[Video]

[whitecladprince]

 [The screen flickers to life, to reveal a blond-haired, white suit-clad man looking over his shoulder at a moogle who is flitting away. When he turns back to the screen, his expression is one that is far from pleased. Blond bangs are combed slightly off to the side, underneath which bright, icy blue eyes glitter with anger. He cannot be older than

Comments

[theleadingman]

I suppose that all depends on what the moogle already told you. Mine was quite helpful in assisting me getting my bearings.

[whitecladprince]

[A beat.]

And you are?

[theleadingman]

Balthier. A pirate of some consequence elsewhere, also a new arrival to this world. I found the moogles to be quite informative, though I'm sure some might find their explanations far-fetched.

[whitecladprince]

[That gets a raised eyebrow.]

A pirate? That's a bit archaic, don't you think? As for the moogle, I prefer to receive my information from human beings, not flying white teddy-bears with pompoms on their heads.

[nogoodpeople]

[Well, that's not a face he expected to see so soon, but there's nothing to suggest his surprise in his expression when he answers.]

Generally speaking, the moogles have a perfectly acceptable explanations of at least the basics of this place.

[whitecladprince]

[He blinks to see a familiar face on the screen, though it looks... different, somehow. Older, perhaps? Then his brow furrows lightly, obviously put out by what he perceives as underlying insubordination in the Turk's words.]

Tseng. You're here as well. I take it this is not some elaborate hallucination, then? [He tilts his head slightly to the side.] In that case, why don't you enlighten me as to beyond these "basics."

[nogoodpeople]

What have you heard so far?

[whitecladprince]

So far? So far I understand that I have been somehow magically transported from Midgar, mid-fight with Cloud Strife, right after attaining the presidency and returning from Junon to take over after the death of my father at the hands of Sephiroth, essentially snatching everything-- [He cuts off suddenly, then takes a breath, closing his eyes for just a moment. When he opens them again, there is a neutral expression on his face.]

Why are we here?

[video]

[captain_rusty]

That figure... Could it be... Garland!?

[video]

[whitecladprince]

[A raised eyebrow. And you are...?]

And, I ask, how should I know who that is? Speaking of which, who are you?

[video]

[captain_rusty]

[Steiner was entirely distracted by Garland's appearance, but now he looks at Rufus.]

My apologies! Of course, you have only just arrived... But that man you saw is the reason that you Sky People are here in the first place. We have been searching for him for months!

I am Captain Adelbert Steiner of Alexandria. As a native of Gaia, I can assist you in finding your way around. Do you know your current location? In which direction did that villain fly off to?

Re: [video]

[whitecladprince]

[Rufus looks around him, trying to ascertain a direction.]

If I am correct, as the light is diffused and difficult to tell... He went in a southeasterly direction. According to the Moogle, I am in Macalania Woods.

I appreciate your offer, though I have an associate working to retrieve me. Perhaps in the future we may meet each other properly. For now, my name is Rufus Shinra. A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Captain.

[shurikenfemale]

[... Wow. Just wow. She really wasn't expecting to see Rufus again and especially not a Rufus that was her age. Still, Cissnei straightens up and acts like a professional Turk.]

Trust the moogles, they know what they're saying.

[whitecladprince]

[H's not sure he appreciates the tone this young Turk -- what was her name? She went by Cissnei, if he was not mistaken... is giving him. But he ignores it for now. Instead, he folds his arms and raises an eyebrow.]

Cissnei, am I correct? How many of the Turks are here?

[His tone is authoritative - he is the new President of Shinra Company, after all, and expects to be treated as such.]

[shurikenfemale]

Yes, sir. Just Rufus, Reno and myself are here.

[Cissnei was going to have to get used to having a boss again.]

Going to assume you meant Tseng instead of Rufus, lmao XD

[whitecladprince]

[Rufus frowns again, considering. Their forces are largely depleted. This could be problematic, depending on the state of the world and who is in charge...]

And Shinra troops?

[Video]

[warkitoff]

Huh. Well, that's not something I expected to see today.

You okay out there, new guy? I mean, I assume you're new anyway.

[Video]

[whitecladprince]

[Rufus raises an eyebrow at this person's casualness.]

I'm fine, thank you. And you are?

[Video]

[warkitoff]

Bartz Klauser. Good to meet you, buddy. Any chance you could tell me what direction that guy was headed in?

Re: [Video]

[whitecladprince]

[Why are these people so desperate to know which direction that figure went in?!]

Southeast, if I am not mistaken. And my name is Rufus Shinra, not... "buddy."