[Drowning again, the haze cool between his fingers, sliding without form over the scars on his skin and the crevasses of his mind. Within the tank, Hojo's head lolls, consciousness surrendered to the green mist before his eyes; an entire population of voices bypasses his ears and sings straight to the auditory centre of his brain. He follows. Green
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So feisty for an aging mortal. You always gave yourself more credit than was due, she replied without heat. Perhaps she knew him better than anyone else, even Sephiroth. She would hate to be presumptuous on the matter though. It was simply you who recognized that we were something more than those miserable insignificant dirt-pushers.
She went silent at his demand, considering the options available that didn't simply involve abandoning such a pointless conversation. She was aware of the meaning of 'payment', but such influences of human society were not applied to her unless Sephiroth made such a demand. Still... And what makes you think that we would give you anything? We have never negotiated. You would be wise to reconsider your demand.
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Jenova did not disappoint.]
You would be wise to reconsider your rejection. I once supplied you with your subjects, allowed your influence to spread across the globe. You are a stranded refugee on Gaia, ever unaware of your full potential.
And, though you may believe otherwise, you are unconscious even now. I can change that.
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The Lifestream spread us far better than you... she mentally murmured even as part of her conscious began to probe at Hojo's mind subtly. Stranded... for now. She was complete again, after eating away at the flesh of the Cetra body that she had been trapped in. Now, she was pure again... save the last red eye.
Slowly, she gave the impression of smirking devilishly down the connection. So wise, are you? Tell us, where is the Black Materia? What plan do you have to throw yourself away for Sephiroth this time?
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The Black Materia is no longer any of my concern.
[The connection between them wavers, a soft ripple along their bond conveys her amusement. He knows he needs to keep her entertained, remind her that he is not just another puppet, another thing to be played with, broken, and left in the dust of empty promises. He is a manipulator as much as she - and though many of the red strings tying his fingers to the necks of his toys had been severed, he possesses the power to affect their actions still.
Jenova and Hojo - mutually bound since their initial meeting. To whom did the master string belong? He could not say then, and cannot say now. But she must not grasp his uncertainty.]
My plans are completely my own. But they do concern you, as well as our precious son.
I wish to control the cycle of Life and Death on this planet through the Lifestream, and through you. You have this ability, yet you are unaware and unable to use it to your own advantage.
Without my influence, you will remain a slave to your own limitations. Don't be so hasty to dismiss me, JENOVA. I am no feeble, aging mortal. My intellect and skill surpasses all others.
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Finally, after some debate, she spoke again through the connection. This planet will be reduced to ash, and we will travel back among the stars looking for another place to start a shining new future. It is already written among the stars...
There was a minor flash of pleasure at the word choice from Hojo in regards to Sephiroth. 'Our' hit a strong chord of liking, but she covered it quickly after the small initial slip. No matter. Any flesh with our being can be used as a vessel for Lifestream. That is no secret.
Her smirk grew. You are playing a dangerous game, Hojo. What is in this for you?
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I want what I have always wanted. The pursuit and use of knowledge is my only endeavour. I've achieved much, but there is always more to discover...
And when you journey to the cosmos, I wish to follow. I have come very close to this, and failure irks me. Consider it my goal to correct these miserable failings.
It would be in your best interest to come to my side now, JENOVA. Serve me, and realise your true potential.
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His arrogance was amusing though. He really had no idea how close he was to being potentially lost in the sea of Lifestream. Certainly his will was strong, and he would eventually find his way back... but his struggles would be beautiful and just revenge. To no longer be a failure, you would need to ascend passed that miserable, weak vessel that you inhabit now.
She chuckled softly down the connection, finding the demand anything but a requirement. We have no master. We are eternal. We will reach our hand into the dark field reaches... nothing on this planet shall forestall our hunger. She gripped the connection and smirked. Serve us, Hojo. Serve our son. Serve the cause that will allow you to escape your pitiful mortal fate....
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Her voice is no longer a separate entity. It is sea, sky, and foreverness. It is everything.]
Serve JENOVA... Serve...Sephiroth...
Yes... Tell me what I must...
[But, the waterlogged fool, lungs full of salt, finds himself plunging back into the abyss, back into the cold. Hojo fights to regain his mind, though the pain crawls back tenfold as strong.
He is his own master. He will not bow down.]
No, JENOVA! This is not how this game will be played. I came to make a proposition that would be beneficial to us both, but I have other options.
Do not mistake me for another pawn.
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Other options that will reach dead-ends soon enough. No other has the power as we do save one, and we are united in cause and purpose. She knew just by simple probing, by all the years of watching, that Hojo had weaknesses. All she had to do was pluck at those frail strings, and he would dance like a good puppet for her. However... we shall consider your proposition.
She allowed her amusement to show as she tightened their connection, to feel more clearly his physical form. Shall we come to discuss such matters where your old body will not be lost in the Lifestream? A playful offer.
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