We Are Connected

[silent_sacrifice]

Soulbonds are not the most common of things, and perhaps not always the most comforting. A few moments scratched out here or there while both parties are asleep, little more than impressions and echoes of conversation brought back into the waking world until meeting, and the frustration of knowing you must wait. Who knew how long one would have to wait to meet their other part, if waiting would ever be enough.

There was always a distance. A potential for the potential not being fulfilled. A longing that could not be properly expressed or fulfilled.

Perhaps it was that aspect that had drive Genesis to poetry and art so young. The particular frustration that came with a distant soulmate (literally and metaphorically) who was so dismissive of him had forced him to find other ways to express himself. And from there looking for other people expressing complex things in flowering language.

He knows what drove him into his current position, though. Well, metaphorically current position because he's certain he's in his bed asleep right now, because there was no other reason he would be here and now: sitting under a dumbapple tree in jeans and plaid, bathed in early evening sunlight, waiting. This, he knew, was a dream. One that his soulmate lingered in somewhere. Whether the old bat would choose to join Genesis in conversation or not tonight was an entirely different question.

Really, Genesis was certain that if they ever met, Angeal might punch the man, if only because of how many days he had to deal with Genesis bemoaning his frustrating bondmate.

"I know you are here. It's only ever this grove for me when you walk into my dreams."

At least this one he recognizes. When it is the other man's dream he strolls into the places are always so distant and so strange. Like nothing Genesis has seen on Gaia. Which is an intriguing mystery in and of itself every time he wakes, though he always remembers in the dreams there is a reason for that.

Because of course he would be cursed to a soul bond with someone not of his own planet.

Comments

[unnecessaryflourishes]

It is not the first time Emet-Selch has found himself with a soulmate. It will likely not be the last. There are times, too, where he thinks it almost a cruelty, that he is asked to know someone with who his very soul resonates only to - inevitably - see them live and grow old long before their time. To see them die, as they all inevitably have. This latest is merely yet another of the same - or so he tries to convince himself, as he has all the times previous.

(Though the fact that at least he doesn't recognize one of the locations of their shared dreaming is something. A small glimmer of something he might almost consider intriguing, if only he let himself.)

Still, if nothing else, the fact that this particular soulmate seems to have managed to survive well enough on whatever unknown world he hails from is enough to prove him to be of some interest. Enough to, perhaps, warrant some measure of personal attention.

"Yes, yes. I'm here."

He doesn't look old, as he steps out from behind a building. But he never has, for all that he seems like he might well be one of those people who has very nearly been born old - in spirit, if not appearance. Though in fairness the half-slouch of his shoulders certainly doesn't help that impression.

[silent_sacrifice]

There he was. The young soldier's eyes, of course faintly glowing as they had taken to being since his first treatment in waking life, seemed to grow brighter at the sight. His personal ornery man. Though this one was more tolerable than those in the village. Or the ones in the tower.

"Good. I had a question for you, he who is wise in the ways of the world. Or a world."

Genesis had never brought it up directly before, the discrepancy. Perhaps he might have been thought to have not noticed it. But he had always been a bright young man, and it hadn't taken long serving with Soldier and having access to Shinra's databases to know that the city he sometimes visits was nothing like anything recorded extant in the world. And there was no way the man was old enough that he had first hand memories of the cities of the ancients. Probably.

apologies for the delay here!

[unnecessaryflourishes]

How old he actually is something Emet-Selch has never cared to mentioned. He certainly seems world-weary, yes, and the streak of white in his hair has to have come from somewhere. But beyond that, he has not been particularly forthcoming with too terribly many of his personal details.

(Though neither has he much seemed to visibly age either, over the course of their familiarity with each other.)

On the other hand, his expression does seem to brighten ever so slightly at the question. As if he'd been waiting to see if Genesis might take it on himself to ask, or as if he approves of the curiosity that has prompted it.

"Ask your question. I shall answer. Though I may not know much of this world."

He gestures at the surroundings they have found themselves in, by way of clarification.

Do not apologize. Life happens.

[silent_sacrifice]

Ah, there was a fun implication there, returned for Genesis's. His eyes danced with an amused intrigue, a quiet promise of 'do not think I will not be returning to this point'.

"How does one get someone they admire as an inspiration to notice them?"

Because he was going mad trying to make friends with a certain icy bastard.

it sure does

[unnecessaryflourishes]

To be honest, if Genesis hadn't intended to return to the point, Emet-Selch might almost have been disappointed. For all that he has largely been disinclined to interact much with his latest soulmate, he still knows the reasons that are spoken of as to why they exist. Still knows that some force beyond even his understanding has decided that they are alike in some way or another.

(Or perhaps has simply decided that they will be good for one another. Even he is not entirely certain of the criteria, for all that he has had more experience with soulmates than most.)

"Understanding that I cannot necessarily speak to any specific individual... are you aware of the sorts of things they enjoy?"

Re: it sure does

[silent_sacrifice]

Alike, or perhaps upon the path to being alike in some ways. The seeds are there. One might yet see how well the youth grows into the bond.

"As far as I can tell, nothing. He works and works and doesn't seem to get close to anyone."

[unnecessaryflourishes]

One might. And Emet-Selch certainly intends to. After all, it's hardly as if he doesn't have time enough to spare. If all that should come out of this soulbond is a brief moment of diversion that could yet be something.

"Ah. I have known the type."

Many a time, in fact, over the span of his life.

"There is something to be said to gently insisting he spend an evening doing aught else. Though you may wish to choose something that is at least similar to whatever said work might entail?"

[silent_sacrifice]

Similar to what said work might entail? Genesis sighs and shakes his head.

"We're warriors. He does paperwork. Then he goes back to wherever he goes at the end of the night if he isn't on shift. The man is a wall of frustration. Angeal says I should be patient with him. But the man only seems to work."

It makes him frustrated as hell. This was the reason Genesis had left his small town. The reason he wanted to be more. Can't the man recognize him?

[unnecessaryflourishes]

There's a pause, before Emet-Selch answers. But it's a knowing sort of pause. One that says he knows this sort of individual as well, and is weighing the options for how best one might proceed.

"You are a warrior yourself, yes? Surely the both of you must do some manner of training? Perhaps you will earn yourself his attention should you prove yourself a worthy equal in such endeavors. Someone against whom he can test his blade and seek to improve."

[silent_sacrifice]

Congratulations, Emet-Selch. You've earned the most frustrated groan imaginable.

"And that, I assure you, I have tried! The man is impossibly good. While I grow into a master in my own right, his speed is insane. I've seen him cut fireballs in half. And bullets!"

[unnecessaryflourishes]

"Ah, but you have something he does not."

Emet-Selch does not much appear to be a warrior at first glance. Not with the casual opulence of his robes, fur-trimmed as they are, or the fact that he seems to slouch as a matter of habit. But by the smile on his face and the amused gleam in his eye it very definitely seems as if he is offering himself as a sparring partner.

[silent_sacrifice]

"A soulmate with a penchant for fur?" Genesis teases, but he does push to his feet as it were. "What experience have you, old man, in a fight? I wonder."

Because if the man cannot keep up with the young Soldier, why would he be able to help him? But he supposes he can try.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

"You might too, had you been forced to suffer the winters of Garlemald."

It's the first time he's really mentioning anything significantly of not of his life prior to their meeting. Or so much as implied a preference for any sort of weather; he quite unsurprisingly moves right along as if he hasn't just offered some further tantalizing bits.

Instead, he raises a hand above his head and snaps, his outfit changing in the blink of an eye to something that looks distinctly easier to fight. He has left off the hat and facemask out of a lack of a need for either, but it still very much suggests at a climate that tends very distinctly towards cold.

"Perhaps you will find this better suited?"

If Genesis is looking closely, he might also spot that Emet-Selch is no longer slouching, which at least makes it clear that he does so by choice, most of the time. Though even despite that he doesn't appear to be actually armed.

[silent_sacrifice]

"It still looks bulky, but we shall see."

He rises to his own feet and the armor of his belt and shoulder pieces appear, as well as his blade in his hand.

"You are taller than I believed. Would you care to present your arms?"

[unnecessaryflourishes]

"It suits the climate from whence it hails."

It might be somewhat heavier than what Genesis himself wears, true. But it's something that Emet-Selch is used to, and familiar enough that it's not any significant trouble to call to mind.

(He makes no significant comment on his height, save to offer a brief nod of acknowledgement.)

That said, if Genesis is not particularly familiar with gunblades, the weapon Emet-Selch draws is likely to more than a little unusual. But he holds with the ease of long practice, despite its unorthodox appearance, and doesn't seem to be terribly concerned with what Genesis himself might be able to offer in return.

"At your leisure."

the tumblr link does not lead to where you mean methinks

[silent_sacrifice]

Yes, that might be a good point. Somewhere not unlike Icicle. And yet not, for Genesis knew there were no great cities there.

"As if there is any leisure in such play. Though I wonder whether magic could be called upon here."

Oh well, no need to wonder. He darts forward, slashing out in a testing blow with his own sword.

[unnecessaryflourishes]

"It is near enough a dream. Why should it not be?"

Not that Emet-Selch has made any great effort to call on the more offensive magics of which he is capable. But it stands to reason that it ought to be all the same.

But for now, he is content to leave it in the realm of the theoretical as he brings up his own blade neatly to block, in one well-practiced motion. And without any apparent difficult besides; though he doesn't quite look bored it does seem clear that this attempt is something he hasn't had any difficulty with.

Nor does he waste any time making his own move, once Genesis' blade has been deflected, stepping back only enough to disengage before coming in with a strike of his own - one that is likewise meant to test Genesis' skills, though he puts a little more effort behind it.

[silent_sacrifice]

Yes, well, he is only testing his soulmate. Clearly it's not something that shows his true power. After all, Genesis's power is in his speed. So he parries the blow with deft skill, his mako enhanced eyes flashing with light for a moment before he jabbed forward once, twice, thrice in the blink of an eye.