Johnas Clearwater (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
shinrasfinest) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
melodiesoflife2016-09-06 09:19 pm
shinrasfinest) wrote in melodiesoflife2016-09-06 09:19 pm
Entry tags:
#17 | The last straw...
Characters: Sephiroth [Mostly Open; Refer to the top-level Prompts]
Where: Aqures Ixen
When: 7 - 9th September
Summary: Crystal Terra fallout. He tried to get on, he really did. Having spent just over a week back at his duties in Esdham, the return to Aqures Ixen proves too much to ignore what's missing. More tl;dr in the Prologue.
Warning: Not so much moping as a heavy emotional/mental blow to someone who doesn't know how to handle it.
Also tl;dr, Terra had been obsessed-with on a just-shy-of-Jenova level, just to put in context.
Prologue
Despite their long and harrowing ordeal throughout the last month, in traveling from one world to the next chasing Palitutu, rest was certainly something that the Heroes of Light could barely afford. The Calamity had still expanded in their absence and there still seemed to be no clear method for how it might be defeated. Quite rightly, first thing first was the required use of the golden Crystal that Palitutu had relinquished; as time was now something in limited supply.
Dutiful as ever, promptly after their return to Aqures, Sephiroth accompanied Jade to the Mysidian Tower to see the job done and fell back in with the military forces stationed there that would see him back at Esdham by the close of that first week. But not before the news had reached him.
Terra.
He didn’t even recall if she’d been at the battle with Ultima Weapon, but then not everyone had been. Not that she was a burden, nor less considered as a weakness anymore, but he’d have been bound to protect her when focus had been needed to bring that monster down.
Afterwards though, when they’d all been pulled through into the Rift and began to chase Palitutu through worlds, that absence had been sorely felt. The longer that the month stretched on, it pulled at him not unlike the way that the continued use of his Custom Job, without sufficient rest, slowly chipped away at his overall health.
So many had fallen into the Crystal Stasis; Sephiroth was no stranger to this fact of existence in Crystallis. It could be even argued that it was in some ways inevitable that it overcame everyone at some point, such as the years they’d all spent under Aqures Tosf. Genesis and Angeal both remained among that number, too, at the Hospital in Aqures Ixen. Stasis was this Planet’s way of saving itself from the Calamity within each of them, so ultimately though company was lost there was no real reason to grieve; it only underlined the reality of the threat they all faced.
He didn’t need to go and see her, for what purpose would there be? Other to verify what her moogle, Tempest, had come forward sullenly to say. Only to test himself, to tempt that weakness, that notion that he had repeatedly attempted to banish deeply inside himself over the time that he and Terra had spent growing to know each other.Falling in love? Who was even to say...
She’d always been there...
No. He had to carry on. There was so much to be caught up on, after his involuntary month of absence from the military, not least the rising apparent threat of Downapolis. It was imperative to apply himself now, until there came a time where he was needed as a Hero of Light again and even in his time dedicated as an officer in the military, he needed to be able to perform with a clear head. Terra would have wanted for him to remain strong…
1) 7th - 8th September; Hospital [Open]
2) Nighttime 8th September [Closed B-09; Lucrecia]
3) 9th September: Hospital [Semi-Open, pls refer to the ooc note]
Where: Aqures Ixen
When: 7 - 9th September
Summary: Crystal Terra fallout. He tried to get on, he really did. Having spent just over a week back at his duties in Esdham, the return to Aqures Ixen proves too much to ignore what's missing. More tl;dr in the Prologue.
Warning: Not so much moping as a heavy emotional/mental blow to someone who doesn't know how to handle it.
Also tl;dr, Terra had been obsessed-with on a just-shy-of-Jenova level, just to put in context.
Prologue
Despite their long and harrowing ordeal throughout the last month, in traveling from one world to the next chasing Palitutu, rest was certainly something that the Heroes of Light could barely afford. The Calamity had still expanded in their absence and there still seemed to be no clear method for how it might be defeated. Quite rightly, first thing first was the required use of the golden Crystal that Palitutu had relinquished; as time was now something in limited supply.
Dutiful as ever, promptly after their return to Aqures, Sephiroth accompanied Jade to the Mysidian Tower to see the job done and fell back in with the military forces stationed there that would see him back at Esdham by the close of that first week. But not before the news had reached him.
Terra.
He didn’t even recall if she’d been at the battle with Ultima Weapon, but then not everyone had been. Not that she was a burden, nor less considered as a weakness anymore, but he’d have been bound to protect her when focus had been needed to bring that monster down.
Afterwards though, when they’d all been pulled through into the Rift and began to chase Palitutu through worlds, that absence had been sorely felt. The longer that the month stretched on, it pulled at him not unlike the way that the continued use of his Custom Job, without sufficient rest, slowly chipped away at his overall health.
So many had fallen into the Crystal Stasis; Sephiroth was no stranger to this fact of existence in Crystallis. It could be even argued that it was in some ways inevitable that it overcame everyone at some point, such as the years they’d all spent under Aqures Tosf. Genesis and Angeal both remained among that number, too, at the Hospital in Aqures Ixen. Stasis was this Planet’s way of saving itself from the Calamity within each of them, so ultimately though company was lost there was no real reason to grieve; it only underlined the reality of the threat they all faced.
He didn’t need to go and see her, for what purpose would there be? Other to verify what her moogle, Tempest, had come forward sullenly to say. Only to test himself, to tempt that weakness, that notion that he had repeatedly attempted to banish deeply inside himself over the time that he and Terra had spent growing to know each other.
She’d always been there...
No. He had to carry on. There was so much to be caught up on, after his involuntary month of absence from the military, not least the rising apparent threat of Downapolis. It was imperative to apply himself now, until there came a time where he was needed as a Hero of Light again and even in his time dedicated as an officer in the military, he needed to be able to perform with a clear head. Terra would have wanted for him to remain strong…
1) 7th - 8th September; Hospital [Open]
2) Nighttime 8th September [Closed B-09; Lucrecia]
3) 9th September: Hospital [Semi-Open, pls refer to the ooc note]
no subject
But he doesn't know that. The thought is quick to return back but it's not spoken, only reflected in the fresh way that he's trying to reach for the crystal girl again. Failing that, fists are balled up, muscles in arms tensing as Sephiroth shifts his weight to get a foot forward and standing. Everything about his body language tells that it's probably not a good idea to let him have the height advantage that would give him, though.
Ace and Sheena putting theirs in just makes the whole thought even more loud in his head. Too loud to be ignored.]
You don't know that! Any of you! Have you ever tried-!
[His voice breaks as again that thought comes around, the harsh reality that he really does know that he's going to have to somehow carry on now...without Terra. Sephiroth takes a breath, quivering beneath where he's being held, trying to stop a fresh wave of tears from coming in a vain attempt to save whatever is left of that pride that's already been fractured before. Defiance raises it's ugly head.]
-you can't stop me!
[It's a sickening knot dropping inside of him, as he calls upon that initial skill to his custom job, hardly noticeable but for those who may be already trying to hold him down. It's almost like he's somehow creating a rush of extra energy within himself and then using it to more forcefully get back up to his feet-]
no subject
But it's not his reaction to all of this but his reckless response which is angering her. Throwing his own well being aside in the hopes of getting what he wants, all by pursuing a path that could lead to a worse end. She can't simply stand by and let him do that. And while the others may have sympathy and logic to offer, she has her anger.
She doesn't keep her hold on his shoulder as he pulls away, releasing the cloth of his coat. It is an instinctive move and one that will keep her from being thrown off balance if he actually tries anything stupid, especially considering that he's taller than her.
But its his words that make her spit in response.]
Of course I have you damned fool! Too many times. And I'd be a fool to think that I haven't been the same to my friends back home before I came here. You think you're the first person in this world or any who has felt like this? Are you that closed off from the world around you?
[She glares daggers into the back of his neck.]
I can and I will if I have to. Don't think I don't know how to take you down without killin' you. Now take a walk and stick your head in a barrel of cold water before you do somethin' we'll all regret.
(ooc: grappling in AC games was never worth it anyway, she'll just have to parkour up his abs :P)
no subject
An apology, Ophelia sent off to be certain of one person's safety, before Vincent left the Library. Arming himself as he went, hoping--HOPING that this was just grief and not the last remnants gone of Sephiroth's sanity. Running towards the hospital, then through the hallways--a tall black clad figure rather than one in black and red as he usually is.
In some ways, as he turns the hallway, Vincent's mind and instincts remind him he's done similar before. The suit is so similar to one worn a lifetime ago, and while his hair is longer and the gun at his hip instead of his shoulder, the motions are still familiar. Drawn, cocked and ready--mission disable, not kill.
Staying the doorway in a crouch, as crimson-eyes note positions, the other heroes. Ignoring the guards who've backed away and realize a second too late what's about to happen. Mary had given him an opening, pulling back as she had and Vincent took it.]
Bang
The gunshot is loud; a quick and abrupt crack through the air and aimed at Sephiroth's shoulder. A status bullet: Sleep, thanks to Vincent's gunner-Job although he doesn't lower his weapon yet. If the spell didn't take, he'd fire again or do what was necessary.
But he really didn't want to kill this man. Not this man, so different from the mad-man-monster of Gaia.]
no subject
Besides, the fact stands that Sephiroth has activated his Combat Mode in a hospital. Jade's seen the Custom Job in action enough times to recognize the danger. Even if the SOLDIER doesn't intend to cause permanent harm, his grief could drive him into doing things he'd regret later. They have to put a stop to this now.
It's Jade's first time making use of the Job Palitutu left behind. Not quite how he wanted to test it, but here goes...]
Forsaken.
[Without any ceremony, Sephiroth's Jobs are disabled.]
Now. Restrain him.
no subject
She opens her mouth to add her two cents when the sudden report of a gun echoes in the room, causing her to jerk and hold on to the man protectively when the bullet hits. Looking around, she spots Vincent, her eyes wide as shock makes her react...loudly. ]
What the hell--?! Vincent, what are you doing?!
[ She's obviously not familiar with the Gunner job, but she's also seen Vincent in action and recognizes a nonfatal blow to the body when she sees one. Shaking her head, she feels the sudden energy drain after Jade speaks, and her hold on her friend tightens even as her expression softens in relief. ]
Got 'im.
[ Someone may want to help her, though... He is taller than her... ]
no subject
He's just about to turn back to her, once he's finished pulling himself up from where Sheena is still gripping at him to keep him down. A small voice in his mind hopes she lets go before he might have to-
CRACK
It's immediate and not only heard echoing in the room as the gun goes off, but reflected in the blossom of bone-splintering pain that's shattered out from where the bullet has lodged itself in him while the hole in his vest and body fills up and quickly starts staining the clothing on his back scarlet. He jolts forward with the recoil, groans and involuntarily leans more forwards and towards Sheena. A grunt later, blinding anger comes rushing off the back of the attack against him, pushing against the effects of the sleep status; he might have used Sheena for more of a crutch to get up and retaliate if it hadn't been for Jade's quick follow up.
But just like that barrel of cold water Mary mentioned, as soon as his Jobs are disabled a lot of the fire that had been driving him thus far is extinguished alongside it. The sleep status overcomes Sephiroth, it's acceleration a firm tell as to the exhaustion he's been pressing further into the back of his mind ever since they came back from dealing with Palitutu. With the Job keeping him going inactive everything catches up.
He coughs dryly, trying to keep his eyes open, squinting at what he can see of Terra's crystallized feet still while his breathing just gets deeper and then he blacks out.
...someone might want to help Sheena]
[late af]
[Albel had taken his time but now stood a few yards behind Vincent, staring into the room. He'd heard about the commotion, but seeing guards and Ace go by, he didn't think it would be this bad.]
[He should have seen it coming. This was Sephiroth. Albel remembered how he'd reacted the last time something had happened to Terra. He should have known...]
[Albel growled to himself, stalking past the other heroes to slip under Sephiroth's slumping frame and take Sheena's place. He didn't blame the others. Vincent did what Albel would have done -- he halted a problem, efficiently and without further casualties. If a bullet was what it took to stop Sephiroth -- and Albel was fairly convinced it could be -- then that was that.]
Jade, help me move him. They're going to have to cut that bullet out eventually.
[Mary could probably hold her own, or at least she thought she could. But Albel knew Jade and trusted him more.]
no subject
But what excuse could he even have for endangering the life of a loved one? Not only that, a worse tragedy could have occurred in front of their eyes on account of one, thoughtless act, had somebody from the outside decided to get involved. In all his sympathy, he couldn't justify any of that without knowing more. ]
... Should I let the medics know?
[ It would grant the healers a moment to prepare, but he wants to know how others might want to go about it, lest their presence creates even more disturbance. It's a non-lethal wound, no doubt, but it still requires proper treatment.]
no subject
Aye, unless Jade can take care of this himself. The fewer people who see this the better. [She makes a mental note to speak to the guards later on the matter of discretion. The murders were bad enough for the public image of the Heroes. Then their vanishing for a month. And now this...]
Tch, we're gonna have to have a talk when you sleep this off. [Her words are hushed, murmured to Sephiroth, but keen enough that any nearby can hear.] We're all on your side, and that means letting you have it when you're about to make a fool or a ruin of yourself.
[She's not at all thrilled with how any of this is going, but she sees how it could be worse and right now she's just focused on damage control.]
no subject
Tell the healers it was a Sleep Status bullet, round nose and fully jacketed. Entry point in the right posterior shoulder, likely in the muscle connected to the lower scapula.
[Part of knowing how to make a wound as 'non-lethal' as possible included at least a basic idea of the best places to fire into. Confirmation for the others that yes, Vincent had not been shooting to kill.]
How safe are we to move him, or should we wait for a healer's okay?
[Because really, Vincent didn't want to make it worse on Sephiroth. Ready to step in and help heft or carry him or support as needed. Sheena and others can yell at him later.]
no subject
It's not until boots can be heard thundering down the corridor as the on duty squad of guards for the entire wing converge hurriedly on that location, that those guards seem to turn back on-duty while waiting for the other security guards to arrive. It had never been the same since that time last year when the crystal heroes had violently emerged from their stasis and began ripping apart everything in their way. The security forces rush into the room, but soon gun barrels are dropped when the situation is made clear; not mentioning the fact that any one of them might well have worked with Sephiroth at some point, there will be a time for questions later.
Some medical staff have decided not to take a chance at all, and evacuated the area, aside from a handful who keep their distance until inevitably not only given the clear from the squad commander, but signaled into the room itself.
The impression is that the events that have taken place are confusing, for the most part, but the circumstances would have to be discussed -albeit discreetly- at some point.]
no subject
I'd rather not risk moving him too much. Let the professionals make the call.
[He'll have to think of something to tell the security later to mitigate some of the damage to Sephiroth's reputation... For the time being, staying calm and in control should help alleviate the tension.
But honestly... He's not sure how many more times he wants to cover for these incidents. If it weren't for the fact public humiliation would just make the situation worse, Jade would consider just letting Sephiroth deal with the consequences of his actions.
So he'd like to say, anyway. At the end of the day, he doesn't want to cause Sephiroth any more pain, either.]
no subject
However, she hadn't gone very far as she's also there to help lower Sephiroth to the ground, careful not to put too much pressure on the wound. She's not too familiar with bullets, but sometimes arrowheads got stuck in a person. If only she had her kunai... ]
Anybody got a knife?
[ Her jobs didn't have that luxury, and bullet-removal via particle thrower would be overkill. As though reading his mind, she glances in the guards' direction before straightening and stepping closer to Jade--her back to security.
She had been the first to encounter the guards and keep them away, after all. ]
Think they'd buy battle fatigue for Sephiroth and mistaken identity for Vincent? Saying he thought the same thing that happened last year had been happening now?
[ Her voice is low enough to be heard only by him. ]
no subject
I've my hidden blade. I've done this sort of thing before but I wouldn't consider myself a surgeon. Still, if we want that bull out I'll do it.
[She glances at the door and the people gathering there.]
Might be better to let someone else do it and pass them a well packed purse for their troubles.
[If the question is whether or not they can come up with a decent cover story, a bit of money could likely smooth the gaps.]
It's stress, no shame in it if he takes the time he needs to rest and recover. It's the truth of it too. We just need to get out in front of any rumors, and the longer we stay here huddled like criminals the harder that will be.
no subject
I agree with the pirate. Doing any more ourselves could make things worse. He will need the use of that arm.
[He glanced up at Vincent.]
I hardly think we need to lie about the wound. The guards did nothing. The staff should appreciate Vincent stopping Sephiroth at all. If they question the Heroes' motives, they should be reminded of that.
no subject
For that reason, they can't afford a gamble of any kind - these people deserve to get a clear picture of the situation... sans the details, maybe. Ace walks into the room first, motioning those by Sephiroth's side to make more room. ]
Let them take a look. I think we can allow ourselves to speak openly, can't we?
[ They look a mess, they are all a mess as it is, so there is no point in pretending nothing has happened. All that's truly left is providing a proof that the situation is now under control. ]
no subject
Quickly enough, three medics are doing vital checks. Quickly coming to the conclusion that it's a Sleep status and not fatal, but for the wound caused by the bullet which needs to be tended to. Shoulders are complicated. Soon enough, and perhaps with a couple of others' help, Sephiroth is lifted face first onto the stretcher and wheeled away out of the door.
It's only then that the squadron commander and the on-duty chief of staff for the medical team turn to those Heroes left and start to inquire as to the details.]
[ooc: feel free to drop here, or work out the story told, as far as it goes, etc.]