#7 | Return from the Brink

[shinrasfinest]

Characters: Sephiroth & OPEN (except 8th Feb: CLOSED to Jade Curtiss) 
Where/When: 8th Feb - Republic of Esdham: A makeshift clinic, 9th Feb Onwards - Aqures Ixen: Hospital   
Summary: Sephiroth's ordeal out towards the Desert of Roalie has left him battered, most notably with a leg which is now broken in two places. Even with potions and white magic available, the resources at Esdham are strained in the wake of the recovering effort after the attack by the Herans. Sephiroth is later transferred to Aqures Ixen Hospital where help befitting a Hero of Light is more readily available. Still, it's going to take time for him to get back on his feet.
Warnings: Cuts, bruises, broken limbs; as expected considering. Also he's lost a good few inches from the length of his hair but probably best not to talk about that. 

EDIT: Added a #3) Here

#1) 8th Feb - Republic of Esdham: A makeshift clinic [Closed: Jade Curtiss]
Late on the 7th Feb, a rush of activity had ripped through one of the makeshift clinics set up to deal with the aftermath of the attack by the Heran Empire. Someone had been found, much further out than anticipated, by one of the preliminary patrols sent out towards the oasis, and even though the medical staff on hand had tried to keep their tones hushed on account of the late hour, the clinic was already over-capacity and so the urgent healing required by a Hero of Light couldn't be kept a secret. 

The unmistakable sound of rain hitting the roof of the tent, or rather the absence of it's wetness hitting his face was what greeted Sephiroth as he came around. The afterglow of a Cure-spell receding it's color as the white-mage Tarutaru currently on shift lowered her hands and offered a kind smile in his direction before leaving just as he squinted eyes first and then chanced to open them. There was no more open-sky above him; so he hadn't dreamed that patrol after all. It had been difficult to tell, given the hallucinations -that dream a few nights ago, for example- that had to have signaled that his body were finally giving up on him. 

As if it were waiting specifically for him to regain more consciousness first, the pain then all came crashing back. Sephiroth had gotten an elbow under his one side -the other were in a sling tight up against his chest- but the reeling nausea, centered in particular around that deep agony of bone moving like it shouldn't put him back down prone instantly. With stars across his vision no less. He blinked, registering details as he looked down over himself. There was a plaster cast up to his thigh, and also a supportive brace around his left leg and it were elevated just slightly by way of a few pillows beneath his ankle. He couldn't feel his toes as they poked out of the bottom. He swallowed a rising sick feeling that was stirred and -for the time being- drew his focus into the roof of the tent. 

#2) 9th Feb Onwards - Aqures Ixen: Hospital [Open]
If there was something to say of the Aqurean government, they cared for their Heroes a lot. As soon as Sephiroth were out of the immediate hypothermic danger he'd been found in, arrangements had been made for his transportation to a better facility. A small airship had been arranged -no small feat considering the devastation to the airport that had been inflicted- and he'd been away.

Still, not much that Sephiroth could do with one arm still strapped in close to his chest and his leg throbbing away in it's heavy plaster cast and brace which was more often than not elevated into a position from which he couldn't miss it even if he wanted to. Talk about it being staged directly in his face. Hindsight really was 20/20, that leap had been a risk; but what was the alternative? To be killed anyway? Captured? Spencer had already informed him that some of the other Heroes had been taken. Sephiroth scowled heavily every time his thoughts were inevitably drawn that way; another failure to chip away at his pride. 

His silver hair had been braided and was set down across one mostly-unblemished shoulder; it was noticeably shorter though. Having had to have had the singed ends cut away. Overall, Sephiroth sat mostly with the backrest up, alone in the ward they'd given him, in silence while the lesser injuries he had sustained; various cuts, bruises and burns, were gradually treated by potion, lotion or Cure-spells. Most often he could be found reading a book, slowly sipping at a glass of water, or reviewing some of the notes that he'd had Spencer bring him from his study area back at the house. 

He hadn't the heart to have Spencer send a message to let significant others know he'd been recovered safely, as such exchanges would only lead to what he considered to be unnecessary concern; even as it became obvious that he wouldn't be getting back on his feet nearly as quickly as he would have had he been mako-infused, or so 'special' as he had been before. That and he wasn't sure he could take the pity.

Comments

[wings_of_steel]

Selen didn't go out of her way to get the big things, but she sure spent a lot of time fighting off the small ones. Zelda and her had a blast defending citizens. She even met a cheerful young man by the name of Luke. She remembered him by his shockingly red hair. She didn't sport as many wounds as Sephiroth, however. She was wandering the hospital today to grab a few medical supplies for herself, and Darres.

She caught sight of his silver hair and form, reading a book. Of course, she was the type to greet those she was familiar with. They weren't friends, but she shared a good amount of concern for him to at least greet him and see how he was. He seemed to have had it rough compared to her. That poor man. She wondered what powerful son of a bitch hacked at him.

"Hello, there," she cheerfully greeted him, setting down a can of what did people call this stuff?-- Oh right, Soda. She set the soda can down in front of him as if she was offering it to him as a greeting, "My, what ate you up and spat you out?"

Genuinely her cheerfulness was lined with extreme concern. It worried her that someone of his caliber had become so injured. She was covering it up with her cheerful act, though the sharpness in her blue eyes was proof that she was more than just asking him leisurely.

[zodiac_brave]

In the last few weeks, Ramza had spent entirely too much time in the Aqures Ixen hospital. First, he had woken up there after that disastrous battle, then he had been in and out as the doctors and mages ran their tests. And finally, once they had studied the effects of his crystallization as much as they could, Ramza had come back one last time to visit his roommate.

He walked down the hallway now, lost in thought. It had been...disconcerting, seeing Laguna in stasis. And with Yuffie and Luffy...missing...it felt much lonelier in the city than he had felt in a long time.

He came to a stop in front of Sephiroth's room by chance, realizing that he had wandered into the wrong ward as his melancholy thoughts took over. He saw the silver haired man sitting on his bed, reading. Ramza almost turned to leave without disturbing the other man, but at the sight of his bandaged leg, the blond felt honor-bound to check in on him.

"Sephiroth," he called quietly from the doorway. The last time he had spoken to him, the swordsman had asked not to be called 'sir. "How are you? Is there anything you need?"

#2

[woman_of_strife]

There is no rhyme or reason to why she thought to commit the gesture, a fresh bouquet of winter flowers kept between her arms before she approached the door of the patient's room. She could feel the air being drawn out of her as the vacuum of her anger wanted to consume every thought into a bottomless hole. Perhaps it had been the innocence she saw in Cloud's eyes, the sort of sight that had yet to be jaded by the cruel, violent hands of the man he idolized.

Worn and bandaged knuckles rap at the door of Sephiroth's room, just loud enough to make her presence known as she clears her throat just after. Muscles tense, her legs going stiff, the deep seated fear of her wrongdoings staring her in the face even before she could see the condition of the man she loathed.

[nankurunaisa]

The girl who entered the room on the 10th hardly looked anyone Sephiroth had ever met. She was dressed suspiciously from head to toe, obviously in some sort of disguise. She wore a thick trenchcoat, glasses with darkened lenses, a bandana tied back to hide her hair, and heavy boots that masked her height just slightly. She exhaled when she finally stepped inside of his room, sounding tired...before giving a wave.

"Haisai! It's been a while, huh?" And with that, she pocketed the glasses and started to undo the bandana. She was probably the last person Sephiroth expected to see, but Hibiki's Moogle wandered right in after her, carrying a small vase of flowers. Hibiki had her own box under her arm. "I wasn't sure if you were takin' visitors or not, so I'm not gonna stay long, okay?"

2)

[neverfirstclass]

Had Cloud been in Esdham then Sephiroth could be sure that the ex trooper would have been visiting him constantly and making offers of help. Really all this meant was that it wasn't until he was brought to the hospital in Aqures Ixen when Cloud began his worried visits. If pity was a thing the First Class was concerned about then doting may well have been worse.

Cloud's discovery of Sephiroth in the hospital had been entirely accidental. He had been there for his own reasons and Sephiroth just had the poor fortune of the eager lad overhearing his name and asking questions.

"So anyway, Yuna...I mean Yunie scored the winning goal for the game, but it was really close. She says they have blitzball where she comes from too." Cloud prattled on as he cut Sephiroth some of the pie he brought on this visit.

Feb 9th

[goddessofthesky]

A soft rap sounded from the doorway before Zelda made her way inside. She came the moment that she knew he was back. She didn't want him to know how much she had worried about him but she couldn't wipe the relieved smile that spread across her lips. She was wearing her winter clothes with a big basket held under her arm. Her hair was tied back except for two loose strains that framed her delicate features. She didn't wait for him to move or speak not wanting to aggravate his pain.

Zelda quickly took a few strides towards the bed setting her basket on the chair. If he looked inside he'd find flowers, books and packaged foods. She tried to think of everything that he would need during his stay before dashing from the house to come see him.

"It's good to see you." She didn't want to ask him how he was doing or what he's been through. She was sure he's had enough with the questions so instead she proceeded as if nothing had happened at all.

"I brought you some things." Zelda looked down at her basket with a wide smile. His necklace rested in her jacket pocket feeling heavy compared to the weight of the filled basket. She wanted to give it back to him but in a way she felt as if she had failed him. Her gift truly did nothing.

Feb 10th

[greenmagick]

She hadn't known his name during the fight and it was Tempest who discovered that her unknown protector was the man who was currently trapped within the hospital. She didn't come right away. What could she even say to the warrior? They didn't know each other but he had helped her. Tempest insisted that Terra do something for the wounded hero.

It felt like she had so many people that she needed to thank in some way but her skills with cooking were subpar and Tempest seemed to think that was the answer to everything. In truth, all she knew was fighting.

Instead, against Tempest's wishes to learn to cook, she went to the library to find a book. She saw her roommate reading often and she has enjoyed the books she had found hidden within the fiction section of the library. She selected her favorite book and then headed to the hospital.

Tempest flew behind her wondering if Terra would be able to make a new friend or not. The little moogle had a tendency to worry and her hero wasn't the most talkative sort.

Terra held the book tight to her chest as she walked through the hospital. She hated places like this and the surgical smell made her shiver. She stepped through the door to his room her voice ringing out in a gentle tone while her moogle flew silently beside her. "Hello?"

February 10th

[her_rose_is_red]

Ib had been terribly worried about Sephiroth since she found out he was missing. She'd been so afraid that maybe he'd been captured. Like Luffy. That fight with the robot had been so disorganized and confusing, any one of them could have been grabbed during it. But maybe if she'd tried harder to keep track of him, maybe if she'd done better in the fight.... But that's all in the past now. Once she heard he was alright, she just had to go and see him for herself.

She doesn't really like the hospital. The people in crystal stasis are an uncomfortable reminder of what could happen to any of them at any time. When she finds his door, she opens it and peers in.

"Sephiroth?"

But when she sees the state he's in, she gasps and rushes in.

"Oh, gosh that looks awful! Are you okay?"

Well, obviously he isn't. Silly question. She awkwardly holds up a small bag.

"Um, I brought you some cookies."

Cookies will help with his broken bones, right?

#2- late evening

[nodreamsorhonor]

Of course the proper time to visit was long over, but Genesis did not want to trip over someone who might actually be lingering around Sephiroth's sick bed, attempting to make him even more comfortable. Such things would probably leave him in just as a bad humor as being slowed down by a human weakness; Sephiroth was not like him in enjoying the attention after all. He also wanted to speak with him about matters he cannot ignore any more. The talk with Tifa and the dream had Genesis needing to act before things became worse.

With Talitha scouting the way, Genesis walked down the halls, avoiding all he could until reaching Sephiroth's door. Then giving it a sharp rap, he entered before he could be dismissed.

#3) Recovery: The rest of the Month (February) [Open]

[shinrasfinest]

The house that had been so full of life not so many days after the Starlight Celebration was simply not so anymore. All of the occupants that had lived there had fallen into Crystal Stasis in Sephiroth's absence and whilst he wasn't a fan of the bustling nature of an active household, the grim atmosphere that the building had been gripped in, with it's fine layer of dust starting to accumulate, was stifling. Spencer had gotten right to work as soon as Sephiroth had first managed to sit on the couch and rest his plastered leg up, in an attempt to at least get it into some sort of working order again.

Everything that Sephiroth put his mind to, whilst he was recovering, took a frustratingly extended amount of time to perform though. From getting up out of bed after what few hours of sleep he could manage, to the undeniably awkward affair of carefully sponge bathing and washing his hair in the bathroom sink, even tentatively edging himself down the stairwell to get a glass of water or to sit on the couch with his leg up while writing or studying seemed to goad at him. Ever mindful of how vulnerable his Hero was feeling though, Spencer did his best to keep that creeping isolation away - but in truth it even weighed on the Moogle as well.

Every few days they did venture out of the house. Sephiroth had to go for his check-ups at the Hospital and, later in the month, he had been provided with a task to do for a new Job as well which at least got him out. Sometimes to the Library but they always had to be mindful of the time factor, not to mention how much he ached after being on crutches for an extended period; even if Sephiroth were ever too proud to admit it. He was healing fast, aided by the healing magicks available in Crystallis but it could never be fast enough.

For the most part his days dragged on, sat in the living room on his own with only Spencer, his notes and letters, his crystal, and his own thoughts to keep him company. In the house that he had moved into with the hope that he might dare to attempt to rebuild a friendship that he had once thought shattered.

And now Angeal was gone too. It itched almost as much, almost as unbearably, as his plaster-cast leg did. At least there were those Heroes kind enough to take a moment of their time to come and sit with him, even if he hated having anyone feel obligated to do so.

February 8. I am never late.

[jadethenecromancer]

"Oh, good. You're already awake."

Jade strolled over, hands casually in his pockets. His tone was that of mildly pleased surprise, as though he was speaking to a coworker that had recovered from a cold rather than returned from the brink of death.

It would be a lie to say that he hadn't been concerned about Sephiroth at all, really. Granted, that had mostly been because losing a powerful fighter would have been an unfortunate setback for the Heroes, but nevertheless -- Jade had felt compelled to check up on his wounded comrade. If nothing else, it seemed pertinent to report back to Zelda, for her peace of mind. So, once he had found the time between other responsibilities, he had stopped by the makeshift clinic and patiently waited for the white mages to do their job.

Now that they weren't on duty or under attack, Jade showed no sign of seriousness; he merely smiled down at Sephiroth, looking vaguely amused.

"How are you feeling?"