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[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.

[ She lowers her gaze. ]

You never got closure.

[ ...And as far as Rem knows, Cid doesn't know if all of his efforts were in vain. At least Clive, Jill, and Benedikta are here for him. Perhaps they come from a different time. ]

I... can understand. That hurts, doesn't it?

[Something of a wry grin as he looks at her.]

I've heard some things so I have some. Though I do wish I could have punched him in the face when I have the chance.

[He managed to throw a mop head so that's something.]

But otherwise, no. Because by the time I did die, I had already done all I could, started that initial push to set that boulder rolling, and set the stage for my successor to continue. I had faith that he would succeed—and he did. But even if I didn't know, I still would hold onto that faith.

...You must be proud. [ There's a small smile in return. So he's gotten some word of the future, something she's glad for. (And, gee, who could his successor be. Not another Dominant who used the name "Cid" at the cat café.)

But she sees that trait of his once again, the peace he harbors in death and accepting it for what it is. ]

I suppose it's all one can do to hope for those who come after.

[He is being vague on purpose, but he expects she'll figure it out. But there is a warmer smile that breaks through the heaviness that had built up before.]

Aye, I am. But I also had the many years of experience and time to deal with. You on the other hand...

[He now shifts the focus back on her. Because, after all, this is ultimately about her. He told his story, but only to give her something to relate to—and more reason to share hers. A little underhanded, knowing she would feel more compelled after he's opened his hand, but if it will help things along then so be it.]

How did you die?

[ Her smile fades somewhat, turning rueful. Rem leans again the back of her chair. ]

…Guess you figured it out.

[ She needs a moment. She’s just trying to be strong. ]

[There's a softer look.]

Unfortunately. But take your time.

[Because he's going to light up a cigar since he really needs one after all that.]

Need some water or anything?

Oh, um, sure. [ Rem nods her head to the offer. She'll be needing it, with all the talking she's doing. At least it doesn't feel as if she's being grilled by a commander.

Still, this particular topic is not one she's exactly ready for. But if she can force herself through this... ]

You should know it wasn't the first time. When I say Class Zero was privileged among the soldiers, they truly were. When any of our Class fell, we had to carry their bodies back to a town. The first time it happened, I didn't understand why. I could hardly believe it, but the Archsorceress brought them back to life. It was a feat reserved only for Class Zero. She did this for all of us... until one day, she stopped.

[ And the timing couldn't have been more horrific. It happened as Tempus Finis commenced-- the end of the world.

She draws in a breath. No one knew it would happen. No one. Prophecy, her foot. "When nine and nine meet nine--" No. The year 999 was over a century a away! Why did the skies and seas turn red? Why did it hail meteors? Why were so many slaughtered by the Reavers? She didn't, and still doesn't understand... And she supposes she never will, now that she's here.

Her eyes shut tightly. ]

I was already dying anyway, though.... and then when I left to fight one last time, I was killed. And that-- that was it.

[He'll get up to grab the pitcher of water nearby along with two glasses to fill one for himself, and he'll quietly serve the water as she speaks, sliding it over to her side.

But one he sits back, there's just a high rise of his brows at that. They were...being brought back to life? A theory forms in his mind, but first...]

What were you dying from?

[ When he asks his question, she opens her eyes, woken from her thoughts. Rem considers how to answer as she continues to look at the hands in her lap. Her nerves have quieted, but in its place is defeat. ]

Some sort of… cough and weakness.

No one knows what it really is, but I had it since young. A mutant malboro made by the enemy Empire attacked the village, back then. It might have been that… [ There’s some doubt in her voice, though. Even if a wretched monster spewing disease and poison is the best theory, it doesn’t explain how she didn’t exhibit the same symptoms as the other infected townsfolk at the time. Or that Machina, who survived the attack with her, was unaffected.

The origins don’t matter to her so much as that it affects her, and this all reminds her, in part, why she wants to make something that can function as the Altocrystarium.

Slowly, she raises her gaze. She doesn’t mean to be helpless. She refuses to be idle so long as her body works. It is why she’s been trying all this time to become stronger, to gather phantoma, and to find something she could use instead of the Altocrystarium. ]

Even the Archsorceress couldn’t figure it out.

[ ~~because she was one who cursed her~~ ]

[There's a small stretch of silence as he bring his cigar to his lips, the smoke rolling slowly around his mouth before he slowly exhales.]

And you're the only one who had this? No one else?

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