1st Harvested Soul [Action]

[servaturus]

[The nomad that once walked the grounds of Gran Pulse now walks on a new world. He's a god now and the search to find the end to his curse has finally come to an end. Still wandering, Caius finds his way through the streets and doesn't bother with rest. He doesn't need it. He doesn't need food either. He still finds people interesting but he's not willing to go out of his way to socialize. In other words, he's not the approaching type nor does he seem approachable unless they are either brave or stupid- perhaps both.

Caius steps through the fog from the bay and down one of the paths toward anywhere. With Yeul now safe from her constant curse of death, he didn't mind being away. Even if this means learning about the worlds that are connected along the cosmic web of life and death. Chaos is still a big part of his being that gives him form, allows him to move, and gives him thought and action. He can live with this.

The nature that surrounds him is foreign but not without its own energies that he can use. He stops in his steps and lifts his hand. The wavering energy he compresses into his palm feels strange to him but not entirely unreadable. He scoffs softly and allows the small energy ball to hover before it disperses.

He says nothing and continues his travels. Without the need for basic things, he's content to stay out in the open which is what he prefers.]

Comments

[incendii]

[ The idea of staying stationary in one place irks Olisha. She sees it as a way to contain her, which obviously makes the sorceress laugh. So, she's more than willing to wander out on the streets carelessly. Sure, there's dangerous people, monsters, and the like in here, but honestly - what place doesn't these days?

Besides her boredom, she's honestly curious about those pods in the bay. Maybe they could benefit her in some way. She's not too sure what yet, but it's there.

She does notice Caius and his stature alone is enough to give him a second glance. It doesn't take her long to figure out that he's a man of power, but what kind? Either way, it's interesting to her. Perhaps this city isn't going to be so bad after all, especially when people like this keep showing up.

A small smirk crosses the demon's features as she walks over to him, clearing her throat to bring attention to herself. ]

I'll spare you the usual spiel if you're new here. Tell me, are you seeking any kind of information? Perhaps about people you know, for example?

[ She's stalked the network to some success. Technology's never been her strong suit, but she's learned how to adapt quickly here to gain any kind of useful information. ]

[uneased]

[ Naminé's been here a little while, and she's seen a lot of different people. Most have been friendly, at leastfrom the little amount she's actually spoken to. Still, she keeps her distance, an old habit that isn't likely to go away any time soon...or at all.

She's met a few people, all different, but this man...is different. But Naminé can't help it; she keeps her distance, but she wants to help. Maybe if she helps enough people, she'll be able to atone. A silly thought, really, but she can't help but hope.

So she stays a fair distance away from him--she can feel the power radiating from him--and folds her hands in front of her. ]

Hello...you're new here? I...still don't know a lot about this place, but...I can try to help.

[warring_triad]

Trouble keeping your magic together? Happens to the best of us~

[Why yes, that is a disinterested looking clown floating overhead, just far enough away so as to not cast a shadow where it would be noticed. Caius kinda stood out and Kefka couldn't help but be interested.]

[servaturus]

[The nomad turned god doesn't need to look up and without a second thought he's up and hovering next to the clown. All he needed was to hear the voice and his interest is piqued. Not that it mattered one way or another and it's certainly that familiar pride that he looks up to no one.]

No.

[Now that he's closer to Kefka, he can feel a surge and a smirk.]

No excuse will be given and none will be taken. I am in no need of anything you offer.

[Even though his sword isn't with him he can still summon it through memory and that's all he needs.]

[servaturus]

[Just like Olisha, he's not a stationary person. He could care less about physical things that he doesn't need. He wants Yeul there with him but that's another matter.

His posture and stature is still as impressive as ever and as a god he's more passive than aggressive unless he's provoked. Now isn't one of those times. Caius doesn't turn around or look for the source of the voice. He stops in his steps and closes his eyes.]

Mm. I seek nothing. In the wake of the dawn, I have arrived here for a reason. There is no answer you can give.

[His eyes open and his head turns toward Olisha. Beads softly collide through the movement to break the silence, he then faces her squarely.]

You are not as you seem.

[In his case, he chooses not to use technology. He doesn't really need it either when he can use the Chaos to see what a device can't provide.]

[servaturus]

[The young girl's presence almost reminds him of Yeul. Her caution didn't go unnoticed but Caius isn't about to force the issue by breaking the distance either. He gives off an eerie vibe and he knows it. It's better to stand back than stand next to him. He nods once in gratitude.]

Your help will not be necessary. I do not require anything.

[He turns to face Naminé and cant's his head to the side. He can sense her sensing him and that seems both familiar and strange. Yeul can do the same thing and wonders.]

I sense your soul is troubled.

[Caius has atoned for the things he's done and gave his body as a result and melded himself into the Chaos. He's no longer alive in the same sense as he was back on his world but still that doesn't mean that he can't change a few things. At least, he's back to his old self as the protector he had sworn himself to be.

Something about this place blocks his ability to see into a person's soul to change what they have done or help them atone but that's mostly due to not being familiar with the lands that surround him. It's as if he can't read it very well yet.]

You are in searching as I. I am Caius.

[warring_triad]

[Kefka, for his part, will simply float slightly upward, just far enough to keep from being on eye level. Just to be a jerk.]

Who said I was offering anything. Though, I will say your very presence is intriguing. You have a very familiar aura, yet you were not among the Chosen of Chaos that I remember... very intriguing indeed.

[servaturus]

[His head cants to the side. That's the first he's heard about being chosen of anything. Not that it matters. He's the embodiment of Chaos but of a different kind.]

You had not though what is this chosen?

[The Chaos he knows is everywhere and in everything. It doesn't "choose" anyone but it can be controlled by those that can sense it. It's the stuff that creates magic in his world and the stuff that binds the unseen spirits into its mortal shells.]

Perhaps I was overlooked.

[Or maybe he was asked and said no. Thankfully, ego doesn't play a large part of his personality. He could care less.]

[broken_trifecta]

[Even though it's been a while since she's washed the last of Stinkor's noxious odor from her body (AT LONG LAST), Cherise still hasn't seen fit to show her face until recently. The entire experience was dreadfully embarrassing. She's still gnawing on the guilt and bruised pride of being defeat in such a shameful way. She's a Spellcatcher, the equivalent of a magical cop. That was a rookie mistake, and it bothers her to no end.]

[But not so much that she misses the sight of a purple-haired man toying with orbs of magic light. Cherise's rhythmic clicking high heels stop as she regards the man with open curiosity. Someone new? It's hard to tell. She's never seen him before, certainly, but he walks with too much confidence and clarity. Interesting. So the question remains: is he a threat?]

[Catching herself, Cherise gives her head a faint shake. No, she's not part of any law enforcement in this world. This isn't her responsibility. She crafts charmed items for people who request them, and it's unwise to begin an investigation without a partner. But she can observe him for at least a little while, to see if she should be wary of him or not.]

[incendii]

[ Olisha's own posture indicates confidence and power, something that she's very egotistical about. She feels very confident as a demon, more so as a fearsome sorceress. ]

Is that right?

[ Her question could be taken so many ways, although it's not meant to be condescending. In fact, she's genuinely interested in him. The moment Caius' gaze locks on her, Olisha's lips curl into a bit of a smirk. ]

Was I supposed to hide it? I'm sorry, I'll do harder to hide my nature better next time.

[ She's not really concerned about hiding herself. If she's going to be a literal powerhouse, especially here of all places, she's going to show it off. ]

[servaturus]

[Ironically, he doesn't care what she is as long as she doesn't try to step on his toes to prove she's stronger. Power plays like that he has no patience for and ends the fight swiftly and without warning.

He doesn't give any expression one way or the other and simply walks away.]

Do what you must.

[incendii]

[ She's not interested in power plays, to be honest. Her opponent has to be interesting for her to go all out.

A small tilt of her head and the sorceress decides to follow Caius, seemingly unafraid of what kind of power he has. ]

[servaturus]

[He feels the watching gaze of someone close by and he stops in his steps to regard the instinct. He won't take action for something so passive yet he remains cautious. It's not unusual for him to feel those stares. He's used to them by now after dealing with prejudging gazes over the centuries in his own world. He makes no assumptions himself.

He was a hero in a strange way and one that took a darker route to save mankind from the grips of a god that used humanity as his vice. Caius had beaten the odds more than once to save the only woman he loved even if she never aged over 17.]

You need not be wary of me. I am not here to cause harm. I am merely curious.

[He dispersed the energy he gathered in his hand through will as if he was only reading a newspaper in passing. It's the only way he knows how to understand a world that he was not born into.]

The magic is...different.

[servaturus]

[He walks on for a while without acknowledging the demon woman following him. She reads strange to him but it's nothing that seems too imposing to cause him to become distracted in any way. He looks around and stops to kneel to the ground to touch it.

It's an action he used to do back home to "feel" his way around just as he had done so by summoning the small ball of magical energy. He seems more indifferent than disturbed. To him, the land is like listening to a foreign language and the same goes with the magic he feels around him. It's too odd for him to simply ignore it.]

[behindthefakesmile]

[Fai wasn't one to keep still for long periods, especially not when one was in a new world with no way of escape. Which while that worries him slightly for reasons, he tries to not let it get to him too much or he would break the mast he has built over the years.

He had been wondering for the past couple of hours, taking note of even the smallest details, but when his eye catches someone he was pretty certain he didn't recognize. Maybe they were new, that was a high possibility, but there was something else he could sense. Magic perhaps, different than what he knew of, but very interesting too. Interesting enough that he waves slightly, putting on the best expression of happiness he could muster.]

Hello~ You must be new here, so welcome to Genessia~

[servaturus]

[The energy this person is giving off almost feels happy and the smile shows what Caius can sense. He feels magic from Fai and turns to face him. He nods solemnly without giving a smile. The now ascended god has no reason to ignore the presence of anyone that comes his way. They all played their parts in the wheel of life.

His nomadic features and manner of dress is just as telling as the expression on his face. He's seen a lot in over 2000 years he's lived. He could say that he's just visiting, but that sounds strange and simply decides to say nothing of the sort.]

I am.

[He lifts his head to reveal his purple eyes. Aside from his tall stature and intimidating presence, his manner of speech is eloquent and well thought out.]

Your did not have to greet me though I appreciate that you had.

[Upon notice, one can tell that he's very old or that he comes from a world of fighters, magic and monsters. All of these would be true.]

Is Genessia the name of this world?

[uneased]

[ She's more than a little relieved that he, too, keeps his distance. He doesn't seem...well...bad, at least not like she's used to. But he's intimidating: He's a lot taller than she is, not just physically. To her, he carries himself with confidence.

Confidence. It's something she wishes she had. ]

Ah...alright. Well...

[ His words catch her off guard. Her soul is much, much more than a little troubled. When she's all alone, she starts thinking about her mistakes, her regrets...and it wears on her, quite a lot. Still, she forces as much of a smile as she's able to and plays with the fabric of her dress. A nervous habit. ]

...Searching? I...suppose I am. [ A moment of hesitation. She is searching, really; she knows Sora had forgiven her, and she'd helped Kairi before, but...she had caused so much damage before.

One apology isn't nearly enough. Words pale in comparison to actions, and Naminé...she wants to do more. ]

My name is Naminé. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[ Formal, yes, and a little stiff--she's still getting used to meeting new people. ]

[servaturus]

[He notes the shakiness in her tone. He was around Yeul for so long that she too was like Naminé in some ways. Small, a little shy but tries her best. That's important to him even if he just met the girl. Her forced smile reminds him a lot of Yeul. He's watched so many throughout the centuries that the smallest details are noticed. Caius softens himself the best he can to keep her from being too scared of him.

To atone for something that has happened in the past is a tough thing to deal with. He spent 500 years in isolation in the realm of the dead to think and live through all the damage he had caused to not 1 but 4 different worlds. He listened to the screams of the dying and the pleas of the dead in the Chaos. Sure, he could have done things differently but killing the goddess was the only answer at the time.

His own guilt isn't in admission and dwelling on it isn't the answer. With humanity ultimately saved, his job is done. He makes no movement to startle the girl. His eyes cast up to the sky then back to Naminé.]

I am Caius.

[He keeps it simple and short. Meeting new people, even for himself, is just as awkward.]

Someday, you will find your answer. For now, I must explore. Perhaps you can aid me.

[At least with that option she won't have to be alone and he can protect her. He leaves it open ended enough for her to make the decision on her own.]

[uneased]

[ The change doesn't get past her, and she allows herself to relax: Her shoulders lower a bit, and she even stands a little straighter. Still, she keeps her hands at her dress, unsure of what else to do with them. She's still learning, after all, and she feels a bit...awkward, and unsure of herself. ]

Caius...it's a pleasure to meet you.

[ She's not being dishonest at all. She may be intimidated, but he hasn't hurt her, and she gets the feeling that he has no ill intentions toward her. As alone as she had been in the past, she's fairly perceptive.

The offer catches her off-guard, and she thinks for a moment before nodding once. She knows her limits, and she only hopes that he won't get too upset with her if she falls behind or slows him down. ]

Oh--yes, if you don't mind...I'll try and keep up with you.

[servaturus]

[Even though he didn't need the help, just having the company seems familiar. The more they talked, even though it was small at first, did give some validation to his memories whenever he traveled with Yeul. He remembers her smile from seeing new things and the way she became grumpy whenever it rained. They might not have shared a lot of words, but knowing that one was always there for the other did help through the tough times when he began to doubt his actions to save her from her curse.

He looks over his shoulder toward the horizon and closes his eyes to feel the wind on his face. It's as if he's listening to a distant voice that only he can hear. He can sense life in abundance here and that helps. The world isn't dying here and that puts his doubts to rest. He opens his eyes and turns his head back to Naminé.

A small tug at the corners of his mouth and a slight nod, he seems in better spirits.]

Perhaps it is I that must keep up with you. This place is unknown to me though I believe you are the one to lead the way.

[It's just a little bit of empowerment to help her. He's better as the stalwart protector than the trailblazer. Yeul often set the destination in their travels. His job was to clear out the danger.]

[uneased]

[ She notices he's thinking and stays quiet. It's not nice to interrupt someone when they're lost in their thoughts, after all, so she takes a look around. When she first came here, she had been scared, unsure. She's not changed much--she's still unsure of herself--but she's certainly calmer now.

And when she hears him speak again, she looks at him, a bit startled. His smile, too, catches her a little off-guard, but it comforts her. She even gives him a little smile, and she tries to squash down her doubts. No one's ever asked her to lead--it's completely alien to her, and a little voice in her head whispers words of discouragement.

But, then again...she does know a little bit about the place, at least where a few things are. So...it can't end up that horrible.

Right? Naminé hesitates, but then she nods--very slowly--and releases her dress from her curled-up fists. ]

I...I can try. I at least know where there's a restaurant...if you're hungry?

[servaturus]

[Without the need to eat, he does participate in it for the comfort. The life energy sustained him. He ate in front of Yeul to keep her from feeling guilty that she had a mortal body. He decided that he would do the same for Naminé too. He nods once without saying anything.

And sometimes learning about a world meant trying out a few things. One thing he knows he's not fond of is key lime pie or anything sweet made from citrus. The fruit itself was fine but anything else made from it often made him cringe or wince. As indifferent as he may be to some things, those items he would pass in a heartbeat.

The fact that she released the grip of her skirt is telling. He takes on step forward and points down the road.]

Is it this way?

[uneased]

[ Naminé doesn't really need to eat, either; her body isn't actually human, and so until she left the castle, she had never indulged in food. But she's found she likes eating--she likes trying new things, and she's not too much of a picky eater. Strangely enough, she's found that, when her mood dips low, eating something she really likes helps her mood.

She could use something good right now. Because even though she's agreed to lead the way, it still makes her nervous. Naminé stays next to Caius--she has to take two steps to match his one--and nods. ]

Yes...I think it's not too far.

[ She's not too good with measuring distance, so if they end up walking for a while...well, she can just blame that. As they walk, Naminé thinks of something to talk about. ]

Ah...what is your home like, if you don't mind my asking?

[servaturus]

[He turns his head to face her while he keeps his steps slow so she's not forced to run. The question is one he's heard before on Gran Pulse when civilizations were spread out across the wild landscape of rocky crags and vicious beasts.

It seems that the commonality between them, while left unsaid, does offer something more than just what's on the surface.]

My home...currently it is a bleak place where souls gather to be reborn. I can see worlds upon worlds from the distance. Inside, there are no walls, no floor, no ceiling. While to some it may be an empty place, to us--myself and Yeul--we see it as home.

[There is a tinge of sorrow in his words. He didn't want it to happen but he knew that if nothing was done he was left to a doomed fate to wander an endless existence alone with no one. He was there when the last child was born. He witnessed the last Seeress die. Without the fal'Cie to give life again, the world he was from was nothing more than dust.

He knows that he was used to bring about the end of the world through the visions but the rest is something that he's not willing to talk about. Not yet.]

[uneased]

[ She listens to him, thankful he's slowed down enough for her to keep up. Hearing him talk about his world is a bit comforting, for some reason; she supposes it's because she really doesn't have a home of her own. Caius's home sounds a little sad and lonely to her, and she picks up on the note of sorrow. Her next words are spoken even softer than usual. ]

I see...that does sound lonely, I think. Is Yeul...someone important?

[ And her own question makes her even more melancholy. She had someone important, special, once, but he was nothing more than a puppet--a puppet she had broken.

It's something she thinks about often, something that would weigh heavily on her heart if she had one. But the empty place in her chest aches, and she puts a hand over it. A worthless gesture, one that does nothing, but she can't help but hope she'll feel something there some day. ]