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Fandom Final Fantasy: Hyne's Return [Closed]

"One hour with me and you unsupervised?" Maxon laughed, "We'll be lucky if Galbadia is left standing. From the ashes there'll be more casinos, more liquor, more fights... More blacked out Viggys!" He cheered as he they all began making their way out of the van. Gaur made his way to the back of the van and insured that the supplies from before had been delivered to the garden, luckily they would not be leaving such equipment behind. Maxon took notice and looked over to him, "What was all that shit in the back for big guy?"

"Bomb." Was all Gaur said before moving forward to the train station, leaving Maxon with a dumbfounded look on his face. The Ronso smiled as he continued on however, the supplies brought to the Garden we're simply a mix of goods for SeeD. He went on ahead, presenting the station with his SeeD pass and taking in account all of those that would be boarding with him. "Come." He instructed the others as they followed him, "SeeD car on train. Rest." He instructed, being the very last instruction he gave to them before the mission began.

"You had me driving a bomb?!" Maxon asked Royce, nudging his friend with a panicked look on his face. "With my driving? Dude! All so you could try and get some tail? Man..." He shook his head, "When you gotta wingman for me you best be rolling out the red fucking carpet. I just saved you from bomb duty!" It was light hearted, a smile swiftly appearing on Maxon's face although he tried to wipe it away. Viggo had kept pace with Nadine while Gaur went ahead and Royce and Maxon were together.

"Looks like we're smashing heads together again." He said, offering her a smirk. "Almost makes me miss Seraph. Hunting Guardian Forces is more fun for me than people, people are too easy. Deling City is... an odd place. No other place like it really. Hope you're ready." Viggo almost felt too chummy speaking to her this way, a weird feeling coming across him so he simply added, "It'll cost extra the more you have me do." Unfortunately for Viggo that sounded a bit too flirtatious, so he added, "Smashing heads and what not..." He couldn't help but laugh at himself, his awkward nature not matching his gruff exterior. He was isolated a lot of the time from people, when it came to business he was sound but just small talk he was dreadful at. He was learning however, "Though for the right price I could probably fit in with one of them street walkers. Maybe that's how we get the uniforms, I'm not one for going under cover but...." He chuckled, "If the pay is right."

Entering the terminal and making their way to their platform was easy, while busy there weren't many trains at the station at once. The one departing for Galbadia was slightly behind the one the others had just taken so they would unfortunately have to meet up with them all later. This however was to their benefit as they boarded the train to Deling City, the SeeD car onboard all to themselves.

"We get our own car?" Maxon asked, "This is fucking great!" He said, taking in their surroundings. It was a rather fancy car with several bed rooms, a lounge area along with a fully stocked bar and access to the nearby kitchen car. It was almost too fancy for a militarized mercenary organization but with Balamb City's foundation built around the Garden their transit system had certain perks for SeeDs and SeeD candidates alike. "Gaur... is this all ours?"

"Yes." The Ronso replied, "Rest. Eat. Plan. Gaur be in room." With that the Ronso retreated to a room of his choice, opting for a nap rather than taking part in the train cart's activities.
 
Kristof Griffin was droning on and on about numbers as he walked a step behind Avalyn Nim. The numbers were useful, talk of supplies, weapons, soldiers, all the information Avalyn needed to know as she looked ahead to the future war with Galbadia, with Balamb, with the rest of the world. Kristof Griffin had been the one to reach out to the Gardens on her behalf, fully aware of her true intentions, and he’d made sure that their mole had planted the information for SeeD to find.

The rest was on SeeD to get in, and get out, with just that.

“My daughter was one of those dispatched,” she heard him comment, and she did glance back at him then, cerulean eyes taking in how uncertain he seemed for a moment, taking in the fair of his brown eyes and the way the lines of his dark face creased. He and his daughter looked nothing alike, but Avalyn knew that he cared for Becky as a daughter. He’d made the distinctions obvious, though, so the world would know he had adopted someone. That he was such a great humanitarian that way. Thus why Becky had white skin and blonde hair – a perfect example of her being ‘not his’, when both he and his wife had dark features.

“She should not have told you that.” Avalyn pointed out. “That is not good behavior for a SeeD.” Avalyn assumed Becky would be docked points for that. A pity if she didn’t pass, “She wanted to know if you were behind it?”

“Yes. I did not tell her.”

Avalyn managed a nod, turning her attention back to the endless hallway. Well, nearly endless. The door to her room was right ahead, the glass hallway all around showing off Esthar’s grand civilization of tall buildings and hovercrafts. The rest of the world had hardly advanced in hover technology, but Esthar was overrun with it now. It almost brought a smile to her lips.

“Esthar is ready to open her doors again, and begin a free exchange of information with the rest of the world.”​

Her words on her election, her platform – to open the world up again to Esthar, to no longer hide behind their barriers. Gradually, she had started to make that message a bit more pointed, to blame the outside world for their isolation, and to make it clear that the rest of the world didn’t want them. Galbadia’s plans would solidify that message to her people, spark their anger, and surge them forward into the future where there was one, unified, world. Under Esthar. It would all become Esthar.

The doors opened automatically for her, but her room was not empty. Within was Ophelia, no surprise, but sitting in her chair was another figure she knew too well, but that Kristof did not. His eyes narrowed. “Excuse me, sir, what are you doing in Lady Nim’s seat?”

The man rose, standing tall, though there was a certain frailness to him. He was almost albino-pale, but his eyes and hair indicated he was not that. His black eyes were deeply shadowed, his cheeks gaunt, and yet Kristof felt himself freeze when those eyes fell upon him. “Do not worry over him, Great Hyne,” Avalyn spoke calmly, walking forward, “He understands that everyone is just a tool, Ophelia can vouch for him.”

When she walked from it, the door shut behind her, pulling Kristof from his momentary trance. He looked back at it, then around the room, trying to understand if he had really just heard Avalyn correctly as he straightened his posture and held his tablet to his chest. “What brings you here today?”

“The Sorceress has moved,” Hyne answered her, ignoring Kristof from that point on, fixing his eyes on the Sorceress he’d been able to find – well, because he had been the one to kill Adel and track her when she gave up her powers to the politician with the red hair. “From the Trabian region, to the Balamb region, and is on the move again….”

“Galbadia?”

Hyne’s smirk was almost rueful, as if he was annoyed that Avalyn could follow his thought process. “Yes.”

“Interesting.” She understood the implications. A Sorceress in Garden. “I wonder – Kristof, is there something you’re not telling us?” She glanced back to him, thinking of Becky, and how she was on this mission. She had supposedly bonded rather unnaturally strongly to the GF Shiva.

“What?” The usually quick-witted man blurted the word in confusion, “I don’t know—wait, no! No!” He shook his head, the implications suddenly falling upon him. “Absolutely not, we’d never tolerate such…such a thing in our family.” He had no idea what Avalyn was, obviously. He was aware that they were all paranoid about a Sorceress, though. Adel had died – she had to pass on her powers. Ophelia was supposedly handling that with a mercenary. They had to make sure to find it, and lock it up again. His wife was already prepared to try and learn how to extract the powers and get rid of them, permanently, so they wouldn’t have to keep hunting sorceresses for eternity.
 
"Would you?" Ophelia asked Kristof Griffin, her tone condescending and cruel. While most of her face was covered in that intimidating looking half helmet her mouth was still visible, her lips contorted in a grimace. Ophelia was not only Avalyn's knight and officially to the public her body guard, but she was an enforcer as well. One that didn't take too kindly to liars. "Madame President may know that typically I would vouch for you... but if I'm not mistaken, Kristof... You like to advance the political ladder. Pretty quickly too if I recall correctly..." She crossed her arms, "If I'm not mistaken then you would do anything to gain more power. How do we know you weren't raising the sorceress to betray us? Perhaps you are sheltering her because if your adopted daughter came out to be the sorceress then perhaps that would hurt your own public image? Perhaps-"

Ophelia felt a chill down her spine, one that signified that Hyne was unamused with her line of questioning. The Knight was rabid and loyal to a fault, when she smelled deception or anything that threatened Avalyn (or especially the Great Hyne) she was willing to do absolutely anything to protect them. She had made her piece though about Becky and pulled back from attacking Kristof further.

"Regardless... The truth will come out soon enough. Whether you are guilty of high treason or not Kristof is to be seen. I advise that you stay on the straight and narrow, as well as..." A smirk appeared on her lips, she was toying with him. "...ensure you are playing on the right side. Meaning you do not tell anyone of the Great Hyne's arrival. His prescience does not need to be known among the filth."

Ophelia would normally walk over to stand next to Avalyn but she simply wandered over to the door, ensuring that no one else would enter the room. It also left Kristof without an escape. He had walked into a meeting that he hadn't bargained for. In a way it was good he was here however, letting Ophelia sink her claws into him and to see if he truly was telling the truth about Becky or not.

"The mercenary hired to track down the Sorceress has proven to be useful then. He too is on his way to Galbadia. I am not sure if he is working on suspicion or pure instinct but he is quickly swooping in. As much as I detest working with a mutant he has his uses. He is young... He may serve a future purpose if he continues to work so efficiently." She smiled, mostly at Hyne. They were getting close. Closer than they had been in a long time. Soon any threats to his complete and utter domination of the world would be snuffed out. "Hopefully he isn't alarmed by your daughter, Kristof. If the sorceress is headed to Galbadia then that means our mercenary is with them. It would be a shame if he... took care of our problem before you could explain yourself." Ophelia smiled, "Reports say only three other women are taking part in this mission. Our spies in Balamb picked up three pictures of the girls along with one of your daughter, Kristof."

Ophelia moved away from the door and towards Hyne, she was perhaps one of the few who didn't feel her heart being ripped out of her chest by the sheer fear of approaching such a god. She placed the pictures in front of Hyne and Avalyn, disregarded Krystof's prescience now.

"This one here is named Kaji, a Viera doctor. While doubtful she is the Sorceress it is possible those powers could be transferred to someone of her race, being as close to humans as they are. We've never seen one but I do not wish to assume." She placed her finger on the next picture, "Nadine Crux. Seems to be a teacher's pet, gunblade user... Word of her slaying dragons around campus has had quite the impact. Nothing too remarkable about her magic wise is my only issue with her. Though... her abilities may be the result of help from the sorceress' power." She then skipped over Becky and pointed at the final woman, a tan woman wearing a hood over her head to attempt to conceal her identity. The Esthar spies had gotten her at just the right angle so her face had been visible. "This one is the other I am suspicious of. Goes by the name of Talia Rand. She's a scoundrel, a thief. No doubt fits in with the rest of the filth these gardens throw out." She said at Kristof's expense, being his daughter was part of that 'filth'. "But I could not retrieve much information about her other than she has excellent grades and has passed every field test so far. Not particularly popular or liked like the others but she gets her work done."

With that Ophelia walked towards the window to let Hyne and Avalyn look at her findings without her hovering over them.

"We've narrowed it down to four women. One of them being your daughter, Kristof. I suggest you keep a close eye on her on the chance she is the one we are seeking... The consequences for you otherwise would be..." She paused, enjoying the feeling of knowing just how much she made him squirm. "Dire."
 
Ophelia allowed no word in, and Kristof bristled with every word that parted her lips, wanting to snap right back. If Becky was a sorceress, she was hiding it from him. Worse, she chose it – it passed on, after all. He imagined that Becky could refuse it, and would refuse it, because they did not associate with those sorts. And if she knew who the sorceress was…that was almost as bad. ‘No, she can’t know. She would have told us if she knew.’ Kristof would believe that. He had to believe that he’d taught Becky right, but she wasn’t his.

There were always traits left over from the natural parents. Nature over nurture. He believed that nurture did more than nature, but it was to be seen, he supposed.

Too soon.

He folded his arms over his chest and fixed Ophelia with that irked look, but he didn’t glare. He knew she was looking out for things, but he was not impressed with her lack of faith in him. “I assure you, I know how to keep secrets, Ophelia.” He kept plenty, like the Galbadian plan, after all. Perhaps Great Hyne was a…larger secret, but it wouldn’t pass his lips. Not to Becky, nor to his wife.

Avalyn remained calm, poised, the picture of serenity, and Kristof couldn’t help but wonder how long she’d known Hyne. Did he have a hand in her becoming president of Esthar? Was it his plan to attack Galbadia, or was it hers? Who was the mastermind? ‘And why would she work with Hyne?’ Did she forget the stories of how Hyne tried to kill the humans? How he created the sorceresses in the first place? ‘Which must explain…this.’ The sorceress hunt. Was Hyne trying to regain his power, then?

What would happen if he did?

All of this, Kristof kept silent, but some of his ire faltered from his expression, his forehead creasing in worry and thought. Perhaps it looked natural with what Ophelia was saying about the four potential candidates. Pictures were placed down, and he took a few steps forward to see them.

Hyne and Avalyn, too, looked over the images. A mercenary was set among mercenaries to dig out the sorceress from among them. Kristof was about to speak up that it had to be the viera, but Hyne placed one long finger on that picture, and it burned under his touch. “It cannot be the viera.” He said, casting an almost disappointed look at Ophelia for even suggesting it. It was simply not possible. His power could not go into the viera, only humans. Only women. The magic of the viera, and of other races, prevented it from being inherited, otherwise it could go into base creatures like the marlboro.

He then touched the image that went unnamed by Ophelia, and lifted his gaze to Kristof. He said nothing, but his look was enough for Kristof to feel his heart stop. He thought to search for words, but his throat was dry, and so instead he just bowed his head until Hyne spoke, “Should it be Becky Griffin, it will need to look as an accident, lest problems erupt in Esthar.” Pragmatic, more than anything.

If Kristof did not care, he did not need his name tarnished for it. If he stood in the way, then he would be executed for treason, of course. That was to be seen, and Hyne would let it play out. “Your daughter is in SeeD. What do you know of the other two?”

Kristof seemed to find his voice again. “I do not know anything of Talia Rand. She may not be of Trabia,” his gaze lifted hesitantly, and then lowered again. He couldn’t manage to hold Hyne’s gaze at all. “Nadine Crux grew up with Becky for a short while. I know that she was close to the Kramers, and excels in all Ophelia mentioned, but beyond that…nothing.” He’d met her, but she hadn’t really left an impression on him.

Kramer meant nothing to Hyne. None of it meant much to him. It could be any of these women, but at least in the entire world, it was narrowed down to three. He could have them all killed. It’d be easy.

Yet, Becky was problematic, and he was still coming up from a long sleep, forced into it by the humans – humans who had hunted him for going after their children. It was not something he meant to relive soon. His eyes cut to Ophelia. “Should they survive the Galbadian mission, you will speak to the mercenary,” he informed her, “there is no need to move before then. The sorceress may die on the mission. Let him know the three we have narrowed it down to then.”
 
A smirk touched Ophelia's lips, picking up on Kristof blaming the Viera immediately. It's exactly what she wanted him to do, being as close as she was to Hyne she knew how sorceresses were picked, how they could acquire their powers. It made sense for him to pick Kaji, any normal father would, but nonetheless she was suspicious. She didn't like politicians and thought they were feeble minded, watching him squirm as he was interrogated for being at the wrong place at the wrong time pleased her greatly. What pleased her even more was when he couldn't meet Hyne's terrifying eyes, those same two eyes that Ophelia herself felt nervous looking into.

"As you wish, my lord." Ophelia replied to Hyne, "I will keep a watchful eye on the three women myself and see if they show any signs. When they return... most likely victorious with the sorceress' magic I will meet with the mercenary in public. It shall... Erase any attachments he may have developed towards those he's traveling with. I doubt he is the type but you never know, sorceress might have him under a spell." She said, a giggle escaping her lips as she lightened the mood. "If that's the case I will bring her to you myself and ensure that this problem will never arise again."

Ophelia bowed to Hyne, not one out of courtesy but out of necessity. While she was a vicious defender of both him and Avalyn her loyalty was what set her apart from a traditional Sorceress Knight. Ophelia was the best, none could compare to her in combat or pure loyalty. She loved Hyne, and per his orders, she loved Avalyn. Ironically, she was the only one either of them could trust currently in the room.

"Madame President." Ophelia said, smiling at Avalyn before turning towards the door. As she was passing by Kristof she dragged her nails into his back through his clothes, the pressure she was exerting simply from her finger tips something unnatural. "Goodbye Kristof. I hope for your sake you are telling the truth. If you're not you will be seeing me very soon." Ophelia bit her lip for a moment before leaning in to whisper to him directly in his ear, "I may make a visit to see your wife as well. What's yours is her's, correct? Maybe..." She paused, mostly to make him feel the true weight of his situation. "Maybe I'll make her go first, so you and the sorceress can watch."

Before she laid it on too thickly she stood up straight and patted Kristof on the back, "Or we'll see to it that you rise up the ladder quickly by assisting this investigation, Mr. Kristof. Love the suit, by the way." She said, smoothing out the wrinkles she had caused by taunting him. "Goodbye Madame President, my Lord. I am merely a summon away." With that Ophelia turned to the closed set of doors and held her hands forward as if to open them. What appeared in the door's place was something that Kristof would not soon forget, a magic that seemed like something out of a book. A dark purple portal erupted from her finger tips, on the otherside of the barrier was Deling City, the infamous skyline impossible to mistake for anything else. Here in one of the most secure buildings in Esthar did they have a direct window to their enemy all because of some illogical and impossible magic.

Ophelia stepped through and soon after the portal closed behind her, the Sorceress' Knight already back to work after the brief meeting.
 
Hyne had no opposition to Ophelia keeping a watch on things. She was the only piece he had on the board right now that could. Avalyn had to remain here to lead Esthar. A step outside, before the world was in her hands, could have the potential to ruin everything. Of course, she could go to diplomatic meetings or such, but a night in Winhill for no reason? Absolutely not.

Thankfully, Ophelia could also travel quite fast.

He gave a nod to her words of bringing the sorceress there herself if it was problematic. He could just ask her to kill the sorceress, but Hyne wanted no issues. He also didn’t want to risk Ophelia like that. While he doubted the powers of the sorceresses as individuals, if this one had bonded with a knight, that would mean Ophelia would be trying to kill not only a sorceresses, but a powered knight, as well. She could do it – but the risk was there. Tricking the sorceress to go along with her would be far easier.

Then Hyne could do it himself. Take the power for himself. “Be on the lookout for her Knight, as well,” he reminded Ophelia.

Avalyn gave a silent nod to Ophelia, but no words, just the acknowledgement.

Kristof was the one who got the royal treatment from her, something that did not slip by Hyne’s notice. She had every right to be paranoid, though – Hyne was, as well. Humans with children had proved his undoing before. He observed the anger that crossed the human’s face, the flush that came over him when Ophelia leaned closer, biting her lip and whispering. Hyne found himself folding his arms, a warning gesture towards her. ‘Too much.’

He could be turned into an enemy by harassment. Humans…the worst tools he’d ever created. Never again. He was going to have to reshape them.

Kristof, meanwhile, was doing his best to hold his tongue. ‘Touch her and I will end you.’ How? How could he possibly end her, or Hyne, or protect any one of his family from them? He would give up Becky – or he thought he would – if she was a sorceress, but his family hadn’t known. She had no right to threaten them, no place, he’d been loyal to Avalyn. Just because he was a social climber didn’t mean he didn’t understand loyalty, and his glare was hard on Ophelia, his flush a mix of embarrassment and pure rage that actually managed to paint his dark skin darker around his cheeks.

He wanted to shove her, but instead balled his hands into fists. He turned when she finally let him go, and he saw the portal that opened. He was stricken again by the powerful magic before him, the images of Deling painted over the door, before she was gone through it. His mouth fell open, but he gathered it up when he heard Avalyn step further away, and when he turned, he saw that Hyne was gone, as well.

The silence was tense.

“I need your help.” Avalyn broke it, as she walked around her desk to her chair, and took a seat into it. Kristof started to approach, about to state how obvious that was. She was working with the greatest threat to humanity, and some…monster. Whatever Ophelia was, she wasn’t human, and he couldn’t abide by that. Obviously she needed help getting rid of them, but before he could open his mouth, Avalyn outstretched her hand over the desk and held up her palm.

A single, blue flame hovered over it. Not impressive, but it spoke volumes. Fire magic as used by humans was always, only, the hue of normal fire. He watched as the one in her hand changed to green, to pink, to purple, and continued to fluctuate through different hues, impossible hues, and he understood.

He wanted to bolt. He wanted to throw up. She, too, was a monster? The betrayal stung, the hatred bubbled, but before he could do so, he was able to tear his eyes from the fire to meet hers, filling his own eyes with that hatred, but he felt it go still as he saw the calm resolve he’d always known her for.

The look that had told him to follow her, because this was a woman who always got her way. A safe bet, and he felt that again as the flames seemed to color her eyes with the dreams they’d shared for Esthar, and for the world.
 
"Royce!" Maxon called out from the back of the train car. "Royce... get the fuck over here and quit playing with your deck!"

"That sounds... wrong." Viggo commented, smirking as he held back laughter from Maxon's abrupt comment. "What are you shouting for?" While mostly everyone had been having a peaceful journey keeping themselves calm before the mission Maxon had been running about the cabin like a mad man. The train ride had been a long one and he clearly couldn't sit still for long, the man exercising, shadow boxing and checking literally everything in the train car out. When he started shouting at Royce it had been probably the 15th time he had been called but this time it was different.

"You too Viggy! Nadine, sweetheart, over here please. Check this shit out!"

As everyone reluctantly got up to check to see what Maxon was shouting about they soon come to realize what exactly he was excited about. Deling City... The city that never slept. Dazzling lights shined from the city far into the night sky as the train began to pull into the station. In the distance they could see the numerous casinos and attractions for civilians but even further back they could see the military academy. Just out of sight was Galbadia Garden which by some strange design was outside of Deling City and seemed to be a town of its own how far out it was. It made sense with the academy being in town though and the Garden system not officially accepted by Galbadia.

"Beautiful, ain't it?" The fighter said with a grin, pointing to a giant domed stadium. "One day... when we're all a little older and a whole lot hotter... you're gonna watch me walk into the stadium with two gloves wrapped around my hands and see me fight some poor sorry sack of shit in the middle of that thing." Maxon grinned, "I've only fought in bars and small arenas before... Never in a stadium like that. That's my goal right there."

"Is the SeeD life to pay the bills?" Viggo asked, looking on to the stadium. "Impressive place. It looks... a lot clearer than I remember."

"Probably because you aren't drunk off your ass!" Maxon said with a chuckle, "SeeD life is to get more training. I figure punching monsters in the face gives me a one up on people who haven't punched monsters in the face."

"You aren't wrong." Viggo said, satisfied with that answer. He looked over to Nadine, "Are you ready... Dragon Slayer?"

"Man... It's good to be home." Maxon said to Royce as Viggo turned his attention away from them. "You excited? It's been a long time now... You think..." Maxon's eyes shifted around, "That the police forgot about our little thing we did here or do you think our pictures are still hung up in every casino? Because I've done some stupid things but..." Maxon grinned, "The shit we use to pull before we had to study hard won't look good on a resume. Maybe a wrap sheet, but damn... We got lucky we got out of this place alive." He laughed, "It's damn good to be back!"
 
‘Sweetheart?’ Nadine was fairly certain that was the first time she heard that from Maxon, and she wondered if this was going to continue. ‘Eh.’ She glanced in the mirror of the cabin. She’d kicked the men out not long ago to get ready, because she knew they were close to Deling, and she was going out in style. She found a boutique on the train and quickly got some funds for the mission to play undercover how she wanted.

So, when she actually stepped out, she wasn’t fully ready, but she was at least decent enough in the red dress – she could have gone safe with black, but then she remembered this was Deling, and she absolutely wanted to stand out, to fit in. It clung to her until it reached the hip, where it flared a bit as it continued down, a single slit at the right side for easier movement. She moved up to the window, and watched the city come into view with the others – Royce still with his deck in hand, shuffling it even as he watched the familiar sight of his home.

The city was beautiful with its glistening lights, and though Nadine shook her head at Maxon’s dream, she was still smiling in an encouraging, accepting way. She may not care much for cage fighting, but she’d be there. When they were all SeeDs, and years from now, she’d be there to support the team that helped her become a SeeD.

At Viggo’s question, she lifted her gunblade and offered it to him, “Almost. You’re watching over that for me,” she’d wait for him to take it, “I have to finish getting ready, and grab my bag – Royce, you can put it somewhere for me so I’m not wearing heels later, right?”

“Sure thing, I’m going to get us a car, I’ll shove your bag in the trunk.” He figured that his jacket was going to be in there, so he didn’t ask what happened to that plan. Why would he ask a stupid question like that when their female companion decided to wear a red dress instead of his jacket? She probably meant to dress casual later, after all, and keep out of SeeD attire. “Just don’t fuck around too much, Nadine. We do need the outfits.” He chuckled, absolutely meaning the double entendre.

Nadine rolled her eyes and didn’t dignify that joke with a response as she vanished back into the room to get her hair just right in the messy bun she wanted, and then figure out the make-up. She wished Becky were there. Becky was far better at these things.

Royce turned his attention to Maxon, a wicked grin on his lips, “I know they haven’t forgotten me,” he said as the cards danced between his hands, being shuffled, “I also know they’d still let me in, because too many people want to kick my ass at cards,” he winked, “but I’m still gonna keep a low profile for this mission,” one more shuffle, and he shifted the cards to a back pocket, “Just like too many people want to kick your ass in the ring for them to keep you out.” The city ran on profit.

The worst criminals would get a pass if they brought money into the town, and if Royce came for a tournament, or Maxon, they’d get to play – because profit. People would turn out for it. The General’s Son out there to fight? Sold. The prodigal card player of the Triple Threat? Doubly sold.

“I think we’re gonna have to get that car first to throw our things in,” he told Maxon. Not just Nadine’s things, but Viggo’s big-ass sword, and the rest of their supplies, too. “Probably won’t do just to get a regular vehicle, will it?”

If they were going to a military base after this, they were going to need a military vehicle. That was going to be a bit harder to acquire without stealing.
 
"We'll let these two go into town... We'll go jack us a jeep or something we-" Maxon groaned, reaching for his stomach as it began to growl. "-we'll go through the drive through for some fucking burgers then we'll go pick these two up after they get us our uniforms. After that we'll complete the mission and then... Well... I think Garden wouldn't mind if we just spent a few hours home... Right?"

"You should have eaten on the train." Viggo replied, still starring out at the city while Nadine had long since left them to finish getting dressed. "Why didn't you?"

"Too fancy. Makes my skin crawl. Little truffles and dessert after dessert. Fuck all that. Get me something greasy and unhealthy." Maxon chuckled, "I keep active so I can pig out. Besides... don't you have some changing to do Viggy instead of judging my appetite?" Maxon asked, a smirk appearing on his face. "Don't sweat carrying the gunblade and your normal sword by the way big guy, body guard types are expected to be armed. You won't be able to get in everywhere and that might mean leaving Nadine to go handle business on her own but..." He shrugged, "We're all professionals here. You two will figure it out."

That damned suit. First they had gotten him dressed in casual clothing, that Viggo could deal with. Now he was being forced to wear a suit so he didn't look too outlandish standing next to Nadine and it made his skin crawl. His patience was running thin when it came to losing his armor and being forced to behave not like himself. As Maxon was rattling off about something else Viggo thought about sitting out by a nice camp fire with a massive hog leg roasting on the fire as he took in the night sky and-

"Hey!" Maxon shouted, taking Viggo out of his trance. "Go put on the suit, big guy. If none of these soldiers for Nadine bite it's gonna be your ass that's gonna be on the market. Go!"

"The things I do for you people..." Viggo grunted, "Should have never gotten them damn surgeries."

"Kaji gotta see your willy, that has to count for something. Ayy, Royce?" Maxon teased relentlessly, elbowing his friend before disembarking from the train. "We'll go ahead and take care of business, you all got our numbers now so good luck Viggo."

"You too, Maxon. Royce. Stay safe." Viggo paused before they left, "If you need back up call Nadine. I don't have one of those communication squares."

"Roger that Caveman!" Maxon said, laughing at Viggo's expense but that was something he was known for now. It wasn't out of cruelty but just brotherly love, Maxon trying to get Viggo use to how other men treated eachother. "Do you think that one Viera from last time is still here?" He asked Maxon while they were walking away from the station, "I swear I was THIS close to sealing the deal. Then the whole thing with security happened and we had to run but still! She'd remember me, right?"

---

Back on the train Viggo quietly got into the room next to Nadine's and stripped off his clothing. He seen the suit they had bought for him, one that was anything but low profile. Instead of a typical black suit it was a dashing white one with a red collar, Maxon got a kick out of seeing it as Nadine and Viggo would match to a degree. The train's selection had been smaller so it hadn't been his choice but rather all of the others for him. He began putting the suit on, confused on how it went on at first as he had never personally worn one. After several minutes of struggling with the tie he threw it to the ground and grunted, he didn't like it anyways.

Looking at himself in the mirror he didn't look like the man he normally knew. His long wild hair was tied up in the back, his face was cleanly shaven. The suit fit him and his muscular build perfectly and the gunblade at his waist and his own blade hidden underneath it made the dashing looking man have just the right amount of danger for Deling City.

"You look like a fool." Viggo said to himself, missing his armor and furs. Turning around he walked back outside and waited for Nadine, seeing Gaur standing there. The Ronso gave him a nod, Viggo returned it. That was all the interaction the two of them needed from eachother.
 
Royce rolled his eyes at Maxon’s first attempt to make him jealous over the viera, Kaji, and whatever she’d seen of Viggo, “She’s a nurse, she’s probably seen plenty,” that had become his default response now. She’d probably seen plenty of both sets – he’d be jealous, but he really wasn’t into cutting up people and healing them. He liked the anatomy of humans, and other humanoids, but not that much.

“Catch up with later, Vigs,” Royce added his own nickname to the mix, catching a bag that was thrown out from the SeeD room and slipping the strap over his shoulder as he hopped off the train and followed after Maxon, who already put some distance between them.

He just laughed and rolled his eyes at Maxon when he heard him continuing to try and get under his skin about the viera. He remembered that one. “Oh, I’m sure she remembers the annoying drunk who wouldn’t stop ordering more drinks to get her to come over.” He didn’t believe for a second that Maxon was close to sealing the deal, no matter how he claimed to have vibed with her. He saw her expression when she left his table often enough to comfort himself with that.

But she kept going over. Tips were tips.

“Maybe when this job’s over we can swing by and see, celebrate a bit. I’m sure I can get us enough gil to pay for rooms and drinks all around,” he was betting Garden wouldn’t mind too much if they spent an evening home. They’d catch the early train back, but one evening couldn’t hurt, right? Well, Gaur might take over then – they’d see.

He was walking them on towards the more military outposts of the city, closer to the Academy. “Though I suppose it would be nice to get the gil to just buy a jeep,” he grumbled, still not certain about the plan to jack one. “Maybe we should check the car rental, just to see if they have anything,” he gestured with his head and started to turn towards one of the dealerships he knew, though he knew his odds weren’t good.

Galbadia would never want military vehicles in the hands of civilians.

~***~

Nadine Crux didn’t find make-up and dresses as foreign as Viggo, but it was certainly far from the norm. It was the kind of thing she usually got excited for – admittedly, she was even excited for the SeeD dance. Partner or not, she was going to enjoy being in the fancy, formal uniform, and she was quite certain she’d at least get to grab Maxon and Royce for a dance. Maybe not Viggo – but after this, he deserved the break.

Possibly Ingles. His groupies would go mad.

‘Don’t get ahead of yourself.’ But she was, as she was finally satisfied with the silvery eyeliner, light to help match with the suit, rather than a standard black. Not to mention, her hair and eyelashes were already dark enough.

She puckered her lips once, and blew a kiss at her reflection, before sweeping out of the room and finding Viggo and Gaur waiting. Sans tie. A sigh passed the red lips and she shook her head, “Stay right there,” she said and stepped into his room.

A cursory glance made the tie obvious. ‘Pretty sure I can do this.’ She’d never done this. How hard could it be? She stepped back out and decided to bring up a quick bit of instructions on her phone in one hand, while she held the tie in the other – a simple knot, nothing like a Windsor, and she nodded after a moment. “Down,” she gestured for him to lean forward or bend or something, so she could get the tie around him.

Even if a bit disheveled would probably fit his role. “You can burn it later, I promise.”
 
"Hey! Just because she got me progressively more shit faced doesn't mean she wasn't into me at first!" Maxon said, defending himself while making a somewhat respectable case. He then laughed at his own expense, "Celebrating is all well and good but buying a military jeep? That ain't going to happen... Not unless we bought a similar make and model then painted that bitch with Galbadia colors... Nah... That won't work. Take too long and even you can't win us that gil fast enough... We either have to steal one or sneak aboard one but the timing on the second would be tough." Maxon added, feeling about just as lost as his friend. They were given a big task and one that if they made a mistake it would be broadcast all over the Galbadian military channels.

"Maybe... we try and contact Team 1." Maxon suggested to Royce's surprise, typically Balamb teams worked independently. They knew people on the other team, they might be struggling with their own problems that Team 2 could help them with. "Think about it... They've already infiltrated the academy by now, right? We ask for a favor, we return a favor. Who's on the team again?... Vince... that chick Becky and that one really weird but kind of hot girl in our Monster Anatomy class... Ta... Tao..."

Maxon paused, looking up at the skyline as he tried to remember her name. "Talia! That's it. Real sneaky, blends in a little too well. You should know her, right?" It would be hard not to know their own classmates but Talia had a knack for infiltration and acting, miraculously finding ways to blend in even within a crowd. "They probably have their hands full with their own shit right now and could use some back up. We get the jeep from them, we do a favor for them, we all get out of his mission graduated SeeDs." Maxon smirked, "Sound good? And you say I don't have good ideas!"

Mostly because they never worked.

---

"I feel like an idiot. I'm holding you to that." Viggo replied quietly, he was however grateful she had managed to figure out the tie for him. He was also taken back by just how beautiful Nadine looked in her dress and make up. It was a stark contrast to what she typically wore and in a way it made him feel more confident about himself in similar attire, with a good looking girl next to him people might not notice how awkward he looked wearing the suit. "You look... beautiful." He said, gruffly. It was a compliment that meant a ton coming from Viggo, especially being one who didn't normally notice such things or even compliment people for that matter. It wasn't a particularly well thought out comment but it meant a lot coming from Viggo.

"Running out of time." Gaur mentioned, taking away from Viggo's gesture before Nadine could respond. "Go. Gaur watch from distance."

"Right." Viggo said, leading the way out of the train cart and into the Deling City station. Maxon and Royce were long gone already, leaving him and Nadine to fend for themselves in a town she had never been to and one he didn't remember. "Casino?" He asked, letting the leader lead. He was simply there to protect her and that's what he intended on doing.
 
It would definitely take too long to paint a vehicle to pass for a Galbadian one, and Royce knew it. He let out a sigh, lifting his hands up to put them behind his head as Maxon thought out loud. When he suggested contacting the other team, Royce did frown, nose wrinkling at the thought. ‘What, we’re supposed to possibly sabotage their mission to get a car?’ If they got caught stealing a vehicle, that would spell trouble for this whole thing.

Besides, he barely knew Talia!

He shook his head, “You don’t have good ideas, but you gave me one,” he said, speaking slowly, “I think my brother’s stationed nearby, I can probably convince him we need the jeep for…I don’t know, shenanigans, looking good, just for a night.” He let his hands fall down, “Better than sabotaging Team A and asking them to steal a jeep. If they got caught, that’d send up alarms and get that vehicle’s registration looked for way too soon.”

And they’d be caught in a stolen vehicle, arriving at a military base. Nope, he wasn’t having that. Still, Maxon’s talking out loud had reminded him that he might be able to pull favors with others. Or guilt them into it. Or beg. He quickly dialed the number of one of his brothers and put the phone to his ear as it started to ring.

~***~

Nadine would let him burn the tie, but she wouldn’t let him burn the suit. A suit or a nice dress were always needed. Perhaps not in Viggo’s world – not now, but maybe in his future if he kept hanging around Garden. His compliment though was unexpected, if only because it wasn’t spoken in play. She glanced up as the tie was situated and laying nicely over him, thinking she ought to turn it back to play, but his expression didn’t seem to allow for it.

She was about to thank him, but Gaur spoke, and the moment was lost. She glanced at the Ronso, “Hey, aren’t I the leader here?” She asked with a slight smirk, “I can determine the pace on my own,” she said, before patting Viggo’s arm as he led on off the train and into the brightly lit city. She nodded at his determination of casino.

“Yes, I think we ought to find the Triple Threat one,” she agreed, “seems like it might be fun if Royce has a jacket from there,” or at least enough insane people that her odds were good she’d find someone who was willing to take a stupid risk with a strange girl they didn’t know.

Though, to be fair, that was probably most any bar in the town, but she had to make sure to go to one Galbadian soldiers went to, and it had sounded like Triple Threat might fit the bill. “Let’s figure out which bus will get us there,” she didn’t wait, but fast-walked towards one of the men in the blue train suits.

She wasn’t about to try and run in the heels. “Excuse me!” She addressed him with a bright smile, “Can you tell me which bus I’ll need to get to Triple Threat? My friend’s just been talking this place up!” The slight lilt at the end came from Becky, and her lessons on tone. It was meant to make her sound a bit less…well, herself.

“Yes ma’am,” he chanced a glance briefly at the suited Viggo, “You’ll need the 07 bus,” he indicated, “It’ll be stopping over on that side of the street.”
 
"I hope he doesn't pick up and we go with my idea. Team work makes the dream work, ain't you ever heard of that? Dickhead." Maxon grumbled, upset that his idea was being looked over for one of Royce's own. Though he understood and he wasn't exactly the tactician of the group at the very least he was able to inspire his best friend to come up with an idea. That didn't mean he would stop scolding him for ignoring his idea however. "You never listen to what I have to-"

"What, Royce?" A voice asked, answering the phone promptly. "You in trouble again? Man... Damn it... Aren't you supposed to be taking your SeeD exam or something? I'm telling you, if the folks find out I gotta bail you out again we-"

"HEY!" Maxon talked loudly, his voice broadcasting to the phone causing Royce's brother to recoil in the process. Maxon Fisher. Just about everyone had met Maxon by now and the Verren's either loved him or hated him. In this case, it was hatred. "What's up Baron? Miss me?"

"Figures. Dumb and Dumber at it again. Let me guess... You need bailing out too? I didn't think they allowed couple's calls in jail. Hope you two haven't dropped the soap... Though... knowing the two of you you've already taken turns doing that." Baron said, a smile appearing on his face. He hated the shenanigans Maxon and his brother got up to but at the end of the day they were still family. He was older than Royce by just a few years but took a very different path, choosing the military route instead of going the SeeD route like his brother. He had been working his way up the ladder and had just recently been promoted to an officer, one with respect and was actually well liked.

Unfortunately his soft spot was for his little brother.

"Where are you? I'll come get you. You owe me for this one though. The last time this happened it nearly cost me my promotion." As Baron finished speaking Maxon's gut reaction was to ask for the jeep obnoxiously but he stopped, eyeing Royce to see what he'd say. It spoke volumes to how much Baron was paranoid his brother was in trouble, not even giving him a second to talk before it came out.

---

Gaur smiled in response to Nadine's answer, that was exactly what he was looking for. A leader that was confident, self reliant. One that didn't need an older SeeD for guidance. He watched as the two disappeared into the station, himself jumping into action as he began leaping and bounding his way through the city only like a Ronso could. His aim was to watch from a distance, taking notes of every action they did.

"You there for another jacket or for a lead?" Viggo teased, a smirk appearing on his face. "Maybe we'll walk you to your graduation ceremony in matching jackets." There he was, lightening up some more. Though knowing how playful Nadine was that might become a reality rather than just a joke in passing. The Monster Hunter watched as Nadine asked for directions and listened to just how she phrased herself. She sounded very different. It was interesting and very unlike her, it was perfect. She fit the role of a hot, ditzy Deling City tourist perfectly. With her giant suited bodyguard behind her she looked like a prime target, especially for soldiers who wouldn't be intimidated by the guard.

As they walked across the street Viggo kept his eyes out for both the 07 bus and for any of their other comrades. He wished they could have stuck together but that was him overthinking this. His mission wasn't their's, his was to protect Nadine and do as she said.

"You sounded hilarious back there." Viggo commented as the bus began its approach toward their stop. "Should have been an actress."
 
Even Royce recoiled as Maxon increased the volume of his voice, inwardly cringing. He knew Baron didn’t like Maxon much, probably due to all the Galbadian talk of him. Or just because Maxon was a troublemaker and got Royce into even more problems. Baron probably wanted to deny just how problematic Royce himself could be, so he cast the blame on Maxon like any good brother defending the honor of their siblings would do.

He rolled his eyes at Baron’s commentary on the relationship, and chuckled a bit as he asked where he was – figuring he needed bailing out, “Hey, don’t worry so much, B,” he couldn’t help shortening his name. He wasn’t sure who started it, him or one of the other brothers, but once it started it twisted into a thousand other nicknames. The best was ‘Baron Buns Bon Bunnysworth’ – inspired by their sister, naturally, but it was too long and mouthy to use in casual conversation. “Neither of us are in any trouble, we’re actually in Deling right now.”

He could ask him outright for the jeep, and he considered it, but another idea came to him, “The SeeD exam isn’t for another week anyway, and since I’m about to be promoted like you were, I thought we should celebrate!” Get him drunk, put him up in a hotel, and take his Jeep. Not to mention they could go around Deling for a bit, get a feel for things with the soldiers that his brother would inevitably interact with, and he could send Maxon away whenever to get supplies. “Come on, when was the last time you got to let loose? You should come join us, and bring one of those jeeps – you know how the guys love a good soldier in a jeep.” He jabbed right back.

Girls and guys did love it, though. At least, those who liked the Galbadian soldiers, or a man with some sort of power. Seeing that jeep was as good a symbol as any, “I promise it’ll be a night to remember.”

His brother was going to shoot him later for this, no doubt.

~***~

‘Don’t tempt me, Viggo. We’ll all have jackets to go through the SeeD graduation with.’ Royce and Maxon probably wouldn’t mind it at all, but Viggo might be a bit miffed. They would be ‘Triple Threat’, with four people, naming conventions be damned. She was more certain of doing just that as she returned to Viggo and he commented on her voice.

Internally, she winced.

Externally, she grabbed his arm and leaned into him, keeping that light, lilting voice, “Oh my god, do you really think so? ‘Cause I’d love to be!” SeeD was about acting, after all. Or, a part of it was about acting, anyways. The part she was good at. Besides swinging around a gunblade. Pretending she couldn’t swing around a gunblade was this role’s charm.

She giggled a bit, letting go of Viggo to sway a bit on her heels as she saw the bus coming, “Just you wait, Viggy,” she lifted a finger and wagged it a bit in the air, “I’m going to make it here in Deling, one day.” She over-exaggerated the role for her own amusement. She’d tone it back down a bit. She stepped forward too hard to be a confident step as the bus came to a stop, and she stepped up into it with that forced confident look.

One she’d have to maintain without slipping into her normal stance that actually was confident. She was going to have to overthink.
 
"Why do you want to pick up guys in one of the jeeps when you already have your life partner next to you?" Baron replied, though laughing now. "Whew... Here I thought you two were in trouble, didn't know you were coming into town little bro! Should have fucking said something like a normal person instead of just showing up." Baron took a moment to think of what to say next, but when he did a great amount of joy was in his voice. "It has been a long time since we all hung out, huh? Tell you what. I'll meet you all in Deling Square in thirty minutes. I gotta finish up one thing here real quick but then I'll drive over and give you the perks of being a soldier."

"What, get to spit shine my daddy's boots?" Maxon replied dryly, though a smile on his face as Royce's plan was working. "No. Thanks."

"Your father isn't all that bad, Maxon. You should listen to him more often. Maybe get a hair cut." Maxon let out a groan while Baron simply laughed. "I'll see you two in half an hour. Let's not get too crazy, you haven't gotten promoted yet Royce! See you in a bit." Baron hung up and Maxon immediately started laughing. Not the typical laughter of getting away with something, but at Royce's expense.

"You are so fucked. That's some evil shit you're doing man..." He shook his head, "At least my plan involved us helping the other team out. This is playing your family like they're a card in your hand. Damn..." Maxon stifled his laughter. "Hope this doesn't come to bite you in the ass brother. You only got one family... Well, and me I guess. We gotta make sure he doesn't remember a god damn thing if this is going to work. Gotta hide the plates or something too, if this went back and bit B' in the ass there's a connection to Garden that way." He paused, "And... well... ya'know... Your brother feeling the wraith of the Galbadian military. No pressure."

---

"I hope you make it Nadine, you're a natural." Viggo replied, a smile on his face as he entertained her playful attitude. He let Nadine move forward to the bus first only to feel a cold chill run up his spine. He froze for a moment, only to feel a pair of lips next to his ear.

"She could be the sorceress, 'Viggy'...." Ophelia's voice crept into Viggo's ear as she stood behind him, mocking him. "Be on your guard... one of the women in these two SeeD teams is who we are searching for..." She paused, smiling as she could feel him tense up from the sudden appearance. "And do not fall for her compassion or friendship. You are being paid to kill a sorceress, not play dress up and faun after her. You are on a mission, remember?"

Viggo turned around once the initial shock was gone only to see nobody was there. Ophelia's message pained him greatly. It wasn't possible. 'Not Nadine... Becky maybe, maybe even Kaji but... Nadine? It doesn't make sense.' Before he knew it the bus began to lurch forward, the driver getting impatient with Viggo standing there so he quickly shuffled on board and took a seat next to Nadine. He had to think of something quick to buy why he took so long to board.

"God damn gum on my shoe." He said with a frown, narrowly saving himself. "I hate cities. I miss the woods... You wouldn't step in gum in the woods."
 
Royce was smiling a bit. He did, sincerely, want to hang out with Baron. He wished he wasn’t using him at the same time, but it was necessary, even if Maxon wanted to claim it was evil, or that his plan wouldn’t have messed up anything. “See you soon, B,” Royce said before he hung up, and slipped his phone back into his pocket. “Yeah, yeah, we’ll cover his ass and we’ll cover our ass. I’m not the only lucky Verren,” just the luckiest. Probably. Baron seemed to be doing pretty well for himself. “Let’s go steal some plates from a jeep, and then we’re going to want to keep him loaded on tequila.”

Gin would help, his brother couldn’t hold his gin, but it was tequila that could get him to blackout levels.

They could take plates from just a car, but it’d be better to pin this on some other Galbadian soldier that wasn’t his brother. It made it a bit more believable. He started to walk, not planning to hop on a bus when they were looking for a jeep. He could shove the plate into the bag with the clothes, “Did you bring a screwdriver or do we need to pick one up?” He obviously didn’t have a screwdriver on him.

He was fairly sure that Maxon didn’t, either, but it was worth asking. Sometimes, you never knew. ‘Then I’ll call up a hotel and get a room for B, and we’ll be good….’

~***~

Nadine found a seat easily enough that was empty, and waited for Viggo. He should have been right behind her, but when she sat down, he wasn’t even in the aisle. ‘Did he see someone?’ A bit of anxiety grew in the pit of her stomach, especially when the bus tried to move forward. That seemed to wake Viggo back up to his duties, and he was up and on the bus in a moment, and came right over to her with a lame excuse about gum.

She didn’t buy it. Not in the least. “Gum, huh? I’ll have to keep in mind that gum freezes you better than a stop spell.” She still played it off to let him keep his secret if he wanted to. She didn’t imagine it could be anything too bad.

He’d only been here when he was drunk, and didn’t remember it, right? It wasn’t like some loan shark was hunting him down in the city. He seemed to stay out of the cities and civilization. Still, she did lift a hand and place it on his upper arm, “Everything all right, Viggo?” Maybe it was just the appearances that were getting to him, and being here sober. It had to be overwhelming. It was to Nadine in some ways, but she’d seen Esthar before with Becky.

Deling was comparable, but there was something in the air of Esthar that was so much more.
 
"A screw driver is going to be the last thing I bring on a SeeD mission. Sorry bud." Maxon said, amused at how their portion of the mission was turning out. It felt less like a SeeD exam and more of an evening out with Royce on the town. There was the usual high-jinks, the typical banter and the surprise of tricking Baron into getting shit faced so they could steal his vehicle. So, another typical day with Maxon and Royce. "Though... I can call in a favor too I suppose. He ain't going to like being woken up though." Maxon smirked, lifting his hands up to look at his gloves. "Hey asshole, wake up."

His eyes glowed a sickly orange color for a moment upon the command, Maxon looking down at where he had junctioned Titan into. His guardian force had a similar personality to his own, the creature stirring as Maxon 'awoke' him.

"You know... I never figured out if everyone can talk to their guardian force. It seems like people just draw on their magic but me and Titan bullshit all the time. Ain't that right buddy?" Royce couldn't hear any sort of response as Maxon talked internally to the creature, expressing as if he was talking outloud but actually have a conversation with his guardian force. "Could be me going crazy too, too many headshots can do that too you. Titan is pissed I woke him up but he says he'll lend me some power to rip off a license plate clean. Whatever that means."

As if by some stroke of luck they spotted one in a parking lot of a nearby casino as they had been walking for quite some time. "Okay... Act natural Royce. I'll do this real quick and then pass it to you. We only need one..." Maxon began strolling through the cars of the parking lot, skipping across the grassy divider between the side walk and the parking lot. He looked like he had just gotten out of his own vehicle, any cameras pointed at him wouldn't exactly pick up on him especially with how far from the main building they were. He pretended to trip and looked down at his feet with a frown, bending down to tie his shoes.

"Okay buddy... Do your magic..." He said to Titan who immediately startled Maxon by giving him a boost of earth magic, his hands getting coated by rock that appeared seemingly from no where. "Ahh, so I'M the screw driver?" He asked, his fingers pointed and rocky thanks to Titan's magic. "Weird... But I'm game!" Maxon, with a little too trained of a hand, ended up removing the front license plate with ease and quickly tucked it up into his shirt as he walked up to Royce and slid the plate into his bag. "Alright, next step buddy. Been in Deling for 10 minutes and you already got me stealing shit again!" He exclaimed, keeping his voice low. "Not that I'm complaining, brings back good memories."

---

"Do you want the truth?" Viggo asked, knowing Nadine was a little too slick for his gum comment. He wanted to see if she would drop it or press and naturally she pressed so he told her a half truth. "When I was here last I..." He quietly brushed her hand off of him, "Sort of..." A slight redness appeared to his face, the usually reserved mercenary opening up to Nadine in a way he hadn't before. Unfortunately after shaving he had no scraggly beard to hide behind anymore. "I slept around. Quite a bit, honestly." The shock would have been hilarious if he didn't feel so ashamed of himself, the bus lurching forward as it began its journey to the Triple Threat. "When you're traveling out in the country side your umm... Well you see... you're alone a lot so when you get the chance you..."

Viggo leaned back in his seat and started laughing at himself, he couldn't feel ashamed for too long. "I thought I seen a girl I vaguely remember from those days. That's all." He turned and met her eye and smirked, "I'm human too. Doesn't feel like it a lot of the times but... Places like this remind me of what I'm protecting out there. Reminds me of some good times I've had here as well as some bad. Sorry for worrying you."

If only she had known the real truth, internally Viggo could hardly look at her.

He didn't want her to be the sorceress.
 
Royce was used to this relationship that Maxon had with Titan. It was definitely…well, strange, though he suspected it was one of the reasons that Krixus overlooked Maxon’s atrocious grades. His skill with Titan was unique. “No, us normal people don’t talk to our Guardian Forces, Maxon,” Royce stated, using a tone to suggest it made him quite weird, even if he thought it was fairly cool.

His own relationship with Garuda was not so good. The GF came when he called, but that was it, and he was usually froze in place when the GF arrived, Garuda drawing on him like a conduit of energy and using it against his foes. It wasn’t the most pleasant experience, which was probably why Royce mostly just kept Garuda junctioned for the extra strength and such the GF provided, and not for actually calling it down into battle.

When he was told to act natural, he just rolled his eyes and went to go wait for a bus – or pretend to wait for a bus, anyways. He took his deck of cards out from an inner pocket and started to shuffle them, a habit that was perfectly natural to him, all while he waited for Maxon to show up, trusting him to at least get the license plate.

Hopefully, without being noticed.

Royce was startled when Maxon came back. He felt the change in weight of his bag and glanced over his shoulder as Maxon came back around. He gave him a smirk and a nod, “What are friends for? We should go get shitfaced now – well…not too shitfaced.” Nadine and Viggo might kill them if they compromised the mission by being drunk in the base. The bus had good timing, pulling up, “C’mon, let’s get to the Square,” he said, pulling at Maxon’s arm as he walked by to get on and get to a seat, taking one quickly before another could, sliding by them and into the seat.

The woman gave him a dirty look, but moved on to sit with someone else, losing the one empty seat on the bus. Royce shuffled his deck once more, then slid it back into his pocket, “How you think the others are doing?”

~***~

Considering how Viggo had spoken of being blacked out drunk the last time he was here, his comment on being a slut in Deling really didn’t seem that surprising. If anything, Nadine was surprised by how red Viggo got, and if she weren’t concerned with embarrassing him to the point he might not share anymore, she would have commented on it. She was smart enough not to, and held her tongue to make sure she made no such commentary.

When he laughed, though, she felt some of her own tensions break and she laughed with him, shaking her head a bit, “Jeeze, Viggo, is that all? I already assumed you went a bit…crazy here in Deling. When we get back, maybe you can go find her. If she stuck through your mind through the black-out, she must have been notable somehow.”

Perhaps as something more to Viggo, or perhaps just an extremely good fuck. Nadine wasn’t going to judge, though the romantic in her found the thought of a reunited one-night stand with someone who could be more to be adorable, especially with a City Girl and a Brute like Viggo. He was attractive enough, especially cleaned up, that even a fashion-forward Deling girl ought to be interested.

She set her hand back in her lap, and looked ahead, “I won’t tell the others, though. Promise,” she leaned back a bit and glanced out the window as the city went by. “It must be nice to have such a straightforward job.” SeeDs were mercenaries of a different sort. They didn’t just hunt monsters. They did things like this, of questionable morality. Even Nadine couldn’t deny it. “Never any questions about it – you just kill monsters who are causing chaos for us humans. Do you actually enjoy it, though?” She glanced from the window, to him, curious then.

It was an admirable job, but was it enjoyable? It didn’t seem to pay well….
 
"I know for a fact Viggo and Nadine are still changing. Did you see the shit that poor bastard had to put on? Like trying to put a tuxedo on a cactaur. Nadine though..." Maxon let out a low whistle, "She's good looking normally but in that dress? Damn. She's going to break some hearts and some jaws tonight man. Either that or Viggo will while she lines them all up." Maxon smirked, it was natural to think about their female teammates the way they did. They were basically classmates and being from another place wasn't really a factor once they became SeeDs after all. "I think... they'll do fine. We have the fucking hard part here. Baron takes FOREVER to get drunk and we're going to be spending a lot of time in our old stomping grounds."

Maxon took a look out the window and out to the city. It wasn't all casinos and debauchery, deeper in the city were residential areas and government buildings. One of the main military bases was even further in as was the academy, Galbadia having their capital city well defended as well as promoting it as a resort destination. Every casino and attraction was for the good of the town, being a thin veil to hide the strong militaristic nation behind it.

"Never thought a SeeD exam would be fun though." He confessed, "I've struggled for fucking years in classes and this by comparison feels like a vacation. I know most of our missions won't be like this but hell... If we get to think creatively like this and get to do our own thing like this often then I'm all in. Least until your professional gambling career takes off and I get my fame bashing faces in anyways."

---

"It's all I know." It was a non-answer which he knew she wouldn't accept. Viggo was simply happy to have avoided what happened with Ophelia back at the bus station by forcing himself to look like a fool who had spotted a one night stand. Even if he had spotted one of them that's all they were to him, a night. Although he had a romantic buried down deep the monster hunter in him suppressed that much like it suppressed most of his other interests. "When you were born to kill creatures it... The lifestyle makes sense. I know you think I'm weird, I know Royce and Maxon and the others do as well. Without it though I'm nothing."

It was a harsh conversational turn from going from one night stands to not really having a choice in if he liked his work or not.

"To answer your question... I find the joy in it. Knowing that I'm helping is all that I care about. I know what it's like to lose everything and I know what it's like to have it all too. Right now all I have is my work and the knowledge that I made this world a better place. The pay is shit, the hours are nonstop and my only breaks are ones when I'm forced to or get thrown into out of the norm adventures such as this one... I'm good at it though, damn good at it." He frowned, "I find the joy but sometimes the negatives outweigh the positives. Sometimes the positives outweigh the negatives. If I knew anything else I might give it up but... Someone has to carry on the legacy of my people. Otherwise they died for nothing. I can't expect SeeD to take out all the monsters in the world either, so the world needs me. Maybe not the whole world but..." He offered a slight smile, "I make a difference where I can and I like doing it."

He paused, "How about you? Do you think SeeD life is what you're looking for?"
 
Royce laughed a bit at the thought that they were still changing, although he doubted it and figured Maxon was joking, too. Still, it was a feat to get Viggo to agree to all of this. It was really just another day to SeeDs. Image was nothing. Reputation was nothing. They had to become many things, all at once, at a drop of a hat – and he and Maxon were currently lucky their mission could use their innate skills and connections.

“That’s why I said we need to get him drinking gin. That hits him harder,” Royce reminded, though he knew they couldn’t lay it on too thick about the gin. Baron was aware, too – he’d learned the hard way enough times. It was still going to happen, though.

Royce rolled his eyes, “If my gambling career ‘takes off’, you realize I’m buying my own island and not doing shit again, right?” Screw ‘career’. If he ever made enough, he was leaving everything behind to relax and enjoy life. Of course, he knew how extravagantly he’d want to live. The odds of him ever getting that kind of jackpot were slim to none, even with his good luck. “I think most missions will be like that – thinking creatively and not having anyone breathing down our necks. You know, assuming we don’t get partnered with an asshole.”

He lifted one shoulder in a shrug, “Probably why Krixus decided to ignore your grades.” He knew Maxon was special. Hells, Royce knew he was special beyond just a delinquent he could make chaos with, or they wouldn’t be friends. There were enough delinquents out there in the world.

~***~

His answer, indeed, wasn’t an answer, and it showed on Nadine’s expression as she peered at him, waiting for him to make it something better. To think more about it. ‘If all I knew was selling flowers, that wouldn’t mean I’d be happy doing it.’ Viggo was still in the world. He saw there were alternatives to his path, if he wanted them.

Eventually, he stopped trying to evade, and he did answer.

He found joy in it. He found meaning and reason in it – he saw that when he saw the civilization he stood apart from, and knew that people were thriving. At ‘all the monsters’, though, she did roll her eyes. The world had an obsession with genocide when it came to monsters. They seemed to forget that so much of what they needed for medicines and the like, came from these creatures they despised.

“That’s what I wanted to hear,” an actual answer. She would have accepted it if he didn’t like it, of course, but he satisfied her curiosity. At his own query, she smirked a bit, “No, I’ve wasted my entire life so far on an ambition I detest,” it was an obvious lie, and she smoothed it by letting her smirk turn to a smile, “I’m not yet a SeeD, so I can’t say for certain. I do not think being a field operative is my end game,” of course not, she had higher ambitions, “but I do think that I will enjoy it, and I do think it is necessary to experience, but that doesn’t mean I do not have some qualms with the system and how we do just take on any mission if the pay is enough.”

Mercenaries had a place in the world, but mercenaries without question? Not so much. She would have to get a taste of the missions though, see how things panned out, before she could begin formulating ideas of how to improve the system.

The bus started slowing, and a glance out told her they were near enough to the stop, “C’mon, we can walk it from here.”
 
"Or he's afraid of me." Maxon said with a smirk, appreciating what Royce said though. In a way it had been a compliment and while he was a punk he still enjoyed the approval of people close to him. There weren't many on that list anymore but as long as his best friend had his back he was more than happy to do any SeeD mission Krixus threw at them. "Though you might be onto something... I doubt any of the people in these teams had the best grades. Well, maybe that Becky chick. She seems pretty proper." He paused, a devilish grin appearing on his face. "Pretty proper to get some of this-"

The bus immediately halted, them arriving at their stop and comically ruining Maxon's foul joke. Maxon laughed, "Let's go... Your brother shouldn't take too long to get here." As they began making their way off the bus Maxon walked backwards, "You'll have a dope guest house for me on your island right? I want to be able to take women there and pretend it's mine." He said with a wink before turning to the bus stairs and walking off into the central plaza of the main entertainment district. They still had a little time to kill until Baron arrived, him being half an hour away while it only took them about fifteen minutes to both steal the license plate and arrive in the center of town.

"Ahh Deling... baby... I missed you..." Maxon said with a grin, looking all around them as the massive buildings all around the main square surrounded them. This was the place to be, with all the flashing lights, the entertainment, the wacky people on every corner and every bit of sidewalk. To both of them this was home and in a way it was bittersweet, being on a mission when they knew just about everything they could do there. They could see the Triple Threat casino on the other side of the square, Maxon squinting and barely making out Nadine and Viggo. "Well would you look at that..." He commented, "Looks like they just got here too!"

Maxon pointed but kept a low profile, turning to Royce. "How are we gonna kill the time until B shows up? We can't get arrested. Yet."

---

"You? SeeD?" Viggo smirked, "And here I thought I was escorting the next best actress in Deling to her hotel." He teased, mostly so she could get into character before they headed inside. Viggo did take note of Nadine's aspirations to be more than just a SeeD, she was built for bigger work than this and he was pleased to see she wanted more from this life. It being something that perhaps he should think about himself. As they exited the bus Viggo checked their surroundings, spotting Maxon and Royce not to far from them at a different location. He gave Maxon a nod before turning to Nadine and outstretched his hands in front of himself like a body guard. "Ma'am." Viggo said in an official tone, assuming his role now that they were this close to the Triple Threat.

It was bustling all around them, so many people that they basically were engulfed in a massive crowd in an instant. The flashing lights, the sound of slot machines inside, the people cheering in victory, those groaning in defeat. It was sensory overload and the night was just getting started. Viggo placed his hand on Nadine's back defensively, taking both his cover job and his actual job quite seriously. That and with her dressed so provocatively and being unarmed had him feel more protective than he normally would.

Plus, if that wasn't enough, he caught a glimpse of Ophelia in the crowd. Not a long one, but enough to spot her watching them.

"Let's head in. Get this over with."
 
Royce had to laugh as Maxon’s joke was ruined by the bus lurching forward, “Uh huh,” he just agreed, knowing what was going to follow, as he pulled himself up from his seat to get off the bus, knowing they were going to be there early. It wasn’t like they could make the buses slow down. Galbadia was a well-run machine, that was for sure. Royce couldn’t help but keep that grin twisted on his lips as Maxon walked backwards.

He kept expecting him to trip – at least down the steps. He didn’t.

“Hell no, you’re going to be telling women it’s mine when you enter through the front doors of my home.” He joked. He probably would have other houses there, but he never got so far in his dream to actually start constructing the buildings yet. He should probably bring up that simulation game again one day, and stop just murdering people with fire, and get some ideas brewing. If not for his manor on an island, then just to figure out a house for himself.

SeeD would at least help him make bank. Enough to have a proper house – one to rival Caraway’s Manor.

He half-expected Maxon to drop to his knees and kiss the ground after they got off the bus, “Come on, it hasn’t been that long,” though the theatrics were amusing. Just as he said it, Maxon caught sight of their other deadly duo, and Royce smirked, “They ought to luck out in there,” he commented. Nadine clearly took the hint of his jacket to know where to go for Galbadian soldiers.

Killing time would be a little difficult, though. Royce thought to suggest pre-gaming, but that might get Baron nervous or more watchful, if he and Maxon were already a bit tipsy, “Hells….” Fifteen minutes would move way to slow. He looked around, “Well, we could do some browsing,” that could get boring, too, “I’d say we could pre-game, but that might just make it more difficult to get B wasted. We could go buy a hotel room for him,” his eyes flickered over one of the nearby hotels, “Maybe check in to any actual events going on,” usually the hotel staff knew those things, in order to satisfy guest demands. “Probably should get the hotel thing cleared away, actually. C’mon.” He just walked towards the first one he saw.

It wasn’t like B was going to remember or care until he woke up.

~***~

Nadine smirked a bit as Viggo put things back on course, refraining from making a comment as to how SeeDs were the best actors and actresses – at least when it came to Improv. She didn’t, of course, but set herself back in the mindset of someone ditzier than she actually was. Off the bus, she slipped back into it, posture adjusting to lose her natural confidence and take on that false-front of confidence again. Naivety. A slight unbalance in the step of someone with too much weight on their toes.

She noted where Viggo nodded and glanced over to see Maxon, but she didn’t even acknowledge him, just took Viggo’s arm and grinned up at him, before urging him forward just as the words were parting his lips, on towards the casino with eyes bright, and right into all the luxury and lights of that world.

There were plenty of Viera hostesses around – it was the first thing Nadine noticed, if only because it was so startling. Startled didn’t cross her face, though – only awe, as she turned her head this way and that to get a look at everything and squeezed herself briefly closer to Viggo, fingers pressing into his arm as a squeal left her. “This is it!” The excitement left her easily, before she leaned forward, stepped forward, and let him go to move forward, looking as someone who thought they found the place they belonged after too-long.

She didn’t linger at the front, but kept that forward momentum, going past an aisle of slots and glancing at the games with feigned curious ignorance. The wide-eyed look was one she had to keep aware of, as she finally made her way across the floor to a central island of a bar where plenty were gathered around, laughing and talking up their recent victories or losses at the tables. She let none of them get in her way as she pushed up to the bar and leaned across to get the bartender’s attention, another pretty viera.

No wonder Royce loved this place. “Excuse me, can I get, uh…,” she pursed her lips, then let them pop open with the words, “Oh right, the whiskey sour, please?”

The viera didn’t seem too impressed, but went about it. She wasn’t trying to impress the viera – so that was probably a good sign that she already seemed a bit much for her. She hopped back down off the bar and noticed a group of soldiers not far. She’d noticed them before, but she was pretending to just notice them now as one of the men started talking about which Blackjack table he just won a small fortune at.

She decided to interrupt, “Hey – which table was that?” She asked with an innocent smile plastered on her lips as she waited for her drink.
 
"Really? This place? Again?..." Maxon went pale, to him this was an omen. "The fucking 'Lucky Lynx'? You couldn't have picked any other place?" Once Royce had made his mind up on something it was futile to fight, the Lucky Lynx was across the square from the Triple Threat and was one of the more eye catching casinos in the area. It was plated in what looked to be gold and had massive statues of majestic looking felines dotting the roof and around the entrance. "Last time we went here I woke up next to one of our classmates... The one with the real obnoxious laugh, remember her?" Maxon shivered, "She tried to get me to meet her parents once we got back to Balamb and just... It could be worse but that sort of commitment makes my skin crawl man."

Maxon was a delight as usual, making light of them going to the one casino that had actually rewarded him with something. Usually they took all of his money, got him supremely drunk and he woke up next to anyone who'd let him sleep with them or he'd wake up in a puddle of his own blood. Worse was the few times he woke up in jail, several of those times with Royce. Being so young and having such an extensive record wasn't abnormal for Galbadian youth, sending them both off to Balamb for long periods of time the only peace the town got from the two.

As they entered the casino they were quick to find a line to check in, one that would kill most of the time they'd be waiting. Groaning, the two men got in line to wait until they were finally served nearly 10 minutes later.

"Hey! We're looking to get a room." Maxon said cheerfully, speaking for the both of them.

"One or two beds?" The woman behind the desk asked.

Without missing a beat Maxon said, "Just need one, sweetheart." He seen the smirk appear on her face, he had only been thinking about Baron passing out there. Two handsome young men standing together waiting to check in? Yup. She thought they were 'together'. Maxon, not knowing when to leave it be wrapped his arm around Royce and did the unthinkable: he kissed him on the cheek. "We've been together since we were kids. Is there any way we could get a discount? We come here often and well..." Maxon forced tears to come to his eyes, acting just as a SeeD should with his acting skills. "He proposed to me here." He whispered to her, giddy with false excitement.

"Oh my... Let me see if I can work something out! That is so adorable. Congratulations!"

"Thanks, sweetie." Maxon said, before turning to Royce with a shit eating grin on his face. "Excited, babe?" Maxon always had to make things more awkward than they needed to be. He had no shame and as a result Royce had to play along or risk compromising the mission. Or, being as the stakes weren't THAT high, he could compromise their discount.

---

Viggo watched as Nadine let go and rushed over to the bar. He figured this was her time to shine and decided to stay back. It was refreshing in a way, letting her go off and do her portion of the machine while he simply had to watch and made sure no one got too fresh with her. Unfortunately for him that meant having to watch her pick up several different soldiers awkwardly. Not that he cared what Nadine did, she was a beautiful young girl and could do what she wanted. But seeing her do it time and time again when he knew that's the opposite of how she was? It felt dirty. Though he had done dirtier for less gil than this so he simply resigned to sit at one of the flashing machines.

He had seen them before, "Money machines..." He said in an adorably oblivious way that if Nadine had been nearby, or worse Maxon, that she wouldn't let him live it down. Whilst keeping an eye on her and being just within ear shot he began to stick a few gil into the machine to play.

"The luckiest table in this whole place, pretty lady." The soldier replied to Nadine as she interrupted him. "Blackjack. Could show you how to play if you wanted." He said with a confident smirk, the man picking up on Nadine's whole aura and determining that she was very beautiful but perhaps not the smartest. "What's your name?"

Viggo kept a watchful eye over the whole thing, surprised at how well Nadine had taken on her role. He questioned if the others had similar skills and if blending in like this was part of SeeD training.
 
Royce wanted to bury his head in his hands, but he knew better. His face flushed crimson in embarrassment, but he could play it off. It was standard SeeD training to have some improvisational skills, after all. And at least he proposed, not vice versa.

Damn Maxon.

He wrapped an arm across Maxon's back, letting his hand rest over the further hip as he pulled Maxon closer to him, fueling the image for the clerk. “Very,” Royce purred. Maxon was definitely the reason he ever got good at acting, and the reason he escaped many of those jail sentences, as well. He usually was sure to get Maxon out when he avoided it, though.

The clerk just giggled a little at the exchange, before humming to herself as she started to work her magic, and then managed, “Well, I can get you a discount if this is your anniversary….” The way she trailed off implied she’d just take their word for it. No proof needed.

“It is,” Royce agreed, adding, “That’s why we came back here in particular, it’s just…so special to us. We may have been here last time under Fisher, but now it’s Verren.” He was obviously taking his own last name, “Just put it under Baron Verren.” They had to get it under his brother’s name, anyways.

She tapped away, and then offered up the price to them, which Royce would admit was a fairly nice discount. He looked to Maxon, deciding since he made him suffer through this, he could also pay the damn fee, and he gave such an excited, happy little grin at the prospect of it – that was completely sincere, because fuck Maxon and this game to get them a discount.

~***~

‘You mean only the easiest game in the entire casino?’ Nadine did not say that. Blackjack – get to 21 without going over. A game of simple math and a bit of luck, as well as learning when the advantage had turned to the House. The decks were usually stacked in some way to draw people in with a string of wins, before taking them for all they were worth.

Of course, Nadine didn’t say that – she just lit up, “I’ve heard about Blackjack!” Eager, excited, as her drink was slid over to her then. She ignored it a moment to reach a hand up to stroke the other man’s arm, “I’d love to learn more about it with you – it’d be good to get lucky for once in this place,” gods that was laying it on thick, wasn’t it? No matter, she let her hand move away to grab the drink with a blithe, “Thank you!” to the viera, before quickly reaching for the small bag that matched the dress.

Not large enough to carry a gunblade, but enough to carry a few gil – and she had to pay for the drink until people started buying them for her. Plus, she had to have gil to be convincing in a casino as someone there to gamble.

She didn’t concern herself with where her gunblade was, or where Viggo was. This mission relied on a lot of trust in the others, not just Viggo, but Maxon and Royce, as well. They were putting their trust in her to lead them, so she had to put her trust in them, just as well. She wouldn’t blow her cover by seeming the least bit paranoid.

Besides…she really didn’t think any of these soldiers would be a problem. She still had magic. And Seraph.
 
"Woooow!" Maxon cried, breaking away from Royce for a moment. "You are so sweet, you know that? You are really making this anniversary trip one to remember." He flashed her the most charming smile he could manage, even with his rough appearance Maxon was such an excellent actor he could appear just in the way the woman wanted or expected to see him. Even down to his more exaggerated movements to his false excitement every bit was planned carefully. What he lacked in knowledge he made up for in pure skill, especially in ones he could have a nice laugh about afterwards. Reaching to grab his wallet he chuckled, "Do you got someone, sweetie? I have a brother that would DIE to meet someone like you."

"As a matter of fact I don't! What's his name?" She asked, looking away from the payment terminal to gaze into Maxon's eyes. The woman was enamored by his and Royce's story that she didn't even notice as Maxon slid a card into the machine that was definitely not a valid debit card. "Your story is just so sweet that... Well, I normally wouldn't give a discount like this but a chance to meet your brother? Who is he?" She flashed him a smile back, fortunately there was no one in line behind them so the woman could let loose a little and interact with him on a human level rather than just an employee of the Lucky Lynx.

"His name? Honey, please." Maxon said with a devilish grin, throwing one of his hands in the air dramatically. While she followed his hand with her eyes he began punching a few numbers on the payment terminal, a prompt that wasn't usually there appearing. "You will be learning a lot more than his name tonight. Get this... he is more in shape than me, he has flowing long locks of hair and... WAIT FOR IT." He paused for dramatic effect. Maxon leaned closer, finishing off the transaction and whispered, "He has an 8 pack and is good with kids."

"No way!"

"Way." He replied, removing his card as she was busy starring at his friendly face. By the time she looked back down the transaction was complete and had been cleared by the casino. "His name is Viggo."

"Oooh... Viggo? Cute." She said with a smirk, "Here is your room key and... if I could get Viggo's number I'd appreciate that Mr. Verren."

Maxon sighed, the one time Viggo needed a phone and he didn't have one. "His JUST broke. Totally not lying! I'll tell him to get here now to come talk with you and if he doesn't I will LITERALLY kill him. Thanks again!" She smiled and nodded at him as Maxon and Royce turned to walk, Maxon slapping his ass as they walked out of hearing distance of the woman. Maxon's joyous face disappeared and he simply added, "Used the dummy card, some poor bastard is gonna get charged twice tonight. Fuck you for making me pay 'honey'."

---

"Getting lucky huh? Well let's test your luck tonight, see where it takes us." The Soldier replied with a grin, only to blink as he seen her reaching into her purse to pay for her drinks. Nadine had already had him hook, line and sinker. He seen the ditzy beautiful girl in a revealing dress cozing up to him conveniently after winning a jackpot? He didn't care if she was just in it for the money he was going to lay it on thick. "That's alright, sweetheart! I got this one for you. After all, how rude would I be if I just won all this money and didn't share it with a pretty girl?" The soldier reached into his stack of winnings and handed a few chips to the Viera who silently took them from him.

The Soldier smirked, "The name is Michael, or Mike. Or, if you're one of these assholes-" He said, gesturing over to the snickering Galbadian soldiers shamelessly checking Nadine out. "I'm Mad Mike. It's stupid but... being in the service and all is rough and..." Was he really bringing up being in the military, especially when he was in uniform? Mike wasn't very good with the ladies, or rather ones that weren't stupidly drunk. "...sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do. We're on leave from fighting creatures out east of here and I figure why not spend a night in this great city?"

Mike reached for his drink and raised it to Nadine, "How about you and I get lucky tonight, ehh? I'll teach you blackjack, take you to dinner... Maybe more drinks like this? All on me." He smiled at her, if he wasn't so clueless on how he was getting played he wasn't necessarily hard on the eyes. "How about it? Just say your name and you can have the night in Deling you've always wanted."
 
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