towerofanimus | 016 | Not-so-much Fallout?

Entry tags:

016 | Not-so-much Fallout?

Characters: Sephiroth & YOU
Setting: Anytime between 28th Feb and 5th March. Locations in below.
Format: Prose to start, can switch to Action if preferred.
Summary: Recent events taken into account, Sephiroth had best prepare some for the return trip down the elevator. If you could please put dates/times in your replies, so I can order it around in my head.
Warnings: Usual Sephiroth violence warnings, though he's not much in the mood for picking a fight.

[Location: Dormitory 03-02 & Dormitory Floors]
What a month. Between their visitors from another world, Ruana's games and all the fallout from his preemptive exploration downstairs; Sephiroth had a lot to take in. A lot of truth, or rather that which he had seen with his own eyes, had been revealed and it all had to have the time to be considered. Gaia, for example, had to have been destroyed in order for his soul to even have been extracted to this place. It had been his Planet after all. In some ways it was a relief to finally have some clarity in what exactly was his position here, in others it only served to further frustrate him. It all made such terrible sense now.

Needless to say Sephiroth hasn't had very much of a desire to leave the Dormitory for the last few days. Other than the essential trips out to the bathrooms twice a day, even then they had been quick showers. There was no way he was going to stay out in that mist with it's whispers inside his head. Just repeating over and over what has now been largely proven, what he feared to start with; there wasn't going to be anyway back. He's been sleeping a lot out of mental exhaustion, largely ignoring his room mates, re-reading the letters that he'd kept from his first day in the Tower, pouring over the details in Shion's survival 101 as if there might be some detail he's not considered before. As if there may be a great loophole somewhere in their existence here. Finally he went out in search of Ganondorf when the mist had lifted, indeed it would be vital to share his information considering the plot that lay waiting in the wings. Soon afterwards the terminals had lit up and couldn't be ignored.

It really was never-ending, wasn't it. Sephiroth hates it all the same, the level of utter disgust at his containment here has just been inflated by it all. Though, as only would be inevitable there came a point that Sephiroth resolved he would have to move on. What good was it doing after all, isolating oneself away when the answers- no, the direction he should be taking was undoubtedly out somewhere in the fabric of the Tower. There was a great amount of work to be done. He'd start with a patrol of the Dormitory levels, similar to how he had on his first day, even if the only fact that might be gleaned from this would be how their visitors had all left as abruptly as they had arrived.
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[Location: Gymnasium Fl 39]
It's time to put that incident with KOS-MOS to the back of his mind. The events within the Administrator levels and all of the revelations, though not as shocking to Sephiroth as they may have been for other residents, still weighed heavily on his mind. KOS-MOS had delivered only one of undoubtedly many deaths that Sephiroth would have to endure and be remade from in his time here before-

Before what exactly. One of those videos overseen on the network had certainly hinted at an end. The same end that had taken Gaia from him? And then where would his soul go? The extension of theories was enough to make anyone feel more than a little sick. Perhaps he should be more than a little grateful at least, that while being contained in the Tower, he has a body. Isn't that what he had wanted?

Not to be contained, so powerless without an anchor in this realm, of that fact Sephiroth was certain.

Though, if their souls are transplanted into new vessels every time they die then one could question what the point of training in the Gymnasium is. Improving physical prowess would only go so far as the next death and then one would be reset to the condition they had when they were first pulled here. Whatever condition they had 'on file' for each person? Before then being messed with in some way that doesn't bear thinking about. But in order to have any chance of avoiding that next death, clearly Sephiroth needed to continue to improve himself physically. To be stronger, to be faster, to be more prepared for whatever experiment their Hosts dared to throw next.

Ganondorf had made no illusions that certain death awaited them in their pending expedition. Indeed, there was a lot to prepare for. Which is why every day since the 28th Sephiroth can be found training as hard as ever in the Gymnasium. He needed to be at his best. Heavier weights, grueling circuits and there was more than enough room to practice near-ground, faster aerial maneuvers as well - sure he might have to do all of this training again in his next vessel but he'd just have to work as hard in that body as well, it wasn't an excuse for being lazy. Vicious circles.

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Funny that running laps had been Nesir's all time least favourite activity in the temple and now she did it out of choice. She was also having issues wondering what the point of training was, but for different reasons. She had seen the power of their captors. She still had no idea how she was supposed to fight them. How did you fight people who could turn your limbs off on whim, who could take away thumbs without being seen. Who could mess with your mind and use things that you had never spoken aloud to anyone against you.

How could you fight those that owned your very soul? It was like fighting the gods and they held all the power. But she didn't have to win, she had accepted this as a suicide mission and that's what it would be. She knew that, yet she was determined to make it count.

It would be worth nothing if they died before they got anywhere at all.

She saw Sephiroth and stopped drawing closer, quietly watching him, as she did whenever she saw any she knew would be going down in the elevator with. She was interested in those who Ganondorf had chosen, and had no wish to die with weaklings or idiots.

Here goes for another day in the Gym, it's got to be the 3rd consecutive day that he's been keeping up this routine of training. Sure it might make him more predictable for anyone that would want to search him out but Sephiroth for now is uncaring. There are much bigger things to be concerned with other than which other residents figured he might be in the Gym at any given time, and even when the Admins were considered; well, Sephiroth in some ways hoped that they were watching him. He'd show them, one way or the other in the end and his determination matches his willpower in it's solidity. Sephiroth stepped off the stairwell having, as usual descended here from the elevator which stops at Floor 41.

Since the incident with the android, Sephiroth will never just leave his equipment in the Dormitory anymore when he comes to work out. So he's armored, coated and booted just as when anyone ever sees him when he's wandering the Tower. It's dangerous to go anywhere in the Tower not prepared, especially when less death equals less soul exposure. Literally.

Taking a controlled glance around the floor, to check for monsters first more than anything, Sephiroth noticed someone running laps around the track but given the distance it wasn't clear who it was until he approached. It's that girl that was there, at their meeting, who had seemed infinitely more clued up and, well, at least less excitable than certain others. ~~Richtofen.~~

He'd only felt the need to inform Ganondorf of what he'd witnessed downstairs, being the only one of the 'club' that he'd at least had more than one or two things in common with. And while it was his plan after all, it was important to Sephiroth that Ganondorf appreciated what lengths Sephiroth was prepared to go to in order to find out as much as possible about this place. Though, given the actions by one other that had been down there, plus the video broadcasts (intended or not!) he needn't have bothered. It was likely common knowledge by now.

Sephiroth offers a meaningful nod to Nesir as she drew closer, taking care to keep any other expression from his face as he stopped by one of the benches near the track and took his gloves off first, placing them on the bench. He might come to the Gym in full equipment but weightlifting with most of this leather (and armor) still on is much too awkward.

That's a lot of armour, she slowed and jogged even closer, nodding back at him in response. She drew to a stop and began stretching her wrists and legs. "It did be Sephiroth yes?"

One pauldron is shrugged off and placed on the bench with the gloves before Sephiroth looks back over his shoulder a little at Nesir. Turning a little but not so he would be fully facing her. Quite obviously she'd need to stretch out after a workout. Even an uncomplicated jog can leave dangerous acid left in the muscles.

He wasn't surprised really that she already knew his name. He'd come across her only a handful of times but, well they were supposed to be becoming team mates in a few days and also, he's not one for hiding his presence here at all.

"That's right." He's not one for the pleasantries of asking her name in return. Names instantly cross a line of familiarity and he wouldn't want any of that baggage getting in the way of what might need to be done; he'd only learn her name if she offered it.

Well she's not going to offer it, as she assumes he probably already knows it and hence isn't asking. But she isn't really one for pleasantries when she's not pretending either, and she doesn't need to pretend in front of him.

She looked at the armour with interest, it wasn't something she knew a lot about, some warriors of the temple worse armour, mostly leather though. "Do you be a warrior?"

It may sound like an odd question, it's her way of asking if he had powers or not, she still hasn't quite broke out of the mold of expecting things to be like home.

As Sephiroth went about un-fastening the other pauldron and setting it down by the other one he could almost feel her eyes on his equipment. He's just ultra observant like that, being so defensive in so many ways. Even more so since he's been brought here.

It was a little of an odd question but Sephiroth couldn't help but smirk about it. She made it sound so clear-cut, like it had been before, in SOLDIER days that he doesn't clearly remember.

"That depends on what exactly you mean by warrior. I'm proficient in a great many skills that I can kill with." That, perhaps was the easiest way of putting it without giving too much away at the same time. He doesn't so much brag though, as state the clear and obvious facts that he's proud of.

Well that was a good answer, she nodded, "In my world a warrior would be referring to one who do be a fighter but who do no be blessed by magic."

Sort of, it would also mean they were trained in the temple, which obviously wasn't true for people outside of her world, instead of being a general guard, mercenary or soldier.

"In mine, a powerful warrior does not limit himself to physical means. Though most magic was only accessible through Materia - items which would have to be used. Channeled." Sephiroth made a dismissive noise before nodding again to Nesir.

"But there are many ways to be powerful."

Edited 2013-03-04 13:14 (UTC)

"We do be having objects like that too." She shrugged, "But you do be needing to have magic to be using them." She nodded, "I do be knowing that."

Someone had to tell Ganondorf in her opinion, that people could be powerful without magic.

He thinks he understands, though the way this girl expresses herself is a little strange. Materia was the link that any person could use to tap into the powers of the Planet. Commonly elemental powers, protection, healing.

By how Sephiroth understood Nesir's thinking, the 'magic' needed to do so would translate into an individuals personal will to use such power. After all, Materia use and it's effectiveness was indeed linked to spiritual power. It certainly was a strange way to think around it. Did it mean she was somewhat less spiritually capable? Most people on his Planet had been able to use Materia even to a small extent. Maybe she just didn't know any better?

Only time, or in fact their pending mission, might reveal more in this regard.

"It's important not to forget that. Given the situation." By that of course he means their imprisonment here. Sephiroth then takes off his long jacket and places that down on the bench as well.

"I will no be forgetting it." She smirked at him, so he did use magic... She knew not every magic user was like the priests and priestesses of home, but she still had a natural wariness of those with magic.

Even if his was only usable with objects, if that's what he had actually meant. Instead of natural magic becoming more potent with objects of power.

Sephiroth offered a nod to acknowledge her smirk with. It's not like he has any Materia here in the Tower. Neither does he know if anyone does. Sure it would give him an edge but well, you work with what you have.

He paused as if to say something more. They should have a lot to discuss after all but then he stops short. It's not safe to talk about such delicate matters in the open. Regardless of whether Nesir would follow him or not, Sephiroth now heads for the track. There is nothing like a few laps to warm up with.

She followed him, she had been jogging anyways, might as well continue. And she was interested to learn more about Sephiroth.

It's not like Sephiroth ever trains with a companion so there was a curious look back over his shoulder as they got closer to the track.

Well, this might be such an opportunity as was needed to learn more about what she is capable of. He smirks back at her before starting to jog at a gradual pace; because clearly, speeding off can only result in pulled muscles and stitches.

She continued following, running laps may have been her least favourite activity in the temple, but if running laps before dawn every day, often with a hangover, had taught her anything it was stamina, so she kept up well.

"Have you been being her for a long time?"

It's not a race, it's a warm up and so Sephiroth is content enough to keep up a slightly-faster-than jogging pace. Nesir's stamina is noted however, from about the fifth lap around the track - that point where most humans would be struggling to keep their breath steady.

Sephiroth's breathing is as controlled as it needs to be, the only thing he knows more about than his own body is his sword-fighting techniques. As such it doesn't take much effort to word a response, he's not sure what to think of her apparent curiosity though.

"6 months nearly, or thereabouts."

But then, knowledge is power. The more you know, about more people - Sephiroth doesn't have an end to accomplish yet though but he's sure it fits in somewhere.

6 months... half a year. Such a long time but then, Nesir realised suddenly, she had been here for five months already. A very long time... Well hopefully they would have more information and options in a few days.

"So you do be knowing this tower quite well."

He doesn't reply right away, pushing the pace of the jog up a notch. Testing to see how well Nesir could keep up. Only when she was back pretty much level with him, or nearby at least would he carefully take a breath to answer with.

"I don't think anyone could claim to know this Tower quite well."

A few paces more and Sephiroth will add to that.

"I know enough of which floors I do not trust."

She's smart enough to know when she is being tested and she pushes herself to catch up. It was hard, especially since they had been running a while but she managed.

"That do be good at least."

Sephiroth could keep this current pace for a long time but running around the track isn't the sole reason he spends his time in the gym. Without any further comment to Nesir, he concentrates on finishing the next two laps before slowing down and eventually coming to a stop.

His chest rises and falls heavily with the cooldown though he's not anymore out of breath than if he'd only done half of that warm up. Sephiroth recovers so quickly though, that any sense of him being entirely human would be dashed to oblivion. He looks back and turns to Nesir if she followed with his pace.

"How about you? Spend very much time exploring?" If Nesir was going to try and get more information out of him about himself then there is no reason why he shouldn't do the same. Tit-for-tat. Besides, they were clearly trying to find out more about the other for the same reason; what else could it be?

Nesir is breathing very heavily and it takes a long time for her to recover, she glares at him, though not really angry, just annoyed that he was able to recover so quickly.

She nodded, and took a few more deep breaths. "I have been... it do be interesting to be in a different place with every floor."

Sephiroth at least acknowledges the drive in Nesir, that she had the willpower to even keep up with him when quite clearly it's not like she's much more than human. A trait that does her credit at least in Sephiroth's eyes.

That's why he hasn't just walked off and continued with his own workout, instead standing there and waiting for her to catch her breath enough to speak. The urge is fold his arms while waiting but he refrains from appearing impatient.

"They are going to great lengths to keep us occupied. It will be good to know why."

She outwardly get's herself together quicker than most, even if she is still exhausted and feeling like she needs to drink a few buckets of water.

"Even the most peaceful or obedient people could be finding ways to disobeying them if they did be being bored. And constant challenges do be stopping us from thinking too much."

"So weak-minded are most of the denizens here."

Sephiroth hopes that Nesir isn't one of those so easily distracted by the admins constant games-to-some-extent with them all. Indeed, being the other extreme, Sephiroth spends a great deal of his time thinking too much.

It's necessary for him, being unacceptable for him not to know exactly under what terms he is existing here. Granted, the recent revelations have only added to the questions but at least his thoughts can now be a lot more focused than the 'WTF?' that all of them awaken with when first brought here.

"People do be generally weak minded wherever they do be going." She told him sounding slightly annoyed, she sadly hadn't actually been that surprised at the fact that people here were so easily distracted. Some fought back and even if they did it in the name of light she could respect that, but for the others...

Floor 39

Floor 39

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