video;

[ambitiousblond]

Fate has a rather peculiar sense of humor it seems.

[The video switches on to show Rufus sitting on a couch with a dead, wilted flower in his hand. It's definitely dead, its petals crushed and withered.

He stares at the flower intently and a moment later the petals start to slowly straighten out and regain lost color as the flower once more bloomed, its life restored.

He let out a laugh, this was the most surreal thing he could have imagined even after everything he's been through since Meteorfall.]

This has to be the most ridiculous second chance I've been given so far. A chance to atone for the damage I've inflicted on one planet by healing another one.

[He played with the flower in one hand before looking at the camera with a smirk. He wasn't hiding anymore.]

It will be interesting to see how things turn out this time.

[What's the worst that can happen?]

Comments

text. private.

[makopoison]

[ so the president's son has the power to heal the planet now? there's some terribly irony in there that barret would probably appreciate.

it's been an infuriating few days since they last spoke. ]

Tell your men to stay the hell away from me.

text. private.

[ambitiousblond]

I assume you're referring to Reno.

Reno has his orders and will follow them. However, you are not helping your situation by antagonizing him.

text. private.

[makopoison]

No. The other one.

[ granted, he picked that fight too. or, like, was driven into an amnesiac stress corner and had no choice but to lash out. ]

voice.

[electroburst]

[ this is... honestly fucking weird and creepy. hearing anyone from shinra inc talk about atonement, let alone rufus fucking shinra, is... yeah, reno just sits and stares at this recording for awhile before he decides what to say to it. it's honestly a close call—he almost doesn't reply to it at all. ]

Can I just say, boss, optimism is a great new look for you.

voice.

[ambitiousblond]

[You're in for a lot of surprises, Reno.]

Why wouldn't I be optimistic right now?

[Aside from the ticking time bomb that is Sephiroth and such...]

[electroburst]

No reason.

[ nooooo reason at aaaaall... ]

It's just nice to see you turnin' over a fresh leaf. [ ...snorts ] Literally.

Video - UN: Shades

[looking_sharp]

Surprised you weren't given a job at a nursery.

[Because there is value in the skill. It could be monetized. Which seems very Shinra]

Video

[ambitiousblond]

Perhaps they realized I'm not exactly nurturing, even with a monetary incentive. But I'm sure I'll find a practical use for this new talent that doesn't involve putting together bouquets.

[Maybe they'll get lucky and Sephiroth will be allergic to pollen or something.]

[looking_sharp]

You nurture what you choose to nurture.

Going to get plants. You will look them over?

[Video; UN: flashesbright]

[lux_ex_tenebris]

[Someone who damages a planet ranks pretty low in her book. However she has her own sins she has been trying to atone for, so...]

Are you prepared to do it? To heal?

video;

[ambitiousblond]

Yes, I believe I am.

[He knows that much for certain. He was responsible for atoning not just for his own sins but those of his father as well. He had a duty to ensure what happened to their planet didn't happen to this one now that Sephiroth was here.]

I'm not sure I could ever repay my debts, however.

video;

[lux_ex_tenebris]

No one can say that with certainty. [Some debts can't be repaid.] Do your best, change your perspective and your actions will help instead of hurt. But it might take a lot of time.

[A. Lot. of time.]

voice. private.

[beenhad]

Sir.

I worry that broadcasting your new... gifts will bring you undue attention.

voice. private.

[ambitiousblond]

Oh yes, someone may take advantage of my ability to improve their garden.

[He knows what Tseng is saying but he's not worried about anyone knowing that he can grow flowers.]

I have no intention of sharing the other ability I've been gifted, however.

voice. private.

[beenhad]

That is a relief to hear, sir. I urge you to keep in mind, however, that this is a new world in which we do not control the ebb and flow of intelligence. There are opportunists everywhere, and we must maintain a mindfulness of that.

[ He knows. Why? Because he is one.

Anyway, his voice softens a touch. ]

Do you need me to bring anything home, Mr. President?

video;

[hero_of_wutai]

[ One silver brow is raised as Sephiroth watches the feed, that certainly was a cruel joke by whatever had brought them here; but considering one of the 'powers' he had... ]

At least you have a useful ability.

video;

[ambitiousblond]

[This is fine, he can act normally with Sephiroth.

He chuckled at the comment, idly playing with the flower in his hand.]

If someone is allergic to pollen I'm sure I could do some real damage. I'm curious as to what you were given now.

video;

[hero_of_wutai]

[ If he and Rufus hadn't agreed to work together a few days ago he never would have shown off this... power, but here he was.

Sephiroth moved the phone so it showed his living room and the closed windows before he stood far enough back for his entire body to be seen. At first, nothing happened but Sephiroth's posture straightened even more and after a moment the ends of his hair can be seen flickering out at his waist. ]

Apparently 'dramatic tension' will result in a harsher 'breeze'. [ He moved back to the phone as he spoke and the light caught his hair in such a way that it seemed to sparkle. ]

video;

[jichengren]

[ Interesting. Zixuan has never seen a power like that. He's heard of plants which draw spiritual energy from the world around them, but never so focused, never like this. ]

A more useful power than the one I was given, it seems. How do you plan to use it?

video;

[ambitiousblond]

I haven't decided, honestly.

[He's not sure it's useful so much as fate taunting him.]

I've never been into gardening in the past, I don't have any experience with it.

video;

[jichengren]

It would seem experience is not necessary, in this case.

[ He tilts his head, thinking. ]

I wonder, would it work from a seed? Or is it only for revitalizing plants that have withered and died?

Audio - Private

[xth_gambler]

I find myself wondering what sort of man it is that could compel the loyalty of one such as Reno. Just who are you, that he might call you 'boss'?

Audio - Private

[ambitiousblond]

You must be one of Reno's friends from his previous stay.

I've known Reno for many years now, he's been a very dedicated employee during that time.

video;

[heliophilic]

You know this isn't a video diary right? We can all see you.

video;

[ambitiousblond]

I like to consider this a tool. And it's served its purpose.

[He's confident now Kadaj and his merry band of remanents aren't around at least, they would have come flocking.]