"No." The response was strained, one single syllable, two little letters carrying immense weight and annoyance. "What did I tell you, Ray?"

His companion huffed, shoving her unruly hair back from her face as she scowled up at him. It was the following morning, and Rayleigh was already violating the agreement made the previous evening. "You can't mention vehicles that run without engine or motor, and then expect me to wait a full day to learn more."

Despite his wariness at her incessant questioning, Vincent felt the smile split his lips. Mentioning the San Francisco cable cars had been a devilish thing to do to the girl, especially considering how tired she had been at the time. Even the magnificent Rayleigh could not comprehend all he told her in the early witching hours. "I told you," he started again, "only questions at night. You should have asked last night."

Exasperated, Rayleigh threw her arms wide. "I fell asleep!" she exclaimed. The outburst drew only a few glances from passerbys; locals were more or less used to odd behavior from tourists. She was difficult to read beneath the bug-eyed sunglasses she wore, as her eyes were often the most revealing part of her.

Still, Vince felt he knew her well enough to land one final jab. "Well, stop doing that."

The brunette paused, huffed, then crossed her arms tightly against her chest. "I outta drown you in that ocean," she muttered, though loud enough for him to hear, her intention from the start. He merely rolled his eyes, the mood growing lighter despite her tantrum.

They continued to walk, dark concrete giving way to wooden boardwalk, and then ever-shifting sand. The white shells were hot against Rayleigh's bare feet, and her small frame moved awkwardly as she fought to stay righted. Vincent, who had spent much of his time on both Earthen and Althanian beaches, moved with ease. Rayleigh, an Alerarian native, did not. The change of footing did little to brighten her spirits.

"When you're done pouting," Vince chided her, though not unkindly, "you could help with the mission."

Her lips pursed. "What is it you want me looking for? I don't expect we'll find any of those statues down by the water." Then, "You're always so secretive."

"It keeps me interesting," came his answer. They continued to walk a moment longer, an expectant still hanging between them. Little did Rayleigh know, Vincent's mind was working as quickly as one of her beloved machines. It raced to concoct an excuse, another part of the magnificent tale, the magnificent lie, that he was weaving for her.

"We're going looking for caves," he continued, reaching to wipe the sweat from his upper lip. "There are a lot of them in the area, but there is one in particular that I want to look at."

The thought piqued the woman's interest, though she kept her expression neutral as she asked, "Why?"

Vincent cast a look at his companion. He had avoided doing so for much of the morning, as the sight of her in the deep green swimsuit had a profound impact on him. Coupled with her frizzy hair and oversized sunglasses, she looked just like the beachgoers he remembered from Earth. And nothing like the grease-covered junk rat he had found in Alerar. He collected his thoughts, and himself, before answering.

"There are supposedly some unique crystals in the caves here. While I don't know for sure, they're said to help power these statues."

Rayleigh nodded. "I see. Was that mentioned in the book they stole from Tarot?"

Seeing an opening, the scholar answered too quickly, too excitedly. "Yeah, that's it."