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Post by Gdosimirj Sunset on Oct 1, 2006 1:51:14 GMT
"Not to be agressive, but I think you're the one who doesn't quite understand paying the ultimate price, at least from the viewpoint I stand at. Maybe what differs in our definitions is the emphasis on which word in the phrase. You emphasize the ultimate price while I emphasize the payment."
She shifted her weight, looking slightly uncomfortable. "Perhaps your brothers gave their lives to find Jenova... or whatever you might be referring to. I can't be sure. But what they did not do is, fully understanding the ramifications and consequences, walk in to Jenova and sign a contract pledging their lives, bodies, and souls the the service of Jenova." She avoided Ami's eyes, having just admitted to her worst mistake. "I didn't know what I was doing until the deed was done. It was a contract that could only be entered into by the highest ranking wizards of the cult- those with seven chains. As soon as I got my seventh chain, not a week ago, I was ready to pledge myself. But the veil of manipulation was removed from my eyes as Jenova granted me her ultimate powers. Now I could do almost anything I wanted- as long as she approved. I was fully connected to her mind, and she knew my every thought. I even could see dimly into the future. But no matter how hard I tried, I could not escape from her grasp. The contract is irreversable, and I was ready to accept that before I knew what it meant. I hoped that when you destroyed Jenova, the contract would be terminated, but apparently the contract extends beyond her lifespan."
She crossed her arms. "Now, the reason I know the device wouldn't work is because it's meant to separate alien cells from human cells. And we're not working in terms of physical cells. When I signed the contract, I recieved the essence of Jenova, so powerful that it even changed my appearance." She touched her hair. "But it's completely magical in nature."
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Post by Amnesty Lazuli on Oct 1, 2006 1:58:59 GMT
"You sold your soul to Jenova," Ami repeated. She lowered her eyes and rubbed her temples. "Now I've seen everything." She looked at Sunset again. "How can it extend beyond her lifespan? How can she see into your thoughts if she's been destroyed? And, not to change the subject or anything, but you've still not told me how I fit into all this. What else can I do to her? She's already dead!" Ami calmed herself. "Sorry. I didn't mean to snap. But I just don't see how I'm supposed to be any help." She thought for a moment. "Wait. Are there any others out there like you?"
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Post by Gdosimirj Sunset on Oct 1, 2006 2:11:41 GMT
Gdosimirj felt like she was being scolded like a schoolroom brat, but she stood and took it without flinching because she knew that she deserved it. "I don't think there's anyone else like me left. Only a few others signed the contract, and even after Jenova revealed all, they remained loyal to her. Therefore, you and your band of merry men must have destroyed them, because I was the only one who refused to come to the last meeting. If any of the others lived, I hope they understand what a fundamental mistake they've made and are working to correct it."
She sighed again. "Anyway. She can't still see into my thoughts- only before she was destroyed. What you seem to forget is that she isn't the only of her kind. Somewhere out in the universe, there must be more of her race somewhere. As long as that culture exists, the contract will be valid and my power will come from that ancient race of beings. That's my theory.
"Now, there isn't much you can do to her. I don't even know if there's anything you can do for me. All I understand is that you broke her hold on you, and I'm desparate. I'm grasping at anything I can find. My frantic search for an escape from these chains led me here, and if there's nothing you can do, then I suppose I'm doomed."
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Post by Amnesty Lazuli on Oct 1, 2006 2:22:14 GMT
"Doomed? Now, hey, I don't go for that 'without a hope' stuff." Ami sighed. "Look, I really would like to help. I just don't know how yet. That's all." Ami was suddenly struck with an idea. "Hey. Hold it. Some of the Jenova Project scientists must still be alive. Maybe they'll have some ideas. I could take you to Reno and Rude, see if they have any connections. It may be risky... there would be no way to tell which scientists would be safe to talk to, but I'll try it if you will. Besides..." Ami paused. "Besides, you're the only direct link I have left to my brothers. If you can keep me in contact with them, I'll do anything."
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Post by Gdosimirj Sunset on Oct 1, 2006 2:31:23 GMT
She smiled, the first real smile she'd had in ages. "Now that's something pure and real. Something I haven't seen a lot of in my life. I would almost stay within the contract just to be the link between something so precious..." Her wistful tone gave way to practicality. "Just as long as you don't let your brothers posess me like Kadaj did too often. That took one heck of a toll on me." She winked. "It was worth it, though. Maybe I could get used to it. That's never happened to me before." She tilted her head. "That reminds me. You don't know of someone named Lutz, do you? I have a message for him as well. He probably won't take it too well... but it's the last wish of the soul who is trapped in Jenova's rock, the one who is to be tormented for all time."
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Post by Amnesty Lazuli on Oct 1, 2006 2:35:50 GMT
Ami pointed down the beach. "There he is. That's him, the Wolf Man there."
Ami stopped Sunset before she could try to rise. "The soul to be tormented... do you mean Vieve?" Ami held her arm firmly. "I couldn't let you deliver the message if she's the one. I'm not trying to pick a fight, but she almost broke poor Lutz's heart."
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Post by Gdosimirj Sunset on Oct 1, 2006 2:49:00 GMT
Gdosimirj nodded solemnly. "Your sister. She's the one who pointed me to you. At least, she gave me your name. I only saw a flash of her life, but it was all I needed."
She turned back to Amnesty. "If I were you, I would pity her soul even in the evil that consumed her. This Lutz creature showed her the only love she ever saw in her life, and she didn't even recognize it. It stirred something in her soul, but all she understood was what she was taught. She was loyal to her king- Sephiroth- and he took advantage of her inexperience, practically raping her mind. He taught her that good souls only see the good in others and are therefore easier to decieve. She didn't think twice about, in turn, taking advantage of Lutz- orders from the King are orders to be obeyed."
Pain was visible on her face as she closed her eyes. "When I felt her in the stone, I found someone who had her Jenova cells separated from her. But since Jenova had taken up so much of her psyche, there was barely anything left- only the essence of repentance. If only you could feel her pain..." She gasped and open her eyes, yanking her arm away from Amnesty's grasp. "I'm sorry, but I don't want you to. If you continue to touch my arm, you'll experience something you won't enjoy."
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Post by Amnesty Lazuli on Oct 1, 2006 3:02:16 GMT
Ami did not move to catch her again. She had been inside her sister's mind once, and once was enough. "I'll take your word for it." She handed her the cold pack she'd been searching for. "Put this on the bridge of your nose to make the bleeding stop."
She stood aside. "All right, you can give your message. But... and listen carefully, because I mean it... no funny stuff. I'm going to trust you for now. But although my trust is easy to gain, don't think it's hard to lose. And I'm not very merciful to those I don't trust."
"My poor, lesser sister..." Sunset is right. She is to be pitied, despite herself-- no one's life should know such misery.
She let Sunset stand and walk towards Lutz, staying close behind her all the way. "I came way too close to losing someone else I love today. I won't go through that again so long as it is in my power to stop it from happening." Her eyes went to Squall as she spoke, and she gave him a small smile.
"Nothing can seperate us now."
Ami decided an introduction was in order and moved to stand beside the former priestess. "Everyone, this is Sunset. She used to be a member of Jenova's cult, but she turned her back on Jenova, like I did. Now she's trying to find out how to free herself from Jenova's power. I've agreed to help her, the way all of you helped me." She turned back to Sunset. "Sunset, this is Squall, captain of the Ragnorak... and the love of my life." She gave him and open smile before turning to Lutz. "And this is Lutz, one of the best allies a former remnant like me could ever have." Her good humor faded as she waited tensely for Sunset to deliver her message.
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Post by lutz on Oct 1, 2006 5:21:05 GMT
Lutz could feel the beast within him trying to get out, but still he would not allow it. He rose up standing tall as the new girl came before them all. he bowed his head.
Lutz: "pleased to meet you.....I am Lutz Airoth...."
He lowered his head once more.
Message what could they mean?......
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Post by Gdosimirj Sunset on Oct 1, 2006 14:17:38 GMT
Gdosimirj went to Lutz, clasping her hands together, practically ready to beg for Vieve's forgiveness herself. The burden that been lain on her soul was another reason for her to wish she hadn't been cursed with these powers!
Her voice shook. "She can't be sorry for what she did. The deciever was more decieved than you could possibly have been. But now that the deception has been lifted from her mind, she can understand what love truly is. If there was anything she could have changed about her life, it would have been what she did to you, and if she had a choice to love anybody on the planet, it would have been you."
She looked into Lutz's eyes, waiting for a response...
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Post by lutz on Oct 1, 2006 20:10:36 GMT
Lutz reached out with his wolf-like hands and held hers. He lifted his head and look her into the eyes.
Lutz: "You speak of Vieve....love....I don't know love.....and I know the darkness took her....But I just wish she saw the light....like I did, these people I travel with they are my light...my friends....if Vieve was here today I would welcome her back in a careing way, but I don't think I could love...."
he nodded at the new women and gaveher a smile.
Lutz: "Welcome Sunset!"
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Post by Gdosimirj Sunset on Oct 1, 2006 22:39:30 GMT
She smiled sadly. "Your wish was granted... she saw the light, but not until it was too late." She looked at Lutz appraisingly. "You believed in her and in the small fraction of goodness which hadn't been reached by the evil that gripped her heart, even in her darkest moment, even when she couldn't live up to your expectations. If that isn't love, I don't know what is." She paused, then leaned in, whispering to him. "I think it would be easier for you to learn how to love than you would imagine."
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Post by Amnesty Lazuli on Oct 2, 2006 7:45:21 GMT
Ami coughed conspicuously. This is getting a little too personal... Maybe I'm not one to talk, but just the same, I did warn her I would only let her go so far. "We should get back to the ship. Rude will be there working on the Sacrifice. You say you worked on the splicer, so maybe you can help him figure out how it went wrong... and he'd be the one to talk to about linking up with the Project scientists. Kinda quiet guy, but he's OK once you're in good with him."
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Post by Gdosimirj Sunset on Oct 2, 2006 13:18:58 GMT
Gdosimirj let go of Lutz's hands and turned to Ami. "That's assuming that I'm someone who didn't turn her back on Shinra when he stayed with the corporation, isn't it?" She gave a hollow laugh. "How can I be sure they won't try to turn me in? It's all just business, isn't it? Maybe I'm just paranoid... but you can never be sure who's on your side these days." She glanced at Lutz, then back at Ami.
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Post by Amnesty Lazuli on Oct 2, 2006 15:04:15 GMT
Ami wasn't sure whether to defend him or agree with Sunset. She already knew Rude was determined to stick out his commitment to Shinra to the bitter end, but he'd had ample chance to turn her in already. But then, I'm "just a kid". He doesn't turn in kids. Ami turned it over in her mind for a minute. "Okay, new plan: I put you up for the night at the Inn, and go back to the ship for information without telling him why I want it. If I get anything useful out of him, we'll confer in the morning." He'll just have to brain out the Sacrifice on his own.
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