And you must be the Genesis I've heard so much about! I couldn't agree more. Hang tight, I'm on my way now.
It doesn't take long for Zidane to get there, since he hadn't wanted to put too much distance between himself and Kuja for now. So soon enough, there's a rhythmic little knock on the door. And when it opens, Zidane takes a moment to study the man on the other side, looking him up and down. Kuja didn't mention that his boyfriend was so pretty, although in retrospect it's not like it's a surprise. Zidane almost gives him a theatrical bow and says something flirty - but no. He doesn't know what Genesis' relationship with Kuja is like, and he doesn't want to do anything that might jeopardize it.
Kuja also didn't mention that his boyfriend was so damn tall. Geez.
Zidane extends a hand for shaking. "Genesis, I presume? I'm Zidane. Zidane Tribal."
Genesis is immediately reminded of the fact Zidane is so very, very short. Sure, he's known that. He's seen it, in fact. In Kuja's memories of another world, and yet it's much more amusing when they're so close (and also not trapped in Kuja's nightmares).
"Indeed. Genesis Rhapsodos," he confirms, inclining his head courteously without giving away the commentary in his head. Besides that little detail, he really is glad to be meeting somebody so important in Kuja's life. While it may be foolish to hold out for the dead here, Genesis has had that hope reaffirmed with Angeal and Lazard's arrival. So he's quietly been hoping for this sort of kindness to land in Kuja's lap as well. His dear mate needs friends.
"The pleasure is mine," Genesis says as takes Zidane's hand to shake before stepping aside to gesture him in. "Please, don't be a stranger. The parlor is lovely to sit and chat in, or the gardens as well."
Zidane strolls inside. He's already been here once, when Kuja brought him here to meet Angeal (or, more importantly, to eat Angeal's cooking), but he takes a look around again anyway. "Whichever you prefer! I'm really not surprised Kuja ended up living in a place as fancy as this. You should have seen his palace under the desert! Talk about extravagant."
Genesis is a little fond of the gardens; one can see the curved boughs of the banora whites from them after all. So he keeps walking to them and presumes Zidane will follow as he chatters on.
"I had it created this way to spoil my mates, so it is simply the least Kuja deserves. Though I am curious, does it live up to his standards of lavish if you've seen his previous abode? I'd hate to maintain second best."
Zidane does indeed follow Genesis wherever he leads, and he laughs. "Depends on what you consider 'best.' That kind of swanky grandeur isn't for me. But believe me, when I say 'palace,' I'm not exaggerating. It looked like something right out of a fairy tale crossed with the biggest cathedral you've ever seen in your life. Huge statues, gigantic stained glass windows, grand staircases everywhere you looked. Even in his private quarters, everything was gilded and elaborate. And get this--his security system was filled with puzzles. Not simple ones, either, because when has anything Kuja's done ever been simple?"
Zidane shakes his head, weirdly fond considering what he's about to say next. "I'm talking magical staircases hidden behind snippets of scripture and verse, complicated candle configurations that revealed trick mirrors and secret passages, the works. Not to mention the huge, enchanted stone monster thing that fought anybody who did manage to get through all that. Even his dungeons were extravagant! The floor of each cell was designed to open, like this--" He gestures with his hands in a kind of gradually widening spiral motion. "And they were all suspended over lava."
It doesn't really occur to Zidane that most people, when describing someone's domicile, wouldn't start with the security system and the dungeons...
Genesis leans his chin on his knuckles, overthinking the vivid description Zidane gives him. Enough so that he murmurs, ”puzzles? under his breath. That’s so over-the-top even Genesis hadn’t considered the idea of integrating it into the Villa.
“No, never simple. I do so love that about him,” he says, but still seems distracted. Looking around the beautiful home, it suddenly feels... lacking. He’s not sure how something as grandiose, something Genesis conjured from his own imagination could feel in such a way, but now he wonders.
And if Zidane’s fantastic way of describing the elaborate booby traps as part of a home is strange, well, Genesis doesn’t comment. If anything, he now worries if this isn’t enough for Kuja, and voices that.
“Would you say then that this,” and he gestures broadly to the grand spaces of the Villa, “is perhaps insufficient for him then?”
"Whoa, what?" Zidane can't help laughing. "I doubt it. I mean, most of that stuff wasn't for him, it was all to put on a show for anyone who might come looking for him. Like me. So unless he's been making all kinds of enemies here, I don't think you need to worry about it."
Once they reach the gardens, Zidane glances around to take it all in just as he did inside. "About the only parts of that place that seemed like he might actually use them were the library and his chambers, and yeah, they were fancy, but not magical staircase puzzle fancy." He shades his eyes with one hand as he peers out at what he can see of the orchard from here. "Though he did have a hole in the floor of his room that looked down into a dungeon cell specifically so he could taunt people with it. Why, I couldn't tell you, but man, he was so infuriating back then."
"Even if he did, I think I'd be more than a match for anyone that dared come after him. Far more effective than any puzzle, that much is certain." Genesis sets a hand on his hip, looking almost put out about the idea that he worried, but if he's honest with himself, it's a relief.
Still, he leads Zidane to the gardens without pause, and finds himself settling as he looks out over the vast space that flows endlessly with flowers and foliage and beautifully laid cobblestone paths. Surely this is much nicer than any dungeon or ridiculous staircase.
Genesis laughs low at the fondness in Zidane's voice, quiet sure he immediately understands the appeal Kuja found in this odd fellow. Bright and bold and magnanimous.
"Mm," he makes a soft sound in his throat, and follows the other's gaze out to the Banora White orchard. "They're apple trees; a unique breed found only in my hometown back in our world. They grow naturally in arches, and bear fruit at random times throughout the year." Stepping ahead, Genesis motions for Zidane to join as he walks towards them. "Each tree seems to have a mind of its own, so with enough of them, you can always have a supply of the fruits year round. Convenient, in some ways, infuriating in others. But I am fond of them all the same. Come, you should try some. It's by far and wide the best nature has to offer."
"Oh yeah?" Zidane gives Genesis another once-over, curious. "You realize Kuja's magic isn't exactly anything to sneeze at, right? He's more than capable of defending himself - I should know! Honestly, I don't think he ever expected all that stuff to actually keep anyone out. I think he just liked watching people run around like rats in a maze."
Zidane's eyes are on the scenery, though, once they're strolling among the foliage. "Wow, this is gorgeous. Kinda reminds me of Alexandria, back home." Garnet would really like this garden, he thinks. "Having all these flowers around must make it pretty easy to get romantic, huh? Just step outside your door and voila! In just minutes you've got a lovely bouquet for that special someone, and you didn't have to pay a single gil." Yes, this is where Zidane's mind goes when surrounded by a garden's natural beauty. So sue him.
The trees, though, that's...new. "Yeah, I can see how that would be a double-edged sword. Convenient if you just want apples whenever, but pretty annoying if you're trying to make a living with your harvest, I bet."
Then he grins. "Sure! I'd never say no to free food, as long as it's tasty."
"I am well aware of his capabilities. I am also aware of my own, and even on the caliber I or he operates, there are still dangers in this world that can do significant harm. I will not risk losing him again." Genesis' tone turns from something akin to idle worry to an immediate ferocity, like a knight's vow of protection. His mind couldn't really help but drift back to The End, to watching Kuja's life nearly slip through his fingers. How it had drawn a power out of him even Genesis hadn't recognized before in the grief it left.
Genesis draws in a deep breath, and shakes his head.
"Pardon," he apologizes briefly, and reaches up to the bowed branches to pluck one of the apples. "I do not mean to imply he can't defend himself. I simply feel as though he should never have to again while I draw breath."
Turning, he hands the apple to Zidane, and lets his expression mellow as looks fondly upon the fruit. Leave it to these ridiculous apples to make him feel better.
"But you're right, the gardens are very romantic, and maintained by my dearest Angeal. I don't hesitate to come out here whenever my heart desires, though I hadn't exactly considered the financials to it. I've always left that sort of thinking to him. You're welcome to any of the blooms here, if that is your concern though."
Far from quailing at the sudden ferocity, Zidane's comforted to see it. It means this guy really does have Kuja's best interests at heart - really does love him. Kuja needs that, and Zidane knows how it feels - back at the Iifa Tree, he would have done anything to make sure Kuja survived to truly live the life he'd never been allowed to have.
"Hey, no need to apologize. I get it. To be honest, I'd be right there with you. He's had to put up with people using him and his power for themselves his whole life, he deserves to have someone else's power used for him for a change. But..." He looks at Genesis with a slight frown. "What do you mean, losing him again? I haven't seen anything all that dangerous here so far."
Zidane takes the apple and holds it up to the light. "Huh! Whaddya know. Purple apples." He takes a large bite and chews thoughtfully, shaking his head. He doesn't quite wait to completely finish the mouthful before he talks again. "Oooh, juicy! Nah, I mean back in your world, if anyone in your town wanted to profit from them as an export. Seems like it would be tough to predict supply for the demand if you have no idea when the trees will bloom." He takes another bite and wipes some stray juice from his chin with his glove. Refined manners? What are those, can you eat them?
Genesis narrows his eyes, leveling a leer at the absolutely atrocious way Zidane eats. He shakes his head in displeasure.
"At least swallow what you have in your mouth before speaking again. Terrible..." Sighing, he looks back to the apples, and tilts his head some. "We often canned them, at first. Later, I invented a machine specifically for juicing them for much easier storage and mass production. They even built a factory along the outskirts of town. It became really the only export we had."
Is he avoiding the topic of The Dead End? Maybe. But he knows he can't dodge it forever. So after a moment, he glances back to Zidane.
"The best way I can explain this is as such: Months ago, a sound beckoned everyone into a kind of portal that took us to what seemed like another world. There were fantastic beasts and a festival being held, where wishes seemed to come true. What we didn't know was that the residents of that world, the yokai, wished for their world to end... and so it did. The sky erupted into fire, and the earth split beneath our feet. Those that resisted were attacked by the yokai, and many of us were injured or killed again. Kuja and I were attempting to escape together. The sky, raining fire, struck Kuja with a meteor before I could reach him. I... I don't rightly know how he could have survived, but he did. But barely. Had I not carried him home in my arms, doing everything I could to heal him with my magic... I don't think he'd have made it. I spent everything of myself healing him from then on. But I very nearly lost him. So yes, there are real dangers here, and they will not spare anyone that carelessly remains ill-prepared for them."
Zidane rolls his eyes at this condemnation of his manners, but he does indeed swallow his mouthful before he replies. "Fine, fine, sheesh. You're not some kind of noble or something, are you? The only other person who ever gives me crap about that kind of thing is a knight in Her Majesty's service." He doesn't sound all that put out by it, though.
His expression grows more serious as Genesis tells the story of the Dead End, turning to outrage at the news that the yokai ended their world on purpose and tried to force all the visitors to end with it. By the time Genesis is finished, Zidane's clenching his fists in fury.
"What was the point of all that?? Why would the people who run this place want to ship everyone out to some nihilistic death trap!?" Then his anger seems to drain out of him a little, and he sighs. "Boy, do I know how that feels. The same thing happened back on our world - Kuja was dying - only I can't use a lick of magic. All I could do was protect him until we got somewhere safe. We were both lucky to survive, in the end. Hey, Genesis..."
Zidane moves closer to lay a hand on Genesis' arm, briefly squeezing it a little. "Thanks. For saving him. I hate that I wasn't here to protect him, but I'm glad he had you. And if anything like that happens again, I'll be right there by your side to help."
Oh, how he would have loved the idea of being of noble birth. Some fairytale prince instead of being a backwater town boy. He's got half a mind to play along with that, but abstains, and shakes his head.
"Far from it. I was born in a rural town to unknown parents. My lineage is as lowborn as it comes, sadly. I simply have a decent manners." That aside, Genesis can only slump his shoulders in response to Zidane's outrage. If he knew the answers, it would be easier certainly. It would eliminate the creeping dread and anxiety that scratches at the back of his mind more and more these days. An enemy they don't, can't, understand is deadly.
When Zidane says his name, and lays a hand on him, Genesis makes a soft noise in the back of his throat. For a moment, he's quiet, gaze a little distant like he's thinking. But then his expression softens again, and he nods.
"I appreciate that. It was quite harrowing the first time, when I could not be there or strong enough to protect the people that needed me most. Now that list has expanded further, and I feel hardly any more prepared for their fates should I fail again. I welcome all the help I can get."
"Sadly? Why is that sad? Honestly, being nobility sounds like way more trouble than it's worth." Zidane takes another bite of his apple, and this time he does remember to finish chewing and swallowing before he speaks again.
"Then it's a promise." He nods in emphasis. "We'll protect Kuja and everyone else together. No matter what."
"Perhaps in practice, yes. But the fantasy of it all is appealing in a way. Born a somebody feels like a fancicul dream, even if I've enjoyed the steps to make it on my own." Genesis waves his hand dismissively. It's a childish fantasy from a long time ago, even if it still quietly fascinates him.
What's more important is that promise. He knows Zidane likely hasn't any idea quite how seriously and earnestly Genesis takes promises, but it hardly matters. It's impossible not to feel the determination radiating off Zidane like sunshine.
"So we shall, little sunbeam. I will hold you to it."
text; un: friendshipispower (a bit backdated, nearer the carnival)
[aw man, he was really hoping he wouldn't wake zidane up... good thing he didn't mention anything about it though, huh? sora can't feel bad – worse, let's be real – if he hasn't got a clue his message disturbed zidane's sleep.
although, if he did, he'd be smiling either way at zidane agreeing with what his username thing says.]Great! Maybe it's not such a bad name after all.
Oh, you want me to call you? Sure, yeah, I don't mind doing that either.[evidently, considering it's only a couple seconds between messages before zidane's dtf should be receiving a call.]
[bless, it's honestly just for the best— unless zidane wants to tell and then reassure him later? but that seems counter-productive when sora's already calling him to talk about nightmares.
his dtf has reshaped itself into something more phone-like, propped between his shoulder and head while he's stretched out.] Well... I had this weird dream? And it may sound silly, but, [he pauses, his voice lowers, then he continues with some clear bashfulness in his tone,] I'm a little afraid of what might be in the dark now.
[Ah - nightmares. Zidane isn't particularly prone to them himself, but all that time he spent traveling around with his friends gave him plenty of experience with people who were - Freya and Dagger, especially.
He sits up again.]
No, it doesn't sound silly. Do you want me to come over? I can be there in a jiffy.
I LIKE MATCHY-MATCHY ICONS i scream dumbly to myself ohrghrgh
[most times, he's avoided having bad dreams despite the wild adventures he's gone on, but there's something about this one sora can't seem to shake and every time he closes his eyes, he sees the same thing flash through his mind over and over again.
naturally, zidane offering to come over has him sitting bolt upright too, his eyes suddenly open far too wide.] You wouldn't mind keeping me company? I mean, I would like to see you again...
[Zidane's not quite expecting to be as pleased as he is to hear Sora say that - and completely unprompted, too. Zidane wasn't even flirting.]
Of course I don't mind. Just hang tight, okay? If you want to stay on this thing while I'm on my way, we can.
[One day, Zidane will probably learn the terminology for this tech stuff, but that day is not today.
He tosses on some clothes and Melody rides along on his shoulder as he bounds down the stairs and outside where his chocobo has his little enclosure.]
Let's go, buddy.
[That's to the chocobo, of course, who gives a little kweh! of agreement. He hops up onto the bird's back and starts the ride toward the apartments, which aren't too far from the villa, fortunately.]
[look, sometimes he can just say things without thinking, and he imagined this was a moment it would be okay to freely admit that he enjoys zidane's company. they're being truthful at the moment, aren't they? and that's the reality of the situation: he'd like zidane to come see him if it isn't any trouble.]
Okay, [he sighs softly, though there's a clear smile in his voice when he continues,] we can stay on the phone if you're able to multitask, but if not, hanging up is fine too. I don't want to distract you on your way here.
[however, selfishly, sora does want him to stay on the line while he makes his way over and— let's go, buddy. he makes a face, readying to ask if it's important to make a decision now, but the chocobo's cry comes faster than he can form words, prompting him to grin wider. of course he's talking to his animal and not him... that'd be silly.]
[Sora imagined absolutely correctly - and to be fair, Zidane's always happy to hear that someone enjoys his company.]
Oh, don't worry about me - it's Choco doing most of the work!
[Plus Melody's assistance with directions, but that doesn't require any input from Zidane, either. So he's mostly just riding along as he keeps Sora on the line.]
You got it. Do you have some light, where you are? If you need more, I bet your DTF can make some.
[well good, because sora's happy to tell him how much he does, any time it's needed.]
Choco... that's a cute name. I'll stay on the line then, just in case. [just in case what? he doesn't know, but it feels safer knowing he isn't totally alone at the moment. (technically, he isn't ‘alone’, in the sense, but he is by himself in this room and that's enough for him!) keeping zidane on the phone, even for a little bit longer, is better than sitting in silence for that same amount of time.
unfortunately, he doesn't have a flashlight, though the mention of being able to ask his dtf for one has him wondering,] What, do I just. Ask it to make a flashlight? Can it turn into one? There's also the overhead light, but that requires getting out of bed.
whoops I retconned the name of his chocobo it's actually Bo! you'll see why lol
[Careful, Sora, you're going to inflate his ego if you keep that up!]
Heh, isn't it? Back in my world, I had a chocobo buddy named Choco. Not very original, but the person who gave it to him was a moogle, so we're lucky he wasn't named Kupo instead. Anyway, I figured since this fella is like Choco's counterpart here, I'd call him Bo.
Flash-light? You mean, like a flare? I don't think that would help much, it only lasts a second. Just send your DTF to turn on the overhead light for you, then. Actually, I don't think I've ever seen your DTF. What is it?
wasdfhjgd HAHA alrighty then!! still a good choice
[and if that's his secret master plan? what then, zidane???]
A moogle, huh? [he knows what those are, so yes, it absolutely makes sense why the chocobo's name would be ‘choco’, even if this one's name is ‘bo’. (it might be cheating in the sense it's also in the creature's name, but at least it's slightly different?)] Bo is a great name too. Definitely better than ‘Kupo’, haha!
No, it's like... a handheld light? Maybe I can show you on the network once you get here. [a beat of contemplation, followed by an ohhh! and:] Good idea. Okay, hang on, [accompanied with some quick scuffling sounds, a quiet click, then a barely audible sigh of relief as the dtf returns to sora.]Whew, that's better! As for what my DTF is, it's... uh, something called a ‘Heartless’, creatures that are physical, living manifestations of the darkness within people's hearts.
[Whatever Zidane is doing is interrupted by Hythlodaeus teleporting onto the deck of his ship. He quickly looks around, orienting himself and finding Zidane by soul sight.]
[Hythlodaeus will find Zidane just running out of the captain's office, having heard the shouting of his name and not one to just hang around waiting for trouble people to find him. You've got to hide me has him immediately blinking in concern and approaching quickly, reaching up to put a hand on Hythlodaeus' shoulder - why is he small?]
Whoa, hey, what's the matter, Sunshine? Are you okay? Don't worry, you can stay here as long as you need to. Are you in danger?
[Okay, now Zidane just looks confused. Knowing as much as he does now, he's pretty sure there's no such thing as Hythlodaeus going too far with Emet.]
What'd you do? Let me see.
[He moves to peer at the chat over Hythlodaeus' arm, and after reading a few lines, he grins.]
Hang on, I gotta read the whole thing--
[He whistles for Melody, who dutifully projects the screen for him to scroll through. He starts laughing near the beginning and everything he reads just makes him laugh more. By the time he's finished, he's practically doubled over with it.]
What a masterpiece. He's gonna kill you! Haha, hold on, I gotta write something--
[And that's him replying to Emet on his own device.]
[ Hythlodaeus lightly bites the tip of his index finger as Zidane reads it. He agrees that it is hilarious! But the breech of personal information… Well. ]
I sort of figured that it was only a matter of time before all of that was well known… Considering this place. And it’s not my fault that he literally enjoys the public humiliation. If I know him well, and I do, he’s surely marinating in it right now.
[ He crosses his arms and sighs, chuckling to himself about the shenanigans. ]
He should be thanking me. Think of all of the wonderful encounters he’ll collect from that alone!
Not only that, but you're letting him indulge his annoyance kink, on top of it - haha, just look at his responses, he's livid! By the time you get home, he'll be dragging you right to bed.
Oh, he really is! It is true, I’m sure this will end in some sort of bedroom demonstration of the listed items. I’ll just give him a couple hours to stew and simmer down.
[A few hours Hythlodaeus says, get them out of here Zidane says, but the sudden creak of wood then the far more sudden sound of it breaking as a giant claw arm burst through to grab Hythlodaeus would suggest otherwise. The grip is tight, perhaps almost too tight, but that doesn't matter. Hythlodaeus is given the courtesy of looking at Zidane for a mere half moment before he's pulled through the wreckage and made to face the four glowing eyes of Hades as he stares him down fully transformed.
He does not usually transform unless it is exceedingly necessarily. However, Hythlodaeus has made this quite the exception. Despite being nearly 30 feet tall, his voice is as nasally as ever when he speaks, but boy does his voice ring out.]
Did you truly believe I would not find you on Zidane's pitiful toy boat? First you humiliate me, then you insult me?! Not that it matters, you will not be getting away.
[Sorry Zidane, but he is not in the mood to acknowledge anyone but Hythlodaeus at the moment.]
[ Shrinking down suddenly feels like it was a mistake. He had never been in him claw with this sort of white hot anger bearing down on him before. Silly him, he thought maybe he could get away with a little more considering everything. But it wasn’t like Emet-Selch would ever really hurt him! Right! Right!?]
[Hythlodaeus’ air expends much more quickly with the squeezing, giving him a wheezy quality to his voice. ]
Good afternoon, Hades… My dearest love.
[He’s about to offer more buttering, but he’s gotta take another big breath.]
[With the wave of his more human looking arm, Hythlodaeus will find himself unable to speak. Not because of a lack of breath, but because he's been silenced. Looking to Zidane's airship and the damage he's done to it, he cannot give even the slightest bit of a shit. Not when he's this incensed by what Hythlodaeus has done. Choosing not to give Zidane the chance to follow them, teleportation magic roils around them, a dark portal absorbing them both in an instant, leaving nothing behind.
[Zidane, meanwhile, has absolutely no doubt whatsoever that Emet would never truly hurt Hythlodaeus. The same can't be said of Emet's willingness to smash open Zidane's airship, but it's hard to be too upset about it when he gets to watch Emet throw the biggest, most self-indulgent temper tantrum since...
...well, since Kuja destroyed a planet.
Did Emet really have to insult his ship again, though? Come on, Zidane thought they were past that!
He crouches at the edge of the brand new, enormous hole in the deck, watching the landscape go by below with a sigh.]
Y'know, Melody? It's actually pretty comforting, seeing such powerful, ancient beings acting like a couple of little kids bickering on the playground. Maybe immortality won't be so bad, after all.
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[Attached are coordinates to the Villa.]
Drop by when you get the chance, won't you?
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It doesn't take long for Zidane to get there, since he hadn't wanted to put too much distance between himself and Kuja for now. So soon enough, there's a rhythmic little knock on the door. And when it opens, Zidane takes a moment to study the man on the other side, looking him up and down. Kuja didn't mention that his boyfriend was so pretty, although in retrospect it's not like it's a surprise. Zidane almost gives him a theatrical bow and says something flirty - but no. He doesn't know what Genesis' relationship with Kuja is like, and he doesn't want to do anything that might jeopardize it.
Kuja also didn't mention that his boyfriend was so damn tall. Geez.
Zidane extends a hand for shaking. "Genesis, I presume? I'm Zidane. Zidane Tribal."
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"Indeed. Genesis Rhapsodos," he confirms, inclining his head courteously without giving away the commentary in his head. Besides that little detail, he really is glad to be meeting somebody so important in Kuja's life. While it may be foolish to hold out for the dead here, Genesis has had that hope reaffirmed with Angeal and Lazard's arrival. So he's quietly been hoping for this sort of kindness to land in Kuja's lap as well. His dear mate needs friends.
"The pleasure is mine," Genesis says as takes Zidane's hand to shake before stepping aside to gesture him in. "Please, don't be a stranger. The parlor is lovely to sit and chat in, or the gardens as well."
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"I had it created this way to spoil my mates, so it is simply the least Kuja deserves. Though I am curious, does it live up to his standards of lavish if you've seen his previous abode? I'd hate to maintain second best."
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Zidane shakes his head, weirdly fond considering what he's about to say next. "I'm talking magical staircases hidden behind snippets of scripture and verse, complicated candle configurations that revealed trick mirrors and secret passages, the works. Not to mention the huge, enchanted stone monster thing that fought anybody who did manage to get through all that. Even his dungeons were extravagant! The floor of each cell was designed to open, like this--" He gestures with his hands in a kind of gradually widening spiral motion. "And they were all suspended over lava."
It doesn't really occur to Zidane that most people, when describing someone's domicile, wouldn't start with the security system and the dungeons...
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“No, never simple. I do so love that about him,” he says, but still seems distracted. Looking around the beautiful home, it suddenly feels... lacking. He’s not sure how something as grandiose, something Genesis conjured from his own imagination could feel in such a way, but now he wonders.
And if Zidane’s fantastic way of describing the elaborate booby traps as part of a home is strange, well, Genesis doesn’t comment. If anything, he now worries if this isn’t enough for Kuja, and voices that.
“Would you say then that this,” and he gestures broadly to the grand spaces of the Villa, “is perhaps insufficient for him then?”
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Once they reach the gardens, Zidane glances around to take it all in just as he did inside. "About the only parts of that place that seemed like he might actually use them were the library and his chambers, and yeah, they were fancy, but not magical staircase puzzle fancy." He shades his eyes with one hand as he peers out at what he can see of the orchard from here. "Though he did have a hole in the floor of his room that looked down into a dungeon cell specifically so he could taunt people with it. Why, I couldn't tell you, but man, he was so infuriating back then."
Yeah, he still sounds fond. Go figure.
"What's with those weird trees?"
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Still, he leads Zidane to the gardens without pause, and finds himself settling as he looks out over the vast space that flows endlessly with flowers and foliage and beautifully laid cobblestone paths. Surely this is much nicer than any dungeon or ridiculous staircase.
Genesis laughs low at the fondness in Zidane's voice, quiet sure he immediately understands the appeal Kuja found in this odd fellow. Bright and bold and magnanimous.
"Mm," he makes a soft sound in his throat, and follows the other's gaze out to the Banora White orchard. "They're apple trees; a unique breed found only in my hometown back in our world. They grow naturally in arches, and bear fruit at random times throughout the year." Stepping ahead, Genesis motions for Zidane to join as he walks towards them. "Each tree seems to have a mind of its own, so with enough of them, you can always have a supply of the fruits year round. Convenient, in some ways, infuriating in others. But I am fond of them all the same. Come, you should try some. It's by far and wide the best nature has to offer."
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Zidane's eyes are on the scenery, though, once they're strolling among the foliage. "Wow, this is gorgeous. Kinda reminds me of Alexandria, back home." Garnet would really like this garden, he thinks. "Having all these flowers around must make it pretty easy to get romantic, huh? Just step outside your door and voila! In just minutes you've got a lovely bouquet for that special someone, and you didn't have to pay a single gil." Yes, this is where Zidane's mind goes when surrounded by a garden's natural beauty. So sue him.
The trees, though, that's...new. "Yeah, I can see how that would be a double-edged sword. Convenient if you just want apples whenever, but pretty annoying if you're trying to make a living with your harvest, I bet."
Then he grins. "Sure! I'd never say no to free food, as long as it's tasty."
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Genesis draws in a deep breath, and shakes his head.
"Pardon," he apologizes briefly, and reaches up to the bowed branches to pluck one of the apples. "I do not mean to imply he can't defend himself. I simply feel as though he should never have to again while I draw breath."
Turning, he hands the apple to Zidane, and lets his expression mellow as looks fondly upon the fruit. Leave it to these ridiculous apples to make him feel better.
"But you're right, the gardens are very romantic, and maintained by my dearest Angeal. I don't hesitate to come out here whenever my heart desires, though I hadn't exactly considered the financials to it. I've always left that sort of thinking to him. You're welcome to any of the blooms here, if that is your concern though."
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"Hey, no need to apologize. I get it. To be honest, I'd be right there with you. He's had to put up with people using him and his power for themselves his whole life, he deserves to have someone else's power used for him for a change. But..." He looks at Genesis with a slight frown. "What do you mean, losing him again? I haven't seen anything all that dangerous here so far."
Zidane takes the apple and holds it up to the light. "Huh! Whaddya know. Purple apples." He takes a large bite and chews thoughtfully, shaking his head. He doesn't quite wait to completely finish the mouthful before he talks again. "Oooh, juicy! Nah, I mean back in your world, if anyone in your town wanted to profit from them as an export. Seems like it would be tough to predict supply for the demand if you have no idea when the trees will bloom." He takes another bite and wipes some stray juice from his chin with his glove. Refined manners? What are those, can you eat them?
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"At least swallow what you have in your mouth before speaking again. Terrible..." Sighing, he looks back to the apples, and tilts his head some. "We often canned them, at first. Later, I invented a machine specifically for juicing them for much easier storage and mass production. They even built a factory along the outskirts of town. It became really the only export we had."
Is he avoiding the topic of The Dead End? Maybe. But he knows he can't dodge it forever. So after a moment, he glances back to Zidane.
"The best way I can explain this is as such: Months ago, a sound beckoned everyone into a kind of portal that took us to what seemed like another world. There were fantastic beasts and a festival being held, where wishes seemed to come true. What we didn't know was that the residents of that world, the yokai, wished for their world to end... and so it did. The sky erupted into fire, and the earth split beneath our feet. Those that resisted were attacked by the yokai, and many of us were injured or killed again. Kuja and I were attempting to escape together. The sky, raining fire, struck Kuja with a meteor before I could reach him. I... I don't rightly know how he could have survived, but he did. But barely. Had I not carried him home in my arms, doing everything I could to heal him with my magic... I don't think he'd have made it. I spent everything of myself healing him from then on. But I very nearly lost him. So yes, there are real dangers here, and they will not spare anyone that carelessly remains ill-prepared for them."
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His expression grows more serious as Genesis tells the story of the Dead End, turning to outrage at the news that the yokai ended their world on purpose and tried to force all the visitors to end with it. By the time Genesis is finished, Zidane's clenching his fists in fury.
"What was the point of all that?? Why would the people who run this place want to ship everyone out to some nihilistic death trap!?" Then his anger seems to drain out of him a little, and he sighs. "Boy, do I know how that feels. The same thing happened back on our world - Kuja was dying - only I can't use a lick of magic. All I could do was protect him until we got somewhere safe. We were both lucky to survive, in the end. Hey, Genesis..."
Zidane moves closer to lay a hand on Genesis' arm, briefly squeezing it a little. "Thanks. For saving him. I hate that I wasn't here to protect him, but I'm glad he had you. And if anything like that happens again, I'll be right there by your side to help."
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"Far from it. I was born in a rural town to unknown parents. My lineage is as lowborn as it comes, sadly. I simply have a decent manners." That aside, Genesis can only slump his shoulders in response to Zidane's outrage. If he knew the answers, it would be easier certainly. It would eliminate the creeping dread and anxiety that scratches at the back of his mind more and more these days. An enemy they don't, can't, understand is deadly.
When Zidane says his name, and lays a hand on him, Genesis makes a soft noise in the back of his throat. For a moment, he's quiet, gaze a little distant like he's thinking. But then his expression softens again, and he nods.
"I appreciate that. It was quite harrowing the first time, when I could not be there or strong enough to protect the people that needed me most. Now that list has expanded further, and I feel hardly any more prepared for their fates should I fail again. I welcome all the help I can get."
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"Then it's a promise." He nods in emphasis. "We'll protect Kuja and everyone else together. No matter what."
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What's more important is that promise. He knows Zidane likely hasn't any idea quite how seriously and earnestly Genesis takes promises, but it hardly matters. It's impossible not to feel the determination radiating off Zidane like sunshine.
"So we shall, little sunbeam. I will hold you to it."
text; un: friendshipispower (a bit backdated, nearer the carnival)
Sorry, it's so late, but I couldn't sleep and needed someone to talk to.
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Hey Sora! Friendship is power, huh? Couldn't agree more. :)
Don't worry about it. Do you mind doing the thing where we can hear each other? I like that better than these mini letters.
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although, if he did, he'd be smiling either way at zidane agreeing with what his username thing says.] Great! Maybe it's not such a bad name after all.
Oh, you want me to call you? Sure, yeah, I don't mind doing that either. [evidently, considering it's only a couple seconds between messages before zidane's dtf should be receiving a call.]
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Melody picks up right away, perched on the bedside table with her beak open and Sora's voice emitting from it beside where Zidane's lying back down.]
Hey. You can't sleep? What's wrong?
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his dtf has reshaped itself into something more phone-like, propped between his shoulder and head while he's stretched out.] Well... I had this weird dream? And it may sound silly, but, [he pauses, his voice lowers, then he continues with some clear bashfulness in his tone,] I'm a little afraid of what might be in the dark now.
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He sits up again.]
No, it doesn't sound silly. Do you want me to come over? I can be there in a jiffy.
I LIKE MATCHY-MATCHY ICONS i scream dumbly to myself ohrghrgh
naturally, zidane offering to come over has him sitting bolt upright too, his eyes suddenly open far too wide.] You wouldn't mind keeping me company? I mean, I would like to see you again...
matchies!!! <3
Of course I don't mind. Just hang tight, okay? If you want to stay on this thing while I'm on my way, we can.
[One day, Zidane will probably learn the terminology for this tech stuff, but that day is not today.
He tosses on some clothes and Melody rides along on his shoulder as he bounds down the stairs and outside where his chocobo has his little enclosure.]
Let's go, buddy.
[That's to the chocobo, of course, who gives a little kweh! of agreement. He hops up onto the bird's back and starts the ride toward the apartments, which aren't too far from the villa, fortunately.]
♥ it's too cute!!
Okay, [he sighs softly, though there's a clear smile in his voice when he continues,] we can stay on the phone if you're able to multitask, but if not, hanging up is fine too. I don't want to distract you on your way here.
[however, selfishly, sora does want him to stay on the line while he makes his way over and— let's go, buddy. he makes a face, readying to ask if it's important to make a decision now, but the chocobo's cry comes faster than he can form words, prompting him to grin wider. of course he's talking to his animal and not him... that'd be silly.]
We'll meet at the door so I can let you in.
HECK I LOST THIS THREAD I'M SORRY ;_;
Oh, don't worry about me - it's Choco doing most of the work!
[Plus Melody's assistance with directions, but that doesn't require any input from Zidane, either. So he's mostly just riding along as he keeps Sora on the line.]
You got it. Do you have some light, where you are? If you need more, I bet your DTF can make some.
[It's called a flashlight, Zidane.]
IT'S OKAY FRIEND sometimes these things happen
Choco... that's a cute name. I'll stay on the line then, just in case. [just in case what? he doesn't know, but it feels safer knowing he isn't totally alone at the moment. (technically, he isn't ‘alone’, in the sense, but he is by himself in this room and that's enough for him!) keeping zidane on the phone, even for a little bit longer, is better than sitting in silence for that same amount of time.
unfortunately, he doesn't have a flashlight, though the mention of being able to ask his dtf for one has him wondering,] What, do I just. Ask it to make a flashlight? Can it turn into one? There's also the overhead light, but that requires getting out of bed.
whoops I retconned the name of his chocobo it's actually Bo! you'll see why lol
Heh, isn't it? Back in my world, I had a chocobo buddy named Choco. Not very original, but the person who gave it to him was a moogle, so we're lucky he wasn't named Kupo instead. Anyway, I figured since this fella is like Choco's counterpart here, I'd call him Bo.
Flash-light? You mean, like a flare? I don't think that would help much, it only lasts a second. Just send your DTF to turn on the overhead light for you, then. Actually, I don't think I've ever seen your DTF. What is it?
wasdfhjgd HAHA alrighty then!! still a good choice
A moogle, huh? [he knows what those are, so yes, it absolutely makes sense why the chocobo's name would be ‘choco’, even if this one's name is ‘bo’. (it might be cheating in the sense it's also in the creature's name, but at least it's slightly different?)] Bo is a great name too. Definitely better than ‘Kupo’, haha!
No, it's like... a handheld light? Maybe I can show you on the network once you get here. [a beat of contemplation, followed by an ohhh! and:] Good idea. Okay, hang on, [accompanied with some quick scuffling sounds, a quiet click, then a barely audible sigh of relief as the dtf returns to sora.] Whew, that's better! As for what my DTF is, it's... uh, something called a ‘Heartless’, creatures that are physical, living manifestations of the darkness within people's hearts.
Action
Zidane, Zidane! You’ve got to hide me.
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troublepeople to find him. You've got to hide me has him immediately blinking in concern and approaching quickly, reaching up to put a hand on Hythlodaeus' shoulder - why is he small?]Whoa, hey, what's the matter, Sunshine? Are you okay? Don't worry, you can stay here as long as you need to. Are you in danger?
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[ He looks back at the chat between them, tilting his head side-to-side. ]
I mean. It is still pretty funny… And this isn’t anything I would have ever done back home…
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What'd you do? Let me see.
[He moves to peer at the chat over Hythlodaeus' arm, and after reading a few lines, he grins.]
Hang on, I gotta read the whole thing--
[He whistles for Melody, who dutifully projects the screen for him to scroll through. He starts laughing near the beginning and everything he reads just makes him laugh more. By the time he's finished, he's practically doubled over with it.]
What a masterpiece. He's gonna kill you! Haha, hold on, I gotta write something--
[And that's him replying to Emet on his own device.]
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Wait, what are you saying to him?
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[Hythlodaeus' screen will update soon enough with Zidane's posts.
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Goodness me! You’re worse than I am, maybe.
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[Yeah, he's still laughing.]
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[ He crosses his arms and sighs, chuckling to himself about the shenanigans. ]
He should be thanking me. Think of all of the wonderful encounters he’ll collect from that alone!
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[Zidane winks.]
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Oh, he really is! It is true, I’m sure this will end in some sort of bedroom demonstration of the listed items. I’ll just give him a couple hours to stew and simmer down.
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[Zidane pauses, reading something on his screen, and his eyes widen just a little.]
--oh, shit. Uh, hey, Melody?
[The little canary chirps, fluttering up out of the device.]
Get us outta here. Fast.
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He does not usually transform unless it is exceedingly necessarily. However, Hythlodaeus has made this quite the exception. Despite being nearly 30 feet tall, his voice is as nasally as ever when he speaks, but boy does his voice ring out.]
Did you truly believe I would not find you on Zidane's pitiful toy boat? First you humiliate me, then you insult me?! Not that it matters, you will not be getting away.
[Sorry Zidane, but he is not in the mood to acknowledge anyone but Hythlodaeus at the moment.]
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[Hythlodaeus’ air expends much more quickly with the squeezing, giving him a wheezy quality to his voice. ]
Good afternoon, Hades… My dearest love.
[He’s about to offer more buttering, but he’s gotta take another big breath.]
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[With the wave of his more human looking arm, Hythlodaeus will find himself unable to speak. Not because of a lack of breath, but because he's been silenced. Looking to Zidane's airship and the damage he's done to it, he cannot give even the slightest bit of a shit. Not when he's this incensed by what Hythlodaeus has done. Choosing not to give Zidane the chance to follow them, teleportation magic roils around them, a dark portal absorbing them both in an instant, leaving nothing behind.
RIP Hythlodaeus.]
just capping this off XD
...well, since Kuja destroyed a planet.
Did Emet really have to insult his ship again, though? Come on, Zidane thought they were past that!
He crouches at the edge of the brand new, enormous hole in the deck, watching the landscape go by below with a sigh.]
Y'know, Melody? It's actually pretty comforting, seeing such powerful, ancient beings acting like a couple of little kids bickering on the playground. Maybe immortality won't be so bad, after all.