PSL; [EYES SUNK IN SMOKE-DRIED FACE]

[supersoldier]

sit around and wonder what tomorrow will bring (end of the line)
maybe a diamond ring


[There is something about his grace that is being upended, pulled to pieces by the threat of a new revelation hanging over his head. He can feel it, the dreaded fragments slotting into place, each page of every book filled to the brim with Professor Gast’s scribblings. His composure is starting to go askew, as if the foundations of his world might disappear beneath each step he takes across the manor's basement library — like it might swallow him whole if he stands in one place for too long.

It’s a taut string about to snap. Something on the verge of breaking, shearing away at a life he used to know, until— Until…

Until suddenly the world is all white and chill, and his graceless form is deposited so hard against the ground that he feels his knees crack against the cavern floor. Silver hair slides across his shoulders and its edges pool at his hands, palms kept flat on the earth, the only thing keeping him balanced.

Instinct takes over, as it often does. Masamune has skid several feet away, blade glinting in what light there is in this place. Sephiroth’s world is reeling for a second time, for reasons altogether unpleasant but far more unknown. But sharp eyes snap up, jaw gone hard, searching for someone to pin the hot blame upon.]

What is this? [He repeats, low, cold—] What’s the meaning of this?

Comments

[supersoldier]

[Who is this disembodied voice to tell him what to do, to bring him here and dictate how he finds the truth? More troublesome is the revelation that he’s not on his planet?

The offense drills into his bones. Makes him agitated, which is not a difficult thing to do, given he was on the cusp of a truth — the same truth that this apparent flame is teasing him with.

Hard, green eyes land on the woman nearby. She hasn’t said anything, but already the expectation of his obligation towards her makes him frown.]

And if I say no? [To the fire, again.] If I demand you send me back now?

[lightbright]

[ Then you will never learn the entire truth of what you are. And you will lose more than you expect.

But also, the fire won't send him back, but the voice will save that little tidbit for further arguing, since Sephiroth does not appear to be thrilled by his current situation as is. ]

[supersoldier]

[Can one rend a flame in two? This sounds more like a threat than a promise, and for a fleeting moment — an emotion born of something fiery, something teetering on unstable — he considers it.

But that threshold is uncrossed. To Sephiroth’s credit, he holds onto the pieces of himself that requires a steady mind, a steady hand. It’s only this that makes him accede, after heavy moments of silence.]

Fine. I’ll do it. But this is a promise that better be kept, for everyone’s sake.

[lightbright]

[ Aelfric will never turn his light away from a soul in need.

That is all the rumbling voice says, and then all goes abruptly quiet-- as though the presence that had been weighing down the air itself has withdrawn, leaving only Sephiroth and the young woman. Who finally chooses to speak as she steps forward, her manner cautious but unafraid. ]

... You weren't hurt, were you? When you were brought here?

[supersoldier]

[He’s unmoving, his face stern, still marred with agitation. Sephiroth looks at her like she’s done something to mildly offend, and he tilts his head up at a slight angle. His bangs sway. His left hand feels empty without Masamune.]

I’m fine. Who are you?

[lightbright]

My name is Ophilia.

[ And she gazes steadily back, making no further move once she pauses in front of him. ]

I have been chosen to carry out a rite that occurs once every twenty years-- well, no.

[ Her chin tips downwards. ]

I wasn't the one meant to do so, but circumstances changed. I hadn't intended for anyone else to get caught up in this... so you have my apologies.

[supersoldier]

[He watches her, silent, before turning on his heel to retrieve Masamune. His back is turned as he picks it up, and his tone is low as he glances at her from over his shoulder.]

I don’t want your apologies. I’m here to escort you, and little more than that. You heard the voice yourself, didn’t you?

[A rhetorical question. He faces her fully and Masamune shimmers coldly.]

What is this rite?

[lightbright]

It's called the Kindling.

[ The blue flame of the lantern she clutches seems to brighten. ]

I'm to make my way to two other locations, Saintsbridge and Goldshore, before returning here to light the Sacred Flame. It's more of a pilgrimage than anything.

[supersoldier]

A pilgrimage.

[He steps closer, frowning still. He only gives the flame a passing glance.]

So pomp and circumstance. Tradition for the sake of it. Or there a more of a point to all of this?

[lightbright]

With all due respect, Sir... ah, Sephiroth, was it? While there is very much a point, I don't think it's something I'm ready to explain to you. I'm sorry.

[ This has a much more personal meaning to her. ]