Gathering Guardians

*Max ignores them and continues reading his book*

Max: (I... wonder if they're going up against the Ronso Fangs?)

Ark: <Shame on those Crusaders. It wasn't even hard! But.. will Valefor be okay?>

"Ark, it almost killed us! But Valefor will be fine, once we reach the temple."

*As they continue to walk, they cross a bridge over a sparklingly reflective river. They climb several flights of stairs to reach a platform with a blue window that has some kind of internal flame going.*

"I'll go into the Temple & pray to the Fayth. That will heal Valefor & grant us Ifrit's aid."
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*Syrona runs into the same sight that Hitomi does. Also Hitomi.*
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*One of the Al Bhed whispers something in the leader's ear. He continues to be loud & obnoxious, talking to nobody in particular.*

"A summoner, you say? Perfect! We'll have to arrange an audience with him. Or her."

*Hitomi sits down at the edge of the dock behind a crate and opens up the Al Bhed book, flipping through the pages.*

Ark: <Okay... Hum. I don't like this place. Need my help inside? Pleaaaase, please please please please please. I don't wanna stand here being glared at by those lame monks.>

"What is your problem Ark? Ever since we left Besaid you've been a hyperactive like little brat."

Ark: <Hey, what did you just call me!?>

*Syrona notices Hitomi go behind a crate. She watches as the monks pass, wondering who they might exactly be.*

(Must be important, though...)

*She goes to the end of the dock and finds Hitomi.*

"Don't you ever keep your nose out of a book?"

"I called you a brat"

*Max gets bored and starts walking through the town.*

OOC: Wolf's avatar reminds me of Jecht's sword.

"You two just have fun out here."

*She goes into the temple.*
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*Max wanders into the docks, where he sees even more Al Bhed working on unloading something from a boat. One with a gun turns to him, glaring menacingly.*

<You...away!>

"No."

Ark: <Zeph, man, have fun. Me and Lu are off for some romantic time alone.>

"You are such an immature brat, go back to Besaid" Zephyr follows Luna.

*Max panics and falls over.*

Max: <W-w-w-what are you doing?!>

*One of the Al Bhed on the boat yells, gesturing to an enclosed cage with a heavy steel door they had just unloaded.*

<Zicd dyga res yht mulg res ib!>

*The Al Bhed who had told Max to go away grabs him by the shoulder & starts dragging him towards it.*
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*Inside the temple is a bunch of red rock. Flames on pedestals grant some illumination. There are numerous statues of priests on either side of the room, & statues of the High Summoners beside a door on the far wall. An old man in multicolored Yevonite robes briskly walks towards them, pointing at Ark.*

<What are you doing in here? Out!>

"He followed you, I followed him to make sure he didn't do something stupid."

*He glances at Zephyr like "What the fuck are you talking about" and then stares at the priest*

Ark: <Whoa, whoa. I'm a Guardian, I get to be in here!>

Max: <Wh-whoa! Wait!

*Max struggles to break free.*

*The Al Bhed throws him in & locks the door. There's a slot that he can see out of, but not much else.*

Al Bhed<Oui'ja zicd palusa y bmud lydymocd.>

*All of the Al Bhed laugh uproariously, turning attention back to what they were doing.*
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<You heathens! How DARE you intrude upon the hallowed introduction of the Maesters?!>

*Hitomi & Syrona see the same group of Al Bhed that Max saw.*

Leader<Ma'am, did you really think I'd come all the way here from Bikanel & NOT get a look at the Grand Maester? Why, I'd like to think that a tourist to Home would be sure to stop by & see me, if there was anything to actually be SEEN at Home, besides sand.>

"Again, I blame Ark for being impetous, I'll drag him out of the temple by his ears if it means teaching him a lesson and if it means Luna can do what she needs to."

"What in the world?"

*Syrona approaches the Al-Bhed ship.*

"Hey, I think you have my friend in there. Let him out. Now."

*Hitomi ignores them and turns the page.*

*The Al Bhed points his gun at Syrona & fires.*
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*They above group is just close enough to the Maesters that Mika turns to the unknown Al Bhed to comment on the issue.*

Mika<Senthose...so you've really come here to attack us.>

Senthose<Whaaaaaaat? Just because Al Bhed are attacking, it doesn't mean they're in my command.>

Mika<The same way that isn't your team, I imagine?>

Senthose<Look, if it makes you feel better, I will PERSONALLY head to the area of the gunshot & shut down the operation. If I do that, will you promise to relax & enjoy the game?>

*Senthose nods curtly & walks off. He makes only a brief stop by Hitomi.*

Senthose<Y'know...books have nothing on real world experience. History is being made in this very city. But don't let your studies be ruined on my account.>
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Priest<The summoner said nothing about any guardians! The man with the sword may stay, but proceed no further, but I'm afraid the Al Bhed are not allowed in these temples.>

"What the --!"

*Syrona dives behind a crate, drawing her two pistols.*

[Kid, what do you get yourself into?]