melodiesoflife | Event || Reunion

If there was an opportunity to talk and find a solution to their problems without facing the Weapon, Ramza was more than willing to go and listen. As he had for the meetings with Kurma and the Emperor, he surrendered his weapon at the door.

"Thank you for agreeing to see us," he said, bowing to the hooded figure.

Rukia had come early to Esdham expressly for the purpose of this meeting. She'd done away with her usual Beastmaster and Santa Claus battle uniforms in exchange for a crisp, clean uniform. Her black hair was caught up and pinned at the back of her head with a few errant strands and the ever-present hunter's lock to frame her face.

She stood at attention, short and serious, with her hands clasped before her back in proper imitation of the other soldiers she'd seen.

Her curiosity had been caught by General Varaha, now that she knew him to be an Avatar, but she had yet to find an opportunity to speak with him personally. It didn't seem proper to request an audience just to gawk.

The president, however, caused Rukia's brow to furrow. She'd seen him before only once, at Sephiroth's promotional ceremony when she'd been promoted as well. Was this an imposter? Or had someone kicked him in the crotch hard enough to change the pitch of his voice? ...Unlikely.

Her gaze shifted to Ramza at his words, and she inclined her head stiffly, keeping her silence for now.

Being as he attended this meeting as a Hero of Light, not a Colonel of Esdham, it could be argued that there was no need for the well pressed, straight-edged navy-blue/silver-trimmed uniform that Sephiroth wore on this occasion. A little like Rukia, the majority of his hair was pulled back and up into a tail which held the forward-parts of his vast silver mane back away from his face and off his shoulders while it still fell down his back like a thick cloak. Aside from the shorter bangs at the front.

It had been without a question though, that one should dress appropriately as to the situation and he was still on duty - just off-shift currently.

As apprehensive as he was about being asked to leave his weapon at the door, he had come expecting the same -but not quite the through pat-down that was delivered. The tension within the Presidential Palace was thick enough to potentially choke on. As they were brought before the leader of the Republic, Sephiroth churned over various theories as to why security was so tight, catching a glance every now and then between one or the other ex, or current, colleagues he'd served with in the past.

Even the emptiness of the meeting room, and the fact that the President was not only hooded, but not facing them either had already given a million alarm bells cause to ring their way right up into every fiber of apprehension Sephiroth had. Standing to attention, although a near-enough natural thing for him to do, felt almost delinquent due to the fact he'd already tensed up considerably.

And then he spoke.

He?...Or she, actually? Where the soldier had not been looking up, but rather at the floor, he blinked up to behold the robed figure at the other end of the meeting room. Inspecting the draw of shoulders, comparing it to what he recalled from the close-and-more-personal affair which had been his promotion ceremony months ago, trying to pick up on those nuances of tone that he'd recognized as familiar before-

"Sir." A practiced acknowledgment.

Sephiroth would have to hear more to clear out that discrepancy one way or the other. Even if privately that uncomfortable knot of betrayal -something he'd come to expect from so much of life- was quick to curl itself tighter in the pit of his stomach.

Edited 2016-06-10 19:44 (UTC)

Although Jade was no longer part of the military, he nevertheless stood at attention as well. Situations such as these tended to bring out the deeply-ingrained discipline in any soldier, and he was no different.

Besides which, judging by the tightened security measures, one couldn't help but get the impression that the President was putting himself -- or herself, as the case now seemed to be -- at risk by granting them an audience. And yet, in contrast to the thorough check-up outside, there were no guards. Most rulers would at least keep a trusted bodyguard or two around, even for secret meetings.

For all that the President appeared to have resorted to deception until now, you couldn't deny the sense of trust lying underneath.

"It's good to be back, sir."

Saori wore the official police uniform even though she was more comfortable with her Assassin's threads. Part of her was rather concerned that weapons weren't allowed. Honestly she felt naked without them but if push comes to shove, she still had her fists if need be. She just hoped she wouldn't need them. With the President's back towards them and hooded, that wasn't easing her paranoia any time soon. The lack of guards was something that bothered her too. Even with Eagle Vision, she couldn't pick up anything.

She kept quiet as well. All this secrecy made her wonder just what so plan did this President have in mind.

"'Course we did. You asked, so here we are."

Sparks might be dressed in uniform, leaving behind his Job's sword, but he spoke as casually as he would to almost anyone. Proper stuffy talk was reserved only for his dad, after all.

He had been curious what this was all about, the the oddly feminine voice that came out of the president sidetracked him. He waited for a response with an eyebrow raised.

“There is no need for such formalities, my friends.”

The president laughed ever so slightly, but they shook their head. They put a hand on the globe before replying to the Heroes of Light.

“It is true; I am the President of Esdham. But before this, I am first and foremost—”

The president removed the hood and marked another pause, before turning to them with a smile. She seemed kind-- Though probably not what most people had imagined the President of Esdham to be.

“Sarah Fainaru Til Aqures XV, Queen of Aqures.”

Ah.

Jade had to resist the urge to smack his forehead. How had he missed this? Luke had told him, all those months ago, about rumors of the Queen being sighted in Esdham. He'd dismissed it as a dead-end back then, thinking that even if it were true, she would surely have moved on to another hiding place by the time he'd found out about it.

Unless, of course, she never needed anywhere else to hide. Jade had to admit -- he was impressed.

"Well then... I suppose it would be more appropriate to say 'long time no see.'" Now that her face was visible, he could see traces of the young girl they'd met in Aqures Tosf. This was quite the reunion she'd arranged.

Reunion, indeed.

The revelation cut like a two sided blade, as Sephiroth's eyes widened for a par-sec but didn't leave the figure of the Queen of Aqures to even blink as he regarded her now that the veil hiding her from them had been cast aside. One sharp edge of it struck quickly and was a natural result of that toxic pessimism that had grown to expect such treachery, feeding the gnawing knot of outrage which all too-quickly stirred along his temper these days.

He'd looked her in the eye, closer than others had and yet had been ignorant. That felt stupid, that felt like a failure.

But then, as if it were some sort of salve, another thought stuck softer on it's heels as Sephiroth remained stood to attention but as ever without words. All of the fighting for Esdham, all of the countless duties and responsibilities he'd taken on, the defense of Aqures that he'd been assigned before...

Did that mean, despite all of it, he'd actually been doing exactly he was meant to anyway? Being that Hero they'd all been brought here for - whatever that was supposed to mean. Or was this, like everything else, another piece to a game they were still being played in?

Why? He wanted to demand so hard that it near enough screamed out from inside his mind. But it seemed an altogether selfish, foolish question, and so Sephiroth kept his stern silence.

Standing further in the back, Ace had been ready to entrust the reins of the discussion to those superior to him in rank and experience, for they all seemed to be equally united in their determination. Quickly enough, however, his composure was shaken by the reveal taking place right in front of their eyes. He had never come in contact with the Queen before, save for the fateful Starlight letter they had all received, so his reaction was that of a pure surprise as the woman identified herself as nobody else but the ruler of the land they had grown to call their home.

The confusion had settled in just as fast. The air of secrecy surrounding the Queen's disappearance had given birth to multiple theories regarding her whereabouts and actual motives, and yet here she stood, hopefully prepared to address their questions.

"What was the purpose of such a long wait?"

His voice was firm, but gentle. Was it the unquestionably dire situation they had found themselves in that finally had caused her to come out of the shadows, or did she carry another message of her own?

It was probably a good thing that Sarah took the time to introduce herself, as Rukia would never have recognized her on sight alone. Her surprise was evident in the slight widening of her eyes, just before her brow furrowed. The queen of the kingdom had been in hiding, she'd known this. But why? And why here of all places? Was there truly no one else who could have served in this position?

She had questions, a great multitude of them. But the others surely had just as many, if not more...particularly those who had been summoned here much earlier than Rukia had.

Her knee jerk reaction was to claim that this was an irresponsible choice, but she held her tongue, and restrained herself from lifting her chin imperiously as the proud Kuchiki family was prone to do when expressing displeasure.

There had to be a good reason for it, and she would be a fool to jump to any sort of conclusion prematurely. "I don't understand," she said, expressing her confusion while belaying any unnecessary harsh rebukes.

"Whaaaaaaaat."

Sparks can't hold back his initial reaction. For a moment, he's genuinely surprised, words momentarily gone. But that is quickly replaced with an irked frown, hands on his hips, and an appraising look.

"Finally decided to show up to the party, huh. If ya waited any longer, ya woulda missed it entirely. I'm imaginin' this has got a good story to go along with it."

Ramza dropped from a bow into a full kneel, as the royals of Ivalice expected of those who encountered them. In spite of the Queen's words and kind tone, he would not presume familiarity with her. Especially not when he felt such a rush of bitterness in her revelation.

Eyes cast toward her feet, looking no higher than her shoes until she bid him rise, Ramza spoke quietly. "You still claim that title, Lady President? Near two years, you have left your country bereft of its leader, serving another in its stead."

A queen was so because she sacrificed to serve her country. Ramza thought, of the two of them, the general Matsya had shown herself more truly of royal make, because she had served her people faithfully, even without hope of recognition or recompense. Sarah, for all her kindness and good intentions, had left her people in the time of greatest need. He did not know if he could so easily accept Sarah's sudden return.

This reveal was just another Pandora's box opening and possibly further snarling any plans. Part of her considered the fact Sarah still wanted to talk to them after so long, something fruitful might happen. Yet part of her doubted that. She would hold off judgment for now. Everyone deserved a moment to explain themselves and that something she had truly believed. No matter how this meeting ends, the Assassins will be tipped off.

And then Sparks just had to open his mouth which resulted in a sharp elbow jab at his side and a disapproving scowl. Honestly he could learn a lesson or two from Ramza in class after watching his reaction. Of course she didn't forget where they were and dipped into an deep apologetic bow.

"Please forgive my superior's choice of words, Madame President. However, I believe an explanation is well overdue now."

Edited 2016-06-14 05:59 (UTC)

The queen looked at the Heroes of Light one after the other, but her stare lingered upon the Heroes of Light who looked disappointed and angry—More so those who voiced their opinion. “So you believe I abandoned Aqures…” Her expression grew saddened, but she didn’t stop talking for as much.

“I had to protect you. However, there are those who wouldn’t have allowed me. Would I have stayed or shown myself earlier, today I would be no more and you would be within Kalki’s grasp.” She marked a pause. ”Do you not recognize my voice yet? You have all spoken to me once before—However briefly. Wake up.”

Should they be focusing on the voice and putting the dots together, they would be able to realize that her voice was precisely the one that had first greeted them upon waking up on Crystallis—That is until their moogles woke them up properly with much less manners.

“Even speaking to you right now is a considerable danger, both to my own life and the safety of all future Heroes of Light. But Palitutu has forced our hand.”

She marked another pause and turned back to the globe.

“If you want to know everything, I will tell you. I understand your anger and I do not expect you to forgive me. A queen’s duty is to her people and nothing can excuse my absence.” Another pause. ”But pray, do not presume I abandoned you or my people. Not a day went by without my thoughts went to Aqures. There are times when what you would like to do—And what is the right thing to do are irreconcilable.”

Jade listened to the queen, intrigued rather than angry. This revelation already explained something he had been wondering about for a while now.

"So it was your doing that we didn't remain in Crystal stasis when we came to this world... unlike those who appeared in January last year."

It was then that some Heroes had briefly shown up in Aqures Ixen, still in stasis, before vanishing and reappearing in the Heran Research Center, where Kalki had been waiting for them. At the time the situation had seemed like an anomaly -- but perhaps it was in fact how things would have always gone, were it not for the queen's interference. Could something have stopped her attempt to wake up those particular Heroes?

Actually, now that he thought about the incidents that followed...

"Kalki knew about you, didn't she? She was the one who spurred the Empire to attack Esdham that month."

"It would be difficult for anyone to recognise a voice they would have heard only once, regardless of the situation." Tear's voice was soft as she took a few steps forward from her place at the back of the group, bowing lightly once she stopped. Though in reality she also was touching the pendant hidden beneath her uniform, the very one the queen had returned to her all those months ago. While she felt gratitude for that small gesture, there was nonetheless an air of disappointment that she shared with some of the other Heroes.

Taking into consideration what Jade had theorised, along with what the queen had just shared, the melodist's voice was stronger when she spoke again, eyes narrowing slightly.

"There are a number of incidents that have happened since you left that could be considered as Palitutu forcing our hand." She wouldn't say it out loud, but perhaps it would show in the way her fingers seemed to curl just a little as the memory of the other Heroes was brought to the forefront of her mind.

"We were still not granted an audience or given direction. If I may ask, Your Majesty, what is so different this time? Because for all we know, she may have already set a plan into motion and we are being entrusted with its clean-up."

Ramza did not like making the Queen sound so sad, and he knew well the cost of following the 'right' path...but even so, he could not lie and say he trusted the woman before him.

"We owe you thanks for the gifts you bestowed upon us at Starlight last, and for your aid of our plight in your youth, Lady President. The Heroes of Light owe you their loyalty...but trust cannot so easily be given. You had no faith in us to protect you from those that would hinder or harm you. How are we to believe that we can oppose Palitutu and the Calamity, when you did not think us capable of protecting even your own life?"

Like Tear had said, it seemed too strange that the Queen would reveal herself now and not any of the times before. All was not as it seemed.

All Saori's elbow jab gets her is a nasty look from Sparks. And knowing that the Queen was the reason he had been taken from his home and his job on Mars in the first place wasn't scoring her any more points with him.

"Really? Just this incident's forced your hand? Not the last time Palitutu decided to try to destroy Aqures Ixen? Or maybe when the Empire tried?"

Sparks had done much and fought hard for Aqures Ixen in his near two years since he arrived. He'd put his life on the line for the city and its residents numerous times. Things have gotten more and more dire as the days go on. There weren't going to be many excuses he'd accept for this long of an absence.

Rukia didn't try to hide her sigh of exasperation. She agreed with everything that the others had said. No one seemed willing to trust them with knowledge that they desperately needed to stop the Calamity. There were countless people who appeared to be a friend only to reveal themselves as an enemy, and vice versa. A heads up on who they were able to trust would have been nice. A small part of her was even suspicious that Sarah had not revealed herself until after the Calamity had wiped out the majority of the Heran Empire. She desperately hoped that was not the case.

But she'd already decided she would not leap to conclusions. She would speak her mind after the queen had spoken to them. An explanation was not being withheld from them, as far as she knew. She needed only to exercise patience and listen. "If you are willing to tell us, we would be glad to hear your reasons," she stated calmly.

She nodded at Jade’s words, before turning her attention to the others, and Sparks in particular.

“I did help, even though you could not always see it. Didn’t you ever wonder why Esdham infallibly lent you its support in all situations, even in times when this country had nothing to gain and everything to lose?” A pause. “The invasion of Aqures Ixen was deemed a desperate case by many, a battle that could only be lost. And back then, few had faith in the Heroes of Light. It was my doing that Esdham lent you its forces without asking for naught in return—And also my doing that our relations weren’t damaged following the destruction of our fleet at Palitutu’s hand. Believe me, many are those amongst the officials of Esdham who considered surrendering to the Empire the wisest choice. And I suspect many are those whose wallets were fed by imperial coins.”

She then turned her attention back to Ramza.

“Kalki has monitored you ever since your first steps in Crystallis. Her fascination toward Heroes of Light knows no bound, yet she is no fool for she also developed one of the only means to permanently end your lives. Would I have entrusted my life to you, it would have been akin to sending an invitation for Kalki to find and kill me along with any who would have stood by my side. Back then, you were yet new to this world and lacking powers enough to oppose her. Do not mistake my caution for a lack of faith. I only saw little purpose in sending both you and I to a certain death.”

She then turned back to Tear and Rukia.

“I was aware of the presence of a traitor amongst the higher-ups of Aqures Ixen—Though I couldn’t investigate as to whom without causing much chaos in the kingdom. Even I didn’t know about Palitutu until you unveiled the truth. But this isn’t the main reason for my absence—Kalki is. Few possess the means to do what I did and this perturbed her plans. And so, as long as Kalki drew breath I couldn’t show my face to the world. As you all know, less than a year ago Kalki was declared dead. Needless to say, I cannot ascertain the veracity of this claim. And even should she truly be dead, this does not mean the end of her machinations.”

Another pause.

“I had planned to contact you soon. Meeting you however, endangers my life. Quite simply, I needed to wait until such time as the consequences of my death would be outweighed by the help I could bring to you through such a meeting. I had expected this time to be near the end of the year. However, Palitutu now threatens to put a premature end to your story and expect you to find an alternative in so little time. If you all die in August, there will be no point in me being able to help future Heroes of Light. This is why I summoned you now—I believe even if I cannot protect future Heroes of Light, it is more important for you to survive the ordeal to come.”

Rukia pursed her lips thoughtfully. It was a lot of information to take in and mull over, and she felt a vast sense of relief to finally have a better idea of what threats they were dealing with. She hadn't been present when the others met Sarah as a child, and her knowledge of Kalki and her plans was rather limited. For instance, she had no idea that Kalki knew of a way to kill them permanently, but this led her to wonder if that woman played a hand in the death of all those new Heroes who'd come from Mysidia. If so, then Sarah's suspicion that Kalki's death wasn't quite so certain could be confirmed as fact.

She released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, and smiled a little, giving a faint incline of her head. Rukia was satisfied with that explanation. They'd all been fumbling in the dark for answers for so long, any glint of truth was as refreshing as sunlight after walking for miles through dark caves.

"Then this meeting must needs be brief," Rukia concluded. To minimize Sarah's exposure, and to act on the information she had to give, they couldn't afford to waste much time discussing all of the things they wished they could. She was dying to know more about the reasons underlying the means of their awakening in this world, and why they heard Sarah's voice urging them to awaken.

But a debriefing on the other issues would be more than welcome, once they could afford the luxury of time and privacy once again.

"What is it you wish for us to do, regarding our confrontation with Palitutu next month?" She had no reservations about cutting straight to the matter at hand. The more prepared they could be to face her, the better their chances of not only victory, but survival as well.

Rukia hesitated for a moment. Slowly red started to cross her cheeks, and she added in a quieter voice, "...And thank you for the large bunny plush. I love it."

The president had calm, logical words to explain her absence to the Heroes of Light, but something about that send cries of warning to Ramza's brain. There was a larger concern she was not addressing.

"Yes, if what you say is true, you have sacrificed much for the Heroes of Light, and even planned to sacrifice your life at year's end if need be. And what of your people in all this?"

He stood, no longer able to kneel before her. "You abandoned Aqures Ixen to the hands of a madwoman, you sacrificed the lives and resources and well-being of the Esdham-folk, and you would have left both countries bereft a leader, all for our sake. What manner of Queen would prioritize others, even valued allies, over the lives and safety of her people? You have been a friend to the Heroes, Lady President. But a friend is not what your world needs. It needs a leader who will protect it above all else."

"It's fortunate you aren't the king of this country then, Ramza."

Jade didn't bother to face the other Hero. He was obviously not impressed.

"It is true a ruler should live for her people. But if she hadn't prioritized our safety above others, who'd be left to save Crystallis? One successful assassination at the wrong time would have been all it took to stop new Heroes from awakening. Cid and the Enterprise would have never been found, the knowledge of Mysidia would have gone undiscovered, and the Empire would have conquered this continent and Aqures Ixen with it. And that's not even taking the Calamity into account. How, exactly, would that have protected the people?"

He gave a shrug. "We have no choice but to trust her regardless. I'd rather have an ally who plans ahead over a blindly idealistic one."

"That much is clear."

It would be foolish to let their internal disagreements overshadow the point of their meeting. They would accept the Queen's part of the story just as they had been following the instructions of those before her. It did not mean he felt comfortable about it, especially after their trust had already been broken in the past, but looking realistically, they simply weren't ready to make a stand on their own.

"However, that doesn't take away our right to reserve our judgement." Between Ramza's dream of the unachievable and Jade's realistic approach, Ace leaned towards accepting the latter, but he found himself unable to stand in Sarah's defence. She had yet to win his trust, and her explanation seemed far from being complete.

"For now, let's get to the point and discuss the details of the offer. Your Majesty, you knew that your aid would be required at some point, so logically, it would have made more sense to entrust us with the knowledge early on, leaving more time for preparations. While I understand the need to retain a low profile, you have mentioned planning to go as far as to wait another few months before revealing yourself." He made a brief pause.

Could it be that you don't consider us strong enough to act?"

"Strength does come in many forms. Making such decisions is never easy. Sometimes it may require you to take on a villainous role in the eyes of the public." She didn't look at Ramza as she spoke. Being a goddess back home who actually cared of the affairs of the world, she could empathize with the woman in front of them.

"Or is it because we're still too fractured as a group? We've haven't had a stellar track record when it comes to things in the long run."

"Should the Calamity devour this world, Aqures Ixen and all of my people will be gone. Should Garland and Palitutu start the cycle anew, they will meet with death as well. Your victory is the only outcome that ensures the safety of Aqures, nay, of the world as a whole."

She shook her head.

"We grow hearing of tales in which heroes follow an ever-righteous path. Faced with adversity, their unwavering conviction challenges even the harsh reality of the world. But is it truly so in reality? I am afraid not. Even you have had to compromise on what you hold dear, question what you believed to be true." She then turned to Ramza. "Ramza, I am ready to give my life for my kingdom. However, taking needless risks wouldn't have helped anyone. If you are more useful in life than you are in death, if you are more useful in the shadows than you are in the light-- Then I believe it is your duty to do what you judge is right-- No matter what history or those important to you might think of your actions. Do not mistake-- It pains me to know what you and countless others will think of me. History might even paint me as a coward and manipulative villain. But should I be offered a chance to change my past actions, I would refuse it without a second thought."

With that said, she turned to Ace and Saori, nodding.

"It is true, you are not of one mind. Yet this is a strength, not a weakness. And indeed, you are not strong enough to defeat the Calamity. I do not believe anyone will ever be. But defeat of the Calamity isn't what I have in mind." She marked a pause. "I was unsure until you unveiled the truth as to its nature. But it is clear now that the Calamity is not a malevolent entity. It does not cause suffering out of its own will, it does so in a desperate attempt to quell its own pain. In this story, Crystallis is more of a villain than the Calamity."

She then looked at Jade and Rukia.

"Palitutu dares you to come with an alternative, which she believes is impossible. But in the light of these revelations, we can clearly see an alternative exists, can we not? If the Calamity suffers-- Maybe a mean to end this cycle is for you to heal it, to do away with its pain and suffering."

"There are possibilities," Rukia conceded. She folded her arms, head bowed in thought. Now that they were speaking of business, she was able to relax her stiff militaristic stature by some degrees. "If Palitutu's report is correct, then the Calamity simply wishes to regain what it lost, and become whole once more. In this, our goals are the same -- free the shattered worlds that were ensnared by the Ancients. But the methods as to how this may be done continue to elude us."

She sighed her exasperation. "The Avatars are likely attempting to communicate to us in a way we can understand, but I'm not certain if any of them truly know the answer either. We may be able to find the source of what's pulling worlds into the rift and stop it, but the healing process is far more difficult to discern. How can we give back what has already been too far changed?"

Not having many questions herself, Selen remained a little ways away from the group of people. She recognized a few that she knew and were allies with. Others not so much. However, the concerning answers she was getting had her purse her lips together and brows furrowed. It seemed like a lot of this was becoming troubling.

Rukia was also right. There were possibilities such a s the Avatars attempting to communicate with them. It might also be a good idea to understand. It would need a lot of of fixing, even if changed. However, there was also adapting.

"We can simply work with the change itself-- just a thought anyway. Everything changes. It's a rather interesting approach to say that the Calamity itself isn't entity of malevolence. It doesn't completely change the fact that the world itself is slowly being devoured by it."

She chimed in finally after the long silence, however, there isn't much questions on her end. She's more curious with what the queen is saying.

Sparks agreed with Selen. "So let's Calamity's just a thing. Just like the weather or something. Doin' what it's doin'. That don't mean it's good for the rest of us. Like a hurricane or tornado."

He was getting exasperated himself, and he folded his arms sharply. "It's like we ain't learnin' enough about what this all is fast enough. This world's gonna be covered in crystal before we know how we're supposed to really think and act about all of it."

It seemed Ramza and the Queen would have to agree to disagree about their philosophies on the monarchy. That was not the issue in question anyways.

"Perhaps we have not been asking the avatars the right questions. Or perhaps, we need to communicate with the girl in the Rift again. Now that we know the Calamity can be healed, maybe she can help up determine how it can be done."

It was what Ramza had wanted to do since the last town meeting, but he had never found a way or proof that it would help. Perhaps now, it would be different.

"I do believe the Avatars are indeed at the center to all of this. And only you can communicate with Narayana through them." She paused. "Varaha here is an Avatar of the Calamity. It is only thanks to his help I was able to set up all of this and learn of Kalki's schemes. Unfortunately, not all avatars wish you good."

She turned to the globe of Crystallis, pointing at Downapolis.

"The leader of the Cult of Narayana... He is one such Avatar. And the man you released from the Imperial Prison months ago... Narasimha. We believe him to be an Avatar, to be specific the one behind what's happened to you last month. As of right now, he might still be plotting against you." She shook her head. "Nobody could have known it. But he is a danger, one you will now have to face. trust that I shall communicate with you anything we can learn about his whereabouts."

She then turned back to Sparks.

"There is no denying what the Calamity does is no good for us. But do you realize what defeating it would entail? You would have to cross the barrier between worlds into the Interdimensional Rift-- Brave any danger that awaits you. In the Rift, I would not be able to protect you nor would you be immortal any more. Then, you would have to find the Calamity, no small task. An entity capable of devouring worlds and that has done so on multiple occasions."

Another pause.

"And if you did it, then what would happen to its remnants? They wouldn't simply fade away. Maybe they would reorganize into a new entity over time. Maybe a creature from the rift would try to harness its powers."

Jade raised an eyebrow. He hadn't actually known about the prison break-in until now. So that was who Palitutu had been referring to in her letter... Well, it was too late to start demanding explanations for that now. At least they had the identity of one more Avatar.

"If the Calamity could be beaten by brute force, I'd think one of the past cycles would have managed it by now. This isn't just a monster we're talking about."

And since he'd resolved to avoid both Palitutu and Kalki's methods if possible, that really did leave only one option.

"It does seem like communicating with the Avatars is the only alternative that has never been pursued. They didn't exist before our cycle, after all."

Rukia nodded at Jade in agreement. This seemed like a far better solution than her former resolve to attempt to merge with the Calamity using a Black Crystal as a last resort. They'd been so desperate for any hint of a solution, and now it felt like an answer was finally within reach. It wouldn't be easy, certainly, but it stirred up enough hope for a confident and assured smile to warm the shinigami's countenance.

"If the Calamity does not feel whole, then perhaps each Avatar has a need that must be met in order to find true understanding. There must be a way to quell the anger and hatred some of the more difficult Avatars possess, so we must learn more about them," she concluded. "Even if that means defeating them in battle." But they would have to be careful. There was no telling what would happen if one of the Avatars were killed. Supposing such an event assured that the Calamity could never be satisfied?

"What more do we know about this cult leader?" she asked, looking at Sarah, then at the others. Surely some of them must have visited Downapolis at one point. She'd never been there herself. Then she frowned as another point nagged for her attention. "The Calamity is fast approaching that area. Will they be safe, as their city is located underground, or do we need to take action and see their citizens to refuge?"

Ever the stalwart soldier, Sephiroth had remained at the back of the room throughout much of the exchange without even looking up at the Queen for very long at all. He supposed this was a manner of shock, as he was being made to realize all of her machinations that had gone on behind everything. All those times he'd put his neck out for Esdham, all the fighting he'd often been in some-form of command over. It felt particularly sour to revisit thoughts of the Battle of Aqures Ixen, right now.

He wasn't sure if he felt cheated, or indeed somehow comforted in that his various efforts within the military had indeed helped a larger picture when often he felt it was of little significance.

But words just didn't come, until finally the purpose of their arranged meeting here was starting to be discussed. The subject of the Avatars was often not-discussed, yet had to be woven into any resolution, as far as Sephiroth were concerned. It was one of those only things that a previous cycle had left for them to follow, it had to mean something.

Finally, Sephiroth unfolded his arms, cleared his throat and spoke up.

"The Cult of Narayana is a threat I suspect we will be made to face before this is all over. Sooner rather than later, from what I heard. There has been at least one discussion about devising a plan to draw them out, somehow."

He stepped forwards, more towards the conference table and for the longest time yet sought out Sarah's eye contact.

"How certain are we, with regards to Varaha's nature?"

"Everythin's a buncha 'what if's. If we sit around too long trying to figure out what to do, it's gonna be too late. And that point is quickly comin' up."

Arms folded, Sparks shook his head.

"Dunno about the rest of you, but I'd glad jump in some kinda dimensional rift in order to defeat this thing, if that's what it takes. Wouldn't be the first time, probably won't be the last.

We might not ever know what's gonna happen."

After a moment of thinking, something dawned on Sparks, and a look of suspicion flashed across his face.

"Waitasec. Did you say that we released Narasimha from prison? We who?"

"I would trust Varaha with my life. If it weren't for him, I would never been able to devise this plan and today's world would be a very different place."

After that, she turned back to Jade and Rukia.

"I know little about the leader of the cult. I know he was once friend with another avatar, the one who is now the Sage of Mysidia. But beyond this, I am afraid I know no more than you. If anything, we can safely deduce he will not be friendly toward you." She then marked another pause. "I shall lend you Esdham's assistance if you plan to help Downapolis. However, I do not know what opposition you will meet from the Cult. If they truly worship the Calamity, then they might see the crystallization of the world as a salvation and your efforts to save Downapolis as an affront to their god."

She then was about to reply to Sparks, when she raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"You, the Heroes of Light, of course. A report indicated a group of yours broke into the prison and freed the Avatar that was imprisoned there. I was under the impression it was a concerted effort between all of you. Was it now?"

"The release of the prisoners was not a collaboration of the Heroes." Ramza would not say he approved of it, but he could do nothing to change what had happened.

"The assistance of Esdham would be appreciated with the evacuation, Lady President. We will see to the Cult if it causes any trouble."

They would have to contact the Sage and try to learn more about the cult leader. But first, there was another avatar Ramza was more concerned with.

"Do you...have any news of another avatar, Kurma? We have not been able to contact him since the Heran Imperial City fell."

"It certainly does seem like we're not of one mind, doesn't it?" Jade remarked, echoing the queen's earlier words. It would have been nice to know about this earlier, but he couldn't say he was surprised nor particularly bothered. Just another instance of the right hand not knowing what the left hand was doing -- which, in all honesty, was basically the Heroes' entire modus operandi.

But the Sage, a friend of Narasimha... It looked like they'd have to try coaxing some answers out of that man again. That would have to wait until Palitutu was dealt with. Jade said nothing else yet, waiting to hear the response to Ramza's inquiry.

"What a troublesome bunch huh?"

Selen replied crossing her arms as she listens to the conversation. She kept mostly to herself because she was thinking about the whole situation as a whole. The Avatars, the Cult and everything in between. They were all in it for something. OF course the prison break isn't something that will be taken lightly but she's curious to what sort of group managed to do that.

A cult leader associating with an Avatar now that's definitely something she'll have to look into.

"I'm afraid I don't recall doing such a deed. It must be a group of Heroes that are dissatisfied with their situation and did such a thing out of either spite or idiocy."

Rukia hummed to herself, frowning. It sounded as if this Narasimha character would be problematic to deal with. She wasn't sure what his purpose could have been in teleporting all of them out of the city. His beef was with them, not Aqures Ixen, otherwise it would have been a prime opportunity to attack with so many of them absent to provide any decent means of defense. So why do it? What was his game?

Little did she know just how deadly that game would soon become.

"I'll write to the Sage and ask if he would be agreeable to a meeting," she volunteered. "I'm not certain he'd agree to meet with a large number of us again, but maybe with just a few of us, we might ask him more about what he knows. Esdham's assistance in Downapolis's evacuation would be most welcome, as would suggestions as to where the people should be placed. Mysidia seems the best option for now, if we can find a means to protect it from the Calamity's spread."

But there would definitely be opposition. Rukia sighed and folded her arms. "It seems we are already despised by these cultists. I'm not certain we could garner any further displeasure than we already have. If it protects the lives of innocent civilians, however, there seems little point to debate."

Event || Reunion

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