[Insert witty, fantastic setting details here. Seriously, all you really need to know is that it's a festival. A MONTH LONG festival with Fireworks happening every night once Darkness falls.]
[The games attract his attention, though they seem simplistic compared to the games he's used to playing. Pausing near Zack's booth, Sephiroth quietly watches him calling out to the crowd for a few moments, then approaches. The man seems eager to have people play.]
I don't have any currency, but may I try? I don't need a prize.
[They don't look like anything he'd want. Nothing fun, like a sword or Materia.]
The resemblance is uncanny, even if the bad attitude and the being about nine feet tall seem to be suspiciously absent. Maybe this isn't the weirdest experience he's had, yet, today (today existing at all is probably the top of the list, there), but running across the long lost son of Sephiroth is still most certainly worthy of note.
He supposes it's entirely possible the guy had a kid or two somewhere down the line -- and even more so that nobody knew about it, knowing him and never having asked (he really should have asked) and
Oh yup staring probably isn't helping make this any less crazy than it is. ]
...Yeah. Yeah, sure. [ And just like that, the smile is back (albeit a little more tentative than before). He scoops up the mallet and offers it handle-first to the kid. ] Go ahead! This try's on me. You know how it works?
[Sephiroth gravely takes the mallet from him, as if this is a very serious responsibility he's undertaking rather than a game.]
Yes, I've been watching.
[It's easy to judge the amount of force it takes to strike the bell, as it's exactly the kind of thing he's been trained to do, and he wonders why the others seemed to be so terrible at it. It's easy, and this version of the test is crude.
That makes it different, and more interesting. It wouldn't be exciting if it were a lab test. He never gets to do things like this, to go out and do something by himself because he wants to. As serious as his expression is, he's inwardly pleased that the Professor isn't around and he can do whatever he wishes. Before making his try, he pauses to study the machine from this new vantage point. He raises the mallet before bringing it down, hitting the plate precisely. The puck shoots up, and then there's a sharp ring! as the bell is struck.
He's a fast learner, too. Zack whistles appreciatively from the sidelines, not sure if he should be applauding or demanding an encore or both. ]
Da-- Er. Hey, that sure was something, kid! You sure you won't take a prize? [ Slightly skeptical, because what kind of kid doesn't like free toys? (Sephiroth's kid, that's who -- no, no bad brain those are not helpful thoughts) ] Nobody else's gotten it on their first try, today.
[From what he's seen of the prizes, they're nothing he wants. He'd only wanted to play the game for fun. He considers the toys again. They look childish and frivolous, but he doesn't wish to be impolite.] I did not pay for the chance to win a prize, so it wouldn't be proper for me to accept one.
[Isn't that how things work? What an odd merchant. There is something different about him. Sephiroth studies his face searchingly, meets his gaze with his own. The man has bright eyes.]
They haven't? [He seems a little surprised by this, since it's so easy--he'd watched others failing, but he had assumed there were some who were more skilled.]
I said the first try was on me, didn't I? [ And he meant it, stopping now to dig a bit of gil out of his pocket and dropping it in the little collection box tucked safely under the counter along the front edge of the booth behind them. While he's at it, he leans back a little further and pulls down one of the smaller plush toys hanging from the display.
He can't see giving such a weirdly practical kid any of the really huge stuffed animals -- if he's really of the very limited gene pool he so resembles, he'll probably just use it for target practice. And Zack can't condemn such precious creatures to that grisly type of death. No way! So it's a tiny stuffed tonberry for you, mister. (He's got no problem sacrificing tonberries.) ]
Now we're square. So don't worry about it.
[ Matching that cat-like gaze with his own, steady and cheerful, he holds out the toy in offering. ]
Ah, nope! Nobody but you. Pretty incredible, if you ask me. Sure you didn't cheat?
Oh. Yes, you did. [Is that how that works? He hasn't actually been part of one of these transactions before, though he knows about them. It's a variation in business he wasn't aware of before, so he stores the information away.] Thank you.
[The toy tonberry is one of those "frivolous" things he is not allowed to have anymore. It would be impolite to refuse at this point, so he takes it and examines it. When Professor Gast left, he was told he was no longer a child, and such toys were taken from him. It's been years since he had one. After looking it over, he tucks it carefully under his arm.]
Cheat? [He's not sure why he'd need to cheat at a simple game.] No, it's very easy. I train with much more precise equipment.
Don't mention it. ...Or do, y'know, if it gets me more business!
[ Always priorities.
His total inability to get a rise out of this kid is also frustratingly familiar, though, and it sours his mood with something just a little bitter, way down deep under his friendly good cheer. Outwardly, he just looks a little more thoughtful. ]
Well, that's good to know. [ There's only a touch of sarcasm, there, and it's far from cruel. He crosses his arms to quell the urge to muss up that silver hair. He could probably get away with it with just a broken limb or something, if it's only funsize Sephiroth. ]
So, training, huh? Bet you wanna grow up to be just like me, right?
If I'm asked, I'll mention it. [That seems fair, though he doesn't know who would ask him, and he's here by himself.] I hope your business succeeds.
[He doesn't pick up on the sarcasm. Not that he's not familiar with sarcasm, but it's not the kind he's used to, more subtle. He brightens at being asked about his training and nods earnestly.
He's not sure why he'd want to be like this man he doesn't know, but he tactfully avoids answering that question.]
I train every day. When I'm older, I'll be in SOLDIER. [He doesn't know that the SOLDIER program was inspired by and based around him, but he does know he wants to be a part of it. What else would he do? That's what he's being trained for, and he looks forward to it. As far as he's concerned, it's not a hope but an inevitability. He could already be in SOLDIER, and he should he. He knows he's strong enough. But he's not allowed because of his age.]
Thanks! But it's not really mine; I'm just here to help out.
[ Another kid who wants to be in SOLDIER? Looks like he guessed right. He laughs at that, hands going to his hips as he strikes what he assumes is a totally heroic pose. There's some minor miscommunication going on, here, but since it does no harm and leaves Zack happy, it's probably best not to clarify the situation.
Obviously the kid just knows a SOLDIER when he sees one. ]
[He had noticed the eyes and sensed something different about the man, but he'd been confused by Zack's behavior. He hadn't acted like a SOLDIER--or like Sephiroth thinks a SOLDIER should act--and the fact that he was working at a booth like this had confused the issue further. But if he's helping out... then that makes sense, he thinks. Maybe. He's not completely sure.
Also, that pose is a little silly.]
Yes, I will be.
[His estimation of the man rises, because, if he is a SOLDIER, he must be cool, because SOLDIERs are cool.] I'd like to test in now, but I have to wait. [His tone indicates that he thinks this is more of the professor being irrational, because after all, he is the strongest, and the professor's always irrational.] Until I'm fourteen.
...Okay, yeah, maybe. But there's nothing too silly for a SOLDIER. (And that's his real legacy.) ]
That long, huh? [ It occurs to him that he has no idea how old this kid really is (or how young, as it were), but he finds it easy to commiserate, either way. The wait's worse than the test, itself, and growing up always takes far too long. (Until you're already grown, anyway, and then it's like nothing, just the distant shadow of years all crammed into a few seconds' worth of crazy, jumbled memory
and when did he get so morbid?) Zack flaps a hand dismissively, still smiling. ]
Well, don't sweat it. You'll be in before you know it. And after that, it's all work! [ One very exaggeratedly serious face. He definitely still is may or may not be joking. ] So you'd better spend the next few years having all the fun you can, okay?
Sephiroth, however, doesn't have a great appreciation for it, since it mainly puzzles him. There isn't a lot of silly behavior on display in the lab or the other places where he's allowed to go. So this SOLDIER is slightly confusing.]
Training is fun at times, but it would be more fun to be in SOLDIER. I don't mind working. I'm already learning how to carry out all the duties I will have.
I like it here. I may go where I like. [But if he doesn't go home, then he can't join SOLDIER. That's not good.] But I'm not sure how I was brought here. [If he's a SOLDIER, then Sephiroth can be more forthcoming than he might be otherwise.] Protocol dictates that I should return to Science Research Department as soon as possible, by any means necessary. [He recites this dutifully, though he doesn't always agree with the professor's protocol.]
"Training is fun"? Yeesh. He probably likes homework, too. And filing reports. And paying attention during mission briefings. ...Actually, if he'd had a kid like that under his wing, back in the day, it probably would've made his job a whole lot easier.
Fortunately, the miniature Sephiroth is saved a talking-to over his terribly poor tastes in entertainment by that last statement. Science Research Department is a happy little phrase that hits him full in the face, and, oh right, he was so busy reminiscing he'd almost forgotten that the Company still has interests other than his beloved SOLDIER.
Like, say, cloning a certain somebody.
That's not quite a frown crossing his face, but the smile's definitely dissipated. Carnival's over, everybody go home. ]
You mean Shinra's Science Department... Right? [ His tone is considerably sobered as he continues. ] Ahhh, far as I can tell, there are a few of us who just got dumped here. None of the locals seem to know anything, either.
[It's true that Sephiroth likes homework and studying (especially strategy and science) and paying attention, but even he thinks paperwork is boring. Why fill out papers when you can be fighting? That's the best part.]
Yes, I am in the care of Science Research Division, under Professor Hojo. [If anyone knew how to return, it would be a SOLDIER, right? But he doesn't know. So does that mean he can't return? Sephiroth's training and desire to join SOLDIER war with his curiosity and desire for independence, and he's not sure how to feel about this. He isn't too worried about not carrying out his protocol if there's no known means of doing so, as he's getting to do whatever he wants, and there's no professor around.]
There is no known means of returning? I will stay here for now, then. [There seem to be a variety of activities and new things to see. He doesn't need adult supervision! He's self-sufficient. Or so he thinks. He only wishes he had a weapon...] I wonder how they were able to bypass security.
[ Well. That settles any further internal debate over this poor kid's origins. At least his obvious confusion clears up Zack's next question -- whether or not the esteemed professor might be anywhere conveniently within their general vicinity.
He's got quite a backlog of I.O.U.s for the head of that particular Science Research Division, and most of them end with the blunt side of his fist.
No reason to freak the kid out, though, if he's all by himself. Zack drags a hand through his hair, sighing as he shakes his head. ]
Not such a bad place, though, right? Kinda hard to worry about stuff like that, while everybody else's celebrating.
No, it's not bad. I've never been to a festival before. I'm enjoying myself. I am capable of operating independently.
[He's not pleased with the professor himself, especially as he has Professor Gast to compare him to.
He's never been to a celebration of this kind, and there are many things to see, although it's the games (and not the prizes) that interest him the most. If only they were more challenging. Yet he hasn't searched through the whole town yet. Perhaps there are greater challenges elsewhere.
Sephiroth is not a very expressive child, so he remains outwardly calm and composed, but he is inwardly excited to be at a strange festival with an actual SOLDIER. He's usually not allowed to do anything nearly this fun. Maybe the SOLDIER will spar with him; that would be exciting. He decides he should introduce himself. Then maybe he can ask about sparring.]
Of course it is. That's just weird enough for today to keep up the status quo. But not enough so to merit totally ignoring the introduction, altogether.
Taking a step forward, Zack offers him a hand, the other on his hip as he bends forward at the waist to reach. Short. A short Sephiroth. Now that's weirdness incarnate. ]
[Standing as tall as he can at his current height, he takes the offered hand, his grip firm, his tone solemn. He's going to be serious and adult so he can impress this SOLDIER. He can already do anything an adult can, anyway, right?]
Do you know if there's anywhere to obtain weapons here? Perhaps we could spar.
[It's too bad he doesn't have his practice sword with him. Sometimes he plays SOLDIER by himself, but it would be a much better game with someone else involved, especially an actual SOLDIER. He does interact with other children sometimes, to ensure he has been properly socialized, but they are not exactly "playmates", and they can't fight very well, so he does not fight with them. That would not only be unfair, it would also be no challenge.]
[ He says the word like he's never hear it, before, a look of comically obvious confusion on his face as he detaches from that surprisingly serious handshake. ]
You wanna...
[ Oh, man, that's just too much. How can he not laugh? Incredulously, of course -- and he doesn't mean anything by it, but. ]
Sure, okay. Maybe we can find some practice swords.
[ Running through a few forms sounds like pretty good exercise, at least. Besides, right about now, he's really itching to get a good look around this packed fairway, anyhow. He may not know how whatever rip in time and space brought them here works, exactly, but he's pretty sure that kind of thing isn't apt to discriminate based on the moral fiber of the people it's dragging through. And if there's more Shinra around, he'd like to know it first.
If Sephiroth's luck is in and his is out, maybe he'll even get to see an actual SOLDIER doing actual SOLDIER stuff. ]
[Sephiroth isn't very good at picking up on others' emotions or on social cues, but he's more used to laughter with no apparent reason behind it than most people, so he continues to watch Zack gravely, eyes wide. He isn't sure if he said something funny, or if Zack is laughing for some other reason. He nods again.]
Thank you. I've never sparred with a SOLDIER before.
[He said yes! Sephiroth has fought against adults and monsters and holographic opponents before, but not a real SOLDIER. This is going to be the best. He can prove he's already good enough to be in SOLDIER himself.]
I was looking for weapons, but I haven't found any yet. [He can defend himself without a weapon, but he'd prefer to have one if he's on his own. He's used to fighting with a sword.] There must be some. It's a large town. [Nothing like Midgar, but large enough.]
[ He's probably a little rusty, anyway (although he'll never admit it). With a quick parting word for his gracious hosts, he's ready to set out for adventure. Confusing, confusing adventure.
There's no need to wonder why "looking for weapons" is the kid's first priority, at least. In the loving care of Shinra Inc, there might not be much else he knows, and Zack's sympathy is immediate, no questioning it. ]
Pretty busy, too. It could be easy to get lost in the crowd, so we'd better stick together!
[ And if they accidentally have some normal fun, along the way, it'll be purely by accident. ]
[He smiles a little. Even though this is his first time facing a SOLDIER, and he's much smaller, he doesn't feel intimidated. He's never lost a fight.]
Yes, I'll stay with you, Zack.
[It would be hard to separate him from one of the people he looks up to most; SOLDIERs so are much better than researchers. He sticks to the man's side. Sephiroth's legs are rather short compared to Zack's, but he keeps up easily, adopting a hopping gait instead of a more ordinary one. He isn't technically supposed to do that, as he's been trained to walk normally, but when he can leap and teleport, it's so much faster to move that way, not to mention easier to move through the crowd. He's still carefully holding his tonberry.]
Are there any other SOLDIERs here? I wonder why we appeared so suddenly. We should investigate. [Sephiroth wants to know all the things.]
[ On both counts, though he can't really say how intimidated he's apt to be by the little portable general (as opposed to his past counterpart). Especially with him practically skipping along at his side, plush toy in hand. Now there's something you'd never see a fully grown Sephiroth doing, and the less he's like Zack's last memories of that guy, the better, really.
Investigate? Sounds like a plan (one he'd already been forming, even). It's a little off-putting to be so on the same page, but Zack nods easily, anyway. ]
I haven't seen any others, but if we're here, chances are it's not alone. We'll just have to look around while we're looking around.
Say, in the meantime, though... Is there anything else you wanna try?
[He actually beams at the praise--his own subdued version of beaming, that is. But he sobers again at the mention of others from their world likely to be present.]
You may be right. We should look. [But if someone from Science Research Division is here, he'll have to go with them.] If the scientists are here, I may not be able to remain with you. [It's not because he wouldn't rather follow Zack's cool SOLDIER orders, but he can't say that in front of a scientist. Well, he will just enjoy this while it lasts.]
What else is there to do here? I'd like to play more games.
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no subject
I don't have any currency, but may I try? I don't need a prize.
[They don't look like anything he'd want. Nothing fun, like a sword or Materia.]
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Silver hair? Check. Eerie green eyes? Check. Weirdly polite speech? Double check.
The resemblance is uncanny, even if the bad attitude and the being about nine feet tall seem to be suspiciously absent. Maybe this isn't the weirdest experience he's had, yet, today (today existing at all is probably the top of the list, there), but running across the long lost son of Sephiroth is still most certainly worthy of note.
He supposes it's entirely possible the guy had a kid or two somewhere down the line -- and even more so that nobody knew about it, knowing him and never having asked (he really should have asked) and
Oh yup staring probably isn't helping make this any less crazy than it is. ]
...Yeah. Yeah, sure. [ And just like that, the smile is back (albeit a little more tentative than before). He scoops up the mallet and offers it handle-first to the kid. ] Go ahead! This try's on me. You know how it works?
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[Sephiroth gravely takes the mallet from him, as if this is a very serious responsibility he's undertaking rather than a game.]
Yes, I've been watching.
[It's easy to judge the amount of force it takes to strike the bell, as it's exactly the kind of thing he's been trained to do, and he wonders why the others seemed to be so terrible at it. It's easy, and this version of the test is crude.
That makes it different, and more interesting. It wouldn't be exciting if it were a lab test. He never gets to do things like this, to go out and do something by himself because he wants to. As serious as his expression is, he's inwardly pleased that the Professor isn't around and he can do whatever he wishes. Before making his try, he pauses to study the machine from this new vantage point. He raises the mallet before bringing it down, hitting the plate precisely. The puck shoots up, and then there's a sharp ring! as the bell is struck.
He smiles. He doesn't fail tests.]
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He's a fast learner, too. Zack whistles appreciatively from the sidelines, not sure if he should be applauding or demanding an encore or both. ]
Da-- Er. Hey, that sure was something, kid! You sure you won't take a prize? [ Slightly skeptical, because what kind of kid doesn't like free toys? (Sephiroth's kid, that's who -- no, no bad brain those are not helpful thoughts) ] Nobody else's gotten it on their first try, today.
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[Isn't that how things work? What an odd merchant. There is something different about him. Sephiroth studies his face searchingly, meets his gaze with his own. The man has bright eyes.]
They haven't? [He seems a little surprised by this, since it's so easy--he'd watched others failing, but he had assumed there were some who were more skilled.]
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He can't see giving such a weirdly practical kid any of the really huge stuffed animals -- if he's really of the very limited gene pool he so resembles, he'll probably just use it for target practice. And Zack can't condemn such precious creatures to that grisly type of death. No way! So it's a tiny stuffed tonberry for you, mister. (He's got no problem sacrificing tonberries.) ]
Now we're square. So don't worry about it.
[ Matching that cat-like gaze with his own, steady and cheerful, he holds out the toy in offering. ]
Ah, nope! Nobody but you. Pretty incredible, if you ask me. Sure you didn't cheat?
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[The toy tonberry is one of those "frivolous" things he is not allowed to have anymore. It would be impolite to refuse at this point, so he takes it and examines it. When Professor Gast left, he was told he was no longer a child, and such toys were taken from him. It's been years since he had one. After looking it over, he tucks it carefully under his arm.]
Cheat? [He's not sure why he'd need to cheat at a simple game.] No, it's very easy. I train with much more precise equipment.
no subject
[ Always priorities.
His total inability to get a rise out of this kid is also frustratingly familiar, though, and it sours his mood with something just a little bitter, way down deep under his friendly good cheer. Outwardly, he just looks a little more thoughtful. ]
Well, that's good to know. [ There's only a touch of sarcasm, there, and it's far from cruel. He crosses his arms to quell the urge to muss up that silver hair. He could probably get away with it with just a broken limb or something, if it's only funsize Sephiroth. ]
So, training, huh? Bet you wanna grow up to be just like me, right?
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[He doesn't pick up on the sarcasm. Not that he's not familiar with sarcasm, but it's not the kind he's used to, more subtle. He brightens at being asked about his training and nods earnestly.
He's not sure why he'd want to be like this man he doesn't know, but he tactfully avoids answering that question.]
I train every day. When I'm older, I'll be in SOLDIER. [He doesn't know that the SOLDIER program was inspired by and based around him, but he does know he wants to be a part of it. What else would he do? That's what he's being trained for, and he looks forward to it. As far as he's concerned, it's not a hope but an inevitability. He could already be in SOLDIER, and he should he. He knows he's strong enough. But he's not allowed because of his age.]
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[ Another kid who wants to be in SOLDIER? Looks like he guessed right. He laughs at that, hands going to his hips as he strikes what he assumes is a totally heroic pose. There's some minor miscommunication going on, here, but since it does no harm and leaves Zack happy, it's probably best not to clarify the situation.
Obviously the kid just knows a SOLDIER when he sees one. ]
Oh yeah! You gonna be First Class, too?
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Also, that pose is a little silly.]
Yes, I will be.
[His estimation of the man rises, because, if he is a SOLDIER, he must be cool, because SOLDIERs are cool.] I'd like to test in now, but I have to wait. [His tone indicates that he thinks this is more of the professor being irrational, because after all, he is the strongest, and the professor's always irrational.] Until I'm fourteen.
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...Okay, yeah, maybe. But there's nothing too silly for a SOLDIER. (And that's his real legacy.) ]
That long, huh? [ It occurs to him that he has no idea how old this kid really is (or how young, as it were), but he finds it easy to commiserate, either way. The wait's worse than the test, itself, and growing up always takes far too long. (Until you're already grown, anyway, and then it's like nothing, just the distant shadow of years all crammed into a few seconds' worth of crazy, jumbled memory
and when did he get so morbid?) Zack flaps a hand dismissively, still smiling. ]
Well, don't sweat it. You'll be in before you know it. And after that, it's all work! [ One very exaggeratedly serious face. He
definitely still ismay or may not be joking. ] So you'd better spend the next few years having all the fun you can, okay?no subject
Sephiroth, however, doesn't have a great appreciation for it, since it mainly puzzles him. There isn't a lot of silly behavior on display in the lab or the other places where he's allowed to go. So this SOLDIER is slightly confusing.]
Training is fun at times, but it would be more fun to be in SOLDIER. I don't mind working. I'm already learning how to carry out all the duties I will have.
I like it here. I may go where I like. [But if he doesn't go home, then he can't join SOLDIER. That's not good.] But I'm not sure how I was brought here. [If he's a SOLDIER, then Sephiroth can be more forthcoming than he might be otherwise.] Protocol dictates that I should return to Science Research Department as soon as possible, by any means necessary. [He recites this dutifully, though he doesn't always agree with the professor's protocol.]
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"Training is fun"? Yeesh. He probably likes homework, too. And filing reports. And paying attention during mission briefings. ...Actually, if he'd had a kid like that under his wing, back in the day, it probably would've made his job a whole lot easier.
Fortunately, the miniature Sephiroth is saved a talking-to over his terribly poor tastes in entertainment by that last statement. Science Research Department is a happy little phrase that hits him full in the face, and, oh right, he was so busy reminiscing he'd almost forgotten that the Company still has interests other than his beloved SOLDIER.
Like, say, cloning a certain somebody.
That's not quite a frown crossing his face, but the smile's definitely dissipated. Carnival's over, everybody go home. ]
You mean Shinra's Science Department... Right? [ His tone is considerably sobered as he continues. ] Ahhh, far as I can tell, there are a few of us who just got dumped here. None of the locals seem to know anything, either.
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Yes, I am in the care of Science Research Division, under Professor Hojo. [If anyone knew how to return, it would be a SOLDIER, right? But he doesn't know. So does that mean he can't return? Sephiroth's training and desire to join SOLDIER war with his curiosity and desire for independence, and he's not sure how to feel about this. He isn't too worried about not carrying out his protocol if there's no known means of doing so, as he's getting to do whatever he wants, and there's no professor around.]
There is no known means of returning? I will stay here for now, then. [There seem to be a variety of activities and new things to see. He doesn't need adult supervision! He's self-sufficient. Or so he thinks. He only wishes he had a weapon...] I wonder how they were able to bypass security.
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He's got quite a backlog of I.O.U.s for the head of that particular Science Research Division, and most of them end with the blunt side of his fist.
No reason to freak the kid out, though, if he's all by himself. Zack drags a hand through his hair, sighing as he shakes his head. ]
Not such a bad place, though, right? Kinda hard to worry about stuff like that, while everybody else's celebrating.
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[He's not pleased with the professor himself, especially as he has Professor Gast to compare him to.
He's never been to a celebration of this kind, and there are many things to see, although it's the games (and not the prizes) that interest him the most. If only they were more challenging. Yet he hasn't searched through the whole town yet. Perhaps there are greater challenges elsewhere.
Sephiroth is not a very expressive child, so he remains outwardly calm and composed, but he is inwardly excited to be at a strange festival with an actual SOLDIER. He's usually not allowed to do anything nearly this fun. Maybe the SOLDIER will spar with him; that would be exciting. He decides he should introduce himself. Then maybe he can ask about sparring.]
My name is Sephiroth.
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Of course it is. That's just weird enough for today to keep up the status quo. But not enough so to merit totally ignoring the introduction, altogether.
Taking a step forward, Zack offers him a hand, the other on his hip as he bends forward at the waist to reach. Short. A short Sephiroth. Now that's weirdness incarnate. ]
I'm Zack. Nice to meet you.
[ ...Sort of, anyway. ]
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[Standing as tall as he can at his current height, he takes the offered hand, his grip firm, his tone solemn. He's going to be serious and adult so he can impress this SOLDIER. He can already do anything an adult can, anyway, right?]
Do you know if there's anywhere to obtain weapons here? Perhaps we could spar.
[It's too bad he doesn't have his practice sword with him. Sometimes he plays SOLDIER by himself, but it would be a much better game with someone else involved, especially an actual SOLDIER. He does interact with other children sometimes, to ensure he has been properly socialized, but they are not exactly "playmates", and they can't fight very well, so he does not fight with them. That would not only be unfair, it would also be no challenge.]
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[ He says the word like he's never hear it, before, a look of comically obvious confusion on his face as he detaches from that surprisingly serious handshake. ]
You wanna...
[ Oh, man, that's just too much. How can he not laugh? Incredulously, of course -- and he doesn't mean anything by it, but. ]
Sure, okay. Maybe we can find some practice swords.
[ Running through a few forms sounds like pretty good exercise, at least. Besides, right about now, he's really itching to get a good look around this packed fairway, anyhow. He may not know how whatever rip in time and space brought them here works, exactly, but he's pretty sure that kind of thing isn't apt to discriminate based on the moral fiber of the people it's dragging through. And if there's more Shinra around, he'd like to know it first.
If Sephiroth's luck is in and his is out, maybe he'll even get to see an actual SOLDIER doing actual SOLDIER stuff. ]
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Thank you. I've never sparred with a SOLDIER before.
[He said yes! Sephiroth has fought against adults and monsters and holographic opponents before, but not a real SOLDIER. This is going to be the best. He can prove he's already good enough to be in SOLDIER himself.]
I was looking for weapons, but I haven't found any yet. [He can defend himself without a weapon, but he'd prefer to have one if he's on his own. He's used to fighting with a sword.] There must be some. It's a large town. [Nothing like Midgar, but large enough.]
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[ He's probably a little rusty, anyway (although he'll never admit it). With a quick parting word for his gracious hosts, he's ready to set out for adventure. Confusing, confusing adventure.
There's no need to wonder why "looking for weapons" is the kid's first priority, at least. In the loving care of Shinra Inc, there might not be much else he knows, and Zack's sympathy is immediate, no questioning it. ]
Pretty busy, too. It could be easy to get lost in the crowd, so we'd better stick together!
[ And if they accidentally have some normal fun, along the way, it'll be purely by accident. ]
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[He smiles a little. Even though this is his first time facing a SOLDIER, and he's much smaller, he doesn't feel intimidated. He's never lost a fight.]
Yes, I'll stay with you, Zack.
[It would be hard to separate him from one of the people he looks up to most; SOLDIERs so are much better than researchers. He sticks to the man's side. Sephiroth's legs are rather short compared to Zack's, but he keeps up easily, adopting a hopping gait instead of a more ordinary one. He isn't technically supposed to do that, as he's been trained to walk normally, but when he can leap and teleport, it's so much faster to move that way, not to mention easier to move through the crowd. He's still carefully holding his tonberry.]
Are there any other SOLDIERs here? I wonder why we appeared so suddenly. We should investigate. [Sephiroth wants to know all the things.]
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[ On both counts, though he can't really say how intimidated he's apt to be by the little portable general (as opposed to his past counterpart). Especially with him practically skipping along at his side, plush toy in hand. Now there's something you'd never see a fully grown Sephiroth doing, and the less he's like Zack's last memories of that guy, the better, really.
Investigate? Sounds like a plan (one he'd already been forming, even). It's a little off-putting to be so on the same page, but Zack nods easily, anyway. ]
I haven't seen any others, but if we're here, chances are it's not alone. We'll just have to look around while we're looking around.
Say, in the meantime, though... Is there anything else you wanna try?
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You may be right. We should look. [But if someone from Science Research Division is here, he'll have to go with them.] If the scientists are here, I may not be able to remain with you. [It's not because he wouldn't rather follow Zack's cool SOLDIER orders, but he can't say that in front of a scientist. Well, he will just enjoy this while it lasts.]
What else is there to do here? I'd like to play more games.
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