warmth. I slid out of the bed, suffering a fit of lightheadedness before I regained myself. I had been sitting by the fountain in Luca talking to a man... was his name Gideon? I couldn't remember what came after that. Anyhow, how did I even get here?

I frowned and moved to the doorway and almost got through it before a woman blocked my advance. "Ah what are you doing out of bed?!" She ushered me back into the bed, ignoring my confusion, before rushing off to do something. "So this is a hospital, huh?" I whispered aloud sighing and closing my eyes.

A few minutes later, the woman returned with a man in tow who, to my distress, examined me with multiple methods. However, in the end, he didn't find anything, and sauntered off somewhere without telling me anything. I lay there in that bed, trying to remember what exactly had happened, but to no avail.

It was the meadow all over again...