"CHOOSE YOUR PARTY"

[OrochiGeese]

(Geese note: The events of this RP follow one week after this RP which is during August of 2015.)

---

*It is a bright, sunny afternoon and Luke Kisiera and Jean Carter are lying on the grass outside looking at the clouds.*

[Jean:] "This was a great idea, Luke. I've been so upset ever since we saw what happened to Clyde. And I'm worried about Celes is and if she's okay. I really needed to relax."

[Luke:] "I don't know what's coming but we need to be our best for it. We can't do so on frayed nerves."

[Jean:] "When did you get so wise, all of a sudden?!"

[Luke:] "The collective wisdom here would rub off on anyone. I'm just thankful for the opportunity to learn."

[Jean:] "Well said!! Let's go back to some cloud-watching. What does that one look like to you?"

[Luke:] "An 8-inch floppy di-."

*Jean looks upset, sits up, and makes an accusatory face.*

[Jean:] "Hey, you better watch what's rubbing off on you from Mr. Figaro!"

*Luke laughs and hugs Jean*

[Luke:] "No, I mean a floppy computer disc."

*After a little more suspicious side-eye, Jean looks content with his answer and kisses him on the cheek.*

[Jean:] "Okay, just be careful with that phrasing, Mr!"

[Luke:] "Haha, okay I will. So what does that one look like to you?"

[Jean:] "My old stapler from OG-Joshi. I wonder where that went."

*Luke begins to smile but quickly points at another cloud*

[Luke:] "Whoa, that cloud is moving pretty fast!"

[Jean:] "My stapler only moved that fast when Robin threw it at the wall that time!"

[Luke:] "Yanno, I'm not sure that is a cloud after all..."

*Luke grabs Jean's hand and picks them both up. The sudden loud sound of rushing wind confirms Luke's concern. However, before he has a chance to take her away from the situation, Mr. Figaro runs outside into the field. Luke and Jean have to scream to hear each other.*

[Jean:] "I'm glad he's here but...what is that thing and is he safe?"

[Luke:] "He's safe because it's Figaro but I've never seen anything like it in my life."

*As the cloud-like object comes closer, it looks like a blimp of some sort.

In fact, if an artist were to draw a picture of it, it may even look something like this:





[Luke:] "Is that a dirigible?"

[Jean:] "Thanks! You're adorable too!"

[Luke:] "I...yeah, I'll take that!"


*The blimp lands and Mr. Figaro immediately jumps up to the top deck.*


[Luke:] "Well, whatever it is, Figaro's on it. Literally."


*Mr. Figaro picks up a gigantic silver anchor and throws it onto the ground, causing a huge dent and an even louder sound. This brings out Kyle, Robin, and Geese Walker who run over to Jean and Luke.*

[Robin:] "Is this like the first airship of the apocalypse?"

[Geese:] "I think that's horsemen, dear."

[Robin:] "Horses can't fly airships, dear."

*Robin laughs and lightly punches him in the shoulder, adding some much needed levity to the situation. However, Kyle remains tense and looks like he's about to run back to the main house. Geese grabs him by the arm.*

[Geese:] "I admire your moxy, as always. But I do not think your usual weapon of choice will be necessary."

*Geese points to the airship where we see Figaro dropping a big rope ladder and Celes being the first one to climb down. Everyone watching the display breathes a sign of relief. Celes walks over, hugs a clearly appreciative Jean, and begins talking right as the wind from the airship engines shut down.*

[Celes:] "I'm sorry I couldn't give you advance notice of the sound and spectacle but I'm not sure you would have believed me anyway."

[Luke:] "...I would have."

[Robin:] "Which would have made it less likely that the rest of us would."

*Luke sheepishly laughs.*

[Celes:] "On board this vessel are 6 warriors equal in ability and character to myself and Figaro."

*Geese's eyes open as wide as they get in pure shock.*

[Geese:] "How...how is that even possible?"

[Celes:] "Because this is my army, Geese. We are the Returners and we are going to do what we do best - retrieve one of our own and exact justice on those who hurt him. Clyde will return with us. That is a promise."

[Figaro:] "So what's the plan, General?"

*Celes smiles upon hearing that name.*

[Celes:] "It's been a while, hasn't it. We treat this like every other major battles: we split and delegate."

[Geese:] "You mean we are not all coming with you?"

[Celes:] "On the contrary, some of you are in no way ready for the intensity and danger of this battle. So it would unfair to Clyde and a liability on the rest of us to have to worry about your safety as well as the mission."

*Robin takes a step forward and nods while putting her arm in front of Kyle and gently pushing him back. Kyle returns an expression equivalent to "hey, what gives, sis?"*

[Robin:] "Makes sense. So Kyle's here with me, right?"

[Celes:] "I can't ask you to lose Kyle to save Clyde."

[Kyle:] "Whoa - no one's losing me. I can take out anyone in Destiny."

[Celes:] "You can beat their brains into the pavement."

*An almost salivating smile appears on Kyle's face but Celes shakes her head.*

[Celes:] "Which is exactly what I meant when I said we'd lose you. I'm not letting Jinchuu claim you again or allowing your hands to spill the blood of life. You heard what I said, Kyle, we would exact justice onto Destiny, not revenge. You are a natural protector, Kyle, not a murderer. And so you will lead the party that stays here: Robin, Jean, and Luke."

*Robin looks initially relieved but then looks over at Geese and frowns.*

[Celes:] "He can handle it and he's closer with Clyde than Kyle is. Geese wants to protect Clyde more than he wants to hurt Destiny. And I promise you that he will be unharmed."

[Geese:] "Clyde helped me so many times, Robin. He helped us. I owe this to him."

*Robin nods and gives Geese a hug then turns to Celes.*

[Luke:] "Just thinking about Jean here, but how much danger do you think we will be in if it's just us four? If you are all going to free Clyde, what if Destiny sees it as an opportunity to attack us?"

[Celes:] "That opportunity would be immediately and gravely punished. I will be assigning four of them to watch over you - four of my best defensive warriors. I wish you to meet the entire team though."

*Celes whistles and the lower door to the airship opens. Out walks five individuals who, at first, marvel at touching the ground. They appear even initially confused.*

[Geese:] "I am not brimming with confidence right now."

[Celes:] "It was a long journey and some of them never thought they'd ever make it here and meet you in person."

*The five people regain their focus and walk over to the rest. The first thing each one of them does is hug Geese, much to his confusion and to Robin's laughter.*

[Robin:] "Wow, the Geese fan club won their big trip after the candy bar raffle! Hope those permissions slips are signed!"

[Celes:] "You have no idea how right you are-"

*Everyone looks shocked*

[Celes:] "Except about the candy bar raffle and the permission slips. That was incorrect."

[Figaro:] "Awwe."

*Figaro looks sad but Celes clears her throat.*

[Celes:] "First, let me introduce the two who will be accompanying Geese, Figaro, and myself to retrieve Clyde."

*A middle age man with a top knot and armow walks up and very politely bows to everyone. That is met in return with a bow from Jean. Mr. Garamonde smiles.*

[Celes:] "This is Mr. Garamonde, a modern day samurai. He has experience working with both Figaro and Clyde."

*Figaro smiles and high-fives Mr. Garamonde.*

[Figaro:] "Just don't show him your cell phones. Tech ain't his jam."

[Mr. Garamonde:] "Just sword tech!"

[Celes:] "Right...right. And next is Mr. Cole-"

*Geese steps closer and squints his eyes to focus. A look of startling recognition appears on his face.*

[Geese:] "Wait...I've seen you before, haven't I?"

*Mr. Cole steps closer and removes his hat with a flourish, bowing.*

[Mr. Cole:] "It looks like I did not steal your memory on that day."

*Mr. Figaro laughs and Celes blushes, putting her hand on Mr. Cole's shoulder. Robin immediately notices this gesture and smiles, nudging Jean and winking in the direction of Celes.*

[Jean:] "Robin, is there something in your eye?"

*Robin rolls her eyes and smiles.*

[Celes:] "Geese, you most likely saw Mr. Cole on surveillance video after the second night of OG-FPD Ragnarok was over. After our escape from the premises, Mr. Cole helped safely extract us and ward off Genji Security."

[Geese:] "Quite expertly, if I remember correctly. You literally stole the clothes off his back."

[Mr. Cole:] "I still have them and used them to line a chocobo's cage."

[Figaro:] "Ixnay on the ocobo-chay."

*Jean looks even more confused now.*

[Jean:] "Figaro, is there something in your throat?"

[Figaro:] "Probably just emotion from seeing some of my best friends in the world!"

*Figaro gives Mr. Garamonde and Mr. Cole a huge hug, which makes Jean smile. Kyle looks concerned.*

[Kyle:] "So who are the ones that will help me protect my sister, Jean, and Luke."

[Celes:] "You are correct to assume that you will be taking lead in this. Although accomplished warriors will be watching over you all, no one is better at protecting your loved ones than you are."

[Robin:] "So just to be clear, I suddenly need protecting? That's almost adorable as Jean is!"

[Jean:] "Thanks!"

[Celes:] "No, Robin, you are not in need of a white knight."

[Robin:] "Damn straight. I've always gravitated toward the chaos dragon type anyway..."

*Robin winks at Geese but suddenly Mr. Garamonde looks concerned.*

[Mr. Garamonde:] "Outrageous! Kaiser Dragon has returned!?"

[Figaro:] "Oh boy, here we go..."

[Celes:] "Stand down, Mr. Garamonde.  And Robin, no one will protect you any more than you will protect them. After all, you were the one who stepped up and made sure that your brother retained his humanity. You protected his soul.  But we can not underestimate what Destiny and Gauntlet will do once they realize we are attacking them and you are not with us. One reason that we have all lived together on this ranch is that there is strength of numbers. Having one group go off on their own to fight logically carries risks but we are seeing to it that those risks are minimized by adding members."

[Geese:] "It's interesting that you keep talking about Destiny and Gauntlet like they are separate entities."

[Celes:] "They are very much so. Gauntlet works for Destiny...for now. I do not know what Jarec's intentions are for the future. However, Thunder Strike made it quite clear that Jarec is loyal to no one."

[Robin:] "Okay, okay, I've heard enough about the second coming of Jarry. Let's see our protectors."

[Celes:] "This is Miss Arrowny and Mr. Magus."

*A girl in her 20's and a very old man approach. Jean immediately curtsies to both.*

[Kyle:] "I mean, I'm sure they are nice people but-"

[Celes:] "I'm hoping the time doesn't come that they need prove themselves to you but I have no doubt of their abilities. Meanwhile, I believe that I have proven myself to you capable in choosing successful allies."

[Geese:] "You have. If you and Figaro have confidence in them, then so do I."

[Celes:] "This is Mr. Gau."

*A boy in his teens suddenly hops on Mr. Figaro's back and starts riding him like a horse to the shock of just about everyone.*

[Figaro:] "Damn it, not now. I don't have anything new to teach you!"

*After a failed attempt to remove Mr. Gau, he finally jumps off himself.*

[Geese:] "Anyone that can do that and win the exchange is clearly insane or a master warrior."

*Mr. Figaro holds both palms up*

[Figaro:] "A little from column A and a little from column B. But as good as his offensive skills are, Mr. Gau is a true defensive tank. No one will be able to attack our party at home with him here."

[Celes:] "That is correct. He has learned rare Kung Fu styles associated with animals that even experts have not learned or adapted to. Mr. Gau will also leap to protect anyone else here."

[Robin:] "Okay, I really don't know what's going on but for some reason I feel strangely calm."

[Celes:] "Have I ever steered you wrong before, even if at first you didn't understand my methids?"

[Robin:] "No, you haven't. I trust you. But...didn't you say there was a fourth member?"

*Celes smiles but then looks over at Jean with a serious expression. She uses her calmest voice.*

[Celes:] "Jean..."

[Jean:] "Yeppers!"

[Celes:] "I need you to be a big girl for me right now, okay?"

[Jean:] "What? Why?"

[Celes:] "You are about to meet someone and I think you may lose control of your emotions."

*Jean looks concerned*

[Jean:] "Hhh...Heathcliff?"

[Celes:] "Not Heathcliff. But I suppose you aren't that far off."

[Figaro:] "Can I say it? I've waited a decade to say it!"

[Celes:] "Yes."

*Figaro bellows in the loudest voice we've ever heard from him*

[Figaro:] "RELEASE THE MOOGLE!"

*Suddenly a 2-feet tall snow-white creature, resembling a cross between a small bear and a cat, walks off the ship and runs full speed at Jean. She is completely frozen in shock and the creature jumps up on her. After about a second of recognition, she gives it the biggest hug she's ever given to anything non-Kisiera.*

[Jean:] "OMG OMG! I LOVE IT! CAN I KEEP IT! OMG YOU ARE SO CUTE! I'LL CALL YOU FUZZLES!"

*The creature then does a little dance in front of her.*

[Robin:] "What...what is going on here? Am I dreaming? Is this like 'Warriors Dreams' again or something?"

[Celes:] "Listen everyone, it's best to not ask too many questions and just let Jean enjoy him."

[Robin:] "Uh, I have a question - is he...yanno...trained?"

[Figaro:] "No, he's a celebrated pooper. You're in for a good time!"

[Celes:] "And that goes into my strategy here. I wish to protect you with talent and also with those who can provide a high spirit. All four of these warriors possess both elite defensive fighting ability and levity."

[Robin:] "And the warriors coming with you...in that airship thingy...wait...no."

[Celes:] "What?"

[Robin:] "Please tell me your strategy isn't to challenge Moreno to a race around the world."

[Celes:] "We'd win...but no, that isn't our strategy or a likely result."

[Robin:] "So .. one more question-"

[Celes:] "Is it about Mr. Cole?"

*Robin smiles with a mischievous expression.*

[Celes:] "I'll tell you about it when we get back. How is that?"

[Robin:] "Fine, but you better dish on the deets."

[Figaro:] "I too would enjoy beets as part of our victory banquet."

*Robin hugs Figaro, Celes, and then Geese.*

[Robin:] "You all better come back here in one piece or else I'm going to finish the job Destiny started."

[Geese:] "I have no doubt of your finishing ability."

*Robin laughs out loud, punches Geese again in the shoulder, and lays a huge kiss on him.*

[Mr. Garamonde:] "The people in this realm are very passionate, aren't they Gau?"

[Luke:] "Wait...did you say realm?"

[Miss Arrowny:] "Yeah, I'm right here!"

[Luke:] "Huh!?" Jean does any of this make....Jean?"

*Luke looks over and sees Jean making a little hat out of flowers for the moogle.*

[Luke:] "Well, I guess we won't need to get that tenth cat that she asked for just yet."

*Geese turns to Mr. Garamonde and smiles but then his face turns serious.*

[Geese:] "Mr. Garamonde, you are correct. We are very passionate and that means I will do everything in my power to bring back our mutual friend, Clyde. I can't understand the reason, but I have a distinct sense that we have worked together in the past. I believe this to be a robust unit assembled for total victory."

[Figaro:] "We won't lose, Geese. We are too good and too much is on the line."

[Celes:] "We have saved Clyde as we have done for every single one of us in the past, including myself."

*Celes nods at her team then looks over to Jean.*

[Celes:] "Jean."

*Despite now square-dancing with the moogle, Jean immediately looks at Celes.*

[Celes:] "Remember - no matter what happens, you hold the key."

*Celes points to the crystal on her own neck then to Jean's neck which also has a crystal. Jean nods.*

[Celes:] "I will see you all again. That is a promise."

*Celes and Figaro nod at the party staying at the Walker ranch. They then begin walking to the airship with Mr. Cole and Mr. Garamonde. Geese embraces Robin one more time, knocks fists with Kyle, and walks to the airship with purpose. Robin turns to Kyle.*

[Robin:] "I wonder if he should have taken a Dramamine or something. As Jean would say, that thing looks spinny."

[Kyle:] "I think you are the one that needs to lie down a little, sis. You look pale."

[Robin:] "I'll feel better once he gets back."

*Miss Arrowny notices Robin's nervous expression and cautiously walks over.*

[Miss Arrowny:] "Do you like to draw?"

[Robin:] "What...you mean like, pistols at dawn? This is Deadwood, South Dakota, honey."

[Miss Arrowny:] "My apologies, I'm still learning your language. I mean draw as in art."

[Robin:] "I used to make dirty comics starring Kaori NiGHT."

[Miss Arrowny:] "Oh. I can get you clean paper, if you wish."

[Robin:] "You're a sweet kid, let's get you over there with Jean and the muggle."

[Luke:] "Wrong universe."

[Robin:] "What?"

[Luke:] "Never mind."

[Kyle:] "It's going to be a long week."

[Robin:] "I can only imagine what they are going to go through."

[Kyle:] "It's easier because they don't have to just sit here and worry about them."

[Robin:] "True - true. But they'll come back. What did they say they were?"

[Miss Arrowny:] "We are Returners."

[Robin:] "Exactly, it says it right there in the title!"

[Kyle:] "There you go, maybe Celes was right - this one seems to have lifted your spirits."

[Miss Arrowny:] "Thanks!!"

[Robin:] "So what's with the little kid and the grampa?"

[Miss Arrowny:] "He's actually my grampa."

[Robin:] "Swing and a hit. Okay, well, that's something, I guess. But what about the little kid?"

[Miss Arrowny:] "Is there a forest with animals anywhere near here?"

[Robin:] "Please say he's not going to leave 'little gifts' for us like Jean's cat did. I unsubscribed from that 'morning mouse' club about a hundred times."

[Miss Arrowny:] "Don't worry - he's a little rough around the edges but he's always come through."

[Robin:] "Just make sure he doesn't come through our living room with those dirty feet. Between him and the boggle-"

[Miss Arrowny:] "Moogle."

[Robin:] "Exactly, between those two, we're all going to be kept so busy cleaning the house that we won't have time to worry about everyone else! Ingenious plan, Celes!"

[Kyle:] "You're looking better, all ready."

*Robin laughs and looks out to her new house guests and smiles, right as the airship takes off again into the sky.*