[OPEN] Holding tight what could have been

[poison_allure]

Characters:  Yazoo and whoever cares to visit him

Location: Shibusen Jail Cell

Rating: PG

Time: Backdated like whoa... Feb 14th

Description: Yazoo stews in his cage. 


Four walls and near-total darkness. If it hadn't been for the superior eyes Mother had blessed him with, Yazoo might have been all but blind in that cell. Thick and dense, no chance of sound penetrating. He  couldn't hear, sense, or smell Kadaj anywhere near. The isolation was almost unbearable.

He dragged his fingertips against the rough stone and comforted himself with the memory of breaking bones, warm blood spurting under his hands, the sweet noise of agonized screams. They had shut down his ability to transform - the treacherous witch and that awful Stien person - but he had dealt without such powers long before he had ever come to this forsaken place, and he would do so again.

If BREW didn't see fit to send them back again, then the only left after that was to play by the rules, at least until those in power saw that he was no longer a threat. It rankled badly on his pride, but all it really needed was patience. Patience, and the ability to deceive, two things that Yazoo excelled at.

All he could do was wait.

Comments

Future-dated to the 25th of Feb

[pure_lineage]

It was early in the morning when he had finally pulled himself towards the large Shibusen building, and anyone who cared for it was working hard at Morning Training. Even his Meister had decided to attend and become a teacher for those who were inexperienced. He had declined not out of lack of interest, but more because it wasn't his place to upset the balance of Cloud's life. Sephiroth was no fool, and he knew well who else would be attending that particular training, so he silently withdrew and kept to the shadows of the city.

There was nothing to distract him with now, and his aimless wandering of the streets had pulled him towards the Shibusen building.

Sephiroth had known that both of his Remnants had been taken to jail. The crimes they had committed hadn't gone beyond his notice, and he hadn't even considered voicing any protests over the action. In fact, Shibusen's actions to place the pair in jail had saved their very lives, for he would have stripped them of them.

He knew well that his Remnants were incapable of learning. Kadaj had proven that time and time again ever since his arrival, and now that Yazoo was here, the ex-General knew that neither of them would ever evolve. They would hide themselves and make it appear as though they had changed, but Sephiroth was more than well aware of the festering darkness that filled their souls. How could he not when their souls were part of his own?

This wasn't the first time that he had been in the halls within the very depths of the Shibusen building, as this wasn't the first time that his Remnants had been incarcerated. Yet things had changed much since the last visit, and he held firmly to the declaration he had made to Kadaj all those weeks ago.

His boots sounded softly along the path towards Yazoo's jail cell. There were guards posted out the front of it, and as he approached, the ex-General gave them a dismissive nod in order to get them out of earshot. There was nothing that Yazoo could do in order to overcome him or slip by, not at the strength he was at in this world, and it was because of that notion that the guards reluctantly gave him the space and privacy that he so desired.

Sephiroth's movements finally came to a stop just beyond the bars of the cell. His cool gaze slid over to regard his Remnant before his smooth voice filled the area. "I cannot find myself surprised to discover you both within these walls," Sephiroth said. He could feel Kadaj elsewhere within the jails, but his attention was not on the youngest Remnant, but of the one within the cell before him.

He was no fool, and he knew well what answer he would receive from this visit. Yet a small part of him hoped that it might end differently.

[poison_allure]

Yazoo had been sitting on his cot, leaning with his back to the wall and seeming to staring into space. He hadn't moved much for the best part of two days, and it would make the guards nervous each time the apparently catatonic remnant would abruptly shift position to glance at them, green eyes burning.

In truth, he had been all but idle, brain ticking over plans and schemes to get both himself and Kadaj back into Shibusen's favour, to avoid the temination of their existence. Kadaj wouldn't like most of the thoughts he was having, but then, the youngest remnant misliked anything that was dishonest to Mother's will.

He twitched at the sound of boots coming down the hall, a familiar presence coming closer. He allowed himself to smile a little, then shut it back down to careful blankness in time for the General to send the guards away and appraise him. This would be the first, and the most difficult person he would have to convince.

Yazoo turned to sit on the edge of his cot, facing Sephiroth. He was fully aware that he looked tired, hungry, and beaten, and while it wouldn't earn a sympathy vote from him, it wouldn't hurt his chances either. "Of course. You created us, after all."

[pure_lineage]

He wasn't surprised by what he found there. Out of all of the Remnants, Yazoo was the only one he needed to be careful with. The other two were predictable, and while Yazoo was to a degree for him, the middle Remnant also possessed his sharp mind along with his cool and calm sense of logic.

"I did," Sephiroth unnecessarily confirmed while he stood at the cusp of the jail cell. His inhuman gaze remained fixated on the young Remnant as he considered his options. It would be far easier for him to simply remove the looming threat. Yet he couldn't deny that lingering feeling within that desired something more.

Sephiroth pushed that feeling to the furthest reaches of his soul though. With his expression remaining impassive, the ex-General murmured, "A creation that apparently cannot learn or adapt, so I suppose that I failed in that regard."

[poison_allure]

Yazoo met that unblinking gaze with his own identical one, giving nothing away of his thoughts. Any kind of communication with Sephiroth was always a test of will, and the remnant wasn't about to look away so easily.

"Yet..." he tilted his head slightly to one side, as though mildly bored, and let curiousity seep into his tone. "If we could change, what would you have us become?"

[pure_lineage]

His lips began to curve up into the beginnings of a smirk at the returned question. The gesture was fleeting, and soon again his expression returned back to neutrality.

"You tell me," Sephiroth simply said in return. He wasn't about to feed Yazoo any answers for he knew what the Remnant was attempting to do. No, this was something he wanted to hear from the Remnant himself, and not an answer that had been tainted by Kadaj, or himself, or anyone else.

Was the Remnant even capable of such things? Sephiroth was doubtful, but time would tell.

[poison_allure]

He blinked slowly, as close to a shrug as Yazoo could allow himself. He wasn't as stupid or childish as his brothers, who would have bristled at the retort or been baffled by it.

"You would have us soft and cowed by Shibusen." it was irritating, to have to roll over and show his throat so early in the game, but it was necessary. He couldn't hide his honest disgust at the idea.

You would have us be Cloud's meek lapdogs, as you have become. had he been Kadaj, the thought would have been outloud, but he wasn't looking to get under Sephiroth's skin today. That would be beyond foolish.

[pure_lineage]

Sephiroth huffed lightly at the answer. Is that the way that Yazoo saw it? No, he wasn't honestly surprised by that discovery at all, but he made no attempt to change that outlook either. If it would change, then Yazoo would need to be the one who changed it - not himself. The Remnants had, for too long, followed the command of another without knowing that there was something more out there, just has he had done long ago without question.

"While you're locked up within these barred walls, your bodies nothing more than a human, I continue to grow stronger in this world with every passing day," the ex-General calmly stated. There were no lies within his words, only truth. He knew what Shibusen had done to the two Remnants, he could feel it within, but it had been far kinder than the punishment he would have given the pair.

His head tilted to one side, a slender brow rising, as he more stated than questioned, "Who of us would you consider 'soft', Yazoo?"

[poison_allure]

"I do not consider you soft, only that you would have us be so." the elaboration annoyed Yazoo, and he let it show. He should have remembered that Loz was a part of the General as much as he or Kadaj. Too quick to take insult with the slightest implication.

"You would have us gentle and meek as good little children," he continued, eyes flashing. He wanted to stand, wanted to get up in Sephiroth's face, to show him that he wasn't afraid, but he wasn't Kadaj. He remained seated, calm as he could manage. "Yet we don't know how to be these things, and you refuse to teach us."

[pure_lineage]

Their minds were so narrow to the world around them. Anything that didn't have to do with JENOVA caused this blind-sightedness, and he knew that he was the only one to blame. He had been fixated on that for so long, and while he still loathed humans and wished to live on a planet without them, the ex-General could at least find some peace knowing that they were not on Gaea.

"Kadaj has no intenton of listening. His only will and desire is to manipulate and destroy," Sephiroth countered in return. His calm gaze remained fixated on the Remnant for a long while before he smirked subtly and spoke, "If you wish to truly learn how to evolve beyond your current self, you will need to prove such things to me. Are you capable of such things, Yazoo?"

He knew that Kadaj was incapable of doing such things. The youngest Remnant had proven that fact time and time again, but would Yazoo be able to step out from within the manipulative hold Kadaj had on him to be able to do just that? Sephiroth was doubtful, but that didn't mean that there wasn't a spark of hope within that he could.

Later in the day on the 25th

[recitings]

For most of the day, Genesis aimlessly went through the city, not searching for anyone in particular. In truth, he was tired of searching, tired of waking in the morning to find that the people he cared for had gone away. Eventually, he found himself at the jail.

He paused before wandering any further, aware of who he would come face to face with. But he didn't seem to care. Perhaps if the Goddess was willing enough, he could find a vent for his feelings-- someone to lash out at. That was all these remnants were good for, anyway. None of them possessed a sense of sympathy or the ability to change for the better.

All they were was stuck in a single state-- shadows of a hateful Sephiroth.

As he walked down the halls, he stopped in front of the first remnant in the row: Yazoo.

[poison_allure]

Hn, it seemed that he was getting all kinds of visitor today. Yazoo didn't recognize this one, but he could see from his expression that it was one who had perhaps known Sephiroth.

It rankled a little, that he and his brothers would forever be judged by their similarities to the former General, but Yazoo was nothing if not a calm facade. He simply watched the newcomer with bright green eyes, waiting to see if anything would be said.

[recitings]

"You've returned. I've met you once, but only through the network. I believe this is the first time I've seen you face to face."

He speaks to him softly, calmly. He knew that this was the remnant who might be easier to talk to than Kadaj.

[poison_allure]

"...Genesis, was it?" ah, from his voice he did know him, after all. Sephiroth's treacherous former ally. He kept his tone light and bored. There was little point in confirming what was already known. "Why are you here?"

If only they could have met in more favourable conditions. It made Yazoo curious to wonder what the redhead might be like if fought against.

[recitings]

Somehow, Genesis was relieved that this remnant didn't immediately spit at him with expressions born out of childish insanity. He could see a bit of what Sephiroth used to be through him. Actually, he might be the closest to what Sephiroth is now. But Yazoo is still his own person, and he should be careful not to treat him as but a shadow of his creator.

"For no reason. I was only wandering, and then I stumbled upon this place."

[poison_allure]

Spitting and bristling like a maddened cat was for Kadaj, not him. Had he somehow heard the redhead's thoughts, he might well have appreciated them. Individuality was a privilge, not an inborn right to one such as him.

He made an agreeing noise in the back of his throat, and leant his head back against the wall. "Hn. You must have wandered far for your feet to lead you all the way down here."

[recitings]

"My feet might have had a mind of their own."

Genesis hums softly, regarding the other remnant behind those bars. Perhaps if they met in better conditions, they could have had an interesting conversation. Not as if their conversation right now was any less interesting.

"That brother of yours... is he your leader or something like that?"

[poison_allure]

"Kadaj? Hn, something like that." he agreed, not moving. His green eyes watched Genesis like a well-fed snake watching a mouse, idle and predatory. "Mother chose him to guide us to her."

Morning of the 27th

[pure_lineage]

Cloud had been off and busying himself with Morning Training the last few days. He could have remained lingering within his apartment or high up on one of the many rooftops, but the ex-General had found himself travelling back towards the Shibusen building. It was almost like clockwork by now, and after travelling there for the last three days, he had discovered what ways were best to sneak in unnoticed by the general population. That worked best for his intentions, and he used his silent movements to move stealthily down towards the deepest part of the large Shibusen building.

He hadn't breathed even a single syllable of what had transpired two days prior to Cloud, or the fact that he had now taken up to disappearing into the depths of Shibusen in the mornings. His Meister already had enough on his mind, and in Sephiroth's opinion, this was something that he wanted to deal with without interference.

The Remnants were his... they were the only thing in this world and their last that he could call his own. While he knew that they loathed and despised him, that had never curbed that feeling within. People like Cloud could never truly understand having nothing at all, even despite having lose five years of his life, and it was why part of him craved to build something with those that were parts of himself.

He showed none of his thoughts on his expression as he approached Yazoo's cell. Sephiroth arrived like clockwork as the guards dismissed themselves. They'd gotten used to the ex-General arriving, and he paid them no mind as his cat-like gaze fixated themselves on the caged Remnant.

"Yazoo," he announced in a smooth and silky voice.

[poison_allure]

Yazoo had been dozing, cat-like, on his cot, when Sephiroth arrived. He slitted one eye open, then sat up, stretching lazily.

"Sephiroth." he acknowledged, somewhat more relaxed with his creator now that it seemed that he was unlikely to be immediately murdered upon being released from his cell.

Yazoo could not speak for Kadaj, but he himself had never particularly loathed Sephiroth in any way, shape, or form. Been bewildered by his actions and frustrated by his partnership with Cloud, sure. Been mildly jealous of the former General's standing with Mother, definitely, although that was more of the fact that whatever Kadaj did, the other Remnants followed.

But he had certainly never hated him the way he had Cloud.

[pure_lineage]

It came as no surprise to see the Remnant lounging the way that he was. Even if there had been doubt or reservations within, the ex-General knew that Yazoo would never have shown them. That was undoubtedly one of his traits, as they all were, but in a large number of ways, it was perhaps this Remnant that Sephiroth found that he could relate to the most. It was a strange thought to consider, given that they were all created from aspects of himself, but he saw himself mirrored more within this one than any of the other two. Perhaps his time here had warped his perception on life.

The acknowledgement wasn't missed, and he stood there quietly while allowing the silence to fall between them. Neither of them would care either way about it, and that much was obvious by the relaxed nature they both took in their own way.

It was only after some time that he drew his attention away from Yazoo. Glancing around at the cell around his Remnant, Sephiroth actually took his time to consider the situation they both found each other in. "Patience... it is not a value that many have," the ex-General softly murmured as his gaze slowly roamed over the walls caging Yazoo. "Out of the three, you are the only one who truly possesses it or can come close to understanding its value."

[poison_allure]

In the lull of silence that stretched between them, Yazoo took a little time to truly observe the former General, now that he was done - for now, at least - with trying too hard to pit will against will. He wondered vaguely why none of the three were the exact clone of Sephiroth, youth and hairstyles aside.

Kadaj was too small and zealous and fierce, every line of his body eaten up with energy and defiance. Loz was too broad, all of his creator's substance and none of his sleekness. Yazoo himself was too delicate-looking, his every movement the attempt of a house-cat to emulate a snow leopard. None of them quite fit, no matter how outsiders saw the similarities.

He was mildy bothered by this, and so nearly missed when Sephiroth began to speak. He let the corner of his mouth twitch up at the perceived compliment.

"Mm, perhaps." he agreed, shifting position to let his legs drop over the side of the bed. "But patience is no real balm for boredom."

[pure_lineage]

The corner of his lips quirked up at Yazoo's answer, and he huffed lightly in amusement. Catching a glimpse of the Remnant out of the corner of his eye, he regarded Yazoo with a subtle air of amusement.

"You wouldn't be bored and trapped within these walls if it hadn't been for your previous actions," Sephiroth pointed out before that air of amusement disappeared. He hadn't brought that topic up at all and had so far found it far easier to put it off, but it was something that he couldn't ignore - not if Yazoo truly wished to evolve within the city.

That was why his expression shifted back to neutrality as he murmured, "If you're desiring to learn and adapt in this city, then you will need to start by beginning to change the outlook you have against the humans."

[poison_allure]

He wouldn't be bored if he only had a book or two to read, but it was too early in the day to be asking Sephiroth for favours. Literally the only thing to do in that cell was to mark the walls and sleep. Both Loz and Kadaj would be out of their minds by now.

Yazoo made an agreeable noise in the back of his throat. "I know, no more killing. Not even a little maiming."

It would be dreadfully boring to restrain himself, but at least he would survive this hellish place.

[pure_lineage]

Sephiroth watched while Yazoo answered his observation. It was a literal translation of what he had said, but he knew that there were no deeper thoughts in relation to that answer. That was what he would attempt to change if Yazoo was true with his intentions. If his Remnant truly wished this course, then... then he would have to admit to his honest surprise.

"In time you will come to realise more than that," the ex-General murmured. He would never hold any favour towards humans at all. To him, they had already sealed their doom with him, but that did not mean that he would not look out for those he considered his and create a shining new life for them all. If Yazoo wished to be apart of that future, he would not deny that.

"Yazoo," Sephiroth began before pausing to consolidate his thoughts. "I do not take kindly to those who betray my trust." Gast had. Shinra. Genesis and Angeal. And now Kadaj had even joined that list. The only one in his life so far that had yet to lie to him was the one who was now his Meister. Was it possible that yet another could rise to a similar level?

[poison_allure]

Yazoo blinked slowly, then snorted. That was entirely too obvious, and should have gone without saying. "You think I'm really so foolish?"

The very idea of crossing Sephiroth was so amusing as to be ridiculous. He had no intention of even trying, and that was the honest truth. Living with Kadaj gave a good taste of how well this family took to being deceived.