Z.E.N [Angel]

[Tony Redgrave]

New experiences and new places are often as exciting as they are threatening within the eyes of many people. The technological boom within the 20th century for one has brought forth many interesting new concepts and ideas into light for the human race. Computers, Automobiles, traveling into space, even robots are upon the list of things many thought to impossible at one point in time. As time passed and technology improved, so has all of those innovations and the overall comfort levels of the people who utilize them.

However, in the 26th century, technology has once again done what people had once thought was the impossible. At this time, the humanity has long since expanded its reach beyond the solar system and have encountered a plethora of extraterrestrial beings, built up relations with them. Not only did this result in higher learning and understanding, but it expanded trade to the point where culture, technology, and other such things were circulated throughout.

Some would call that development the beginning of a new Golden Age as the beings throughout the worlds did prosper and things for the most part were quiet and peaceful.

However, in this time of grand exchange, boredom soon followed and people were looking for new forms of entertainment to fill up the void in their lives. Wealthy merchants from around the worlds came up with a solution for it all in due time however. That solution was F-Zero Grand Prix.

It was a new form of racing reminiscent of actual race tracks humans had used to race automobiles and with the inclusion of various elements to add "appeal", interesting race tracks in exotic areas, and faster and better vehicles, it became its a beast of its own. However, people were quickly angered by this new form of racing as for all effects and purposes, it was quite brutal. Various obstacles and traps lie in wait along the raceway and one mistake on a racers part would often result in death.

But soon enough, as expected, people grown accustomed to such dangers and even were sucked into it all due to the excitement and sense of peril that filled the air during such high speed races. They even demanded more excitement and danger in the races. Winning the F-Zero championship soon became the highest claim to fame in the universe and everyone basically made time to come see the races and even bet upon them.

Which brings us to the modern times. The F-Zero Grand Prix is still just as popular today as any other day and already, its that time of year again where Racers come to race for a chance to bask in riches, fame, and glory. The first race would take place in a world known as Aeropolis.



Aeropolis is a world known solely for the fact that it is one completely man-made and controlled by a super computer known as Mother-Q. Using its limitless control over all things within the world and its knowledge upon each and every citizen living within, Mother-Q is able to create the ideal living environment for its citizens and upgrade and expand all areas and aspects of the land instantaneously.

Its a common sight each day to see the various skyscrapers that overcast the cities to suddenly regenerate and give birth to new structures to house the ever-increasing communities. But, this world was onset with a stranger from another world altogether.

Dressed in a flowing yellow trench coat and sporting a goofy little grin, he moved onward towards a large, circular dome that seemed to be created purely from computer data and binary code. This odd complex of sorts was the transporter to the area where one could purchase a ticket to the first race of the grand prix and bet upon what racer would cross the finish line first!

Though, this worlds layout was purely confusing to a first timer. He would ask around for help but.. there wasn't anyone around as of yet that he could see. Of course, no one was really within this area because those people who were close were already within the dome. Not even so much as traffic was moving throughout the sky

Not in this area at least.

[Angel]

Gasp!~

It was just another day for the girl lost in a brand new world. Colette Brunel ws her name and well, she didn't know what the game was! This maiden from another world had been trying to figure out how what was going on for some time now!

It had only been a few weeks after the journey of world regeneration that she had found herself going to bed, excited at the impending journey she was about to have with Lloyd to take care of the remaining Expshere's. She.. well, she was so happy heading to sleep, imagining the journey that she was going to have together and meeting all their friends again. As much as she loved Iselia, traveling around so much fun too! Maybe, just maybe there was places out there they still hadn't seen.. but they were hiding.

She really wanted to see some nice places.

But this place was way way way.. well, she didn't even know how to describe it!

Wandering around aimlessly, she bumped into a few people that laughed at her get-up, wondering if she was some eccentric individual. A shady man, noticing her gem around her neck, even wanted to know what it was made of and asked if she would be willing to sell. All Colette could think of was.. "uuuhhhh" for the most part, because even though she had a smile on her face she was still really overwhelmed!

She had been wandering around for a good bulk of the morning, eying all the strange and mysterious sights around her. It almost kinda reminded her of when they were in the city of the Angel's back on Derris-Kharlan but it was even more shiny and more mysterious. Wandering inside a strange building, she was bumping around people.. trying to catch glimpses of what they were talking about. All she could hear was things about races and betting and nothing about her home or anything. In fact, she didn't see a familiar face in the crowds.

Well.. this was quite the conundrum right? All she could do was continue to wander around until the day was done, try and talk to a few people and find her way. But until then, she took the time to check out the shimmering glow of the wonders around her. Everything was so shiny and new! Not stopping and admiring the wonders in the dome that almost looked made of numbers would be wrong. She wondered slightly what kind of dog would live in a place like this, and hoped she could find out!

Time would tell, anyway!

[Tony Redgrave]

"Woah... this place is so radical and tubular dood...."

It wasn't everyday that someone whipped out the slang of the late 80's but, the look of this place most certainly called for such keen wordplay. So much happening at once and in so many places that his eyes could hardly follow it all! The whole place appeared to look just like one giant.. computer chip. Glowing neon lights and florescent hues of an orange color marked the floors and walls and well, even the furnishing it appeared. People were sitting around in various booths chatting without a care in the world and dressed in what seemed to be black jumpsuits.

Others however were rooming about and screens and HUD displays seemed to spring into life at every which way, display various pictures and short messages. Perhaps he could read it but.. he was simply too overwhelmed by all the sights. The most important thing he noticed though was a round silver, spherical object that slowly turned about counter clockwise. parts of it seemed to be broken off and incomplete in someways.

But with a bit of a squint, the young man in the yellow coat noticed parts of silver inching to overtake it.. but in a terribly slow manner. At different parts of the area, green streaks shot out and projected even more screens displaying what could be summed up as various events happening all over. At the left hand side, one particular screen had shown the words "Current Status along with various number readings and bits of words he couldn't quite understand.

What he could get however were the worlds temperature, region and Atmospheric density.

It seemed to be a display to show the weather conditions and it seemed the numbers were moving about freely and adjusting themselves.

How Keen!

But, his observations were interrupted by a slight tugging upon the back of his coat. When he turned to see what it was, it was.. a small girl, no more then perhaps ten years of age. This short curly haired little lass seemed astonished by the sheer yellowness of his overcoat and proceeded to look it over with glee.

"Gee Mister, that's pretty cool cosplay!" she happily chirped. Upon a closer inspected, this little girl had a short little bobbed hair style and eyes of a purple color. Aside from that, she wore the standard black jump suit that was all the rage it seemed.

One could be annoyed with a child poking and prodding at ones belongings but, it was sorta charming. But... cosplay? He wasn't quite sure what she meant but.. it was obvious he stuck out like a sore thumb. Best to play it cool like a fox in a time like this. "Ah yes!" He gallantly spoke, twirling about to face her. "My coat was awesome in all ways wouldn't you say?It was a gift from my father though so take it easy on them there fibers por favor.

As expected, she laughed.. but simply because his manner of speaking was a bit odd and his appearance in general. In fact, it seemed like this fellow was getting a few looks his way, strange ones at that. Best to get going now maybe.

"But I gotta have a bit more of a look around. Thanks for the compliment on my umm.. cosplay." so he bowed and waved and trotted off a bit ways from here, not even giving her a chance to really say goodbye. Sad but, the stares were a little uncomfy from that angle. Everyone here looked the same so.. that confused him a bit on where he should go and move to. That was until he noticed someone else.

Beautiful blond hair and a white outfit in the midst of all the jumpsuit mess. It even looked a bit fancy to boot! Now there was someone who had style! Without question, he skipped towards her with renewed prep in his step and called out to her. "YOOHOO! LADY IN THE WHITE!" for added measure, he flailed his arms about in a frantic manner as well.

No one could resist such a display of deft hand skills right?

[Angel]

Colette herself had found something interesting in the environment as well. A flat panel was against the wall, but it was projecting full color 3D images! The way it was projecting them made it seem like they were right their next to her, and if it wasn't for the fact that they were miniature in size, she would have though they were real.

Touching the display strangely, the picture rippled for a moment but didn't do anything else. A kid, getting annoyed with her constant poking of the screen, grabbed her leg and cried, "Hey lady, I'm trying to watch that! Can ya please stop messing up the picture?" which made Colette all flustered, even bowing a little. "I'm so sorry! It just seemed really familiar to me." she said softly, remembering the displays back in the human ranches she had visited. However, those screens were lot less high quality and not in color like these.

However though, a voice she heard to her back made her jump. Sure, "Lady in white!" was not the normal thing she was called and maybe back home, she wouldn't have thought that the man was talking to her, but she was already feeling kinda out of place with her clothing and it made her a bit more sensitive to the area around her and what people were saying. More things to her ears sounded like critisim heading her way and without really looking, she just turned around and bowed again. "I'm sorry if I'm in your way or too strange! I don't know how I got here and I'm just trying to figure out where I am." and with that she looked up at the boy who had called out her, smiling with her honest smile. She was sorry for any possible problem, but she was always willing to be friendly.

[Tony Redgrave]

First impressions were just about everything and the one he got from this young lady was well, interesting. It appeared that she like he himself, was nothing more then an outsider who knew next to nothing about this whole place or. Clothes that make you stand out tend to hint that the sort of thing here and there and with her apologies and remarks, he had clearly got some wood on the ball.

"Right well, I suppose we match Lady. " he noted just before taking a quick little peek around the area. No one else seemed to be wearing anything interesting or keen like Nouri and his hip and trendy new buddy. What a shame, really it was. "You do look odd compared to all these other people but, so do I." But, in light of this revelation, he smiled quite earnestly at her, if only to meet the cute one she shot towards his direction. "But hi. Names Nouri actually." and with a little bow and curtsy with much manly zeal, he sealed his little greeting.

"What's yours? I doubt you would like me to keep calling you names like "Lady in white" or "Blondie" right?" Stroking his chin however, he thought a little more on the matter. "Maybe I could get away with "The Gorgeous Girl I just met 5 seconds ago" but eh, one step at time right?"

[Angel]

This person was.. nice! That's all Colette was really thinking about, noting his cheerful smile and obvious kindness. She felt flattered when he called her those names, and smiled even more for the young man. This was the first truly enjoyable experience since being separated from her homeland, and Colette was happy just for something wonderful to focus on.

"Nice to meet you Nouri, my name is Colette. Colette Brunel." she quickly added, wondering if he was the type to like last names. But, then again, he didn't say his last name did he? Oh well, maybe he just didn't like his own last name. "Your right, I guess all we can do is take one step at a time.. but this place is so big and confusing! She gave him a curtsy of her own, following what he did, wondering if it was a custom that he would appreciate being shared and then smiled back to him.

"What.. and where are we, do you know?" she said finally, having to ask. Sure he said that they were odd, but she wasn't as quick to pick up that Nouri wouldn't know anything either. She thought that maybe he would know more than her and could help her find out what she was supposed to be doing, or also she could use the essentials like food, bed, and money! Everything was scary, but she wouldn't burden him with that. One step at a time, like he said!

[Tony Redgrave]

Charming really. She even gave her last name and did a curtsy as well. Usually, he left off his last name since in his own world, people often used just their first name. Then again, no one really did a manly curtsy such as he had shown her. It was only fair to share if she was willing to share herself, right? "Alright Miss Brunel!" he spoke with a little chuckle. "Since we are being prim and proper, Nouri Aal Sephur is my full given name. One step at a time indeed."

After sharing that brief breaking bit of news, he once again turned to his surroundings, taking in as much as he possibly could of the area as he begun to speak, in case he noticed something that was worth sharing. "As for where we are Colette, I'm clueless as well for the most part. " But, being a keen analyst helped to some extent in his case. He was used to traveling about and learning as he went along as it was. Here, like all places, it was just a matter of time before he knew all he had to know.

"What I can tell you is that this place is pretty advanced in terms of technological development. Various news screens seem to come up with updates around the world in general from what I'm seeing and there is even a tool to analyze the conditions and.. what appears to be the growth of some places" he a fact he noted just as he motioned to the giant silver sphere, complete with the various threads and panels intangibly interlinked to it.

But, afterward, he simply directed his attention to the various people sitting down within the booths, chatting amongst themselves and carrying on what appeared to be fun and entertaining activities. "I bet this is some sort of rest area but... its probability best if we ask around and get our bearings." Now with an innocent little grin across his lips and his knowledge bequeathed unto her, he positioned his arm right next to her, presenting it for her to take hold of. For a gentleman always walks with a young lady by the arm. "How about we go ask together? Its no fun to go off into the unknown all alone ya know?"

[Angel]

((HOPE THIS DOESN'T FAIL I DONT KNOW MUCH ABOUT F-ZERO)) xD

Colette gave her bright smile to Nouri, totally up for the idea of working together to find out where they were. It was an adventure right? It should be fun, not scary! That was what she decided anyway, as she grabbed his hand tight. "Let's go then! I'm not really sure exactly what you meant about this place, but it seems so much different from the land I know! But different is bad, at least I don't think so." she said, nodding with her large smile never leaving.

During this though, a couple was walking and on their way outside the building the two were in, obviously, a young man in another one of the jumpsuits that seemed to be ever so shiny and fancy, along with a girl that he had wrapped in his arms to be specific. "Hey sweetie, what do you mean you don't want to see the race?" he said, grinning. "I didn't think anyone would turn such a thrill down." though now his tone was slightly nervous, her pouty expression wasn't changing at all.

"But you told me that we would go out for a nice dinner, I was even going to get dressed up. You just went a bought tickets anyway.. it's so rude." she said, obviously unhappy about the lack of notice and the break of the original plans. Boys were so heartless sometimes.

Though, he didn't want to make her mad. A hasty retreat was what he had to make now, it seemed. "Aww.. come on, I would go with you.. but what would I do with the tickets? I already bought them.." he said, obviously trying one last attempt to go to the races instead of some stupid snooty restaurant.

"Just give them away for all I care.." she said, pouting even bigger. Nope, this girl wasn't budging.

Colette however, didn't hear this little exchange since they were a little distance away and was focused on what Nouri was saying at the same time. "Okay, let's ask together! I'm sure someone knows where we could go!" she said, pulling him a tad, obviously happy and enthusiastic about the idea.

[Tony Redgrave]

One of the most important aspects of being a rogue was to be a keen observer of your surroundings, no matter what the situation was. Whether it be in the middle of a quiet afternoon or having a stimulating conversation with a beautiful young lady, one was always expected to atone the each and every one of their senses to their environment. With that principle firmly in mind, Nouri had caught wind of that conversation himself while he was in the middle of "thrilling" explanation.

Oh but that was no thrill compared to this news! A tickets to a race belonging to a couple who just had to get rid of them. What this race would entail, Nouri didn't know but.. it sounded like a fun way to pass the time! It sounded like such a shame though. Tickets to events were always fairly expensive. Just doing what that young lady was saying by "giving them away" would be a crushing waste of money. But oh well. That guys loss was about to become a certain little bandits gain.

But how..?

A young couple who seemed kinda close...

A girl who seemed to enjoy having it her way and hers alone...

A fellow who just wanted to enjoy the race...

....

Ding Ding Ding!

An idea was born!

But as soon as he was about to put it in action, he noticed a bit of tuggage upon yonder yellow frock! His new and pretty associate was pulling him forward, wanting to trek onward in hopes of finding others in which to ask of the information they so sorely seek. She had the right idea but, he already found just who to go for.

"Woah Nelly, lets take it easy there." he lightheartedly conveyed to her. "Actually, I think we should just ask them about it right?" a statement which he accentuated with a sly little wink at her. A wink that could be said by others as a playful gesture or.. one that said "Play along with what I'm doing"

Soon, the meaning would simply unfold on its own as the couple in question had begun walking towards their general direction. Close enough that Nouri could actually get their attention with a little raise in his voice.

"Hey there!" he called to them, motioning for them come over a little closer.

The guy of course was a bit skeptical as well, he never even saw Nouri in his life, let alone someone who dressed like him.

"Do I know you..?" he spoke somewhat harshly, still reeling from his dates desire for dinner instead of the daring of a race.

"You don't sir but.. as you can see from our attire, My girlfriend and I aren't from around these parts. Honestly, we need a bit of help getting our bearings and you two seem like a nice enough couple to help!"

"You're lost is what you mean? I dunno, I mean.. we really don't have a lot of time to stay around, right sweetie?" hopefully, she would follow suit and try to speed this up as soon as possible. He was understandably, not in the mood to talk to strangers who dressed even stranger!

But, she was clearly interested in this matter and the two newcomers. Her adorable little pout quickly transformed into a look of welcoming intrigue. "So that girl you have by your hand is your girlfriend huh?"

Nouri of course, smiled and answered quickly. if anything, he could at least work this charade to the fullest and see if he could sweeten up on them and sway towards the ultimate prize he had on his mind.. those tickets! "A-yup! She's pretty cute isn't she? "

And those were words that seemed to have a pleasant reaction and a rather groaning and brooding one from that young man beside her. She even had a cute little giggle and snort to go along with it. "Well, you two certainly look like a good match!"

"Oh brother.." that was all he could say about it.

But, she couldn't turn down the two of them like he could. So she simply kept the conversation going. "Well, I guess we can help you! Why don't you tell us your names first so we can get to know each other?"

"Well Ma'am, I'm Nouri Aal Sephur and its very nice to meet you both." he promptly gave them both a rather short bow of greeting. From here, Collette could introduce herself.. and hopefully, she would play along with this whole deal.

[Angel]

You when sometimes even though your really focused on your surroundings, how.. sometimes, something will pop up in your mind and then all of a sudden for a few moments, even though your trying your hardest not to be rude, even though in all honesty you know you should be paying attention.. the object just interested you and made you think about something you saw as a child but couldn't quite put it.. but either way it looks really pretty and your mind is so busy trying to figure out what it looks like that all of a sudden, a couple of minutes have passed and you have no idea what is going on?

Well, that was one of these moments.

"Well, I guess we can help you! Why don't you tell us your names first so we can get to know each other?"

Suddenly, she heard that and sorta, well, she racked her little brain with everything she could remember from her half-listening.. but unfortunately for them she didn't hear the part about them being boyfriend and girlfriend at all! It was hard to play along with something you didn't know about, so one could only hope this would work alright.

After Nouri responded, it was Colette's turn to respond. Sure, she could have kept the answer vague, but Colette was just way too friendly for her own good at times it seemed. "Hi, my name is Colette! I don't really know anything about this place, but it's a pleasure to meet you! Thank you for helping me and my new friend." Dun dun. Gasp. Colette had already slipped up.. and she was really trying to be friendly and loving with her words too. How would this turn out? Would Nouri think of a good save while the girl was processing what Colette just said, pointing between the two and obviously curious as to why the blonde girl just referred to her boyfriend as her new friend.. how this could make sense.

How indeed.

[Tony Redgrave]

~Gee, way to live up to stereotypes...~

It was an innocent little thought, truly it was. However, he couldn't deny the fact that his new friend seemed to be.. a bit of an airhead. Now, he was in an awkward situation. With Colette's little attention lapse and with the couple pondering just why she called him a new friend, just what would Nouri do to make it right? Using his "special" charm was out of the question for one.

Even though he could in fact entice them to the point where he could make them agree and believe what he wanted them to within reason, It was against his moral standing. To take away ones freewill like that to aid in a trivial matter and upon people who had no ill will in mind for him, he wouldn't do it.

Instead, he decided to wing it and keep up the act. In doing so, he hoped that Colette would paying attention this time and would catch on to what he was trying to do. But just in case, he would make it "quite clear" So, a moment after his beautiful new buddy had spoken up, he turned his back to her, his face embellished with what one could see as deep melancholy. Gosh Colette, I know I'm your new boyfriend and all but still, you don't have to make it so clear to others. At that point, that cool and rather upbeat glow he always had seemed to just.. fade away. Now, all that he had to show was the look of a man who was genuinely hurt by words that had been thrown about so carelessly.

And yet, with every articulation and word he had spoke, his feelings, his thoughts, his raw emotion, everything had resonated throughout the air around both he and his companion. If she was looking on at Nouri, hearing his words, or just doing one or the other, it wouldn't have mattered. One message would make its way to her very heart..

~Play along with this act of mine and pretend to be my girl.. just for a little while...~


But with his heart speaking out to her through his actions, he continued to speak to her in the more.. natural sense. "I know it was just three days ago that I worked up the courage to confess to you but please, I'd rather you speak well of me."

[Angel]

Play.. along?

Oh, she was supposed to be playing a game with Nouri. A game where they were boyfriend and girlfriend? How fun that sounded, though not as fun as when she was playing sword with Lloyd or something basic in Iselia. This time, luckily she was paying attention.. really still embarrassed by what had just happened. "Oh yeah, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to do such a silly thing. I guess the time has been so fun it's just flown by!" she said, making a cute giggle.

This seemed to be enough to satisfy the other couple, though the guy still looked a bit cautious. Or upset, one of the two. He had been really looking forward to the race. "Well, anyway.. my name is Zacron." he said, with a bit of flair when he said it, which made the girl next to him giggle. It was a unique name and he knew it, and loved to say it dramatically, which always made his girlfriend giggle.

"My name is Melony, kinda a plain name against the "mighty Zacron" she said, obviously rolling her eyes this time, even thought she thought it was cute. She thought that the blonde haired girl seemed a bit well.. slow, but she still thought that girls all universally knew how silly boys could be and patted her across the shoulder.

"So you two are just coming here huh? There is so much to do the in the city. Why not take up a race and relax before worrying?" she said, eyeing Zacron strangely. It was then that he noticed that.. yes, it was his tickets that were being thought of at this moment. She wanted the tickets gone so nothing got in her way of a wonderful and delicious dinner...

"But.. but.." Zacron whined a bit, obviously understanding that his hands were tied here, but voiced his sadness as way of going. "You owe me." to his girl. "Yeah.. we have some tickets to the race set to start in an hour that we.. " and at this point, he started grumbling, "don't need..." and at this point went back to normal. "So.. yeah. Their all yours, as long as you return the favor one day." he said, trying to be cool and act like he was giving them of his own free will.

But maybe Colette would get a chance to make this moment awkward too. With her big smile, she said with a cheerful tone to her already cheerful voice. "Well, that sounds great I would lo.." and with this, she took a few steps. But.. strangely, as if tripping on nothing at all, she started to fall. Heading right for the boy Zachron in question, the blonde girl ended up using her fabled technique "Item Theif" on him without even really re-leaning it. Or.. maybe she just squished him. With a thud, she fell on top of him and in an attempt to try to catch her as she fell, the boy now looked on the ground as if he was groping what Colette would try to pass of as an Ironing Board. This wasn't looking good for our heroes!

[Tony Redgrave]

Things were going so good! They actually convinced the charming couple of their bond and they were about to receive the fated prize in which Nouri had kept ever so dear and near to his heart. Just one step away from grasping the tickets and sealing the deal until Colette revealed yet another interestingly inconvenient quark about her. She was quite the klutz. In fact, she was so clumsy that she had tripped over the air itself and fell over top of poor Zacron, tumbling down to the ground.

Or, maybe he didn't have such bad luck after all. For in his efforts to catch her, he had grappled her "chumbawumbas". Though small in size, they were still all the more wonderful. It would be no wonder if Zacron's cheeks would be flushed red by now and incidentally, they were. Even Nouri's were too! He couldn't help it but, he wouldn't stand there and let him get too cozy with them.

So without a word, and much embarrassment, he reached down and picked up the lovable little heroine from his grasp and set her down right in front of himself "Sorry about that you two. She's cute but clumsy as well..." he was almost too squeamish to say that much or could he really face her just yet after.. seeing such an interesting position like that. "Though I must say Zacron, I'm the jealous type. Though it was an accident and all, I would made a scene. But, I'm really grateful that you would give both of us the chance to have an exciting outing so.. along with my thanks, I think me taking this well is returning the favor."

So, he thought it would on his part but just... how would Melody take this whole ordeal?