Zack Fair (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
colorofthesky) wrote2020-12-03 09:35 pm
colorofthesky) wrote2020-12-03 09:35 pm
Entry tags:
IC Contact for ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
lastvoyages
text ~ audio ~ video ~ action
“Hey, it’s Zack. Leave a message after the beep.”
[ beep ]
IC Contact for
text ~ audio ~ video ~ action
“Hey, it’s Zack. Leave a message after the beep.”
[ beep ]
[ And Zack doesn’t look the least bit intimidated by those words. ]
If that’s how you feel, then I don’t understand why you’d walk away.
If that’s how you feel, then I don’t understand why you’d walk away.
[ He wasn't trying to intimidate him. It wasn't so much a threat as it was a promise.
More normally:]
Because I have hurt him enough. Enough that he is known more as my opposite, as Alucard, than by the name my wife and I gave him.
Because he has taken in a village of children my rampage made orphan and he would not ask them to live beside their parents' murderer.
[ Quieter. ]
Because it is what he wants.
More normally:]
Because I have hurt him enough. Enough that he is known more as my opposite, as Alucard, than by the name my wife and I gave him.
Because he has taken in a village of children my rampage made orphan and he would not ask them to live beside their parents' murderer.
[ Quieter. ]
Because it is what he wants.
[ Zack listens. And he tries to understand, he really does. But all he hears, all it sounds like to him is Angeal all over again.
And it makes him mad.
There's a long-ish pause, and he does his best to keep his voice level. ]
When I was a cocky, sassy brat of a teenager, I met a man who took me under his wing. He taught me most of what I know and helped me become the person that I am. He was my mentor and my friend, and he treated me like the son he didn't have.
But then one day he disappeared. And no matter what I tried, I couldn't get him to come back. Because he learned some things, about himself and the shit some asshole scientists had done to him to make him different from the rest of us. He started thinking he was a monster, and after threatening to hurt someone I cared about, he forced me into fight and left me no choice but to kill him.
[ He lets that sink in just for a moment before going on. ]
Maybe it is too much to ask to have those kids live with their parents' killer. But there's a lot of daylight between that and living in the same world and still being able to see each other.
Because maybe Adrian thinks he wants there to be that separation, but for me? There wasn't a damn day after I lost my friend that I didn't wish I could get him back. That I didn't miss the stupid corny dad jokes, or the stories that made no sense, or even the damn lectures I'd get when I was being an impulsive dumbass.
What I'm saying is, if you care about your son, you can respect his wishes without banishing yourself. That doesn't do anybody any good. Not you and definitely not him.
And it makes him mad.
There's a long-ish pause, and he does his best to keep his voice level. ]
When I was a cocky, sassy brat of a teenager, I met a man who took me under his wing. He taught me most of what I know and helped me become the person that I am. He was my mentor and my friend, and he treated me like the son he didn't have.
But then one day he disappeared. And no matter what I tried, I couldn't get him to come back. Because he learned some things, about himself and the shit some asshole scientists had done to him to make him different from the rest of us. He started thinking he was a monster, and after threatening to hurt someone I cared about, he forced me into fight and left me no choice but to kill him.
[ He lets that sink in just for a moment before going on. ]
Maybe it is too much to ask to have those kids live with their parents' killer. But there's a lot of daylight between that and living in the same world and still being able to see each other.
Because maybe Adrian thinks he wants there to be that separation, but for me? There wasn't a damn day after I lost my friend that I didn't wish I could get him back. That I didn't miss the stupid corny dad jokes, or the stories that made no sense, or even the damn lectures I'd get when I was being an impulsive dumbass.
What I'm saying is, if you care about your son, you can respect his wishes without banishing yourself. That doesn't do anybody any good. Not you and definitely not him.
[ His fingers clench into fists at his sides, because Zack knows what he did, how he forced Adrian to do the same. It feels like a blow but it's just as clear that it's said with no guile, no manipulative intent.
It's the only reason he doesn't set Zack on fire. ]
I asked him when I might return. Whether I would be welcome, once those children had grown and passed.
He did not seem to think so.
[ What, exactly, is he supposed to do with that?
But, after a moment-]
I am sorry for your loss. Regardless of anything else.
It's the only reason he doesn't set Zack on fire. ]
I asked him when I might return. Whether I would be welcome, once those children had grown and passed.
He did not seem to think so.
[ What, exactly, is he supposed to do with that?
But, after a moment-]
I am sorry for your loss. Regardless of anything else.
Edited 2021-11-19 04:50 (UTC)
[ Zack does know what did. And that’s the whole reason why he shares his own story. Not to be manipulative or unkind but rather to show the man he understands. That this is a situation he’s familiar with even though events don’t completely line up.
He takes a deep breath when Dracula finishes, and steels himself for what he knows he needs to say. ]
Dracula… There isn’t ever going to be a good or perfect time for you to go back home. Those kids will have kids, their kids will have kids, and all of them are going to tell stories about you.
You can’t just sit and wait for people to die for things to get better. If you want to have a relationship with your son — and I know you do - you’re going to have to go back and start doing some things to change the dynamics of the situation.
He takes a deep breath when Dracula finishes, and steels himself for what he knows he needs to say. ]
Dracula… There isn’t ever going to be a good or perfect time for you to go back home. Those kids will have kids, their kids will have kids, and all of them are going to tell stories about you.
You can’t just sit and wait for people to die for things to get better. If you want to have a relationship with your son — and I know you do - you’re going to have to go back and start doing some things to change the dynamics of the situation.
Something which I offered.
[ The first time there’s been a touch of heat in his tone. ]
It was… not enough. [ A softer tone. ]
[ The first time there’s been a touch of heat in his tone. ]
It was… not enough. [ A softer tone. ]
What did you offer, exactly?
[ Zack will judge if it’s enough or not. ]
[ Zack will judge if it’s enough or not. ]
[ He turns then and there is a look down at Zack that makes it clear that he’s not pleased at the tone, but he will tolerate it. He’s well aware that he is not without his moments of stupidity. ]
I offered to assist in reparation, in caring for the village he has claimed as his own and offered my… former home to. I accepted that they would not welcome me, and that I would take pains to show my regret and to make amends. Prostrate myself if needed. Wait for the wounds to heal before returning.
All were deemed inadequate. It is only then that I raised the topic of another world and he had no answer for me.
It is answer enough.
I offered to assist in reparation, in caring for the village he has claimed as his own and offered my… former home to. I accepted that they would not welcome me, and that I would take pains to show my regret and to make amends. Prostrate myself if needed. Wait for the wounds to heal before returning.
All were deemed inadequate. It is only then that I raised the topic of another world and he had no answer for me.
It is answer enough.
[ Zack swears quietly under his breath — and not because he’s mad at Dracula. ]
All of that is perfectly reasonable.
[ Which he expected it to be. It’s Adrian that he wants to throttle right now. ]
And I get that you don’t want to make things harder for him, but he’s not being fair or objective about this.
Making amends isn’t, ultimately, about whether or not you’re accepted for it. It’s the fact that it’s the right thing to do.
Shit, if the guy who said he was a dictator can graduate, go back home, and work to fix things for the people he hurt, then you can too.
All of that is perfectly reasonable.
[ Which he expected it to be. It’s Adrian that he wants to throttle right now. ]
And I get that you don’t want to make things harder for him, but he’s not being fair or objective about this.
Making amends isn’t, ultimately, about whether or not you’re accepted for it. It’s the fact that it’s the right thing to do.
Shit, if the guy who said he was a dictator can graduate, go back home, and work to fix things for the people he hurt, then you can too.
Pagan. His name was Pagan. He was a friend.
[ It had been what had started him considering the idea himself. That, and Godric’s vision of the future that he’d been shown. The knowledge that science would reassert itself, that knowledge would be appreciated and ignorance left where it belongs. ]
And my son has his own difficulties, difficulties largely created by me and my choices. The legacy I left him. He is not beholden to me. He is not required to forgive nor to trust me.
My amends are not more important than his future. I have had long enough on that world. [ A tilt of his head. ] In some ways, perhaps it is right I am no longer welcome there. That I would lose what I treasure most. This place does not require payment.
But it is not an unfair request.
[ It had been what had started him considering the idea himself. That, and Godric’s vision of the future that he’d been shown. The knowledge that science would reassert itself, that knowledge would be appreciated and ignorance left where it belongs. ]
And my son has his own difficulties, difficulties largely created by me and my choices. The legacy I left him. He is not beholden to me. He is not required to forgive nor to trust me.
My amends are not more important than his future. I have had long enough on that world. [ A tilt of his head. ] In some ways, perhaps it is right I am no longer welcome there. That I would lose what I treasure most. This place does not require payment.
But it is not an unfair request.
[ Zack stares at him, and it’s almost like he seems to deflate. Dracula isn’t really wrong, necessarily, but accepting exile? It’s just…sad. So sad, he almost doesn’t know what to say.
His answer, when he does finally offer it, is quiet. ]
You could do a lot of good there.
[ At home, he means. ]
His answer, when he does finally offer it, is quiet. ]
You could do a lot of good there.
[ At home, he means. ]
My son can do just as much good with what I have left for him.
And what I have built, and written, can be built and written again.
[ His eyes drop but not in anguish or frustration. Instead, in a tired sort of humor. ]
Perhaps this time, I will use it properly. What I have learned… I can bring it wherever I go. For what is knowledge that is not applied but dreams that will never come to fruition?
[ He reaches out to gently lay his hand on Zack’s shoulder. ]
You are a good man. That you can know what you know, and believe as you do? That is miracle enough for me. And more than I am due.
[ He draws his hand away. ]
Thank you. You have helped me a great deal tonight. But you should get some sleep. I have taken enough from you.
And what I have built, and written, can be built and written again.
[ His eyes drop but not in anguish or frustration. Instead, in a tired sort of humor. ]
Perhaps this time, I will use it properly. What I have learned… I can bring it wherever I go. For what is knowledge that is not applied but dreams that will never come to fruition?
[ He reaches out to gently lay his hand on Zack’s shoulder. ]
You are a good man. That you can know what you know, and believe as you do? That is miracle enough for me. And more than I am due.
[ He draws his hand away. ]
Thank you. You have helped me a great deal tonight. But you should get some sleep. I have taken enough from you.
Edited 2021-11-19 19:12 (UTC)
[ Zack wants to be frustrated with him. To shake him and say no, you need to go home with your son, dammit.
But he doesn’t.
Because there’s nothing really wrong with what he’s saying. It’s tragic, yes — but that’s how life is sometimes. Even if you’re genuinely sorry.
He looks at the hand on his shoulder, then back up at Dracula, and puffs out a soft breath. ]
I didn’t lose that much.
[ And this was a conversation that needed to be had.
There’s a small pause, then, quieter- ]
I’m glad it helped.
But he doesn’t.
Because there’s nothing really wrong with what he’s saying. It’s tragic, yes — but that’s how life is sometimes. Even if you’re genuinely sorry.
He looks at the hand on his shoulder, then back up at Dracula, and puffs out a soft breath. ]
I didn’t lose that much.
[ And this was a conversation that needed to be had.
There’s a small pause, then, quieter- ]
I’m glad it helped.
I have only known you for a few weeks time, [ he points out mildly, some of his levity and humor returned to him ] and you have been helpful for all of it.
[ A fond sort of smile is turned his way. ]
Seeing potential in someone, something like me- it’s rarer than you realize. Rare enough that you’re only the second person I’ve met with any sense who has.
[ A fond sort of smile is turned his way. ]
Seeing potential in someone, something like me- it’s rarer than you realize. Rare enough that you’re only the second person I’ve met with any sense who has.
You will see soon.
[He will arrive not too much longer after that text. ... he was actually already headed that way. Had Zack not been in his room Sephiroth might have asked him to return there instead.
The wing is gone by the time he knocks on the door, but there might be a couple of feathers left floating to the floor.]
[He will arrive not too much longer after that text. ... he was actually already headed that way. Had Zack not been in his room Sephiroth might have asked him to return there instead.
The wing is gone by the time he knocks on the door, but there might be a couple of feathers left floating to the floor.]
[ Zack opens the door with a touch of wariness in his expression, but when he sees the man looks more disheveled than he’s ever seen him, plus the markings on Sephiroth’s neck, he opens the door wide and stares at him with a mix of shock, concern, and just general consternation. ]
What the hell happened to you?
What the hell happened to you?
[Sephiroth goes to move past Zack and into the room. He's not going to stand out in the open for this.]
Is it not obvious?
[Thats not really an answer though.
Before he moves anymore, he pauses--]
I left the other involved in the Enclosure. At the bottom of a well. Do what you wish with that information.
Is it not obvious?
[Thats not really an answer though.
Before he moves anymore, he pauses--]
I left the other involved in the Enclosure. At the bottom of a well. Do what you wish with that information.
[ Zack swears quietly under his breath and shuts the door. ]
Okay, you can tell me exactly what happened while I grab my first aid kid and materia.
[ He’ll be sending off a quick text, too, just to cover his bases. ]
Okay, you can tell me exactly what happened while I grab my first aid kid and materia.
[ He’ll be sending off a quick text, too, just to cover his bases. ]
[Don't mind him, he's just going to start taking off the jacket without any real explanation about that. ]
I came here because I need you to remove something. It is in an unfortunate location.
[Namely the razor blade embedded near his right shoulder blade. And he'll have to move the hair out of the way so Zack can fully see what he's talking about. Blood and all.]
I came here because I need you to remove something. It is in an unfortunate location.
[Namely the razor blade embedded near his right shoulder blade. And he'll have to move the hair out of the way so Zack can fully see what he's talking about. Blood and all.]
[ Muttering under his breath as he grabs what he needs, Zack just stares at the injury for a second. ]
A razor. Seriously?
[ Why the fuck is this becoming a trend? He still has the damn shiv Ezio took from John.
Scooting in closer to get a better look, he tugs on a pair of gloves. ]
Who did it, and why did they stab you?
A razor. Seriously?
[ Why the fuck is this becoming a trend? He still has the damn shiv Ezio took from John.
Scooting in closer to get a better look, he tugs on a pair of gloves. ]
Who did it, and why did they stab you?
[Zack is literally the only one he will let this close to do anything medical related.]
I do not know the name. I have not seen him before. As for the why, that is a question you will have to ask provided he is still alive. I will say his actions were without provocation.
[From Sephiroth's point of view anyway. He was just standing there enjoying himself.]
I do not know the name. I have not seen him before. As for the why, that is a question you will have to ask provided he is still alive. I will say his actions were without provocation.
[From Sephiroth's point of view anyway. He was just standing there enjoying himself.]
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