Johnas Clearwater (
shinrasfinest) wrote in
melodiesoflife2016-05-10 07:36 pm
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#15 | What goes down must come up again~?
Characters: Sephiroth [Open; will top-level prompt]
Where/When: Aqures Ixen, Evening-Early Morning 11-12/May
Summary: Between this and that, whatever progress Sephiroth has made with his once-proud ego finds itself sunk to the bottom of a bottle...or two...or three? This can only end one way, and lets hope this doesn't destroy his career.
Warnings: This is not designed to be a ‘come drink with me’ log (though by all means you’re welcome to try and be social). CW's include but not limited to: lonesome stress-drinking, self-destruction, anxiety/freaking-out, snap-violent reactions, confrontations etc.
There were worse taverns he could have picked, for sure, from the downright seedy or otherwise questionable establishments across Aqures. It was sometime in the early evening that Sephiroth passed the front door to the Space Saloon, like he had done a few hundred times since those months ago, when he’d helped to furnish it in the wake of the Battle of Aqures Ixen.
However, not more than a few strides later did a passing thought push itself to the front of his consciousness which soon found the SOLDIER turning heel and entering the Saloon a few moments later. The only interruption came, where Spencer were always at Sephiroth's side, the small bespectacled moogle turned back as soon as he realized his Hero was distracted-
"Kupo, you know we need to get back soon. Dinner will probably be on already."
"I know. Go on, I won’t be long."
Spencer squeaked, not entirely approving but far be it for him to forbid any Hero of Light from doing what they wanted, and gave a tiny quick-salute before turning back to the street that would lead him home. Sephiroth was responsible, always, and he knew he wouldn't keep Terra waiting.
One drink couldn't hurt, and it wasn’t like he had a habit of it. Break up the monotony of the routine he'd found himself settle back into again. Neither could it hurt to turn the volume of persistent poisonous thoughts down for a few hours. Might even get to relax, for a change; wasn't that what everyone else in the premises was doing, after all?
1) Had Enough [Open - Space Saloon]
2) Time to get home [Open - Post-Saloon, potential confrontations]
3) Panic Stations [Additional cw: drunk-sick]
4) End [Towards/Arriving at the Observatory/Next Morning]
Where/When: Aqures Ixen, Evening-Early Morning 11-12/May
Summary: Between this and that, whatever progress Sephiroth has made with his once-proud ego finds itself sunk to the bottom of a bottle...or two...or three? This can only end one way, and lets hope this doesn't destroy his career.
Warnings: This is not designed to be a ‘come drink with me’ log (though by all means you’re welcome to try and be social). CW's include but not limited to: lonesome stress-drinking, self-destruction, anxiety/freaking-out, snap-violent reactions, confrontations etc.
There were worse taverns he could have picked, for sure, from the downright seedy or otherwise questionable establishments across Aqures. It was sometime in the early evening that Sephiroth passed the front door to the Space Saloon, like he had done a few hundred times since those months ago, when he’d helped to furnish it in the wake of the Battle of Aqures Ixen.
However, not more than a few strides later did a passing thought push itself to the front of his consciousness which soon found the SOLDIER turning heel and entering the Saloon a few moments later. The only interruption came, where Spencer were always at Sephiroth's side, the small bespectacled moogle turned back as soon as he realized his Hero was distracted-
"Kupo, you know we need to get back soon. Dinner will probably be on already."
"I know. Go on, I won’t be long."
Spencer squeaked, not entirely approving but far be it for him to forbid any Hero of Light from doing what they wanted, and gave a tiny quick-salute before turning back to the street that would lead him home. Sephiroth was responsible, always, and he knew he wouldn't keep Terra waiting.
One drink couldn't hurt, and it wasn’t like he had a habit of it. Break up the monotony of the routine he'd found himself settle back into again. Neither could it hurt to turn the volume of persistent poisonous thoughts down for a few hours. Might even get to relax, for a change; wasn't that what everyone else in the premises was doing, after all?
1) Had Enough [Open - Space Saloon]
2) Time to get home [Open - Post-Saloon, potential confrontations]
3) Panic Stations [Additional cw: drunk-sick]
4) End [Towards/Arriving at the Observatory/Next Morning]
sounds good to me then~
Clearly, the man was not in any condition to be on his own. Selen deducted that from watching him struggle to remain standing and talking. The smell of acid was strong but it's not something she's not used to. After all dealing with her own soldiers getting drunk a lot was a typical job of the former General. Selen pulled some his hair from his face when she felt him continue his spasms of throwing up.
Sometimes she wondered what kind of person he truly was-- or even if he was human. His strength was problematic. Especially when she wanted to get him to a safer location rather than his vomit filled street. ]
I take it you didn't eat much before this whole ordeal either. You're quite energetic tonight, now take it slow and easy. I'm going to need you to help me here.
[ Because she's grasped that trying to move him was harder than she originally thought. ]
Hope this is okay.
She's actually not too sure who he had aimed that punch at, since both women had been pretty close at the time. But she can't help but think it had been her. Still, that doesn't mean she's going to abandon him. And the smell?
She's not fazed by it at all. After all, what's a little acid between friends?
Coming up next to Selen, she points. ] I think our best bet is that way. [ She had been scouting for a way to get Sephiroth out of there without too much trouble, and she had found it. Now, they just had to get him to his feet.
Getting on the other side of him the best she can as a "spotter" or "helper", Sheena nods.
She's ready to help, too. ]
incoming tsundere ojisan
It's not as though he's worried. Someone just has to make sure no one's gotten killed.
By the time he made it back to the Space Saloon, Sephiroth had already left. Now, feeling a little annoyed at himself for caring too much, Jade's walking down the street in the direction of the residential district -- until he catches familiar voices coming from an alleyway ahead of him.]
Oh dear, oh dear... [He jogs over and takes in the scene. The stink tells him all he needs to know.] Need a hand?
http://www.ign.com/wikis/assassins-creed-4-black-flag/Hungover
However, thanks to the brawls she'd lost sight of him and now that she's found where he's staggered off to they've moved into the phase of making sure he actually survives this night. She's not sure that the blessing of being a Hero can revive one from the damage of too much drink and she's not about to find out. She barely knows Sephiroth, but that's no reason not to help him.
Walking up at a quick stride she gives the others a nod, happy they got to him. She can tell that he's not doing well, and it's not simply a matter of just getting him home.]
He hasn't hurt himself, has he? Should be a clinic or back alley doctor we can get him to if we need to. [Even if he hasn't hurt himself visibly, the shivering isn't a fantastic sign. The hospital is an option, but perhaps not the best for his dignity. Also those Pirate/Assassin instincts kicking in.]
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It also reveals the wetness streaming down his face, as tears seeping uncontrollably from reddened eyes. Not that she sees much of that particular detail, given as he's looking pointedly away and down at the corner where the building met the pavement.]
There's no point.
[He makes a small noise which could be a categorized as a grunt that he's used to cover up a hiccup, if not for the fact that it happens again a moment later. And then twice in quick succession. Sephiroth's breathing has increased it's pace significantly as it's starting to feel as if his throat is closing up. The small grunts he makes being his attempt to clear it. All the while still shaking; but he's not cold, actually he's feeling warmer within himself as the seconds tick by.
From the other voices nearby, the shame at being seen by yet more people in this state just piles on the feeling of uselessness that's quickly rising to overwhelm whats left of his once-proud, now drowned ego. His other leg gives up being crouched and Sephiroth presses the other side of his face to the concrete of the corner of the building, as if it might just open into a void and swallow him up.]
-just. Go. [He strains to raise his voice, and even that is shaking - not turning his head more than he needs to lest anyone else try to accuse him of trying to drown his sorrows.]
-it'll all be over soon.
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[ Selen greeted the young woman with a nod of her head. She was still doing her best to help Sephiroth in the matter, still sort of leaning over towards him and trying to hoist him up with her extremely petite form. ]
I suppose that is a good idea. Perhaps, A hospital would be more suited. I'm afraid he's acquired some injuries, one or two of which were probably mine.
[ Not that she had any pride on punching the man a few times. She was trying to get him to put himself back together but obviously that wasn't a thing. At the sound of another voice, she looks up again appreciating Sheena's offer to help in whatever form it may be. ]
It seems like we might have a rescue party going.
[ She mused in a soft joking yet serious tone when she heard Jade's voice ]
Good evening to you too, Jade. Any assistance would be appreciated. I'm afraid I miscalculated my own strength this time. Yes, I think that seems to be the majority choice in the matter. I hope that all of you can give me a hand if it's alright.
[ She added to Mary's concern. She wanted to ensure that he would be okay no matter what. Of course, the bruises and such she discovered on him slowly as she peeled away his hair were making her concerns even more prominent. She brushed her hand gently against the bruise, pressing a cloth of sorts. Hopefully it wasn't bleeding. It seemed like Sephiroth was crying but Selen made no announcement of that as she continued to push at him to get up, gently at it. ]
That's not an option that any of us are willing to take. I'm certain we're all worried about you and wish to assist you. Now, please don't be stubborn about this dear.
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Also leaning over him to push his hair back out of the way, her fingers cool with some Ice magic, she pauses when she sees the wetness there. Like Selen, however, she doesn't draw attention to it.
Instead, she supports what the other woman says. ] Yeah, I think we should get him where he can be treated. Unless someone here can heal? [ Please, oh please let there be someone who can heal.
[ She gives Selen a reassuring nod. ] Of course I'll help you. And Sephiroth. [ Turning to Jade, she uses the direct approach. ] We're definitely going to need a hand here. Think you two can stand behind him and help us get him to his feet?
[ Come on, look at the two of them. They're a little on the vertically challenged side.
Shaking her head, she looks at Sephiroth. ]
What? No way. I'm not going anywhere, and like Selen said, I don't think anyone else is, either. We're your friends, Sephiroth; we care about you.
[ You're not alone, you big goof. ]
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[He nods to Sheena's request. Being almost as tall as Sephiroth, he's the most logical choice to be taking the brunt of the weight. As much as he dislikes manual labor, there's time and place for those kinds of complaints.]
I think the situation calls for privacy. [He steps closer and kneels by Sephiroth, prepared to help him stand once the two of them are done administering first aid.] The observatory should be almost empty by now. I can work there.
[There are a lot of ways he could respond to Sephiroth's weak objection, none of them very helpful right now. No point kicking the man while he's down.]
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Too close. Can't...breathe-
He swallows yet more frenzied gulps of air and seems to suddenly wake from his stupor at staring at the corner of the pavement to his side. Flicking his eyes to each and every one as they reach out to him, some of them even touching. Most of the haziness from the drink seems to be clearing but the clarity reaching his logic now isn't constructive at all.]
Get. Away from me.
[He even pushes, grazing fingertips across the brick of the corner of the building, against the wall to push himself forwards and then back again into the corner. Only to get distance where he's feeling trapped. Perchance to breathe where he's all of a sudden acutely aware of the sensation of his chest and throat tightening as they all press in to try to help.
It doesn't help, though, and Sephiroth shuffles his body along the side of the wall some; away from the deposit he made earlier. Leather doesn't slide very well on the concrete but the difficulty just defines everything about life, the claws dug in deep from the underside of his own introspection.
He rests heavily against the wall a few feet away and draws knees up under his chin, curling arms across knees tightly enough that he might well break himself if he did so any tighter, and pressing his forehead hard against where his knees met.]
I'm not worth any of this. Just let it be.
[It's spoken loudly but only so that his voice isn't mumbled against his knees, as the short gasps of air might well sound like sobs if they weren't so strangled, panicked.]
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[ When Selen watch him suddenly move to a corner, though knowing that he also needed air, she didn't get too close to him. Though, her brows were slightly knit together in concern for the man as he told them all to get away from him. Of course, she registered that he wasn't the type to easily accept help and would remain prideful and stubborn about it until the bitter end. Even then she isn't even sure if he will give up.
Sephiroth was a whole different kind of frustrating now, but she was the first to move over again seeing she was trying to get him to stand up or perhaps move somehow so he can be taken to a safer place. Jade seemed to know what he was talking about so she trusted the man as always. It seemed like their task was becoming more difficult by the minute.
Eventually, she was kneeling at the length in which he had his face pressed against his knees. ]
Sweetie, what are you talking about. That's not something you should say about yourself.
[ Selen replied her tone becoming a bit more stern. ]
You're going to have to loosen your grip unless you want to further injure yourself.
[ She's trying to grasp the situation really. ]
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Still, she's too late, and she winds up taking the brunt of his push, falling on to her behind as he moves past her. She's up in a flash, though, looking at Selen, she saw her own concern mirrored in the woman's expression. And she recognized in Sephiroth herself--stubborn, not wanting to be a burden to others, refusing to ask for help...
Feeling unworthy...
Well, Sheena wasn't going to have any of that, and her approach this time wasn't too gentle. Striding over to him, she stood with her hands on her hips and gave him a stern look. ]
Not worth it? Seriously? You honestly believe that? [ She paused. ] Do you want me to smack you again?
[ She'll do it, too. Knock some sense into you, Seph. ]
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Talking isn't at the front of his mind, between the quick breaths he keeps taking, hyperventilating while struggling to get a grip of the cold, vice-like grip of something bitter inside of him wanting to wrench his insides that much tighter than he's gripping his own knees. Sephiroth shivers again, just as Sheena steps in again to peer down at him disapprovingly.
To begin with it's like he's not even heard Sheena either. But then, almost out of the blue he raises his head and makes a concerted attempt to slow his breathing some. A long huff of an exhale as he meets her eye contact with narrowed eyelids.]
Do what you like. Doez't matt'r anymoar.
[He'll even turn his head to the side, away from the direction of everyone. His cheat heaving away as it would if he'd just completed some vigorous exercise. Perhaps if Sheena hits hard enough it'll put him out of his misery...do them all a favor...]
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Somehow I doubt that's true. You've done a lot for the people of this world, even if a few of them don't know how to appreciate it. [She didn't mean anyone in particular besides a few particular named folks, but she knew the public opinion on the Heroes varied. And there was no call to try to prop up Sephiroth with obvious and shoddy partial truths.]
And I know a few of our own look up to you to. I'd dare say you're worth more than you expect to a lot of folks.
[She crouches down, not getting any closer but at least putting herself more at his eye level, trying to keep some of his focus on her and her voice.]
Right now though, we're here because it doesn't do to leave a man in the gutter in his own sick. It's a man's own business what he does with a bottle, but it's the right thing to make sure he gets home after.
[Glancing up, she makes eye contact with Sheena and Jade. She's not sure how Selen might feel about it, but her own thought is it might do to take him where he needs to go whether he wants to or not. Raising her hands she gives her fingers a little waggle, magical energy sparkling at her fingertips.]
Course, if you want us to go, you'll have to pardon us for bein' a bit slow here. You can't blame us for not simply floatin' on by.
[She cocks her head, hoping the message got across, and waits for permission.]
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At least nothing's burned down yet.]
Alright, give him a little space. And no violence, please. There's a time and place for that.
[He meets Kidd's gaze and considers the suggestion. It's tempting, and would certainly make it easier for them to drag Sephiroth to the observatory. On the other hand, taking away what little control Sephiroth still has over himself could make the panic attack worse...
Silently signaling Kidd to wait a little longer before they resort to that, Jade regards Sephiroth for a moment and then goes straight for the one thing that should elicit a reaction.]
Terra will be worried sick if you don't return home. Is that what you want? [He pauses long enough to let the words sink in.] If she's more important to you than sitting here and wallowing, then drop the self-pity and cooperate.
[Jade never was one for friendship speeches.]
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Oh, but Sephiroth, it matters. You matter. Don't you see? We're all here because we believe that.
[ Even Jade.
Stepping back, she gives Jade a look. If she was going to actually hit Sephiroth, she would have by now. Like she had earlier. She didn't always lash out unexpectedly, you know.
And surprising herself, she agrees with the man over Kidd's suggestion and shakes her head. Sephiroth is a proud man, not wanting to be a burden to others, so letting him get to where they want to take him under his own power will let him keep that pride.
The moment Jade mentions Terra, however, she does step back--out of potential harm's way. She's not sure how Sephiroth will react, but she's not taking any chances. ]
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[ Selen replied still within his presence but she had moved a few steps back to give him some space and air. As Jade said, violence would only lead to other conflicts and Mary's response seemed to be reasonable enough. She was fine with it as long as the other wasn't falling on his face every five steps or less.
It was her only concern since Sephiroth would sport more injuries than necessary and she wasn't fond of having to see him even more injured than he is. ]
Why don't you lead us then, Sephiroth? We'll follow and we'll only assist if you truly can't get back on your own, but as the young lady said, we're not going to idly watch you on your own, unfortunately.
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[-just don't understand! He wants to scream, but Sephiroth can't get the words together in his drunk-mind, let alone actually go the extra step and attempt to communicate where it still feels like there is a great hand in his chest squeezing all of his airways closed.
There is nothing he can do but let each of them say their piece, like stormy waves crashing against the weathered surface of the man he once liked to think he was. Kidd's only saying that to try to make him- just like Sheena and-
Jade's comment earns a disgruntled noise which is essentially a low grunt of a growl accompanied by a slow turning of his head back in his once-comrades direction. Aside from the comment about violence; for sure he's seen enough of that tonight - or had he? Terra. Talk about going for the jugular; and then for Selen to back it up...
That weakness that he'd let himself develop, that he'd known all along would eventually be brought to bear against him. Should've known better, for now for all of his promises about keeping her safe and happy...it's all just been for nothing.
Sephiroth's gaze hides none of the potential violence another version of himself might deliver, and he would make himself give now if only he had more of a will to move.]
You think ah-dun 'no that? [The way Terra might look at him, the way she might be hurting at the way he's ended up. How she looked that time, when she told him he'd died and how she didn't want that-
And then there was Albel, he hadn't even known! His expression turns angry, sour like he doesn't like the way his own thought-process tastes.]
Better that I had never spoken to her. Ugh-
[It hurts. Sephiroth curls to the side, clutching around his middle as the icy tension inside feels like it might make his heart burst.]
-rather than...believe...something that izn't.
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The magic fades from her hand as Jade and Sheena turn down her suggestion, but she's still game to get him where he needs to be for his own sake if it comes to it. Sometimes the nice choice isn't the thing someone needs.
But at the comment of believing in something that isn't her brow furrows. Has something happened between him and Terra? She's not surprised that the two of them would bury whatever happened, given what she knows about them. Hide it away and pretend like it doesn't bother them.
Even if he's in no state to be clear or thoughtful, she doesn't doubt this is what he truly feels. But drunk as he is a pep talk will have trouble getting past that storm of emotion.]
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But "believing something that isn't"... So this is either about his future on Gaia, or he's found out about the situation from the Sage's vision. Actually, it's probably both at once.
There's no point arguing about it now, though, when the man isn't sober enough to think straight. For that matter, Jade isn't sure how much the others know about Sephiroth's background. Best not to bring it up.]
But you did. And you can't take it back. Like it or not, you have a duty to fulfill.
[After a brief silence, Jade takes a step forward -- though still leaving plenty of space between them -- and crouches down again. This time, he speaks quietly.]
Sephiroth. Stand up.
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-his essence has already been marked for assimilation, along with all of the Jenova inside of him. For sure, exactly what the Calamity might need to devour.]
My...duty. [He sounds almost spiteful, as Sephiroth's head lolls back away from the group again. Fresh tears just swell up from inside already dried-out eyes. Alcohol does nothing but dehydrate and the activation of his combat mode earlier has sped up the side-effects.]
You know just like I do. My 'duty' is to die.
[Whether he refers to his death in a potential future here, or that which had already happened later in his timeline from Gaia; it makes no difference.]
I can'- stand. No' anymor.
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[ Of course, she had been listening to this silent conversation for as long as she could without saying anything but for him to say that about himself, poked at a nerve inside of her. Of course dying was the end point. Some point in the future they would all die but she didn't think of it as a duty. Rather, it was something like an escape, an easy way out. ]
Let us help you if you can't stand anymore.
[ She pressed but her tone was soft and not demanding. She was trying to get him to move along and get help in some way. ]
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But Sephiroth...no, there was no pity. She knew he was better than this even if the drink was making him say otherwise. Still knelt in front of Sephiroth and alongside Jade she held out her hand in offering.]
If you want to cast off your duty that's fine. Stand for yourself then. Lean if you must, but use those feet of yours to move forward.
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[Sephiroth can't bring himself to look back at Selen; no matter how kind or soft her words were. Or to Kidd as she comes close again, crouching and extending a hand. His gaze is lowered, wet lashes keeping all potential eye contact on the floor down to his opposite side while he continues to grip at his knees and shake like a leaf.
The panic attack is receding though and the shame is already starting to ride high on the next tidal wave of emotion that's about to crest.]
Dun see wha' there iz to stand for...can't move forward. It's poin'less.
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A question that needs to be asked, and whose answer just may get Sephiroth on his feet and rethinking things.
Kneeling before him, the ninja speaks in a gentle, yet firm, voice. ]
Sephiroth. Tell me. What is the one thing or person you cherish and want to protect above everything else? In other words: Why do you fight?
[ If she's right, the name "Terra" will be the answer. ]
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Why do you fight? Oh the many times he's faced down that question and turned from it. Shrugged it off. Pretended like it hadn't been uttered. With him stuck literally against a wall and still reeling in self-afflicted drunk!sickness there is no running from it.
He goes still for a few beats, which has to be an improvement on the shaking he's been doing. His grip around his knees has slackened too. There is a heavy quiet before he looks to Sheena directly, meeting her eyes as if she might be able to see through them right into the battered depths of his soul for all it's inflamed right now.]
I'v always been a fighter. [The slurring seems to be bottoming out now too, no surprise, he's probably spent the majority of the alcohol in his system now. Between his outbursts, not to mention bodily rejections, tonight.]
...I can't be there fo' her. Not like this.
[He doesn't mean particularly like this, as in the stupor he's got himself into, but damn it could be hard to tell currently.]
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