WHAT AM I? [ALBROOK > ferry]

[Cissnei]

Absorbing the bartender’s words, she sat thinking upon the meanings of what he said. So, where ever this strange world originated from, there was a great struggle that caused the power sources to be rendered useless. This seemed to be what Gaia was doing to the life stream until ShinRa decided to turn itself around. “And the name of the emperor? How did he die?” While she was here she minds as well solicit as much information as possible. However, something else seemed to grab the elder man’s attention.

Curiously, she looked up at his face and noticed his gaze was focused on something. Eyes followed the invisible trail to its target. Then she saw him with his trademark long sword and long snow-white hair. It was the ex-Soldier First Class in the flesh. Her body stiffened and her eyes widened. She could not have been more paralyzed than if she was stuck by lightning itself. The mug slid from her hand. Though it did not spill, it made a lot of noise and sloshed its contents messily over the counter.

The flames of Niebelheim came to mind. Sephiroth made quite a mess there. She knew because she was with the team of Turks that had to douse the flames, find people to rebuild the small town exactly how it was, and find people who wanted to move quickly. Sephiroth destroyed and killed so many people and things that day. But, even more so, he decimated an entire city and destroyed a powerful company single handedly, unless you count the help from the cells of an alien life form aiding him. The point is this man was super powerful.

Yet, he was her idol. He was the idol for many people back in the day. Being a relatively young and good-looking war hero many men and women viewed him as a god to be revered. But Cissnei idolized him a separate way. Being part of ShinRa,she was not surprised of Sephiroth’s destructive reactions. ShinRa was the type to push and shove people to their breaking point. Their scientists and upper management employees did not care if these people broke. Cissnei, being bred to fight, spy, and, at times, kill, thought that was what life was about. Surely, Sephiroth fought and killed like he was raised to. Maybe he did take it too far. But he only did what ShinRa taught him to do. So, if anyone was to blame, it was ShinRa. Sephiroth only stood up to his abusive parents and left. However, he returned following the only destructive path he knew in life.

Once the electricity of the moment passed through her spine, she realized she had to return to rationalization. Was this man really Sephiroth or someone very similar to him?

Ashamed of her previous response, she decided she needed to verify who this man was. From his clothes and appearance, he most certainly was not from Albrook. Well, the best way to find out about someone was to go to the person himself. Or, alternatively, direct their attention to you. She waved a hand at the bartender. “Do you mind sending him a drink on my behalf?” She said putting a few gil on the counter to pay for her own drinks and the one for the white haired oddity.

“Tell him I sent it and would like him to keep me company.”

The bartender nodded and gathered another glass mug with dark brown foaming liquid. He called a serving girl over. A few words were exchanged between the girl and himself. Once given her instructions, she went to Sephiroth’s table. His unwelcoming look made her a little nervous but she spoke to him nonetheless. Tossing her dark hair over her tanned shoulders, she put the mug before him. “Aye, sir. That lass over there wishes ye to keep her company. Both of ye came in alone. And, in all honesty, both of ye look not of these parts. So it might do ye some good I assume.”

[Exdeath]

Sephiroth noticed an exchange out of the corner of his eye between an oddly-dressed woman and the bar tender. They both seemed interested in him at a glance. Seems his general assumption of someone here knowing of him may have been a success after all. As the servant approached him; the ex-SOLDIER regarded her with a calm and calculated stare. His face held a monotonous guise that made one question what very emotion he must be feeling. Her words were rough and seemed hesitant; no doubt because of his demeanor at that moment. She seemed weathered and used to this bar-room bustle but perplexed by his presence. The beer sloshed down quickly before him with a loud thud. Sephiroth could feel eyes upon him from the bar as he simply examined the beer without any physical indication.

Sephiroth slowly took the beer in his right hand as he brought it slowly to his lips with a quick sniff. The harsh scent was different from anything he had tried before. No doubt the alcohol percentage was higher and unpredictable in a place like this. He sipped it slowly before turning in his chair with a tired sigh. Time to find out what this person knew. Sure she presented it as a gesture of company; but he was not dumb. Out of all the participants in this bar why did she choose him? The tall man rose with an inhuman grace. Each step seemed carefully chosen as he approached the one responsible for this purchase. The servant seemed to eye him cautiously as she cleared the empty mugs from before upon his table. As he rounded the bar, Sephiroth met the eyes of the woman at the end with a blank and confident stare.

His voice broke the silence as he finally came within range of her. "I thank you for this gesture. I assume there was a reason for this though." The monotonous voice held an eery bass that seemed to over-shadow the bustle of the surrounding bar. She was young and shy from his initial observation. Yet her attire seemed flamboyant and didn't quite 'fit' her. "Please excuse my...introduction. I am Sephiroth." The ex-SOLDIER remained standing as he placed the offered beer on the bar carefully without breaking his eyes from hers. They were an eery green color and almost seemed to glow with anticipation for what he was about to hear.

The bar tender proceeded to clean a few washed mugs as he observed the two of them carefully with a bit of anxiety. He had seen enough bar brawls and batched relationships to know when something was up. The girl seemed at a loss over this man and it wasn't the usual 'Youngin'' that had fancies over another stranger at a glance. She seemed too dead set on her intention when she asked for a delivered drink. As for her attire; it did match their general custom clothing but she was not known to him. He knew everyone there and would have probably let it pass if not for her obvious attempt to blend in as a local. Travelers came to and fro on a whim and after the merge, confused many a person with strange stories of the new collective.

Sephiroth stepped toward the bar as he listened to her response; sitting carefully on the stool next to her. His eyes moved to the mirror that lined the shelf behind the bar tender as he took in his own appearance. Night had finally arrived; usually patrons would be coming from work to a place like this for kicks at this time. However, such a pirate-ridden establishment had no specific hours it would seem.

[Cissnei]

Cissnei watched the bar wench make her way to Sephiroth. Seeing his reaction, she put up her inner defenses, while also planning physical defenses. She noticed him stand and reveal his full profile. Every inch of her being screamed “Sephiroth”, while the hair on the back of her neck prickled. However, how could this be so? Did he not only die once…but on multiple occasions? What the HELL was going on?

Then he met her gaze with that of a stare. It was full of such force that if she were anyone else would have melted under the pressure. In truth, she felt like a mouse hypnotized by the swooping eagle. Nevertheless, she would not let her gaze falter as she endured his harsh introduction. What nearly made her swoon from shock was the name he spat out without a care.

To hide her surprise, she buried her face in the mug and took a long drag of the brown liquid. Did he not know better than to spit out that name after all that has happened? But there was something strange about him. Why would he be here in the first place? Moreover, did he not recognize her? I mean she was one of many coworkers he had many years ago. Maybe it would not be that strange after all.

“Well, Sephiroth…my name is Cissnei.” She brought the mug from her lips and put it down on the table. “Can’t a girl just want some company? Besides bar etiquette dictates that if you come in alone, you must look slightly guiltier for not bringing more business and must come to the counter.” She stated not nonchalantly. “But a man of your power and stature does not come to such frivolous places himself.” She quirked a brow at him as she switched the question back on him.

[Exdeath]

Sephiroth seemed to repeat her last statement with a slight murmur. His head turned to her in curiosity as she seemed familiar with him. "Power and stature?" His face barely changed as questions immediately flooded his mind. The ex-SOLDIER decides to keep a low profile and continue with the social banter. A small smirk crossed his lips as his low voice seemed to seep from his lips precariously. " Well Cissnei, what brings you to Albrook?"

The bar tender continued to dry the cleaned mugs before them; pretending to be occupied with his chores whilst listening to the two before him. Sephiroth knew he was in for another barrage of information but to what end was unclear. She seemed fair and young with an oddly fashioned garment that seemed to gleam even more than that of anyone he had seen yet. Uncomfortable was a word that crossed his mind by the expression on her face. Why was everyone like this around him?

In that moment another memory seemed to force itself into his mind; playing out like a first-person film. He was standing upon a glowing floor that seemed spotless and clean; graced only by a U-shaped desk before him that touched the walls on either side. A well-dressed man sat at the very center of the table, Monitors line the walls behind him with map displays and briefing material. His slim-trim glasses held the reflection of the glowing floor panels as he kept his head down toward a built-in monitor. His lips were moving but made no sound that Sephiroth could hear. To his right say a man hosting a dark proper suit like that of your average business man. His dark hair was slicked back into a ponytail, leaving his pale complexion open for all to see. His eyes drifted further; eventually catching sight of someone he definitely recognized.

It was the very woman who invited him over to the bar. However, she was dressed as the previous man was and seemed more proper with her sitting position and facial movements. Again, no sounds were heard as his awareness returns to the current situation. Not a moment had passed and Sephiroth didn't hesitate. At this point these fragmented memories were a common occurrence.

The bar only got louder as they conversed. More and more foreigners and such piled into the bar and some seemed to be eying the table where he left his equipment. The ex-SOLDIER kept a wary eye on it constantly as to avoid the pickers that have gathered no doubt. All his supplies and the blade were just purchased and ready to go. He wasn't ready to part with it now.

[Cissnei]

When he murmured her words back to himself, she gave a frown. Did he not realize that he was both powerful and high stature? How could he not know? He was the poster boy for ShinRa because of it. Something odd was going on here.

Instead of answering immediately, she took in his body language. The way he shifted his eyes made her realize he was uncomfortable here. However, he had not even been here that long. Was he nervous that someone would recognize him? Even then, why would he be nervous about that? Was he afraid possible enemies might want revenge? The fact that many may despise him for what he had done. In truth, very few people knew the actual causes of all those disasters.

Then she noticed blankness in his eyes, as if he zoned out. It was only there for a moment, but, to the trained eye of a Turk, this suggested something more. This person was having an internal struggle, or at least was fixed on some internal thought.

Then it dawned upon her as she took in all the clues. He did not remember her. He did not remember his status. In addition, he was behaving in a very odd manner. Was it possible that he had forgotten who he was?

She eyed the bartender. Well, with so many ears, perhaps it was not wise to deal with an amnesiac with a grim past here. So many mixed feelings were emerging inside her as well. Fear of what may happen if he regained his memories. Happiness for her living idol mixed with the confusion as to why he existed and sat before her. She could not tell if she was light-headed from the alcohol or his presence.

“Perhaps we could continue this conversation elsewhere. It is getting a bit too rowdy in here for my taste,” she was tactfully trying to leave this place. She paid for the drinks already and she had a room at an inn already….but what did he have?

“We can go wherever you feel comfortable. If you don’t have any place in mind I can offer to reserve a room for you at the inn I am staying at.”

[Exdeath]

Sephiroth heard her sudden and abrupt offer with a bit of surprise. What was she suggesting by the change of scenery? He had just approached her and already she wished to go somewhere less populated. Perhaps she was a robber; although from what he had just seen she had a connection with him somehow. Wariness would be his best tactic at this time.His eyes diverted back to his gear momentarily; looking for any sign of absent equipment. Everything still seemed present and in that instant, eased his mind as to this woman's intentions.

His tall and imposing form rose as he slowly made his way to retrieve his equipment without a word. As he scooped the pack and wrapped blade up; various onlookers suddenly seemed interested in his movements as the liquor seemed to settle on their minds. The man made a slow and purposeful pace back toward Cissnei as he allowed his voice to attain a low and inaudible tone to those from all around. "So you do know who I am. Unfortunately I do not..." His pace continued past her with a confident stride as he made for the door. Surely she would pursue with the level of interest she has already blatantly shown. Sephiroth was in need of answers at this time. In the morning he would depart and be gone from this land for who knows how long. This apparent 'local' had only so much time to deal with him as it was.

Sephiroth pulled the wooden door with a rough and intent tug as the loud and uncalibrated hinges screeched from the sudden motion. Almost with an expectant hesitation he stepped outside, reaching back with his right free hand to hold the door for whoever next came out. His eery gaze remained poised across the cobble street with an expectant feeling nagging at him secretly. there was something off about this woman. She didn't seem comfortable in the clothes she wore. His memory seemed to perceive her as a more modernized and discreet person who would NEVER end up in an illustrious and unpredictable place like this. What did she expect of him? The ex-SOLDIER had yet to acquire a proper room for the night; but imagined it would not be difficult in this remote place. After a quick inspection he realized it was bustling with more life than what it held long before the merge. It only made sense after all, that a port city would grow with the sudden influx of population.

The closest Inn was where he originated from, across from the main entrance. It was still a bit early to turn in but perhaps she was up for the usual 'Walk and talk' that seemed appropriate for a situation such as this. At the same time, she seemed almost 'excited' by the prospect of his company. All the rumors and fallacy that mixed with his existence failed to make sense thus far.

[Cissnei]

Cissnei watched Sephiroth’s green mako-infused eyes shift to his items. Was he worried someone was going to take them? Even though this place was shady, she did not sense a thief about. He did not answer her question, but rather, rose and gathered his belongings. She waited patiently, leaving a small tip for the bartender. He seemed to whisper to himself and she strained to read his lips as he tried to communicate with her in this rowdy place.

So, her suspicions were correct! He had no idea what he was back then. A new emotion overcame her. She tried to put a finger on it. It was indeed jealousy. How she longed to forget her past and start anew. She wanted to forget ShinRa, her abusive family. All the paranoia they taught her was healthy to have. They taught her at a young age to not trust those outside ShinRa. However, after ShinRa made her betray one of their own, she had a mental break down. She second-guessed everything her ‘father’ had taught her. She wanted to disappear like the SOLDIERs 1st class. She wanted to forget and start anew.

But, alas, she had ShinRa written all over her, and she returned none-the-less.

She rose to follow him out. Regardless of losing his memory, he still held his imposing aura and attitude. Perhaps bits and pieces of personality never changed, even when losing his memory. Quietly she followed him to the door. He never relayed a place where they were going. But she would cautiously follow him.

Thoughts began to churn in her head. How much should she tell him? Should she tell him anything? How much could he handle.

Though the weather here was fair, the sea breeze seemed to pierce through her clothes. Goosebumps soon followed suit up her arm. She rubbed her arms as she looked up at him. “So you can’t remember? Then I take it you are trying to delve into the past, instead of forging a new future?” She gave a slight frown and shook her head. “And you cannot be persuaded otherwise?”

"In truth, you probably should not walk around so boldly." Her words trailed and she seemed fixated on a drunken couple that seemed so care-free in this cold world. Ah, what did they know of the darker entities that wished to rule this world, even if it took one's humanity.

[Exdeath]

Sephiroth had not moved an inch as she walked out past him. Her words seemed distant and took him a moment to break from his inner thoughts before answering. "I have yet to decide my lodgings for the evening. As for my past, you're not the first who has warned me to steer clear of the public eye. Bits and pieces keep coming back to me and faces I don't recognize. I figure that once I understand my past and who exactly I am, then I can move on." Finally the ex-SOLDIER budged as he followed with a slow and easy step. His gaze was turned to the ground as he seemed to return to his inner thoughts. He used to be even quieter in the past according to Rakesh and his smart remarks at times. Although the old Viera liked to keep his emotional guard up and create a wise presence, Sephiroth knew that even in this new world there were things he could not explain.

The way she walked and looked at him, he couldn't help but wonder what her interest was. She was not the first to recognize him but the only one to actually stay near for longer than a moment. Perhaps she could put names to the faces he saw in his visions. A drunken couple stumbled past them in a happy and cumbersome embrace. Sephiroth envied them for simply knowing their lives even as regular merchants. After a while these emotions had failed to surface and remained buried. He felt almost colder; more so than anyone should be.

A smooth yet brisk wind came over them suddenly; chilling the two of them instantly. A simple glance noted her surprise to the ocean wind as she seemed to bristle ever so slightly. "If I may ask, why are you here Cissnei?" The thought of her reasons here only now came to him. She tried almost 'too hard' in the bar to fit in with the locals. His flashback painted her as more professional and not one to dress as such. She must be here doing field work of some sort. How did he know he could trust her? Whatever her intentions, he wasn't going anywhere without his weapon. The weight of the wrapped weapon was pulling gently on his left fingers. An urge to use the weapon for the sake of testing his ability with it's form and function in the left hand seemed to overcome his thoughts. No doubt his abilities combined with the secretive nature of the dark weapon would become something formidable.

If Cissnei was a field operative, she must be capable as well. She was alone here with merchants, pirates and various low-life's. Surely they could wield a weapon in dangerous favor as well. The questions regarding her intentions were stacking up like a long photo-memory list. He had to pick and choose what he said until he could fully trust the woman. "I have had....flashbacks of a few people; including yourself. A young man with bright blue eyes; black spiked hair. He was in a uniform which had a gut plate much like my own. Do you know him?"

Sephiroth waited for her answer patiently; continuing the pace all the while.

[Cissnei]

She did not turn around to face him immediately as he stood in the doorway. “I may have enough money to get you lodgings in a private suite at the inn I am currently staying at.” Indeed, that was the power of working for ShinRa. Even though funds were currently limited, there still seemed to be plenty of money when a ShinRa’s employees needed it most.

However, if she booked two rooms and her Turk co-workers took notice of it, they would think it suspicious. They would definitely question her about the extra room or the disappearance of the funds. “On second thought, it might be wiser to either stay in my room for the night or take lodging elsewhere under a different name.” She murmured this to him, looking over her shoulder at him.

There was a long pause as she mauled over his next sentence. So…someone else from ‘their world’ saw him. This was not good. If rumors started to spread, his appearance may get out of hand. Worse of all, ShinRa might try to get him back and attempt to use him again. On the other hand, ShinRa might try to murder the man who created so much ruin to their company. It all depended on the mood of the president and the reasoning of the Turks.

She would have to decide tonight whether she needed to kill the man who recognized him and whoever else heard the rumors. However, once more, killing those men would create a dilemma. If these men were in anyway affiliated with ShinRa then them disappearing or being found dead, would be a problem. Cissnei’s report would be rendered meaningless. ShinRa would assume that this small port city was raising some sort of resistance against them. This would cause ShinRa to rebel against the port city and possibly destroy it. Worse, if Cissnei were caught killing ShinRa-affiliated persons without orders from the president the punishment would probably be death.

Shivers ran down her spine at the thought.

She began walking to the inn she was currently residing in. Less and less people covered the streets. He seemed to be captured in his thoughts as they headed that direction. So, he hoped to move on after learning of his past. She smirked without mirth to herself. If only moving on was easy. She knew her past and, yet, still had trouble moving on.

His words broke through the quiet. It was the same question he asked when they were first in the bar. He was determined for an answer because he did not trust her. She gave him a sideways glance. “Well, I am on vacation and wanted to submerge myself in the culture here. The only way to learn of a culture fully is to attempt to follow the customs of the local.” She nodded to herself, reciting the false story for her being here. After all, she was decked in local clothes and even took plenty of pictures like a tourist. “If you think I am here looking for you, you are completely wrong. I was fully surprised to see you here…of all places.” That was a very truthful statement in itself.

When he described who she thought was Zack, she felt a pain stab her in her heart. She had learned to shut out what happened to him, but someone else mentioning him exploded the painful memories back in her mind. How evil ShinRa could be was discovered by her the day she could not save Zack from the people he trusted.

“No…Not here in public. We will discuss information in private.” She said in a harsh whisper and leaning in closer to him so, he could hear her gently chiding him. She shook her head. “You get warnings from people to be careful in public, yet you don’t even take any precautions to heed such warnings. Honestly, you should take advice more seriously.” She shook her head causing orange-red streams of hair to frame her face even more.

[Exdeath]

Sephiroth scowled slightly at her tone of voice. His disdain for the secretive nature of this conversation and the lack of immediate answers, was growing with every passing moment. His voice answered low and held a tinge of annoyance "I already have lodging arranged. After all, there is only one Inn located here. Unless you're the outdoors type I would suggest we continue this conversation there." The slight sarcasm and sudden change in his mood was abrupt and almost seemed similar to his former mannerisms. As he continued on, he had to address the sudden mood changes he was having with a tentative thought. If he ever recalled his former life; what would he do with it?

Bit by bit he could feel the edges of his mind putting the pieces together with each passing memory that flooded his mind randomly these past few weeks. There was a common bond of tragedy with each and every one. As if he lay witness to the deaths of many and the forth comings and triumphs of few. Needless to say you didn't have to be a detective to realize he was a loner. To his flanks, the former SOLDIER noticed the city guard lighting the torches along the receding walls. Warm light seemed to bathe the now silent street around him and created a false sense of comfort in the night air.

Sephiroth had assumed she had followed him. Surely she had arrangements at the same establishment as himself. The foyer would suffice as a meeting place of sorts. Not many graced the small room across from the main desk and had left the old book shelves bereft of use and covered in dust. This entire journey he had committed to; was beginning to take its toll. He felt as if he would always be plagued with answer-less questions. An entire lifetime being relearned is not the same as reliving. The confidence he held back in Fabul began to waiver now. Was it worth pursuing the past? Perhaps that is the only question he should ask this woman.

Sephiroth halted at the large steps leading up to the landing just before the Inn. His tall frame turned expectantly as he waited for her to catch up. Something in the way she looked upon him didn't seem normal. She had some sort of connection with him. The others he had come across knew of him but didn't react as she did. This was personal to her. "We can continue this here." he motioned toward the Inn as he nodded slightly. The vibrant attire she wore seemed even uncomfortable on her for someone so determined to fit in. In truth she would have had better luck simply playing the 'outsider'.

[Cissnei]

Cissnei felt a tinge of annoyance on her part too. One minute he said he had not decided on lodging, the next he says he already arranged his own lodging. Which was it? Did the amnesia affect his short-term memory too? If he gave her accurate information then she could plan things more properly. However, as a Turk, when DID she get accurate information without having to fit the different informational pieces together? She gave a soft sigh.

His tone did not annoy her. If she had amnesia in this new world, she would be frustrated too. However, it made her wonder if this was the same calm and collected warrior that used to exist. On second thought, was Sephiroth really calm and collected with during the Nibelheim disaster many years ago? She shook her head, banishing the thought from her mind.


She looked at the inn before turning to quirk a brow at him. Since he was not in the mood to think of a better plan, she pulled out a spare hotel key and pulled him away from the entrance for a moment. Taking out a spare hotel room key from somewhere in the folds of her clothes, she pressed it into his hands.


“I am in the Room 315 on the top floor. I will go up first. In a few minutes, you can come up as well. For now you can go to your room, freshen up, drop off any items, etc.”


With those words, she disappeared into the lighting of the inn. She quickly, moved up the stairs and down the hall into her designated room. Upon entering, she decided to change into clothes that are more comfortable. These new clothes were nice, but nothing beat a pair of jeans. She did not want to dress in her usual professional attire, lest she awaken Sephiroth’s memories too fast prematurely.


Dropping her clothes in the hotel’s red oak dresser, she pulled out a clean pair of jeans and a white tank top to wear. As she redressed she was lost in constant thought on how to address this new situation. Across from the dresser was the bed, decked in clean white sheets and a light blue blanket, which she currently occupied in thought. She pulled clean white socks on, and thought about what subject of the past to start with Sephiroth.


Shaking her head, she wondered if it would be better to start way at the beginning, or to let him ask questions and respond in a careful manner. Who could tell what would happen once his memories returned? Would he revert or move on? It was hard to tell in these situations. Everyone reacted so differently after all.