Following the heart(Peru, Open)

[Dante]

The moon shone brightly on the water, the reflection glimmering and bouncing off into the eyes of passerbys. The cannons and the bell sat where they were, never changing. Never moving. The lights of Port Royal were all on and the sound of music could be heard for over a mile, along with the clashing of glasses and the laughing of men. Port Royal never slept and that was a fact.

There would always be someone ready to dance or drink. Sometimes there would be merchants and gamblers waiting to take your money, maybe even a woman or two wating for a good night. Well, tonight was unlike no other. The lights were on and the pub was roaring with excitement. Women were lined on the streets and a few merchants were waiting for a buyer to purchase what they had.

There was an odd tourist walking around that night. The people say that he carries a giant sword on his back. He had black hair and was taller than most folk. This rather intimidating character had a name; Dante Hyubasi. He was coming to Port Royal for a little party, seeing as how his life was just full of work.

He wasn't looking for a good time with the women and he didn't have any munny to spare for the merchants, he just wanted a drink or two. The young warrior made his way into the pub, looking around and seeing the happy pirates and sailors. His cleaver was pressed against his back, not really weighing him down. There was another reason, though, that he had made his way into Port Royal. It had all started with a letter and a feeling in his heart.

The letter was short, but it made the Ex-Apprentice feel weird. He didn't like the feeling of love for someone he hadn't even met before. This woman was Mary again. She had been bothering him ever since that Destiny Islands incident and she always popped in a the last second. Well, she asked him to come here, so he did and now he was sitting on a stool at the counter, hoping to catch a drink or two.

[upsilon]

What a place...bustling and lively at all hours of the day. Call girls, pirates, sailors, soldiers, taverns, merchants...was there anything this place didn't have? It wasn't just a town either, no it was a party town if he'd ever seen one. Heh, too bad he wasn't here to relax though, he might have actually been able to enjoy himself...he'd have to come back here for a vacation sometime.

The technology in this world was astoundingly low tech, something he slightly disliked. However, he wasn't here to acquire new technological data, he was here for a more indirect purpose relating to one of his recently inspired hobbies. Albeit, for his search to be successful here he would have to pick up some information from the locals, either in rumors, gossip, or even just talk.

Considering the era in which this world seemed to be placed as well as the fact that most of it's inhabitants that could assist him were sailors, the man decided it was best to go to the taverns first since they seemed to be the focal points of social interaction and the spots at which most people were gathered on this particular night. Simple logic, but it was also the most obvious presenting itself.

He'd been sitting in this particular pub for some hours just listening to everyone speak, and he was on his fifth cup of oolong tea. Strangest thing but they evidently got it from some spice traders coming from the east. All the better for him was that barely anyone ordered it so it was cheap as hell. Regardless, the strange man in garb of complete black sat sipping tea in the pub like it was the most natural thing in the world. His black sunglasses obscured his eyes, and his trench coat hid a wondrous array of weaponry.

The patrons of the tavern didn't seem to mind him in the least, probably because they got a few like him passing through town every now and then. Regardless, he just sat there, looking around and keeping his ears open for whatever information he could get. While the bartender was preparing his sixth cup of tea, a tall and lumbering man with a huge sword strapped to his back happened to walk in. He sat down at a stool just a couple seats over from the black clothed man, no other patrons sitting between them to obscure the view.

He couldn't help but be intrigued at the man, especially because he obviously wasn't from this world either. Regardless he just sat quietly without engaging the man as the bartender brought him his next cup of tea, sitting it down in front of him before he began sipping the extremely strong beverage, his eyes not straying from the man with the cleaver though his sunglasses hid that fact.

[Dante]

"Hey, bartender!" Dante raised his hand and called for the person behind the counter. With a swift movement, that man came around and waited for the order. "Yeah. Give me something a little strong. I'm looking to have a relaxing time tonight, so if you'd please?" The bartender shook his head, making his way to one of the giant barrels behind him. This place was full of weird people, not to mention the one sitting a few stools across.

Well, of course there were going to be a few unlikely figures, much like himself, in this world. People know how to travel and, well, the results to that are people such as Dante. The man came back with his drink. A tall glass of beer, it seemed. Drinking wasn't the usual thing to do when the warrior was bored, but when he got the chance, he was going to drink as much as he could.

The teen took his first gulp of beer, placing the glass on the counter and wiping his mouth. This stuff was strong as hell! Where did they get this stuff!? Well, that question would have to be answered later on, because now, Dante felt as if someone was watching him. It was a stupid feeling, but everyone gets it sometimes. The only person who's eyes he couldn't see were the man's eyes. They were covered by sunglasses.

Taking a good look at him, he wore nothing but black. That's some of the weirdest crap he has seen. At least throw in some nice color here and there! Still, it didn't bother Dante too much, but he could feel the eyes of someone. Looking away from the man, Dante gazed around the pub, seeing the same ol' merry men.

[upsilon]

He almost cracked a smile at seeing the man look around. These glasses were useful in more than just being a pair of high tech shades with so many functions it would make someone's head spin, as well as being completely unbreakable. They were also good for inducing that feeling of being watched on someone without giving one's self away in the process.

"Business or pleasure?" His voice seemed to echo like a shout thrown into a great canyon, floating like a phantom through the air before reaching the ears of the cleaver carrying man who couldn't handle his beer to well it seemed. His question was simple, but it also got straight to the point. It was obvious he was asking why exactly this man was here in Port Royal, whether it be for business or his own pleasure.

Asking this gave the shade wearing man a reason to turn his head and look at the guy, also giving Dante a slight glance at the earpiece in his right ear. While staring at him, the man's sunglasses began to scan him thoroughly, gathering plenty of information on his physical capabilities and even the sword at his back. It was an unnoticeable process unless he could've gotten a look at the inside of the lenses, and so he wouldn't have reason to suspect anything.

"And while I'm asking questions...what's your name stranger?" it was a simple and understandable addition to his previous query, and it seemed he was just being a polite patron of the pub trying to strike up a conversation with a fellow visitor to this world. Despite that fact his voice seemed to be lacking in all emotion, either negative or positive. If one didn't know better they may actually mistake him for a Nobody, though it was quite obvious he was...at least seemingly human.

[Dante]

It surprised the warrior that the guy in black was talking to him. Well, it would be rude not to return an answer to this man, especially since it was just casual talk. "Pleasure... It's Dante Hyubasi. Nice to meet you, sir. May I ask the same questions to you?" Dante didn't have much to say, really. Taking another swig of beer, the warrior held out his hand.

Hey there, Dante. I was wondering when you were going to show up. That voice in his head rang out again. Keeping the normal facial features he had, Dante began to speak with the voice in his head telepathicaly. Where are you? I thought you said that I would meet you here? No can do. At least not with that guy around. He's a little... scray? Oh, come on. He's not that intimidating.

[upsilon]

"Business...always business." He wasn't above giving the man a little information...but things still had to be done. He doubted anyone but this outsider would be of any help, if he even was, but that mattered very little at the moment. Right now he simply had an agenda. Once it was completed he could return home to Carthage, but not before.

"As for my name...I have many." Almost chuckling for a second he thought of which name to give the man though he wasn't surprised in the least when he decided on the usual. "But you can call me Scruffy. Most people do." A funny name yes, but the last person who laughed at it ended up dead so it probably wasn't a good idea to do so, especially for a stranger.

"Perhaps an odd question, but have you found any letters recently? Hand written letters mind you." It certainly was an odd question, but he did have a proper reason for asking it. He needed to find someone who knew more about the letters...or at least another of the letters themselves. This world was as good as any to begin that search since it was so nearby.

He didn't really have much driving information to go off of either, it was difficult as it was. He didn't really know how much use he could get out of this Dante guy either, he was an offworlder alright, but he was a strange one for some reason as well that Scruffy couldn't quite place his finger on. Regardless he awaited his next answer, sipping at his tea again.

[Dante]

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Scruffy." Dante gave a bright smile before slowly going back to his drink, taking yet another big gulp of the strong beer. He then heard Scruffy's next question, nodding at this. "Um... Why, yes. Yes I have. It's from this girl I know." The warrior turned back to the immense crowd. Men were now beginning to sing one of many drunken pirate songs. Apparently, they knew them by heart and sang them with all of their friends while in their drunken stupor.

Oooh.... now look what you did. You told him I was meeting you here... now he's going to be looking for me. Quit whining... He won't hurt you any. He's a decent guy, from what I've experienced. Just... come on already. With that said, the sound of a soft pout came from inside of Dante's head, signaling the arrival of his aquaintance. Through the door, a slender, pale skinned female walked in wearing a brown robe. Her black hair was tied up in a ponytail, some of the strands escaping and swaying in her face. She was carrying a decorated box with a keyhole on the front, waiting to be unlocked, it seemed.

She made her way through the pub and over to Dante, taking a seat beside him, giving a half smile towards Scruffy. The robed figure began to speak to Dante in a sort of whisper, although some one at Scruffy's distance could hear the entire conversation. "Well, I'm here. I hope you don't mind my being late. Besides, I brought you gift." The female slid the box on the counter and over to the Ex-Apprentice, dropping a key into his lap. "Remember this; That key can only be used once. Once unlocked, the box will never become unlocked again, so you can store things inside."

Dante chuckled as she did this quick and shy series of events. He turned his attention back to Scruffy, beginning to explain everything. "Sorry, Scruffy. This girl is named Mary. She was the one that I was supposed to meet. I hope you don't mind if she stays for a bit." The teen gave a small glare towards Mary, secretly telling her that she had best leave quickly. She looked down, saddened by Dante's non-verbal command. Still, Mary stood up and gave a graceful bow, leaving.

(OOC: Sorry. The box doesn't contain anything like a special item from the store, or anything. Even if it did, I'd buy it. >.> I plan on opening it later in the thread.)