Try not to get run over. (Aerith)

[Nightmare Darklight]

How he wanted a chocobo.

So, Nightmare had been travelling on the Mi'ihen Highroad, of course, he had been on foot the entire time. It had never really come to his attention that he could have simply rented a chocobo and been on his way. Of course, then there was the chance that he wouldn't even have the money to be able to rent one. Some businesses tended to gouge prices to hell and back, especially if they didn't even have any competition. He wondered, had there been any competition on the Mi'ihen Highroad in order for there to be any price gouging? From what he knew, he had only seen one, but he wasn't exactly sure if there were any more, there sure didn't seem to be any talk of it. It didn't matter now.

Now of course, it was really starting to bug him seeing as quite a lot of people had rented chocobos. Seeing as so many people had rented chocobos, and were speeding by him, they couldn't be that expensive. They seemed to be cheap enough to where most adventurers could afford them, so it couldn't be that bad. But no, he just had to be cheap and keep his money saved, and now he was starting to pay for it. It'd take him a while to get across the fiend infested road, but thankfully, he could at least defend himself if something came up. Honestly, he was willing to bet he didn't even need Ragnarok in order to take down one of the tougher fiends. Then again, it was likely best if he really didn't take his chances.

A chocobo suddenly sped past him, narrowly missing him as it gave off a cute little "kweh!" as it passed by. That however, was another disadvantage of having decided to go on foot, he could get run over. He needed to avoid that, though he doubted getting hit by a chocobo could kill him, it'd hurt like hell. He'd probably have a few broken bones from the encounter, a few stab wounds, scratches for sure. Now it was starting to sound really bad, now he really had to keep his eyes out, getting trampled enough times would kill him. Becoming a completely flat Nightmare was something he would really like to avoid, now and in the long run. But, he'd make sure to rent a chocobo in the future at least.

[Aerith]

It was at this point Aerith found Chocobos annoying.

Granted, Aerith loved the gently, gigantic yellow birds. Fast and a fun way to travel, but for a girl like her, who liked speed, it was not the most efficient. The roar of Fenrir echoed throughout the Highroad, drawing many curious onlookers, and scaring many of the Chocobos to the side. Impeding the speed of which she could do, Aerith had to constantly watch out for the yellow birds, Hovers, and people. She was used to such obstacles, though, and her own training kept her alert and ready for anything. At this point, the young woman knew not to draw attention to herself, but it was impossible not to with her preferred method of travel. Ah, well, she was going so fast, maybe no one would see her physical features.

The sun glinted off the black chrome of Fenrir, and she could feel the wind breezing past her cheeks. Everything was so exhilarating. All was a simply blur to Aerith, and she had a small smile upon her lips, thoroughly enjoying herself. Leaning over just slightly, her fingers curled more tightly upon the handle bars, revving the engine to life just a little more. Some more gas to go even faster, though she still made sure to look~! Her dress twisted about her ankles, the pale skin of her legs showing as the fabric coiled and flayed in the wind. No helmet, no safety gear, and no one to stop her at this point. The Highroad passed her by in a blur, and she was not even a quarter of the way to her destination.

Lovely.

Until she was forced to slow down when she got to a more narrow part of the road. Emerald orbs flickered about, seeing a person walking by on foot. Now, this would not have mattered to her, but he was in the middle of the road. And coming a lot more closer the further she sped along. Heart beating heavily against her chest, Aerith suddenly slammed on the brakes without thinking, the engine of Fenrir growling in protest. Another great thing was that the bike would not topple over with the sudden cut off of gas, but slowed to a stop. Merely feet away from the person, Aerith let out a sigh of relief, quite happy she had not killed the idiot. At that thought, her eyes narrowed, and her lips formed into a pout. Great, he had just hindered her rush! Stupid people who did not know how to stay to the side of the road.

"Would you mind moving over?" she called out sweetly, though a hint of annoyance could be seen in her eyes.

[Nightmare Darklight]

The moment he heard the deafening roar, he thought a fiend was approaching, a real nasty fiend. Really, he wasn't aware that such monstrous kinds of... monsters, still existed on the Mi'ihen Highroad. He knew that fiends were still around, but he still wasn't aware that those kind came around every now and then. Now he was really starting to regret not renting a chocobo, at least he could get away from the danger. He just wasn't in the mood for a huge fight, at least, not right now, he was pretty annoyed at his own actions. But, it seemed to be that he wouldn't have much of a choice, fiends weren't exactly able to negotiate. That was the downside, they weren't exactly humanoid, they used to be, but they weren't anymore.

He prepared himself, standing his ground, not even turning around to face what was coming towards him. He wanted to catch the fiend off guard, to have the element of surprise and make it a quick fight. He didn't unsheathe his blade, it would show that he was completely aware of its presence, and probably make it harder. He was ready, he was prepared, he was going to make sure he didn't become a handsome snack for the bastard. Though the roar seemed to soften to a growl, becoming softer, though the softness then became louder. Following that was a voice, a female voice at that, sweet, but he could pick up on the annoyance in it. Huh, maybe it was someone who had trained a fiend, Trainers weren't really all that uncommon.

Turning around, Nightmare really couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the sight that was presented to him. A woman, a rather beautiful one at that, in a maroon dress, auburn hair with emerald eyes, on a black chrome motorcycle. Which brought up something in Nightmare head; who the hell brought a motorcycle onto the Mi'ihen Highroad? Considering just how populated the road was with chocobos and people, it was pretty much surefire homicide. And sure enough, he had almost become the victim this day, not even by a fiend, but by a motorcycle. Although to be honest, he actually felt like calling the woman herself out on this little thing. "Honestly, who takes a motorcycle on this road? How have you not hit anyone yet with it?"

Nightmare hadn't even moved to the side.

[Aerith]

Honestly, Aerith contemplated just running him over.

Yes, here choice of travel was hardly wide spread, but he really had no right to question her. Then again, this man was probably just trying to annoy her more. A sweet smile curled upon her lips, and she appeared even more innocent than before. Really, if she thought she would have hit anyone, Aerith would not be riding Fenrir, and would have just rented a Chocobo. Not giving into the desire to sigh, she merely revved the engine a bit more. Emerald orbs flickered about, and she could see that though the path was narrow, they were still upon flat ground. That was more than enough reason to leave this banter behind her~! The young woman had business to attend to, and she would not let him stop her from it.

"Well, obviously someone not cheap enough to travel on foot~!" she called back to him lightly. Without much of a glance in his direction, Aerith looked around once more to make sure no one was hidden within the tall grasses. His other question sent a wry grin upon her lips, and she felt her dry humor begin to surface. Really, did he think her that irresponsible? He was living proof that she had not run over anyone. Leaning forward just slightly, her expression became just a little bit coy. If he wanted to tease her, then she would do so right back before riding off~! "I'm rather skilled at riding this than most would believe~!"

Aerith merely grinned once more, before she suddenly let the bike come to life once more. It sped forward, but before she could even hit the man, she suddenly swerved off of the rode, riding past him. Aerith pulled herself back onto the rode, leaving him behind her. Well, that had been amusing for all of two minutes~! Aerith had her own errands to attend to, though that did not include idle chatter. If she let herself get distracted any more than she had already, her brother would be annoying her for the rest of the week. Aerith already had enough of his lectures to last her a life time.

[Nightmare Darklight]

What a low blow, she had to bring up the fact that he was cheap and trying to save all the cash he had. Maybe he wanted to make sure he had cash in order to buy supplies to help keep him alive, you know? He wasn't exactly a White Mage, he couldn't exactly heal himself up whenever he got beaten and bruised in a fight. He had to rely on potions and other items and whatnot in order to keep himself in prime condition. Of course, he'd heal naturally over time, but there were times when he needed fast acting healing. When that happened, he either needed items, or he needed a White Mage on hand to keep him going. He usually fought alone, so he had to have items, which he pretty much spent all his gil on.

And then she started to drive off, looks like she had had enough of the Warrior and wanted to ditch him. If she was really as good as she claimed, then perhaps she wouldn't mind taking another rider. Because whether she liked it or not, thanks to her little comment, he was going to stop traveling by foot. She really thought she was so great, he would decide to travel by first class, free of charge. So before she would know it, he would've already made his move as she was driving past the jackass. Placing a hand on the seat, Nightmare did something quite dangerous as he hopped onto the massive motorcycle, right behind her. He was just going to press her buttons if she was going to act like this.

The roar was even more deafening up close, and to be honest, he kinda wasn't all that crazy about it. He wasn't exactly crazy about really loud noises, but, he was riding a motorcycle, so he wouldn't complain. Of course, it was without her permission, or even possibly without her knowledge, so it might not end well. He wasn't exactly sure how much of a fighter she was, or if she would even attack him if she knew. Either way, he was going to get a free ride, although if it turned into the fight to the death, it wouldn't end well. He really didn't want to have to fight, especially such a pretty girl like her, even though she might be aggressive. But, he would defend himself if he had to.

So he crossed his arms and waited, staying silent to see if she would catch him.

[Aerith]

Aerith was beyond angry at the moment.

The moment he had placed his hand upon her beloved Fenrir, she had known. He was so going to pay for that. Her growl was lost over the powerful roar the engine gave off, and she hoped it popped his eardrums. Aerith hoped his ears bled. She did not even know the man, and he was ludicrous enough to jump upon a moving bike! Glancing down to the speedometer, she saw it edging at fifty. Well, if he wanted to hitch a ride, then he would get one~! Aerith was not much of one to have her temper easily roused, but she hated it when anyone touched Fenrir. This was her baby, what she had helped design and build as her own custom machina.

He was going to pay.

Aerith glanced over her shoulder, and she saw him with his arms crossed over his chest. A smirk crossed her lips, and her emerald orbs glittered darkly. "If you want a ride, then you better hold on~!" she shouted to him. Without another glance, she suddenly revved the engine once more, and the bike shot forward, the needle easily moving to a hundred mile per hour. The wind ran through her hair, and everything was a blur to her. Aerith weaved in and out effortlessly upon the dirt path, avoiding any people and Chocobo alike. She had not been lying, riding was second nature to the flower girl~!

Aerith felt that same exhilaration overtake her slender frame, and she began to edge even faster, the bike hardly protesting at the speed. Growing ever-so-closer to around one-hundred-twenty mile per hour, she surely hoped the man would take her advice. Otherwise, he would pretty much have gone flying off the back by now, since her bike did not have a sissy bar. There was nothing to hold onto but her~! And if he tried anything, then they both would end up as pancakes~! Aerith giggled at the thought, wondering if he thought her crazy as of yet. Most would, as her brother surely did when ever he rode with her. Not that he did often, since he did think she was crazy for going to fast. Oh, how fun this was~!

Aerith grinned brightly.

[Nightmare Darklight]

Oh wonderful.

Nightmare knew he was in for a rough ride the moment he jumped on, now she was speeding up again. Before it could get bad enough to where he would fly right off, his arms uncrossed, shooting out to wrap around her waist. Though at this point, just holding on to the girl would be his top priority, at least so he wouldn't die. Granted, he wasn't complaining, she seemed to have a pretty nice figure, though he should get his mind out of the gutter. Although he of course, had a rather odd way of thanking people, especially ones who were giving him a ride. "Oh joy, you don't even know me for five minutes, and already you're trying to kill me." Nightmare gave a soft glare to the girl, he didn't even have her name, now that he thought about it.

Everything sped by them, chocobos, people, they even missed a few fiends, well, good thing he hitched a ride. He really didn't want to deal with the fiends, so she had helped him in her own twisted insane way. The roar of the engine kept bugging him, but he'd find a way to tune it out sooner or later. Though the wind blowing through his hair, the feeling of it was exhilerating, he could see why she'd enjoy this. He had to admit, she didn't exactly seem all that sane, rather, slightly crazy, then again, she didn't seem to fit the bike. But here she was, riding it like it was second nature to her, which the Warrior still found odd. But, he decided not to ask questions and leave it be.

He forgot one small thing though, and he sort of slapped himself mentally for forgetting it. It was just common courtesy after all, and being who he was, he had to at least show something like that. "So then, I never did get your name, I'd at least like to know the name of my possible murderer." Nightmare smirked at his comment. Of course, she'd be expecting his name in return, if she even gave it, or she'd feel she was too superior to talk to him about it. In all honesty, he really didn't know, she didn't seem sane or stable, and really would have to prove him wrong. It was just one of those things he picked up on fast, though who knows, perhaps she could turn it all around.

[Aerith]

Aerith was really enjoying this~!

Her lips quirked into a small smirk, feeling his arms slide about her waist. Well, he had wanted a ride, so she was giving him one~! In a few minutes they would both be at one of the rest areas, which also had one of Rin's Travel Agency set up. Perhaps that had been his destination? Aerith was still angry over the fact that he had jumped on Fenrir, possibly scratching her beloved motorcycle. If he had, she would be taking all of his gil as payment, or simply just murdering him. No, Aerith was not insane, not even in the slightest. She hated hurting anyone, if she could help it. That was when she realized that she did not even know his name as of yet. Oh, she could just see the expression hurt brother would be wearing now.

Glancing over her shoulder at him for a moment, pink lips curled into a grin. Really, he should think better of her~! "If I had wanted to kill you, you would be dead by now, she called to him rather cheerfully. Aerith noticed his glare, but it hardly fazed her. She dealt with so much worse on a daily basis. Leaving the man to his own thoughts, she focused her attention back onto the road. As much of a speed demon as she was, not once had they hit or bumped into anything. The young woman was flawless in her driving, always alert and ready for anything. It had been part of her training, after all. This was what she had been taught ever since she was a young girl.

Now was not the time for those thoughts, though.

Aerith could admit that her new companion did not seem completely there, too. What moron jumped onto a moving motorcycle? Or did not at least rent a Chocobo on the fiend infested Highroad? Still, to herself, she would admit she enjoyed the feelings of his arms wrapped about her waist. Laughing brightly, she chanced a glance back at him once more, her own emerald orbs dancing in amusement and joy. "Aerith Gainsborough, though, if I do murder you, can I at least have the name of my victim~?" Even when she was looking at him, Aerith did not hit anything.

[Nightmare Darklight]

Nightmare couldn't help but smirk at the woman for her remark about him already being dead if she wanted. She acted as if he was completely and utterly defenseless, that was actually quite far from the truth. He could easily defend himself, and if it really came down to it, he was sure he could tango with her too. Though he hoped it wouldn't come to that, at least, not when they were on the freaking motorcycle. A small chuckle with a roll of his eyes, and just like that, he had more or less handwaved her comment. How utterly rude, then again, he wasn't exactly politeness incarnate, it could be said he got on people's nerves, and fast. "I do think I can keep myself from dying, I don't see you jumping on a motorcycle as it's moving right past you."

Ah, so that was her name, Aerith Gainsborough, it didn't really help her fit with her motorcycle, it really didn't. He honestly expected someone with a name like that to be doing something else, like say, selling flowers. Really, this was just insanity, then again, he had seen some really strange things ever since he started exploring Spira. Though he had to admit, it was rather breath taking to be riding a motorcycle, definitely something that didn't happen everyday. The rider herself was rather easy on the eyes too, but, he would just keep that little piece to himself. And he now had a name to match the face, so that was a plus for him, at least he could identify her now. He'd definitely keep her in mind though if he ever ran into her again, well, after this anyway.

Though now she requested his name, stating that she would at least like to know the name of her victim. To be honest, he wasn't sure whether she was just fooling around, or if she was actually serious about that. Either way, she wouldn't get his actual name, no no, he really didn't like giving that one out. Instead, she would get the name he always introduced himself as, the name he had decided for himself. "Nightmare Darklight." It was all he said, perhaps he just didn't want to go into detail about himself. Then again, maybe he just didn't want to give any hints, after all, it was obvious it wasn't his real name. Though, he wondered if Aerith would catch on to this fact, and if she did, how would she react?

[Aerith]

As if she were a pushover either~!

Aerith had been trained since her youth on how to kill, and the skills to become a Dragoon. Her own healing techniques made it even more hard to keep her down for long, but that was beyond the point. He had not pulled out a weapon or threaten her life. To the young woman, this was merely a playful banter. Aerith still wondered if she should have given her whole name, but it did not matter. After this, she would never be likely to see him again. She had her own agenda, and her own plans to execute. Perhaps not as of yet, but soon the time would come. Until then, Aerith was simply wandering Spira as she pleased~! Why she was doing so was of no one's concern by but her very own~!

Aerith glanced back to him, her brow raised in question at his name. It had to be fake. What parent in their right mind would name their kid Nightmare Darklight? Rather cliche, but maybe he preferred it more than his real name. Then again, if she had to pick out a name like that, than his real once must be worse. Giggling brightly at the thought, she hardly said a word to him about it. Once more, Aerith inched the bike to go even faster, barely to have the speed it could really attain. Only once had she done so, and that one time had nearly sent her off a cliff. She was very good at riding, but perhaps not quite at two-hundred-fifty miles per hour. Grinning at the thought, she could at the rest area coming up ahead.

Well, it had been fun while it had lasted~

Aerith began to slow Fenrir down, the needle quickly sinking back to a more reasonable sixty miles per hour. Still, she did rather enjoy her company, as he was rather easy on the eyes~! "And here is an adequate stop to drop you off, because I have my own errands to run~!" Aerith slowed the bike to a stop, and she glanced back to Night with a light smile. Perhaps she would see him again, but now was not the time to worry. Then again, she did have a small residence here for the moment, so why not~? What she did was her own business, and her brother could not quite interfere within her private life. And she very much lacked a private life. "If you ever need another ride, I'm staying in Luca at the moment~!"

Very vague, but so was he, so it worked out~

[Rwaht]

Rwaht Orin was not a happy man. He’d been flying all across Spira, learning all that he could, learning and taking note of everything while moving out of sight from anyone or thing that seemed like it would take notice. True, he’d had a few… slip-ups, but by and large he had successfully managed to avoid drawing too much unwanted attention. They were on a mission, after all, one which depended almost entirely on secrecy.

So when Rwaht, flying calmly overheard had seen Aerith’s motorcycle tearing the Highroad a new one, he had been somewhat upset. However, he’d known that interrupting her was only a disaster waiting to happen, so he’d simply warped to Rin’s Travel Agency, where he hoped Aerith would wind up stopping. She’d probably notice him standing at the side of the road, at least. And, failing that, he’d just stop her bike with Vis Imperium. Hardly subtle, but effective. However, it seemed that Fate was smiling on him, for once, and Aerith slowed to a stop. Rwaht was so overcome with blinding, furious RAGE, however, that he didn’t quite notice the other passenger, at first. He approached the vehicle rather calmly, his arms folded and gaze firmly fixed on his sister.

“Somehow, I distinctly remember mentioning secrecy. Subtlety. Tact. Did it possibly occur to you that going at mach speed along the Highroad could possibly fall under the heading of ‘indiscreet?!’” Rwaht ranted, his voice not quite raising to a yell, merely a furious, outraged tone. “Do you think I say these things because I am being whimsical?” he said, waving out an arm in frustration and speaking again before Aerith had a chance to speak. “What if you had run someone over? I know you’re a good rider, but you can’t account for stupid people and large Fiends!”

He set Aerith in a positively furious glare and then slowly came to realize that someone else was riding on the back of the bike.

Well that’s only a little bit embarrassing, Rwaht thought dryly.

“And who might you be?” Rwaht said, obviously directing the question to the man on the back of the bike. He sounded like he had a headache.

[Nightmare Darklight]

Nightmare felt the wind lighten a bit, becoming more gentle the longer it went on, slowing down. Yes, that was what was happening, Aerith just happened to be slowing down, had they arrived already? Jeez. that bike of hers really was fast, he had to wonder how fast they had been going anyway. Though he wouldn't lie, he did enjoy the ride with her, it wasn't as chaotic as he had imagined. Granted, he could've done without the loud roaring of the engine, but he couldn't have everything, now could he? But, it got even better for him, it turns out she had just given him the location of where she was staying at the moment. At the moment? Well, it seemed that she had a tendency to roam Spira, she'd make an interesting companion.

"Well, I guess I'll just have to come pay you a visit sometime." he said with a wink.

And that was when things really started to get weird, someone showed up, and seemed rather pissed at Aerith. He was ranting and raving about secrecy and stealth, honestly, what were they trying to hide? Were they convicted felons who escaped, beings from another universe, reincarnations of Sin? Honestly, they sounded like insane theories, so he really wasn't going to try and figure it out. But it was rather humorous to see, as it also seemed like the man hadn't noticed Nightmare in the back. So Nightmare was more or less free to eavesdrop, and if called on it, he could simply point out the guy's brazen move. He loved twisting some things to work for him at times, but, he'd just keep his comments to himself.

Then he was asked who he was, apparently the new guy had finally realized he had been sitting there the entire time. The tone of it all made it sound even more hilarious, oh this was just getting too good to be true. To be honest, it was hard for the Warrior not to laugh at the situation, this rarely, if ever, happened. Though he was able to keep himself from laughing, it wasn't 100% effective, and he couldn't hold back a grin. "Nightmare Darklight." He introduced himself once again, he wondered if the new guy would catch onto the fact it's an alias. This day had gone from relatively boring to somewhat insane to actually pretty damn interesting if he said so himself. Now all that was left was to see where things would go from here.

[Aerith]

And everything had been going well, too.

Aerith sensed him only a moment after she had stopped Fenrir. Why was he here of all places? A sigh escaped her lips, and she glanced over to the brunette stalking over toward her and Night. Already, she was preparing for the outburst about to happen. Really, did Rwaht always have to ruin her fun? She was still doing as he asked, and had gathered enough information about Spira for the day, and so with a complete lack of respect, Aerith yawned, and looked away from her brother. Listening to him chastise her actions had grown rather old over the years, and Aerith was really growing tired of it. She loved Rwaht dearly, but it was her life, as hard as it seemed to be at times. With a patience she had developed over the years, she looked to Rwaht with those ever-so-wise emerald eyes of hers.

"I'm not the one creating a scene, Rwaht, so you may wish to lower your voice," she spoke lightly. Really, had he even noticed her passenger? Wonderful, she could already see Night inventing wild theories to her brother's rant. A sudden smile crossed her lips, and she looked to Rwaht with a mischievous glint. Well, if he wanted to embarrass her, then she could do the same back~! "And, yes, you are whimsical. Giant flaming wings are very whimsical to me~!" With that comment said, she turned away from Rwaht, promptly ignoring the annoying, older man at this point.

"Ignore him, he's annoying~!" Smiling brightly, knowing she would only annoy her brother even more, she heard Night introduce himself. His arms were still about her waist, and she was surprised her grouch of a brother had yet to notice. Then again, no need to add more stress to him. Aerith knew this was serious, and she did not want to upset Rwaht any more than she had to. With a giggle, she grasped Night's hands, pulling them off of her waist. Aerith supposed this was the time she would now be leaving. Well, it had been fun while it had lasted. "I'm holding you to that visit~!"