tabularasa_rp | one winged catch-all

[The longer Sephiroth is here, the more he wants to leave (despite Cloud also being trapped in this strange world). It's a combination of him not having his abilities, everything being wrong, and this place messing with his mind in ways he won't admit bother him so much.

Losing memories. Gaining false memories. Regaining memories he thought he gave up. As fascinating as this place could be, his lack of abilities is the greatest concern. If he can find a way to access them again ...

Well, that also won't change the fact that the Cloud here is also wrong. He's still Cloud, but it's different. And he'd much rather get back to the one he's shared so much with ... and endlessly torment that one.

Daydreams of tormenting Cloud taking up a large portion of Sephiroth's thought process is a story for another day.

He slips out from his apartment and passed Zack's ... which is also something complicated. His experience sharing memories with his former comrade is something he actually does not want to think about it and why he's going to focus on exiting the apartment area and picking a direction to go off in. The destination does not fully matter, he's just going to go off and see what he finds.

So far answers have been lacking so he's just going to have to seek out the truth himself. That's how things always go for him, isn't it? First the truth about his origins and now this place. Funny how that works.]

[Zack isn't all that thrilled about this world either but that's because of his own reasons. He has questions he wants to be answered about his last few days back home and honestly sometimes he does have to wonder if he actually has a place to go back home to--

Alright. Maybe he doesn't want that one question answered.

None the less there are people here that he can see again. People he thought he never would again. And one of those people is Sephiroth despite everything pointing the man to be some weird ass lunatic right now. It gives Zack all the more reason to watch out for the man, keep an eye on him and most importantly make sure he doesn't stir the shit for the friends he's coming to reconcile with.

That's when he hears the footsteps outside of his apartment door Zack decides to peak out and catches the last swish of silver hair as Sephiroth leaves down the hall. He quickly jogs after the man, following him like a persistent pup.]

Sephiroth! Yo! Hey!

[Where the hell does Sephiroth think he's going?!]

What're you doing? Going somewhere?

[Were he of sound mind he might actually ask himself what he's done to deserve Zack following around him like a needy dog. Of course the answer to that is ... a lot. He's done so much, caused so much pain and suffering.

Something Zack barely knows the extent of.

Is this how it's going to be? Being latched onto? There's something almost familiar about it all ... but ah, probably something from a time long passed.

He'll just have to deal with it for now. Zack is another ghost of the past. One he unfortunately cannot seem to escape from in this strange place.]

Yes.

[There's probably no chance Zack will get distracted and leave him alone is there?]

Is what I'm doing of so much importance, Zack?

Sure it is.

[Zack is already right next to Sephiroth with the full intention to follow him around today much like a needy dog. He wants to keep an eye on the man. Not only for Sephiroth himself but the others too. If there is an ounce of the man he used to be in there? He wants to sniff it out.]

It's the most important thing happening in my day today. Got nothing better to do.

[He actually doesn't.]

So, where we going?

[Zack is so very fortunate that Sephiroth has no access to the masamune.

And he seems to have an eerily eternal level of patience. Even if Zack still somehow manages to push all the right buttons by simply existing.]

I am --

[Keyword there, Zack: I not we.]

Going to explore some of the surroundings. I wish to know more about this world.

Sounds good. Let's go.

[Let's. As in. We.

He's really going to have to stab Zack to get him to shoo off.]

The mountain is interesting, you can see a lot of the area. But there's still a lot I don't know about this place too. Roll out.

[He's even giving Sephiroth an obnoxious salute.]

[He maybe imagining himself doing just that. Ridding himself of a pest.]

Then you will be of little help.

[As in: go pester someone else. The only reason he doesn't increase his pace in movement is because Zack could keep up. So he can't just easily ditch him.

Where is Aerith? That could probably distract Zack long enough for Sephiroth to get away ...]

[Sephiroth can try that all he wants it still won't stop Zack if he can help it.]

And what because of that I shouldn't tag along? And miss out on the tour? Yeah right.

[He's still following the other man...]

Shouldn't you be checking on your friends?

[He continues walking. When they finally get outside, he'll pick a random direction to head off towards. He's been expanding his exploration paths and while with Zack as his personal stalker he might be able to cover more ground ...

He also considers tossing him into the water in hopes that whatever is lurking beneath will eat him. That's one way to rid himself of a problem right?]

I'm sure they're fine for right now.

[Zack is all obnoxious smiles as he follows Sephiroth outside. He takes a big breath of fresh air and looks up at the odd-looking sky above them.]

Did you hear those weird-ass noises that came from the sky a while back? This world is something else.

[It is truly a shame he doesn't not remember all his past missions with Zack and how dealing with him is pretty much always like this. Zack is simply lucky Sephiroth remembers him at all really.

Or unlucky depending on how one might choose to look at it.]

This world shifts far too easily. Aspects of it seem to change on a whim. Like it is still forming. Perhaps that's what it is ...

[Some sort of brand new world.]

You think so?

[At least he can tack on a conversation that isn't about Cloud or protecting the others. At least he's able to pull out at least this little bit of conversation out of Sephiroth and he's going to hang onto it.]

Kind of like this place is new and still growing? I wonder how big it'll really get. Or if more of us will show up.

Possibly. Normal laws don't apply here which is why I first thought we might be in some place similar to the lifestream, especially since --

[He only pauses to give Zack a knowing look plastered with a smug sort of expression. He's here, Zack is here, and also Aerith. Of course there's also Tifa, but Sephiroth hardly cares about her other than the fact that she's something to use to torment Cloud -- who is the important one. The possibly of him being dead though ... that is a complicated topic that doesn't need to be gotten into at the moment.]

Regardless --

[He shifts his gaze away as he keeps walking.]

If more from our world do show up, will they be from the same timeline? That is the more interesting question.

[Oh yes, Tifa already let the cat out of the bag concerning Sephiorth altering time. Or attempting to. Something along those lines. Either way the idea did spark some interest which is another reason Sephiroth wishes to get home. To plan.]

[Zack knew that this 'friendly' walk would be a slippery slope and it already heads that way when Sephiroth opens his mouth. Zack eyes him back, shoulders steady and tense but without a single moment of him backing down from the other man.

Yeah- He's 'dead' or whatever. Say it to his face.]

You know, some guy here said that people can't die here. Death isn't even a normal law. Makes no sense but that's what he said.

[So who knows what the hell is happening here. If they're not in the Lifestream- then where??]

As for the timeline crap? ... I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

That would make sense if this were the lifestream. You cannot kill what is already dead. It is not trying to consume us though, so if it is similar it does not carry the same appetite of our own planet.

[And how it wants to reabsorb all those who die back into it. Sephiroth knows that first hand. The planet would certainly break him apart if it could. Luckily his will is far stronger than that.]

But back to what you just said -- have you tested this theory? Of death?

[He always knew Sephiroth had a big brain. But when he speaks so eloquently of the world and the lifestream it reminds Zack of just how much Sephiroth actually knows and understands about the planet. About the lifestream.

But he scoffs.]

Huh? You're asking me if I've tested death? No way, are you crazy?

[Wait- don't answer that.]

Don't get any crazy ideas, man.

[The lifestream is like a fountain of knowledge. He could flip through other's memories the same as someone could casually browse a book in a library. He wishes he still held that access here.]

You are already, in a sense, dead. So what would it matter if it were to happen here? Should we not see if it is possible?

[Zack isn't exactly on his priority list of targets, even if it would hurt Cloud. It'd probably also send him into a rage and that'd be more bothersome than any enjoyment he'd get over watching the blond suffer.

Besides he might need Zack later for something. There's always a chance he could be useful.

Of course with that said, Zack does not need to know any of this which is why Sephiroth will continue to poke at him about it.]

Or would you prefer we pick someone from a world different from our own?

[Sephiroth really is one type of bastard. Everything he says is to sting hard at Zack's chest or to just test him in one way or another. He can't pinpoint where this changed happened but he supposes it isn't that important. Instead, he walks ahead of Sephiroth only to turn around and stop the man in his tracks with a push of his hand hard against Sephiroth's chest.]

Keep talking like that and we will do some testing of the damn theory.

[He would pick himself over the others any day, in other words. If Sephiroth really is going to go on his word to test this subject Sephiroth is welcome to try it on Zack. It won't be without a fight.]

I told you once there's no point in fighting here. But if you think to lay one pretty little hand on anyone else, I'll be there to stop you first.

[Sephiroth actually has repeatedly gone out of his way to dig that knife straight into Zack's chest. To twist it around just to see the agony of his heart. Maybe it's because Zack is a reminder of the person Sephiroth wants to forget. A life that no longer has no meaning.

Or maybe it's simply because Zack is especially important to Cloud.

Either way it does not matter. Not at the moment.

He pauses when Zack steps ahead of him. His eyes drifting down towards the hand against him and then back towards the man himself.]

We've already been through this. You're not the one who can stop me. You tried once before and failed. Like with so many other things. You've lost so much, even some you haven't realized yet.

[He brings up his own hand to shove Zack's away.]

Walk away while I still feel inclined to give you the chance. We'll call it for old time's sake. Hm?

[Zack's eyes narrow even as his hand is shoved away. Zack keeps his ground and frowns at Sephiroth. He may not have made the best choices in the past and he may not have been strong enough to stop Sephiroth. But he'll be damned if he didn't try back then and damned if he doesn't try now.]

I might not be the one to stop your ass but I'll damn well be a roadblock to slow you down.

[And Cloud can do the rest. Someday.

... He's getting heated and angry again. Knowing that Sephiroth is purposefully pressing his buttons. Another sign that the friend he used to know really is long gone. He's not sure what hurts more, the egging on threats or that fact.]

[It's sort of amusing how Zack continues to stand up to him like this. He can, and actually does, respect that in a way. It won't stop him from cutting the younger man down if he continues, but he still views Zack on a slightly higher level than most.]

What do you plan to do, Zack? Attack me here and now? Go on and try. Here I'll make it easier ...

[And with that he'll quickly reach out to grab the front of Zack's shirt and jerk him forward. Not as awkwardly close as he'd probably pull in Cloud, but it's enough.]

What do you cherish most? What would you do if it were taken away?

[Luckily Zack has a few feet on Cloud so the grab to his chest and pull forward isn't as awkward as it would be with Cloud. Zack barely flinches, blue eyes sharp on Sephiroth and his temper flaring.

Zack has never really been that much of a temperamental person. Honestly, as much as he's a fighter he'd rather talk things out with friends- But there's that word again. Friend.]

Cut the bullshit, Sephiroth! You can't take anything else from me!

[He winds up one fist and throws a hard punch right at Sephiroth's face...!! If it hits Zack's knuckles are going to hurt something fierce! But he can't help it- this punch is filled with all of the mixed-up emotions Zack has inside of himself. The conflict between his feelings for the man in front of him and one that he's become.]

[For a fleeting moment, his calm, smug demeanor cracks. Flashes of anger fade in and out almost as quick as the punch strikes him. He lets, stepping away partially with the force and partially with the anger-filled shock that Zack dared to make a move at all.

His hand touching briefly where he's hit. There's a slight clash of his own emotions, but that too fades slightly as his expression returns to being straight and even.

He knew from the start his words were goading. He wanted a reaction. He got one though probably not the one he expected.

Still there's a part that wishes to continue on. To hurt Zack with the same sting currently lingering across his skin.]

You're right. You've lost everything haven't you? Yet I feel you don't even know the full extent.

In my time, the one you carry especially close to your heart is gone. All because you weren't there to protect her. How does that make you feel, Zack? Knowing the depths of your failure?

[At first, the sting of his hand and the expression he gets out of Sephiroth is enough. It's enough to feel something. That Sephiroth actually shows feeling something that isn't psychotic calmness.

But then that feeling of needed pain- is replaced. By something terribly worse.]

... What are you saying.

Why don't you ask her? She knows her fate. To me it already happened.

[Though he's managed to collect himself, he still is internally feeling the bubbling anger over Zack laying a hand on him at all. But instead of exploded into a fit of rage, he's refocused onto words.

Because even though a sharp blade can cause a fatal wound, words can dive even deeper.]

But not to worry, the two of you were reunited in the lifestream.

[From one person that considers himself superior to another... normally Kaiba wouldn't have been inclined to approach the long-haired brooding type at all, however he liked keeping abreast of recent developments, people included. If he only had the means his high tech security network would have been installed and completed the leg work for him, but regrettably electronics were still not functional here]

Keep standing there like that and the wildlife is likely to mistake for for a statue.

[Yeah sure, that's a greeting..]

That would be their mistake, not mine.

[He speaks before he even bothers to turn to look at the source. The, well, lack-of-greeting seems to hold no real effect or at least he seems unbothered by it.

Very little actually bothers him these days. Verbal lashings or rude greetings included.]

Have you been to this place before?

[Speaking of not really giving any sort of greeting ...

... or bothering to introduce himself. Mostly because he doesn't care who this other person is, what they may or may not know is far more important.]

[The other man sounded so self-assured that it gave the brunette pause. He regarded the other coolly, debating what sort of capabilities or experience the other had related to the subject.

In his own history, Kaiba hasn't had the best of luck with platinum blonds.]

Depends on how you mean that. Yes, I've been to this location before, and no, I haven't been to the void prior to a few months ago.

[It was just as well since Kaiba was more interested in cutting to the chase than exchanging pleasantries.]

From your questioning however it's not difficult to discern that you haven't been here long.

[Blonds are the worst. Always giving everyone trouble.]

No. This place is entirely new ... interesting yet, not where I should be.

[But they don't need to talk about what he'd rather be doing than being stuck in a strange place. He's sure this person feels much the same way about being here.

Time for more important discussions.]

Have you seen anything of note in this location?

[Especially when they kidnap your brother and then seal both your souls inside trading cards.]

Do you think I belong here either? Don't answer that, it was rhetorical.

[If only he had voiced as such instead of only thinking it, it might have saved Kaiba some trouble]

That depends entirely on what you would consider of note. Not too much farther up this path is a lake that can turn bone dry in the blink of an eye, then reverse it's condition moments later.

The laws of what would normally be considered normal are out of balance. No night. Strange occurrences. And now what you speak of concerning a lake ...

Does time have meaning here even? I'd almost say we are in the lifestream but even that is different. I'm beginning to think we are in a place that is somewhere in-between life and death.

[Ah what do people call that? Purgatory?]

That's putting it mildly.. [Still, he listened at the other elaborated] .. All things that can be programmed. [Sounding slightly less impressed]

Vaguely. [For the most part it didn't] If you want me to have any idea what you're talking about you're going to have to define lifestream. Ha- now you're just being dramatic.

I'm no closer to death than I was before I got here. [Sure he says that, but his soul had just been extracted from his body and sealed inside a stone tablet]

Edited (I should have hit preview. My bad) 2020-10-22 00:16 (UTC)

The lifestream is where life begins and ends. Each planet should have one.

[Though it's hard to say since he doesn't have any connection to the one he knows here and Aerith cannot speak to this world. But perhaps the two of them are far too connected to Gaia to feel anything beyond it.]

Before I was brought here, I was dead. Yet not.

[Ok. So Kaiba would chuck this whole lifestream thing into the fanciful creation-story total bull column. To be fair, he had assumed it would fit into this category before he'd even heard the explanation..]

So you were... what? Dead inside? [With that long hair and dark clothing, the stranger could easily pass for one of those emo-goth types]

[.. but sure. Joking aside, he decided to temporarily go along with the outlandish tale] .. So that's why you think this must be an extension of that. [If he was being at all fair, Kaiba could have seen some logic in the assumption. I mean- technically he'd just had his soul separated from his body before he arrived]

No. I have risen above what humans would call 'death' ... I can always return no matter what. The Lifestream cannot contain my spirit.

[He might keep getting sent back there by a certain spikey haired blond guy, but said protagonist is also the same reason he can repeatedly come back. Mostly because Sephiroth is unable to let things go. And has a bad obsession.

Also Kaiba's attempt at joking just completely flew past because Sephiroth has the social skills of a doorknob.]

I considered that it might be something similar due to the laws of what would be considered normal seemingly not applying here.

What humans call it.. sure.

[This guy was seeming certifiable, so for the moment Kaiba's quips didn't go beyond general sarcasm. How did he always manage to cross paths with these lunatics? What made them gravitate towards him?]

If you've had to return multiple times, then what's been sending you back to the... Lifestream?

[Maybe he shouldn't ask ]

Ah- least there's some logic in there.. despite starting from a false premise. You must be so proud.

[And Sephiroth is a special kind of lunatic with a god-complex.]

There is only one person who can send me back.

[He doesn't even seem offended by that fact either. It's just how things are and how they should be.]

Don't be so blinded by what you know that you fail to see other possibilities. Just because something may not seem logical to you right now does not mean that is the truth.

one winged catch-all

For Zack

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On the Mount Silver Path?

Sounds good

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i so laughed at the doorknob comment

:D