[OPEN]

[pure_lineage]

Characters: pure-lineage + YOU
Location: Library
Rating: PG
Time: 11th Sept, mid-morning
Description: A few days prior, he made a promise to Cloud, but he hasn't got the slightest clue as to how to go about it. Sephiroth heads to the library in an attempt to further his knowledge. Also, this is before he sees Roy's Network post!

Comments

Commence the Awkward Silence

[blue_darkslayer]

Finally, it was Saturday. Each individual day hadn't been overly worthy of note to Vergil in the past, but ever since taking up the drudgery of menial, manual labour that was construction work he was only now beginning to understand just how precious the so-called "weekend" was. It was relieving to know for the next couple of days, at least, he could return to the routine he'd established when he first came to Death city: study, train, sleep. Perfect efficiency.

He could try to, anyway. He had to concede that a lot was going on now, what with Dante showing up to plague him even in this world, and the fact that he had somehow agreed to tell both Roy Mustang and Date Masamune what was practically his life story. Beyond that he still had to find the time to meet people, as per advice he seemed to have received in an odd, lucid dream. Of course, it had ultimately paid off when he met Aerith, but it was still strange.

It was equally strange to be back in the library during the morning. Both of the times when Vergil had come in his first few days, he had met somebody new. First Rin, then Mushu. Now as he made his way to what he recalled were the shelves for How-To guides (he would never admit that it was for research into "social matters") there seemed to be somebody already there. It only took a brief, appraising glance to tell him that the tall, silver-haired man was Vergil's sort of person. A warrior, and somebody that you don't screw with.

With that, his expression quite neutral, he gave a simple look that translated silently to: Excuse me, you're in my way a little.

Let the staredown begin! o/

[pure_lineage]

Depending on the option he attempted first, Sephiroth would need to get supplies. The apartment only had the bare essentials within it, after all, and he doubted it would be what he required. Yet that would mean that he'd be forced to lower himself and enter the shopping area - an area he'd been avoiding ever since his arrival, and one the ex-General wasn't looking forward to wandering into.

His movements came to a stop, though, when someone seemed to find it prudent to block his path. Cat-like eyes flickered up to regard the one in front of him, and while he understood the glance in his direction, Sephiroth remained exactly where he was.

There was a momentary narrowing of his eyes, the gesture done to show that he more than understood it, before a challenging smirk began curving on his lips. There was no doubt to his expression and demeanour that he wasn't about to move, and the only way he would, was either after the fool in front of him walked around, or he moved him aside with his sword.

I knew this icon would come in handy

[blue_darkslayer]

If Vergil was at all surprised at the strangeness of the other man's eyes, he certainly didn't register it; he was far more concerned with the intent they conveyed at the time. His own, pale blue and cold as steel, froze over with swiftly summoned resolve. His gaze was unwavering and his expression remained perfectly composed. Inwardly, though, he was thoroughly irritated. It was like fate had decided that everybody should pick a fight with him, utterly regardless of circumstance.

In the past, he'd had to mostly avoid libraries out of consideration to the inevitable collateral damage that followed him wherever he went. Death City had been pleasant to him, what with its lack of a constant flow of demon attack. The recent memory of toppling bookshelves during the earthquakes proceeding Asura's attack was also still fresh in Vergil's mind. He really didn't appreciate this.

So, face otherwise unmoving, one eyebrow raised almost imperceptibly. Really? You want to do this here?

lol then it's lucky you had it ;D

[pure_lineage]

Sephiroth was hardly surprised by the reaction he'd received. It was always the same, and despite his promise to remain non-combatant unless needed, the ex-General couldn't stop the need he felt inside given the situation. He didn't need to probe to know that there was something different with this one - no, their reaction to his presence was more than enough to supply him with that answer.

The raised brow drew a darkly amused chuckle from Sephiroth. The sound was smooth as it drifted between them, and with a far-too-pleasant smile curving on his lips, the ex-General finally spoke, "You would do well to remove yourself from my path."

[blue_darkslayer]

What little disappointment Vergil had felt - Why ruin this with words? - was swiftly forgotten in light of the other man's manner. To date, every person he had considered worthy of meeting his gaze had either been loud, over-dramatic, or silent. The smoothness and subtle malevolence to this one's tone and demeanour was refreshing, if not intriguing It was something he respected and perhaps even admired.

A faint smirk crept into being across his countenance, his expression resembling something that existed between derision and genuine amusement. Opportunities like this were seemingly rare, so he resisted the temptation to ruin the moment with childish taunting or resorting to blows immediately. Fortunately he had already externalized his ever-building frustration during his customary brawl with Dante the night before, so he was inclined to enjoy this as much as he could.

"In a hurry?" he asked insincerely, his intentions made slightly more obvious with a subtle note to his voice. His stance shifted slightly to one side, as if indicating that the other was quite free to walk past him, if he so chose. You're free to leave if you wish~.

[pure_lineage]

The faint change in expression didn't go passed the ex-General's notice, and he knew well what it meant. Sephiroth couldn't say that he was pleased with the concept either - quite the opposite, actually. Did this one truly think that he'd fall into the web that was being weaved? His arrogance and anger had been his downfall three times in the past, but this one was foolish if he believed himself worthy of his attention.

He didn't answer the insincere question, and even when the obvious opening was given, the ex-General made no move to leave. There was some part within that knew leaving would be best, but his dominance was clearly being challenged, and that was something he would never allow.

Sephiroth took a step forward to bring them closer, and as he came to stand beside the other, he turned his head enough to the side to bring the fool into his vision.

"You believe that you are of any interest to me?" He asked with a predatory purr hinting in his tone. The smile remained on his lips as his inhuman gaze fixated itself on the other, and turning his torso just enough to bring his face in just that much closer, Sephiroth chuckled, "Then I will not wake you from the illusionary world you've placed yourself within."

[blue_darkslayer]

The words of the other prompted Vergil to still his expression into utter neutrality, his smirk fading to conceal his amusement. In truth, he had to resist the urge to smile; he was thrilled. He was a master when it came to composure and it had been so very long since he had last felt tested. Staring back, the steel of his irises reflected the image of the predatory, feline eyes that lingered close. He had faced down monstrosities far more imposing and disturbing than this in his time.

It was the notion of a promised challenge that roused him rather than the words themselves that were intended to provoke. Bandying words was mundane and subject matter unimportant compared to the subtleties and undertones that interwove with them. Mirroring his adversary, Vergil leaned closer in return until their faces were square and merely centimeters apart, such that one may have been able to discern the muted breathing of the other.

"Yet you're still here, aren't you...?" The words travelled barely more audibly than a whisper, and as they did the repressed emotion manifested in his eyes in the form of a dangerous gleam. Simultaneously, he released an abrupt wave of ki from the close proximity, instilling within the aura a generous measure of his killing intent. Even bystanders may have been sensitive to the sudden tension permeating the room in palpable waves.

/CUE DRAMATIC ENTRANCE

[redpeacock]

Amidst the tension, a presence cuts through almost like a breath within a stillness.

"I never thought you to be the kind to challenge strangers at random, Vergil."

Genesis' voice cuts through the air, addressing the blue-coated Meister. His bright blue eyes shift their gaze at Sephiroth now, and his lips curl lightly in a subtle greeting.

"Such a coincidence to see you both in the same place. Apparently chance encounters are inevitable when it comes to us. Don't you think so, Sephiroth?" He gestured towards the other ex-SOLDIER, his manner cordial.

[blue_darkslayer]

The sudden interruption prompted a faint twitch of the index and middle finger of Vergil's right hand at the sound of Genesis' voice, but his composure otherwise remained undisturbed. The note to the Weapon's tone brought a flash of irritation to the Meister's eyes, however; he most certainly did not appreciate being chastised like he were an errant dog that needed to be kept on a leash.

His gaze held for a moment longer and he almost considered disregarding the implied rebuke, but eventually he broke eye contact by glancing towards Genesis, though not without misgivings. Even if this 'Sephiroth' claimed disinterest in him, Vergil was most certainly intrigued, especially moreso if he happened to be acquainted with his potential partner. He wasn't going to risk his chances on a stranger, however.

Relaxing his demeanour and bitterly swallowing both his curiosity and pride, he said quietly, "You know I'm not the type to back down when confronted, Genesis." There was acquiescence to his voice, even if he didn't physically retreat from Sephiroth.

[pure_lineage]

This one obviously thought much of himself if he considered his lingering presence as anything. He'd allow for him to believe whatever he wished, and the subtly amused smile on his lips displayed the thoughts he had within. The power burst he felt did nothing to intimidate him. Even before his descent into madness, the ex-General often had other challenging him. It was a foolish gesture, and one he easily brushed off even despite their current power situation.

His lips parted to speak, but the words never made it out as he sensed Genesis' arrival. Closing them, his cat-like eyes slid over to regard the SOLDIER while Genesis spoke to the fool beside him.

"Believe whatever you will," Sephiroth silkily said to the SOLDIER. While he showed no reaction to the fact that Genesis and Vergil knew each other, the once-General filed away that piece of information. Who Genesis decided to spend his time with was of no concern to him, even if it was with the parasite standing beside him.

Sephiroth smirked subtly at the confession Vergil made, and he knew in that moment that the situation was now his. "The planet forbid I break up such a happy reunion," he said before moving to step passed Vergil. Pausing momentarily, the ex-General peered back over his shoulder while he regarded the other SOLDIER, "We will speak again soon, Genesis."

[redpeacock]

Genesis' only answer to his once-comrade's words were only smirks and a little huff as the other man passed and addressed him. A blatant show of the way he wasn't afraid at all of who was once the General of SOLDIER. In fact, between them, it was a little hard to tell what their relationship exactly was. But it seemed at least that they knew each other well enough.

"I apologize for interrupting such a challenge before you, Vergil." Rather curious, though. Genesis didn't really recall Sephiroth the type to pick on others at random. Did he sense something about the Meister? Perhaps he would find out when they did speak another time.

[blue_darkslayer]

Vergil's eyes were unseeing as Sephiroth finally passed him, his gaze remaining on Genesis. It was only after the former had created a sizeable distance between the two of them that he allowed his gaze to shift off to where the other had departed - not looking at the retreating back, but vaguely glancing in the direction in an understated acknowledgment.

His expression thoughtful, he exhaled slowly and raised his hand to run it through his hair customarily. He paused mid-motion, however, when he thought he spied those ethereal purple motes flickering across the palm and between the fingers of his hand yet again. In the instant Vergil noticed them they faded to nothing, as was seemingly always the case. He made the usual mental note, but otherwise discarded the thoughts.

Completing the gesture smoothly, he looked at Genesis and asked quietly, "Friend of yours?" His voice was devoid of the former tension and was perhaps even pleasant. The question itself prompted another that he'd meant to ask the Weapon, but he filed that away for a more auspicious moment.

[redpeacock]

"I know him."

The answer was very simple, as blue eyes were not on Vergil, but on the back of his once comrade. His gaze followed the path he took, and he wondered what he was doing in such as place. He shifted his attention back to Vergil after a moment, though.

[blue_darkslayer]

"From this world, or the last?"

Normally Vergil wasn't the type to pry, or to even express interest upon personal matters, but he was more than slightly curious about this Sephiroth. The notion of someone being utterly unfazed by a point-blank shot to the face of killing intent bothered him. Only inexperience, extreme paranoia or unbelievable strength could shield someone to that extent.

"He seems... unusual," he added thoughtfully. Not that there really was a 'normal' to this place.

[redpeacock]

"From the last, Vergil. We once worked together."

That should be all Genesis will be willing to disclose for now: that he and Sephiroth were once under the same banner, working together. His lips curled into a little playful, thoughtful smile.

"Perhaps you ought to find out more for yourself about why you deem him unusual."

[blue_darkslayer]

"Hmm. Seems I'm running into people from your world all over the place," Vergil said musingly, half to himself but at the same time inviting. The subject of Sephiroth seemed to be a closed one, and he wasn't going to press Genesis. It wasn't particularly important, anyway; he had been curious, but as the Weapon had suggested, he wasn't the type to pick fights randomly. His interest would fade soon enough, anyway.

"As mildly interesting as he seems at first, I get the distinct impression that I'd end up disappointed." He'd forgotten one thing that served as a barrier to ki: misguided overconfidence. It was something he himself took great care to avoid; after his final defeat at Dante's hands, he would never again underestimate those who appeared weaker than him. Arrogance was only a vulnerability.