[Video]

[callmegladio]

[The feed opens on Gladio, sat in his garden, the sun shining down on him. The sky is bright, the weather warm but a cool breeze ruffles his hair. The garden is well tended, green and well kept. The scene might have been a lovely and calm one if not for the serious look on Gladio's face. He's not quite looking at the screen, but off to the side, seemingly lost in thought for a long moment before he heaves a heavy sigh.

Still not looking at the screen, he starts to speak.]

It's been long enough. I've had time to think, so I'm going to tell you why I did what I did.

[He goes quiet again, considering his next words.]

I know... some of you are pissed we did this. You were happy livin in blissful ignorance, trusting this world without question. And for a while I was too. Till I realised how messed up that was.

I was so desperate for a peaceful life I didn't think...

[Gladio glanced at the screen then, his eyes narrow slightly.]

When did we all just roll over and accept this insanity? We were kidnapped from our homes, our families, and trapped in this bubble. We were given the most basic info and told to accept it. The most basic food we can't even really call 'food', and we accepted it. We were given tasks and rules and hoops to jump through, and we accepted it. We were forced to touch, kiss, hold and reveal secrets to strangers, and we accepted it. It was the 'will of the Gods'. We all just nodded and accepted it. Why? Why have we accepted all this? Why do people keep coming and going? Where do they go? Do they just go home? Or are they taken? Are they being hurt? Experimented on like the animals they had us catch? Why do these weird things keep happening? Why can't they answer our questions?

And why are we terrorists for wanting answers? We hurt no one. We destroyed nothing. We're the heroes of this world, right? Here to save the planet. So what are they keeping so secret?

Why aren't you all asking questions?

Why're you just rolling over and accepting their truth?

[Again he looks away, heaved another heavy sigh and brought a hand up to rub tiredly at his eyes. He definitely looked tired. Stressed. His tone shifting from angry to confused to desperate for people to understand, and for himself to understand why no one else was fighting.]

We're forced from our homes... Our families. We form bonds with people only to watch them vanish. And... I don't know bout anyone else, but I didn't consent to this. I never signed up for this world.

I want answers. We wanted answers. And we weren't gettin them. So we went looking for them.

[Here he laughs, low and without humour. A shake of his head and a sardonic glance at the screen.]

The fact the natives reacted the way they did should be a red flag. What're they protecting so badly? What's so secret? What aren't they telling us? Is it about what really happened to this world? Who these 'Gods' are? How we actually got here and why? Where our friends go when they suddenly disappear?

And we're the bad guys?

How's that make sense?

[Gladio shrugged and with one last sigh he reached out and switched the feed off. He'd said what he wanted. Now he would lie down in the sun and try and calm down.]

Comments

[scourgingstars]

They're hardly obligated to inform us of every single thing about the world and themselves. This is their territory we've intruded on, no matter how unwillingly--do you often speak of every intricate detail of your life to everyone you meet on the off-chance it may become relevant? For that matter, what reason have they to trust us any more than you trust them, especially after this charming little trick you've pulled?

And that was merely an example. I don't truly know what I think of this world's deities, but I am accepting it for now because I am used to my life being dictated by a higher power and a little handholding to improve the realm is far better a purpose than slowly killing myself helping one person at a time.

[...The last part came out more than a little bitterly, Ardyn pausing to take a breath and collect himself.]

Did you even try asking?

[callmegladio]

'Intruded'... Brought against our will. I think we have a right to know what the fuck is goin on and what they're hiding. I'd argue they are obligated, if they want our help.

Hah, and don't we have to do that? Every time this world goes haywire we have to spill our innermost secrets to get over it. We can't keep anything hidden here. But you guys have had two years to build up trust enough for them to tell their secrets. And they haven't.

Look... I... am sick of fighting. I'm tired. I am done. I'm sick of the games. I'm sick of not knowing. I'd give anythin for a peaceful life. But there's too many questions here to truly relax.

[There's the sound of laughter, again low and without humour. Very tired laughter.]

Others have. Why would I get a different answer to them?

1/2

[scourgingstars]

You don't know they're hiding anything.

[His voice turned sharp briefly, followed by another pause. Frustration was a difficult thing to manage, for someone who purposely kept an ironclad grip on anger out of fear for what might happen if he didn't.]

Why do you assume malice where there is no evidence of it? It is within reason to assume the actions of the gods of this realm to be what force such things, not their adherents. And for another thing-

Threadjacking with permission!

[runs_on_batteries]

Yes, yes we do. Have you been to the visitors center and read the journals there? Because even though that's been available to everyone here I've found not too many people have bothered.

In those records there are things that talk about experimenting on the public and records being deleted. We know that the natives specifically have gaps in their memories. They're being manipulated by someone. That's who we're after. That's why we did this so carefully so no one was hurt.

The only reason to hide information is to hide corruption. And listen, I'm dead. There's no life for me back home because I'm in middle of dying when I leave it and I know my future. This place has been the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. However, it's not worth it if I can't make absolutely certain people aren't getting harmed. I've hurt enough people in my lifetime. I'm not willing to do it again with complacency and being some god's sex battery.

[scourgingstars]

And you think that justifies antagonizing them? If the natives truly are being manipulated, how is making an enemy of them going to help anything? All such methods do is instill fear and distrust; not just of you and whoever else was involved, but all of us. If this is what you consider 'careful' I worry for what recklessness must resemble.

...This place is all I have right now. My past is so far gone as to be immaterial, and my future I know all too well. I want this realm and her people--both native and otherwise--to be safe. But this is not the way to ensure we find the answers we need to gain that end result.

[original_is_best]

If I may, though I know quite well that you do not wish to be contacted by me.

You indeed have many years of experience, Ardyn, and your insights are invaluable. I am truly thankful for all I have learned from you, as I am thankful that I have come here and learned that, while I used to believe that I was reaching for the stars, I was reaching for little more than the lights on a ceiling. There is much more that I need learn than I had ever imagined.

[He gets a little excited here.] Just think, I was considering mere travel by magitek engine, when dimensional travel should have been on my mind!

[But calm down. Calm down. That was not the point of this reply.]

But while I am thankful for all that I have learned from you, I would like to remind you that we are not all immortal. I have already spent a significant portion of my life on this planet, and I already had more than a lifetime's worth of work on my to-do list.

And for all that I have no evidence of what became of Rin.

Nor have we any evidence of what became of Will. Nor others. We have little more than testimonials and observation of what happened to some, and nothing to show what happened to others, and we know there have been differences between experiences of those we have witnessed.

I am not a patron of these gods. I owe them nothing, but they owe us answers that are long overdue.

[scourgingstars]

To my infinite regret, I agree with you that we have many questions left unanswered, especially in the case of those that have left us. Do not presume I am without those that have gone beyond my reach here.

But I fail to see what any of this has to do with the point that I seriously doubt the native population truly understands the actions of their gods any more than we do. And damaging what little trust we have between us is not going to find those answers any more swiftly.

[original_is_best]

What trust have we if they hide their research from us?

Ardyn, Experiment 920194 seems to be related to Experiment 1. They wish to reverse what they did to themselves, but they cannot create something from nothing.

When we came here I thought my role obvious. After all, if they wish to create biological forms for themselves, who better than I? I may have no current experience, but I have everything necessary that they would need.

They never asked. Instead people disappear, and we learn of genetic experiments, and they keep their labs from us and don't even provide suitable replacements for what we have lost. Perhaps what they give us access to might placate some, but I know a student lab when I see it. That is if someone asked what you were capable of and you showed them a coin trick.

If anyone here is aware of where this sort of experimentation may lead, would it not be me?

I have my doubts that there even is a native population left. We already know their memories have been tampered with. If their bodies are gone and their minds are gone, what are we left with?

[scourgingstars]

They're still people, Verstael. Unconventional, certainly, but people with their own thoughts and feelings. I don't give a damn what they're comprised of or what's missing from their memories.

[If their bodies are gone and their minds are gone-]

[It struck too close to a nerve for Ardyn--with a physical form that was barely even real and a mind full of blank spots and holes. What were they left with? What was he left with?]

It's as I said. You don't trust them, so why should they trust you? I wouldn't have trusted you if you offered to craft me a human form one way or another, and after all this I doubt they ever will.

[original_is_best]

They are machines. And, while I see no purpose in warring unnecessarily, it has been obvious for some time that they may be little more than that. Were I to program a toaster to tell people that it once had a human form it would not make it the truth.

Everything that they tell us may very well be programmed lies, which is why we must rely on our own research. Just as it may be possible that they have a consciousness, they have placed themselves in bodies where they may be uploaded, downloaded, or... deleted. We do not know the truth of what state they are in.

We are in a city. We are surrounded by machines that may be puppeteered by anyone. There are research towers that are hidden from us and us alone, for there is no one else here to hide things from, and we are disappearing without a trace. At what point do you take action?

[runs_on_batteries]

Hi, I'm Iron Man. Maybe we haven't met. I'm a superhero and I save people. It's who I am.

I have an obligation to not sit back and cower while enemies reign over us. I don't let fear rule my actions and my life. I step up when there's a chance someone innocent like maybe Will or Cor or Luna or someone else that maybe mattered to you or someone you care about in one of those towers having tests run on them while everyone was just out here hugging.

I also want this realm and her people to be safe. I want the natives to not have information deleted from their systems. I want them to know what happened to them and how to prevent it from ever happening again. How are we supposed to protect this world if we're too scared to do it?

I stand by my actions and I'm proud of the rest of my team for what they did.

[scourgingstars]

[Ardyn swiftly bit his tongue against a kneejerk response that would have expressed in very clear terms exactly what he thought of Tony and his demeanor.]

...I knew a man like you once. A good-intentioned prince who insisted his path to the kingdom's salvation was the only path, no matter the cost. He was just as fearless as you, with just the same conviction.

And he looked so far ahead to the larger picture that he never once stopped to realize his own people spoke his very name in fearful tones, terrified they and their families might be trampled underfoot in the name of Lucis' longevity.

He wasn't wrong to fight as hard as he did to ensure the kingdom would live on. But he was wrong in sacrificing all those he sacrificed to achieve it.

Tell me, then, will you be so proud when your name is spoken in the same way merely because you suspected wrongdoing?

[runs_on_batteries]

[For all Tony's bravado that response actually sees some of it slip and he winces. However, it's only for a brief moment before he's glaring at the screen again even angrier than before.]

There is evidence of experimentation on these natives. There's clear proof that parts of their memory have been robbed from them. Why aren't you hearing that this isn't just some random conspiracy theory? There are facts!

We were careful to develop a plan that ensured injury and damage was at a minimum. Did that prince of yours bother with that or are you merely ignoring it because you want to assume we were completely reckless to make yourself feel better for not caring what might be happening to those who vanish from here? Out of sight, out of mind?

For god's sakes, Ardyn, we're not as weak as you seem to think we are. They need us to survive and the gods know it. We're literally their energy to survive. That's why we're here. We have some power. Have we damaged some of this artificial Stockholm Syndrome friendship we've developed? Sure, but so what? I'd rather give up some goodwill to make sure our friends aren't being lab rats.

[scourgingstars]

Don't you dare assume I care nothing for those that have vanished from this place. Not a day has gone by that I do not think of them, and you know nothing to imply otherwise.

[Ardyn was tense in the face of that anger, still keeping his own as tightly controlled as he could.]

He certainly thought he did, but oddly enough the people left alive didn't actually seem to think of it in terms of 'at a minimum'. They were more concerned simply that the neighboring village was on fire. Because people like him and like you often see things simply in matters that can be resolved with brute strength and power.

You claim we have power over them, and perhaps you are right. Then that only means we should be using it to work alongside them, not hold it over their heads like an executioner's blade to be wielded as you choose to demand whatever little they do know.

[runs_on_batteries]

I am daring! Your actions speak volumes- or should I say your lack of actions! It's easy to say you love someone or think about them, that takes no effort at all! The hard part- you know, when it's actually important- is putting that care into action. What have you done?

[His eyes narrow.]

Presume what you want about me, but you've got this all wrong. No one's village is on fire and the worst twist is your panties.

Information should be free. We should have been working together this whole time. This- what happened here- is on them. And yet, we're still going to use that information they refused to give us to save their damn world for them and free them if they're being oppressed because that's also who we are. That's what it means to care, in case you still weren't sure.

private; video

[iustaegis]

[ Ah, this. ]

Ardyn? [ The way she says his name is gentle, placating. Her message to him comes later, perhaps, after others have already responded and the conversation's continued. ]

This has just reminded me of something. Can we talk?

private; video

[scourgingstars]

[Whenever she happened to message him, Ardyn had actively tried to cool down; still a little irritated, but consciously trying to steady himself rather than continue to talk without thinking.]

Of course. Name the place and I'll be there.

-> private

[scourgingstars]

[...you know what verstael talking is public and he's just going to have the tact to remember how locking things works before continuing.]

For another thing, do I dare assume Verstael had a hand in this? And you think anything from him is a sane idea worth acting upon? Gods, Gladio, I thought you wiser than that.

[callmegladio]

I've no idea what you're talkin about.

But at the risk of annoying you more... I've listened to you. I trust you. By all rights I shouldn't, but you tell me you're different. Noct tells me you are. So I believe that.

Sephiroth and Cloud vouched for Verstael. I don't know the guy, only met him that day. I know he's some big dick for the niffs when he's old and gray, that's about it.

[scourgingstars]

[Another long pause. Collecting his thoughts, evening out a temper threatening to flare, and preparing to explain a lot of things he'd tried not to think about.]

Verstael is part of the reason I turn into what you know as 'Ardyn Izunia'. I won't assign blame to him alone by any means--a great deal of it remains my own fault, or will be in the future. But without his influence I imagine the matter would have been less immediately drastic.

It was he who went poking around Angelgard in search of some terrible legend he knew only as 'Adagium' and chose to prod it in the direction of vengeance. He who kept a slumbering god in the basement of his facility hoping to have him daemonified.

Cooperating with our fellow offworlders is one thing. But trusting someone like that is not a mistake I will ever make again.

[callmegladio]

Ardyn...

I get it. He's a bad guy... at some point. But so're you. The things you'll do in my world, the things you'll do to my friends, to Noct... By all rights we should treat you like a villain too.

[He sighed and sat himself up, finally picking up his phone to look at the screen with a tired sort of resignation.]

I don't know the guy. Others vouched for him. I just went along with it. But if you're askin me to judge him for what he'll do, are you asking me to do the same for you?

[scourgingstars]

I do not speak of or concern myself with his future. I speak upon his present.

[Ardyn’s jawline was tense with his mouth tightly closed for a moment as though he was biting back exactly what he thought of that.]

And that’s the same thing, to you? What he was actively doing before we came here, what he’s expressed no regret or remorse for, you think that of equal weight to the horrors committed decades in my future after he helps provoke me into complete madness? I do not absolve myself of what has yet to happen for me knowing how it pains all of you, and it’s cruel of you to brush off what I have no reason to believe he wouldn’t gleefully still do with me given the chance.

You have some godsdamned nerve, Gladio.

[callmegladio]

[The anger that had been simmering just under the surface was starting to show in the narrowing of his eyes, the set of his lips and the growl in his voice.]

And you have some damn nerve gettin angry with me for something I didn't know, something you or anyone else could have told me over the last seven fucking months! But hey, make me the bastard here for not knowing if it helps you sleep at night.

But I had no idea of any of that until this very second with you telling me. Maybe if I knew before hand I wouldn't have gone anywhere near the guy. I won't ever fucking know now because none of my friends let me know there was a guy around that was worse than Ardyn Izunia!

[A hand appears at the top of the screen, Gladio's voice had been rising to a near shout until the hand dropped on his head and he abruptly stopped what he was about to say. His eyes closed and after a few seconds he took a deep, shaky breath before glancing up at Tony. He mouthed the words 'thanks', before he glanced back at the screen in his hands.

The anger was gone, but the hand seemingly stroking his hair remained. Gladio just looked tired again.]

... I'm sorry. I didn't know, couldn't possibly know. No one told me. And I'm sorry...

[scourgingstars]

[Ardyn was as calm as he could be in the face of Gladio's tirade, listening patiently until he finished.]

...It is as you say. He has as much right to exist here as I do, and I chose to believe he didn't have the means to do anything so carelessly foolish. So I have spoken very little on our brief history and that, I see now, was a mistake on my part. In that respect, you have no need to apologize.

[callmegladio]

... Any of you could have told me. But you didn't. So... [He sighs, a heavy sigh followed by a hand that covered his face momentarily while he rubs at his eyes.] ... I'll talk to him myself. Just like with you. I gave you a chance. He gets one too. If I don't like what he says... that'll be the end of it.

[But he'd already learned he couldn't apply Eos rules to these worlds. He'd met people before, people who had destroyed worlds, who had killed or would kill, who had died for a cause or would go on to die to save their worlds. Gladio had met so many... but all he could judge them on were their actions then. He could only judge Ardyn on his actions now, not back home. And the same would apply to Verstael.]

But I am. Sorry, that is. I'd no intention of hurting you, or angering you. I did what I felt was right. I shouldn't have lost my temper.