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Character(s): Albert Simon & Anyone
Location: Quad, the Garden
Rating: PG-13? ~~He won't zap anyone yet.~~
Open/Closed/Finished: Open
Summary: Did something go horribly wrong or is he merely lucky that his plans were thwarted by divine hands?

In all due truth, there was something humbling about being trapped here upon a foreign world without clue as to how that happened. While he did well not to voice his frustration, Albert was certainly having a difficult time grasping as to how he managed to be swept up within Time’s Current. “How dreadfully odd.” The dapper gentleman whispered quietly as he examined the winding corridors of Balamb Garden. Still quite capable of wielding his powers, Albert found it a tad unsettling to realize that he lost his new ‘Ace’ during the shuffle. He had hoped to bestow Yuri and his stalwart companions with his new form, the Messiah. However, just when he was about to fuse with the fiend, Albert was whisked away from battle by what seemed to be an invisible hand.

“Perhaps I’ve actually caused a rift through time…” Remembering the havoc that transpired within Neameeto, a light chuckle emitted from Albert once he thought of his young foes. “It seems they’ve may have won for now. How disappointing.” While he had promised not to hold any ill feelings if he had lost the bout, Albert felt a tad cheated from losing the chance to battle the young harmonixer one last time.

“Oh well, I suppose it could be worse.” He chuckled lightly. “I could be stuck here with that fool Dehaui. Now that would have been dreadful.” Checking to see if anyone was near, Albert vanished once more only to reappear within the quad. Why walk if you can travel throughout the Garden faster using magic?

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He chuckled lightly at the girl’s reply after noticing the cover of her book. “Mathematics?” Albert questioned aloud with a slight intrigue. The cardinal figured there would be some similarities between this realm and the next, but he hadn’t expected to find a young mercenary reading up on arithmetic. “Having trouble with mathematics, are you?” He asked wondering what sort of math the Garden requires their young pupils to master.

Terra nods with a faint smile to the older man, "Simple word problems aren't too difficult, but the square roots are a little confusing. And then there are word problems that seem to ..." She pauses to search for the right word. "They double back and trick you if you don't understand." From the slightly frustrated tone in her voice at this last part, she's probably had a lot of trouble with THOSE types of problems.

Albert chuckled lightly as he listened to the girl. She was clearly frustrated, and understandably so. Arithmetic can be slightly daunting towards those who lack practice. Solving the whimsical riddles of a word problem is perhaps more daunting than algebra itself. During his youth, Albert always found algebra to be less challenging than the riddles of a word puzzle, maybe it's because he always possessed more of a scientific mind. "Perhaps I could have a look at this puzzle." The dapper gentleman said as he glanced at her math book.

"Two minds are better than one, or they say. It has been years since I've tampered with such, but I am certain my mind is still sharp." For a seven-hundred year old man, he was quite adept.

With Terra, wouldn't it be more like three minds? *badumpsh* She nods at the offer though, turning the book a bit more. It looks straightforward enough - a simple problem that amounts to: A Galbadian Chocobo can carry up to 200 lbs at 30 miles an hour, 50 miles without a burden. A Balamb Chocobo (Balambian?) can carry up to 200 lbs at 45 miles an hour, 55 miles without a burden. How long would it take either chocobo to reach Dollet from their respective regions?

[ OOC YAY For pulling BS nonsense out of thin air! Wise Sage, feel free to assume the correct answer :D ]

"I think I might have to ask Mitsuru for help on this. There are just too many numbers to look at." She smiles sheepishly. "I don't like math at all... figuring currency I'm fine with, but anything else..."

Peering at the book, Albert figuratively had a question mark lingering above his head as he stared at the math problem with a puzzled gaze. It wasn't that he didn't know the answer to the riddle, but rather because he has no idea what a 'chocobo' is. Judging by what the word problem stated; a chocobo is some sort of steed, much like a horse. It seems as if the common language spoken here is English, but there is no such thing as ‘chocobos’ within the English language.

He thought more about this oddity for a moment longer before answering the girl’s math problem. "I assume they give you an estimate of how far away Dollet is from both Balamb and Galbadia, correct? If so, you should be able to subtract the miles between these locations by the top speed of both chocobos. There your answer would lie amongst those figures." Hoping his right about that, Albert decided that perhaps he should take some time off his murderous spree in favor of brushing up on his own arithmetic.

Terra would be happy to tell him about the chocobos if she knew he didn't know what they were! Instead she alternates her attention from staring at the book to looking inquisitively at the other man, nodding.

"Yes, here," she points to another part of the problem, then pauses at the solution. "Is... is that how it's done?" She studies the problem a moment or two, "Then I suppose the Balamb Chocobo would arrive first. Of course, this doesn't factor in any other obstacles, but..." Nevermind that silliness.

"Are you an instructor here? I haven't seen you before."

Smiling once she got the answer correct, Albert only nodded in confirmation. “Indeed, it seems you’ve gotten it right.” He couldn’t help but feel proud of the odd girl, especially since she looked so ecstatic now that she managed to overcome this riddle. Albert hoped that the Garden was filled with more students like Terra, but he knew that wouldn’t be true. It would be too convenient if every cadet here were as well mannered and sweet as this girl.

At Terra’s question, Albert hesitated to answer. He wasn’t very sure if he could become a instructor for this establishment, but Albert certainly hoped that the Headmaster and the rest of the committee would give him some leeway. While their worlds may be different, laws, politics, and philosophy seemed to have stayed the same. The only difference between this world and the next is the setting. “Not yet, my dear.” He answered with a soft sigh.

“In truth, I am uncertain if I shall become instructor or not.”

For a moment, Terra seemed a bit disappointed. He seemed like such a nice man, and he'd even helped her with her math. "I'm sure you would be very good at it, if they allow you to join the staff here." She offered, hopefully.

"There are so many people here anyway... I'm sure they would appreciate the help. Although I can certainly understand their hesitance to just let anyone teach the cadets here, when they don't know about the world as it is."

Her mild disappointment made Albert smile a tad, just because he found it to be a genuine expression. He wasn’t very sure what sort of fate awaits for him in this world, but assuming that his plans for Armageddon are foiled for now, Albert would need some time before he could forge a new one. Hence, why he wanted to become an instructor at this academy. Albert was sure he could find books that are more insightful within the Garden’s library regarding the Time Compression than he can within a public library. Besides, the Garden is an excellent institution to find gifted young men and women. It was such a chore in his world to hunt down powerful psychics like Koudelka and Alice, but here it may go a little easier if he needs to continue with his scheme.

“How true, this is a vexing situation for anyone to comprehend.” He replied to the girl with a slight frown. “It would seem that we are unwilling visitors to unknown world. That alone troubles me enough.”

Ready to take a break from studying, especially when it was more interesting to talk to a (seemingly) harmless gentleman, she closed the book with a grateful sigh. Her little brain was getting quite a workout.

"It is troublesome and strange, but ... it's considerate of the people in Garden to go out of their way to harbor people like us, who have been brought here because of the Time Compression. Considering the popular view about those who are ...different, they could have just as easily turned everyone away."

Playing the role of the worrisome, but kind old man may have been a tad daunting for Albert; but he welcomed the challenge. There is still a slither of good within him, but it is simply difficult for anyone to see it. The only three people who’ve seen this good was his former mentor, his old friend from Goreme Valley, and of course his stalwart opponent, Yuri. With revenge as his motivator, there is no telling just how long he will keep up this act of benevolence or if his hatred will diminish while he’s present in this world.

One this is for certain, to fulfill his goals he shall stop at nothing to do so.

“Perhaps the Headmaster of this institution possesses a kind enough heart to care for others like this, or perhaps this is merely how they wish to fill in the void of their enrollment. Either way, we should be grateful.” Offering the girl a charming smile, Albert realized he hadn’t taken the time to introduce himself.

“Allow me to introduce myself…” Therefore, the games begin. “I am Roger Bacon.”

Hang in there, you can deceive with the best of them, Mr. Man! "Yes, I imagine that is the case too. Although..." She pauses - she shouldn't finish that sentence, but she does.

"I don't wish to seem ungrateful, but it is a little peculiar about the mysterious benefactors that are allowing us room and board here, in exchange for training. It's familiar, but unfamiliar at the same time."

And a shortly laugh, "I'm sorry, that must seem confusing. It's nice to meet you - my name is Tina, Tina Bradford."

Therefore, this charming little angel actually possesses an opinion regarding the Garden. Judging from the words of other students, not many of them suspected any wrongdoing on the Garden's part. In fact, a majority of the homeless students seemed almost to enjoy this military school atmosphere. However, there seems to be a growing discontent with the idea of them being forced to cooperate as disposable soldiers.

"How true." Albert replied with a smile. "I do find it rather peculiar that a military institution would be so willing to train foreigners for combat. I wonder if they think of us as expendable enough for future wars.” He felt no remorse for giving dear Tina such a dreadful thought. In fact, he wondered if the green haired girl would speculate more regarding the Garden’s boundless generosity.

"Feel no need to apologize, Miss Bradford."

In the long run, it was lacking a concrete reason to fight - and not knowing the benefactor that made Terra the most uncomfortable. She'd been under the impression that they were training to fight here, for peace - even though mercenaries seemed to have a different code of ethics than she did.

"Expendable..." It was possible. They were displaced here, and the thought of being the puppet of a organization that pretended kindness on the outside, but was far more sinister at the core sent chills down her spine. She put a hand to her head, feeling another headache coming on, and she bit her lip.

"... I'm... sure that's not the case..." Still she had her doubts.

Noticing the sudden change in the girl’s demeanor, Albert tried his best to appear worried. Perhaps his harsh comments regarding the Garden made a few gears move within her mind, whatever the case he was certainly eager to find out. “Are you well, Miss Bradford?” Albert asked with mild concern. “You seem a tad pale now.” He hoped that he wouldn't have to carry Tina towards the infirmary, but if so Albert truly wouldn't mind it much. It would serve as a good conversation for later, and perhaps an avenue to befriend dear Tina.

"Please do not be bothered by my pessimistic thoughts, Tina. I am sure all shall be well."

Gears, yes - gears related to Garden... not really. "I ... y-yes, I'm fine." She didn't sound all that sure of herself. It was as if once she had found her footing in this place, something - or someone - came along to yank the rug out from under her feet and unbalance her again.

"..." Sure he said not to be bothered by the thoughts, but they were out there, like the proverbial elephant in the room. She had always wondered about the Garden's generosity, and at the back of her head wondered if it was as altruistic as it seemed.

Having such a lack of her identity made her feel even more frustrated - especially when the few memories that seemed to surface from time to time were as easy to retain as water in a sieve. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to worry you. I guess I'm just tired." Sure. That's it.

Frowning a little more at how fragile Tina seemed to be, Tina’s actions reminded him of a certain delicate young exorcist. After meeting both Alice and Yuri not too long ago, Albert could already tell that his appearance here within the Garden may invoke some unwanted trouble too soon. With his thoughts straying as to how to keep the couple quiet long enough to leave his mark upon the Garden, Albert continued with his dotting façade.

“Are you certain?” He gently placed his hand upon the girl’s shoulder. “If not, perhaps some tea and rest will cure what ails you. I see no reason for you to continue studying if you are feeling under the weather.” A charming smile settled upon the kind old gentleman’s weathered face.

“No more word problems for you, Miss Bradford.”

The touch on her shoulder causes her to jump in mild alarm, having not expected it. But then, she's had very little human contact in any fashion - with the exception of Reno draping his arm over her shoulders that one time.

She glances from the hand, to the kindly gentleman, curious - tea and rest sounded fabulous, actually. She hasn't been sleeping well ever since that voice started calling to her. "That sounds really good. I think I may just do that."

And a short chuckle as she rests her hand on the top of the math book. "I'm sure it's just because I'm a little tired. I'm sorry make you worry."

Tina seems like such a normal girl to him, but some reason he could sense something amidst about her. It was odd; usually he was very perceptive regarding the supernatural, but he couldn’t figure out for the life of him if this girl was something more than a dew-eyed youth. Unlike the power that resides within Koudelka and Alice, this girl seemed to be something more than just a mere psychic, but Albert had no proof of this. Honestly baffled by Tina’s presence, Albert was quick to remove his hand from her shoulder.

“Take care of yourself, Miss Bradford. I do hope we meet again.” Not sure whether or not he truly meant those words, Albert couldn’t help but smile now. Taking his leave up towards the halls ahead, Albert turned to wave towards the girl before vanishing as quickly as he appeared.

What a peculiar person - but at least he was nice enough to speak with. Unaware of his confusion about her nature, Terra inclines her head instead, smiling quietly. "I'm sure we will see one another again." The place was small - and the tides of chance in this place, there was a likely one that they would encounter each other again. She waves though, only to startle when the man is there and then just -gone-.

Huh. Fancy that!

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Crumbs, I failed to realize I got a notif for this T_T Forgive meee~!

Ha! It's fine

Yay!

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Terra befriending this guy = Bad Y/N? XD

I think Terra actually CAN befriend him for real, in time of course.

Awesome :D :D

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