ruinedempire | prismatica inbox

[ Sent an evening after a long work day— and after a day of not texting as normal. ]

Rufus! Are you awake?
It's late but I had to check in ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´ω`ﾟ)ﾟ｡
The train back from Amegahara broke down! It was so scary (._.)

[Ever since Tseng returned home, Rufus has been rooming by himself, so the text from Kitsuno is a welcome interaction from the ~~loneliness~~ boredom he's been suffering through.

As such, a small smile crosses his face, before he answers her text.]

But of course, the night's far too young to retire from.

That indeed sounds scary. Has it been fixed yet? And I certainly hope that no one has caused you any grief during this.

[ Having been keeping in touch since they first met, she's rather enjoyed their meet-ups and conversation. As well as the fact that her boss, Miss Airy, hired him during the beginning of one date out of the blue... ]

I'm safe! Mitsu was there with me.
Some wolf Prismals tried to sit beside me but he scared them off. I'm home now, though!

[ It feels nice to be able to speak casually to someone again. ]

Have you been settling in alright at work?
Being a supervisor must be hectic!
If you need help, you can always ask me when I'm around, alright?

Have you eaten yet? I can make you something if you'd like!

[ She feels so bad he got roped into it... but also secretly happy she gets to see him when she's not in Amegahara. ]

Mitsu is the perfect companion. Loyal, watchful, protective. Traits that are admirable in any living creature, wouldn't you agree?

[...He's quite glad honestly that those wolf Prismals were scared off, but Rufus doesn't mention that.]

But of course. The work's been pleasant, I have hardly any complaints about it. You can say it's both familiar and completely new to me, being a supervisor at a flower boutique.

[Rufus is definitely getting a kick out of it. He'll have to send flowers to his favorite Avalanche members at some point, if just to see their reaction.]

I haven't yet. You're truly spoiling me-- aren't I supposed to be your Prince?

It's why my fathers rely on him to look after me. I'm just glad he arrived with me when I ended up here.

[ Rufus always says such sweet things- she does wonder if he isn't just saying them, though. Someone as composed and seemingly in control as him- well, she can't imagine a better supervisor. All the same... ]

Ahah (◠‿◠✿)
It's a Princess' job to look after her Prince, isn't it?
I've learnt how to make some modern meals while living here.
So if you've any requests, I can try my best to make you something you like!
What are you in the mood for?

[Her fathers, huh?]

Fathers? Can't imagine having more than one protective father in my life. [Or any.] But perhaps expected of a king watching over the health of his princess.

[The relationship between him and his own father is rough, complex, and something that Rufus honestly doesn't talk about if he can. Luckily, it's easy to drop through text.]

The classic tale involves the prince looking after the princess and I'd hate to be the one to break tradition. So, let me ask you this, what do you want to make? We're far beyond being shy with each other.

Oh, yes. I have two fathers- they're bonded in marriage. I've two younger brothers as well.

[ She knows people here find it strange that male foxes and dragons in her world can bear children through birthing blossoms as well, so she doesn't detail it. However, his next message makes her blink- and fluster, just a bit. ]

Is that so? I've heard of tales of two princesses, and two princes at times...
Back home, it usually didn't matter.
But if it makes you happy, I wouldn't mind doing it your way.
I think I'd like to make you something from home.
Have you ever tried onigiri?

Two younger brothers? I do feel sorry about that, younger siblings can be quite a pain.

[Probably less messy than the illegitimate brothers he's had, however. The thought of them makes Rufus smirk to himself, remembering his past encounters with them, but he still responds to her next message in a timely manner.]

I've never tried onigiri before... and I can't imagine anything better than a meal specifically cooked from your world. It's an excellent suggestion.

Do you think so? My brothers are very sweet. They always want me to pay attention to them.

Do you have siblings as well, then?

[ She perks up then— if he's alright with trying something from home, then she has everything she needs to make it. And her next text says as much— ]

It's very easy to make. So I can have some delicious onigiri ready for you in an hour.

I'd still like to learn about what you like having in your Midgar, though.
Perhaps we could go see it soon, through the Amphoria pods?

[So, she was close with her brothers as well. Close familial bonds must be a nice thing, he supposes.]

Of a sort. We weren't particularly close.

[He'll leave it at that for now.]

Shall I make way towards your location in an hour? Being late after you've made a home cooked meal would be largely uncouth.

I did promise you a stroll through Midgar, didn't I? Perhaps as Mutten Kylegate before, but I promise that this tour will be hosted by Rufus Shinra.

[ She doesn't want to dredge up anything unpleasant for him- but she does reply to that first statement before addressing the rest. ]

I'm sorry to hear that... but you can enjoy other relationships here!

If it's not too much trouble, then please. I was going to come over to you instead otherwise!

I would love to see the city you've praised so much. Having my Prince by my side will make it all the better!

You never did tell me who this Mutten Kylegate was. Was that a friend of yours?

[He can certainly enjoy the relationships he's developed here, she's not wrong. Temporary it may be, ultimately forgotten once he returns home, it doesn't erase the fact that Rufus intends to use his time wisely here.]

Of course not. I can't let you do all the work now.

[Return to Midgar though, back when it was the industrial capital... even if it's only in a memory/dream. Perhaps the only way to really see it like that once more.

Nonetheless, Rufus smirks when he sees the text about Kylegate. Now there's a story.]

Not at all. In fact, he tried to kill me a couple of times.

[ She flusters just a bit... he's sweet, and thanks to him, she hasn't been feeling as drifting as she used to. However, his next words make her eyes widen. He what...!! ]

Kill you?!
He didn't succeed then, did he?
I know it's strange to ask, but-
I've met people here who have died back home, but are alive and well on Lunatia!

[ And a moment later, she practically sounds sheepish when she messages again. ]
... forgive me, that was rude, wasn't it?
You don't have to speak of it if it's uncomfortable-
But if you wish, you can tell me about it after our meal.

[ She might be politer than most foxes, but she can be forward when wanting to know something about those dear to her- not having human hang-ups over doing so. ]

[Her concern is nearly touching. Rufus might be finding this a little more humorous than he should, but thinking back on his time with Mutten makes him laugh now.]

I'll keep you in suspense then. I promise to give you all the details after dinner.

[The few days without any external magical influence had been a tremendous relief, even if the rifts torn in reality had put a damper on any real attempts to relax. And then Iris rose again, and Ferran felt almost invigorated. Not drawn towards people by a need or desperation, but rather an intense determination that felt right, almost familiar. After a month and a half of being practically helpless, he was going to go out and do something worthwhile.

It's almost difficult to fit it into his busy schedule, but he takes time off of his usual training to instead wander Level 3, perhaps looking for trouble. Eventually, he finds it.

There's a ruckus that can be heard from a block or two away, the shouting and crashing of two Prismals' fight echoing in the streets, but it ends more quickly than most scuffles do in the lower levels. Someone close enough might have seen the dark cloud that briefly blotted out the street lights before it faded, leaving the two combatants on their knees in a daze. While most passersby flee or continue on in relief, a few bystanders watch the Iris-blessed young man that approaches, the glow of his red eyes outshining the luminescent spots that line his limbs.]

Clean up your mess, [he orders them gently,] and then you can turn yourselves in.

[The two are sluggish to respond thanks to the magic that made their limbs and minds heavy, but Ferran is confident he's been heard.]

[Well, if it isn't the kid that loathes him with nearly every fiber of his being. Perhaps not that extreme, but Rufus knows that he's definitely on his hate list, which he doubts is long. Presumptuous of him, maybe, but he honestly can't see it otherwise. Someone with such a low presence, with no self-confidence or hope...

Well, perhaps someone like that would be hateful towards most. Maybe there's other competition he has to wonder about.

He's not interested in asking such a thing, and honestly, Rufus wouldn't care to talk to Ferran on most days. But it's the use of his power, that ability to command others, that draws his attention right now. It's one thing to see it in a dream and another thing to see it in person.

So, he can actually use it here.

Rufus waits until the two men start to do as ordered and when the crowd around them begins to lessen, but eventually, the Shinra heir speaks up.]

What a truly frightening ability you have.

[Like an asshole, Rufus is dressed in his normal outfit-- although he's missing his white jacket, just going for a simple black dress shirt and tie with white slacks. Nonetheless, he still sticks out in the underbelly of the city.]

Edited (html) 2020-09-14 05:54 (UTC)

[Ferran watches the ruffians quietly with his arms folded, making sure they're doing the work properly and picking up everything their scuffle scattered into the street. He doesn't care how quickly or slowly it gets done, as long as the shops around here don't have to deal with their nonsense.

Rufus's voice is unwanted and unpleasant to his ears, but he still turns a red eye to the man and responds evenly.]

Do you really think so?

[He knows that he's most likely treading on dangerous water now. No Turk nearby and he's basically alone in a more shady area of the city with a kid that has the power to command others against their will. There's a high chance that Ferran will use it on him and maybe Rufus will find himself either dead in a ditch somewhere or in a similarly horrible situation, but well, that's the risk he accepted by going up to him right now.

But maybe because of those thoughts, he just goes straight to the point, his entire countenance serious. They're past any sort of polite niceties anyway.]

You don't believe otherwise? An army may be powerful, but the one that has complete control over it holds the real power.

[An exaggeration, yes, but Rufus knows he got his point across.]

[An army, huh? He almost wonders if he's capable of commanding any useful number of people at once with his magic, in terms of fighting. It leaves a bad taste in his mouth to consider it.]

Turning everything into a grand statement. I should expect that from you.

[It's true, though, that for all Rufus knows about him and how he can be, Ferran feels like the one in power here; he has no anxiety in dealing with the man. Even in a dangerous place as this, he's unafraid, ordering violent criminals around with no thoughts of consequences.]

I won't argue. I was asking... if it scared you.

Always so immune to my compliments, Ferran.

[Fear is such a funny thing though. A philosophy he once toyed with, intending to use that emotion to control the mass. Then Sephiroth happened, Meteor, everyone fearing not only for their own lives, but for the planet in a way that's never quite happened before. Then Shinra's fall, the initial unease because of the population he once sought to control now blames him and the company for everything.

Not to mention Diamond Weapon. Geostigma. He truly thought he was going to die those times.

Does he fear Ferran-- his ability more precisely? There's unpredictability here, no assure if he'll survive. At the same time, death does not hold the same consequence in this world for them. There's always something far worse than death, however.]

It would be foolish not to be. [Despite admitting that, however, he seems completely calm.]

[Ferran smiles.]

Any compliment coming from you is worthless.

[He really detests this man... and hearing his name out of that mouth is nails against a chalkboard. It's impressive, really. How did he let someone this pathetic get under his skin? He should probably be ashamed.

Rufus really doesn't want to say it right out, that he's scared. It's just another one of those vague, grand statements this guy seems prone to making.]

I guess you're not the kind of person to call yourself a fool, are you? [Even so.] But you still decided to talk to me.

[How hurtful.

But Rufus doesn't react much to the comment, just watching Ferran with that stoic sort of expression. It's a slight contrast to the condescending and superior amusement that he normally carries, but perhaps it's a bit welcome change for Ferran to deal with.]

I would hate to have fear dictate my every action.

I'll keep that in mind...

[If that sounds like a threat, Ferran has succeeded. He is enjoying talking to Rufus a lot more now that that stupid smirk isn't on his face.

In the meantime, the two ruffians finish picking up the glass and debris and turn to head to the nearest authorities. He watches them with a small, satisfied smile, but doesn't go after them—at this point, it's clear they'll follow through.]

If only everyone was so willing to make up for what they did. The world would be a nicer place, don't you think?

[A seemingly innocent question, but Rufus can nearly feel the animosity coming from it. Perhaps he's looking far too much into his words, but it's not unreasonable to believe that Ferran wouldn't use his powers against him when he feels like it. His answer will probably influence that decision.

Treading carefully is the plan still. He doesn't want this encounter to end too quickly with him being possessed.]

It's quite unfortunate that the world is far more complicated. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have these sort of situations to begin with, wouldn't we?

Perfect doesn't exist. There's no point to wishing for it.

[As idealistic as Ferran can be, he's become jaded enough over the past year to realize that the world's complications aren't going away any time soon.]

But we can always work towards improvement, even if we have to force it sometimes, right?

[Well, this certainly is going down a particular road. At this point, it's probably inevitable that Ferran will use his powers on him. There are few choices available to him and most are unappealing. He's not going to run away, he's not going to shoot him either; that will draw too much attention now.

He might as well face this head on.]

Well, what are you waiting for? I'm aware that you've been wanting to use your powers on me.

[He wonders how much he'll remember, if he'll be aware at all while he's under Ferran's influence.]

[The Iris-blessed laughs; it's a higher sound than his voice usually is, and almost sharp.]

You're that eager, huh?

[Oh, no. That would be too easy. It's much more fun to drag things out like this—really build the tension and see if he can further crack that stoic exterior.]

Alright, why don't you tell me what you think I'll use them for?

We've already delayed the inevitable.

[He doesn't crack, not just yet. Even with the thought that this will be the first time he won't have any control over his body, he'll just have to face it head on. Maybe he'll even find a way to resist it somehow. Asking Ferran would be entirely pointless, but it's possible that such a weakness could still be exploited.]

A chance to let me give my last thoughts before you control me? How considerate. [He remarks, though his comment isn't accompanied by his usual smirk.] Hm, I don't see why I should tell you.

Are you baiting me, or are you just an idiot?

[Does Rufus really think he can say no? (Even though Ferran's powers haven't worked as reliably since he's been on this planet, right now he feels like he could do anything.)]

You're right that it's incredibly useful, you know. People will tell me anything, let me in anywhere, forget they saw me at all...

[The possibilities are endless, really. Ferran's eyes flash red as he finally activates his magic again. Whether Rufus will remember... who knows? This place is mysterious.]

Say, where do you live, anyway?

[Rufus doesn't deign Ferran with a response. No reason to get riled up by such a ridiculous question.]

Such a truly awful person.

[For a moment, a flicker of that condescending amusement flashes across Rufus' face as he listens to Ferran 'gloat' about his powers. Perhaps not the correct term, but he doesn't have much time to think about it anyway, not when the kid's eyes finally flash red and--

Suddenly, he feels like he's under some sort of truth serum. He's aware enough to know where he's at, who he's speaking with, but things almost feel foggy. Maybe better than he expected this to be; it's definitely better than fully losing control of himself and his awareness.]

Where do I live? On this planet, just like everyone else.

[He might as well make this as difficult as possible.]

[Ferran's red-eyed gaze gets sharper, although there's no frown on his face. He's going to get the information he wants, regardless of whatever resistance Rufus thinks he can put up. If he has to put a little more force into the magic, a little more detail into his demands, so be it.]

You're so stubborn. I meant that I want to know your address.

[If nothing else, he's going to make this man afraid.]

So you're the type to think power corrupts, huh? Even though you'd use it yourself.

[Ah, there it is, the question that's specifically aimed to give Ferran information about his address. There's no way he can give a deliberately obtuse answer now, so the Shinra heir rattles off his address to Ferran with an unchanging sort of expression. Maybe a side effect of being possessed by his power, or just Rufus' normal facade at play.

He doesn't seem afraid either way.]

Do you disagree? What's the meaning of power to you?

[He puts on a cheery facade, happy for the moment to speak as if they're friends and he's planning a visit.]

You must have set it up nicely. I can't wait to see.

[Rufus might not seem afraid, but that doesn't necessarily mean he isn't. It's impossible not to be unsettled when someone takes information you weren't initially willing to give.]

Of course I disagree. If everyone who had power was automatically evil, every single world out there would collapse from war as soon as they had leaders, or anyone who showed a greater aptitude for anything. [He's fairly sure Rufus is being obtuse on purpose. Having the ability to do great things automatically makes a person awful? Please.]

The same goes with or without magic... you've seen the government here, right? The Magister is the most qualified of their magic and tech researchers, and the figurehead has special magic of her own. But you always see them working hard to solve the city's problems.

[Such a cheerful facade while pushing a threat towards his well-being... but it's definitely not surprising after dealing with Ferran for this long.]

We're quite alike, aren't we?

[Maybe he'll crash at Rude's place for a bit. It's not hard to find a second place to live in case something happens to his apartment. Better to play things safe.]

But of course. You're absolutely correct.

[He huffs, wondering if Rufus is trying to backtrack to avoid further hypnosis. Is it desperation, or something else?]

So you're saying you were either wrong or lying? I'm surprised you'd admit it so easily.

[Perhaps there are things Ferran is willing to do that might err on the side of questionable, but he really can't see the comparison between the two of them.]

How, exactly, do you think we're alike?

[Rufus doesn't answer Ferran's first question. He doesn't see the need to, and guess if the kid really wants to know, he'll just use his powers anyway. He wonders how many times he'll use such a method in one conversation.

It's both tempting to see and best to keep a somewhat safe distance from all this.]

You didn't notice? Or are you just blatantly refusing to recognize such an obvious thing?

You must get some kind of high from provoking people more powerful than you.

[That's going to be the main takeaway from this conversation, honestly, however it might end.]

I want to hear it from you.

[ do you remember the flower she'd ripped out of you, rufus?

here it is now, lovingly potted and growing healthily in the hands of a delivery boy, with a pink tag around the pot. ]

It's blooming nicely. Please take care of it.

[ someone's definitely in the mood to be cheeky. ]

[The delivery boy is going to witness a rare scene, in which one Rufus Shinra starts laughing when he sees the flower and tag, informing him where this little gift has come from. The last remaining Ancient... she really is something.

Well, he can't leave it at that.

So, about a few days later, Aerith will get a delivery (maybe the same kid is delivering it...), and it's a rather extravagant bouquet of flowers. There's a simple white tag attached to it.]

Actually trust me to take care of a flower? I'm touched.

[Also Rufus may or may not be supervising a flower shop in Lunatia, partly for the irony and partly because the job just fell into his lap.]

[ ...

aerith both hates and sort of loves this (and yes, the same poor delivery boy, who is delivering the magnificent bouquet of flowers to her, also told her that he laughed when he received it), even moreso when she looks at the tag to see what has been written on it.

it's... this is actually quite great. she hates it.

also, the day after she'd received the flowers, put them nicely in a vase with the tag hanging off the vase's neck, she's just so happens to be walking past the flower shop he's supervising, stopping only when she sees that familiar blond hair.

and in she goes, just because. ]

I like lilies, by the way.

[Ah, she's finally found him. Rufus slowly pulls away from the flower he's been looking at, greeting Aerith as if she's any other customer that would walk inside.

Well, almost. There's a knowing smile across the young heir's face, fully aware why she's here.]

Miss Gainsborough, welcome.

[Full polite charm, the one that almost feels superficial, especially since there's always a layer of amusement beneath it.]

I see that you've properly received my token of appreciation. You surprise me, however, I thought you would enjoy all flowers-- of course, I suppose we all have our favorites.

prismatica inbox

« text » un: foxlike

text; un: r.shinra

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

action | idk iris or triple moon your pref!!

triple moon just because

excellent

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

delivery;

no subject

no subject

no subject