paixaorpg | In which All of Hell's considerable Fury may in fact break Loose... [Active]

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In which All of Hell's considerable Fury may in fact break Loose... [Active]

Character(s): Sephiroth, Cid, the majority of ShinRa...
Content: The past confronts the future. ...Or something.
Setting: Cid's Shop
Time: Early afternoon
Warnings: ...I think the only potential warning I -don't- have to make is about sexual content, actually.

Although everything in Sephiroth's considerable training told him he should be walking into this situation with weapons drawn, he stood across the street from the shop empty handed, having left everything - including his materia and armor - in his hotel room. He felt strangely naked, without his equipment; all he carried was a set of potions.

Not like he needed much else if the situation called for it, though, as Zack had so poignantly reminded him. He rather hoped it would not.

The arrival of Rufus Shinra had been unexpected, and he wasn't really sure how he felt about it. He'd spoken to the man before, of course. Both as he was now and his childhood self. This place had an odd way of playing with one's perception of time.

At least the Remnants were not here. That was a can of worms he prefered to leave dead and buried, if at all possible. Kadaj -still- annoyed him, just through the memory of their meetings.

Steeling himself and uttering a short prayer to whatever deities chose to watch this event, he made his way across the street, and knocked on the door of a man who dearly wanted to see him dead.

Threaded | Flat

"Haven't forgotten about anyone, yo," Reno answered Rufus' comment with a slight smirk. It was just that he was going to assume that Zack was something of a special case until he had some decent proof to suggest otherwise.

Not that he wouldn't mind having a chance at killing the man if he got the chance, but he wasn't exactly going to hold his breath on that one. Besides if what he'd heard was right he might have some competition for the honor, as it were.

"An' someone's gotta kill 'em, that it? Or 'sthere somethin' else you've got in mind?"

"And just how long have you been here, Sephiroth?" Rufus asked not just because things were not quite adding up (he only had to glance at the room's occupants to know that beyond a doubt), but if they were to pool their resources, Rufus had to at least have an idea of Sephiroth's network and his assets. "And these people you've met- they're willing to assist you?"

Rufus listened with mixed feelings to the description and dealings of this new 'Organization'. "How...quaint." And highly familiar in tactics, yes. The lack of evidence for... 'clean up crews' does signal to Rufus that this group either never intended to go so far in their quest for power absolute, or that they were that good and that no one had found the remains.

Yet.

Knowing they might be there awhile, Rufus sat down on one of the chairs scattered about the place. After checking it for dirt and oil, of course. Leaning back, making sure that his suit wasn't being wrinkled in the process, he rested both wrists on the arms. "Do we know which elements they use? Their names, perhaps? Or even any identifying marks would be helpful." It would help at least to know what they were fighting against, to set up defenses at the least. And apparently because it's an important distinction, "Are they the acting government?"

Rufus didn't even bother to turn his head towards the pilot when he addressed the man, "In one of your adventure novels for kids, perhaps. I don't claim to enforce a higher reading level on all personnels, so," vague hand movement, "what can I do?"

Rufus stared at Cloud again, at the vulnerable figure he cut. Well, a different vulnerable than his older form. This boy was a far cry from the reluctant hero who saved Gaia and her inhabitants twice. Rufus didn't think they could depend on the boy in this weaker form. They might need Hojo after all...a thought that Rufus banished the moment it surfaced.

Rufus tilted his head down, waiting for Sephiroth to answer Reno's, all of their questions.

Sephiroth favored the former pilot with a slightly wan smirk. "No idea, I'm sure."

Zack's reaction was... well, pretty much what he expected, to be honest, at least as far as Hojo was concerned. The bile directed at the company for which they had both worked for so long, however, was unforeseen. Something had happened - would happen - that had caused bad blood there. Considering what he had heard and seen since coming here, he had a fair idea as to what. But, there wasn't much he could do about that, right now. "Their politics and policies are... similar," he allowed, nodding to Zack.

Everyone else seemed to be on the same page. "I have been here for somewhere near two years. During that time, the visitor population of the city has been in a constant state of flux - I have, for instance, met each of you here before. Therein lie the reasons that no direct offensive has been launched. Quite simply, no one was allowed to stick around long enough to figure everything out." He gave that statement, and its connotations, a moment to sink in. "As things stand right now, this Organization seems to be pulling the strings from behind the curtains. The late mayor, I believe, was killed by them - though there is no concrete proof, - and I also believe them to be behind the disappearances of several others. They are exceptional at covering their tracks, though; no proof, beyond personal testimony of those they have taken and subsequently released, exists that I could find."

He leaned back against the wall, arms folded, and considered for a moment. "I have trustworthy agents at large in the city. Some were among the kidnapped - others were not. At any given moment, it is likely that I could call on enough physical strength, among those agents, to storm a fortress as formidable as ShinRa tower itself head on." He suppressed a chuckle, something undoubtedly rare for him. "One of them, I think, could level the tower and most of Midgar, if you want the complete truth. But that's beside the point. All the assets I have at my disposal are, at their discretion, at your service, President."

Well, he'd figured that some version of him had been here at least, since he hadn't been the one to build (or claim?) this place and it sure as hell looked much like the places he'd stayed in for a while had a tendency to. Of course, the confirmation was nice, but he'd never mention that part, much less in the presence of the current company.

Rufus's comment earned him a scowl in return, but no actual answer - if only because he was more interested in what Sephiroth had to say. And needless to say, what he heard wasn't any more comforting than the people present.

"And you want us to go up against that? Against something we ain't got a clue of how to find?"

Of course, he would, if pressed, more than likely find himself helping out in any sort of fighting. He'd just be grumbling about it the whole way.

Zack's eyes shot to Sephiroth at Reno's question, unwanted thoughts and images of Sephiroth's loss of control flashing through his mind. Was Sephiroth secretly striving for control of this new organization? That didn't bode well at all for the rest of them, and Zack wasn't willing to be a dispensable factor for the former General's bid for power.

Zack brushed over the solemn voice that dutifully reminded him- he would have cheerfully and without question done so in the past, before Nibelheim. Then again, things had been very different before that night.

Zack frowned at Sephiroth, curled fingers fisting at his side, feeling delayed bitterness seep in. "Each of us, huh? How'd the last Zack react to you then?" Zack couldn't help but strike out. He knew what they were discussing was important, pivotal even, if they were to get home. He'd been a SOLDIER and duty most always came first, if he managed to keep his focus. With what Sephiroth had just revealed, it seemed that they would all either disappear or go home anyway. Though what that meant about Sephiroth still taking residence in this place after all this time, Zack didn't know. But he couldn't help wondering if their friendship, or what Zack thought was their friendship, meant so little to Sephiroth that he could just brush it off.

"Didn't you hear him, pops? He's got manpower able to level most of Midgar." Zack interjected at Cid, jerking his head at Sephiroth. Chin tilting down, eyes intensely fixed on Sephiroth, Zack continued, "So why don't you just attack them now? Take the fortress and dethrone the so-called king? Why recruit us, if you're so strongly backed?"

Well, this was certainly interesting. And not just for what Sephiroth had been saying at that. Mind you, Reno wasn't entirely sure whether or not he believed Sephiroth's claim that one of his allies would be able to take down most of Midgar.

A fact that he didn't much enjoy - especially not where the man to go mad. It would be like handing him the tool to their own destruction that way. And he'd be more than more than willing to bet that he wasn't the only one who wouldn't trust the man with that sort of power, should he crack.

Not that he seemed to be mad yet. On the other hand looks could be deceiving, something Reno knew very well.

"Cause I bet he ain't got any idea 'f where they are," he remarked in response to Zack's question. "Destroyin' the city's all well an' good, but it means we ain't got anywhere to stay after."

And there were doubtless some people that would have things to say about that.

"Precisely, Reno. Because there are possibly consequences to taking such an action, Fair. Or were you not the champion for the innocent and weak?" Rufus barely managed to keep his voice devoid of all sarcastic amusement, keeping in mind that the SOLDIER was Strife's closest friend.

"I assure you, Sephiroth. ShinRa's politics and policies no longer coincides with this Organization Thirteen." And as far as Rufus was concerned, this was the full truth, even if he hadn't really expected this Sephiroth to know that. He had yet to make a full one hundred eighty degree, especially in the eyes of the Strife in his timeline, but that didn't mean that he hadn't changed.

Even if what Sephiroth is telling him was very interesting, tactics he would have employed himself at one point to instill fear and confusion, Rufus decided to focus on the offer itself.

A small smile tilted the corner of Rufus' lips up, though not fooled that the offer, in essence, couldn't be withdrawn at any time. These people were loyal to Sephiroth, after all, and not to him. "That is generous, indeed, General Sephiroth. I believe we may pool our resources together, if not as an offensive measure, then at least in a defensive capability for those who need it. I accept and offer my own efforts."

If Zack thought he was brushing off their friendship, he was sadly mistaken. He was being brisk in an attempt to keep things from going any more awry than they already had. That, and trying to get this -over-.

He started to reply, but his points were made for him - by Reno, no less. Slightly ironic, that, but he'd take what he could get. "Under different circumstances, I would have no problem with taking more direct action. However, as has been said, these people are difficult to find, unless they want to be found. They don't seem to be liked by the citizens any more than any of the other newcomers - and as I said, they seem to be behind the mayor's death. Even if the government is under their control, these are innocent people we're talking about, not the guerillas we fought in Wutai."

He turned his attention back to Zack, then. "I'm not making an attempt to 'recruit' any of you. Merely apprising you of the situation as I see it, and offering my services and the potential aide of those who stand with me, at their discretion. I do not pretend to be their master."

Sephiroth considered Rufus' words and, finally, acknowledged them with a nod. "I trust your deeds will concur with your words. As for the pooling of resources... There have been whisperings of something important beyond the domes for some time now. The guardians at the gates are loathe to allow anyone to leave, but... I don't see how they could stop us. Everyone I have questioned says the land outside is rife with monsters and the like... Not unlike home. I had intended to lead certain of my allies in a scouting mission, two days hence. If any of you are willing to attend, I feel certain that a place could be prepared for you in the party. The rest would, I think, be best applied to establishing some sort of base. There is a warehouse I have been using..." Here, he extracted his journal from his pocket with slow, deliberate movements, and activated its map. "...here, in the northeastern quadrant of the city. I think it could be fortified and used as a base of operations."

So Shinra and Sephiroth were teaming up again? Wonderful. Just wonderful. Either he could join forces with the same damned lot that had been responsible for stealing away his dreams and his freedom or he could ignore that bastards running the city. And try though he might he couldn't manage to be as trusting of the damned ShinRa as Sephiroth was.

But he was certain that that Cloudlet would listen to 'em as well as Zack. Well, he didn't intend to be so quick to trust or so quick to sign on. As a matter of fact, he had every intention to stay right were he was. One could even say that he was fuming, and not be too far of the mark. But as far as he was concerned it was better than any of the other options just at the moment.

That and he really didn't care just now.

Okay. Point. Zack would have thought of the points Reno brought up, too, if he hadn't been so angry at Sephiroth's past betrayal. Future betrayal? Though Zack guessed it didn't matter by this point, only that Sephiroth was not allowed to do so again.

"Someone had to be," Zack shot at Rufus, very much implying by his words that the ShinRas had something to do with the need for that protection. And gee, Sephiroth and mini-boss ShinRa deciding to team up; it was obvious that Zack couldn't leave them unsupervised, even if on the surface, the protection of innocents seemed to be the motivating factor for Sephiroth. Zack couldn't quite trust that yet, couldn't trust that it wasn't another game to the man.

Zack stared at Sephiroth with hard eyes, arms crossing before he declared, "You won't be my master either. Or Cloud's." Zack nodded towards the seated, and mostly silent, cadet.

"Monsters, huh? Forget setting up shop. Count me in for this reconnaissance mission of yours." Zack's hand went to the hilt of his sword on instinct, clamping down on the familiar budding excitement that always came with mission starts. He was there to keep on eye on things, on Sephiroth, not to give free reign to his love for battle.

Somehow, that made sense. All of it did, made urgent with the tension in each man in the room. Unbelievable power enough to level the city, but no precision, just destructive without control.

It was terrifying.

Sephiroth teaming up with Rufus ShinRa was nothing unusual, at least to him. But the reactions of everyone around him who wasn't the president's son, Sephiroth or the Turk was drastically different. He knew there was distrust towards the ShinRa and even more so towards Sephiroth, but the combination seemed to multiply that he had to cringe.

Zack's declaration made him spin around to stare at the older man, somewhat relieved that there was at least someone he could trust. But having his decisions made for him made something inside wilt.

But... Zack did have a point. He couldn't just let people be hurt or die because he was feeling rebellious. "If people need our help, then... I'll help wherever you can use me."

So they'd be teaming up with Sephiroth again? Well, he could deal with that, although he'd be keeping an eye on Sephiroth all the same. As a matter of fact, he wouldn't be at all surprised if Rufus knew that he'd be doing just that and was counting on him to watch for signs that the man's sanity might be slipping.

And between the alliance with Sephiroth as well as Zack and Cloud joining up it was almost like old times again, if with a bit more tension all around. Well, he could deal with tension, if it came to that and it probably would.

However, for once he decided to stay silent; there was little need to need to add his voice to the chorus of people offering their hand. Rufus had effectively offered it for him, with his comment about pooling their resources. Rufus went and he followed and that all there was to it.

Besides, they weren't out of the woods just yet and someone had to keep an eye on people's tempers, ironic though it might have been to have him doing it.

Edited 2008-06-07 21:33 (UTC)

Rufus completely ignored Fair. After all, the impact of words like his were equivalent to a fly attempting to kick a car.

He couldn't, however, prevent the ironic quirk of his lips at Cloud's declaration.

Instead of dwelling on past events, he gestured towards the journal displaying the location of the warehouse, fully expecting Reno to retain the information somehow. Whether he chose to memorize it, request a copy, or otherwise, Rufus didn't care; so long as Reno was able to provide the requested information when the time came.

A scouting mission and setting up a main HQ. It was a pity that Rufus was stretched so thin at the moment, considering he would have liked to have at least two personnels assigned to explore the outlaying areas. At the very least, two sets of eyes would be able to tell him a more detailed and objective account of the area and Sephiroth's allies than one would.

As it was, Rufus was not about to be left out of either aspects of this...renitence movement. Ah, well. It couldn't be helped.

"Reno will be in contact with you regarding the scouting mission. I will assist with the set-up. I believe my experience more than adequately prepares me for such a venture," Rufus wryly remarked as he stood up and smoothed out his suit and vests, preparing to leave. This meeting had gone on long enough for him, and if Rufus wasn't mistaken, Sephiroth had just achieved what he came to do. Spectacularly. No less than he would expect from ShinRa's star commander.

"I trust you'll apprise us of any pertinent information, General Sephiroth. After all, successful collaboration depends on trust and knowledge."

Sephiroth nodded politely to Rufus at his declarations, then considered the others. It seemed like Zack, presented with something to use that sword of his on, was more than willing to set aside the conflict. For now. Good. Perhaps he could use this mission as a way to build some measure of good will with his old friend.

The Turk's presence would hardly be unwelcome, either. Given their propensity toward violent solutions, no matter the problem, he hardly doubted the man knew how to handle himself in a battle.

Cid's decision, while expected, was unfortunate. That was a bridge that would need much more repair before anyone in the room could even attempt to cross it.

That only left the young trooper. Cloud, he had been called; Sephiroth wondered, given the way time was in this place, if this might be the same Cloud the shinentai had told him about. If so, he wasn't impressed. This kid was supposed to become powerful enough to destroy him? ...Well, if he could do it, more power to him. The general had meant what he told them, about wanting them to use any means necessary to stop him if something went badly wrong.

"With all due respect, considering the nature of the mission, I would prefer to go armed. At the mission's end, however, I will gladly turn over my weapons. Do any of you object to this?" he asked, giving one final look around the room. This would be the last round of questions and answers; he had work to do.

Did he have objections? Of course he had objections - starting with the fact that it Sephiroth and ending with the fact that it was motherfucking Sephiroth. But even with that he had to admit that if there were likely to be any monsters going armed was preferable to unarmed. If a SOLDIER could ever really be called 'unarmed'. Fine, he'd keep his complaints to himself for the time being.

Besides, this was one battle he had every intention of keeping well out of. If all hell broke loose he'd do his best to help out, but he'd be staying out of things until then. Let Shinra and that Turk of his deal with it for now if they wanted. Besides, if the man had as many allies as he'd claimed to have surely he didn't need him to sign up.

Cloud's offer drew Zack back from happy fighting land, blinking once, twice at the cadet before remembering that, oh yeah, Cloud tended to be overly enthusiastic when trying to be of use. He made a mental note to talk to the cadet about that later. "I know you would, Cloud," Zack said, a hint of fondness seeping through.

So Reno was going to be coming with them, huh? Zack grinned at the other man briefly, though also keeping in mind that Reno wouldn't hesitate to fry him down if Rufus ordered it.

"That goes for us, Sephiroth," Zack added onto Rufus' request for information. He wasn't about to be left behind. "And we'll be watching you. Make a funny move or look like you're in need of Barbecuers Anonymous and I won't hesitate to take you down." The fact that Zack might likely fail didn't deter him; he still would do his darndest and try.

He tilted his chin down at Zack's unexpected confidence in his claim, hiding his heated cheeks. It was silly and stupid to get all worked up just because of something as stupid as Zack having confidence in him, so Cloud would just suck it up and not say anything, even if it felt good.

Stiffening as he felt eyes on him, Cloud glanced to the side and watched Sephiroth for a moment, his brow furrowing in consternation and looking away towards Cid then at the Vice-president and his Turk. It was weird, just how much he felt like he was missing quite a lot of information that he should know.

Trust, and you'll find out.

He cleared his throat, sliding his gaze at Zack. "... wherever you go, I will."

A scouting mission? With the possibility of running into monsters? Sounded just like home, and entirely up his alley. Sure, he might be the only Turk around at the moment but things had gotten just a bit too stagnant of late.

And the fact that he was going be working with Zack on this one didn't hurt either, a slight smile and a nod the only answer to Zack's smile. It had been a long time since they'd last teamed up on something. And longer since they'd both been involved in something that didn't give their respective bosses headaches.

"Long as they don't get pointed at me, I've got no problem with it, yo."

Unless a direct order made it his problem, but that rather went without saying. Not that he really expected it to, but all the same if he was ordered to, he'd do his best or die trying. There was a reason Turks didn't have the longest life span after all.

Rufus gave Sephiroth a half-formed smirk as his answer, letting the others draw whatever conclusion from that they may. Did he object? Yes, he did. Marginally. While they had to trust Sephiroth now, there was still no guarantee he'd stay sane.

However, he wasn't about to voice his thoughts on the matter.

"Come, Reno." As far as he was concerned, the meeting had concluded. Nodding at each of the men present, Strife given a little more calculation than the rest, Rufus turned in a flutter of white and strolled out the door they had arrived in.

"I will endeavor not to need your ministrations, Zack. The mission begins in two days, at noon. We'll be using the Niflheim gate." The significance of the gate's name was not lost on Sephiroth, but he felt confident that its symbolism wouldn't come to bear.

Gathering himself up, he looked once more around the room, then finally nodded to himself and followed Rufus and Reno out. The meeting was done; now, it was time to start acting.

Zack watched Rufus and Reno leave, followed very shortly by Sephiroth. He couldn't really pick a bone or three with any of them, considering he'd come here with unusual company. Zack settled for dealing with each on his own time later. Once Cloud had settled.

It wasn't lost on him why the pilot had chosen to sit this one out, but if there's one thing watching from the Lifestream had told him, it was that every fighter counted. Regardless if they were uncouthly, cranky old bastards like Highwind.

Zack decided to test the waters. Angeal always did say he had a reckless death wish.

"Cloud, did I ever tell you about this old geezer?" Zack asked, nodding towards Cid, eyes watching the man's reaction. "Never lets a friend hang, or abandons him, regardless of what he's become."

Niflheim gate... Letting his shoulders sag with relief, Cloud couldn't help but admit that now, after all the tense discussions and confrontations, everything seemed like it was going to be better, that things would work out.

And like common sense and his survival instincts told him, he probably just completely jinxed the whole thing. But if there was anything he was sure of, he was sticking to Zack's side.

"Huh?" He blinked, following Zack's nod and realized that no, they weren't left alone together. And why would they be, when this was Cid's shop?

Why Zack knew something like that was beyond him, but... Cloud really didn't want to judge by appearances alone. Even if the man was a bit loud. "That sounds really wonderful," he said truthfully instead, wistfully smiling at the older man.

What was the kid up to now? Hadn't he made his opinions clear enough already? He wasn't going to be working the god-damned ShinRa and that's all there was to the story. Not after all the hell they'd put him through over the years.

"I ain't old," he snapped, watching Zack carefully. Okay, so he'd helped out before, sure. But this wasn't then and the last time hadn't involved working with a madman and Shinra himself.

"An' what do you think your gettin' at?"

"Isn't it, though?" Zack continued, more amusement present now that he's got Cloud cooperating with him. A bit too well, in his opinion, but eh. That's Cloud for you. Always dependable in a pinch.

Zack completely ignores Cid's protestation, considering anyone that much older than him was old. But hey, that didn't mean he thought Cid was harmless. He would think the opposite was true.

"Why would I be getting at anything? Just making pleasant conversation, friend," Zack grinned, the words cheerful enough. "Cloud here, now he knows the true definition of a friend. Don't you, Cloud?" Zack asked the cadet, tilting his head down and giving the other what he hoped wasn't a too fond look. Didn't want to scare his friend away before he got to know him, after all. "You wouldn't let your friend go into danger, especially when he wasn't equipped to do so, or wasn't quite as strong anymore, right?"

Maybe he really shouldn't say anything instead. It really, really didn't seem like both men were getting along. Watching Cid and Zack face-off as if it were some spectator sport, Cloud drew his eyes away and fiddled with his PHS, still not functioning as it should.

You don't call anyone old unless you wanted a beating. Zack seemed to be the foolhardy type to actually ask for them.

"Uh..." Cloud wasn't sure if Zack was just spouting odd things about him when even he didn't know if he could back up Zack's confidence. That didn't mean that he couldn't try to say something about himself when Zack looked at him like that, or when Zack said something so stupid. "Of course not," he said instead, brows furrowing in incomprehension. "I wouldn't let my friend go at all without making sure they'll be okay."

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In which All of Hell's considerable Fury may in fact break Loose... [Active]

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