"So," Ames said at the pawn shop in Cornelia, laying his bag of stolen goods on the table. "how much will this get me?"
The shopkeeper took a good look at all that was given to him.
"Do you want to know each individual value, or the entire lot?"
"Either way. Just hurry up. I haven't got all day." Ames said.
"Well, the whole lot of the armor, sword, and shield here'll get you about..."
Suddenly the door flew open. Ames turned around to see Cid standing in the doorway.
"You son of a bitch!" He roared at the thief. He began to walk closer to him.
Strenn then took a step inside. He looked at Ames and immediately felt a jolt in his self. He began to feel the same thing Cid had felt in the past. However, Strenn knew what this was.
"Cid, wait!" Strenn said. Out from his cloak, he extended an arm wielding a staff. He stationed the staff in front of Cid to prevent him from advancing.
"Well then, I suppose I should be leaving now before things get too serious." Ames said as he grabbed the bag of gil out of the shopkeepers hand and began to sprint past Strenn and out the door.
"You're not going anywhere either." Strenn said while extending his free hand. "Hold." He said. And as he said so, a circle appeared around Ames, closed in on him, and he then went still.
"Wha- What the hell is going on?!" Ames shouted as he attempted to move.
Strenn grabbed the gil out of Ames's hand, returned it to the shopkeeper, grabbed Cid's bag off of the counter and dropped it at his feet.
"Take your stuff and let's go Cid." Strenn said as he grabbed hold of one of Ames's shoulders. "And help me take him to an... associate of mine."
"Alright. Whatever you say." Cid said.
He looked in the bag to inspect that all he had lost was still in tact. He found all that was stolen was still there. He immediately drew out his sword and examined the blade to make sure there was no damage. He saw that the sword was still in perfect condition, sheathed it, and tied it to his waist. As he took hold of the other shoulder he looked at Ames and said "You're lucky nothing happened to this."
As they dragged him outside, Ames unleashed a flurry of questions. "Wait, what's going on? Why can't I move? Where are you taking me? What the hell are you doing with me?!" Ames questioned, fearing for what may happen.
Strenn extended his hand once again. "Sleep." And after saying so, Ames's eyes flashed and then went shut, as did his mouth.
Strenn lead Cid to a temple. They carried Ames inside and laid him on the floor. A woman's voice was then heard.
"Strenn! You've returned!"
Cid looked up to see a woman in a long white robe with a red texture on each hem. He once again felt that same jolt go through him as he did upon encountering Strenn and Ames. He then felt some connection between each occasion.
Strenn looked at the woman and said "Hello Elia..."