Log 022 | Monster Hunting

[neverbeamemory]

Characters: Sephiroth, Any Monsters & Anyone Else
Setting: Floors 41 -43 - 45 as in below & Sub-threads - throughout the Monster game event (15th-26th June)
Format: Usual long-Prose, Action prompts as Sub-threads. Can switch.
Summary: Somewhat catch-all: The ULTIMATE Jail-cell Tactic & Sub-threads as described. [Open at any point to All]  *OOC Note: This may turn into a 'running-log', depending on how the event progresses. I'll add more sub-threads/update the date range/warnings later. Sephiroth may not even keep this tactic up all event but this is the plan at least to start with.*
Warnings: Monsters-related fights/gore/injury/death. Sephiroth-related general warning.

Well clearly then, he's been playing the game wrong.

Though he's fairly sure that the first monster hadn't gotten back up after being decapitated Sephiroth hadn't hung around to check. Fact remains, it was becoming more and more dangerous every night after dark and more monsters had to be coming from somewhere. He'd started out so keen to hunt them all down personally if that's what it took to end this silly game.

Then there had been Ruana, taunting them all from the safety of the network. Though at least that had been a relatively good use of his time. He'd have to start putting monsters to people before this would get any more out of hand; not just for his own personal safety around the Tower anymore though. No, just to prove that he could do it. He could win. This game called strongly to a part of him that he'd spent a lot of effort keeping in check and only indulging in when it suited, that part that liked to kill. There was a certain jubilation in asserting enough control over another being to have the power to end it's life.

Each victory. Even against the usual fare of monsters in the Tower, reminded Sephiroth that despite the limited containment within the Tower, his skills weren't suffering as a result. He's still as sharp as the first day that he came here, perhaps more-so on account of what he- or rather, his soul- has learned experienced here.

There was a tactic that begged to be tried, but it could only work under the right set of delicate circumstances.

Step One, find a monster.
Step Two, capture/lure, or otherwise incapacitate/kill said monster and drag it to the 43rd Floor
Step three, throw it in a cell until morning
Rinse and repeat.

Then he'd deal with whomever turned out to be a monster, after they turned back.

Simple right? Not really. There was the question of how many floors around the jailcell floor he could afford to monitor whilst at the same time making sure (provided he caught one) that nothing somehow came out of somewhere to release the monster. Dealing with one at a time was bad enough, and sitting all night guarding one jail cell for one monster per night wouldn't be enough. Other monsters could be making more even as he ensured one wouldn't. On the other hand, Sephiroth knew he'd have big problems dealing with more than one of those at a time if they did get loose again before day. He might be an expert, appreciating of the challenge as well but he figured it'd take them all of a few seconds to rip him to pieces.

What a way to go. Though if this proves fruitful...

Sephiroth had settled for patrolling the stairwells between Floor 41 and Floor 45 to see how well this plan could be worked. Two up from the Jails, two down. Seemed logical. Floor 41 is an elevator-serving floor, this would be where the monsters could get under his radar. He wouldn't even have to step onto the floor much to launch a fireball at a mask if he saw one dancing inside the swarming, crushing mass of insects - just to attract attention before darting up the stairs. Floor 42 could be looked in on but he'd best be careful if one managed to chase him in there, he's not too sure about the extent these monsters disable powers but his telekinetic flight would be crucial there. He'd avoid leaving the stairwell on this Floor where possible. Up to Floor 44 and 45 would be patrolled as well just in case any one of them would come down behind him.

15th - 21st June Prompts:
A Bathroom Infirmary Cafeteria Dormitory Level 3 - Dorm 03-02

June 20th: 3rd Floor Library

Comments

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[There is a pause before Lancelot responds. He is by and large a quiet man and not much given to long speech.]

These are Deep Waters. I have both Lived and Died for Honor. I have been both Stripped of my Honor and Forsaken it of my own Will. I have both Prized it in others and Used their own as a Weapon against them. I have both let Honor Bind me, and found Freedom within it. Yet I cannot rightly say what is and what is not its nature. I have come to believe it almost a thing that is named by the one who holds it dear.

I have seen men so Blinded by their own Rule of Honor that they took Dishonorable actions.
In this way, there is Truth in what you say. The idea of Honor betimes supports the most unsupportable of actions.

[Lancelot does not speak of these things to his fellow Servants, or at least not in depth. Being Heroes, and having Died Honorable (or at least Glorious) Deaths, he believes they could not understand his sentiments.

He is a Hero himself of course, but one as close to Darkness as he is to Light. Lancelot forges his own Path, striving against what he sees as his Fate-- traitor and betrayed.]

But I -- I make my own Meaning. I win and fashion my own Honor, and call it what I will.
In this Place, I control myself-- and affect what I may.

In the War, though I am a Spirit, I Live and Die by my Deeds, and affect my Master's chance at Victory.
What is it that you wish, then-- that you would affect?

[neverbeamemory]

In that case, Honor is individual to each person's own moral code. I can agree with that, or at least mostly.

[There are things that Sephiroth has done in the name of Honor, for that which he considers family, after all. Terrible things they may be, and not for discussion in this exchange. Lancelot would not understand, just as most do not.]

I would affect everything and anything that I could. Take the revenge that I'm due, and take my rightful place within the grander scheme of things. The Planet was mine, and they ripped me from it.

[He doesn't look at Lancelot as he says this, indeed he's retreated back to that one spot on the floor to stare at.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[He has no notion of the meaning of Sephiroth's sentiments regarding his Planet. The man is something of a cipher. Revenge, however, is something he understands well-- if rarely speaks of.

When he speaks now, his voice is Low and Soft.]

Betimes I desire it-- vengeance. I have taken it once, and have thought to take it again.
It comes upon me like a fit, or a fever, taking me out of my senses until I can only think of Blood and Wrath.

I have sacrificed my Rightful Place to Vengeance. I cannot say that has ever won me Anything.
Yet I do feel that Righteous urging, as I do hear it in your voice.

[neverbeamemory]

[Well talk about change in the tone.

Sephiroth snaps his gaze back up to his room mate and curiosity flicks across his expression for a moment. He knows these feelings that Lancelot is describing, very well. Sephiroth knows exactly what it is to have scalding vengeance ripping through your veins, pounding at your temples as you take your payment due.

Sephiroth smiles lightly, but understandingly at Lancelot. He cannot say that his own vengeance has never won him anything; because it had won him a great deal. Though in the end he was defeated regardless. It's difficult to pinpoint how much of these defeats were contributed to blind revenge though.]

Then you need to learn to control it. Sometimes a bitter vengeance is the most effective, one that has been left to simmer awhile first.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancelot's answering smile is a small, strangely private thing.]

Control was something I rarely employed in life, and I have been a Spirit for an Age or more.

But the matter is out of my hands regardless. I am the Servant Berserker, summoned Mad. Thus do I serve-- in Merciless, unreasoning Wrath.
Odd, that in coming to this Mad place, I have found some respite from my own Madness.

[neverbeamemory]

[What a pitiful existence then, all in all.

To serve as they are summoned, against all odds loyal to their master. This sounds like madness to Sephiroth. He wonders if there is any part of Lancelot's being which is not someway influenced by this contract he is bound by.

To be restricted such, and in a place like this. Sephiroth can't take just the one level of imprisonment most of the time, he buries his anger behind thick walls of self-control just to let all this insult wash over him. To exist day to day in the Tower, it's long been something Sephiroth doesn't allow himself to think on too deeply. His own sanity already has enough of cracks of it's own.]

This whole place is madness. [He comments lowly in reply.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

And yet, I myself am not. It is a profound reversal.

It is my hope that my Master may remove the Spell from me, that I might return sane to the War.
[Lancelot's smile returns, but with a very much sharper edge.]
I shall take great pleasure in putting to the sword the Magus who cursed me so-- and then, all who stand in our way.

At the Last, I shall have my Wish, as well.

[neverbeamemory]

And then what would you wish for?

[Expertly led on, Sephiroth waits for Lancelot to continue. It has been most informing this discussion and might yet prove to provide useful knowledge. Wishes can be used to many an end.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

Reconciliation.

[He does not say what sort, whether his King's judgement descending or his wrath loosed upon Her. He knows which he wold favor now, but above all it is peace he desires. To be reconciled with himself. To be Worthy once more.

He cares not is Sephiroth knows these things. Secure in his own Power, Lancelot holds himself neither answerable or vulnerable to anyone here. Save his Master, of course.]

This is what I desire.

For what would you wish then, Sephiroth, could you have your say?

[neverbeamemory]

[Ha, reconciliation.

The same would imply that Lancelot somehow held himself accountable for his own failings. Sephiroth has no such thing to prove to anyone. But himself, and he will perform that well enough when he breaks free from this place. When (not if) he is restored, by his own hand, to his rightful set of powers. He has no regrets, save for having submitted to defeat too many times than was acceptable.

All of those times had been circumstances out of his control. Within the Tower and before it.]

I would not wish. I deal in actions, not hope.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

Understand, this is not Hope.
To the Grail, Thought and Action are one and the same.

The reality one desires becomes the reality of all. The World Remade.

You would not Desire this?

[neverbeamemory]

Who would not?

[Sephiroth takes a breath, why was it so hard to get this out? His eternal goal, his destiny. It seems such a far reach from his current predicament. His failures in attaining it, coupled with his imprisonment here perhaps made it all the more bitter to recall.

But he couldn't forget, he would not dishonor his Mother that way. Especially since she had provided him all she had in order for him to attain this end.]

I desire the most perfect of utopia. Free from the trappings of all corruption, betrayal and with all humanity answerable to me and me alone.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Now, this is a turn-up, and no mistake. Lancelot gives the man a look of neutral appraisal.]

Do you, now.
[There is something of the more wicked, ancient and imperious of the Faeries Lancelot has known in this man. Some manner or underlying belief. Curious.]

Why is it humankind should heed your will-- by what right will you rule them?

[neverbeamemory]

[Sephiroth meets Lancelot's gaze. He wasn't sure what he was expecting but that look of appraisal wasn't it. Usually others have such a jaded, selfish opinion of his ultimate goals. Humans never do like change much. A silver eyebrow quirks up slightly at Lancelot's last question.]

I'm a superior life form to them, that's why. [He nods as if to reinforce his point, like he could ever have forgotten. How it's mildly insulting that Lancelot cannot somehow already know, even if it doesn't make any sense for him to.] And for all their slights against me and mine.

To take my vengeance due in it's entirety against the race that dared to stand in my way.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

Vengeance.
[Lancelot lifts an eyebrow. For all the pretty language, it is a fairly pedestrian reason for abuse of power.]
I have heard similar pronouncements from mortals and immortals both-- even myself.
In my experience, Vengeance got never serves or soothes as well as one thinks it might.

If you are of such a superior and powerful people, surely petty, human slights are as nothing to you.
Why pursue this grudge of yours, then?

[neverbeamemory]

[Sephiroth doesn't agree with that. On the contrary, he's always found that taking vengeance is the most satisfying of pursuits. Not only does it grant him the dominance above those that he targets, but it assures him of his own capabilities. There is no greater victory.]

Humankind has a lot to atone for. Petty though most of their activities are, their persistence in what they incorrectly perceive as 'right' has more than once gotten in my way.

I can. And therefore I will make them pay for it.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

Right.
[He does not address the threat. He is not of Sephiroth's World, and has little interest in its workings.]
When I lived, I acted for the Right. Even so, I committed grievous Wrongs against my own Honor, I took the Lives of-- some well known to me. Yet I was Right, all the same. It is a hard line to draw, I have found.

What is it, then, that the people of your World have done against you in the name of Right?

[neverbeamemory]

[Sephiroth has committed his fair share of atrocities, though he hardly sees them as Wrong's. That would imply that he should feel regret and guilt for this actions but Sephiroth does not. His way will always be the Right way.

He will always go a long way to proving the same as well. But he will not correct Lancelot in his opinion that Rights can be Wrong (and surely vice versa) because it all depends on perspective in the end and Sephiroth is very proud of his.]

They persisted to get in my way, to stop me from achieving my Destiny. Preventing me from claiming what is rightfully mine, as it couldn't be my Mother's before mine due to the same reason.

All for the foolish, human notion about what is Right. What is moral. What is necessary to secure the next generations of a race that should have been wiped out already.

[Sephiroth's eyes have narrowed and his head is inclined towards the floor now as he swills around his distaste in his mind like a sour fruit.]

[chevalier_mal_fet]

[Lancleot's King had been a Leader in Peace, as well as War. This had set Arthur apart from the King's preceding her-- her belief in, and fostering of, the Humanity of Men. The there might be a higher goal than Wealth or Power.

It had been a Beautiful Dream, and he had dreamt it, and had brought about its ruin, and had mourned its loss.
Tattered and bloodied though it might be, he holds it a thing of Beauty still-- a very Human beauty.

Lancelot speaks as if to himself.]

In my world, we existed together, Human and Faerie.
They were ever a Powerful race, with their own Realm, their Strange Magic, and their own savage Morals.
I was raised there, as a Human Champion-- the only Mother I had ever known put my Sword into my Hand and sent me forth into the Human World, to live as one of them, as I was Born.

Say what you will-- I do believe true Power feels no threat from Others.
I never held destruction necessary simply because I could wreak it so well.

[neverbeamemory]

[Sephiroth would see no beauty in that which he would seek to destroy, only hatred and blind determination to see it through to it's end. But then he has not ever succeeded in destroying his world, however close he might inform Lancelot that he came.

It does lead to the question of how he would feel about all of what had been, after it was gone. Sephiroth doesn't feel such a sense of loss though, even when he looks into the viewfinders on the 5th Floor. He feels the loss of what was his, what was stolen from him, his legacy. Not the loss for some elusive 'beauty' of the Planet itself.]

Then perhaps when I gain this true power, we shall have this conversation again. Destruction is as necessary as conception.

[chevalier_mal_fet]

Perhaps we shall, at that.
[The Tower feeds Lancelot on endless Prana, and in Battle, his Power never fails. But the Tower also cripples
him, forces him to rest when he would not. The set of his shoulders speaks of a deep exhaustion.]

For myself, I cannot say what is necessary, only what is.
Truly, I have never created anything-- ever have I been the agent of ruin, of destruction.

I do not sit in judgement then, but I shall wait, and I shall watch.
Should you triumph over this place, I will seek to use your Victory in cause of my own, Sephiroth.

[neverbeamemory]

I shall keep that in mind, Lancelot.

[And certainly the agent of ruin he looks, in his bloodied clothes. Although most would not merit it of Sephiroth he has both created and destroyed. He wouldn't be much of a would-be God, otherwise. Sephiroth looks down over his bandaged hand again as if he'd forgotten somewhat that it was there, sliding a leather glove back on over the dressing now that it's all changed.

He takes a steady breath, it felt oddly satisfying to have had such a fruitful, somewhat philosophical conversation. Even if Lancelot has not proven himself, in Sephiroth's opinion, any less flawed than most, time will indeed be the great reveal-er.]