A Game of Wits (Luxord)

[Deleted]

The lush, vibrant town known as Traverse proved to be rather peaceful during certain times, what with the elegant lighting from the many lampposts contrasting the dark skies above to this. There were little people out on the streets, for the hour was late and your average resident was already sleeping the night away, in preparation for the work that was to come on the morrow. Of course, this is what the normal person would do, but clearly, there were those who rebelled against the norm, and one of these rebels could be found in a certain alleyway, not far off from the central plaza in the First District.

Zidane’s tail swayed only against the traveling breeze as a blonde haired figure could be seen, back pressed against a snow glazed building, arms folded across his chest. The gaze of oceanic hue met the dark sky in mutual agreement, the dark canvas allowing him to think about life before his world was swallowed. Gaia was a world like no other, mostly peaceful with the lack of war and a certain rage consumed Kuja. People were rebuilding their lives and Dagger…Queen Dagger was at the helm of it all. His heart started to pit-pat at a faster rate with the very thought of the Maiden Sari summoner. The love of his life could be gods knows where and he wasn’t there to provide her a comforting smile, to be there for what could be her time of need. He was terrible, he knew that…

A clear and frustrated huff was sent into the cold air, the visible vapor traveling for only a moment before disappearing entirely. Dagger was a strong soul; her bravery and devotion to her people were second to none despite having lost her parents, namely both her mothers, even when her Kingdom was nearly blown to bits by his narcissist brother. She…could handle herself right now. With that shred of rational thought in mind, he eased himself off the wall, and walked out into the central area of town, relishing in the quiet, yet incredible scenery in his lonesome state.

Nearly every shop was shut and locked up, save for some bars and the inn. The large doors and larger walls kept the more dangerous area’s at bay, though as usual, snow casually drifted from above without a care in the world. The genome strolled up the stairs and sat at the top most flight of stairs overlooking the district, gloved palms flat against the snow laden ground behind him, lips curled in a small smile. As long as this thief was stuck in this place, he’d do whatever it took for this dumping ground of a world and its inhabitants…after all, never before did he need a reason to help people.

[Deleted]

There was something comforting about a bar. The aroma of beers mixing together was something of a soothing smell to Luxord, and the happy chatter contrasted the death and decay of the worlds that seemed to surround him. It was a place for those without family or friends to take shelter, a place for those people to forget about their issues and problems. It was comforting, and Luxord needed comforting, so off he went.

The opening of the portal to the Betwixt and Between signaled his entry, and upon exiting, the Gambler of Fate found himself standing somewhere in the First District of Traverse Town. Traverse Town was something of a refugee center in itself, so the presence of bars brought those who were in the game of survival alone together to support one another. Aside from the almost always amusing bar fights and drunken stupor that almost always came with an establishment, no bad came from a bar. There was only one thing Luxord need remember -- if someone pulls a gun, call it a night.

The night itself was chilly, and the walk was longer than he'd anticipated. Perhaps it had been the whole dead-and-coming-back-to-life thing, screwing with his accuracy. It had happened before in Twilight Town. As he sauntered passed other shops and stalls, Luxord took note of the eerie emptiness of the town. Everyone was either in bed, sleeping, or out partying at the bars. Yet he walked, ignoring the grim feeling -- he'd never been one for fright, even when he had a heart. Now he just didn't care.

Up ahead he found a boy sitting there, up above his eye level at the raised street level. He was peering over the ledge, his eyes surveying the area. He musn't have been the best at it, as he didn't seem to spot Luxord. The nobody continued his stroll, scanning the boy for any sign of danger. While he was unassuming, Luxord was never one to judge a book by its cover -- look at Sora. As he stood at the bottom of the stairs, his eyes met those of the kid. A soft Humph and a smirk reached out as his initial greeting.

"It's late." he said curtly, his feet still and arms crossed.

[Deleted]

The blonde male saw that silly figure stroll through his line of sight, though he made no visible reaction. This was common practice to a thief like Zidane…it made catching people off guard all the easier. His heart was currently weighed with thoughts of his beloved Dagger, but despite that, despite the pressing thought that something strange was going on in Traverse Town, people were counting on his smile and cheer in times of need.

Clearly, however, this black robed person in front of him needed more than a smile...he needed a makeover.

Zidane opted for the simple curve of the lips, his smile transforming into his infamous smirk as heard the other’s curt remark. Blue hues directed themselves to the others face in return as he responded, standing to his feet, “Yeah, it’s late, but the circus isn’t taking applications until next week. What’cha up to?” Folding his arms, he waited for the man’s answer, reading his disposition in the event of an surprise attack. Nothing good came from retarded outfits like that, that’s for sure.