(Untitled)

[ashenice]

There was a time when I would find all of this very disruptive. And mildly disconcerting.

Unsurprisingly, I am too desensitized to care. I was, however, able to muster up an eye roll. It seemed only fitting.

Once more into the breach...

Comments

[demonvalentine]

Rufus Shinra..?

So this place has you too.. figures.

[ashenice]

Yes...

You did not truly think that I would be able to leave forever, did you? Not even I held that belief when I walked upon the face of Gaia once more.

[demonvalentine]

.. ah. What a surprise. It is good to see someone from home.. even.. even if this means we have no idea how to return..

But that is where you were, were you not..? How is it there?

[ashenice]

Why in the nine hells is it a surprise? After all of the insanity that we have been forced to endure here, is it not within the realm of possibility that our chance to return home is a lie as well?

Yes. It is... different. As much as I have come to hate this place, I have also grown accustomed to it. Returning to Edge was like walking into a city I have seen only in my dreams. It was surreal, but I was beginning to adjust.

[demonvalentine]

Ah, perhaps you don't know. You.. You're nowhere near Gaia now, Rufus. This is a city called Vertere.. the laws of nearly everything are different here.

The other Avatars are capable of opening the doorways to their own worlds.. It didn't work when I tried, though.

[ashenice]

...

...

Ah, Vincent? Do you... Rather, are you feeling well? You're not drunk again, are you?

Do you really think after the trouble with Reeve, they would let you leave so easily?

[demonvalentine]

.. drunk? How do.. how do you know of that? This is strange.

.. don't tell me they broadcasted the trial to other worlds too..

[ashenice]

I was there. And sober. Unlike the rest of the damn mansion.

Other worlds?! What other worlds?! I was right there! Standing in that gallery listening to Raito drone on and on and on!

[demonvalentine]

... He.. He isn't lying.. then why can't I.. Oh..

....

....

Alright.. wait.. this isn't making sense.. you are saying you were in Vertere.. before?

[ashenice]

If this is some sort of joke, Vincent, I am not amused. Amusement ended a long time ago.

[demonvalentine]

Rufus, I..

I don't know what to tell you.

But unless I somehow managed to miss this.. I.. cannot remember you after the events of Deepground..

Maybe.. maybe he did this.. why, though..? Why would he make me.. forget?

[ashenice]

Deepground feels like it was ages ago. In reality, it's probably been only a year.

He? Is this Raito's doing?

[demonvalentine]

.. A.. A year since.. What is going on..? Has it been so long on Gaia..?

I wish I knew. I wish I knew, Rufus.

Perhaps.. perhaps Cid and Reeve will know. Make your way to Neo-Midgar.. the mansion. You can stay here if you want, and be careful for Sephiroth is here as well.

[ashenice]

I don't know, but I intend to find out/

I will return. While it got rather rowdy in there at times, it was not an unpleasant place to stay.

Yes, I know. Sadly, he has been with me the entire time. Why I cannot get rid of him, I do not know.

[demonvalentine]

...

Ah, then.. I.. I shall meet you soon.

I have.. something to take care of, first. If you see the demon, make sure she doesn't tear your clothes up.

[ashenice]

The demon? I never suspected you for the sort of person who would dislike a cat.