❦ The Calm Before the Storm? [audio]

[melodiesoflute]

[Lingering behind the scenes for far too long, the King of Damcyan decides to speak finally regarding this latest panic about the I'Cie. Edward wasn't very thrilled in how the public received this message or pleased with how some members of the council seemed to cling to the Lt. Commander's words. Therefore, in an attempt to stir up discussion

Comments

[aggresivo]

...heh, it's always nice when someone has a little sense around to spare.

We ain't looking for trouble. I'm thinking we had enough of that to last us all a lifetime.

[ audio ]

[melodiesoflute]

It would seem that common sense is lacking amongst most people as of late judging by the outcry against those marked as an I'Cie.

Ah, are you one of them?

[ audio ]

[aggresivo]

Sure am. Name's Fang.

It wouldn't be the first time people just did what was told of 'em when panic hit.

[ audio ]

[melodiesoflute]

I wished we could have met under better circumstances, Fang. I am Edward Chris von Muir the King of Damcyan, and while my kingdom may be miles away--I still remember clearly how much the wars ruined my homeland. It was because of situation similar to this that an entire ethnicity of summoners were utterly annihilated by impure hands.

While I shall admit to my ignorance regarding the I'Cie, I do not believe that those who have been unwilling marked would seek to continue the chaos. You are miles away from home, are you not? What good would the I'Cie have causing chaos in Gaia if their alleged mission relies solely upon their world?

I do not know what to think of this matter, but I do believe that instead of purging the world of your kind, there must be a way to save you all. I wish not for us to wash our hands in blood, you see. Especially considering Gaia faces other perils other than the I'Cie.

[ audio ]

[aggresivo]

You and me both.

We don't need saving. All we need is for Nabaat to get off our case, or better yet, let her babble on all she likes so long as we don't have any riots coming up to out front steps.

You got questions? Ask away, I'll see what I can address for you.

[ audio ]

[melodiesoflute]

I am unsure if Lt. Commander Nabaat has managed to sway the council or not, but I am certainly fearful of what sort of lunacy may progress from this. You see, we already have our hands full trying to keep Gaia together. The last attack upon Gaia was more than enough prove that we still have work to do. However, it seems new problems keep rising whenever we turn our attention towards another. It's quite daunting at times, but I am certain we can overcome this crisis together through conversation rather than pitchforks.

[A pause]

...Why were you and the others marked to begin with? I rather hear this from you rather than someone vehemently opposed to you.

[ audio ]

[aggresivo]

I'm hoping on that. Though, I gotta tell you my own experiences with governments and politics ain't been too good lately. So far they haven't done much in my world other than barking out orders for Purges while having people dance right into the palm of their hands.

[ there might be a hint of bitterness to that, as she briefly remembers how Vanille got caught up in that mess but she masks it quickly. ]

...you might say it happens without warning. Thing is, no one's walking around asking to be turned into L'Cie. The Fal'Cie just pick the nearest human and choose 'em when they feel they're in danger. L'Cie are just Fal'Cie slaves, forced to do their bidding or damned to eternal suffering.

[ there's a beat of silence on her line as she chooses her next words carefully. ]

Doesn't help that Sanctum and Pulse have this paranoia game going on about turning L'Cie either. Each calls the other a piece of hell on earth and there you have it, mass hysteria and outbreaks of war.

[audio]

[melodiesoflute]

[A frown must have signaled that he recognized some of that bitterness, but he was honestly merely frowning at Fang's description of what has taken place in her world. Much like Pulse, his realm has faced some truly terrible events caused by bad politics.]

Therefore, it is the Fal'Cie who are our true enemies, not the L'Cie who are marked by their taint? I see...

I take it there's no way to defeat these Fal'Cie, for if we come near...they mark us in turn to become their slaves. However, if there is a way to kill them, then what? Would that mark upon the person fade?

[audio]

[aggresivo]

Can't say. I never got my hands on Anima, and most of the gang got marked moments before the Fal'Cie fell so I can't promise anything.

But you're on the right track. The Fal'Cie are the ones with most of the control, they're the guys who are pulling the strings.

[ she sighs a bit, frustrated with how things have turned this way so suddenly. if only Nabaat had kept her mouth shut. why was she so intent on stirring trouble even here? ]

Funny thing is, as far as I can see, there ain't a single Fal'Cie on Gaia. So Nabaat's just spouting off stuff that only matters back on Cocoon, can't see why anyone's got reason to be worried when there's no one telling us L'Cie what to do.

[ she snorts, unable to control herself from laughing a bit. ]

Not that we'd take those kinds of orders.

[audio]

[melodiesoflute]

If there are no Fal'Cie's present on Gaia, then the L'Cie threat shouldn't be a threat at all. As long as they do not appear upon Gaia, then there is no true conflict.

[But what would happen if a Fal'Cie was to appear in Gaia? Then what? Is it possible for this woman, and Serah to be willed by the wicked fate of some god-like entity?]

Let us hope that this situation will remain the same because if a Fal'Cie appears, the worst would most likely come.

[audio]

[aggresivo]

Hey, it's not like it's all over as soon as a big, bad, Fal'Cie steps into the ring.

[ now there's definitely some mirth in her voice, challenging and competitive at best. ]

We just step up our game and show it who's really in control of their own fate.

[audio]

[melodiesoflute]

Even if one appears, you and the other L'Cie will try to fight against it? That's...that's admirable.

[audio]

[aggresivo]

Better to fight than to watch a friend go C'ieth, ey?

Like hell I'm gonna stick around and let more people get dragged into this mess if it comes down to that.

[audio]

[melodiesoflute]

A C'ieth? It would be valiant to fight to the bitter end, but I rather not have such a day come.

There's enough bloodshed as there is, isn't there? However, if that day does come-everyone will be in my prayers.

[audio]

[aggresivo]

See, what I meant by saying that L'Cie follow Fal'Cie's orders is that most folk really don't have a choice.

Once you turn L'Cie, you're branded. You get a quick look at what your mission is--they call it a focus--and if you don't fulfill it then you turn into a monster, losing all consciousness as you know it while being forced to roam until you're slain. They call it turning C'ieth.

Following me now?

Complete your focus or you're doomed. That's the kinda leash they got over L'Cie, pretty underhand and dirty but it is what it is.

[audio]

[melodiesoflute]

Calling such a deed underhanded is putting it mildly, Fang! The Fal'Cie cares nothing about those they force into servitude, nothing at all. They give the L'Cie little choice in this matter, truly focusing them to complete their missions.

However, if a Focus is completed...then what? Are you freed?