thefarshore | Heaven's BBS

Entry tags:

ω sephiroth | final fantasy vii

Heaven's BBS | Text

Posted: April 28th From: Sephiroth

[ After a disappointing arrival and probably too many hours spent reviewing old network posts, (note: Sephiroth should be banned from anything that could be described as 'archives', 'library', or 'repository of information' for a lot of reasons) he has some questions. And since he'd rather review this information on his own damn time and without actually needing to see or talk to people, it's all in text format. At least this way no one has to put up with condescending tone in his voice?]

The April 25th fire: Was this incident related to previous events? If not, has there been any determination of responsible parties?

'New' arrivals: From all indications we are not from this world. Has this been confirmed?

If so, there is no explanation for our arrival. Confirmed?

Some of these new arrivals have vanished with no indication as to how or why. Has any new information been discovered?

Selection process of who will be god or shinki is currently unknown?

Assignment criteria of a shinki to god on initial arrival is unknown?

What is the exact nature of an ayakashi: what do they look like, what can they do, and all pertinent information.

Blight: Can be caused by shinki and inflicted upon their bound god(s). Can be cured with some ease in the early stages. Can also be caused by ayakashi.
- How are later stages cured?
- What is the exact method(s) by which shinki blight their gods?
- Is the Blight caused by the ayakashi transferred only through direct contact?
Upheavals caused by other gods are not unheard of but not usual. Yes or no.

Upon becoming gods or shinki, we have access to new abilities, but these - aside from this 'borderline' - are not clearly defined. Explain.

((ooc: he'll probably respond to everyone in text only format))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No. [Zack stops his walking and turns to Sephiroth with a small smile.] It doesn't worry me at all.

[Oh, the possibility is there. But Zack isn't careless and he isn't reckless. He knows that if they go out to meet and potentially battle one of these ayakashi, that there's risk involved. But back home Zack had been a SOLDIER; every day of his life involved risk.

And in terms of Sephiroth himself having the potential to cause Blight within Zack — well, if it gets to that point, they'll find a way to deal with it.]

[ Sephiroth goes back to examining the carvings once Zack answers him. The risk does not bother him either, but the topic makes him consider all of the information. Specifically, the nature of how a god and a shinki work together. It still seems preposterous to him that a god would need that kind of aid, but Sephiroth will be damned if he lets his god die as well.

Call a point of pride and the long-ingrained belief of being the best at anything he did. Therefore, Sephiroth will not allow his god to come to harm via any ayakashi. Feeling as if he's solved that particular problem, Sephiroth continues. ]

When do we begin?

Edited 2016-09-27 11:39 (UTC)

[Perhaps the necessity of having to work together is part of some higher plan. Zack almost voices the thought, but quickly decides it's probably not prudent. He doesn't think that Sephiroth's ego would allow for such a thought!]

Well, I don't need things like food or sleep anymore. That means that the necessities that shaped a day are no longer present for me, nor are the time boundaries that those necessities set. So I could start at any time, really.

[But what about the needs of his Shinki? Those are a bit unclear to Zack; he doesn't know if Sephiroth is as... his brain casts about and picks 'impervious' as a descriptor. It's not perfect, but he's not sure what can describe their situation.]

We could start now, or we could do a little reconnaissance and then make a plan. I'd like to hear your advice.

[ As with most of the information that Sephiroth has uncovered, the physical needs of a shinki was pretty vague. Yes, they need to eat and sleep apparently, but that's about all he considers reliable in scale. But since he doesn't currently feel the need for either one of those things, he doesn't think too much on it.

None of that is as important as Zack asking for his advice and he gives the request serious consideration. ]

There are abilities besides the vessel name we're given that shinki possess. One of them is called 'borderline'. Since ayakashi can often be found when answering prayers, it would be prudent to test and learn these abilities beforehand.

I agree.

[Asking for advice, Zack had thought, would flatter Sephiroth's ego; that's why he had done it. And in life, Sephiroth had been unmatched in terms of military strategy. While the man before him no longer has those memories, Zack is certain that some of the innate skill must surely still be present.]

I'd like to know how well we work together, identify our opportunities so we know what to train. Preferably before something tries to separate our heads from our bodies!

[The last is said with a bit of a laugh. While in some ways this is entirely new in others it's not unlike the old days. And considering that he can't talk about their shared past, that laugh is perhaps a bit of pressure releasing from a secret kept.]

[~~Zack uses Appeal to Massive Ego and it is SUPER EFFECTIVE!!!~~]

We should try it in a controlled environment first.

[ And that is a glimmer of the old Sephiroth, a man long since dead. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say it's a glimpse of what lays beneath the insane need to destroy the world he knew. Those reasons are absent now with the loss of memory. While that doesn't make Sephiroth any more tolerable on the whole it does mean that his focus isn't so intensely mired in one course of action that he cannot see the rest of what lies around him.

Though Sephiroth doesn't laugh as well. To him it is a foregone conclusion that won't die in such in a way; he won't allow it. And thus the humor doesn't register. Zack does get a quirked brow that seems to question his taste in jokes. ]

I agree.

[Someplace that's not the shrine though; it's much too enclosed to get a true feel of things. Zack mourns only that they no longer have the luxury of the VR training rooms he'd used back in ShinRa, but they'll be able to make do.

And while he hadn't really expected Sephiroth to laugh, Zack himself sighs a little. Apparently humor registers as much to this man now as it did when Zack knew him before. Still, it had been worth a try.]

Preferably a secluded one. I don't want to tip our tactical hand to anyone, just yet.

We'll see what's beyond the temples of the other gods. If there's nothing suitable, the living world might have acceptable space.

[ Sephiroth admits, to himself at least, that he's curious about what form he'll take and what that will mean when Zack wields that form.

And now seems like a good time to at least locate a suitable place. Without another word, Sephiroth turns and heads for the door of the shrine with his usual determined strides. There's no sense in loitering. Waiting won't get them anywhere. ]

I was thinking much the same.

[And he's off! Well, that's typical of Sephiroth at least. Zack just shakes his head and follows — and is content to do so for now. It gives him more opportunity to observe his Shinki, to learn (and unlearn) things about him. He knows what Sephiroth is capable of; more than power, it's his attitude that makes him dangerous. Zack needs to know how much and how to control that — without seeming like he's exerting control. It's going to be a fine line to balance.]

[ Sephiroth moves as he always does - an economy of motion and directed purpose. The difference now is the sharpness of his gaze that warns of trouble for those who fall into his ill will. Still, it's mild, at least for him. Now he has a direction and that's done a deal to settle some of his anger.

While they walk, Sephiroth pulls apart this meeting and rearranges it against everything that he's learned. The pieces are too few to give him a clear picture, but it's more than he had before. The most important conclusion is that Zack seems competent. This little training exercise should tell him more. These thoughts occupy him and as usual, silence seems to be preferable.

Nor will he stop moving forward until there's no other building in view. ]

[Truly, Zack loses track of the time they spend walking, lost as he is in his thoughts. He only really notices the lack of motion on the part of his partner; that's when his focus turns outward to see where they are. It's nondescript enough, distant trees and very distant buildings and plenty of space for them to work. Zack nods his approval, stretching his arms out from his sides.]

Ready?

[ Zack asks an important question and deep down the answer is no. Sephiroth is not ready for this. The idea of becoming someone's weapon hits a raw nerve and plucks at it. He casts another look at Zack, assessing and reassessing both his god and himself.

Is he ready?

Finally, Sephiroth nods. No matter what course he ultimately chooses, he needs to understand the rules here and no amount of talk is worth experience. ]

Call for the transformation.

[ If Sephiroth is to be a weapon, then it's best to get that out of the way first. ]

[Truth be told, Zack isn't ready for this either. Ever since he'd been pulled here, ever sine he'd known about Sephiroth, he hasn't been ready. But Zack hadn't been ready to have to end his mentor's life. Zack hadn't been ready to confront a best friend descended into madness, to have that friend turn on him with killing intent. Zack hadn't been ready for the betrayal by ShinRa that had led to his death on the cliffs outside the city.

He hadn't been ready, but that hadn't changed anything.

Holding out his hand (he's not quite sure why, but it feels right), he speaks Sephiroth's name — the second name, the new name, the one that makes him Zack's.]

[ The experience is disorienting to say the least. That name, Akuiki, draws a tight line of tension that pierces body, mind, and down to the core of sephiroth's being. When the tension snaps, he is remade and somehow Sephiroth knows this shape and it feels as comfortable as his own skin. This form looks much like his own Masamune - a sword made for one purpose and for one wielder. The last thought is a bit unsettling because to consider himself made in any form for the use of another is damned uncomfortable.

Yet he feels his own power as well.

The blackness of the blade gleams in the midday sun and he feels the warmth of Zack's gloved hand. Sephiroth can't say that he likes this experience, but it isn't terrible. At least not yet. ]

What do you feel?

[ It's a thought and not speech since, well, he's a sword now, but at least they can still communicate. ]

Anger.

[So much anger! It's like Zack had somehow known exactly the form Sephiroth would take, hand known exactly how to hold his hand for fingers to curl properly around the grip. It's like Sephiroth is made for Zack, even though he's always preferred the bigger, bulkier Buster sword. But oh, nothing could prepare him for the blackness that envelops him like a suffocating blanket; even taking a breath seems to require tremendous effort. There's a pressure building inside of him and before he even realizes it Zack's taken two steps, arms already moving to bring Sephiroth to bear in a forward slash that sweeps into a guard position. It's entirely different from wielding his own sword, requiring an entirely different style of fighting but that doesn't matter; he just knows what to do.]

[ Surprise comes to Sephiroth first and then perhaps understanding. Beneath that calm, condescending exterior is always an undercurrent of anger. He doesn't understand why, only that it exists and runs through through every cell of his being and colors nearly every thought. Briefly, he's reminded of what Yukine further explained: how a shinki's emotions could affect their god.

How his anger may affect Zack is not of the utmost importance, but Sephiroth still makes a note to try and observe any effects.

Besides the present is suddenly filled with motion that should be disorienting as hell, yet it isn't. In fact it feels direct and purposeful on both their parts. ]

Shift your grip an eighth of an inch higher.

[ The suggestion is a mild one, truly. Zack handles the sword Sephiroth has become as if he'd been born for this purpose. ]

[The suggestion is mild and is an adjustment that Zack's making even as Sephiroth thinks it. Truly it's an entirely different way of moving his body to use a blade so long and thin, but Zack steps into and moves through a series of forms meant to exercise one's control over the motion of the blade. Dimly he wonders if this is Sephiroth's own practice regimen. The large part of his thoughts do not dwell on it however, simply trying to keep the anger in check.]

Show me what else you can do.

[As he's moving of course; there's no need to be idle when practice can be had. The words are a little clipped for Zack, whose tone is normally a little more friendly and easygoing.]

[ The forms Zack chooses are not unlike those Sephiroth would use when handling a new blade of this size. The realization is curious. But they have other things to do and when Zack demands, Sephiroth is more amused than irritated. ]

There is nothing here that can withstand that kind of force.

[ Then something occurs to him and he isn't sure how he knows it, but it's worth a shot. ]

Slash again, only this time faster and with more force. Focus all of your energy into it.

[ It should create an arc of energy if Sephiroth is right and in order to meet with success, he applies himself for the attempt as well. ]

[That amusement is felt, washing over Zack in a way that feels natural — truly, communicating like this through thought is not as weird as he would have imagined. He breathes carefully as he turns, gathering his focus and slashing in the direction on a small tree in the distance. He'd done so instinctively, naturally, giving the attack a target.

The tree practically explodes when the arc of energy from the blade hits it. That energy moves through Zack in a rush, leaving a breathless and almost euphoric feeling — but the euphoria is because of the destruction, the breaking down of something. Oh, what it would be to turn this power on something more worthy as an opponent!]

Again. [He's already moving.]

Perfect.

[ He says when the tree nearly disintegrates. The power they achieve pleases Sephiroth immensely. Though not as much as Zack's want to immediately follow it up with another attack. If only there was something of substance to test this against. He knows they must perfect the technique first; any opponent worthy of the attempt wouldn't stand there like a tree. Sephiroth locks away the anticipation as easily as he turned away many an inconvenient emotion and gathers himself for the next attempt.

Power hums along the blade until it glows an eerie blue that unleashes itself upon the next slash. The arc is broad, fast moving, and strong. It rips through two trees at the same time, leaving only the groan and crash of wood with a rustling shower leaves in its wake. ]

Try a downward motion.

[Perhaps they should have gone seeking ayakashi to destroy. But no, that could lead to carelessness and overconfidence; it's best that they practice first like this, to learn the extent of what they can do together. But oh something is burning in Zack, a deep desire to tear down everything he sees. He can suppress it but it's there, wrapped in and around the hatred bearing down on him.

Later he'll realize exactly what it is that he's feeling from Sephiroth. Later he'll analyze exactly why.

But now is for moving together, for training. Zack tries the downward motion as soon as Sephiroth thinks it; he's expecting that it will surely rend the earth in a deep trench — which could be useful as a physical boundary as well.]

[ The arc hits the ground and tears up dirt, sends debris flying in all directions. The energy is exactly as it should be. But there are other tactics they'll need to consider. ]

Three quick slashes: up left to shoulder height, then horizontal, then down left. Think of it as a shield made entirely from speed and the sword.

[Defense is of course as important as offense; every warrior knows that as innately as he should know his chosen weapon. And through whatever godly power Zack and Sephiroth have been given in this bond, Zack knows exactly the motion even as Sephiroth thinks it. His movements are natural and fluid, slashing and blocking as one motion flows into the next. It is relaxing almost, save for the anger twisting his expression; the scowl is not a natural one for him. Still he persists, slashing and blocking as suggested and even when not suggested, seeming to innately know how to blend his own fighting style with Sephiroth's.

He loses track of time in their training and truly, could have spent much, much more of it just in sword work. What stops him is the rage, the feelings within him growing so back and so fierce. It's so much against Zack's own nature that after a while it almost feels suffocating — not that he'll let Sephiroth know as much. No, instead he'll release his shinki from the sword form, taking a moment with his eyes closed to just breathe and get back in touch with himself.]

How do you feel?

[ Slightly disturbed would be a good phrase for how feels. Up until the transformation, he'd considered most of this to be false. Now it's not only real, but it had been easy to let Zack wield him. Zack had also done well. Normally able to find great fault with just about anyone and anything, his critic after this session is... minor. ]

Fine. [ He says in a clipped tone that lets some of his feelings on the matter show. ] And you?

[ Finally, Sephiroth looks at Zack. ]

[Zack is just going to try his best to ignore that tone. He's on edge himself, a little shaken by the experience and what Sephiroth had made him feel. It highlights his own failure in saving his friend in Nibelheim and those memories are painful.]

Mm. [A noise isn't an answer, Zack.] Your form is a lot different from my own sword, but it felt natural to work together. I think that bodes well for our efforts here.

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