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Post by Qusitis Trepe on Feb 4, 2011 19:59:26 GMT -5
Restless Awakenings [OPEN] Finishing up the report on her last mission Quistis removed her glasses and rubbed her eyes. The young woman had been back less than an hour exhausted and strained from the mission and all she could think about was the warm beckoning of her comfy bed in the corner of her dorm.
Looking at the clock a heavy sigh escaped her lips, 0500. In a few hours the garden would be waking and she would cease to be able to sleep, so managing to fumble the contents of the finished report into the manila folder Quistis picked herself up and proceeded to crawl into her bed with longing.
After the defeat of Ultimecia time hadn't been so kind to her. The young woman seemed to be clouded by feelings of loneliness. Everywhere she turned people seemed to have someone to share their thoughts and feelings with, even Squall, someone she though incapable of love had Rinoa. It pained her so much because it just seemed to fuel her thoughts of being a failure. It was these empty feelings that drove her to throw herself into her work, into being a SeeD and going on missions. To be honest she couldn't quite remember the last time she saw the gang minus Squall but that was only because she had to report to him. She was always out on missions and soon she found herself to be quite a high ranked member of SeeD. Squall would tell her to slow down but she'd simply smile saying that she was fine and he'd always just shrug and give her the next mission – I think he did it because he knew there was no arguing with her. However lately things seemed to be catching up.
Bleep! Bleep! Bleep!
Quistis shot up, one hand flew to support her head while the other fumbled with the snooze button. Once the harsh sound of her alarm was silenced she let her thoughts fill her as she sat there for a moment on her bed. Then swinging her leg over the side she proceeded to get up and start her morning ritual as of late.
Turning the shower on she wrestled with the zipper on her top then took the rest of her clothes off. When at last she caught her reflection in the mirror she noticed that she had slept with her hair still up, then the realization hit her that she had actually slept in her clothes. Sighing she took the clip out of her hair and let it fall over her shoulders.
Testing the water with one hand she adjusted the temperature accordingly then when it was just right she stepped in. Moments later her alarm began to bleep at her again and she turned the water off, wrapped a soft peach towel around her and walked to her clock. 0730. Turning it off this time she returned to her bathroom to see what she could do about her tired look. Today she had to report to the headmaster and she wasn't about to go looking tired like she did now; She'd never hear the end of if from Xu or Squall.
Applying a little make-up she decided that she had done an acceptable, if not passable job. So satisfied she clipped her hair up in its usual style and dressed herself. As soon as her uniform was on her, her whole demeanor changed. She now was the prim, poised and proper high ranked SeeD member, once instructor and still the idol of many.
Taking one last look in the mirror she thought that she could almost fool herself. So picking up the folder containing her report she proceeded out of her dorm ready to face the day and meet with Squall at 0900, 15 minutes away. |
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Post by Rinoa Heartilly on Feb 4, 2011 21:54:15 GMT -5
There was so much to be happy about today, and yet a lot to be unsure about as well. But she wasn't sure if she should tell anyone about it just yet. After all, she wasn't even sure if they would be able to pull it off. Rinoa would definitely have to inform Squall of the idea, after all he was the commander. But perhaps surprising everyone else would be much more interesting. How long had it been since she actually could think clearly? Had what happened only a few days ago really cleared her head so much? Perhaps maybe it was the fact that she wasn't thinking about...her..Or maybe it was her excitement over what was to come? Looking down towards the ring that hung around her neck, she thought about the moment he proposed. It would likely be the one memory that stuck with her forever. But the news that she wanted to announce was more urgent. It seemed that the defenses within Timber had damped. The military had actually withdrawn itself and was now limited to only a few soldiers. As such, it was the perfect time to try and take it back. While she had been in contact with the Owls, they had informed her of a time in which the current acting President would be in the area. That would be the time to strike, though she had no intention of killing anyone...unless it was required. Holding the information underneath her arm, Rinoa looked into the sky, laughing as she could hardly believe that she might finally do it. She had worked for years to gain Timber's independence, and now it was almost theirs. All she had to do was make set up one last operation and it was over. Yet as she moved within the building, she stopped to look into the water under the bridge. Staring down at her reflection, she smirked while she pushed a few loose strands of hair from out of her left eye. |
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Post by Qusitis Trepe on Feb 4, 2011 22:21:22 GMT -5
“Good morning Miss Trepe”
Quistis felt like she had been sleep walking for when she heard the voice of one of her Trepies she almost jumped. “Oh, Good morning, how are you Amanda” Amanda began to speak and tell her about how she was in the training room and how she was learning how to use a chain whip just like Quistis. Though Quistis was taking it all in she wasn't really listening, all she could think about was a nice cup of coffee and to the cafeteria is where he feet were taking her. “That's great Amanda, just make sure to have a support with you when your in there. Training with a new weapon alone isn't always a good idea.” She smiled at Amanda and Amanda smiled back. Quistis was glad that the girl couldn't tell that she was so tried, it meant that the make-up was doing its job well enough.
Heading into the cafeteria she noticed it quieter than usual and for a moment she wondered why until the lady behind the counter called to her.
“Are you after coffee?”
Focusing her gaze on her she simply nodded.
“Sorry Miss Trepe but the machine has broken, it be fixed till this afternoon”
The cafeteria lady looked just as heartbroken as Quistis did. “I see, could you let me know when its fixed?”
Leaving the cafeteria Quistis sighed, no coffee. She silently cursed that there wasn't any but there wasn't really anything she could do about it for she had 10 minutes to be in Squall's office. A part of her really just wanted to go back to bed but she had been away for so long on her missions that she really did need to allow people to see that she was at least alive, also she kinda wanted to know what everyone was up to.
Walking down the corridor to the elevator that lead to the headmasters office, her boots betrayed her presence as they clicked along. Again she seem elsewhere and she failed to noticed that she had even walked passed Rinoa, she hadn't seen the girl in so long that she hadn't even stopped to consider that it was even really her. So standing at the elevator she pressed the button for up, soon after there was a ding and Quistis walked on in clutching the mission report and leaning on the back wall. |
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Post by Rinoa Heartilly on Feb 4, 2011 22:38:05 GMT -5
"I still can't believe...that I'm getting married. I hadn't even thought of it in till now, and now I don't know why I hadn't even considered it...Well..yea I do..."Rinoa continued to look down into the water, blinking as she thought she saw a familiar face reflected upon it's surface. She couldn't be sure, but it looked much like Qusitis's face. But she had thought that she was on a mission? Not only that, but she really hadn't seen her around much. But then, that could be said for a lot of people in their group. Looking away to see if she was right, the young girl held a shocked expression when she realized that it was indeed her. She appeared to be headed towards the elevator, perhaps maybe she could catch her there? After all, it had been some time since she'd talked to her. Maybe she could tell her what had happened? Jogging over to the elevator door as it slowly started to close, she reached her hand out instinctively, stopping the two doors from closing as she slowly walked inside. Catching her breath, she smiled up towards the older female as she held her hand out. Perhaps she had been hanging out with Selphie too much. "Hi Qusitis!"
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Post by Qusitis Trepe on Feb 4, 2011 23:18:36 GMT -5
The door to the elevator didn't close and Quistis looked up lazily as a hand appears to block its path. She noticed the face of someone she recognised peer through as the elevator doors in some what of a cheerful mood. At first she though it was Selphie but soon realised that the bubbly person she was now staring at was none other than Rinoa.
“Hi Quistis”
It sounded odd to hear her name spoken by a close friend. She hadn't seen everyone is so long that it almost felt strange how her name rolled off Rinoa's tongue but to be honest had she not stopped the elevator and said hi Quistis might have actually fallen asleep where she stood. “Hello Rinoa, long time no see. Everything going well?” The doors closed behind them and the elevator bell sounded as it began to climb. It wasn't very long till they reached the top floor and the doors opened again revealing Xu behind a desk madly typing at her compurter.
“Hello ladies, Squall will see you both shortly, please take a seat.” Xu eyed Quistis for a moment, nothing seems to ever slip past that woman and Quistis shifted uncomfortable under her gaze, she knew that as soon as Xu could catch her alone she was going to be “chatted” with. “So Rinoa what brings you here? Updates on the situation in Timber maybe?” Quistis averted her attention from Xu's stares and concentrated on speaking with Rinoa to see how she was holding up. Probably better than Quistis herself. |
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Post by Squall Leonhart on Feb 5, 2011 0:24:46 GMT -5
All the past couple of weeks there has been too much going on in Squall Leonhart's life. Unknown creatures attacking the Garden, finding out there was more worlds, Ultimecia's return, and lastly but most importantly his proposal to Rinoa. It felt like just yesterday that they had defeated the time witch and she had already return. So Squall needed answers and the best place to start was Trabia.
Trabia happened to be the first placed he saw and used one of those portals. Sadly, there was nothing there anymore except the cold, harsh climate. Yes, he had went alone despite telling Rinoa he was going to be traveling with Zell, but he could not risk it. The Garden would need everyone if Ultimecia were to attack so going alone was the best option, Squall thought. It was reckless, but still the best option.
Squall had returned to the Garden empty handed. Entering through the Parking Lot, Squall proceeded to make his way back to the Headmaster's office. As he walked on a few of the students waved and of course... Squall did not wave back. Hand gestures were for people like Zell and Selphie. Squall just gave a simple nod and continued on his way until he was stopped by one of the cadets. "SQUALL! SQUALL! The cousin of my best friend said that you asked Ms. Rinoa to marry you!? Is it true!? Huh, huh!?"
Squall placed his right hand over his forehead, sighing. He should have known asking for Rinoa's hand in marriage in the center of Balamb Town would somehow get leaked back here. He was not ashame, he just did want to be the center of anyone's gossip, especially at a time like this. "Don't you have some sort of class to get to?" Squall did not give the girl any time to answer the question. He stepped forward, moving at a much quicker pace to get to the elevator; his safe haven.
Entering the elevator, Squall hit the button for the third floor. In his office he would only have to deal with Xu. Luckily, she was not much of a bother. The evevator doors opened and Squall made his way through the next set of doors to find Quistis and Rinoa seated. ...What did I do now? He looked at Xu for a moment and then turned his gaze to the two women. It was great to see that Trepe had returned. Squall would definitely need to have a talk to her about the loads of missions she was taking on.
"Qusitis, Rinoa. I'm glad to see that you're back Qusitis. What can I do for you both?" |
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Post by Rinoa Heartilly on Feb 5, 2011 23:18:51 GMT -5
Nodding in response to Quistis's first question, Rinoa smiled as she couldn't see how things could get any better for her at this point. A possible solution to gaining Timber's independence, a wedding that was in the making. Her luck couldn't get any better if she wanted it too. Of course, she was still somewhat uneasy about having to stay behind on missions, but she decided not to fight Squall on this decision. At least for now.
"Yea actually! That's why I wanted to talk to Squall about it...You see..."
Before Rinoa could say anymore, Squall appeared through the open doors of the elevator, stopping her from speaking further. Smiling as he greeted them, she then looked towards Quistis while nodding towards her. She figured what she wanted to say could wait. After all, she had already made a plan of action and just wished to go over it with their commander.
"You can go first..."
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Post by Qusitis Trepe on Feb 6, 2011 1:45:57 GMT -5
Rinoa was cut off before Quistis could discern what she was here for. It was as if on queue, like his ears were burning that the elevator bell chimed and the doors opened revealing Squall himself. Quistis watched him with interest as he looked to Xu as if searching her face to understand why these two women were here. With a sigh Quistis realised that he had forgot their meeting this morning and a part of her hated him for it because she could be curled up in bed as they speak.
As he approached both herself and Rinoa, Quistis couldn't help but tense a little. Not because she didn't like Squall but just because it had been so long since she had been in the vicinity of Rinoa and himself. She wondered how they would react to one another infront of her, it was hard enough that way back when she had confused childhood feelings as love for the man and then only to have them thrown in her face. She should have known better anyway, love never comes easy to people like her. Love doesn't just walk up to you in a pretty like cream dress at a ball and ask for a dance.
Before she could answer Rinoa indicated that she could have her meeting with Squall first, so nodding to her she proceeded through into the headmasters officer waiting for Squall to follow suit.
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Post by Squall Leonhart on Feb 6, 2011 2:44:19 GMT -5
His attention shifted between the two lovely women. So they were not here together to jump on Squall's case about something or so it seemed. Now he mind started to wonder why the both of them would be here. Honestly, he had forgot all about the meeting with Quisitis that was suppose to take place. Luckily, he had not found anything in Trabia because that would have made the woman's wait much more longer. Knowing Quisitis anything she had to say was important.
Squall followed behind Quisitis into the headmaster's office, his office, and closed the door gently. Squall was sure she had no idea that Ultimecia had return. Selphie knew and Squall had told Rinoa. He wondered how Quisitis would react once he told her the bad news. Better than the other two females, Squall was sure of that. Out of the whole gang Quisitis was the most mature. He walked over to the desk and placed himself behind it. This headmaster role still felt brand new to him. Brand new and unwanted.
"Whenever you're ready..."
He notice the yellow folder that she had and wondered what type of documents that she might have. He had not really scene Quisitis besides when assigning her mentions. It was apparent that she was drowning herself in missions for some reason and despite her appearance Squall knew that she had to be very tired. But was it his place to say anything? Yes, there were family after all or the closes think to family.
"...I want you to some rest after this... Take a few days to rest." |
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Post by Qusitis Trepe on Feb 6, 2011 5:22:14 GMT -5
Quistis stood straight before Squall's desk and waited for him to be seated before she was to begin her report. She had detailed her mission down to the last crossed t and dotted I but she knew it was better to just give Squall the foot notes for, she suspected, he wouldn't really it all.
Quistis pulled at her report and began to place photos of strange beast they had never seen on his desk. As she did this she noted that he was giving her that same kind of look that Xu was and she let out a small sigh as she continued to litter the desk with photos and gathered Intel.
She eyed him over the rim of her glasses, she didn't really know how to respond to him so she just nodded and continued on displaying her report. “Lately as you know we have been attacked by creatures we have never seen before...” She wondered if he remembered sending her on this mission to gather Intel on them.“My team and I have been keeping close watch on the creatures and have discovered some very interesting details. The monsters display a very similar attribute system to that of the ones that already existed here. We were able to tell that each beast has a type like our own, there are the elemental types; which I’m sure I don't need to list for you, and the simple physical type.” Quistis glanced at him again over the rim of her glasses looking more and more like an instructor rather than a highly ranked member of SeeD (It was quite possible that as of late she was the highest...maybe she really should take that break). She was trying to gauge his reactions and she was intersted to see if he would be mad at her and her team for the next bit of Intel she was going to tell him.“Now, I know that your orders were to not engage with any of these beast but sometimes it was inevitable....However it did provided us with some more information otherwise not attainable. When we scanned them in battle we found that they have a stagger bar or meter. In order for us to do much damage to them we had to build that bar up.” Quistis frowned as she recalled her first encounter with the monsters, she still had the scar on her back to prove it. She should have never got that, but she didn't regret it for had she not shielded that man, they would have returned one less. “We had to work around that she we found we have to change our battle system. Once we started to chain our attacks together it seem to build their stagger up and soon we were doing higher damage to them. Of course none of this was tried on anything bigger than and oversized dog, but we assume that the same rules will apply. Adding to that we were able to counter them by also attacking them with the element they are weak against, much like our beasts the effects were similar.”
Quistis mood darkened slightly as she began to take out another picture, one of Tribia. She remembered following some of the monsters there in the hopes she could work out where they were coming from, and it was exactly what she found. “We also followed the monsters here. It turns out that there is a portal there- She put a photo of the portal on his desk atop the other pictures there. “Squall, we monitored the portal for a week. The thing has grow in size, we estimate about 3 centimetres from when we first got there. Approximately it looks to be about 5 meters in height and 3 meters wide. Each day we witnessed new creatures coming in and out of that portal, about 4 a day and that was 2 weeks ago now. We would have still been there today but our last encounter with the portal didn't go so well which is why we are back early. On the last day we tried to get a closer look but couldn't have timed it any more wrong, although we keep a close record of the time frame in which one beast came in to when the next came, we weren't expecting what we saw.” Pulling out another photo from the folder she handed it to Squall, it was a picture of what looked like a Behemoth from their world but completely morphed. “We didn't dare to fight it as we were ill prepared too but the thing spotted us before we could make our escape. We only manage to get away, had it not been for Shiva and the other GF's I might not be here to report this to you. Although, Martin did sustainable minor injuries, he is in the infirmary and I’ve been told that he is fine and will be released soon.”
Quistis waited for him to take in all that she had told him. She noticed that her cell had buzzed in her pocket but this wasn't the time to answer it and she knew that if it was important they would leave a message.
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Post by Squall Leonhart on Feb 7, 2011 2:40:02 GMT -5
Quisitis. She could be a stubborn one at times too. Unfortunately, most the women in Squall's life carried that trait. He was sure that Qusitis heard him, but would she really take his advice and rest a bit? She was more mature than Selphie so he would have to force it down her throat. As she gave her report Squall picked up each of the photos, examining them one by one. These were surely the creatures that attack the Garden. As he had thought, they orgin was not of their world. ...This could be trouble.
It was a lot of information to obtain, but Squall was getting the gist of it. This 'stagger' bar would provide useful in future battles. Other than this stagger bar they were pretty much the same. It was not until she placed the picture of the portal in Trabia that Squall had a surprised look plastered upon his face. He picked the picture up, scanning it with his eyes. This... Is this a different one? Squall did not want to interrupt her so he would wait until she was finished before opening his mouth. The situation was much more worst than he had thought though.
The portal that Qusitis showed was in an entirely different location than the one Squall had an earlier encounter with. Did the portal move or were they just more portals appearing? Either way, it was bad. What if one of those portals just magically appeared in the middle of Garden or a town. "...It would be smart for us to assume that these portals can appear anywhere. This one you're showing me is in an entirely different location from the one I had found," He paused, "Someone from your team, I need them to show me the location to where to find this..."
Squall held the picture of the portal up. This was pretty much the only plan of action he had. Someone needed to figure out how to close these portal(s) before they grew any bigger and unleashed more unwanted creatures into the world. He let out a deep sigh and stared at Quisitis for a moment. Ultimecia could not have return at a better time? Squall was searching his brain to find the write way to mention this to Qusitis. Squall was scared and he could only imagine how Qusitis would feel about having to fight this witch again. If he told her now she definitely would get that rest she needed. For now, he would just keep that information secret from her. |
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Post by Qusitis Trepe on Feb 8, 2011 1:58:51 GMT -5
Quistis took in each word he said, she focus on the content of what he was saying to her and then it hit her. There was another portal and he knew about it. Well could she really be all that surprised that he knew about it? There were always others that he sent on missions to find out this sort of information for him, but he said “I had found”.Quistis frowned slightly, he should be going on these types of missions any more, he has the whole of Garden to consider.
Quistis let out a sigh, who was she to tell him not too when she was overworking herself? Its for this reason that she let it slide that he said 'Someone from your team'. Normally she would have instinctively told him that she would take him but something told her that this mission was best left to someone else. She thought for a moment while he stared at the picture of the new portal. Maybe I really do need that rest.. Her composure slipped a little then but she quickly regained it and stood straighter. “Yes I will send for Satoshi to guide you there, he was the second in command for the mission so he knows what he's doing.” Her pocket buzzed again, this time the quite of the room made it echo. “Ah..Sorry..” She fumbled around in her pockets, half forgetting which one she had her phone in. By the time she did she had missed the call.
“It was Selphie...” Quistis hesitated for a moment and just stared at her phone. That's right...I rang her but couldn't get through... “Sorry Squall, its Selphie...
Quistis listening to the message, she was having trouble making out what had happened since Selphie's phone was breaking up. She began to worry because it implied that she was no longer in their world. “Squall....I think something bad has happened.” She played the message back for Squall to hear. “Check your phone too, maybe she tired you as well?”
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Post by Squall Leonhart on Feb 8, 2011 2:53:54 GMT -5
No debate? Squall was sure she would have suggested that she be the one that showed Squall to the portal. Instead she had offered up someone else that was on her team. Squall was glad that she seemed to understand that he was doing this so she could get rest. Honestly, he would have loved for it to be Quistis. She was highly intelligent and was always professional about her work. "Thanks. Satoshi and I will leave as soon as possible."
As her phone went off, Squall just stared at her with that blank expression of his. They were friends so why were she being fso formal? Well, he was the headmaster, but he placed himself as a regular SeeD first. If he could he would hand the headmaster title back to Cid Kramer or to someone he deemed worthy. It was just too much for Squall to handle, especially at his age. When she said that it was Selphie, Squall wondered what the hyperactive girl could be calling about. Selphie was suppose to be taking it easy since she had got that wound from one of those unknown creatures.
Something bad had happened? When she played the message back Squall placed his right hand on his forehead and sighed. Squall could make out a few words from the message. Sonuske, he had remembered that boy from his early encounter with the portal. At least she was there with someone of their world. Cocoo... Cocoon! She was in Cocoon! That's where Ultimecia was last located. Squall reached into jacket pocket and dropped his broken cellphone on the table. Unfortunately, he had broken it earlier in the day and had too much on his mind to worry about it.
He slammed his right fist down on the desk, causing the paper and pictures to fluster up. Why did something like this have to happen now? He stepped from behind his desk, figuring that Qusitis would follow in his footsteps. "Let's go... We're going to get Selphie..." How were they going to get to Selphie? Squall had no clue, but they would deal with that whenever they reached the portal. Sadly, the information that Rinoa was holding would have to wait. He walked out the doors and stared at Xu....
"Xu, you're in charge until I return. Selphie is missing... We're going to go get her." |
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Post by Qusitis Trepe on Feb 8, 2011 3:20:24 GMT -5
Quistis knew that Squall would be upset with the news of Selphie's disappearance but his sudden out burst put her slightly of guard. So much had changed since their final battle together against Ultimecia and Squall was among one of the biggest changes. Quistis had watched him for so long, a person that was always alone, always fighting and never showing an ounce of emotion. Even when she took him to the secrete area in the training facility and told him that she was no longer an Instructor... He showed no emotion. Instead he went on as if nothing important had happened. It broke her heart back then, she hated herself even more than hating him because she left herself so vulnerable to him, him of all people.
Now though, and maybe since Rinoa. He seems to be lighter, he has such a big heart and worries about everyone. Quisitis wished that she could have changed him like that but she knew deep down she never could have...but ever since Rinoa...
She was brought out her reminiscing when he called for her to come. Really it was a shock to the system because she hadn't expected to be asked to go, no what was she thinking. He would already know that she wouldn't back down from this one, Selphie is family, Squall knew that just as much as she herself did. They will get her back.
Nodding to him and followed him out. “We will need supplies. I can take you to where the portal I found is. We'll take the Ragnarok as it will be the fastest way. If we are lucky the portal will be big enough to fit the Ragnarok itself through it.” Quistis's mind was once again racing, thinking about all the things they will need for this journey. She didn't have time to think of consequences at the moment, they needed to rescue Selphie. So much for that rest... “I'll try Selphie again.” |
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Post by Rinoa Heartilly on Feb 8, 2011 21:49:26 GMT -5
It had been so sudden, the boost in activity. Rinoa had been leaning against the wall,looking down at the area below when Squall walked out of his office with a serious look on his face. Had something happened? Just what did Quistis tell him? Pushing herself from her position, she walked towards him as she heard him speak to Xu.
"Whats going on? What about Selphie?"
Looking from Squall to Quistis, the raven haired female felt completely out of the loop. Why were they getting supplies? Why did the need the airship? What was happening at the portal? So much information, and yet she really didn't have any method of connecting them expect through her own means. But, if it did come out how she was thinking, then things had just become serious in a matter of moments. As such, her happy mood was now replaced with concern.
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