No Escaping From What You Did | Sephiroth, OTA

[imjustaman]

Who: Sephiroth (imjustaman) & Everyone, especially Zack (fairtide)

What:
Struggling to recover from several months of having pain dredged up and having a horrific fall-out with Zack
When:
End of April
Where:
Police station and the woods
Warning(s):
Grief, guilt, survivor's guilt, depression, self-hatred, Sephiroth's past



Trying to Work

Sephiroth has not been handling anything well since that day he met Zack at the restaurant. He works, but he’s closed-off and quiet. He tries to present himself as being normal. He used to be able to do that, even after Angeal and Genesis left, but that was so long ago and things are so different now. He isn’t so good at pretending anymore. He’s torn between what to think. Everyone here has some deep-rooted pain and sorrow, and there’s even others who nearly destroyed worlds, so he tries to keep hold of those thoughts and tries to tell himself that it’s alright for him to reach out, to have friends. They deserve happiness, so why doesn’t he?

But it’s so much easier to say it, to think it, than to really believe it.

He shouldn't be here, granted another chance. He doesn't deserve it. He should have been left to die. Again.

There's no making up for what he did. No apology good enough. Nothing he can do.

He should be dead.

But what good would that do?

What good does any of it do? Has he made any positive difference here at all? Has he made things better for anyone?

Right now, it doesn't feel like it.

He goes about his work at the police station, but it’s likely obvious from his eyes that he’s shattered inside.

In the Woods

After work, Sephiroth tends to disappear from the radar. He feeds his Pokemon and then vanishes from the house. It’s not necessarily unusual behavior for him, but he’s gone much more these days. Has he been eating himself? Sleeping?

By now there are likely tales in town of the mysterious winged man in the woods, scary-looking yet apparently just there to try to protect others who have wandered into the paths of monsters. After all the displays of wings in his normal form over the last several months, most people may know it’s him. He’s not sure. He doesn’t care anymore.

If he’s not at the police station, or spending brief moments at home, he’s in the woods. Anyone stumbling across him will find a man with glowing eyes, levitating hair, and only one wing on his back. The rest are around his waist like a kilt or skirt. He does look formidable. He doesn't really look like Sephiroth unless one has ever seen him like this, but his voice is the same. And the wings are likely good identification.

Comments

[fairtide]

Hm... [Zack wondered what they could do in order to get an answer from Sephiroth's mother but they were no longer on Gaia, so they couldn't get an answer. Maybe the lady that brought them here had an answer?] Well, I'll hug you until you can hug your mother.

They're adorable, we know that much I bet. [Zack sat crossed legged on the ground, playing with them until they grew bored and went back to their master. Zack sniffed at Sephiroth's legs and Lucy showed him love and affection. Both seemed to really love Sephiroth.] Is there anyone around who know more about them?

I'd like that. [Zack stood, stretching out his body as his stomach rolled. Great, he guessed his stomach was against him more so than ever.] Show me to the extra bedroom?

[imjustaman]

[Maybe she did.

Sephiroth smiled, touched.]

That would mean a lot to me.

[He chuckled.]

Anyone can see that.

[He petted them both, his eyes soft and warm.]

I'm surprised anyone here knows anything about them. I've heard a few things, but I don't actually know where the information came from.

[He nodded.]

Come this way.

[He led Zack down a hall and to a room. Everything was already made up.]

My room is across the hall.

[fairtide]

[Zack would hug him now, but he was more liable to get him sick.] You should investigate. That's the fastest way to find out more about them, dude.

[He followed him down the hallway, heading for the room. Everything was done in blue plaid, it looked comfortable.] Comfy. I'm sure I'll sleep like a baby.

[He looked across the hallway and nodded.] Duly noted. I'll be sure to wake you up with breakfast once I'm feeling better.

[imjustaman]

[Sephiroth looked amused. He certainly knew about investigating.]

I've asked around, but so far no one knows how anyone here knows about them. I've heard plenty of interesting stories of what Pokemon have been like here, however.

[He looked pleased Zack liked the room.]

I'll check on you to make sure you are.

[A smile.]

I've missed your cooking.

[fairtide]

[Zack looked amused too.] They know things about the pokemon but nothing about the pokemon? That... makes no sense.

I'll be fine. Don't mother hen too much.

[Zack smiled back.] It's better than nothing as Kunsei used to say.

[imjustaman]

Heh. They've encountered them here, but that doesn't tell them much about the Pokemons' original world. Or I'm not aware it does, at least. I'm curious how they got here at all.

[An amused look.]

We'll see.

[He lifted Lucy into his arms as she went on two legs wanting up.]

It's far better than nothing.

[fairtide]

Yeah, I'm kinda wondering where they came from too. They're very colorful creatures. [Zack smiled as he took off his shoes, then pants and took off his jacket too. He placed them on the chair beside the bed, and crawled into bed. He was left in his long johns and a shirt. Weird clothes this place had, he missed what he used to wear.

Maybe he should consider making his own clothes. It wouldn't hurt to learn.]

I'll cook for you as soon as I can. What made you name Zack, Zack? It couldn't be my winning personality could it?

[Zack smirked, wondering.]

[imjustaman]

I've thought of following them to see where they go when they leave, but I'd probably only discover them passing through the barrier and me walking into it.

[Deadpanning again.

He was happy that he had found a coat and boots similar to his during an event last fall. And the opera he had mentioned had at least restored his actual clothes to him. He had considered learning how to sew himself before finding what he wanted.

He chuckled.]

He's very happy and friendly and enthusiastic, so yes. Apparently Umbreons are usually more serious and reserved in general. Zack acts more like he's still an Eevee.

[fairtide]

You can't pass through the barrier?

[Zack chuckles, wondering what's on the other side. He's going to learn how to sew and knit, too bad his mother didn't come with him.]

Then he deserves the name! I'll have to take him on a walk one of these days, see if he can keep up with me. It's a contest now, Zack! You hear that? We'll see who the better Zack is. [He was teasing, of course. He just wanted to play with the pokemon some more, they seemed so full of life and full of fun.]

[imjustaman]

No one can. It's part of the curse. Yet somehow the Pokemon must be bypassing it.

[He watches in amusement, while Zack happily yips and waves his tail. Lucy perches on the footboard and warbles. "Eevo!"]

He would love such a walk. Just be careful if he smells food. He's not above crashing barbecues and cookouts and anything else he sees where food is involved.

[fairtide]

How is it a curse if you're getting cute animals? I'd say it's a blessing. [Zack laughs suddenly at Sephiroth's next words.]

He sounds like me, yeesh. You're right to name him after me, unless you're pulling my leg and making fun.

[Zack watches in amusement too, thoroughly happy to be here. He's happy to see Sephiroth the way he used to be before everything happened. He burrows deep into his covers, warm and cozy. He looks up at Sephiroth with a sleepy smile.] I'm happy you're okay, Seph. It means so much to have you back in action. I can't believe how much I missed you.

[imjustaman]

Let's say that's probably the best part of it.

[A smirk.]

He hadn't even demonstrated that aspect of his personality until after I named him. I only had good intentions when I named him.

[Zack looks pleased with himself.

Sephiroth smiles now, a warm smile touched with awe. He still wonders if this is truly real.]

I'm happy too. Deep down, I was horrified by myself. I wanted to be me again. But I never thought I would actually have the chance ... or that we could be together again.

[fairtide]

I couldn't agree more.

[Zack wonders if there's a fan around, he'd love to have one in order to keep cool while staying warm.] Do you have a fan by chance?

[Zack smiles, honestly pleased that the pup is named after him.] Of course. Makes sense that he loves barbeque that much though, just means we'll have fun together.

[He swallowed, his throat parched but decided not to say anything for now.] Yeah, I never thought we'd hang out again like this. Someday we'll have to spar again, all that good stuff.

[He pauses a moment, his throat scratchy.] I need a drink. You got juice or water? [There he goes being a kid, remembering days when he was sick and his mom would keep juice on hand like he was a five year old.]

[imjustaman]

I wish I did.

[He chuckles.]

Yes, you'll be two of a kind.

[A fond smile.]

As soon as you're well again, we will.

[He nods.]

I have water. I'll get some juice tomorrow.

[He goes and quickly gets the water and comes back, holding out the glass.]

Do you have a favorite kind of juice?

[fairtide]

Damn. How old is this place? They've got to have a fan. [He had been sleeping with one since he was a infant.]

[He smiled back, running a hand over one of his front spikes.] Of course.

Booya for water! Do you have ice too? [As Sephiroth comes back with the water, Zack takes it gently and takes a long drink.]

I don't know. My mom always got me apple, orange juice and pinapple juice because vitamin c helps with the immune system. The one and only time I got sick at Shinra, I bought pineapple juice. That was in the beginning though. I can't remember the last time I had juice besides being sick. Damn.

[imjustaman]

It's old, but I've seen fans in town. I'll get one tomorrow.

There is ice. [He brings ice in the water.]

Hm. Well, I should be able to find some kind of juice.

[He smiles fondly. Lucy cheers.]