paixaorpg | CAN I SMELL YOUR GASOLINE? CAN I PET YOUR WOLVERINE? [ active ]

It was the same feeling that used to course its way through him -- the same sensation that stepping up to the Spherepool before an important game. The crowd out there, in the stands -- anticipating the main event. Jecht would never deny that he loved the spotlight, as long as he was the one in it. Being targeted by the Organization? Hah! He wasn't scared of them. In fact, as far as he was concerned, the more attention that he drew to himself, the better. Ever since he had learned of the secret inner workings of the city -- the kidnappings, the experiments... the only reason that he could figure that he hadn't been nabbed for whatever twisted purpose -- had to be because they were scared of him already! Instead, they were preying on people with obvious inferior skills to his own (it's lonely at the top, sigh ), which was why they were falling victim.

On the other hand, just because he didn't mind the danger he was putting himself in (which he could most certainly handle, anyway), he also didn't want to put the other residents in any more danger than they already were, too. He was quiet proud of himself as he stepped out into Central Station, arms crossed against his chest. It was 3:10 last time he had checked. He was fashionably, but not overly late he figured. It wasn't his style to arrive at a party early, anyway. Into the afternoon sunlight he wore a grin across his face, and over his eyes -- was his red bandana.

Megara had argued with herself for days about this and that put her in a considerably bad mood. Not just the questioning of herself and her motivations (which hadn't happened for years) but the very fact that coming to Jecht's stupid resistance meeting was even a question. She was smart, she was independent and most importantly, she was a survivalist. And going to this party of heroes and martyrs? Definitely a life-threatening move.

But...maybe being surrounded by the muscle-bound and powerful alike would be enough reason to satisfy her curiosity. Because she was curious, about Jecht and this resistance and what, exactly, everyone was planning.

And if things turned south, well...there was one death god that might just be interested in any information in exchange for safety.

((I'll just combine Braska and Auron here for now to make things easier on myself x.x))

They had arrived at the meeting at separate times but found one another quickly enough. It was easy enough for Braska to spot Auron, or rather his coat, in the small crowd that had appeared at the station, though the High Summoner couldn't say he had been expecting his friend to be so close to the front. Had he spoken with Jecht before the meeting? Braska smiled at Auron, who nodded in return.

"I must admit, I am a little excited about this," Braska said. "It is odd... not to do this in the shadows, I mean."

Auron shook his head. "They were preferable," he replied, "But there's no going back."

Braska frowned. "You should have a little more faith in him."

Auron looked away. He never said he didn't. "We'll see how he does."

Braska sighed, turning his attention back to the stage as Jecht stepped on. Noticing something a little off, he frowned, squinting a little before his eyes immediately went wide again. He was blindfolded? Braska turned to Auron, who showed no signs of surprise.

Deep down, knowing Jecht's motives, Auron was a little impressed.

"Citizens of PAIXAO!"

He called to all directions. Was he even talking to anyone? It was pretty darkening under the thing. Oh well, even if it was no one, he'd worked up the gall already. Somewhere, anyway, he knew Auron and Braska would be hearing him out. It was important to him for them to be there -- he could show them that he had it in him to help all these people. It wouldn't make up for the damage he had caused locked inside of Sin, but... maybe if he could save even just a few people...

"First'uv all, to everyone that came here today, I'm applaudin' you."

And with his hands, he gave three hearty claps, as he turned slightly to the right.

"For bein' brave enough to show yourself out in the open. It ain't no secret! We know about it -- there're people out there, in this fake dome place -- they're watchin' us. They're doin' what they want with us, for who knows what reason?! An' that's why I asked you all to come here today! It's time to stop lettin' 'em get away with all this nonsense! It's time to get our freedom back! Our homes! Our friends! Our lives..."

Meg watched him with a skeptical expression, to say the least. Was he serious with the whole speech thing? He really was. Of course he was. As he applauded the bravery of the idiots who found the courage to just walk here, she snorted audibly, partly in amusement and fully in derision. And what was he hoping to do to stop any of this? Hadn't people tried before? Did he think a few scars and a bandanna would put him at the head of the pack?

She still didn't speak up and wasn't sure she would. It was hard, though, not to question him right here and now.

Daily wanderings were becoming a habit as Raven got himself accustomed to the city, striking up conversations here and there with the locals and other outsiders like himself. In fact, they were more forthcoming than the locals themselves, who kind of gave him the creeps. Their smiles and gazes were almost vacant, and if he asked any "whys" or "hows" they tended to ignore him or quickly change the subject.

Eventually, however, he had discovered the train system, as so it was that on his way back to the small apartment he had rented after a day exploring the city, he disembarked at the central station to witness a curious sight.

He slipped into the back of the small crowd gathered to listen to the man, finally getting close enough to make out what he was saying over the regular station noises.

"Those'a you who haven't heard of me yet, the name's Jecht. Just like you guys, I landed here one day, out from nowhere. An' just like you -- I ain't lookin' to make a home outta this place while some dandy in a black jacket treats all of ya like an' ant farm."

He turned to the left, taking a few steps as he spoke.

"Now, the thing is -- we're still tryin' to figure out just what exactly it is we're up against, am I right? I've heard all kinds'a things from right to left, an' I'm gonna spare you on the details. Thing is -- unless the lot of us are willin' to stand up together -- we ain't got a shoopuf's chance in the desert! Teamwork's what we need! Even a guy with as much talent as me -- I wasn't half as great as I am now 'til I got a solid team behind me, am I right or am I right?!"

He paused, waiting for the cheers he was hoping would come.

Oh, that was it.

"Oh my gods, you're so right, Jecht!" Meg finally called out, eyes narrowed. "The only reason people have been stuck here is because they just didn't know the magic of teamwork. Thank Hera we've got you to sort us all out, right?"

Yuna had been listening with rapt attention and while she thought Jecht had maybe gone a little overboard, what he'd said resonated with her. It was something she knew and understood, something she agreed with. So when the woman nearby called out sarcastically, Yuna turned to defend him.

"He's right, you know!" she informed the woman hotly. "Maybe it's not the reason we're all trapped here, but teamwork can help get us out!"

"You don't think anyone else has thought of that?" she replied with a scoff, one hand on the hip she'd tilted out. "What, you and Mr. Fantastic here just want it more than the people before you? The bond between you is just that special? Get over yourself and get a clue, hon."

Edited 2010-02-09 03:10 (UTC)

Whoever this woman was, she was starting to get on Yuna's nerves. The former high summoner glared over at her. "We've been through things that are a lot like this!" she retorted hotly. "If I hadn't had all of my guardians through my pilgrimage, I wouldn't have made it through. Once a summoner decides to give her life to defeat Sin, nothing else matters."

She could remember the day she'd made that decision so clearly. It had been so difficult and meant so much. Even though she'd known she'd be going to her early death, she'd never once regretted it. Determination shone through in her eyes now. It was clear that she felt very passionate about this.

"The people before us wanted it just as much as we did. Whatever we have done will never make what they did, what they sacrificed, mean any less. It just means that this is our way of helping, our way of doing what's possible. Don't try to take that away from us."

It was the final sentence that did any damage for Meg. Misery loves company, right? She didn't want to take anything from anyone, she wanted to believe that any of this would accomplish anything more than pain and disaster. But she couldn't. The passion in Yuna's fierce words made Meg feel small by comparison...so she lashed out with the only weapon she had.

"Hey, great life story, very moving," she replied sarcastically, violet eyes turning cold and steely. "But there's more than just your life at stake here, or are the rest of us hard to see up there on your soap box? You wanna risk your neck on a gamble like this, good for you. But don't drag anyone else in with you. I don't think a sweet girl like you could deal with the guilt."

With that, she spun on her heel and threaded herself through the crowd and away from Yuna, hands balled into fists at her side despite the arrogant, cold expression on her face.

Yuna blinked at the return fire for a moment, though she still felt the fire from earlier. Whatever this woman said, Yuna wasn't trying to drag anyone in. She just didn't want the woman to tear Sir Jecht down. Shooting the woman another glare, the former summoner turned around and listened to what else was going on around her.

"Up 'til now, things'uv been pretty hush hush. But I'm tellin' ya -- it's a secret that's too well-kept! There's nothin' wrong with keepin' the man upstairs guessin' -- but how many of ya even knew about the rest'uv us! Look around and if ya don't see more people than ya thought, then call me an old man right now an' tell me to get off my soapbox! But I'm bettin' -- everyone's gonna go home from this feelin' a little better then when they came."

A crooked grin flashed its way across, as he lifted an arm, pointing to his blindfold.

"I just wanted all of ya to come today, knowing that I'm a guy you can talk to keepin' your identity hidden, even safe from if they sap out my memories."

He was proud of himself, and probably looked it. If he came out of this meeting knowing that a group banded together tighter from his efforts, he would be happy. As long as the new folk knew there was hope -- and a link to others that wanted to work towards the same purpose -- he would know he accomplished something.

"Though maybe I can't see right now -- I ain't leadin' you guys blind. That's a promise."

A promise he couldn't keep, she knew that now. She just knew it. He called them all out here, in the open and under the very scrutinizing eye of people (for lack of a better term) that saw them all as playthings. And he didn't even have an actual plan? Just a rousing speech that was supposed to, what? Get them all to act more reckless? How could he expect any of them, her especially, to get any hope from this?

Meg scowled, turning her face away from the stage. Who was the bigger fool here? Jecht for believing in the power of teamwork and friendship? Or her for believing in him?

Yeah, Jecht, I see more idiots than I thought here. Great way to be sitting ducks, Riku thought. He'd purchased some different clothes earlier today, and now he leaned up against a wall in the closest alley listening. He had to admit, the gray hoodie was pretty comfortable, though it felt odd having his hair tucked under a cap. He kept his face low, looking like he was waiting for a friend to show up.

That being said, Jecht did have a point. Riku was able to see just who was on their side rather than just being mindless citizens of this city of memory. These would be the people he could contact for help. Or considering how open they were being about this, would be able to keep an eye on to help.

By the end of the speech, there were smiles--one significantly smaller than the other--on Braska and Auron's faces. Braska leaned in a little closer to Auron. "I told you to have faith in him. He sounds like a fine leader," he whispered, nodding for emphasis.

Auron had to admit the speech hadn't sounded that bad. Though considering the leadership Jecht's son showed, it shouldn't have been that much of a surprise. And at least he was there to help the other man plan things through (something he knew was not the blitzball player's strong point). "Better than I thought," he agreed.

Braska took a look around the gathered crowd. "And he does have a point. Look at all these people, Auron. We may have a chance!" He turned his gaze upward at the painted sky and chuckled to himself. "Even if this is dangerous... It isn't as though they don't already know who some of us are, right?"

Auron didn't respond, looking straight ahead. You could say he'd grown too pessimistic over the years, but he was willing to give this a shot.

After all, the two of them had a point.

"Anyone got anythin' they wanna say? Don't be shy! I never been so good at these sorts'a speeches!"

He looked upwards as if trying to tune his ears to any voices that might speak out.

"You stupid moron, you'll get us all killed," Megara muttered. During the final part of his speech, she'd moved toward the back of the crowd, where the shadows of their surrounding would hide her better. Lurking in corners was cliche, sure, but...she couldn't stand being surrounded by people who were putting their faith in something as so intangible as hope.

She'd hoped before. She'd risked it all on hope and love and all the gooey crap people couldn't get enough of and now, she had nothing to show for it. She would have liked for Jecht to have more. Not just for his sake, but for everyone here.

Someone else was hiding out in the shadows. Apparently even nine-foot-tall Na'vi liked to hide. Though these were more difficult to hide. Larger. Bluer. But there were reasons Grace had come in that form and not her human one.

One of those reasons manifested itself in the Avatar's catlike agility as she sidestepped getting accidentally run into. The woman looked a bit preoccupied.

"Did he stick a bee in your hair or do you always look so happy?" she asked, though her tone of voice wasn't quite as sarcastic or biting as it normally would have been.

She gasped, jumping back as a female voice sounded out of nowhere. Then she froze completely as she saw just who the voice belonged to. Giant blue cat woman thing? Okay, sure. Just...just roll with it. Meg had seen weirder working for Hades, after all. So it only took her a few seconds to adjust.

"If he had touched my hair, he'd be curled up in a fetal position right now," she responded dryly, one corner of her lips twitching up in a weak smirk. Megara turned her gaze towards Jecht's direction again and leaned against the nearby column, arms crossed.

"I was just expecting more," she admitted with a sigh. "I don't even know why."

Grace pretended not to notice the momentary surprise, but she rolled her eyes inwardly. Really, one would think people hadn't seen anything weird in this place.

"So, that rules that out," Grace responded in a tone that mirrored Meg's first. She, too, was watching Jecht, big yellow eyes taking in everything. "Someone able to take on a man who looks like he should be Pandora's equivalent of a football player shouldn't need anything. What were you expecting, Numbnuts here to give an actual plan or decent entertainment?"

Meg laughed quietly, glancing at Grace with amusement. "I guess I was expecting an actual plan. Guess I learned my lesson, huh? I won't be expecting much of anything from him again soon." Despite the breezy tone of her voice, as she glanced back towards Jecht's direction, her smile faded, her disappointment and bitterness written clearly in her expression.

Grace didn't answer right away. Her attention was focused on the man they'd been listening to. "Maybe he's not the one to look to." Her voice was quiet when she spoke again, but there was conviction somewhere in it. "Someone somewhere will take up the torch."

And maybe she'd learn something about this place, too.

"So, you been here long?"

Yeah...someone. There was no shortage of self-proclaimed leaders. They all fell short when it turned south, their ideals and egos shrinking under the boot of conflict and guys more bad than them. Meg had no doubt someone would take up the torch; how long they were able to hold on to it was the question.

Not that she said any of this out loud. She merely shrugged a bit, listening partly to the conversations taking place. At Grace's question, she glanced over, smiling wryly. "Not even a month. Just seems like forever. You?"

At least it was a good distraction. Grace looked back down at her human companion and let her lips twitch up into a smirk. "Less than a week and it already feels like a couple of years," she replied as her yellow eyes moved back up to Jecht. "Though that could be because my concept of time is off here. The days are shorter."

"Really?" she replied quietly. "I was just thinking they were longer." She cast a final glance at Jecht, feeling the pull to follow him despite her misgivings at his ability. She turned away, pushing herself off from the pillar, frowning.

"I'm gonna head out. I don't think I'm cut out for the cheer squad here." She didn't belong here anymore than she belonged anywhere else. She gave a little wave and the barest of smirks at Grace by way of farewell and walked away, disappointment leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

"Compared to what I'm used to..."

Grace glanced down at the girl, noticing the look in her eyes and wondering what had caused it. Not that she could do anything about it, so it didn't matter that much.

"Don't be a stranger."

She had no idea why she replied with that. Maybe it had something to do with feeling equally outcast. Maybe it was the fact that they'd actually gotten along. Or maybe it was Jarhead getting to her even here. She didn't know.

But Grace offered a slight wave in return before turning her attention back to the crowd.

Raven listened carefully to the rest of the man's speech, not sure whether to shake his head sadly or be amused by this man--Jecht's--audaciousness. He certainly had a few things he wanted to ask, but he didn't particularly want to make a show of himself in this place.

Bein' cautious now, old man? Won't get anywhere like that.

He'd been in Paixao almost a week now, and hadn't gotten any satisfactory answers to anything. Time to put being "Raven" to good use. He stepped forward finally, raising a hand to catch Jecht's attention, the other tucked habitually into his belt.

"Well now, those're some fine words, sir Jecht, but d'ya have a plan of action ta go along with 'em? Speakin' about hope is all well an' good, but what exactly's bein' done ta get us all home?"

As he stood there, blinded, his ears reacted to the sound of a voice being projected ahead. He nodded as a man spoke, waiting until he was finished before answering. "Well, not too long ago, there was information floatin' around this place, givin' us more clues as to what exactly this world, Paixao -- 's all about. For those'uv us that wanna continue on from here, I got a plan to propose, but it ain't gonna be easy..."

Jecht smiled slightly, although there was no happiness to back it up. In fact, it looked a little solemn. "Which is why from here -- we're gonna have to sort out whose willin' to fight, an' who wants to ride the sidelines."

So hopefully this guy wasn't all talk. "Still, dontcha think announcin' this in the middle of th' city's gonna get ya in trouble? Not that I can't appreciate someone who's got guts, but...I'd like a little more info b'fore I commit ta anythin'."

Well, the only way to deal with this type and get that information was to encourage them. "Let's hear it, then; what's th' big plan?"

Throughout the speech, Naja was awed and growing more and more pleased. This is the kind of guy she needed in her service! The perfect Sentinel! She was charmed, hook, line, and sinker. Finally, by the end, she began to clap, far too dignified to whoop and cheer.

"Jecht for Resistance leader!" she cheers.

Sara had been leaning against one of the walls of the station, listening quietly as she gathered information...for either employer at this point. She hadn't seen Naja, nor realized that she was there, until the President had shouted the cheer.

Taking a deep breath, she turned and attempted to avoid Naja, not really wanting to explain where she had been for the duration of time.

Especially since she hadn't exactly been doing her job, or being a 'law abiding' worker for the Sentinels.

She had still been fairly caught up in her cheering, but that didn't mean she wasn't properly aware of her surroundings. There were plenty of familiar faces in the crowd, of course. They had all been trapped in the damnable city together since who-knows-when. You grow accustomed to seeing this person, or another person.

But that person was one that Naja hadn't seen nor heard from recently at all, and she drops her support for Jecht to immediately make a beeline towards Sara, snapping out a hand through the crowd to grasp her shoulder. "You!"

Sara had to keep herself from lashing backwards from the semi-unexpected grasp on her shoulder. The voice was Naja's, she knew that, but she had hoped her boss wouldn't see her in the crowd of people.

...Apparently she had been wrong.

"Yes, me. How're you, Naja?"

Of course she was wrong! A Sentinel could never be right! That was childish, unbecoming thinking.

"Oh, me? Fantastic. Where the hell have you been!"

Yep. That's Naja. Cutting right to the chase.

"I've been around the city mostly, gathering information." Not quite a lie, because she had been. "Nothing exciting going on, it seems, so I came over here to check this gathering out." Once again, not quite a lie.

She just omitted any information about the Organization member she had managed to find.

Hearing the chant, Jecht smirked happily, leaning back with his arms crossed against his chest. Secretly, he was hoping others would join in. An ego boost never hurt when you were up in front of a crowd, after all!

Hades kept to the shadows the whole time, close enough to overhear the speech, and then the moment it ended he slips off, chuckling to himself all the while.

No this was interesting.

CAN I SMELL YOUR GASOLINE? CAN I PET YOUR WOLVERINE? [ active ]

THE GIMMICK. [ feel free to react or not ]

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CAN I SMELL YOUR GASOLINE? CAN I PET YOUR WOLVERINE? [ active ]

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QUESTIONS? / OPEN ENDED

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