Broken Puppet (Seymour/Closed)

[Deleted]

(This takes place directly after the Boss Raid # 3)

It hurts….

That was the single thought that ran through the white haired genome’s mind as he stayed curled in a ball within the cold darkness that he floated within, his body was still damaged and exhausted from the battles and the strain of Trance Mode forced upon him. He was himself... for now. He could not hear the whispers of the strange demon that still lived in his body. That could at any moment reach out and cover his eyes with the veil that twisted his world and made him want to destroy everything in sight.

Destroy….

Kuja curled tighter into a ball as he kept his eyes closed. His shattered mind was trying to grasp at the pieces that were floating about. Trying to understand…no deny what had occurred within the few months that had passed since he had been infected by that foul beast at the Iifa Tree. He could remember that fateful day. Remember the pain of the dark seed planted within him. He could remember traveling to different worlds and meeting a strange yet intriguing Queen. He remembered the deal he had created with Sephiroth…and he could remember the day in Radiant Garden when he had lost himself to the demon that sprouted from the black seed within.

From there everything was a mess of smoke, fire, and death brought upon innocents all because he did not see sooner the truth that was at play. Like a puppet, he once more was manipulated and forced to play on someone else’s stage. Forced to do things he would not have done…should not have done, but yet he had. So focused on revenge against the Heartless he had been that the very thing he had sought to destroy turned around and made him a pawn in its twisted idea of a game.

Unable to see the truth, he had unjustly attacked three worlds and succeeded in heavily damaging all. The only thing that had saved the worlds from being completely wiped out was either boredom of the creature who had controlled him and the heroes who intervened.

If it weren’t for those factors…then three worlds would’ve been destroyed fully and I…I would’ve been…

The genome shuddered as he continued to hold himself, praying that he could forever rest in this darkness and not return to the world of the living. Here in the darkness, the worlds were safe. They didn’t have to worry about him attacking or falling prey to the demon resting within him…and he didn’t have to worry about facing those he felt he had failed and betrayed. Sephiroth, the winged girl that constantly came against him, the man in the red coat and…Zidane and Mikoto.

Both of his younger siblings had been there that night he had attacked the high tech dream city of Zanarkand. They were the ones that had risked the most by trying to bring the battle to a halt…tried to save those involved from his blindness and rage. Kuja wasn’t sure how successful they were in completing their goal. The demon within still blocked out a good portion of the truth even while it slept; however, Kuja thought that maybe it was because of his two younger siblings that he was able to pull himself out of the deep sleep he was in and fight back against the monster that sought to destroy everything.

He had gained control and managed to flee, but….even so he wondered if he was soon enough. The brief damage he had seen before fleeing that area had been phenomenal. He couldn’t bare seeing it let alone remembering it….and Zidane and Mikoto….

How could he face his two siblings after failing to change? He wouldn’t be surprised if both hated him now and maybe even as he floated here, they were looking for him so they could destroy him. Maybe…he wasn’t sure, but supposed at this point it didn't matter anymore.

He…had lost everything for sure now. There was no point of even trying anymore. No point of trying to prove that he was something more than a puppet.

Trapped in his own misery Kuja continued to float in the darkness sinking deeper into his depression and insecurities. As he did this, he never realized that his misery was also part of the malicious plan planted within him at the Iifa tree.

The genome wanted to stay forever in his hell safe from the world, but as he heard something whisper his name and opened his eyes to look out into the darkness. He saw the light coming for him. Saw it and could not rebel against it.

**

Some time later, in the happy and bright world of Disney Town, a black portal opened and shoved out a very tired and semi-battered genome. As he stumbled forward and caught his balance, Kuja felt pain assault him from all angles as sounds rammed into his ears, smells populated the air around him, and the warm light of the sun seemed to burn his exposed skin and made his eyes burn. On instinct, Kuja raised his arms to block out some of the harsh light with the long bellowing sleeves that he wore as his eyes desperately tried to find some safe haven through the small crack he allowed himself to view the world through. Being drawn towards the shadows and shades closer to the buildings, the genome ran over to the nearest shadow and slunk into the alleyway between buildings feeling instant relief as the semi-darkness wrapped him its arms. Slowing his pace, the genome wandered the alleyways not really paying much mind to the strange residents of the place who eyed him from windows as he traveled along a lost in the fog that was his mind.

When the genome could no longer take walking, he found a clean spot in the alleyways and drifted over to it before allowing himself to flop back against the sandstone colored wall and slide down to the damp yet clean ground. With his arms resting on his knees, the genome looked up at the blue sky with blank eyes that did not really see or enjoy the blue above. He simply sat. Existed, but nothing more. He didn’t want to be in this world or any world for that matter. He had lost the privilege to be in the light and amongst the living the moment he failed to stop the beast within him from taking over. Sure, he was in control now, but how long would it be before that beast woke up again and started its rampage once more using his body?

Kuja didn’t know the answer to that and was quite afraid to go searching for it, so he let the passing thought go as he watched the clouds blankly as his mind tossed about in the torment that it was trapped in…..

[Deleted]

Life is a fleeting dream, that flutters, but eventually splatters out. It should've been the fate of Spira, but wasn't. Spira lives on, still a dream, but ever less fleeting. It was a world of an endless cycle of death, where all lived in fear of one day just dying. It was a world whose suffering was insurmountable. The cycle of Death lead by Sin would scourge the planet bringing all large civilizations under its heels. That is why the cycle needed to end with Sin crushing all leaving nothing but a barren planet.... Of course it didn't happen like that though.

Sin was destroyed stopping the bringer of death to Spira, that did not mean death ended in Spira. Fiends still roamed, men and women grew old, and sickness could still take hold of the people of Spira killing them. This in turn would just turn them into more fiends, more creatures of destruction or something more.

Spira is a strange place where death is not necessarily the end. If one dies and they hold anger and resentment and were not sent, they become horrendous monsters called fiends, if they were sent they are gone, sent to the Farplane... Though there is a third option. If one who has great will dies, and/or are holding onto something dear within the world they become an unsent. The unsent may look like everyday people, but they are far from it. Rather than them having a physical body, in reality it's just their should being coated by a thick layer of pyreflies. Being an unsent does have its advantages though. Over time an Unsent can learn to control and become empowered by the pyreflies, as well if they are never sent they will never perish.

There are multiple unsent on Spira, but one who had brazenly taken the torch for showing what can happen to one was, the figure Seymour Guado. Ever since he left Spira he had been exploring worlds seeing new places, new suffering, new danger though this is where being an unsent has its advantages. Seymour had learned Sin was dead apparently that was his game plan. There was no plan B or C, and even though things seemed to be getting better in Spira at the same time he could still see the suffering of the people. So he started travelling to new worlds trying to find solutions, and once again he would find himself on a new world.

Slowly but surely pyreflies starting appearing along with a dark mist and slowly Seymour started to become more solid, until he was a full figure. He looked around he was in some exotic bright colorful town. His eyes scrunched as he noticed humanoid animals were staring at him. He didn't have a happy smile on his face he just waved off the animal people saying, "Begone I have no business with nay of you."

Seymour then turned and started walking and observing. Everything in this world seemed so bright and eccentric to him. If Spira had a polar opposite world this would be it. People looked happy and strange. This was the opium of worlds.

The sun it was bright, the activity of the citizens could be heard all around. This place was a confusing place to Seymour. The activity of the people, the looks of the place, the fashion of the people, everything seemed different with no place from Spira in particular to compare it too. He kept looking around, this place was exotic he left Spira looking for solutions, but so far he saw none.

Seymour kept looking around walking, until he saw something different. Like the old phrase said 'One of these things is not like the others,' He saw a man who looked injured possibly as well as completely unlike the denizens of this world from what he has seen, scooting off into a dark alleyway. Seymour stared at the alleyway he ran into. It was a dark place, but Seymour figured he would investigate, and so he walked slowly into the dark alleyway following the different man.

[Deleted]

Kuja continued to watch the sky blankly as the thoughts of what had occurred both recently and in the past ate away at his being, leaving the already worn out genome mentally drained. He wanted the pain and the thoughts to stop. Wanted to come out of the strange fog his mind was in and regain himself fully; however, no matter how he tried to wiggle out of the bind, always that dark chained that was wrapped about him would drag him back into his personal hell.

The memories…they weakened him as a voice within laughed at him and taunted him. It was calling him weak, useless, pathetic….The voice told him that he was delusional to think he could ever be a normal mage. To have friends or bonds with those that could be consider family. It told him he was a puppet and that was all he would ever be. To reach for more would be foolish and only land him in a spot far more painful than the one he was currently in.

It questioned why he even wanted these things that drug people down. Ask why he wasn’t simply content being what he was –an Angel of Death…a tool used to destroy.

But that is not me…is it? Kuja thought to himself as his mind tossed about for answers in the fog, but found only that voice telling him that he was indeed what it said he way. He was not meant to have friends…to learn to live…or have anything else that everyone seem to naturally have. He was designed to destroy, so he should just settle with the fate and give up the silly hopes that things could change. He should simply submit to his masters and behave.

The voice told him this was the only way to stop what he was experiencing and be free once more.

Half of him wanted to believe the words. Wanted to sink into the shadow of another and let that other forge his path instead of doing the work for himself. His shattered self wanted to give up and obey the voice, but the small part that was still him rebelled against the voice and refused to give in. He was not a puppet and no one, but he was his own master. The voice didn’t have the right to tell him what he could or could not do. He decided that himself!

The two contradicting feelings within topped with the voice clashed and wrestled for dominance within the mind, leaving the genome’s body sick and weak as his eyes continued to watch a sky he wasn’t really registering at the moment.

Kuja wasn’t sure how long he sat there in that daze, but it was the sudden presence of powerful magic that drew him back to reality. Blocking out the draining battle within, Kuja remained in his position leaned against the wall with his hands hanging limply over his knees. With the slightest of motions, the genome turned his head in the direction he felt the energy from. As his hair flopped over his pretty face that still held the stains of battle upon it covering it in a light veil of white, the genome did not hide his exhaustion or annoyance as the eye that was revealed from behind the hair locked onto the thing that had come into the darkened allyway. With iciness and alertness in, the eye watched the intruder that had dared to disturb his personal hell.

While his vision was still a mess causing the figure to be nothing more than a blur, the agitated genome could still read the being thanks to be able to read energy around him. For example, while he could not see the being clearly, he could tell it was a magical being of some sort due to the amount magic energy flowing off of it even when it was not using a spell. Another thing Kuja could sense was the strange twisting discomfort he got from being around something full of darkness like Chaos or that beast at the Iifa Tree. He didn’t like that and quite frankly was not in the mood for another fight or even negotiations. He simply wanted to be left alone, so he could deal with his hell in peace, but it seemed someone else had plans for him and so he kept getting interrupted.

The pattern of events and the idea that someone was herding him was annoying and caused the genome’s emotionless face to twist into a mask of annoyance and bitterness as his eyes narrowed at the one who was now in the alley with him. He could feel something from the shadow that made it oddly familiar, but he couldn’t place what it was that made the shadow feel this way. Not knowing the answers to this new mystery only deepened Kuja's moodiness as he glared coldly at the figure for a few seconds longer. Then blinking tiredly, his pale lips were parting and words were coming out.

“Who are you and what do you want?” the genome asked, his voice was rough and dry thanks to the strain his body was under. It was true Kuja was a mess, but even in this broken state, the genome still held onto his pride and what little of himself remained. Sure he was unsure of a lot of things and at this point was particularly vunerable, but even so if this being wished harm upon him, he would gather his strength once more and fight….

[Deleted]

The darkness of the alley was refreshing, and in contrast with the bright town. It was calm. It was peaceful. The sounds of others could be heard, but only as distant calls. It was nice. Though the sun was out it was still pretty dark in the alley. Anyone with decent eyesight, could see in it, but it was still dark enough to make individual details hard to determine.

Seymour's sandles patted against the cobblestone ground as he continued to casually pursue, the stranger. He was curious at what he would say when he found him, he hadn't thought that far into this yet, but Seymour was a man of Improvisation, so he should be fine.

This was the first world Seymour had been to since he left Spira, so he was hoping for something. He was hoping to find a Sin number 2 or at the very least a source of great power, but so far this world has been lackluster, though Seymour was hoping that this figure would change that. At the very least Seymour was looking to be inquisitive and learn as much knowledge as he could, because knowledge is power.

Seymour finally spotted the figure, and as it seemed the figure had spotted him as well. Seymour could see, the figure's head was turned in his direction. Seymour stopped walking when he noticed this, and just paused for a moment his head tilting as he was trying to get a better look at the figure. From what Seymour could see the figure looked pretty beat up.

Finally Seymour heard the words peel from the mans mouth. A small grin grew on Seymour's face. Not only did the man not look the best his voice echoed the sounds of a battle fought recently.

Seymour chuckled slightly before replying, "I am but an adventurer seeking answers and solutions," Seymour said, "Ah but it is dark here, why not a little light." Seymour extended out one of his guado arms, pointing a single finger at the man releasing a lone pyrefly causing his finger to become slightly less solid. The being made a small wail as it fluttered by the man giving a little bit of light as it passed his face, and flew back into Seymour. Any dissidence that the man was not hurt, was completely gone now as Seymour had a full look in the man in light.

"I see," Seymour said with a chuckle. What confused Seymour about this is from the look of this world he had he didn't see what could hurt someone here. It either meant this man was not from here like Seymour, or that this place was more dangerous than Seymour thought. He didn't know which it was but he was going to find answers.

"You seem a little..... damaged, tell me then who are you and how did come to be like this?" Seymour asked crossing his arms, and squinting his eyes before returning his face to normal. What was this mans story. This was now the inquisitive part of Seymour sprouting and taking action.

[Deleted]

Irritable, sick, and pain ridden the genome that sat leaned against the wall of the dark alley had managed to swim to the surface of his small hell and focus on the stranger that had entered the area and disturbed him. With his head tilted in the direction of the shadow, the genome’s blue eyes would alternate between squinting and relaxing as he did what he could to bring the strange shadow into focus and see what it really was. But alas…No matter how hard the genome tried, the shadow refused to change its shape leaving him with only an outline of a tall somewhat bulky shadow with antennas to go by.

The shape reminded him of the ant like Heartless he had met at the Iifa Tree. The weak ones that were easy to crush; however, as Kuja took in this larger version of said creature, he could tell from the presence of magic alone that what was with him was no ordinary shadow. There was something odd and slightly familiar about the magic that flowed from the shadow and the way it hesitated when he assumed it noticed he was watching it, suggested that this shadow like many others he had encountered lately was in a different league than the mindless ones that liked to slither up and attack one on a whim.

Different or not, this shadow could still be a threat…and I am not exactly fond of not knowing if it is simply standing around or actually staring at me, the genome thought as he gave up trying to bring the shadow into focus and instead decided to speak.

The action was hard. The words were dry and harsh against his throat, but the genome managed to get the direct questions out even if they only left him more irritable in the end. He was in no mood for playing games of pleasantry and he was quite tired of things coming along to mess with him. If this shadow thought for one second it could take advantage of him then he would rip it to shreds…

In fact, I should do that now, the genome thought as a frown appeared upon his lips as he heard the other chuckle as if it was amused at his situation. Indeed, he wanted to crush the shadow. He felt the urge to act upon the thought well up in him like a great pressure of water wanting to burst forth; however, not wanting to give the darkness within an opening to take over him once more, the genome pushed the feeling away as he instead focused on the answer that came across to him on a semi-deep and somewhat soothing voice.

As the words sunk into him, the genome rolled his eyes slightly as he looked away from the shadow…or man with him.

“Ah, so clearly you define yourself, adventurer,” the genome responded back with dry sarcasm as a light smirk appeared upon his face. He was still irritated, but at least whoever this shadow was had enough gall to try his patience with word games and for this the genome was indeed amused; however, the amusement faded as the man mentioned the darkness around them and suggested that some light be shed upon the area.

Kuja would’ve protested, but before he could even open his mouth to say no, the shadow was moving, lifting an arm (or whatever that was) and pointing it in his direction. As the shadow did this, a strange light that shifted and changed colors lazily drifted across the open space between them. Without fear this of this strange whispering or crying sphere of light that came up to him, Kuja allowed it to swirl about him revealing bits and pieces of his battered form with its pale light as it moved upward towards his face.

When it reached his face, instinctively Kuja closed his eyes and turned away from the bright light as it burned his eyes. Facing away from it, the genome reopened his eyes and looked into the darkness that was so safe for him. When that little sphere of light began to move away, Kuja’s eyes drifted back towards it as he watched from the corner of his eye how the little object went back to the shadow and seemed to merge with it.

As the light did this, the shadow spoke once more as he let out another chuckle, once again seeming amused at what he saw; however, instead of openingly displaying the displeasure the action caused to well up in him, Kuja turned his head back to face the other fully as he heard the words that came out of his mouth and the question that followed.
With a blank expression on his face, the genome stared quietly at the other debating on how nice to be before his head was rolling back into the neutral position and his eyes were closing as a light smirk appeared once more upon his face.

“Heh. You sure like to state the obvious don’t you, little shadow?” the genome asked with a light snort and chuckle of his own before he was falling silent again as he shook his head. After a second ticked by, the genome’s eyes would return to the shadow as the light smile remained on his face.

“Tell me, little shadow, why should I tell you any of that when I don’t even have your name?” the genome responded back in amused tones as he kept an eye on the strange shadow that was becoming more and more amusing by the second; however, as amusing as this shadow was, Kuja had to wonder what its true intentions were….

[Deleted]

Seymour gazed through the darkness back at the man. The Guado did not know what to make of this man yet, he seemed unfazed by Seymour despite the fact he looked like he just lost a fight with a behemoth. There was a strange demeanor about this man though. What was his story, a story of grandeur or perhaps a tragic comedy of a horrible demise. Strange, and sad. It was just two sides of the same spectrum of the suffering of humanity.

Seymour listened as the man started to respond. Was that frustration in his voice or sarcasm. Either way the dead man chuckled lightly at his remark. Though, there was a part of Seymour's brain that was curious not at his first statement but at what he called the Dead Guado. A shadow, was that a condescending remark in order to put down Seymour, and make him look insignificant or was it something more. Seymour was a shadow of his former self yes, but this man wouldn't know that, would he? No impossible, how would the man even see Seymour's face to know who he is, the only reason Seymour got a close look at the man's face was because of his own light source.

"When the Obvious is all there is to state, then yes I do," Seymour said crossing his arms again and taking another step forward.This man was a puzzle, that Seymour wanted to piece together he didn't know all the parts of it yet, but he planned on solving it soon.

The Guado listened as the man spoke again. Once again calling him a shadow a little one at that. What did he mean by shadow. He sounded happy maybe as he spoke to Seymour, perhaps again in an amused condescending tone, but Seymour was not sure yet. Seymour wanted to know it irked him. He wanted Seymour's name would he give it to him though? That was the question wasn't it.

Seymour chuckled again as he stepped even closer, "My name hmm." The dead man smiled as he stared at the man. "My name is Seymour, now I am curious why do you see me as a shadow hmm when you barely even know me to the point I don't even know your name?" His words were soft and calm. Seymour had no intentions at this point to attack the man, but he didn't know if the man felt the same way, so the Guado kept his cool demeanor for now.

"Do I look like a a shadow to you?" Seymour asked as he released some pyreflies from his body lighting up the small area of the alleyway between the two men. Seymour had no fear, he had long since past the point in his life were he feared anything. Not even death fazed the Guado at this point as he knew without a summoner to send him he would just live on ever time he was killed. This allowed him to be persistent. This is what made Seymour strong

[Deleted]

It was a miracle how despite all that the genome was going through internally that the white haired male was actually playing nice. Yes, it was true he was snappy and sarcastic, but unlike before he wasn't recklessly lashing out for no reason any longer. The beast within still slept and could not order him to attack the strange shadow before him. He was more or less himself even if he was miserable and still unable to see normally.

Being back in control kept Kuja calm and reasonable enough despite his moodiness that unfortunately the man was going to have to take since it seemed the other had settled into lingering in the dark alley with the genome. As irritating as the intrusion of the world was in the beginning, the genome slowly began to push away the minor annoyance and began to tolerate the strange being of magic and whispering lights. While his eyes refused to give him a form and colors, he figured since he had yet to be attacked for his snappiness that the shadow before him was not planning anything to cause harm. It was a small tidbit of knowledge that helped the genome relax a bit as he continued to rest against the wall, feeling exhaustion sink deeper into his sore bones as he kept a gaze upon the shadow that was slowly shifting from intense to casual.

The hostile air around the genome was lowering, but one would be foolish to think this meant he was lowering his guard. In any case, the genome's words remained dry and hard to read into, but the genome was not making an effort to pretend or cover up his exhaustion. He was open and said exactly what he felt. How the other took his words was entirely up to said other. The genome didn't care if the words stepped on toes or infuriated the other. All that matter was if the other attacked or not. It was a matter that was slowly becoming less and less of an issue the longer the shadow stayed with him.

In fact, if Kuja's ears weren't lying to him then this little shadow was actually amused and perhaps curious about him. Why else would it remain so calm, linger, or even dare to test his mood with chuckling?

For example, despite his earlier sarcastic remark about stating the obvious, the other remained calm as he chuckled and responded back stating that when he had nothing, but the obvious to go on then he would indeed state it. To this, the genome let out a soft chuckle.

"I suppose that is one way to start a conversation with another then," the genome said in quiet tones that were a lot gentler than the earlier remarks. It suggested a change in the genome, but whether this was good or bad would be determined by what the shadow did. After all, he did not trust the shadow and the only thing saving it from harm was the fact that it had wisely chosen not to attack.

Despite being wise in that department, it seemed the shadow decided to push boundaries in other fashions. Perhaps the shadow was simply too curious for its own good, but the genome who had gone to back to closing his eyes did hear the footfall that suggested the other was on the move. Cracking open an eye, he spotted the shadow shifting in its spot chuckling once more when he questioned the logic of giving information when he did not even have a name from the other.

It was coming closer to him, but the genome did not budge from his spot as he watched and listened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he heard the man seemingly debate about giving his name out loud; however, instead of continuing to play such a game with the genome, the strange shadow gave him a name as he moved even closer to genome.

Showing no fear of the approach or any agitation towards the boldness of the shadow, Kuja listened to the rest of what the other said churning each piece carefully in his mind before with a blink, he nodded lightly in the darkness.

"I am not sure how to explain what I see. It has nothing to do with knowledge of an object or being. I just see shapes mostly. Hear sounds and other things. I am afraid I am not the best seer these days," Kuja said with a tired chuckle that was devoid of any hostility. What the genome said wasn't a complete lie, but it wasn't the complete truth either. He kept a lot of what had gotten him in this situation to himself. He didn't feel the need to share everything with strangers...especially strange ones he couldn't get a good feel for.

Despite this, the genome kept his calm demeanor as the other decided to keep the distance between himself and the genome respectful. This was another small point that helped keep the genome calm before the shadow that spoke with him. Kuja didn't move to attack and he didn't seem to be moving to try to get further away from the one who approached.

Even when the other asked his question regarding being a shadow before releasing those strange lights again, the genome only narrowed his eyes against the brightness that was caused by strange orbs that sighed and whispered as they filled the area. Some drifted upward and others drifted towards him.

Regardless of the light in the alley, the small orbs that drifted around the genome's mostly still form would reveal the genome's reaction. His eyes closed as shook his head with a light smile before he reopened his eyes and and looked in the direction of the shadow.

"Your strange lights are impressive, Seymour, but I am afraid no amount of light can fix the way I see the world now. You are still as you were before a strange stretch of darkness without true identifying features outside of your voice and your aura," Kuja told the other calmly before he casually flipped over one hand and cupped it slightly as one of the lights settled just above his palm, revealing the pale and slightly scarred skin and the black nails that glittered slightly in the light.

Quietly the genome examined the strange orb before he was speaking once more.

"My name is Kuja. I am wandering mage that can't seem to keep away from trouble," the genome said as a light smile came to his lips as the light continued to hover above his hands. It was comforting somehow, so the genome continued to watch it for a moment longer as he let another silence fall between himself and the other as his position and expression remained relaxed and calm as the air around him became even lighter.

"You'll have to forgive my rudeness from earlier. I haven't been in the best of moods lately, but still that gives me no reason to snap at you," the genome said in gentle tones before his eyes drifted from the strange orb within his hand to the shadow before him. Hints of curiosity would be revealed in the glittering blue eyes of the genome as the strange orb continued to stay in his hand.

"What are these orbs that I can see so clearly? They aren't any magic I know of," the genome asked the other softly as his eyes flickered back to the orb resting in his hand. The gentle light remained soothing as he watched it shift and shimmer in his hands, whispering and humming.

The orbs and this shadow..they were curious things that were now becoming things the calming genome sought to understand. Perhaps...if the shadow played his cards right, this rather bumpy start of a conversation could smooth out creating a situation where both parties could gain something from it all.

[Deleted]

Good. The rugged man was lightening up. Seymour had no want to actually fight this being despite him being injured. It could be assumed he was injured in some way the more than likely didn't involve anything on this cheery world, so he probably had seen his share of battles. But the question still remained from where did he sustain his injuries. The dead half-guado still doubted that his ailments had anything to do with this place. 

Seymour listened to all the man's words as he started to speak again. His vision different than others, Strange. Could the man's vision possibly showing that Seymour was not as he is. Too be brunt Seymour knew what he was, he was an unsent, a man who's will to live allowed pyreflies to give his soul a body and thus continue. In a sense he was just as alive as a few machines back on his world. Able to move and act, and even talk but with a heartbeat that is nonexistent, with breaths only out of habit. Seymour knew this and he lived with it his will was due to a hold onto this world, a goal never accomplished. People still suffered, unable to just end their own suffering. It hurt Seymour to know this, and he hoped to change this.

The dead Guado continued to listen. The pyreflies allowing him to see fully, and know what he was dealing with, but alas the other could not see like Seymour, or at least that's what he said. Seymour nodded at his remarks of even with the light  he was still just a shadow, or something like that. Though, at the same time the man was lax about all of this. He was no longer showing resistance in his voice, his condescending tone had come down to Seymour's level as he was now speaking in a way the part Guado could respect.

Kuja, so that was his name, as Seymour continued to listen intently. Kuja seemed to be interested in the pyreflies. Seymour would have been surprised but he reminded himself that, this was not Spira people probably have never seen pyreflies before, on these other worlds. Nor did these new worlds actually know how important the pyreflies were particularly for Seymour.

Seymour was pleased at the man's new formalities now. Saying sorry for being so grumpy and saying it was on him. Seymour could learn to like this man. This made him grin as he finally asked about the pyreflies. Seymour was curious when this question would pop up.

The half-Guado chuckled again as he did the Yevonite's prayer (The whole victory thingy from the game). He was not sure if this Kuja could see him doing this but it was muscle memory at this point to do this in respect at the start of friendly conversations.

"I appreciate the formalities now, your rudeness is forgiven Kuja," Seymour said with a grin. He then continued, "The lights they are small beings of energy that come from my world, they are no magic, they are just a part of my being."

"They are curious things able to create all sorts of inventions, but this is just their normal form," Seymour said tilting his head eyeing the balls of light as they continued to float around on will.

"Now I am still curious how did you come to be like this, I can only assume, a place like this did not put you in this position?" Seymour asked once again. Though it was formal now he was still curious. Seymour was once a Maester, a man of power and knowledge, he enjoyed knowledge and would share knowledge for more knowledge.

[Deleted]

Trust was a hard thing to gain from the genome that remained resting against the wall in a calm fashion as his earlier tension and snappiness subsided leaving behind a more manageable person than before. The genome had used the earlier hostility to try and chase the intruder away from his darkness, so that he could suffer alone in his small hell; however, the more the figure lingered and spoke, the more the genome found that in the end he really didn’t want to be alone. He…kind of needed some form of company to keep himself afloat in the strangeness that his body had become as whatever was placed in him by the Heartless at the Iifa Tree continued to grow within and threatened to undo him.

While it was odd to admit this to himself…this stranger in a way was like a solid pillar in the raging sea within him that for the moment he could hold onto and in turn, hold off being swept away into whatever chaos waited for him should he wind up alone again. The stranger was a much needed relief in the stress; however, as true as this was, Kuja would not show any signs of thanks as his eyes study the strange shadow illuminated by the even stranger lights that both soothed and intrigued him.

The genome spoke to the shadow answering questions such as his name and how it was that he saw the other as a shadow and in turn, he got polite nods from the other that only further relaxed the genome. He appreciated the manners, especially when said manners came from something he could not quite make out. It made the shadow seem more human than a beast and this in turn removed even more tension from the genome.

The fact that his seeing was still screwed up was indeed annoying as the genome preferred to know truths rather than blurred facts when it came to anything; however, it would seem that he would have to deal with the annoyance until he could figure out how to undo what was done to him. It would take time, but Kuja was determined to purge his body of the strange thing that slept within. He wanted himself back and in time he would get his want.

In any case, the genome, while still not trusting the shadow, eventually calmed to a point that he actually apologized to the shadow for his rude behavior. A rare honor considering Kuja’s pride hardly ever allowed him to bow to such means, especially in front of a stranger; however, out of either exhaustion or pure rebellion against whatever was in him, the genome had performed the strange act as he watched the other with tolerance flowing through him. He would continue to watch the other for a while longer before his eyes would return to the strange colorful orb in his hands that shimmered and hummed as it hovered calmly before him.

Curious, the genome would ask the shadow about the strange lights it could create. In response to his words, the shadow did a strange thing that caused the genome to look from the light to the shadow as the other began to move.

While Kuja could not make out facial expressions with his vision that only allowed him to see vague forms, he could hear the chuckle and he could see the strange movement of the arms and the odd bow Seymour performed before he spoke. Unfamiliar with such an action, the genome tilted his head a bit as his eyes narrowed slightly with confusion as a light frowned came across his features.

Such an odd being, Kuja thought as he continued to watch the other a bit perplexed by the action; however, the light confusion was pushed away as the other began to speak in tones that suggested the other was pleased by the apology and in turn would remain on friendly terms with the genome that the man called by name as he said he was forgiven for earlier actions.

In response to the words, Kuja nodded lightly before becoming still once more to listen to what the other had to say about the strange orbs that moved about the alley with a will of their own. As he listened, Kuja’s eyes would return to the orb in his hands as he observed it for a while longer.

Small beings of energy that came from another world and was part of the shadow before him…They had the power to create many things, but this orb like form was their natural state. Mmm..he could understand that.

“I see. So what are they called and where do they and yourself come from? Also, if they are part of you, then what exactly are you? A higher being of energy or something more?” the genome asked the other as he continued to observe the orb in his hand. At random, he flipped over his hand and watched as the small sphere circled his hand before deciding to rest lightly upon the still damaged skin of his the back of his hand.

The thing did not hurt him. It was simply warm and surprisingly had little to no weight at all for something that was called a being. It made the genome curious as to just what sort of creature the orb was and what the orbs could be used for. What could they create? What was their importance?

Question, questions, questions. Questions and thoughts that were interrupted by the strange shadow asking a question of his own. As the genome heard what was said, blue orbs would drift up to the standing shadow as a light smile played upon his lips. His eyes would narrow a fraction as he debated just how much information he was willing to give in exchange for the other answering his question.

This shadow…he seemed like one that traded with things of equal worth. Coin for coin. Bread for bread. Information for information. It was a trade Kuja was used to and one that he could respect; however, as with all trades, Kuja did not share too much of the personal with anyone, so when he decided on how to answer the question a few moments later, the genome’s words remained non-hostile and calm.

“You are quite correct. This place is new to me and probably the fifth or so world I’ve been dumped upon ever since I was forced upon this odd journey by dark portals,” the genome said as he moved his leg and rested his hand upon his knee. The strange orb that rested upon his hand remained perfectly balanced upon shifting surface despite it being curved slightly in the end; however, the genome had quickly adapted to the little orb's warmth upon his hand and he did not seem to mind the others that moved about him and the shadow as he instead kept his focus on the one who could speak.

With his free hand, he brushed stray strands of hair out of his face in an elegant fashion that suggested that perhaps wherever he came from he was of the upper class; however, upper class or not, the genome remained on even grounds with the shadow before him as he resumed speaking.

“I told you before I could not keep myself out of trouble and so you can say that the unfortunate mess that I am currently is the result of said trouble deciding it wanted to bite me in the back," the genome said with a light frown. “It is a bit blurry, but I do remember I was in a much darker place than this alley and was fighting other shadows that I am not sure were actually the attackers or trying to stop me from doing something. All I know is that I was fighting and whatever or whoever the shadows, they gave me a pretty good beating,” the genome said with a light sigh as he bowed his head.

“I really wish I could remember clearer, but the more I try to concentrate the worse the headache becomes,” the genome told the other honestly before looking back up at the shadow. “And the worse the headache becomes, the more irritable I become and I don’t think either of us wants that to happen again,” the genome finished with a light smile showing he meant no harm by the words being spoken.

The light play was a sign that Kuja’s tolerance for the shadow was growing a bit more and in turn the potential to like the other was opening up doors to other opportunities. For the moment that door was only slightly cracked as the genome continued to weigh the other’s worth to himself. The chuckling shadow had some qualities he liked, but the genome still needed more to fully appreciate or dismiss the creature before him.

[Deleted]

Seymour was a strange figure. He was a man who tried to do what he thought best for his people, and when he failed, he ostracized himself, and his people for his actions. He truly believed in salvation through the death of everyone though, and was he wrong? Spira was a land where you could wake up in the morning only to find everyone you knew dead, or for you to find yourself indiscriminately murdered on a daily basis. As well those that did die only added to the problem becoming fiends. So was his mind wrong? Perhaps, Yuna believed there was another way and she found is supposedly. From what Seymour had learned Sin was dead, but what did that mean for Spira.

All of these thoughts congealed in his head as he didn't know the solution to anything now. Was death the true salvation for Spira anymore if Sin was gone? As well to add another piece of confusion into the mixture that was Seymour's brain, there were multiple worlds it would seem. Spira was not alone, as this world was a testament to the very nature of the universe holding countless other planets. How would one determine the individual suffering of every planet?

These thoughts would for now keep Seymour's head in a perpetual state of confusion as he continued to mingle with this man who called himself Kuja. He continued with his questions on what the balls of light were, and what Seymour was. Such a small question and thought, but with such large answers. It is true the orbs of lights are simple to explain, but the reality of the fact is there are not a lot that have delved far enough into them to understand their nature truly, yet they held the very nature of Spira in there grasp, and yet they were neither benevolent or malevolent, they were just there.

"Intrigued by them then I see," Seymour said with a chuckle before continuing, "You are not the first I suppose, but they are called pyreflies." He looked back at Kuja before continuing, "We come from a world called Spira, you may or may not have heard of it, but it is a world once caught in a cycle of death by a creature of mass destruction, now....... I'm not to sure what the world is anymore."

As well Kuja asked what exactly was Seymour. Now that was an interesting question and would give unique answers though something more would come close. By the very nature of Spira, the dead don't stay dead. You can die countless times and still continue walking. Seymour himself has died four times now and is still walking. This made him an unsent. Only those with a will to push on could become an unsent after death, those with weak wills and only anger and malice in their hearts after death suffered a worst fate. They would go on living but their bodies transformed into grotesque monsters that only seek to kill. Then of course there was a third option for the dead on Spira, being sent. A summoner can assist the souls of the dead in reaching the Farplane. The Farplane of course being the afterlife of sorts on Spira, an area absolutely coated in pyreflies. As well someone who accepts death while still alive can send themselves to the Farplane upon death as well.

"What am I you ask.............an interesting question, but how do I put it.... perhaps I can say on Spira death runs rampant and death is only a means to a new beginning," Seymour said his eyes widening slightly as a grin crossed his face. Being an unsent had its advantages such as the new found one of pyrefly travel but also over time an unsent could absorb more and more pyreflies, and learn to use them for whatever means they need to use them for.

The dead guado watched as the man played with a pyrefly. Seymour himself didn't tend to do such things a lot, but he could if he wished. He then listened as Kuja spoke again. So he had been to a multitude of other worlds through some form of dark portals. "I have guessed true then, though I know nothing of these dark portals you speak of, as I am allowed to travel by the pyreflies and have no need for some dark webway," Seymour said as he looked Kuja over again. Seymour could already tell after this, this man knew a lot. Perhaps he had answers to the questions Seymour had.

How Kuja came to be injured though, Seymour listened on to learn and was only somewhat disappointed by the answer, but it was understandable. Kuja did not remember much of his previous battle. Seymour would not push this topic and further as he figured he had lured out all the possible responses at this point.

"I am pleased to hear you have visited multiple worlds, as I have only seen this one and my home, and I am curious," Seymour started trying to ask important questions for his own sake, "Tell me, these other worlds you have been too what were they like? Were they in a state of suffering?" Seymour asked these questions out of blatant curiosity at this point. He wanted to learn more of these new worlds and if they were suffering. What if they weren't though? Seymour wouldn't destroy a world if no one was suffering on it or if the planet itself was in no shape of perpetual suffering. But what if they were? In which case Seymour would not want people to suffer, but how would he end their suffering. There was no Sin anymore, and what if the source of their suffering was a cause that Seymour could take care of himself, then he wouldn't need to destroy a world. This was a topic that flooded Seymour's mind, and this was the topic that confused him most, his morals and thought process being put on the edge.

[Deleted]

Kuja watched the shadow for a moment longer after speaking before he was relaxing against the wall, his eyes closing slightly as he listened to the strange hums of the energy orbs that floated around the area. One of the odd lights was still resting on his hand allowing the careful eye to see how small injuries and minor blemishes were slowly fading from the genome's hand leaving only the heavier damage to be seen on his body along with any damage done to his clothing from the previous battle.

The process of healing was natural to the genome who ignored the sensations the progress of the healing sent through his body. He kept his eyes closed for only a short while wondering what it was that made these lights so soothing. Perhaps it was the energy they gave off that caused the soothing sensation, or maybe there was something else wrapped deeper in the strange orbs that made the genome relax and even play with the idea of taking sleep up on its offer to fall into its embrace; however, as tempting as sleep was, the genome's eyes would eventually reopen as he glanced over at the odd shadow that seemed to observe him in its own way. He had asked his questions and now he awaited answers.

Like before the other took his time answering making the genome wonder what the other was thinking; however, thanks to his vision being messed up by whatever had been planted in him, the genome could only read from the air the other's emotion...and that unfortunately did not tell him much. He could tell through conversation and the energy around them that the other was curious, but without being able to read the facial expressions and body movements clearly, the genome could not gain the deeper understanding he sought to determine just how "nice" he should be to this stranger. So with half his reading abilities suffering, the genome decided to play neutral giving only what he thought was necessary or fair to the stranger that created the odd lights.

In any case, the semi-silence surrounded them for a few moments longer before the shadow was speaking again answering his question regarding the lights. Like a patient scholar the man spoke on the lights calling them pyreflies before moving on to tell the genome that he and the lights came from a world called Spira.

Spira...? That name sounded familiar...Perhaps it was a name passed around in the cycles created by Chaos and Cosmos then? Perhaps one of the Champions of Cosmos came from such a place...or maybe it was one of his supposed allies. The genome's muddle mind was not quite sure, so all the name got in response was a light frown and shake of the head from the genome. No, he had not really heard of it, so he listened to what the other said about the world to see what he could learn of the world the other spoke of.

Not much it would appear. Sure, the other spoke of the world of Spira being stuck in a cycle of death created by a creature that held some sort of destructive power at one point or another, but now the strange shadow was not sure of the state of his home anymore. That was not exactly informative to the genome, so he glanced upward at the other with a raised eyebrow wondering if he would elaborate on the world outside of the odd cycle of death that was stated; however, as silence swallowed them once more, the genome had a feeling he would not get any information beyond that.

Disappointing, but at least he had a name for the lights and the name of a new world, so he supposed those were pluses to the whole thing. He would've preferred more information, but for the moment the curious genome did not push the subject of Spira any further as he instead waited patiently for the other to answer his other question. The one questioning what exactly the shadow was.

To this, the other began by explaining how death on Spira was only a pathway to new beginnings. While the genome could not see the facial expression that went along with this statement, he had a feeling that this new beginning was something pleasing to the shadow for the air's energy went from calm to excited when the other had said the words. Suspicious? Perhaps, but the genome did not react to the change as he instead watched the other with a blank expression as he waited to see if the other would go on, but much like the topic of Spira, the shadow let the idea hang in the air, leaving the imagination and mind to formulate their own conclusions to such words.

Blue orbs would gaze away from the shadow as a light frown crossed the genome's pale lips. The shadow was not giving him the information he wanted freely, so that meant he would have to play the million question game to get what he sought. The genome did not hide his displeasure of this as his lips parted and he spoke.

"So what are you saying? You and these pyreflies are reincarnations of something that once was?" he asked coolly before his eyes moved back to the shadow. "Or are you saying you are the dead? And if so is your world then an underworld of some sort? Or is Spira a living thing?"

The genome's questions were asked in a direct fashion not hiding the simple desire for more information that the genome held. He didn't think he was being rude, but then again, his shift in behavior was always left up to the other to translate. In any case, he would have to see if his questions were answered or if the shadow had any words for him to correct his behavior.

Whatever resulted from the genome's direct questions was something Kuja did not ponder long for shortly after the questions were asked, the other was responding to his remark regarding travel. As the other spoke, Kuja smirked coldly at the other.

"Look who is the lucky one to have their own choice in the matters of traveling between these worlds," Kuja said softly a hint of sarcasm in the words that hinted at the deeper jealousy or perhaps annoyance that someone had a skill that he did not. He had not exactly mastered the dark portals yet and anyone that had alternate ways of traveling and could chose their own path automatically ruffled the genome's feathers.

He wanted that freedom. Wanted to be his own master and follow his own path. He was quite tired of following the will of others or the unknown. A fact that he did not hide from the other that he had slightly snapped at. Unlike before, he did not apologize for the action as he glanced moodily at the pryefly that rested on his hand.

He hated everyone else getting all the good luck in life. When was he going to get any good luck of his own? For many seconds, the genome ponder this as the energy around him became negative and snappy as the agitation and depression threaten to over take him again and toss him into the dark hell he had briefly escaped with the the arrival of the shadow. The genome didn't register the other's disappointment when he had answered the question regarding how he had been injured. He had been somewhat honest in what he said and quite frankly didn't want to go deeper into the matter.

That battle....and what he had found there...it only pulled him closer and closer towards the black hell within himself. He was so close the edge of that hell that if he had been left to sink into his thoughts any longer, he would've indeed fallen back into that black ocean again; however, the shadow saved the moody genome once again as it spoke and drew his attention back to reality.

Lazily blue orbs would drift up to look at the shadow again as he took in the words and nodded lightly.

"I think everyone who is a stranger to the oddity that is world travel would be curious. That is something you and I share," the genome growled softly. The growl hadn't come from hostility, but rather exhaustion from the strain everything was placing upon him, but regardless of this, the genome was still able to be surprised when the shadow asked his next question.

"Hmmm?" the soft sound came out of Kuja as his eyebrows rose at the shadow's words and for a few moments the genome was quiet as he debated on how to answer such odd questions. Then settling on a solution, the genome shook his head as he shifted in his spot and pushed himself to his feet.

Leaning heavily against the wall, he shook some hair out of his face before squinting slightly at the other trying to see him better despite the fact the other remained a shadow to his eyes.

"You want to know about the other worlds? Well, that is quite hard to explain without bringing one directly to them. Each world has its own unique structures and people. Its own laws and such that keep them going in some shape or fashion. The people and creatures change just as much as the landscapes around us. Some place are fun to be in, while others are quite uncomfortable," the genome said as he remained leaned against the wall. He paused for a second as he looked downward with a light frown. "I supposed the best way to describe it is like traveling to different locations within one's own world provided you are a traveler or have that luxury. You find places that are quite beautiful and comfortable and yet others that are unfit to live in. While I haven't had much encounter with the wild life of these other worlds, I must admit the people of each react differently to travelers such as you and I. Some simple accept we are there in there lands, while others are...less than hospitable," the genome said falling silent as he remembered being bound up and made prisoner in the first world he had been plopped in.

"It can be entertaining to travel, but also highly annoying when things don't go according to plan," the genome said before pushing himself off the wall and moving towards the shadow with surprisingly steady steps despite his injuries. When he was a few feet away from the shadow he paused as he folded his arms lightly and leaned forward slightly as he looked up at the taller shadow with a light smirk.

"What an odd set of questions you ask about these worlds. The worlds, while different, share the constant of suffering. Suffering supposedly makes one stronger if one can handle the blows dealt by nature; however, I have to question such philosophy if said thing does not play by the rules," the genome stood up straight once more as he brushed passed the shadow and continued playing off any pain or limps as if they were nothing. "You say that Spira was once stuck in a cycle of death? Well, I believe that is the state of all worlds these days. Things live. Things die. Sometimes the dead does not stay dead. Sometimes the dead is reborn and sometimes it just never rests or goes away. An endless cycle of life, death, and chaos that creates and erase many things that shapes a world and its suffering," the genome would pause in his walking and turn towards the shadow, his narrowing behind his white locks as the light smirk upon his face widened slightly

"Why so curious about the natural suffering of worlds, hmm?" the genome asked in soft tones that held a hint of curiosity in them, but also something more. While it was true the genome was not trusting of the shadow it was also a true that if one played their cards right, the genome had no issue with sharing what he knew. He was not afraid like some that said information would bite him later. No, the genome simply adapted and gave information freely due to his overconfident and prideful ways that kept him believing even in the most trying of times that he could not be defeated. It was what what made the genome strong, stubborn and able to withstand almost all odds.