Before heading onto the D.C. scene…I want to put down the arrival of two of my original characters, and Paine from FFX-2. Crystal role plays as Paine. First, starting off with Cole's first journal entry.
Chapter 5: Paine, Boone, and Cole
October 22nd, 2005. 12:30 AM
Subject: Entry 1: A New World
Mood: contemplative
Damn, who would've thunk some strange swirly portal was in the fields in between Balamb G and Balamb Town? Boone and I have been assigned to go investigate. Okay, in my opinion, teaming up with Elite Nathaniel Boone is a BAD idea. I get a lot of bad vibes from that guy. I don't think my friend and fellow squad member Charlie Etchinson does either.
Anyway, so this world looks ordinary, but I haven't seen any monsters. Not one. Not even a pesky Bite Bug. In fact, the insects are much smaller. I looked up some insects on the net, and found the ones zooming around the big parking lot Boone and I happened to find ourselves in were called "flies."
The two of us seemed to have found a large city. A city called New York. Boone's planning to get one of these journals, but right now he's gone out. He thinks we're on a Hyne damn vacation spot! I swear, sometimes I have to be the one in charge.
The buildings here in New York are so large. According to Boone, he's used to that kind of thing, since he grew up in Esthar. I've never been to Esthar.
I wonder how long I have to be out here. Here's hoping that it's only a few days... I'd like to tell my main squad about this place! It's awesome. To be honest, I've never seen anything like this before in my entire life. I wonder what the entire G-Army's going to do about this.
I could possibly earn a living, maybe, since there's no monsters to worry about. I guess there's no Lunar Cry every other decade or in this world. I don't see anyone carrying weapons, well none that I can visibly see.
I'm keeping a record of everything in this journal. I think it'll be good to print out the entries to give to the G-Army. Maybe Boone figured the same thing.
-Field Trooper, Cole Jackson
Next is Nathaniel Boone's first scene…in the streets of NYC.
October 22nd, 2005. 1:13 AM
He walked and explored the night of New York City. He noticed a bunch of yellow cabs around. He read the worded sign on top of their roofs. Ah, cabs. That's what they were...
He saw people coming out of a building, chatting amongst themselves. Looked like some kind of movie theatre. Huh, so this world's not very different from ours, thought Boone as he continued to walk silently.
A passing female face caught his eye. She started to walk up to the edge of a sidewalk, and started to get out a pack of cigarettes. Her lighter wasn't working. This woman was a real looker. Boone casually walked up, and pulled out his lighter. "Huh, thanks," the lady mumbled and lit her cigarette, tossing Boone's lighter back to him.
"Quite an outfit you got on," she commented. "It's not an outfit, ma'mm," Boone started to reply, half smiling. "It's a uniform." "Yeah? Well, I've never seen anything like it," she said.
It all started as normal talk. Boone knew better than to tell her the truth about himself, so he lied to her about everything, even his name. He waved out a taxi, and she said goodbye. If Boone wasn't on a mission, he would've gotten wasted and gotten laid...
He yawned, feeling it was time to retire. Wondered if the goody-two-shoes Cole Jackson was still in that hotel room where he'd left him, and not having the stupid kid wandering to look all over for his sorry ass...
One of Paine's entries before she heads out to have a drink or two the next night. Crystal also does well with this character, I think. I haven't played FFX, but I think she makes this character sound cool!
October 23rd, 2005. 9:57 PM
Subject: Another day in Wonderland.
I've managed to get myself a hotel room (a little flirting goes a long way, I've noticed), and so that's where I am right now. Haven't been out of the room much, actually; just been lying here, cursing at the ceiling and whomever comes-a-knockin' at my door. Oh, and also that loud couple next door. I taught them a lesson, almost got kicked out too if I didn't, what would you call it here, as in every other world? Threaten to kill the manager? Ah yes, I do believe that's it. If I threaten him for the third time, I may have some problems.
The cops here aren't too nice, I've found out. Neither are the guys selling umbrellas on the side of the street.
And talk about expensive!
Screw this place. The couple next door have started back up again. I swear, I wanna just take my sword and--
Hey, I found a bar. I think I'll go there and get drunk so I can have a good reason for hurting the people next door: too drunk to know what she was doing.
Paine and Boone meet at a bar later on that night…
October 23rd, 2005. 10:17 PM
Paine
Paine entered the bar she had found earlier that morning, her heels announcing her entrance. Soft music was playing in the background, Rock music, she remembered from browsing the "CDs" at that one store (like she remembered the name). She took a seat at a stool placed in front of the counter where the waiter was serving others sitting at the stool.
After she ordered her drink, she took a sip, closing her eyes to the taste she missed the most. Maybe after a few drinks, she'll feel better about this whole "other world". Maybe.
Boone
Boone entered a bar he passed the night before, wanting some excitement after another boring day and having to have that Hyne damn kid by his side all the time. At least he was to himself at night. He thanked Cole for that much. After all, he was his superior.
That's it. He wanted to get totally wasted. He wanted to hit it off with some foxy Earth girl, and man, OH MAN did New York city have its share of BABES!
He entered, smoothing down his dirt-blonde hair from the night's cold wind. Walking up to the bar, he spat at the bartender, "Give me the best damn beer you got." He slapped both palms on the surface of the long counter, and sat down in his stool.
No one even knew he was a G-Army soldier, for he was wearing "normal clothes" to fit in along with everyone else.
A bottle with the label Budweiser on it. He never heard of this brand. He chipped off the bottle, took a swig, and felt the good buzz. Mmmm, beer...
Paine
Some man walked in, one who didn't look like the others here. Paine only glanced at him for a couple seconds, maybe not even that long, and continued drinking her beer. She ordered another after her second one was finished, and couldn't stop herself when she got her fourth.
"Hey, little lady," a man--a big, muscular one-- walked up to her, his hand on her back. "Why don't you and me hang out together some?"
"Go hump a tree, asshole," she said, voice sounding very harsh.
"Maybe I didn't make myself clear enough-"
"Maybe I didn't make myself clear enough. Allow me to spell it out for you, idiot: F.U.C.K. O.F.F."
Her instincts she loved. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him move that right arm toward her, to grab her. I don't think so, buddy, she was faster. Her fist slammed into his face, knocking him backwards a few steps. She stood, dusting herself off. "You men never learn, do you?" Her red eyes glared at him as she walked up to him.
As he swung his arm again to hit her, she ducked, then swung her foot up and kicked him right in the crotch. He doubled over in pain, her sending a spinning kick right in his face, him now flat on his back.
"Idiot," she hissed at the fallen man, red eyes still glaring at him.
"HEY!" called another big man, surrounded by a few other men.
"Shit, I'm screwed," she said, standing her ground, ready to fight all of them if she needed to. She was drunk and ready to KICK. SOME. ASS.
Boone
He heard everything. That babe with the short silver colored hair (who stood out like a sore thumb from everyone else) sure had a mouth to her. Loved the way she dressed, too. Inside, Nathaniel Boone was impressed at the smack talk and the retaliation to the big thug.
Then, the stakes started to get higher. Feeling like a whole new man after a second swig of that damn good Budweiser (somethin' to tell his Elite buds back home), he decided to rescue the silver haired chick. He'd be admired for playing hero and kicking some poor bastard in the groin. "Hey, lay off her," he said and punched one guy in the face, and elbowed him in the gut. That big monkey stayed down.
One grabbed some kind of long brown and tan stick, and a white round ball bounced and fell from the green table among the other colored balls. He didn't know what the fuck was going on there, but he worried more about the chick and his own ass! He ducked as the stick swung over his head, the small breeze touch his rockstar style hair. The dark skinned man tried again with his weapon, only this time, Boone grabbed it, accidentally broke it in half and used both pieces to whack those goons' heads, shoulders, knees, and backs. One more goon stayed down, but there were two more still standing.
He smirked at the babe in distress. Chicks dug tough guys like him, usually. Wanting to seduce men like him afterwards. But first, he wanted to let her kick some ass. Let's see what you got, princess. Knock these guys out real hard, and you just might earn my "Babe of the Month" award...
Paine
Impressive, she thought, smirking back. She looked over at the last two men. "Aw, only two?" This'll be a piece of cake.
She entered the next fight with the two with skill; why not waste it on people like this? She's been fighting fiends for all her life, so fighting these two would be nothin'. And she was right. The two weren't hard at all to take down, she just kicked and punched rapidly, beating the crap out of them like a wild cat would do to an enemy.
Kick to the back of the knees, enemy one down, practically begging for his life, and a sharp kick to the head, sending him flying into a wall, knocked out cold. Next! The second seemed a bit scared, she noticed as she looked over at him with that smirk on her face. Quite a few kicks and punches to him, but he wouldn't go down. That's okay, I have a plan. Jumping off the side of the bar, she flew through the air, over the man, and when she was slightly behind him, she used that same spin kick from before and threw him into the wall, also out cold. She landed on her feet in a low crouch, straightened and brushed a loose strand of hair out of her eyes. "I'm a bit rusty, but I think I did all right," she said, glancing at the two knocked out men, then at her "fighting partner". "The name's Paine. And yours?"
Boone
Cheers erupted from some of the people at the bar from Paine's performance of kicking ass REAL GOOD, but Boone didn't care. He knew: He impressed this chick named Paine, and felt like he was reeling her in.
And of that amazing display? Rusty! You call something like THAT, RUSTY! That made him laugh a little. "Rusty, huh? I don't think so." With that, he began to introduce himself, throwing on his irresistible charm he'd use towards the women good looking and worthy enough. And oh yes, Paine was truly worthy.
"Name's Nathaniel Boone, but please, call me Boone. Most people do," he said cooly. Then he did the next thing he could only think of. "Beer, on me," he said. "Hey!" He pounded his fist at the bartender, who looked scared of him. "Get the lady a Budweiser, eh?" He finished his bottle, and also asked one for him. He smirked, resting his elbows on the counter, still putting on his charms. "It'll be on my tab." Then he jabbed a finger at the bartender. "Don't think of callin' the authorities, or I'd gladly kick your ass too."
Surely, he didn't mean for his part in the brawl to break a stick in half, but it happens. The little bit of clumsiness from Boone always had to break out somehow, every once in a while.
Paine
"Pleasure to meet you, Boone." She took a seat beside him, thankful he was paying for the beer. She was just about out of "money". The hotel may have been free, and she might have snagged a few bucks from some guy, but she was running out and quickly. This place was quite a place; so much different than anything in Spira. "You aren't from around here, are you? I may not have been here for more than a day, but you certainly stand out." And I don't remember seeing you in Spira, so is it possible that- I don't know. She glanced around at the rest of the people in the bar, red eyes scanning the area. This place, it's much, much different than Spira.
Her eyes narrowed when thinking of her home. And I had to be sent here? Well, it isn't too bad, anymore. Hate to admit it, but I kinda like this Boone guy. He's different. Like me.
Boone
"Huh, is that so?" Boone mused as the bartender placed got out the next two Budweisers. "I guess I could say I've only been in this city for a day." He looked at her red eyes. There was some kind of natural fire to them. Bright as a Flare magic spell. As she observed the mess they've made, it was just those eyes that caught his attention alld of a sudden. Of course, Boone didn't want to admit that just yet. Yeah, right...
He know he was doing good as the macho, tough, mysterious guy. He didn't want to change that. He was cruising this way. Paine wanted him. Wanted him bad.
He chipped off the lid of the bottle of beer for himself with his thumb, and drank the goodness of this refreshing beverage. He thought, Why not have a little fun? Give her a hint of why I'm really here... "You wouldn't believe it, but I'm a soldier from out of town, on some business..." From there, he let it hang. He was only doing a little teaser on his background. Just to give in just a tiny bit, and see if the babe wanted to try to hang on to the hook of his luring charm. Hey, maybe, if he got really lucky, he might get laid.
Just like at home, Earth certainly knew how to party. Yes indeed. Boone could certainly get used to THIS.
Paine
Paine raised an eyebrow, saying, "Oh really, now?" She may not have known much about the Earth people, but she knew what he was doing. She hung around three men long enough to know exactly what he was doing, so she decided to play along. Drinking some of the beer he offered to pay for, she looked back at him. "Sounds like you have an interesting life if you're a soldier. I know three good soldiers, and was apart of their group myself." She winked at him. "So we've already got something in common."
Interesting, this man was. Another sip of her drink, and she was liking this guy even more. Though she didn't know if it was the beer or her, she really didn't care right now. Why not have a little fun while stuck here?
Boone
I wouldn't be surprised if you joined the military," Boone said in observation. "You definitely got the moves, babe."
Should I give in another leak? Or just leave her hanging? So, this was now a game to him, as soon as he felt the buzz going hard and strong. Wasn't too sure if the beer was making him feel this way, but he ultimately treated this like some dirty little game. For sure, he liked Paine. I like...as in REALLY like...
"What's your position then, if you're a soldier like me?" he asked, curious.
Paine
Military... So that's what they call it here, huh? "The ass-kicker," she replied, taking another drink. Shaking her head, she chuckled, not allowing the beer to take over. "Actually, I was the recorder for my team," was all she said, taking another drink, then turning around in her seat, back leaned up against the bar, legs crossed.
"I was only sixteen and the only woman around all those men... Hell yeah, I could watch my own back and I did a damn good job at it, but I guess it never hurt to have my three guys be there for me. They're the best friends anybody could ever ask for..." She trailed off, eyes focused on nothing, staring out into space. Her face showed no emotion, but her stomach twisted inside; not even a day of being away and all ready she missed them.
Her hand tightened around the now empty bottle in her hand, rage building up inside her. I'm going to hurt someone for all of this--for sending me here. A crack in the glass, making Paine focus again and place the bottle on the bar, resting her elbows on top. "Fighting those assholes felt good; maybe I should start bar fights more often," a smirk crept on her face just thinking about kicking those guys' asses.
Boone
Boone laughed with her. The beer buzzing in his brain made him lighten up more. He almost didn't notice the crack in the empty beer bottle Paine was holding. "Just be more careful next time," he said. "I may not be able to back you up. Mission duties, see?" Ah hell, she revealed that much, so I can let loose a little more.
"I have it big, from where I'm from. I had the chance to prove myself a promotion to an Elite Intelligence rank, so I took it. See, part of my old job used to assemble weapons together, but that's not my job anymore. I'm used for bigger things. Cracking computer codes and all that shit." He laughed again, and finished the last of the beer before continuing. "Now I have to team up with the field trooper kid. I tell him where to go. He does what I tell him, and that's all I could ever ask for. We're investigating this world, starting here, and then move out." He opened his wallet and checked the cash he had. "I only have enough for those four beers. Well, time to pay, go back to the hotel, check on the kid, and hit the sack."
He found the money lying around in a small, abandoned handbag when Cole Jackson and Boone first arrived to New York. They split it after observing what the green paper was used for. It was money used in this world.
After paying for what was needed, he stood on two wobbling legs. He was really drunk now, but he felt that he'd make it back to the hotel okay, after escorting Ms. Paine home. "Alright, I'll walk ya home," he offered, and took a step, falling forward, hitting his stomach on the hard tile floor, but he was okay. He laughed, and said, "...Whoops."
Paine
She laughed. "Are you sure I shouldn't walk you home?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Besides, the hotel I'm staying at isn't too far away from here."
He said he was investigating this world, so he isn't from here, eh? And he's not from Spira, that much I know... "We can walk together to the hotel I'm staying at, if you are certain you can walk." And then perhaps I could ask him a few more questions...
Meanwhile, Cole's at his hotel room, wondering of Boone will ever get back to the hotel room they both were renting.
October 23rd, 2005. 1:45 AM
Cole sat idly on the couch in his hotel room, wondering if Boone would ever be back on time. You should just go to bed. Why bother? he scowled to himself as he channel surfed. A drama film on "HBO" was what he settled upon and watched, but didn't pay full attention to what was going on when he checked the clock. About five minutes ago.
Boone had told him he was going out, that he wanted some booze. The irresponsible prick. Jackson would've picked Ahab Strater, his usual superior if he had the right to pick his own Elite Soldier to go on this mission with. This wasn't vacation. If it was, then Cole wouldn't have to bring his damn uniform, which was now in the wash in the New York hotel's basement with all the other dirty laundry. All but his helmet, which rested on top of the dresser drawer behind him.
Finally giving up and exhausted, Cole turned off the TV, reached behind him to turn off the lamp, and fell asleep on the couch... Let Boone find his own damn way home. The young man was a field soldier, not a babysitter.
Boone often thinks he's babysitting me. Now who's babysitting who?
Remaining author notes: Coming soon is…. the D.C. scene!