[The first voice to reach his ears is one that holds the true ring of compassion, and it twists the knife of loss embedded in his chest.]
Lucrecia- Dr. Crescent. She's- well, her room is empty...
[He almost couldn't get that out as memories of his short time spent with her rip through is brain with searing clarity. That first night they met when she'd spoken to him of his father and of Chaos and he had kissed her, that night on the beach when she had produced fire and the way her eyes had lit up nearly as bright as the flame. He grits his teeth and fights back a cry. He had had a second chance, and he had blown it by huring her again. He makes a fist and shoves his elbow back into the wall, denting it.
He takes a moment to take several deep, steadying breaths so that he could focus on the young man's voice once more. He didn't recognize this voice. It must be someone that he had yet to meet.]Thank you. One can only hope that she's in a place where she'll find peace. I just- I just want to talk to her one last time
( ... )
[Hearing those words spoken: 'Lucrecia is gone now' seems to bring the reality home to him, leaving him drained. Hope is such a fickle creature. How he wished he could speak with her again should he leave this place, but to be returned to his 'when' he knew that that chance would be well and truly beyond his reach. He had had his chance, and he had thrown it away.]
I admire your faith. [he chuckles softly, smiling gently] You remind me of one of my friends. She has your kind of faith, though perhaps not quite as... passionate as your own. I hope you're right.
[He is quiet. The young man's voice is soothing, calming, and he's grateful for that, and surprised that he wishes to hear him speak more.]
I do, but sometimes speaking of such things to people who know you can be difficult. The condolences... lacking a believability because they only want to see you stop hurting. What is your name young man? Who are you?
audio, lockedsandinmybootsDecember 20 2010, 16:27:49 UTC
[When he hears the post--well, frankly, his real first thought is "he's still alive?"--but his first coherent thinking thought is:]
["There's only one woman he'd talk about like that."]
["When's the last time I saw Lucrecia?"]
["...dammit."]
[And soon he's out of the house and making his way to Lucrecia's labs; he has the key, he practically gave her the warehouse, and now he's opening it.]
[When the second voice comes to him, he's sitting with his head resting back against the wall he had ended up sliding down, mindlessly staring at the ceiling.
It's a familiar voice and one he associates with her, though at the moment, the owner's name escapes him. At the mention of her name though his heart clenches in his chest and he wonders, a little absently, just when that would stop happening.]
Yes. Her room is empty. I can't even smell her. I would check her lab, but I don't know where it is, but I don't believe she'll be there. There hasn't been enough time for her completely move out of her room, and even if she had managed it, I would still be able to smell her scent...
audio, lockedsandinmybootsDecember 20 2010, 19:36:47 UTC
I'm at her lab. Let me check...
[Once in, Kefka looks around.]
[The floor is dusty. The light from the windows is muted from their dust. There is a faint smell of burnt things and chemicals and the sick-sweetness of distilled magic. Kefka's footsteps ring loud as he pads in.]
[The lab tables are covered in experiments, liquids that have boiled themselves to air, papers scattered. It's a miracle the warehouse hasn't combusted already, Kefka thinks as he flips through the papers. He recognizes the research: love potions turned to mind control, a portal out of this world, notes on his magic...]
[The room Hojo and Lucrecia once shared is equally empty. The beds are made with pinpoint corners and nary a wrinkle. There's none of Lucrecia's perfume or Hojo's dank magic scent lingering.]
[Gone. She's gone. His pet researcher, Fiend's chosen, gone gone gone. They were supposed to go drinking and] She's GONE!
[He had held his breath at Kefka's declaration that he was at her lab. His eyes had focused, sharped and he had sat up a little straighter.
His enhanced hearing catches the faint sound of a door being opened and footsteps in a cavernous space, but it wasn't until the impassioned cry of 'She's gone!' and the air getting crushed out of his lungs that he realizes that he had in fact held onto a fragile hope that she was still in Never Was.
Even though all along he knew better. He slumps back against the wall into his former position.
Second Chances...
Those cursed words that Genesis, now himself gone if the chatter on his mognet had been any indication, had uttered to him. Those prophetic words had shaped the way he had viewed life here in this backwards world. He had gotten a second chance with her, had spoken to her and learned more about himself than he could have even discovered on his own back in out-world. It had been brief, but he should be grateful for that time he had
( ... )
I dunno fer sure, but I think gone is gone. If we c'd still talk t'th'ones who left, well, it wouldn't be such a big deal when they disappeared. But I'm sure she's all right. Hell, she's prob'ly more than all right. An' if it's like I think it is...time's passed here, time fer her t'grow and change 'r whatever. An' even if she don't remember this place or anything that happened here, I think whatever changes she made mighta stuck with 'er. Might change th'whole course o' hist'ry in our world...might change nothin' at all.
[Another sigh. He knew he wasn't helping, but he couldn't just leave Vincent with nothing even resembling an answer. Normally he would have offered to meet Vincent where he was, but Cid had a feeling that he needed a few moments alone
( ... )
[It's the most welcome voice in this cursed world that he hears now and he very nearly clutches his mognet as a drowning man would cling to a life preserver. The desperation makes him visibly cringe and he's glad no one can see him. He listened, he processed the information, but in all reality it did little to ease his guilt, but it did calm him down and he is grateful for that.
He wished he knew that she was all right, that protective streak of his making him worry. Just like he wished that she could remember how strong she had become here. Maybe- maybe she wouldn't end up preserved in that mako crystal, and maybe she took her son and ran, maybe-
He stops that train of thought. He could kill himself with maybe's and theories, but in the back of his mind he had a sinking feeling that she would have gone back to the when she came from in order to fulfill her destiny. After all, he was still here, wasn't he? If things really had changed he'd be either dead or an old man right now
( ... )
[The long silence has him worried; he wishes he could see the other man just to know that he hasn't been left on the other end of the line. He frowns and leans closer to the device, trying to pick up some sound- any quiet proof that Vincent is breathing somewhere nearby, any creaking or clanking from the gunman's outfit. Just as he is about to reach in to turn on his video, Vincent speaks.]
[He listens, and then smiles sadly and nods. Vincent is one of the few people who still manages to surprise Cid. It makes sense, of course, that he would not want to be alone after just having been left, but Cid has never thought of Vincent as a man who does things because they make sense.]
You just come right on down. There ain't much I c'n really do right now, anyway. I gotta recruit some help first. Mostly I just like sittin' out here nowadays. Better when y're with me, though.
[His smile is genuine as Cid's words fill him with warmth. They aren't much and seemed to be spoken casually, but they meant something to him.]
All right, I'll be there soon. Save me a place under a tree will you?
[He waits a moment longer, looking down at his mognet before disconnecting the link and pocketing the device as he walks to the door. Opening it he pauses in the doorway and looks back at the empty, lonely room. The love from his past, gone once more back to memory. He smiles sadly as his eyes burn and he blinks them rapidly and whispers.]
Goodbye.
[He bows his head and shuts the door gently then turns and heads off towards his future.]
[His heart does a small stutter at the mention of Lucrecia possibly coming back. A small part of him longed for that, but the rest of him was strangely frightened by that prospect.]
[audio] laaaaaate >>;soldierboy777December 29 2010, 07:01:26 UTC
[Ouch. Zack winces a little at Vincent's words. He wasn't sure who was gone, but man, did he sound heartbroken. Was that how he'd sounded when Cloud vanished? He sighs.]
[audio] it's alright! <3missdredemptionDecember 29 2010, 07:16:50 UTC
[Another welcome voice. He's surprised, although really he shouldn't be. Zack is proving to be a rather stalwart figure in his new life it would seem and he hasn't even met the man yet, but he finds it comforting nevertheless.]
At the moment? [He gives a breathy little chuckle] I've felt better. But I suppose I shall have to be okay, seeing as I don't really have a choice. But thank you, Zack.
[audio] <3soldierboy777December 29 2010, 07:29:15 UTC
Nah, you've always got a choice. I guess you can't help how you feel, though, y'know?
[Pauses as he tries to think of a way to ask this that doesn't sound completely tactless, because even though Vincent was the coffin guy buddy, it wasn't as though Zack knew him all that well, therefore had noooo clue who he was talking about.]
I'm sure sheeee'll miss you, too. [The 'sheeeeee' is drawled out in hopes that Vincent will supply a name. Subtly is so not Zack's forte.]
[Another strange chuckle from a voice that so rarely felt and expressed humor anymore]
No, I suppose I can't. Feelings are a mixed blessing, aren't they?
[But the uncertain cadence to Zack's voice gives him the idea that maybe Zack didn't know Lucrecia was gone. A knot forms in his throat that he manages to finally choke down.]
Lucrecia- Dr. Crescent is gone. And as for remembering me... I don't think that would be a good idea, but I would be lying if I said that it wouldn't bring me some small joy if she did.
Comments 36
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Lucrecia- Dr. Crescent. She's- well, her room is empty...
[He almost couldn't get that out as memories of his short time spent with her rip through is brain with searing clarity. That first night they met when she'd spoken to him of his father and of Chaos and he had kissed her, that night on the beach when she had produced fire and the way her eyes had lit up nearly as bright as the flame. He grits his teeth and fights back a cry. He had had a second chance, and he had blown it by huring her again. He makes a fist and shoves his elbow back into the wall, denting it.
He takes a moment to take several deep, steadying breaths so that he could focus on the young man's voice once more. He didn't recognize this voice. It must be someone that he had yet to meet.]Thank you. One can only hope that she's in a place where she'll find peace. I just- I just want to talk to her one last time ( ... )
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
I admire your faith. [he chuckles softly, smiling gently] You remind me of one of my friends. She has your kind of faith, though perhaps not quite as... passionate as your own. I hope you're right.
[He is quiet. The young man's voice is soothing, calming, and he's grateful for that, and surprised that he wishes to hear him speak more.]
I do, but sometimes speaking of such things to people who know you can be difficult. The condolences... lacking a believability because they only want to see you stop hurting. What is your name young man? Who are you?
Reply
["There's only one woman he'd talk about like that."]
["When's the last time I saw Lucrecia?"]
["...dammit."]
[And soon he's out of the house and making his way to Lucrecia's labs; he has the key, he practically gave her the warehouse, and now he's opening it.]
Hey, Vincent, is it Lucrecia?
Reply
It's a familiar voice and one he associates with her, though at the moment, the owner's name escapes him. At the mention of her name though his heart clenches in his chest and he wonders, a little absently, just when that would stop happening.]
Yes. Her room is empty. I can't even smell her. I would check her lab, but I don't know where it is, but I don't believe she'll be there. There hasn't been enough time for her completely move out of her room, and even if she had managed it, I would still be able to smell her scent...
[His voice grows soft... pained... tired.]
There's nothing. Absolutely... nothing.
Reply
[Once in, Kefka looks around.]
[The floor is dusty. The light from the windows is muted from their dust. There is a faint smell of burnt things and chemicals and the sick-sweetness of distilled magic. Kefka's footsteps ring loud as he pads in.]
[The lab tables are covered in experiments, liquids that have boiled themselves to air, papers scattered. It's a miracle the warehouse hasn't combusted already, Kefka thinks as he flips through the papers. He recognizes the research: love potions turned to mind control, a portal out of this world, notes on his magic...]
[The room Hojo and Lucrecia once shared is equally empty. The beds are made with pinpoint corners and nary a wrinkle. There's none of Lucrecia's perfume or Hojo's dank magic scent lingering.]
[Gone. She's gone. His pet researcher, Fiend's chosen, gone gone gone. They were supposed to go drinking and] She's GONE!
Reply
His enhanced hearing catches the faint sound of a door being opened and footsteps in a cavernous space, but it wasn't until the impassioned cry of 'She's gone!' and the air getting crushed out of his lungs that he realizes that he had in fact held onto a fragile hope that she was still in Never Was.
Even though all along he knew better. He slumps back against the wall into his former position.
Second Chances...
Those cursed words that Genesis, now himself gone if the chatter on his mognet had been any indication, had uttered to him. Those prophetic words had shaped the way he had viewed life here in this backwards world. He had gotten a second chance with her, had spoken to her and learned more about himself than he could have even discovered on his own back in out-world. It had been brief, but he should be grateful for that time he had ( ... )
Reply
[His voice is soft; weary.]
Aw, Vince.
[He sighs.]
I dunno fer sure, but I think gone is gone. If we c'd still talk t'th'ones who left, well, it wouldn't be such a big deal when they disappeared. But I'm sure she's all right. Hell, she's prob'ly more than all right. An' if it's like I think it is...time's passed here, time fer her t'grow and change 'r whatever. An' even if she don't remember this place or anything that happened here, I think whatever changes she made mighta stuck with 'er. Might change th'whole course o' hist'ry in our world...might change nothin' at all.
[Another sigh. He knew he wasn't helping, but he couldn't just leave Vincent with nothing even resembling an answer. Normally he would have offered to meet Vincent where he was, but Cid had a feeling that he needed a few moments alone ( ... )
Reply
He wished he knew that she was all right, that protective streak of his making him worry. Just like he wished that she could remember how strong she had become here. Maybe- maybe she wouldn't end up preserved in that mako crystal, and maybe she took her son and ran, maybe-
He stops that train of thought. He could kill himself with maybe's and theories, but in the back of his mind he had a sinking feeling that she would have gone back to the when she came from in order to fulfill her destiny. After all, he was still here, wasn't he? If things really had changed he'd be either dead or an old man right now ( ... )
Reply
[He listens, and then smiles sadly and nods. Vincent is one of the few people who still manages to surprise Cid. It makes sense, of course, that he would not want to be alone after just having been left, but Cid has never thought of Vincent as a man who does things because they make sense.]
You just come right on down. There ain't much I c'n really do right now, anyway. I gotta recruit some help first. Mostly I just like sittin' out here nowadays. Better when y're with me, though.
Reply
All right, I'll be there soon. Save me a place under a tree will you?
[He waits a moment longer, looking down at his mognet before disconnecting the link and pocketing the device as he walks to the door. Opening it he pauses in the doorway and looks back at the empty, lonely room. The love from his past, gone once more back to memory. He smiles sadly as his eyes burn and he blinks them rapidly and whispers.]
Goodbye.
[He bows his head and shuts the door gently then turns and heads off towards his future.]
Reply
Reply
[He says cautiously]
... What do you mean by not necessarily the same?
Reply
I'm sorry, man. You okay?
[Dumb question. Oh, well.]
Reply
At the moment? [He gives a breathy little chuckle] I've felt better. But I suppose I shall have to be okay, seeing as I don't really have a choice. But thank you, Zack.
[His lips quirk up at the corners]
I am going to miss her, though.
Reply
[Pauses as he tries to think of a way to ask this that doesn't sound completely tactless, because even though Vincent was the coffin guy buddy, it wasn't as though Zack knew him all that well, therefore had noooo clue who he was talking about.]
I'm sure sheeee'll miss you, too. [The 'sheeeeee' is drawled out in hopes that Vincent will supply a name. Subtly is so not Zack's forte.]
Reply
No, I suppose I can't. Feelings are a mixed blessing, aren't they?
[But the uncertain cadence to Zack's voice gives him the idea that maybe Zack didn't know Lucrecia was gone. A knot forms in his throat that he manages to finally choke down.]
Lucrecia- Dr. Crescent is gone. And as for remembering me... I don't think that would be a good idea, but I would be lying if I said that it wouldn't bring me some small joy if she did.
Reply
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