So there's not a lot of Final Fantasy Type-0 stories, so I decided to write one. This takes place during the 4th chapter in the game when they were left behind after the whole ceasefire thing (I've only played up to chapter 5 so some things may be inaccurate). The beginning part takes place in the actual game, dialog included.

Disclaimer: I own nothing

What's Worse?

"No. If you want to think that, then go ahead. But, no matter how much you blame us, it won't bring your brother Izana back!" As soon as that spilt out of his mouth, Ace knew he messed up. Tempers were high with Machina accusing them of killing his brother. The blond was getting angrier the more he went on yelling at his siblings until he couldn't stand by anymore. It should have been his job to defuse the situation since he was practically the designated "leader" of Class Zero, but he let his emotions get the best of him.

Machina looked straight into his eyes, pure hate burning in them, "What?" his voice got louder as he went on, "How do YOU know my brother's name?" He stepped closer, hand shaking in front of him.

Ace flinched back slightly and looked down, not knowing how to respond. What was he supposed to say? He even surprised himself when the name came out. The cadet couldn't remember ever knowing Izana, only that he asked for him to help on a mission (and he only knew that because of the conversation he overheard)… Realization of what he said dawned on him. So, somehow Machina found out that Izana had been asked to join Class Zero on the battlefield (which he felt slightly guilty for) and now blamed them for his death. Now, he also knows that Ace knew Izana so whoever he got the information from wasn't lying.

"That's quite enough!" Trey stepped in, seeing the murderous glare he was sending Ace's way. "Machina, I know you are distressed, but we have larger issues at stake right now." That's the way he should have handled this, not with blind anger.

Rem also tried to turn the conversation back to something other than Machina's deceased brother by asking, "Larger issues?"

From the far side, King answered her. "We can't contact the dominion." Deuce also adding that no matter the number of tries made to contact they just wouldn't answer.

Ace vaguely heard Rem reply, but didn't register her words. What should he say? Why was Machina acting like this in the first place? There's a reason why the crystal erases their memories of the dead, making it easier to move on. Up until now, no one has really cared about the tragedies that happen on the battle field. No one gets a chance to mourn over the deaths of fallen comrades since they can't remember knowing them. Nothing has changed, so why is Machina getting angry over his dead brother?

"Now do you understand? Not one of us has time to agonize over the past at this moment." Queen's voice brought him back from his inner mussing. Lifting his head and gazing at Machina, he watches as the teen turns away from him and facing the woodlands that surrounds their small refuge. He decides, once again, to contribute to the conversation now that his emotions are in check.

"Memories of the dead are the shackles of the past." Maybe conveying his thoughts would calm Machina down. "We must forget in order to break free-" He inched closer to the angry teen, "to move forward."

Machina whipped around after he said that, facing all of his comrades, absolute fury on his face. "Shut up! That's the excuse you used to sacrifice my brother!" He looked dead into Ace's eyes, making him look down again. Why can't Machina understand that it's a good thing that he can't remember? Without being tied down, missions get done smoother.

Seven and Queen went over to stand next to him. "You've gotta calm down, Machina." Seven said, taking his attention away from Ace. She stared him down for a few seconds before Queen spoke up.

"You're like a spoiled child." She looked away, as if disgusted by his mere presence. Suddenly, the black haired teen turned around, revealing how mad she actually was. "If you want to play the tragic hero, then stay here and put on a one-man show!" Ace had never heard Queen talk like that before, let alone act like that. She was the cool and collected one, nothing like she was acting now. The blond doesn't blame her though, Machina's accusations were making everyone confused and angry.

Ace watched as Machina snapped back at her, stepping away from him and closer to her. "What the hell do YOU know?" He pointed his finger right in her face, both sending glares, Queen's being cold and Machina's murderous.

Rem stepped up from behind her childhood friend, trying to persuade him away from Queen. "M-Machina, please stop it!" she pleaded, "Let's get some rest and-" He cut her off, reaching up to swipe his hand through his hair and gritting his teeth.

"Dammit!" He turned around and started walking away, Rem calling out, asking him where he was going.

Ace stared after him, watching Machina walk away from them all. He looked down again as Rem went after her friend, stopping him before he enter the woods. The Agito cadet understood that Machina was upset and hurting (although he can't really relate having never lost anyone close that he could remember), but was it really his fault? Izana could have said no to him, but instead agreed to come with him. He looked up and saw that Machina had disappeared, likely somewhere in the woods surrounding their temporary shelter. The blond frowned, his heart starting to hurt the longer he thought about Izana and if it was his fault that the man died.

In hopes of getting rid of the feeling, he talked to his siblings. Even after listening to Rem talk to Cinque and Jack about her asthma, Cater asking Trey about déjà vu, Deuce, Cinque and Eight talking about the communication problems, and Queen worrying about Machina, the aching in his heart had yet to recede. In fact, he thinks the pain has gotten worse the longer the transferred cadet was gone.

"Let's go in and rest." Deuce suggested. Ace looked up, seeing that the full moon was high in the sky, illuminating the clearing and surrounding trees.

Rem glanced between her fellow cadets and the surrounding wood, "But what about Machina?" clear worry in her tone.

"He's probably already been caught by the Militesi." Sice muttered bitterly.

Rem's pupils dilated, panic flowing from every pore in her body. She went to go pick up her daggers as if to go arm herself and march out there to find him.

"Wait," Seven said gripping Rem's wrist, "I'm sure he's fine. He'll be back later." She ended with a glare aimed at her fellow cadet. The female transfer student looked resilient to put her weapon down, not convinced that everything was alright. Seven sighed and let go of her, "Alright. If he isn't back by sunrise we'll go looking for him."

"What?! You'll end up getting us all killed!" Snarled the silver haired teen.

"I'll go." Everyone turned to face Ace who had a look of determination. "There's no need to risk all of us. If he isn't back by sunrise, I'll go get him." Rem's look of relief didn't surprise him at all as the two new cadets seemed really close. What did startle him, however, was when she ran over and threw her arms around his neck. Having no idea what to do, Ace awkwardly pat her back. The girl clang tighter to him. Her continuous whispers of thanks buried deep into his neck. When she finally pulled back, the blond could see her eyes were red.

"I'm sorry. It's just," the smaller student laughed despite herself, "he's all I have left. I couldn't imagine my life without him." She whipped her eyes, putting on a bright smile. "Thank you for caring about him. I know he said some things that he shouldn't have, so I apologize on his behalf." Rem giggled again, "Lord knows he won't even when he feels bad. Despite what he said, I know he cares about you all just as I do. He's just sad…and hurt" Ace feels sad and hurt too if the squeezing on his heart had anything to say. He glanced around, noting that all his siblings were gone, likely to have filed into the cabin to get some much needed rest.

He started up the stairs, looking back at Rem when he didn't hear her follow. "We should get some rest before tomorrow comes. We don't know how long we'll be her for." The girl nodded her head and, after a quick glance to the trees, shuffled over to follow Ace into the house.

Ace slowly opened the old door, trying to keep the noise to a minimum to allow the occupants inside to have a peaceful sleep. The moonlight spilt into the small room, making everyone visible. Most had coupled off and huddled together for warmth. Queen and Nine were off in the corner, the coolheaded female had her head in his lap which her glasses next to her. Deuce and Cinque leaned on the wall next to them. Cinque's head laid on Deuce's shoulder with the brown haired girl's on top of hers, they're hands clasped between them. King, Sice, and Seven were stationed by the door. All laid on the floor, King being in the middle with the girls cuddling on both his sides. Jack sat with his back against the wall under the window. Eight was settled in his lap with his side pressed firmly against his chest and Jack's arms wrapped around him. Trey and Cater lay in the middle of the wood floor, Cater playing the small to his big spoon. His arm thrown around her waist to hold her close.

Ace stepped into the room carefully, motioning to Rem to do the same. He walked over to the corner opposite of Queen and Nine's and sat down. The blond tucked himself into the corner, bringing his knees up and resting his arms on them. Tucking his head down, he felt like he could breathe for the first time in a long time. They were away from all the other cadets and trainees that badmouthed them. Most were angry that they got in without taking the necessary exams and instead were brought in immediately after the liberation because of Mother. He felt his breath hitch. In all of the things that have happened he forgot about Mother. She was probably worried sick about them all and the last thing Ace wants to do is worry her. Then again, she knows that her children are capable of taking care of themselves and will always come back to her. With that thought in mind, he turned to his other problem.

Machina and Izana.

Thinking back to it, the only reason he knows of Izana was from the conversation he overheard between Mother and the Commandant. If he really did ask for the other boy to accompany him on the dangerous mission, it was his fault he died…right? How could he, the designated leader of the infamous Class Zero, allow the one person he want to come along die? And he can't even remember the face of the man who laid his life down for him! The small cadet could feel tears start to prick his eyes. He really is what the Militesi calls them. A Red Demon.

"It's my fault you know." His voice came out as a hoarse whisper when he felt Rem settle down beside him. "I'm the one who caused Izana to die." The transfer student laid her hand gently on his shoulder. "I asked for him to join the liberation. He wasn't supposed to be there in the front lines. It's all my fault."

"Ace, there's no way you could have known that would happen."

"No!" He shook his head, the water in his eyes finally spilling over into frustrated tears. "If I hadn't asked him Machina would still have his brother!" It was silent for a bit after that. Rem kept her hand where it was, squeezing it reassuringly. After what felt like hours, his tears stopped flowing, but his heart felt even heavier.

"He really admires you." The blond looked over at her, surprised that she was still awake. "Despite what he said, he looks up to you and trusts you."

He looked down again, a selfish thought entering his mind. He had to make sure no one else close to him ended up like Izana.

"Rem, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but you and I both know that's a lie." Ace looked up at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "I'm a monster. A demon. Someone who doesn't care about anything, but the missions that we are assigned. You've heard from the other cadets, right? You and Machina should get out while you still can. Won't want to end up dead and left behind." He laughed despite himself. "Demons don't care about the sacrifices made," Hate me. Hate us. Leave before your life is taken from you. "Not even their own teammates."

"Ace, you don't mean that!"

He tilted his head slightly, looking her in the eyes as another chuckle was let out. "What I say is true Rem. Even if you and Machina are clinging to life. People who can't fulfill the orders given are useless. You'll be left behind to die." Leave. I'm trying to help you. Leave. It's almost too late.

"Then why did you save us! I refuse to believe you don't care!" She was clearly hurt, her whole body shaking.

"Orders to take down the l'cie. You just happened to be there."

"Liar!"

"And for what reason would I be lying for?"

"What about you volunteering to go look for Machina!? Are you doing that based on "orders" too?!"

"I'm the leader of the team. Can't let anyone else do it. It's my job. "

"Now you're contradicting yourself! If you didn't care then you would have let me go as soon as I went for my weapons." Her voice dropped low. "Ace, stop trying to push me away."

The Agito cadet clenched his teeth. Why can't she understand that he's saying all of this to protect her and Machina!?

"I'm not pushing you away! This is the true nature of Class Zero! Everything you hear in the hallways from all the other students, moogles, and even the teachers are true. We're better than all of them. We don't need them. Their only purpose is to serve as a shield until we show up. The same goes for you, Rem, and Machina." Rem flinched back after his harsh words, hand falling to her side.

"You- you don't mean that." Choked sobs filled the empty air.

"You will never be one of us, Rem. You or Machina. You'll never be more than dirty under our feet." That should do it. With that, he stood and made his way over to Jack and Eight. Settling down next to the other blond, Ace laid his head on Jack's shoulder. He felt the other shift slightly, most likely to see who it was before resting the side of his face on the top of Ace's own head. Ace listened to the quiet sobs that sounded from the other side of the cabin, letting them lull him to sleep.

His heart hurt even worse.