Preparing for things to come.

[goddessofthesky]

Where: Aqures Ixen
When: June 29th – July 5th
Summary: Zelda isn’t one for war but she’s going to start practicing and thinking of strategies. She knows that there will be a meeting but she doesn’t want to attend empty handed. She is also on a look out for new heroes. It’s a bad time for them to show up which makes her think that they will.
Warning: None.


Zelda was always busy and with the threat of war she was even busier. She was coming up with plans using the city map as a guide. It would be better to use the cities natural strengths during the fight, such as preexisting walls, but it’s clear that this city wasn’t made to withstand a war. The best they could do was guess where the Empire might focus their attention and so Zelda made a list.

1.) Jessie’s Lab
2.) The Hospital
3.) The Fire Crystal
4.) The Castle
5.) The Old Observatory
6.) The old Magitek Research Facility
7.) Mognet Office
8.) Airship Port

There were other possible areas too but she didn’t think they’d attack schools or homes. They couldn’t chance leaving areas unprotected but she supposed they could put a concentration of people around specific points. There were a few locations that worried her more than others. She didn’t know if they should move the heroes in stasis or if they should focus around the crystal of fire. It would really help if they knew what the Empire was after.

She worked late into the evening, pouring over notes and making scribbles and plans on small pieces of paper.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

She was planning to fight and while her skills lay primarily in wit she wasn’t a stranger to brute strength. She thought of changing her jobs back to the skills she had mastered but she knew that Link wouldn’t want her on the front lines. Instead she practiced with the bow that he had made for her: aiming, firing, and then fetching the five arrows she was using for practice.

Zelda could be found practicing in a few places. Right outside the town was the most common. She could aim at trees or things around her without the possibly of hitting a foolish passerby. She could also be found right outside the Observatory, pass the garden that she had create and along the back of the building. She set up a small firing range with a few straw looking dummies at the opposite end. They weren’t perfect but they let her practice without destroying any arrows.

She could also be found using her illusionist skills such as duplicating herself. This would be the easiest way for her to help from afar and she hoped that she could think of ways to use these skills in a larger scale battle. She couldn’t help but wonder how well the Heroes of Light would ban together. She remembered the first time they all fought. It was in the Chocobo Ranch and it hadn’t gone very well at all but since then people have grown and changed. New heroes have arrived and they found a purpose.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Along with everything else Zelda was on the look out to see if new heroes would arrive. This was a constant duty that she gave herself but with war looming she decided to keep her eyes and ears out more so. It would be a perfectly awful time for the heroes to awake which made her think that they would. She also had no idea where they would show up which weighed heavily on her thoughts.

Comments

Observatory! end of June

[makingfriends]

Ven wasn't much of a planner. He was one to go with the flow, to follow his heart at a moment's notice and, simply put, act on impulse nine times out of ten. Predictably, this whole calm-before-the-storm ordeal left him restless and uneasy, and he put most of that energy into more training. He would need it, anyway.

When he wasn't doing that, he was going around the city -- partly just to keep moving, partly to memorize more of the streets and locations. He still wasn't sure how things would play out or what he was supposed to do, but being more aware of his surroundings would pay off in any case.

His stop by the Observatory was nothing so practical; he just realized he hadn't seen Zelda in quite a while, and since he was around there anyway, why not? It didn't take him long to find her in her makeshift firing range, and he offered her an easy smile.

"Hey! Training hard?"

Observatory! end of June

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda lowered her bow with a smile. Her hand had been pulled back into a tight ponytail but that didn't stop the usual wisps of gold strains from coming loose and framing her face. There was a glimmer of sweat across her forehead which she quickly wiped away with a towel she had on her shoulder. She was wearing a summer dress hoping to fight off the heat with the thin material.

The corner of her lips curled into a happy smile as her gaze fell on Ven. "Yes. Have you been training too?"

She could only assume so. He didn't look like the type who enjoyed sitting still for very long. She walked over towards a small bench that sat in the shade of the observatory placing the finely carved bow down and picking up a glass of water. She hadn't been keeping track of time but she's been outside for a few hours now. A break would probably be beneficial.

[makingfriends]

Taking that as confirmation that he wouldn't be in the way, Ven approached with a nod. "Yep! Pretty sure I'm driving Rae crazy, but she worries too much." He said it with patient fondness in his tone, at least; his moogle tended to stress over little things and underestimate him at times, but she was still a friend, and she meant well. That Ven had come up with the nickname was testament to his acknowledging both of those facts.

"But I've been keeping busy," he went on. His voice remained cheerful, but the way his smile shrank slightly hinted at his thoughts. "How've things been for you?"

[goddessofthesky]

Things were hard and they were bound to get harder from here on out but Zelda's smile didn't waver from place.

"They've been going well. I've decided to train when I've lost the focus to read. I've been thinking of strategies and plans as of late." She laughed softly shaking her head. "I've been mostly just making lists." Organizing things was something Zelda found she did often. It was a comforting task reminding her of home and a world she missed.

"It's good to see your moogle is looking out for you." She hoped all the moogles were but that wasn't always the case.

[aero_dienamic]

Two blondes walk into an archery range...

One of them is noticeably better than the other with a bow, but it doesn't discourage the far taller one from approaching.

"Long time no see, dear. You know, I've been finding a lot of people flaunting their archery skills since I switched over myself. I wonder if everyone was inspired by me, mmm?" she jokes, clearly interrupting Zelda's aim at a tree outside the city.

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda laughed softly, lowering her bow as her gaze shifted over to Valvalis. Zelda's long golden hair was tied up in a tight ponytail with only wisps of golden that refused to stay in place. She was wearing a light summer dress hoping that it would do well in the summer heat.

"Perhaps everyone wants you to practice as well." Her tone was light and playful as she looked over at her expertly crafted bow. "Link had advised I take up archery. It was something I had learned in the academy before arriving here. Though my skills here have certainly improved."

Zelda's head cants to the side curiously. "Would you like to practice with me?"

[aero_dienamic]

"Oh, I would most certainly enjoy that. I do need to get better. My magic isn't as... unlimited as it should be." she says, rolling her eyes. She was learning more 'spells' that weren't of her element, and it was a shame.

With that, the taller blonde sets herself up and notches an arrow on the strong. "I did learn though, that... there's a delicate balance of power, and accuracy, and distance." she says as she looses an arrow that grazes the same tree Zelda was aiming for.

However, much like a shotgun, or some shonen anime, it takes a bit of the tree with it. "I did learn to put a little magic with my arrows, at least."

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda smiled when she watched the arrow hit the tree. "Heavy shot?" She hoped the arrow wasn't broken but it was certainly an impressive demonstration.

"Kopula told me they have names. I just learned something called camouflage?" She wasn't very good at using the spell yet but she had thought to practice that too. "It's suppose to hide an archer as they fire but not impede their sight.

Zelda slowly drew back an arrow focusing on the tension in the bow. Her eyes steady on the tree and she feels the soft breeze as it picks up pollen from the flowers that litter the plans. She releases her breath and with it the arrow. It flies through the air hitting the tree and then sticking into the bark. It was a normal shot but it flew true.

During practice! After Robin's back from the Stiltzkin's Castle.

[tacticallyminded]

Robin has, since she returned, began inspecting Aqures Ixen's defenses and doing the best she can. There is only so much that she can hope to do, though; she may be a tactician, but she has only had two months to prepare. The woman is nonetheless trying to be ready. But sometimes, she runs herself ragged. She is out in the countryside now -- and is distracted.

And tired. She hasn't slept much since she arrived.

She spots Zelda and pauses. She remembers Zelda well; she met her when she arrived. The woman pauses, then she lifts a hand and waves it in her direction. "Zelda!" she calls out. She stifles a yawn as she approaches.

Then she spots the... multiple... Zeldas.

"Zeldas?"

During practice! After Robin's back from the Stiltzkin's Castle.

[goddessofthesky]

Every Zelda turned towards Robin though only one face changed from focus to surprise. The other imagines quickly fade as Zelda made her way towards the tactician. Her hair was tied up in a tight ponytail though it still fell well past her waist. Wisps of gold had fallen loose and now framed her angular features.

"Robin. You look exhausted." Her brow furrows in worry. "You should rest." Of course Zelda should also take her own advice and rest too. She had been working herself ever since the news went out trying to discover more and think of new plans.

She knew the city well and she knew that the military will be able to help but she also knew that a lot of this would fall on the heroes. She wanted to give them their best chance.

[tacticallyminded]

"I should," Robin agreed with a sigh. She nodded. "I'll do that tonight, in fact."

She sighed, before she looked around -- and then she looked back at Zelda. She rubbed at her eyes, and then picked a tree nearby to lean again. "I thought I should inspect the city's defenses, first." She wanted to invent a plan to slow down the Empire's forces -- especially their Magitek Armor. But, she wasn't doing much of that without sleep. "Were you practicing..."

She didn't know that much about Illusionists. She waved a hand, vaguely, as if that could fill in what she was talking about.

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda smiled. "Yes. I have archer and Illusionist currently equipped. I think they will help the most of the on coming fight. Of course the enemy will have those skilled in those jobs as well."

It sometimes didn't feel like enough but it would never stop Zelda from trying. She walked over towards Robin stopping at a tree where she had placed a bag and a few provisions. She didn't know how long she'd be out here and so she came prepared in case she ran into trouble. Her bow was sitting against the tree as well but she didn't reach for it.

Instead Zelda grabbed a contain of water with a thin smile. "I have a few maps of the city that show that sort of detail. I don't think this city was made with a battle in mind."

Observatory 30th June

[shinrasfinest]

As Zelda rose her bow again, down the length of the archery range she'd created for herself. A voice rumbled just a few paces behind her.

"Hard at work, as ever. Always seems to be the way."

Sephiroth straightened himself up, getting used to the weight of his pack again. The handle of Masamune which stuck out almost a whole foot over his head to one side bobbed with the motion but then settled. The Observatory was the last place he wanted to check in before departing again for the airport. He was trying not to think of 'this might be the last time for a while' but it was difficult to chase the pessimism from his thoughts. There seemed to be a great deal of the others intent on staying behind when they would be safer leaving; it was lost on Sephiroth how any of them could be so foolish.

He knew first hand of the might the Empire had; they should be leaving the fighting to the soldiers who knew what they were doing.

Observatory 30th June

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda kept her focus as Sephiroth spoke though a smile tugged at her lips. She released her arrow from the tension of the bow's hold watching as it flew down the range and pierce the torso of the straw dummy. The bow was made perfectly for her and it showed in the way the arrow arched through the air.

"There's always a lot to do." Her eyes glanced over his pack and her smile softened. "I suppose your heading back to Esdham." Knowing he would soon be gone worried her some but she was happy that he stopped by. It's been awhile since she's been able to see him face to face and talk.

Zelda slowly lowered her bow and walked over to a small wooden bench that held a glass of water and spar arrows. Her hair was tied back in a tight ponytail that still trailed well pass her waist. There was a white towel on her shoulder and a wrist guard on her left arm. She wore a light blue summer dress which would do nothing in a fight but it helped keep her from over heating while she practiced. The days were only getting hotter as the peek of summer approached.

"It's good to know you will be leading some of the soldiers."

Observatory 30th June

[shinrasfinest]

He hadn't been scrutinizing her archery technique at all, not being his area of expertise but it was hard to miss the perfect, precise way that the arrow was delivered through the air. Zelda wasn't known for her finesse in combat, with that in mind it was easy to forget that she also had access to the same exact Jobs that any one of them had. Archery suited her, he thought, it reflected her elegance. He almost felt bad for being so ignorant as well, considering a great deal of his time recently -even before the stasis- had been taken purposefully in a place as away from the other Heroes as he could put himself.

Yet here he was, about to go away again for an indeterminate amount of time.

"I know the feeling." He commented as she lowered her weapon and also approached the table nearby. With a quick nod he acknowledged her question but really, Zelda knew well already that it was probably a given at this point. Sephiroth still wasn't sure how he felt about it, but at least on the surface -and perhaps a little deeper than he liked to admit- he had made his choice.

"I might well be, should my promotion go through. It might have been premature, but when we got word of what was coming-"

Zelda's decidedly summery attire drew attention to how warm it really was; even though he wore a grey vest to keep his upper body cool, all of his hair was brought forward across a shoulder so it wouldn't get caught between his back and the pack he wore. Though immaculate and shiny-clean always, plus longer again as it had been when he'd first arrived, it quickly got very warm against whatever skin it rested against. In hindsight, by the end of the day Sephiroth would probably scold himself for not putting it up. Coupled with his leather habit it was a wonder he hadn't melted.

"-I had to make the choice."

He didn't sound completely convinced, all said, almost as if his hand had been forced a little.

Observatory 30th June

[goddessofthesky]

She studied him for a moment, letting her eyes wander over his features before refocusing on her water. She took a long gulp enjoying the cool sensation as the refreshing liquid washed down her throat. Compared to the heat of the day it felt cold even though the water had been sitting outside for a few hours.

She placed the container down before turning to face Sephiroth. She slowly slipped the arm guard off her forearm and onto the bench before wiping off her hands and arms with a small towel.

"You don't sound to sure."

She wasn't going to tell him what to think or what decisions to make. She thought his actions were admirable and his efforts have shown that they could make a difference. He was doing it in his own way, a way he knew best but she also knew that he had been in crystal stasis for a week and things were bound to change since then.

Zelda's head tiled to the side curiously asking the obvious question with body language instead of words.

End of June, just outside town.

[vindr]

One morning, Manami headed out of town on his bike at a relatively idle speed. He yawned into his hand and breathed deep of the morning air. It was going to be a nice day!

Just outside town, he saw a really funny sight! It was a whole bunch of Zelda-san! At first he was surprised, but after a moment the truth came to him easily- she must be using Illusionist skills.

With a grin he stopped his bike while still some distance away and concentrating made ten copies of his moogle Tia appear all around Zelda's copies.

End of June, just outside town.

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda spotted the copies first and then smiled. She recognized the moogle even before she caught sight of Manami. One by one her copies vanished until only Zelda herself was standing among the short grass. Her long golden hair was tied up in a tight ponytail with wisps of gold breaking free and framing her angular face. She was wearing a light blue dress that ruffled in the gentle breeze.

It took her a moment to find Manami among the collection of moogles. "It's nice to see you out for a morning ride." She smiled brightly walking towards a small pile where she had placed a container of water.

"Will you be staying in the city?"

[vindr]

Heh, didn't phase her one bit! (Maybe next time he'd try surrounding her with monster-illusions~)

Whoa, you know how to cut to the heart of the matter, Zelda-san.

With a self-effacing grin he let all of his illusions fade too. Pedaling slowly, he came closer to where she was.

"Haa. I don't think I want to stay for a war, really... Killing monsters is one thing, but other people..."

He glances away. The person he'd hurt in the facility... Manami still thought about it, sometimes.

"And I guess you're staying!" Otherwise she wouldn't be training so hard.

Aqures Ixen, 7th District or Around Town, Early July

[pactfulfilled]

"Hmm." Asbel stood outside one of the research buildings, a hand to his chin as he studied the establishments across the street.

He wasn't one to take much stock in rumors, but something he'd overheard civilians talking about had caught his attention. From there, it had seemed almost natural to go and investigate for himself. In a way it reminded him of his first field mission, only now he carried a scrubbing cloth and a broom alongside his sword.

Cleaning usually helped clear his mind, but it was hard to really focus on it lately. After all, Aqures Ixen could become a battlefield very soon. But at least it gave him a chance to look for weaknesses in the city's defense, and to check which areas had already been evacuated.

"Well, whoever it was, nothing seems to be amiss?" he confirmed aloud, glancing up and down the street again where he finally spotted a familiar face.

"Oh, hey..." His voice trailed off awkwardly as he remembered with a tug of guilt that last time he'd seen Zelda, he'd pretty much yelled at her. Oh, right, and he'd broken down into tears at the hospital, too. Talk about embarrassing...

Aqures Ixen, 7th District or Around Town, Early July

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda had been to the library looking for more maps and information about the city. This time she was looking for any systems or structures that were built beneath the city in case they need a means of escape. She wanted to use everything that the city had to offer them.

Her gaze met Asbel's mismatch stare. She smiled gently at the hero as she walked closer. Her footsteps slowed to a stop as he addressed her. She didn't hold him at fault for how he acted the last time they spoke. It was a hard time and the young goddess only wished there was a way she could help.

"Hello." Her smile was gentle as she adjusted the books in her arms. "How are you doing?" She didn't mean for it to be such a heavy question but she was worried about him.

[pactfulfilled]

"I'm..." A frown formed as Asbel hesitated, trying to figure out how to answer. Honestly, he wasn't too sure himself. It still hurt something awful, but he didn't feel as hopeless or as useless as before.

"I'm hanging in there," he decided at last. Asbel tilted his head slightly as he took in the books she was carrying. So she must be doing research, huh? The library sure seemed popular, although Asbel himself just didn't have the patience to go digging through old volumes. But before all that, there was something else he needed to address.

"Listen... I'm sorry for how I acted before. I shouldn't have yelled at you like I did. You hadn't done anything wrong, but instead, I...took it out on you. Sorry."

[zodiac_brave]

Ramza found Zelda at the Observatory. He had gotten word from Cid that the Empire possessed a weapon that could prove fatal to the Heroes of Light, and had been working to find some armor that could withstand a laser.

It would have helped if he fully understood what a laser was.

When he passed by the Goddess's office, he paused. He knew he should ask Zelda about any records the guild had on enchanted armor, but all he could think when he looked at her was how she had died in his memory. He did not want to ask anything else if her or give her more burden to bear.

But Ramza knew Zelda would be cross with him if he avoided asking for her help in a matter that could spell out life or death for other Heroes. So, he steeled himself and knocked.

[goddessofthesky]

Zelda glanced up at the sound of Ramza's knock. She wouldn't really call the room an office but it had a big enough table for her to spread out maps and look over all her notes at once. There were a few chairs around the wooden surface that held stacks of books.

"Ramza?" Her tone was soft but curiously. She hadn't spoken with him since the memory and she hadn't known how that ended. Her blue eyes were clear as she looked up at him, there was no fault or shame in his dream. It was a part of his past that he had been forced to share with them. After seeing Link's dream she could understand the mixture of feelings that arise after that.

"What can I help you with?"

She smiled her usual wide happy smile hoping he might feel comfortable around her.

[zodiac_brave]

Ramza stepped into the room and gave Zelda a nod in greeting.

"I was hoping you might know of records that could help me. Lord Cid has warned us that Kalki has forged lasers that can destroy Heroes of Light. Finding armor to repel such an attack could change the tide of the oncoming battle," he explained. It was easier to keep to his task, rather than remember Zelda dying in the Mullonde crypt.

He nervously drummed his fingers on the table Zelda sat at. "I will search for any mention of such armor, but I... I do not know where to begin," he admitted.