Who: Sephiroth, Irvine Kinneas, Issei Nishikiori.
Where: Balamb Garden Atrium, Irvine's Dorm Room, eventually Balamb Township.
Why:  Sephiroth pays a visit to Garden.  Unexpectedly. o.o
Date of Log:  8/30/00



It's a gasp of feminine shock from one of the Garden students that draws attention to the fact something, or someone, unexpected has arrived for there was no flash of light, or sound, or anything else to herald his appearance. Just one moment empty air and the next a lean man hovering above the moat. He is dressed all in white, from the long coat that brushes against the backs of his thighs to the body hugging suit of leather that covers from neck to heal. Apparently he has no shame at all either, for the outfit leaves very little to the imagination. Midgar fashions at its best.
Sephiroth forms over the water on the outer circle and looks down with something of a lifted brow for he didn't expect there to be water inside of here. All the same he continues to stand on the nothingness as if the air itself were solid on that spot. For a moment at any rate. Deeming walking on water, or walking two feet above the water, a little too noteworthy the man steps forward calmly until he brings himself on the rim of the guard rail. The steps are long thanks to the length of his legs and each pace almost more of a feline like stalk. It only accents the slit of his pupils and the strange glow of his eyes. This one time SOLDIER does not by any means look normal, no.
As he approaches the walkway and pauses there on the edge to look down, the people he had caught by surprise step back in apprehension. There are only three of them, and all are SeeD wannabes that had yet to take their tests. As they stare upwards, a green eyed man looks down, features showing no expression, arms at his sides. Only his hair seems to do much of anything, and the long fall of pale ripples in the gently air flow of the Atrium, hanging nearly to the backs of his knees as well as those two forelocks brushing against his jaw line.

To the red-headed kid in the cowboy hat, today's no different from any other. Classes, practice, lunch, nap, and then more classes followed by more practice before he finally gets some free time. (Well, when he wakes up from his nap in time to get to said afternoon classes.) In fact, he apparently has just finished practice in the training rooms, as is evident in the faint scratches and bruises resultant, as well as the holstered shotgun strapped to his back being carried back to his room.
However, even as lost in thought as he is at the moment, it's hard to miss something like a stranger appearing above the moat area and hovering there. Yet, he manages to do this until another of his classmates gasps aloud and starts pointing. Hmmm? Wha...? Irvine glances in the direction she's pointing, also having to give pause at the sight. What the heck? At this, Badb has to stir suddenly, touching his thoughts with the airy sound of a light breeze. Sometimes she's worse then he is when it comes to simple curiousity. Of course, this means the gunman's not allowed to be afraid, or he'll get a swift kick from the Guardian Force taking residency in the recesses of his mind. Luckily this isn't too much of a problem. Unlike his classmates, he's actually had a few tests so far, and passed them. He also has a slight advantage over them with a Wind Guardian Force having chosen him. It makes this stranger appear that much less intimidating to him.

Does it help that Sephiroth isn't attempting at all to be intimidating? His idea of intimidation involves blood shed and some other things better left unmentioned here. He came here today to learn and not to fighten, nor to harm, although to most he will frighten simply by his presense. Instinct is a powerful thing, and for most this man reeks of predator. Humans never much like feeling they are lower down on the food chain, do they.
For a time no one says anything, but that doesn't leave the white haired man idle. He looks around calmly, spies a bench not too far away and just as calmly walks along the top of the guard rail until he reaches that bench. It is then used as something of a step so that he can reach the walkway in something of a normal fashion. His long coat whispers soft as it slides over the greenery that is so prevalent here, and his boot heel sounds out as it contacts the tile. This one is indeed solid and seems to be real. By the time he is standing there before you, one of the students has gathered the courage to ask, "Is... there something we can help you with?" They would be more than welcome for someone else to come and take over for them, so feel free to jump in any time you like Irvine. ;)
For his part Sephiroth looks down on the teenager, nervous as she shifts her weight between her feet, and only lifts his brows slightly at her. Not much of a reply as of yet.

Regardless of Sephiroth's intentions, appearing above a moat and practically floating over toward the railing is easily seen as intimidating. Especially to those who aren't at all used to seeing this sort of thing in the midst of Garden. Irvine watches the individual's calm, almost decisive (in his estimation) movements back to the ground over the bench. Yep, this is not someone to trifle with. Doesn't mean he has to be outwardly gawking and all awestruck, much like his classmates are at the moment, and so he attempts to keep his gaze unreadable. Being a cocky little bastard does help in this regard too.
Being that he's considered an 'upper classman', the others all kinda look to Irvine, expecting -him- to know what to do. All save the girl who actually had the courage to say something and is now being stared down at by the white haired man. Lifting a reddish brow, he shoots the others a 'oh thanks for nothing' look, before he advances to take over, or at least get the man's attention off his classmate. She can thank him later, heh. "Pardon, we're just not used to seeing someone make an entrance quite like that... Welcome to Balamb Garden. Are you here to meet someone?" Right, take him to someone else!, or something. Too bad there're are no instructors walking by right now.

Mako colored eyes slide to the side as you approach, and as you speak the man turns himself on a heal to face you fully. You are of a height and so can look each other eye to eye. There you would find a pair of glowing green eyes that have pupils slitted like a cats. Sephiroth lifts his chin a touch, allowing his head to cant to the side, and something of a smirk pulls in over his thin lips. "No." He answers quietly. This is not one to ever raise his voice. For all that his eyes are strange and he floats above the water, the voice is human. Male, somewhat deep, and of so quiet. "I'm not here to meet anyone." For some reason this seems to amuse him although he never explains as to why. A glance back to the girl, who is still very much nervous, earns her a dismissal. She's gauking, you aren't. That means he'd rather deal with you. Sephiroth honestly never did approave of being gauked over. No matter what he did.
"Balamb.." The Soldier muses, finally lifting his hands so that he can thread his fingers together before his abdomen. Thankfully no one knows he does this to keep from fidgeting. Intimidating he might be, and partially alien, but Sephiroth is only too human all at the same time. "Strange that someone dealing in spirits would be surprised to see the likes of me." He asks with a touch of wry humor. The pale features don't show it, but his tone does.

Glowing cat's eyes. Ok, that makes things a little weirder then normal. Ok, a -lot- weirder then normal. This is on the fringe of surreality. Who the hell is this guy anyway? Badb is watching too, idly toying with her chosen's hair (which tendrils lift and drift as if a private breeze had a paticular liking for red hair in a ponytail) as she peers over his mental shoulder to study this alien yet human seeming creature. -AND- he's apparently not here to meet anyone either. So much for passing him off to one of the higher ups, so far. Shooting a glance at the girl, he nods to her, another dismissal, or from his perspective, 'get outta here before you trip over yourself'. Did he ever act that way when he first got here? Hard to say, white haired men levitating over the moat didn't suddenly appear out of the blue back then, as far as he could recall.
As for dealing in spirits, Irvine's not sure what he means by that comment. What exactly -is- Sephiroth anyway? His knowledge of these sorts of things ends at Badb, pretty much. Well, besides generic information he'd tucked away to pass certain exams. He's still recovering from the Galbadian theology lessons.
Glancing back at the white haired stranger, cornflower blue eyes actually meeting that glowing cat's eye gaze (and really resisting the inner urge to shudder at the sight), Irvine says, "We don't often see people appearing above the moat. If you don't mind me asking, Sir, who are you? I'm afraid I don't recognize you." This is assuming he's supposed to, which the last comment made by the stranger leaves him wondering if he should.


Oh he notices that your hair moves, and against the air tides that fill the room. His own does no such thing and is at the mercy of those breezes. Now down on the walkway, that long white mass only ripples from time to time, accompanying the tugging of his long coat. Except for his eyes and his manner of appearance he could almost pass as normal. Almost. Sephiroth can't see your spirit, nor can he speak with it, but a part of him knows it's there. The first one he saw was in Seifer, which is what has brought him here. That and he has fought against SeeDs before. Although that was nearly ten years ago, and what seems a life time away. Then out of no where the man blinks. Slowly, almost lazily, and it might bring with it the realization that in all the time since his appearance he hasn't yet done that. So many little things that scream of wrongness.
Behind you there is a group gathering, and their whispers can sometimes be heard. They speak of Midgar and SOLDIER, who's eyes glow. The pale man lifts his face to be able to look over your shoulder at them, but he says nothing about their whispers and instead answers you. "I am Sephiroth." It is spoken with simple fact, and he doesn't expect you to at all know who he is. Why should you? This isn't Midgar after all. Nor does he seem to take pride in his name, for that's all it is.. his name. The only one he has as a matter of fact. However, one of the crowd behind you gasps and starts whispering furiously with his neighbors. Someone recognized the name, but no information that you can hear follows. "You have no reason to recognize me as I have never been here before." Sounds so calm about it too. "I've come... out of curiosity."

Sephiroth. Yes, the red haired gunman -does- recognize the name. It's hard not to when the name is infamous in areas other then Midgar. Most of what he knows is heresay and conjecture, however, and Irvine is well aware of this. However, it does raise his wariness slightly. What in the world could have brought him here -now-? The fact that a crowd has begun to form is ignored at first, but it won't be for long. He's used to drawing a crowd, especially the idiot gossip mongers with nothing better to do. The fervor over the spoken name, however, is too noticable to be overlooked and the kid glances over his shoulder, shooting them a 'quit it' look even though it's likely to be missed or outright ignored.
*Oh, Sephiroth. I wondered how long before he came here.* Badb muses back there somewhere. <Oh? You know about him?> *I know what you know.* <Thanks. Really.> And then she starts laughing. Even moreso as he gets irritated by it.
Inhaling his irritation at his classmates, who aren't helping matters at all, and that incessant soft laughter, Irvine looks back toward the infamous General as he shoves his hands into his pockets. "I've heard your name before, Sir. I'm afraid all I know is probably rumor though," *ahem* probably born of an original truth -somewhere- "What... has you curious? I don't know how much I can help you. I'm a student here." Right, see, uninteresting, really. But! there's always gotta be someone here who can help you, yep. Well, this is Irvine's line of thinking at the moment. Appear insignificant.

He's been all over the world in the months since his awakening and in that time this is really the first place that has known his name. There was a vampire who knew it, and a Shogun in another land, but here.. he's known. To be honest he doesn't want to be well known. Being the center of attention is not what he enjoys, and right now he's drawing a crowd. He should have expected it really, but if there is one thing Sephiroth doesn't know.. it's how to deal well with people. Glowing eyes flicker over the crowd as the mako infused man watches the whisperings and the pointings and as the people flat out stare at him. Bug in a jar? Only without the jar, and sad to say this bug has claws and fangs and only too much willingness to bite. As he looks out over the crowd, his features little more than a mask of flesh covered marble, the group shifts towards silence. Before he wasn't trying to be intimidating. Now he is. Go away he says nearly audibly. Nearly.
"I doubt anything you have heard of me is truth." Sephiroth says calmly, voice contrasting his look to the crowd. As eyes shift back to you however that intimidation isn't there. He's not wanting you to go away. Just the rumor machine. "A great deal of the time I wonder who this Sephiroth is that the stories speak of." If the man had a sense of humor... well, you're getting about all there is of it right now. Don't miss too much of it, eh? "I met one of your ilk in Konan. A young man who carried a fire spirit inside of his mind, who was traveling alone. He made me curious, so I came here. Curious about a people who would..." Pausing for the lack of words, Sephiroth pulls apart his hands so that he can motion a little with the left one. This grants him the time to search his vocaulary. "Make the bargains as you have."

*A bargain?* Badb sniffs audibly within Irvine's thoughts. *-I- chose you. Don't get any ideas from that remark.* Irvine's eyes grow distant just a moment or two with the inner conversation going on, having to sooth the crow's ruffled feathers. <I don't think he understands this anyway, don't get puffy over it.> *I am -not- puffy!* Sure. Thanks to this, he's able to get past that intimidating look Sephiroth shot the gossip mill workers. It wasn't meant for him, and he realizes that, but it was still something to be wary of. Mental note, don't gawk at the man. This is one of those predators who can sniff out fear, and -might- have a bit of respect if you show none. Or at least leave you alone.
At the mention of 'your ilk', he snaps back to attention, blinking to concentrate on his surroundings, and the predator-man in front of him. "Our 'ilk'?" Idly he wonders if this is Seifer the man's talking about. So, he decides to find out. "Seifer Almasy? Is that who you ran into?" It's a longshot, but folks were saying he headed toward Konan. And Salamander was a fire spirit... so maybe? Anyway...
Having a bit of understanding for how rumors work, albeit on a less noteworthy scale, Irvine can't help his lips quirking to the left in a half-smirk. "Rumors generally have a start in actual events. If you feel like wading through all the stink to find the tiny gem of truth buried in it." So far he doesn't mind is own reputation, but it's relatively nothing compared to Sephiroth's, and limited to Garden's walls.

Sephiroth actually chuckles softly as your eyes grow distant. It's a feline sound for the sound is a purr that rumbles upwards through his chest to pass through his throat and out onto the air. Only you in your closeness are able to hear it. No, he doesn't understand the arrangement, or bond, that you have, but he knows something is there and by poking at it a little he's getting some answers. Perhaps he needs to watch the people here more. Attend some of the classes and learn how you do things. It would all be invisible of course, but as it appears there are things here worth learning, and he's a lot of free time these days, might as well get what he can.
"Yes, Almasy." He inclines his head, making long bangs sway gently. Their motion blocks those brilliantly colored eyes from time to time, white to vivid green and all over again. "I was curious as to what he was running from." More than where he was running to. Sephiroth says nothing in reply about rumors for he feels he knows little of what truth really is. Not for lack of wanting truth, but more of from a life time of having to live amid the lies. ShinRa built up his reputation to the point where some of the things spoken of him didn't even have him anywhere near at the time. As for the others.. yes he's done many terrible things. All the more terrible is that he feels no regret. Why should he worry about the lives he has taken, and the odd country or two that he has laid waste to for the 'glory' of Midgar? Having a lack of morality isn't a good thing. Perhaps one day he might even come to that realization. The odds are against it however.
Thanks to that glower the crowd had moved back some, and all against their will really. It was merely a step or two, and then they stopped. WIth the presense of that crowd an instructor or two is beginning to come out of the woodwork as it were as well. All of this is ignored by the white haired man with the green eyes. His attention is on you.

Badb's ruffled feathers won't be soothed anytime soon, after that. Riled, she sulks at the back of Irvine's thoughts, content to remain out of this business for now. Knowing that the Wind force is difficult to please at times, the gunman decides to ignore her for now. This isn't the time to be catering to her anyway. He hasn't noticed the emergence of instructors either, far too curious about this Sephiroth to want to walk away now. This is going to be interesting in the scheme of things, later. Sephiroth appears in the middle of Balamb and that talks to that scoundrel sharpshooter, Irvine. More rumors to deal with, *sigh*, but hey, they could be whispering about him being an Ex-Holy Knight again. So it could be worse.
Seifer, yep, he was right. So, the blonde wonder really is in Konan. Was, at one point. He's about to ask when Sephiroth saw him, when another question pops up instead. "Running from...? What did he tell you?" It sound weird to hear that Seifer's running away. It's so illogical for that egotistical sonovabitch. Why the hell Irvine cares is beyond him. Seifer's been nothing but a pain in the ass since he's had to share a dorm room with him. Constantly trying to keep the gunman under his thumb and threatening him if he dares to 'disrespect' Seifer or Seifer's space. (Which is everything but Irvine's actual bedroom area.) Maybe it's merely out of remembrance for the orphanage. Seifer was there too, even if he was just as irritating back then.

There is nothing the Ex ShinRa General can do about a spirits ruffled feathers even if he cared to do anything about them, and so he doesn't even begin to attempt anything. Too much not known, too many questions unanswered for him to begin anything of that sort. Right now he knows there is a spirit speaking with you and it's not all that happy. Otherwise your conversations are yours alone. "He didn't tell me much of anything at all." And neither have you bothered to tell Sephiroth your name. However neither has he asked. "Other than he was going to Dollet, but why does a young man leave his home with nothing more than he owns unless he is running from something?" The pale head cants to one side with the question, for it's not one he managed to get an answer to. It was just obvious to him. Seifer was rather rude during the conversation, but Sephiroth is a patient man and not often inclined towards taking insult at foolish things.
The long fingered hand once more joins its mate at the man's abdomen and just in time for one of the Garden Staff to push to the front of the crowd. It will take a minute or two for him to get there, and although he has been noticed by your Midgar visitor, the long robed figure is ignored. Sephiroth will leave when he wishes to leave and right now he's talking to someone. Nothing is known of your time together in the orphanage, and he isn't here because he cares in any way for Seifer. Just curious about the Guardian Forces and what would drive Seifer away from a place like this. Better than what he knew in midgar while he was growing up.

No, Irvine hasn't given his name yet, and it's not out of being rude either, nor is he purposefully withholding the information. It's literally slipped his mind to give it. And since Sephiroth hasn't asked, he hasn't been reminded to either. As for Badb, he doesn't offer that information either. But, there he is being purposeful in the lack of thereof. Should the General of repute be outright told these things? It's tough to make that call, and perhaps it's better left to those in charge for any official type explanations. So much the better for his own hide in the scheme of things.
Seifer being rude toward this man wouldn't surprise the gunman. It's foolhardy, but it's also Seifer's perogative. Irvine's just as clueless for Seifer's sudden departure as Sephiroth is, actually. Not that he -minds- the blonde wonder being gone. It's nice to not have to walk on eggshells in your own damn room for once. "I see... Dollet." More clues, and just randomly offered by the white haired man. *Entertaining thoughts of finding Seifer?* Badb just can't keep her nose out of his thoughts, even when sulking. <No... come on, I like having the room to myself.> *Sure you do, you and your pretty girls at night.* <Hush.>
It's about this time that Irvine catches the movement of Garden Staff out of the corner of his eye and he turns his gaze in that direction. "I think you're about to get an official welcome, Sir." Which means Irvine's about to be forced to make a departure. It's a shame really, this was just getting interesting.

Perhaps it's time to ask for that name.. "What's your name?" Almost seeming to ignore the fact you have mentioned the people narrowing down on his location, Sephiroth just asks his question in his quiet manner and waits patiently for a reply. No, speaking to those in charge here isn't going to get him anything he wants. He is well familiar with the dealings of those in power, and doesn't feel like dancing that particular dance today. Then again he never feels like dancing it. Just one of those necessary evils he had before his supposed death. Now the only tune he dances to is Jenova's when he can reach him. Less than sane he might be, but for the moment at least he's not attempting to destroy the world for the sake the ghost of one of his mother's wants it gone. Being a puppet sucks royally.
"The young man said he was going to look for family. An orphanage where he had stayed for a while. It was a lie, but it gave him direction none the less." Perhaps the information is your reward for being calm enough to speak to him, but Sephiroth gives no sign of it being anything more than a strange man pointlessly giving information he learned some days ago. It is honestly all he knows of Seifer and the young man's quest.
Another chuckle purrs out, low and almost gentle, as you comment on the offical welcome. "More like an official requiest to leave, no?" Although his features and his eyes never show his humor it lurks there in his voice. One can notice it if one is quick enough and observant enough. This said, Sephiroth lowers his face just enough to cast his eyes into shadow. Thanks to their glow it turns the nearly milk colored skin to eerie green, and not at all shadowed. "I shall see you again. I would like to finish our conversation without this audience and without the interuption. Perhaps even the one who looks through your eyes will join." Not like he knows how Badb works with you, so he's rather guessing here. All the same lips quirk into a smirk and just in time for the Garden Staff to reach the pair of you Sephiroth flickers from view. Just as silently as he appeared the mako infused man vanishes.
He is still here, but now only to watch. Out of sight and out of sound for everyone else, he pulls back from the group a little to be able to watch. Not even this way can he see your GF, and nor can she see him. A spirit he isn't. (Junction Sephiroth? o.O That's a scary thought.)

"Kinneas," Irvine says without thought. When someone asks your name, you give it, after all. "Irvine Kinneas," is then added as an afterthought. Last names might be used primarily for military students, but what's the harm in giving the stranger his first as well? He has no idea that Sephiroth is any sort of puppet, the man seems preternatural enough to be acting on his own. But there are many kinds of puppets in the world, some aware of their enslavement, and others not. Irvine's merely one of many in this Garden of seasoned fighter-children.
At the offerance of that last bit of information, the red haired kid seems a mildly surprised it was so easily given. His patience, as well as the laid-back attitude are givens with his personality, and he doesn't have to work at being either. The 'reward' is overlooked. The humor, however, is not. Bael's got a dark sense of humor like that too, and despite his self-proclaimed 'sociopathic' nature, Irvine honestly likes him. (Except when he starts trying to tease him about the Holy Knight thing, damn him for thinking that's -funny-.)
Glancing back at the 'welcome wagon' purposefully striding over and finally reaching the pair, he turns with a "Thank y--" escaping his lips until it's cut off by the sudden... disappearance? Definately someone to be wary of, who can fade in and out at a moment's notice. In the confusion afterwards, the offhand comment about Badb is lost, though merely put aside for further perusal and thought later. However, now this means everything's left on Irvine's shoulders and no doubt he's in for a lot of sudden questions. *groan* He doesn't need the sudden attention either, he gets into enough trouble as it is.

You are of course questioned about the conversation and the staff wants to very much know what was said on both sides. Thanks to you being one of the orphanage kids Cid makes sure you aren't harassed too long, but all the same you are given at least an hour of being questioned by stern faced adults. You aren't the only one, for there were others where when Sephiroth first appeared, but in the end it will be more than annoying and means you don't get your normal free time. At least you already had your nap, eh?
Only after you have been given your freedom, and only after you have decided to seek your room for the night - when ever that might be - and only if you are alone Sephiroth makes a second appearance. Should you have company you are left alone with whom ever it might be and the man will contact you the next day, but all the same he's got time and so doesn't sweat the small things.
He tries after hours when you will be alone and seeking your room, waiting for you outside of the door to the double.. only not as Sephiroth. Instead there is a teenager of about thirteen or so with pale brown hair that could almost be called gold, and large, very dark eyes. He's a slight thing and looks almost breakable as well as feminine. Dressed in the uniform of one of the students here, the teen is leaned back against the wall near your door, hands pressed against said wall, roughly at the middle of his lower back. His arrangement of features should be slightly familiar, but only somewhat. The SOLDIER didn't want to call attention to himself as he did the first time he arrived. No point in making that mistake again.

Irvine is generally honest with the staff, insofar as what occured. However, he does neglect to mention Seifer, or anything revealed about him. For some reason, he's reluctant to do so, knowing how some people feel about him. Why he's getting -protective- of the blonde wonder is also beyond his understanding. Seifer probably would have no appreciation for it either. No, this is something he saves for later, to talk to Cid about personally, or someone he trusts amongst the staff. It's annoying, but at least it gets him out of afternoon classes with a good excuse.
And Irvine without company? That'd be odd, indeed. The first attempt at contacting him finds him with a paticular female Cadet, his flavor of the week, or so it seems. However, after the day's events, he's actually not in the mood to 'entertain' her this evening (that's actually kinda shocking knowing his libido) and after a kiss, parts ways with her at the door to her dorm. Striding toward his own, he gives pause as he sees the boy. This isn't a Cadet he recognizes, though it's true he doesn't know -everyone- in Garden, especially the juniorclassmen these days. Too busy with preperations for his final exams. (And making sure he has his fun while he can, since Seifer's gone and the room is his.)
Arching a reddish brow, he asks, "Hi... can I help you with something?" An odd 'deja vu' feeling creeps over him, and Badb stirs again from her slumber, realizing her chosen has finally abandoned that brown haired hussy he's taken a liking to this week.

Finding your with company means that no attempt at conversation is made. There is no point in ruining your fun and Sephiroth is in no hurry. He is literally quiet patient enough to wait weeks if he has to. Luckily for him that doesn't happen. Just a few days, and he wasn't idly sitting around for all of it either. There are a lot of things to learn here in Garden. Some very interesting ones as well. Now if he could only manage to catch one of the Guardian Force lessons he'd be all set. There are few of those done and so they have managed to ellude him.
As you ask, the small figure pushes from the wall to stand before you, and over his lips pulls that little smirk that Sephiroth used during your talk in the Atrium. "I said we would speak again." You are told in a voice that lacks the adulthood deepness, but is still very much the man's own. Disguise isn't something he's good at sad to say. Perhaps if he were actually able to understand humanity he would do better at it. Sadly he doesn't and so there are always things wrong with the forms he takes. Usually though the things wrong are all so small that most people over look them. The pale brown head tilts to the side, hands are clasped and left there at the small of his back, "Do you have time to?" Yes, he is actually being polite and asking. Quiet and well mannered are not things generally spoken of when people pass gossip about Sephiroth. And to think you haven't even seen him slaughter anyone in the days he's been here. Tsk. Man must be slipping.

The voice is a dead giveaway, even if Sephiroth hadn't used those paticular words in that paticular string. Irvine blinks, staring at the disguised General for several minutes in mild surprise. Well, he -had- said they'd meet again, and indeed they have. "You get around, don't you," he comments offhandedly, opening the door to the double he usually shares with the now absent Seifer. "Better come in though, the doors around here have ears attached to them if you hang out in the hallway." And with that, he walks into the double, expecting Sephiroth to follow at his leisure.
The inside of the room isn't cluttered, as Seifer undoubtably will assume the condition is gonna be whenever he does come back. Actually, Irvine doesn't hang out much in here, old habits and all that. This area still reeks of the blonde wonder's presence, so he just avoids it and sticks to his bedroom. However, it works for now, and he plops down on one end of the couch, tilting that hat of his back, waiting for the kid that is Sephiroth in actuality to enter and start the interrogation, or something.

Slender shoulders are lifted and lowered in a shrug, and nothing further is said until after the young man follows you into the room. He agrees with you about not wanting to speak in hallways. Once inside he pauses just inside of the closed door and looks around. The place is rich with all that is Seifer, eh? Mostly Sephiroth doesn't see these things, but instead is noticing the small things placed about. Soon one draws him and after crossing the room he lifts a helmet from a shelf and looks it over. Something Seifer had found years ago and kept, but felt he didn't need to take it with him on his travels. Perhaps somewhere in his heart the young man was hoping to be able to come back. All the same Sephiroth knows nothing of that and instead looks over a Galbadian style helmet with some interest. It's been a long time since he was able to face a holy knight on the field. That was a battle he enjoyed and a struggle well worth his time. Always a shame when your enemy dies and your contest comes to an end. Well, when one is a killing machine at any rate.
The thing is large for the current size of the SOLDIER, and he turns it over in fragile looking hands. "You surprised me." He says quietly, peering into the helmet to read something etched there inside. Gently the thing is placed back where it was found, and Sephiroth turns back to you slowly. He keeps his teen-age seeming, and those dark eyes with their human circles of black. "Of all in the outer area, you didn't seem afraid even though you knew my reputation."

"I don't believe in rumors, Sir," Irvine says as his eyes follow the General's movements around the room, watching him regard the items that are Seifer's. However, he glances away as the Galbadian helmet is inspected. He harbors nothing but ill will toward that paticular theocracy (and even after two years can't quite hide his disgust at anything serving as a reminder of them) and displays nothing of theirs anywhere near him. All save a holy symbol he kept for nostalgic reasons, or perhaps to remind him of what he escaped from. That's hidden, however, in his bedroom. God forbid anyone ever find it.
As the moment passes, he looks back at the teen-age seeming, noting the eye color. Sephiroth can at least disguise himself, he'd pass for a Garden student if he could get the lingo down and abandon his little nuances and quirks. Somehow, though, Irvine can't quite see him ever being able to go that far into a disguise, however. "Who's to say I wasn't afraid either? I'm just more adept at hiding it. And she who sees through my eyes doesn't appreciate cowardess." Ah, even a hint toward the ever interesting Badb, who does watch even now.

"But you yourself said that all rumors held a grain of truth." The voice is clear and high with youth and yet it is spoken not at all with a child's meaning. There is very much an adult behind their shaping. In having inspected the helmet, Sephiroth had missed your expression, and even if he had seen it the man wouldn't have been able to truly understand what you meant with it. To him their are just another kingdom with some good fighters. Not something he's had to live with intimately. Religion means nothing to one born of Midgar. They worship only themselves and their wealth. It makes a huge difference when it comes to perceptions.
No, he never will be able to shed his little nuances. Just the way he is, and one of the reasons why he doesn't run around disguised more than he does. Sephiroth knows he can look like anyone he chooses, but at the same time he is wise enough to know he lacks the means to imitate people well enough to be able to get away with it for long. Being a nameless student here allowed him to go unrecognized for the minutes he was visible there in the hall. It was enough to find you, and all he needed. The man is terrible with people, but he is learning now that he is out of ShinRa's control. Learning slowly to be sure, but learning all the same. By the time you look back he has pulled down a book and has been flipping through it, mind not at all on the volume, but instead you. "Are you afraid now?"

Irvine rests an arm against the edge of the couch, his actions exceptionally casual, as if he really were talking to another Garden student rather then the infamous Sephiroth. He sees the man as a scorpian of sorts, rile him and he'll sting you, stay out of his way and he won't bother with you. "Some rumors do, yes." He slips then, tenses changing to fit more of the Galbadian 'high tongue'. It's Sephiroth's manner of speech that trips him, falling back into a language that has a higher sound to it rather then the normal trader's tongue or Balambese he's used since arriving here. He notices his error, corrects it immediately by falling back into proper Balambese. "I'm just too lazy to sift through the rumor mill to find what's actually truth and what's all lies and conjecture."
Watching the General shift through the book, he realizes it's a distraction of sorts, and finds this interesting. For someone who acts so socially alien, he sure has a lot of human quirks. It's actually kinda disarming. *You'd best not be afraid.* <I'm not, doesn't mean I shouldn't be wary though.> *Mmmm, you're learning.*
"No, I'm not. You haven't given me cause to be. But, if I were to believe the rumors, if you wanted me dead, I would be by now."

And you hit the nail right on the head in more than one way. Should you not attack Sephiroth he won't kill you. It's as simple as that. At least to his own thinking. Whether nor not he can kill you isn't as sure fire as he believes. Then again this is true of everyone. He simply has many years of habit to fall back on. as well as that meglomania. When someone he wants dead appears before him they die. Generally in a very messy fashion as well. Sephiroth is Sephiroth after all. (In his own mind.) It's a good thing you are being wary. "I doubt that you are too lazy." Is murmured in reply as the book it slide back into place on the shelf. Seeming somewhat restless, for he normally is no matter his patience and his sheer ability to wait and wait and wait, the man has a lot of energy and it is showing now. The rest of the books are looked over, but none are choosen. Instead he looks back to you. "No, I haven't given you cause to be, but neither have you given me cause to be violent. If you don't attack me I shall not kill you. Everyone has that chance." And most people are wise enough to take it as well. Sephiroth states it as calmly as he has spoken everything else. This isn't one to get over emotional about much of anything. "No, you dead would be pointless. I want to know about the Guardian Forces." He pauses and leans forward somewhat, since you are sitting down, so that he can seek your gaze. "Something about the being who looks through your eyes." Too bad even if he explained that he didn't have anything to do with Midgar any more, and honestly only is curious and doesn't plan to do anything about it... you probably wouldn't believe him.

Irvine nods slightly, having reached that conclusion about Sephiroth's nature correctly. "I have no reason to kill you, unless given orders to do so." And he doesn't foresee that in his future. At least, he sure hopes not. Sure, he's damn cocky when it comes to his abilities, but he's not -stupid- enough to assume someone like Sephiroth will go down so easily with a bullet. Or even two. Again he watches the General peruse the book titles, or so he seems to be doing. Seifer's books, anything about Sorceress' and their Knights, as well as other assorted titles that blatantly point out his obsessions and ideas. None of them represent Irvine, or his personality. His things are kept in his room, his sanctuary of sorts. How sad that the only people who ever see it are the women who usually couldn't care less.
Guardian Forces. So this is what he wants. Irvine sits up involuntarily at the request for knowledge. Even Badb seems wary and alarmed by the question. *I want to know why he's asking this, tell him nothing otherwise.* Thusly, the red haired Cadet lifts an eyebrow, replying, "I risk a lot by telling you these things, you know. Guardian Forces are something... protected by Garden. Mine is curious to know why you're asking."

Still not having come any closer to you than he already has, the apparent teen keeps his distance for all that he has meeting your gaze and is soon smirking slightly for your asking. Again the features don't show it and those dark eyes remain unreadable, but he shows his amusement in other ways. A little too alien to be able to show it as a normal human would. The signs are there for those who choose to learn them however. "You risk nothing by telling me these things, Kinneas, although I know how ridiculous that will sound to you." Shoulders rise and lower before Sephiroth straightens, turning his gaze from you, and moves about the room once more. Not in any hurry, but he's checking things out all the same.
"The butcher of Midgar coming to you in secret and wanting to know about your power... Yes, I know what it sounds like, but I am just curious. I've seen it before and was surprised to find it here as well." he stops before the two doors in the back and holds there for a time as if debating, back to you. "A tiny valley where the people worshiped not one of the Four Gods to the north, but instead made bargains with spirits that lent them power. It made them nearly impossible to take until ShinRa wooed and won one of their own and made him a betrayer. He had a spirit before it abandoned him thanks to his betrayal, and I learned nothing. Now in finding it again I am curious. Whether you believe it or not I leave to you." He will find in his own time if you tell nothing. That's the way it almost always works anyway.
As his words fade into silence, the slight figure in its Garden uniform opens the door to Seifer's room and looks inside. To be honest he just guessed and picked one, getting lucky, but it might seem otherwise to someone who doesn't know him.

And it -does- sound ridiculous to Irvine, though not so much to Badb. Her feathers slowly smooth as the story is detailed from the mouth of a boy with the voice of a Sephiroth. *It's ok. Just, be careful how much you tell him.* Irvine nods, though it's to himself, the inner conversation again making his eyes distant. He doesn't notice Sephiroth's movement around the room at this point. He relaxes against the couch again, even going so far as to lay back, resting his feet on the couch and lacing his fingers behind his back. Seifer would -kill- him if he saw this. But, Seifer's not here. "We do something similiar to that... but I wouldn't call it making a bargain. Badb chose me, it's something difficult to explain, really. There's a bit of a price, sure, but it's, I dunno, every experience is as different as the person is, as well as the Guardian Force. I'm fairly compatable with mine."
Badb is pleased with the explanation, and it shows in how that mysterious breeze wraps around him again, idly whisking his duster back and forth at the hem, or lifting tendrils of his red hair into the air and dropping them again.
Hearing a door open, however, he jerks upward so he's sitting up, afraid Sephiroth's headed toward his own room. Sighing in relief to see it's only Seifer's, he says, "I don't think Seifer left much in there. He left rather quickly, took most of his stuff with him." Irvine hadn't even thought to look in there, really.

For the most part Sephiroth is well and wholely tired of the lies and bullshit that ShinRa dishes out to the world. Only since having woken from his five years of 'being dead' and being stolen away to Kutou as the man come to realize just how bad the lies really were. Thankfully he was also partially cut off from that driving force of mass destruction. Otherwise he'd be off seeking to destroy the world, not wandering around in this comfortably insane state satisfying his own curosity about things.
That you answer at least in some regard surprises Sephiroth a little and with it he looks back to you. Looks back to find you no longer lounging and instead seeking to keep him out of the room that isn't yours. Hmmm. "If he took everything with him, then he didn't own much of anything..." He replies in a nearly teasing tone, glancing back at you over a shoulder. You didn't check in Seifer's room, but he say the bag Seifer carried with him on the road. It didn't hold all that much. Then it's back to the GF conversation. "So what does yours do for you? Beyond play with your hair like some lover. How do you go about getting one?" Not that he plans to try. In his arrogance Sephiroth wouldn't come close to believe he would need such a boost. Thank God for that, no?
Slowly he moves into Seifer's small room, not touching anything at first. Seifer did indeed leave a lot of things behind, wisely choosing to travel light. (And yes, I did ask Seifer's player about this.) :) Mostly there are just repeats of what is out in the common room. Books, a small TV, slightly dusty for his having been gone, but otherwise kept immaculately clean... Sephiroth paces across the room to look out the small window at the rolling grasslands beyond.

Leaning now against the back of the couch, Irvine finds his lips quirking slightly to the left in that half-smirk of his. "I don't go into his room, from what I'm told, he didn't take anything Garden owned." He's just going along with what the officials told him after waking him up early in the morning to question him about Seifer's whereabouts. As if he paid attention to what his irritating roommate did on a day to day basis. Seemed to him he spent his time bullying students or screaming at Irvine for whatever inane pet peeve of his had been touched upon that day.
Badb's feathers ruffle again as her ministrations of affection on her chosen are commented upon. Irvine openly winces, as if the brunt of her frustrations is suddenly being taken out on him inwardly. All outward signs of that mysterious 'breeze' cease and desist. Scratching at the back of his neck idly he shrugs, "Badb inhances my abilities. Provides me access to certain magicks." He's being somewhat vague, but this has nothing to do with Sephiroth being the questioner. He normally doesn't reveal too much about Badb to other people. As for how to get one, "It's part of our testing here... to be SeeD, you have to junction a Guardian Force."
Seeing Sephiroth disappear into Seifer's room, Irvine actually jumps over the back of the couch, alarmed that he's going further in. He doesn't vocally protest it, but he won't walk in either. Rooms are sort of sanctuaries to the gunman. He doesn't want anyone just walking into his, so... well, he always respected Seifer's room too, even with his absense.

To bad Sephiroth doesn't care about how he ruffles the feathers of your Guardian Force. That's not on his thoughts though. Instead he is dwelling on your words about Seifer only taking the things Garden didn't own. That says a lot about the way things work here, and will be something he'll have to think about for a time to come. It says a lot, but the man lacks the means to understand all of the undertone. Subtle things are usually beyond him for all that he notices things easily. Stopping at the window, the SOLDIER looks out over the grasslands, mutted with the darkness since it is evening. There he remains for a time, placing hands on the window sil, having gone unnaturally still as his thoughts take a strong focus, ignoring his body more or less.
You are being more than somewhat vague, but just the same Sephiroth doesn't press the issue. He will simply have to remain invisible and silent and follow the teachers around for a while. That way he will get the information he wants. "Junction." He murmurs the word, mulling it over in his mind. What an idea.. you have to junction with something? Concepts and ideals spiral about, most of which aren't anywhere near close to the truth and more of having to do with his imagination. If you don't have an example there is little chance of honestly being able to understand. Finally the teen moves and he lowers his face, blinking his eyes, before looking back over a shoulder at the room beyond... where you are. "You are protective of a man you don't like." It's almost a question.

Standing in the doorway, Irvine refuses to cross the threshold, so to speak, to actually enter Seifer's room. He leans against the doorframe though, watching Sephiroth's disguised form stare out the window, privating conversing with Badb somewhere in the back of his mind. She's upset, though only the gunman knows it. She wants him gone, though even in her temperment she realizes it's not that simple. However, he offers no explanation of 'junctioning', nor does he elaborate any further on the vagueness of his previous answers.
The observation regarding his feelings toward Seifer bring his thoughts back to the present, his head jerking upward, blue eyes peering out at Sephiroth from under the brim of his hat. He'd only half noticed the protectiveness he's been affording Seifer lately, and having it outright pointed out to him only serves as an irritation. "Some things I don't even comprehend. Seifer's far from a friend, but I respect his privacy as long as he affords me the same." Which he has, so Irvine's had no reason to bother looking in the blonde wonder's room.

Not having turned from the window, but looking back at you over a shoulder all the same, Sephiroth's dark eyes fade into their 'natural' hue of mako green. Perhaps his way of showing laughter, but then again it might not be. From human to cat slitted orbs that glow enough to cast shadows of their own over his pale features. "I have made you irate." Not that the tone says much of anything at all. No laughter, no anger... just as if he were stating the color of the sky, or the grasses that are dimly visible out that window. This said the slender figure, currently disguised as a thirteen year old boy with pale brown hair and the uniform of Garden, turns itself around to face Irvine.
There is more to your story than you are telling, Irvine, and even Sephiroth can see that. He doesn't push you though, for that wouldn't get him any answers at all. Clearly it's time to move on and start listening in places where he really shouldn't be. Pacing forward, the one time Soldier stops before Irvine and now has to look up for the difference in height. "Excuse me." It is actually polite for Irvine is standing now in his way, and he doesn't want to touch or push in an effort to clear his path. With the politeness the eyes slip back to being dark brown and again terribly human. Too bad the mind behind them is a ltitle too alien to ever be wholely human.

Never one to be impolite purposefully, Irvine does step aside for Sephiroth to pass. Actually, he's more then happy to, seeing as the man in a boy's disguise is leaving Seifer's room finally. No comment about him being 'irate' either. He hates losing his cool, especially in front of people like the General. It's demeaning, not to mention he's got a bit of pride in his ability to be hard to rile. The look he's given, though, speaks volumes into the kind of man Sephiroth is. It's almost as if the man were seeing right through his pretenses, the way Badb had back at the Fire Cave test. Certainly this is just his paranoia, however. Though the General is alien-esque, he is still, as far as gunman is aware of, a man. One with extraordinary looking eyes and odd powers, but still human in his quirks.

Although Sephiroth would argue that to the best of his ability, Irvine is very much right. He is a man in spite of all of strangeness and all of the alien quirks he still is very much human. His parents were human thus he has his own share of human fallacies.. or even more. >.> Once those eyes are once again dark, and Irvine is out of the way, Sephiroth calmly walks out of Seifer's room, across the main area, and just as calmly lets himself out of the double. Just a small studen of Garden leaving a room and walking down the hallway.
Once out in the hall he seems to have put Irvine totally out of his mind. This isn't true of course, but he is now thinking more on where he is going next than on what was said before. Irvine's informtion is something to be mulled over where there is time to do such mulling. Looking small and anything but dangerous, he walks the nighttime halls of the dorm with his hands clasp behind his back, mostly just looking around. Nope, this couldn't possibly be the infamous general of ShinRa, could it? Not with his childlike features and slim teen-age form. Oh no.. Too bad the only bit of the disguise that he can pull off his physical and at times voice as well. His true nature always shows through in one way or another when confonted.

(A little bit later)

Shutting the door to Seifer's room, Irvine can't help but shake his head at that bizarre display. Sephiroth's more then the rumors bespeak of him. Meeting a legend in person usually has it's downfalls in one way or another. Expectations are rarely met to capacity. Then again, it's not so much that Irvine is disappointed. No, actually, relieved is a better word for his reaction to meeting the Butcher. He's alive, right? That's something to thank God for. Well, if God existed, but that's another tangent the gunman doesn't want to get on in his thoughts.
Instead, he walks to his room, rifling through a box of personal items he's kept in the closet pretty much since arriving at Balamb. Drawing out the little silver holy symbol, he holds it up to the mako lamp, studying it. Just a trinket now, worthless amongst those who don't know the great honor that had been bestowed upon Irvine. That it was rather forceful isn't the point. Holy Knights do not become so for no apparent reason. It makes him smile, though it's a wry expression. Rising to his feet, he kicks the box back into the closeted area, shutting the sliding door again. The holy symbol gets pocketed into the duster. Sometimes he wonders if he'll get daring enough to wear it boldly, a rebellious thought. He believes in God about as much as he believes in tooth fairies. Badb is his chosen Diety, and a good one she is to him. She's there. Tangible. And she doesn't claim to love him while punishing him for the silliest of 'crimes'.
Then, out the door he goes, passing through the main room of the double without looking at anything. After all, staring at Seifer's little displays gets really old after awhile. Into the hallway he now drifts, though he does not notice the boy that is Sephiroth down the hallway yet.

"Nice to meet you Sephi- .. Sephiroth?" Blinkblink. .. Wow, kid. You're parents sure did have a dry sense of humor. Opting not to inquire about how the kid feels about being named after the long gone ShinRa legend, Issei only smiles and doesn't give a chance for the younger man to try and explain his name. No need, after all. "I'll just be a minute." And so, inside the room Issei goes, across the main area and into his little close- er.. bed room. u.u; One thing which blissfully has not come over from his days as a woman (Gawd that sounds so wrong) is the female gender's habit of taking forever to get ready to go out. Issei is all Guy in that respect, and just gets out of the wet clothes, towels himself off and dries his hair, then throws on the first respectable thing he can put his hands on. After quickly running a comb through his hair and grabbing his wallet, he returns to Seph in the hallway, still all friendly and smiling. "All ready. Anything you want to do or grab before we go?" Um.. that whole 'not taking long to get ready' thing? One of the /few/ ways he's all Guy.

Yes, Sephiroth, and his parents did have a strange sense of humor.. just not in the ways that you are thinking of. Hojo has a strange sense of humor indeed. of course he is also totally mad, but we shant go into that aspect of things. The man himself just smirks ever so slightly and shrugs a little. His apparent age has the effect he wanted.. someone stuck with the name of a man who died just a short number of years ago. Happens all over the world you know, why not here? It doesn't seem to bother him at all and the acceptance comforts somewhat. The time it takes Issei to dry and change allows the SOLDIER to gather his wits and figure out just where he wants to go with this evening out. Now now, nothing bad, but he does plan to see if he can go through with it.. only to gain information if he's able.
So, coming to rest against the wall near Issei's door, just as he had waited patiently near Irvines, the apparently young man looks down the hall and notices Irvine there, walking around. Hmmm.. will you spoil his little dinner invitation or leave things be? Should be interesting. As Issei emerges, dark eyes turn to him once more and the brown head shakes in the negative. "No." he doesn't have anything to fetch. Then again he is only an astral projection and not even really here to begin with. "I don't have any money either." May as well be honest as he pushes from the wall to stand before the much, much taller teen. Of course the soft voice is the same, so Irvine might just take note of it. A near child's quality to a voice that has an adult's phrasings.

Yes, Irvine has realized, finally that Sephiroth is nearby. It wasn't that he heard his voice. It's a dead giveaway, for sure, but no, the gunman merely glanced down the hallway, recognized Issei, and then the boy with him. Now is when he does a double take. What's he doing with Issei? o.O This alarms Irvine in more ways then one. No, the disguised General didn't seem to be threatening, but he has potential to be. And the red headed kid kinda felt Issei might not know what he's getting into.
Does he unmask Sephiroth? No. Instead, he just follows, seeing where the two of them are off to. It's a protective gesture, though likely not to be appreciated in the long run. Issei's feminine enough to set off that sexist attitude of Irvine's that he needs such shadowing for his own good.

Well, if no one is going to be ruining the fun, and there are no more delays, Issei smiles and nods his head to Sephiroth before making a motion down the hall. As the two walk towards the Atrium, Issei does note Irvine and, just to be polite in passing, nods the way of the gunman before continuing on. Oblivious would be a good work to describe the current state of the cadet. He takes Seph out of the Garden completely and down a road which leads into Balamb itself, and a tavern therein. Good food, nice atmosphere, reasonable prices. And speaking of prices.. "You didn't really think I was gunna let you pay, did you?" Issei asks with a grin, despite his seriousness. Nope! Issei is making amends, and you don't do that by asking that the other guy pay his own way. No no no. This is Issei's treat! Besides, he has to blow his money on /something/..

But did you ever intend to blow your money on the Butcher of Midgar, Issei? It's a name he has earned over the years and with good reason. No matter what the rumors and the stories spread around about him say, one thing is very true.. Sephiroth loves the feel of battle and to kill things. The stronger the contest the more he loves it. Just another of the things that proves how alien he can be at times. Anyway, there is another of those small nods and the teen falls into step with Issei, pausing only a moment to glance back towards Irvine. There is no feeling of smugness, or truimph in that he's managed to get invited out. No, instead he's still feeling very much confused and still somewhat frightened. For someone as powerful as Sephiroth people probably wouldn't expect that he doesn't at all much like crowds and would rather avoid them when able. Going to the tavern is going to be trail for the make infused man indeed.
Dark eyes flicker back to Irvine, but soon return to Issei where Sephiroth frowns slightly. "I had no idea what to expect." Again being totally honest here. He simply didn't want to get out and deal with being embarrassed over the fact you thought he could pay for his part of the meal. being locked into a stone in Kutou generally doesn't allow one much of a chance to carry money around.. or have need of the stuff. The playful mood of Issei just seems to wash over Sephiroth. Not that he's immune to it, but more of leaving him soaked and wondering just how to feel about it all as the water drips down his nose.

Though he's spotted by Issei, Irvine isn't detered, especially when the two head out of Garden and walk all the way toward Balamb. He hesitates to follow further, but decides he best keep up. If it were anyone other then the actual Sephiroth... who really was better at irritating Irvine then actually intimidating him. (Not that he was trying to either.)
Realizing finally that Issei really thinks this is another student, Irvine takes a few quicker steps to catch up with the two. Enough is enough. "No more games, Sephiroth." Time to ruin the General's fun. Oh sure, he's taking his own life in his hands with this one, but seriously, this was getting far too surreal for Irvine to deal with. Besides, he wanted to alert Issei to the truth of the matter before they got into the tavern. At least out here there aren't so many prying eyes.

Aroo? "Uh.. Is there a problem, Irvine?" Issei asks as he turns towards the gunman who seems to have followed them all the way from the dorms.. Um.. Games? Blinkblink. Color Issei dumbfounded. He looks from the boy at his side to the cadet before them and furrows his brow. "Do you guys know eachother.. Listen, if there is some kind of problem between you two, I'm sure we can work this out peacefully.. No need to get hostile." Isn't this funny? Issei, trying to /protect/ Sephiroth? Somebody's gotta tell Seifer when they drag his ass back. heh.

Ah, he thought you would be speaking up, Irvine, and now you haven't disapointed the man at all. Turning towards the gunman as well, the small teen does nothing more than look up to Irvine and says nothing as Issei defends him. He does look mildly surprised that this is occuring however. Mildly only because he doesn't have much in the way of emotions and so he's showing for him what is a great deal in the way of feeling. You have surprised him all over again, Issei. Feel proud of yourself. "Neither Kinneas, or you, Issei, are in any danger here from the likes of me unless I am attacked." And that is just what he told Irvine too, if in different words. Lifting his chin slightly, Sephiroth seeks to meet Irvine's gaze and hold it there. "I am playing no games and telling no lies." Which he actually isn't. The man hasn't lied to Issei at all. Sure he's said things in such a way that the student reached an incorrect conclusion, but he hasn't lied to anyone. Hands still clasped behind back, the SOLDIER waits to see what Irvine will say about that. He seems as calm about it as he's seemed about everything else.

Irvine most certainly will not be informing Seifer of Issei's defensiveness of Sephiroth. More then likely all that'll be re-established between the red headed gunman and the blonde wonder will be more tension and bandied insults. And the occasional pummeling of one another. Typical, really. Looking confused at Issei for a moment, it dawns on him that he's clueless as to the boy's real identity. "This is not a Garden student, Issei." Back toward the wolf in boy's clothing, Irvine merely shrugs. No narrowing of his eyes, or bristling or other things that can be considered anger or irritation. "No, maybe not, but he doesn't know who you are either, does he. I never said you lied. You just haven't been forthright." And that's the truth according to Irvine. Sure, he could be totally wrong, but he doesn't think so.

Not a Garden student? Um.. So.. he's an impersonator? Okay, well, that's kind of bad, yeah, but is it really worth all this fus- ... .. Okay.. hold on a second. Issei may be kinda clueless at times but he's not stupid. It does take him a few minutes, but still.. realization is dawning. And it shows on his face. Blue eyes widen and sloooooowly turn to Sephiroth.. Sephiroth.. "/The/ Sephiroth?" Gulp. Sephiroth. Jenova. The eyes. Gawd, Issei.. you can be so /brainless/ sometimes. Oddly enough though, he's not leaping away or jumping behind Irvine. For whatever reason.. he's believing the man when he professes that he's not going to hurt anyone unless attacked. Maybe it's the empathy? He can tell Seph isn't lying? Maybe. Or maybe he's just a weirdly trusting dope who hasn't studied the subject of the Butcher of Midgard enough to be running scared? Who knows! "I thought you where dead.." Atleast, that's what his text book says!

Shifting his gaze from Irvine to Issei, the man waits for the accusations to be leveled, and then for the realizations to set in. "Yes." he nods to the taller of the two men before him, which happens to be Issei. See, Irvine, he really did give his real name. "Although I suppose it might be presumptuous to assume I am the one and only, first Sephiroth." It brings a wry humor to his voice, although little to nothing of that shows on his features. "And I was forthright in my information. He choose not to believe that I could be the one spoken of in the stories." Pausing for a moment, the seeming teen shrugs slightly, hands still clasped behind his back. "Most everyone believes me dead. It is better that way." He speaks with the utmost of calm in the face of all of this, for there is no point in lying about anything now. At least not about the things that he has been caught at. There are still a great many things left untold and shall remain that way. "Does this mean I should leave you?"

Honestly, Irvine has no idea what he expected. Most he was doing was looking out for Issei. However, now that it's all out on the table, well, it's up to Issei to chose where to go from here. "I just wanted light shed on the shadows. Otherwise, nothing else. Up to Issei." He shrugs again, reaching up to tip his hat. And with that, prepares to leave this little party. He hadn't wanted to go to Balamb tonight anyway. It's just a sign of the lengths the redhead will go to for someone he gives a damn about. (And he's also discovering he gives a damn about the strangest people. Seifer? For cryin' out loud he protected the guy twice today at least and he -hates- him.)

Um.. Okay.. what do we do now? On one hand, Issei doesn't wanna be /rude/! And on the other.. goddamnit, can he really sit down and eat dinner with a guy who slaughtered whole towns of innocent people? What are they gunna talk about? 'So, you're alot shorter then the illistration in my text book. How did you survive when everyone thought you where dead?' Shyeah, right. As Irvine goes to leave, Issei frowns a bit and calls out after the man. "Hey, Irvine?" Should he pause, the cadet finishes with a weak smile and says "Thanks for bein' concerned." Especially considering he only knows the guy in passing. Very passing. He then turns his head and eyes to Sephiroth.. who is alot shorter then he imagined he would be.. "I.. uh.. Yeah. I think maybe you should, and I should go back to the dorm.. Because this is kind of alot to digest." ...... "I apologise." .... "Again." Groan. This has got to be the weirdest situation he's ever been in, but his player is way too tired to allow him to stick around to figure it out.

Maybe later when people aren't so tired. Sephiroth expected to be turned down after Irvine's accusations, for this sort of thing always happens. If there is one thing that the man has come to expect it is cruelty in humans. People always hurt one another. Always. Looking up to Issei, this emotion there lurking behind dark eyes, Sephiroth nods once. Just acceptance of the rejections. "Very well." Is said in perfect calm, and just before the man returns to his true form. It's an effortless thing, but will end up being just one more bad surprise for the poor Garden student. The slender teenage form slips away as he grows back to his real self.. all six feet one clade in black leather and silver pauldrons, with that wealth of white hair that ripples in the ocean breezes that caress over this island. Sephiroth stands there for a moment, very much glowing green eyes slitted like a cats. "You have nothing to apologize for, Issei. No matter how much you might puzzle me." The voice is the same, but much deeper. An adult sound this time instead of the childs, but the same regardless. He stands there for a moment, magestic and terribly proud, terribly alien, and just like the stories would have him be... and then he is gone. No fanfair, no special effects and no magic either. The man simply allows his body to disperse, and unlike before with Irvine he moves his consciousness well away from Balamb as well. Later he shall return, but not tonight.