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...Bloody hell.

[Cid puts down the quill with a clatter as he rubs his brows, silent for a moment before there's a sharp laugh.]

Seems like crystals are a nuisance no matter the world.

[After wiping his face, he looks back at her. Harvest souls while still alive... Well if that isn't chilling enough, the fact it all seems normal for her is. ]

And you said they are the ones calling for these souls, phantoma? And what was the current situation before you arrived here?

Edited 2024-03-12 05:00 (UTC)

[ Rem presses her lips together, abruptly looking up at him when he mentions the Crystals being a nuisance. It's an automatic, defensive response, which makes her address that first before even going into what's the current state of her world. ]

The Crystals... give their blessing to us. [ A brief hesitation, but she then continues without missing another beat. ] They take souls by their proxy, the l'cie. But only when necessary, like when calling a verboten Eidolon that calls for hundreds, sometimes thousands of souls to be sacrificed. [ Another pause, and her shoulders slope down, looking that defensive edge. ] I know it sounds terrible [ ~~it is terrible~~ ] and it is scary, but this is all for the benefit of our nation, and the well-being of our Crystal.

[ It's child solider indoctrination o'clock. ]

And how exactly do your nations benefit from these crystals?

Each nation's crystal has a unique blessing. For example-- in Concordia, their Crystal gives them the ability to control beasts and dragons. For us, our Crystal gives us magic. [ She knows from a previous conversation with him that when he was in his world, he had been working on ways to not rely on magic. She understands that. Yet-- ] Without it--... without it, we wouldn't be able to defend ourselves, both from the fiends roaming Orience, as well as the aggression of other nations. They'd overwhelm us, utterly. [ Her gaze lowers, troubled. She'd witnessed and has been subjected to enough of the horrors of war to feel that relying on magic is absolutely necessary at this point. ] And when we can't handle a threat ourselves, sometimes the Crystal sends a l'cie to fight with us. Or combat another Crystal's chosen.

Without our Crystal, we would all be as good as fodder.

[ Big irony in that statement, when the Crystal uses them as fodder, too. Even if she realizes the dissonance, she wouldn't know what to say. She's seen what happens when one nation lost its Crystal to another.

She looks up at him. ] ...You don't seem to like my answer.

Not really, no.

[He's not going to sugarcoat it, and after scrawling over the paper once more, he sits back, the quill falling into the inkwell with a small sign of frustration as he taps his finger against the edge of the desk.]

I suppose it's my turn then.

In my world, we also have crystals—Mothercrystals. They are giant monoliths that nations have also developed around and fought over, many rising and falling over the past centuries because of their existence. And these Mothercrystals are the source of magicks for those who are unable to draw on the aether on their own. With crystals harvested from the Mothercrystals, the people were able to develop new, easier ways to live.

Use fire magic to burn an oven or forge. Use water magic to fill otherwise dry wells. Even use wind to more quickly dry clothing. At first it may seem convenient, but that convenience is at a cost.

People began to rely on these magicks, but the harvested crystals are limited in their uses, and once depleted they are no better than rocks. Which is why while everyone uses crystals, Bearers—magic users—are highly sought after as they could be more easily exploited for such use.

And that includes Dominants.

[A hard look at her.]

I suppose you could consider Dominants and Eikons similar to your l'cie. They were originally created to act as wardens or guardians of their Mothercrystal, but over time that changed to just fight for the nation that was in control of that Mothercrystal. So while we had the greater power and should be respected as such, we were no different than another tool of war.

And as it turns out, these Mothercrystals were actually used to drain the aether of all the land, all for a so-called god's spell to effectively reset the world to his own liking.

[A small, quiet but harsh laugh.]

You call the power of your crystals a blessing. For us, and from what it sounds to me even in your world, it was a prison—a curse.

[ As he speaks, she listens attentively. What he tells of his world lines up with what she knows about it from others, that the Dominants are tools of war, that magic taxes them. The news about his world having mothercrystals is new, however, as well as them being the source of draining the world of its vitality.

It's impossible not to be sympathetic to that. If there was something or someone draining her world, when she's done all she can to help protect it... she would fight against it. ] I'm guessing no one knew what the Mothercrystals were truly doing. Hurting your world, I mean.

[ That's not what Orience's Crystals are doing, she's certain. The Crystals only offer their blessing. ]

It makes sense to consider that a curse. As well as... being chosen without your knowing. [ The l'cie, at least, not only gain power, but immortality. They sacrifice their humanity and will so they might protect others. ]

Aye, I was the one who first figured it out. No one else could figure out how the Blight came to be, only that it was draining aether. Understandably, it was not something I could just wildly claim to just anyone, so I decided to just take matters with my own hands.

[ie, destroy them.]

But your crystals are taking all souls, aren't they?

Edited 2024-03-13 23:17 (UTC)

[ Her lips purse as he mentions taking matters into her own hands. While she knows their worlds are different, there's a gut reaction to any implication that the Crystal could be harmed. But he's moving the conversation along, so-- ]

Ah... No. I don't-- [ She hesitates. ] No, that's not how it is. [ More context, then. ]

The l'cie function as, ah, almost like an extension of the Crystal. [ Her hand rises to the clasp at her cloak, fidgeting. ] They have little will. Most of who they were when they were mortal is gone. When the Crystal can't move, the l'cie can for it. I mentioned the Crystal sends l'cie to help us in battle, I do mean that 'sometimes'. The Consortium-- the Dominion's governing body-- have no control over the l'cie or when they do go into battle. That alone is the Crystal's judgment, and historically, [ Keyword, historically. ] it's rather rare of a l'cie to join because of the devastation they can bring. Many times people have hoped a l'cie would come to help, but they haven't. Then, sometimes when they do come, we're ordered to evacuate the area.

When the Crystal deems souls need to be sacrificed, it's the l'cie that takes them-- because they can siphon from the living, not just the dead. But I don't think the souls they take... go to the Crytal. They're used for the l'cie's power. [ Consumed for the sake of the magic or summoning, as far as she knows.

Saying it aloud makes it sound much worse. Or it sounds like she's trying to say no, it doesn't take all souls, when her explanation is trying to debunk that on a technicality: "The l'cie take souls when needed, not the Crystal, but the l'cie's wills are tethered to the Crystal".

Oof.

Rem looks away. ]

...It's... us that brings souls home. Class Zero. But we don't bring them to the Crystal.

[He's certainly not seeing much of a difference, technicality or not, and he certainly doesn't look that convinced. But he'll go with it for now. And the l'cie... They sound like akashic, at least in function.]

You speak as if these Crystals are sentient. And where do you bring the souls if not to the crystals?

Edited 2024-03-14 01:59 (UTC)

In a sense, they are. But I'm no expert... [ Her voice trails with her uncertainty. A question of the Crystals' sentience could possibly be better explained by one of her class members, but not her. She gently reminds herself to ask about his world's Mothercrystals, and if they can talk. If they ever talked to him, before they chose him as a Dominant.

As for his question-- she appears uncomfortable because she knows this is the more unpleasant topic. It's also the subject she's really not supposed to be talking about with those outside of Class Zero. ] We bring it to... that sacred place I mentioned, which houses a device of the same name.

[ The device that she'd mentioned that converts souls. ] We call it the Altocrystarium. I know-- [ She says quickly. ] it has "cryst" in it, but there's no crystal. [ That she's aware of, anyway. ] Crystarium is an older word for library in our world, and the Altocrystarium device itself looks like a single, giant tome. [ Hence, higher-library. Altocrystarium.

Her hand at the clasp on her cloak tightens. ]

Cid... I'm trusting you with this. The Archsorceress-- Class Zero's "Mother"-- [ She falters. ] She said we're not supposed to let others know. It's she who gave us the order to harvest souls, and I... It's important, it is. That we follow her. [ She doesn't exactly know how to describe it, and she knows he believes it to be wrong, but to Rem, it doesn't feel wrong. It feels right to follow the Archsorceress, or at least, not to disappoint her, even if she's not Rem's mother at all. Unable to find a way to articulate herself, Rem brushes her thoughts aside, shaking her head. ] We relinquish souls to the Altocrystarium for her, and for us... as a means to grow our power.

[ Her knuckle has since turned white. Crystals, she doesn't know what would happen if the Archsorceress knew she was saying this much. ]

[He's going to look at her for a long moment before he folds his arms over the edge of the desk.]

I won't be telling anyone anything you don't wane me to. Likewise, I'd prefer if you kept what happened to me a secret as well.

[A secret for a secret, and while she may not know it, it's important that a certain someone doesn't hear about his death from anyone but himself. He just...has to do it.]

But this Archsorceress... Perhaps I'm missing more context, but is it normal for someone who isn't l'cie to harvest souls or command others to do so? Did the Crystals instruct her to? Is this something that other nations do as well?

[ Him agreeing to keep this a secret causes a small, reassured smile to appear, but his next inquiry causes her to pause to think. Since Tempus Finis commenced, she’s developed great many gaps in her memory when it comes to people. It takes a few long moments to recollect events and battles around a slew of blank faces and forgotten names. Her brows knit together. ]

No… It was just us who harvested souls during and battle. Only us.

And as for the Archsorceress… Dr. Al Rashia, is her name— [ Rem’s hand releases the clasp, and it rises to scratch at her cheek. ] …She’s not a l’cie, if that’s what you’re asking. Not instructed by the Crystal.

Why do you ask?

Edited 2024-03-14 03:19 (UTC)

[This is a difficult position because on the one hand, maybe this Archsorceress is genuinely a good force and this is just an unfortunate necessity born from the circumstances of their world. On the other hand, the patterns just fit too well with Barnabas and Ultima, too will with those who seek power for their own gain while under the guise of something else. And Rem clearly has all her faith and loyalty to this woman, a person he has not personally seen and can only guess from what Rem says—who is an unreliable narrator here.]

I should ask you—don't you think it's strange she's acting rogue from what's considered normal operations? As I said, I may be missing a few facts so do correct me if I'm wrong, but just from what you told me, she seems to be trying to act like a Crystal herself, and all of you are her l'cie, collecting the souls for her to use on this Altocrystarium in return for your own powers.

[ Her expression turns weary, her tone not as overly defensive as she had been with the Crystals. He’s beginning to wear on her. ]

The Archsorceress has only helped us. [ She insists, and Rem straightens, trying to make herself appear firmer. Pressing her like this is a good way to get information out of her, because the defense she gives causes her to volunteers more in attempt to justify her loyalties— and defend the woman who looks over Class Zero. ]

She’s the one who showed us the Altocrystarium and… because of her, we’re far more fortunate than the rest of the soldiers.

Weren’t you a solider at one point, too? You must have followed someone who protected you in some way.

Aye, I did. The strongest man in the world. He taught me how to be a Dominant, even helped improve my swordsmanship and allowed me to do what I wanted. Swore my life to him and faithfully carries out his orders. Was even promoted to a high commanding position.

[There is a strange expression as he speaks. It was quiet at first, complicated. And then it hardens as he goes, complex emotions carrying through, but there is a clear hint of anger and disdain.]

Over twenty years of service. And in repayment—[His voice grows sharper, the small laugh hollow, bitter.]—he manipulated and used me. Used all of us, all for his own purpose. For his so called god. Told beautiful lies that hid the dark truth of the costs and the ending. Had I not noticed and discovered the truth when I did, my story would be much different.

[ She watches his expression closely, watching as it tells a tumultuous story without words. There is a deep, painful history written into the creases of his face.

A low, hushed breath escapes her, and she surmises: ]

You were betrayed.

[ Did he break away gradually, he wonders? Or all at once? ]

How did you find the truth?

[Betrayed in so many ways, and it would be some time after this discussion with Rem that he would realize how much worse it was. For both him and Benedikta. But for better or worse, while he already has some suspicions, at this point in time he doesn't yet.]

There were a few things I started to notice. Things that didn't make sense and too difficult to accept that it was all for the "good of changing the world." Sacrifices will always be made for any cause, but what he was doing... Was too far. And then I saw the proof with my own eyes.

[It's clear he's not giving too many specifics, but they're not really needed in this case.]

So I left.

[ She frowns. ]

How were you able to leave the "strongest man in the world"?

[A wry grin.]

I walked onto a boat and sailed off.

But he had enough pieces still on his board...and knowing what I know now, he likely would have maneuvered things to work in his favor regardless. Not to mention my own actions may have been too late, anyway.

[ Her eyes widen look. He was just allowed to go...? ]

And what was "too far" to you? What did you see, that made you walk away?

The increased wars for one. At first they seemed to have reason, but then I realized those "reasons" were a guise for a different purpose altogether. Then the worsening condition and treatment of Bearers...

[His teeth and hand clench at this.]

They were already practically slaves, but they were also used as tools of wars... And experiments.

But any thought of trying to do any systemic change on the inside was thrown out to the proverbial sea when I saw who he was truly serving. And it wasn't for the people.

[In some ways, it feels a bit strange telling Rem this. It's a story that's not necessarily a secret, but it's not one he would share lightly, not even to Benedikta or Clive. He would if they asked, with the same reservations and emotions as he exhibits here.

But because he sees Rem in that same exact position is the reason why he feels more compelled to tell it. He's seen it, lived it, and her story has thrown so many red flags that parallel his own that he can't help but be concerned.

Now, again, he realizes there is the off chance that things could be different. Maybe this woman isn't as much of a bastard as Barnabas. But "good causes" that are achieved by sacrificing everyone else? Seeing them all as just mere fodder? For power? No, he could never get behind it, even if the person was a true saint.

Even more, Rem reminds him too much of Benedikta. The way they both remain so tight to that sense of "loyalty" to the point of blinding them of the truth. Or if not blind, makes them so they choose to ignore it. He lost Benedikta once already, couldn't convince her to change her mind. So perhaps he may also be trying to prevent that same mistake in Rem.]

[ He'd mentioned Bearers were exploited in their world, experimented on, and it seems that the man he served used them for his wars, just as he'd used Cid.

Rem's hands tighten into her skirt. It's not as if she, too, hasn't been experimented on. Not by the Archsorceress, no, but by faculty. Waking up from the anesthesia was always unpleasant, nauseating, and groggy, and she'd never know whatever the physician had done. It was uncomfortable, but she found solance with the rest of Class Zero. They were in this together, they had each other. Mostly.

Then there were the actual experiments conducted by the Sorcery department. She recalls going through their labs, seeing the caged creatures there. Every corridor had the haunting sound of blood dripping into shallow pools upon the floor.

If that could make someone walk away...

But the Archsorceress helps them. She gives them access to the Altocrystarium. She makes them stronger. She alone could bring them back from the dead... up until she decided she wouldn't be doing so anymore. She must love Class Zero-- at least, everyone besides Rem and Machina. Yet Rem still feels that same trust and devotion for her as if she's known her for far, far longer. Surely, the Archsorceress doesn't mean to use her children like this man did with Cid. ]

Who was it for, then? Why was he doing these things? You said-- he told you, "changing the world".

It was for his own goals, for "salvation." but it was also to serve the one who created the Mothercrystals and the Eikons. A being who was willing to drain the world, end humanity, and rebuild it to its own vision.

[ A revelation like that doesn't slide a quiet gasp from Rem. ]

But... but of course. Of course you-- and anyone-- would have to fight against a being like that. There's no other choice.

The thing is, however, I didn't know the full the extent of everything or even who that creature was when I left and decided to change things on my own. Not even before I died.

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