[open] and we won't eat and we won't sleep

[exsoldier]

Who: Zack Fair and YOU
When: Ieneuer / January catch-all
Where: Throughout Aefenglom
What: Event prompts and post full moon changes (someone's getting a tail...)
Warnings: Possibly violence, will edit with anything else!

i. kidnapping attempts; mid-month

[ There's something almost nostalgic, in a strange sort of way, about these nightly patrols that Zack has assigned himself to out of a sense of duty toward this city that's taken him in. Is Aefenglom perfect? No, he's already seen plenty of examples of how people here can be cruel to others simply because they're a type of monster they consider unseemly or dangerous. That's to say nothing of the clear class divides.

But is he going to stand around doing nothing while people are getting kidnapped and experimented on with the Cwyld by some weird cult? Absolutely not.

Subterfuge isn't really his area of expertise, so Zack puts his energies to making sure that people don't get grabbed in the middle of the night, only to never return (at least not in one piece). With his trusty Buster Sword strapped to his back, he moves through the rougher parts of town, eyes and ears open for any sign of foul play. He's gathered that this Evergreen Circle group has chosen to grab people they think won't be missed. Yeah, turns out they're wrong about that.

Eventually his methodical patrolling pays off, as he hears someone cry out in alarm, screaming for help. Zack races in the direction of the yelling, cutting down side streets and leaping over walls (despite how slick they might be with ice) in hopes of interrupting the kidnapping attempt. As he comes up on the pair, a hooded figure who's bodily dragging a young man away, he almost crashes into another Mirrorbound.

The only way Zack acknowledges this sudden addition is by pointing down the alley he just saw the cultist disappear down. With how thick the mists are tonight, he knows it would be far too easy to lose them. ]

That way!

ii. the infected; late month

[ As the month drags on and more people are successfully taken by the cult, Zack's patrols unfortunately turn into something else. He's saved a few people by this point, yes, but not all of them. The Evergreen Circle seems to have more resources than they could have imagined, which probably has something to do with the fact that they're connected to the aristocracy.

The end result being that he starts to find not attempted kidnappings, but the outcome of those, with severely infected "test subjects" dumped back out onto the streets.

While Zack can't imagine what the exact nature of these experiments had been, it's rough enough to see the aftermath. It makes his stomach churn, makes his blood boil. And if it brings back any unpleasant memories of his own, he'd rather not focus on that.

The hardest part is making the call: could the person be saved, still, and was it worth the risk to take them to the Coven for treatment? Or was there no better fate left to them than a swift and merciless death?

Zack and his patrol partner for the night (whether they planned this ahead of time or simply came across one another) have found one such poor soul. The woman's in the middle of a small plaza, crouched in the snow near a frozen-over fountain. Even from a distance, Zack can see that the skin on her arms has been tainted with that telltale inky blackness.

He lets out a long sigh and draws a hand down over his face before sending his partner a glance. ]

What do you think?

iii. post full moon; end of the month

[ Zack's work (not that he's been paid for it, but that doesn't matter to him) has to be put on hold when the full moons come. He suspects it's the same for a number of monsters and witches at this time, which only gives him additional concern that more people will get grabbed in the night without enough people on the lookout for the cult's movements.

There's not much that can be done about it, though. Thankfully, the full moon itself passes without incident for Zack, the strength of his bond allowing him to maintain control.

What he's not quite ready for (though he probably should have been) is what comes after, or rather, what remains even after the moons have waned slightly. He wakes up the next morning, exhausted from his transformation as he always is, but also left with something extra. Namely, a lion's tail.

That's going to take some getting used to.

The first order of business is his clothing situation. He cuts a hole into one of his pairs of pants so that he can get by, but figures that finding some trousers that are actually tailored to accommodate a tail is worth doing.

So he'll be wandering around the shopping district, bundled up for the cold weather yet unable to hide his new monster addition. If someone approaches him, he'll greet them with a sheepish smile and a shrug. But he could just as easily walk up to someone with a question. ]

Do you know where the good monster-friendly clothing stores are around here?

[ Should he have researched this in advance? Yes. Did he? No. ]

iv. wildcard

[ Got something else you'd like to do with Zack this month? I'm down! Feel free to just throwing something at me and I'll roll with it, or you can hit me up at demonology. ]

Comments

[notbert]

That's true. It really is early. Still early enough that the magic lantern resting on the fountain's edge likely belongs to the one who is waiting. In a half-hour or so it might no longer be needed. But for the Ascian turned hyur, it helps to navigate the spaces between streetlamps.

Getting closer, it will be very obvious to Zack that Ardbert's gear, while nice and winter-ready if archaic, is definitely meant to protect someone from and engage in dangerous conflicts. At the sound of 'Ardbert', the waiting figure turns and focuses on Zack. Likewise raising a hand, 'Ardbert' adopts an expression of easy greeting. Grin and all.

"Ah, just in time." After retrieving the lantern, the warrior steps forward to meet the other man's approach. Is Elidibus ready to do this? Well, yes. Of course. "Indeed, I am Ardbert. Shall we be on our way then, Zack?" He sounds a bit old-fashioned perhaps. But the good-natured manner, while a bit more subdued than Zack's own, appears similar enough.

At least, that's what the Ascian within that shell hopes to portray.

At least two types of humanoid races have tails like that where Elidibus comes from. So the jury's still out as to whether Zack is turning into a harpy or not. The important part is that after a cursory once-over one might expect of anyone getting a first look at a new work partner, this 'Ardbert' fellow doesn't seem to act like something's unusual. There'll be time to suss out details later as to what the ex-SOLDIER may or may not be.

"Though if you'll lead the way, I would be grateful. I'm not as familiar with this area as I would be in the bounds of my usual routes."

Elidibus has made a point of knowing as much of the city as he can. But it's still a work in progress and he had been focusing on matters in the Western Residential District over where they are currently assigned.

[exsoldier]

While the greeting that Zack receives is warm, something about the way that this Ardbert talks is more formal than what he's normally used to. Actually, it's not that different from how Sephiroth will phrase things (AKA the sign of someone a little on the stuffy side), but it could also just be a facet of the world that Ardbert comes from. Zack doesn't give it more than a passing notice either way.

The lantern is a good idea, though soon enough it won't be needed, as the sun is already threatening to blanket Aefenglom in morning light. Getting to watch the sunrise is one of the nicer parts of this particular shift.

"Oh, yeah, no problem! I'm starting to know this part of the city like the back of my hand." There is a strange comfort in becoming that familiar with at least a small portion of Aefenglom, given that this place had felt so foreign and unknowable to Zack in his first few months here. So with that, he heads off, taking the lead as promised.

Though it doesn't take long into their patrol before he glances over his shoulder to shoot Ardbert a question.

"So, how long ago did you stumble through one of those mirrors?" It's the usual question that's asked when meeting any Mirrorbound here for the first time, but it does serve as a handy icebreaker.

[notbert]

And when the sunrise crests enough to make the lantern completely irrelevant, the magic used to light it is extinguished and the device...collapsed? Clever folding turns it into a disc which can be tucked away somewhere on 'Ardbert's' person. Handy, but probably not too uncommon for the city.

Zack's confidence in his knowledge of this part of the city is acknowledged with a grin and a 'lead the way' type of gesture as his patrol partner of the day follows. Elidibus takes note of the path the ex-SOLDIER chooses for them, their surroundings, and the types of dwellings or businesses which might be present. He'll easily be drawn in by the icebreaker. After all, it does make a doorway for questions of his own.

"I arrived at the end of the moon called Deceuer, here," comes the response. No need to hide that. And it does fill in the void of conversation called 'small talk'. So he's been here... barely a month? If even that. 'Ardbert' seems to project a feeling of good-natured... acceptance? Well, he doesn't seem nervous at least. Elidibus lengthens his stride so he's almost in step beside Zack rather than just following. The conversation's easier that way, right?

"You've been on this star... this world a while longer, I imagine?" On purpose, Elidibus lets his gaze slip to the possible 'Monster' traits Zack bears as if he's silently drawn to assume. In truth, the Emissary does not but seeks to coax his companion into speaking of his own accord.

[exsoldier]

That's not long at all, no. It does mean that the question of whether Ardbert's a Monster or a Witch becomes a little less clear, but Zack figures it doesn't actually matter that much. If it comes up in conversation, great, but it's not like he needs to know. Their designation in this world certainly doesn't define them.

He does notice the way Ardbert first refers to this place as a "star." It's probably just a difference in terminology, but interesting all the same.

"Not as long as some, but since Juril, yeah."

Has this guy memorized the month names already? He does seem the fastidious type, so maybe.

"Pretty sure that within a few months, my transformation's gonna be all finished." His tail swishes to punctuate his point, and while Zack still isn't quite used to having it, with each passing day it gets a little easier. He's still not sure if that's good or bad, but it is what it is, right?

[notbert]

Elidibus comes from a place where the current calendar uses such gems as First Astral Moon and First Umbral Moon to refer to the first two months of the year. Each month having specific names was one of the first notable differences on arriving in Aefenglom. Also yes, he is a fastidious type. And it's not the first calendar he's ever learned in his lifetime. There is no visible sign detected that he needs to calculate the placement of 'Juril' in relation to the current month. He nods.

"Some time, then?" By mortal reckoning anyway. 'Ardbert' seems a little amused, "Well you appear to be taking matters in stride."

Indeed, Zack's attitude is interesting to note for the lack of self-esteem issues accompanying the discussion of the occurring transformation. Not to mention useful for someone seeking more knowledge. "Ah, forgive me," Ardbert starts with an apologetic manner. "I admit I had been wondering what manner of transformation you were undergoing. Most I have spoken with are less... enthusiastic about their changes."

Elidibus had considered saying more but held off for now. Even with someone willing to talk about the matter, there were often... pitfalls to be avoided.

[exsoldier]

It's true that Zack is taking things in stride, mainly because he doesn't know how else to handle when his life gets tipped upside-down like this. While showing up in Aefenglom is definitely the most extreme example of that, he was no stranger to unexpected shifts even before then, and there's usually no option other than to take the hits as they come.

His acceptance of things as they are being taken as enthusiasm, though... Well, maybe he shouldn't be surprised.

His gait falters just slightly in response to that assessment as he glances over. "It's not enthusiasm so much as... whether I like it or not, it's gonna happen. Acting like it won't or resenting it isn't going to get me anywhere."

What's left unsaid is that this is still better than the alternative, which is being dead — little more than a passing wisp of energy in the Lifestream. Here, he can spend time with Cloud and Aerith. He can meet and befriend new people. He can make a life for himself. If he has to bear bodily changes for all that, then so be it.

[notbert]

Hm. The expression on this 'Ardbert's' expression is not some foolish amusement or ignorant fascination. The words before were chosen to instill a certain impression of a newly arrived, curious but somewhat self-aware that this curiousity is.... well, a bit tactless sometimes.

Elidibus is interested in what he can learn. From Zack's reaction to his 'assessment'. From the details the ex-SOLDIER might give in his answer. A young mortal with a mindset such as this can prove useful. The expression on the Ascian's mortal host is a mix of that honest curiousity and a much older being's interest.

"That is... certainly pragmatic," he allows himself to respond. He had slowed when Zack faltered to keep stride with the other man. Their talk had also not taken his full attention away from what they were here for; to keep an eye out for problems. There have been none thus far at least.

Momentarily, he appears to think. And perhaps Elidibus does, considering whether to ask his next question. "Have you ever resented this world?" The question is asked carefully. With such a question and in such a tone, no matter how easy-going a man looks, it would be hard to hide the suggestion that the warrior has resented this world.

Or does.

[exsoldier]

It's a fair question, and one that Zack actually takes a moment to think over. Even though he's usually the sort of person who acts first and asks questions later, right now all they're doing is following a preset path. His eyes are wide open and tracking everything in their vicinity, and so far there's nothing out of the ordinary. Which means that for the moment he can put most of his attention to answering Ardbert's question.

"It's not like this place is perfect. It's got its share of issues, but I'm pretty sure that's the case for every world." He lets that statement sit for a moment, doubting that there'll be any argument from Ardbert. "In particular, the way monsters are sometimes treated is pretty awful." Zack's thinking primarily of what he'd seen in Dorchacht, but it's not like Aefenglom is always the best about it either.

And, just like back home, there's the haves and the have-nots, the rich and the poor. There's clear lines of stratification in the city that make that impossible to ignore.

"On top of that, sometimes people go back home without any warning or even the chance to say goodbye. That may not be something anyone here has control over, but... I know some people feel like the Coven isn't forthcoming enough about that kind of thing." Cloud being one example, Lightning another.

Another pause, and he meets Ardbert's gaze. Zack assumes that he asked for a reason. "What about you?"

[notbert]

There is no world perfect. Even that which Elidibus and his fellow Unsundered set out to restore would not be called perfection. It was simply the correct path to take and would lead to the restoration of the one true God.

But it was also a very Ascian point of view to feel that any world with mortals doing the same tiring repetitions over and over in their short mortal lives without learning anything was just that much less. And it was certainly a great way of garnering sympathetic conversation. So Zack is given a nod and an expression filled with commiseration. "I have witnessed it firsthand, living in the Western Residential District. Even as outsiders, few of the Mirrorbound seem inclined to pay heed to this concern. Perhaps a part of being an insular group as much as the dubious safety in their status as an unknown power."

It has not escaped the man's attention that Native Monsters and Mirrorbound Monsters do not necessarily experience the same reception.

"While the Coven in this city is civil enough, I do not doubt they have their secrets. But I recognize they may not have all the answers, despite their self-appointed task as our keepers." This is said with some effort at portraying humor though there is little doubt the sentiment behind the role of 'keeper' is serious enough. "I do suspect it would be best to find answers on one's own, through one's means should they be desired." On one's own or within a group, either seems acceptable. "Still, those who have such feelings are wise to feel cautious at the very least."

Elidibus stills momentarily. This time not just metaphorically but his forward progress slows to a halt. Naturally, he had some expectations of being asked the question in kind. Yet rather than simply lead Zack through a carefully structured response, he voices what must be, for the emotions attached, be an honest enough answer.

"This world," begins the man calling himself Ardbert, "has taken me from my duty and purpose." The words spoken are poignant. Calm but full of loss. And barely audible, an undercurrent of boiling anger-- rage- kept under firm control. "It has stripped my brethren and I of every semblance of our being and far worse chose to torture one even further." Gloved hands are gripped in fists so tightly the leather would be heard audibly creaking if they were close enough. "Resentment inadequately describes what I feel for this star."

Momentarily he closes his eyes, relaxing his hands. "But I will not allow this predicament to cause me to cast aside reason for rage. I will find a way to bring my brethren and myself back to our world." His eyes open again and he seems to have relaxed.

[exsoldier]

What Zack's quickly learning about Ardbert here is that he's pretty wordy, using a whole lot of carefully chosen phrases to agree with him. While it's good to know that they're on the same page, someone with Zack's attention span is going to struggle to follow along with someone so longwinded. Good thing they're walking, or this might have put him to sleep.

That shifts when Ardbert starts talking about his own feelings regarding Geargadas, though. His tone and bearing change, and if his words weren't enough to get the point across, his body language certainly does. Zack glances down, watching as Ardbert's fist squeezes into itself.

So, more than anything, he wants to get home. With his "brethren." Funny way of saying friends. Zack glances over, head tilted in slight confusion. This guy is kind of weirder than he'd seemed at first glance, huh? Or at least pretty intense.

"I don't think you're the only one who doesn't want to be stuck here," he says eventually, "so I hope you can figure it out." On his own terms, even. If that's what he wants. "You said this place stripped you of something? What do you mean, exactly?"

Some people have lost their powers, Zack knows that much. But this sounds a little more involved than that. The semblance of his being.

[notbert]

Poor Zack. Perhaps if this were the real Ardbert it wouldn't be bad. But Elidibus has been lax. Few people know the difference and fewer still know why. He can afford to be a blend of the person he looks like and really is. To a point. Nevertheless, talking was always a major part of his toolkit.

As for his moment of anger and the physical signs; it was certainly the type of fist that would have broken skin had he not been wearing gloves. Friends, brethren, contemporaries. Family. Even if it were really all that clinical, the millennia would have made such words as inadequate as 'resentment'.

And, Elidibus remembers, he's talking to a mortal. One who does not likely have a stake in what happens back... home. He closes his eyes and opens them again. The intensity has been cleared and he really does seem to have calmed.

"Yes, I certainly maintain hope that I am not alone in my desires." This is spared a half-smile though not without a somber phrasing that suggests some manner of frustration. "Though it seems this world is fond of plucking its victims from some real or perceived proximity to death to lull them into complacency." Or worse.

Well, it's not that Elidibus can know this is somewhat a feature of Zack's own 'abduction'. But he has encountered it frequently enough to make mention. To be honest he's more frustrated with the typical naivety shown by mortals (and one of his fellow Unsundered) than with the actual method. Sucks to be on the receiving end, that.

Well, 'Ardbert' is willing to start moving on again at this point. Though Zack has asked a question that suggests the ex-SOLDIER's attention span isn't quite so erratic as it might often seem. "Exactly as I said," the man finally answers after a thoughtful reflection. He makes a gesture indicating the desire to start walking again and will keep pace with Zack. "And I would ask you a question in turn. What do you believe that I meant?"

He doesn't appear to be leading Zack on by not answering directly. Elidibus really seems to desire to know what Zack might believe.

[exsoldier]

The comment does feel pointed, even though Zack knows that there's no way that could actually be the case. He's told very few people here about his fate back home, and he doesn't think any of those people would have randomly spread it around, especially to someone he's never met before, which means that it's just a coincidental comment. He's uncharacteristically quiet in response to it, only nodding as they start to walk again, turning another corner into some of the quieter alleys of this district. Not many people may come this way, but those who did would be particular vulnerable to abduction.

It does feel like he's being put on the spot with Ardbert turning the question back on him. Maybe he doesn't want to get into it, but then why did he mention it in the first place? It may have just slipped out during that spark of anger, but...

Well, here goes. Zack's curious enough to play along.

"I know a lot of Mirrorbound had their original powers or magic taken away, so I'm guessing it has something to do with that?" If Ardbert saw his magic as an extension of himself, it would make sense that it might feel like he'd lost a limb, or some other vital part of himself. "But, uhh..."

He sends Ardbert a quick glance before looking forward again. How to phrase this? "I also know that not all Mirrorbound were completely human, or human at all, before coming here." So he isn't going to assume, but...

[notbert]

There are just that many people with the same sort of story. Elidibus has been running out of fingers to count on the ones that he knows directly.

As they walk through the quiet alley and what with the narrowing of the path it is easier to slow long enough to look around. And so while Zack is pondering how to answer the question posed to him, 'Ardbert' does take the time to check a few problem areas which might be hiding a would-be kidnapper. Recessed doors or very narrow openings between homes. Even a couple of places that are prodded and poked with the butt of his axe's handle in a pragmatically unfriendly way. At least he's a courteous man, to give the time needed to think.

It's with a faint smile Ardbert returns his attention to Zack. Because it started with 'loss of powers' and 'loss of magic'. Yes, these are certainly true in a sense but well Elidibus knows what difference lies in what mortals consider power and magic and what he and his fellow Unsundered know...

But uuuh...

A smile that slowly fades. It is not with wariness or sudden defensiveness that Ardbert looks upon Zack, however. One might call the expression 'mildly impressed'. Mixed with a small amount of irritation. It is likely just the tip of an iceberg of connected emotions.

Casually the axe is hefted to let most of the weight be handled by the warrior's shoulders. Rather than secure it to his back, since it's likely he'll have to poke something again. At least 'something' doesn't appear to be Zack.

"Well, I'll give you credit for thinking beyond the simple loss of 'magic' or 'power'." The answer borders on the jovial tones 'Ardbert' would use. "But what do you consider 'human', Zack? Is it a term which speaks of all sentient life where you are from? Perhaps it is a little less diverse. Is a human that which walks on two legs, perhaps called 'mankind' regardless whether they have flesh or tapered ears." A sly glance briefly slides to the ex-SOLDIER's latest chimerical addition. "...Or a tail."

Mind you though, this is not spoken as mocking in any fashion. The nature of a human, even on the worlds Elidibus has visited over countless millennia, is ever shaped by the differing opinions and cultures of those misshapen creatures who dare to call themselves 'mankind'. One could almost consider it a brief remark on differing perspectives.

Ardbert walks on for a while, thinking. Sure there's enough time for Zack to add comments here and he's welcome to. But there's also an impression that his partner of the day isn't finished giving a response.

"What if you knew of several worlds. Each and every one of them filled with endless beings who would call themselves human or mankind... or not. Yet no matter how much power they claim. No matter how much magic they wield or scrap of birthright they reclaim, they never realize they were once so much more."

It is dispassionate because Elidibus refrains from certain words. Such as 'pathetic' or 'feeble' or even 'pitiable'. It is intense because it is hard not to be about this matter. Perhaps even impossible for him. At least when it is spoken of so openly. What follows is something recognizable. Grief. Something like a memory. One of the ones that have never been forgotten.

"On every one of these shards, each man believes themselves an individual soul upon an individual world. Yet they are not. Scattered to the fragments of the shattered Star by a terrible, misguided creation. Countless gave their lives, only for the souls of the rest to be torn apart. Only a few were capable of remaining intact. Forced to witness their loved ones, the people they cherished wander in a parody of existence." Some part of the horror may be lost in translation. After all, 'Ardbert' speaks of souls not physical form. And yet the emotion captured in those words could almost equal the worst imaginable scenario of body horror in witnessing such a thing.

"Then one day, a world far from the world you dedicate your entire being to save decides to imprison and enslave you in its wretched cycle, with apparently no more drive than its own personal amusement." 'Ardbert' begins to conclude. His tone is calming, even though the words remain dangerous and the 'what if' narrative while not fooling anyone (it was certainly not meant to) is still used in part. "You are crushed and sealed and pushed into a shape and form not your own and so like those lost fragments of the true mankind's souls. Every single one of your senses is stripped away. What was a part of you as much as the beat or your heart or the act of breathing is removed. Not even the barest manifestation which sometimes appeared to the sundered creatures is permitted.

Ardbert's eyes narrow. "But you remember. And you are forced to watch as this prison grinds its heel into your fellow Unsundered and try to twist them beyond even the most basic recognition. You can do nothing. You cannot even speak or feel because even a hint of displeasure, even directed to the correct target, may utterly destroy them. Then one day someone innocently asks if you are upset with the world because you were once inhuman."

Elidibus may be the Emissary. The calmest and most rational. But he can and has voiced his anger before, though his current conversational partner is oddly... exempt? What was lightly hinted at earlier, that the Ascian's ire is not in any way directed at Zack. There is no malice or any hint of what might be deemed 'killing intent' directed toward the young man. Despite it being triggered by the chimera's guess, Elidibus knows where his rage should be directed.

Zack is mortal and as Sundered as those he's familiar with until confirmed otherwise. And some courteous leeway can be given for those who are whole and not from the same cycle of a story as Elidibus himself.

Ardbert smiles. "I suppose there is little to do but find humor in the matter. Though I imagine by the same theory of differing perspective, there would be those who consider me 'inhuman' in my natural state." There sure are. Plenty of them. For certain reasons, it seems to bother him more here.

[exsoldier]

At first Zack does prepare himself to try and answer the question of what is or isn't human. It's not the first time he's been made to think about it. The way that Shinra's experiments had twisted humans into what some might call "monsters" is why his own status here as a chimera had hit a little too close to home. Before he can even open his mouth, though, Ardbert keeps talking.

It quickly becomes clear that right now, he's meant to just listen. Suffice to say that this isn't what Zack had been expecting this patrol to be like, not even close. It kind of reminds him of when he'd been stuck listening to Genesis going on and on about stuff that usually made little sense to him.

This is slightly more coherent than analyzing verses of Loveless, though not by much. Yet what Zack does pick up on is that this is obviously not about a piece of fiction, but about Ardbert's own situation. A lot of it goes over his head, if he's honest. The closest comparison he can draw to what Ardbert's attempting to define are the Ancients, and they're more of a legend than anything else. He doesn't have any real details about them, beyond them being the original inheritors of the Planet.

What he does know is that his own life hadn't been a "parody of existence." And yet maybe that's what Ardbert would call it, if everything he's saying is really true and he'd somehow been something more. Can Zack imagine what that would look like? No, not really. Something like a god or a goddess, maybe? Like what Genesis had transformed into?

It's only after it's been silent for about ten seconds in the alley that Zack realizes Ardbert has finally finished speaking, and he glances up. For once, his tail hangs still at his back. Despite how little of it he understood, the flash of anger from earlier makes more sense.

"Wow. I can't say I really get everything you just said, but... it sounds like being here has been really rough on you. I can't blame you for having it out for this place."

To go from so powerful to so powerless couldn't be easy. Zack doesn't know what to make of this guy anymore, but it's true that he hasn't been directly threatened at all. And somehow, he was the right person to listen as Ardbert got all this off his chest. Which is... something?

[notbert]

And no Angeal to keep it grounded. Or Sephiroth to distract Genesis with some random monster to have a contest over.

Perhaps Elidibus is just venting a little. Zack doesn't seem like the type to keep up with the conversation completely even if the ex-SOLDIER did appear to be a little more observant than first appeared. The Ascian had said it in his very words: the mortals, those 'parodies of existence' are completely unable to comprehend what they have lost. At the end of the day, Zack is not expected to completely understand.

The man calling himself Ardbert isn't trying to pretend to be a good-natured and easy-going hyur. A lot of typical body language anyone expects from a living individual is gone. It can't be completely schooled away for the body is alive. But the difference is noticeable. The look in his eyes is that of someone far older than most mortal men even get to comprehend much less experience. The half-smile remains as a token facade.

He's not emotionless. It's just the disguise has dropped in the discreet alley. And as Elidibus listens to Zack's response, he's given to close his eyes and sigh. That's all, is it? Two simple statements and honest confusion. The very essence of a man trying to be polite and not necessarily know what to say as much of the subject matter went over his head. No, he's still not angry with Zack. The man's reaction is quite understandable.

"Well, you were civil enough to listen without interruption. For that I commend you as no doubt there was much to take in." It's almost but not quite a 'thank you for listening'. 'Ardbert' continues and begins to stretch as if working out the kinks. Though little by little he's bringing back the little actions and motions which are so much more customary for mortals to engage in. A scratch at the back of the head or shifting of weight when moments before he'd stood nearly as still as a statue.

"There is no need to concern yourself with it further. For the remainder of this patrol and whatever circumstances may bring us together in the future, treat it as an exercise in thought it surely was." It was all a hypothetical situation. ...Clearly.

It might be shocking that he shifted so cleanly from a careful breakdown of his status and subsequent captivity by this world (Heavily Abridged) to the vaguely friendly Ardbert-shaped being who had been patrolling an alley. He begins to walk toward another feature which might be a problem point.

But there it is. One second a very intense and ancient creature, the next apparently like most any mortal. But Zack might on the rest of this patrol notice a few details here and there that make sense with context. Oh, 'Ardbert' is and will be keeping up his act for the remainder of their time together, but it is in the end an act. And while it's a good one, he's only been a few months in a true mortal routine after... how old did he say he was?

Ah, he really didn't.

[exsoldier]

The shift in body language is impossible to miss, and while Zack's still partway distracted by everything that got dumped on him (he'd likely have a lot more to say in response once he's had more time to process it), he does find him staring at the other man in quiet consideration. There's something about the way he's now carrying himself, and that shift from how he'd been when they first met in the square, that's uncomfortably familiar.

It's not so different from the shift that had happened in Sephiroth, except instead of Ardbert snapping and losing himself, it's more like he let a disguise fall away. Eventually, it does come back into place, the mask fitted back over his face, and that's even more unsettling.

If Zack had been a few years younger, if he hadn't gone through as much as he has, he likely would have interjected at multiple times through Ardbert's speech. But that's neither here nor there. No, he's more distracted by Ardbert's claim that they should just carry on as if none of that ever happened.

"An exercise in thought. Right." Zack sounds completely unconvinced, but he also isn't going to push it right now. They have a job to do, he needs some time to chew over everything he was told, and that's also assuming they even run into each other again.

Aefenglom's a pretty big place, after all.

Weird as it had all been, Zack doesn't feel threatened at any point. While he realizes that's probably because he doesn't actually register as a threat to this guy, it's probably better than the alternative.

Probably.