Although Ace found it slightly easier to agree with Cloud's opinion, he wasn't optimistic enough to see much relevance to his last sentiment. "Our meeting was also far too brief to know for certain." With so much on their plate as it already was, it seemed pointless to divert their attention toward the life of one individual, but his friend's observation sparked another idea in Ace's head.

"But what you've just said about the Calamity's influence - it does make me wonder..." Letting out a thoughtful hum, he let his gaze fall to the ground. "I think it is safe to assume that, at this point, through its link to the Avatars, Narayana is feeding on the one element it's incapable of obtaining via regular means, and that is their humanity."

A notion not at all unfamiliar. "In my world, it was said to be one of the consequences which befell the l'Cie." His eyes returned to Cloud before any questions could be raised. "The warriors that entered into a pact with their Crystal to carry out their respective Will. In exchange for being granted powers unimaginable for a normal human to possess, one was asked to abandon just that what made them human in the first place."

"Focusing our anger at Kalki is fruitless - we didn't know that woman, and probably never will. What we consider cruelty on her part might as well be the result of her inability to tell right from wrong. She was following a set path, while being competent about it, as well."