Fuck Riddles

Zone IV

Led by King Cecil of Baron, Zone IV was impressive. It was fortified with short brick walls, and within the encampment these hard structures enclosed different groups. Much of Cecil's party was made up of royalty and the stone divisions were only created to show reverence and respect for the various nations that were represented (even if there was only one representative from that nation). Damacya, Fabul, Lunarians, Mysidians, and Eblan. The corner for Mist was rarely occupied by Rydia, who hung out with Edge or the summoners from different realms for much of the time.

Golbez and Fusoya stuck together on many occasions, even in the rare case when they weren't in the Lunarian corner. But Golbez wasn't there now, and Fusoya meditated alone. Despite the horrors Golbez had wrought under the influence of Zemus, there wasn't much bad blood in the camp. In fact, the only one that was ever ostracized was Cecil's Dark Knight. It was Cecil's mirror image; his opponent in the Cave of Trials. It never spoke, and didn't really play well with others.

The Baron section sat in the direct center of Zone IV. And in the center of Baron, sat the little prince, alone. Ceodore grumbled angrily to himself. After being introduced to Tyro, the two had become fast friends (though, this didn't mean Tyro ever really brought the other boy along on missions). But Tyro felt a kinship with the boy, and had been keeping Ceodore in the loop regarding the newly summoned gods. But even Tyro wasn't sure about the meaning behind all of it, and relayed his confused similarly.

Naturally, Ceodore didn't appreciate that the information he was getting was so cryptic. And from what his father had told him, Cosmos was usually even more cryptic, keeping many things close to the chest from her Chosen. If Ceodore had reavealed the truth to his father, Cecil would be amazed at the clues Cosmos was blabbing to Tyro; which Tyro in turn blabbed to Ceodore and Onion Knight. Still, this actually-open Cosmos was saying things that were fairly difficult for the boy to decipher. And it was frankly annoying.

"Argh! How can anyone be expected to understand what's going on when everyone's so vague and metaphorical!?" Ceodore griped, "Seriously, fuck riddles!"

"What was that?~" From outside of the tent a voice answered. It was sweet and beautiful, yet the sound of it greatly disturbed Ceodore. He visibly recoiled. It was his mother.

"Ceodore..." Rosa spoke, "I do not think that is a word befitting your nobility."

"I don't-" Ceodore started to defend himself. His mother wagged a finger at him. An aggressive side to Ceodore had become unleashed upon reaching this world, and he couldn't quite keep still or calm.

"I love you. And I want what's best for you," Rosa said, "But maybe you need to remember that royalty is about setting an example for others."

"It is important to be an symbol to others that you can be proud of, Ceodore," Rosa chastised.

Ceodore groaned. Here, there were many around his age that he could hang out with. Some were fairly childish and annoying to talk to, but all of them sounded like better conversation partners than getting stuck with his parents- Every. Single. Day. He didn't want to be remembered for his father's title or actions. He was a soldier. He wanted to prove himself. But he rarely had the opportunity with his mother's coddling.

"I understand," Ceodore sighed, exasperated.

"I will ensure to set the precedent of dignified culture among the other youths. As such, I really must be going- I bid you adieu, mother!" Ceodore chattered quickly, and left just as fast. Rosa didn't flinch.

At first, before Ceodore was summoned, she worried for her boy. A lot. But perhaps him being summoned was just as worrisome. What was he learning from the motley group of miniature societies in this world?

Zone XV

Controlled by Prince Noctis of Lucis, the fifteenth encampment was almost at the edge of the halls. Despite its nearness to Zone XIV and the Tactical Zone, its inhabitants rarely socialized with their neighbors; or really any of the other records (for now). This wasn't surprising. The members of Zone XI were the same way at first, but warmed up as the months went on. So perhaps so too would the taciturn prince in time. That was all the hero records had; time.

"Noct!" Prompto crooned, "You ever been summoned by a god before? Besides being messed around with by the Astrals, I mean."

Noctis thought about it for a moment.

"I have," the young prince replied, sparing few words.

"They said you were a part of a round with Materia? She's not one of the two gods that we got on our side now though, right?" Prompto jabbered.

"Something like that. Yeah, I'm sure I've never met Cosmos and Chaos," Noctis responded.

"Is that why you don't care?" Prompto crooned again as he spoke.

Somehow, nothing Prompto did ever made Noctis annoyed. He had become the prince's brother and best friend.

"... Yeah, that's probably why," Noctis said finally.

He had pondered whether or not he was in a precarious position before; since he and his friends were the most recent faction to form. But Noctis realized he didn't really give a crap what he was doing. He had been abusing a time loop to enjoy bro times, road trips, and hunts with his closest friends for as long as possible. This time-out was a godsend, maybe. Realistically, he would do anything to keep his friends happy and alive; and be there with them.

Atrium

"Welcome to another time with Gogo~" sang Gogo, "Whatever will I scrutinize todayy~?"

The mimic skipped along the fifth zone, singing to himself. Honestly, though his own zone was his favorite, with his favorite people, it was also the most boring. Sure, if anything bad happened to one of his 'friends', he would leap into action and... watch and write notes in the background rather than help. But nothing ever did happen around here.

Prancing east, he headed out, and kept bounding along, straight through several zones. He received strange looks from some of the records, but he paid it no mind; continuing his song and dance for himself.

Finally, he reached the center atrium. Past the marble columns and near the fountain, he noticed a group of women from various zones standing around in a circle.

'Mingling women warriors!' Gogo thought, 'Perhaps this will provide some interesting situations to jot down!'

Taking a moment to pull his journal from one of his many pockets, he furiously began listing the women.

'Lightning, Celes, Paine, Beatrix, Agrias, Minfilia' he wrote, 'What reason would our steeliest ladies come together like this?'

Jokingly, he put a title at the top of the page, 'Iron Maidens' and giggled to himself. None of them were at all demure enough to be called maidens, but Gogo could imagine most of them standing grimly over the actual torture device with the same moniker.

Bouncing forward, he headed toward the group and sat on a fountain bench nearby, continuing to write as he eavesdropped.

"We have more than enough people," Paine grumbled, "Let's just pick our advance squad and get on with it."

"Only half of us showed up," Minfilia lamented.

"You said it was optional. Did you really expect Faris or Aranea to go anywhere on our time?" Celes demanded.

"Hell, we don't even need anyone else," Paine spat, "If they didn't want to come, they didn't have to. We have enough frontliners and tanks to take on any simple dungeon run."

"I know," Minfilia responded, "I just preferred more cohesiveness. And now, only one of us is going to have to stay back, alone."

Gogo took a few moments to sketch Minfilia on a separate page. It would probably be useful later.

"Won't be me who has to sit out," Paine growled, "We've wasted enough time waiting around and I came here to cut something down."

Lightning was one of the women who were silent through this. She could have taken charge, but chose not to. She did enough leading outside of her free hours. Here, she was just the muscle, and preferred it that way. But she also didn't mind sitting this one out entirely.

"Then I will observe," Lightning offered, "And I can give you pointers at the end."

She was passive as she spoke. When Lightning wasn't speaking harshly, she still had an authoritative effect on her peers. The way her husky voice would assail their ears was pacifying; it made anyone feel safe under her watch.

"That would be wonderful," Minfilia exclaimed, "Please do."

"I will collect our gear for the trip," Minfilia offered, "Would anyone care to join me to the vault?"

"I will go," Agrias spoke up. She was often the first to volunteer for any duty.

Minfilia was pleased. She knew Lightning was a good choice to join her platoon. Though the Scion had duties to her own camp, the event warp wasn't often directed toward her and her fellow Eorzeans. So, she had a lot of idle time. This was perfect for her, since she loved starting and completing projects.

Although Minfilia was perfectly comfortable among the daintier records (with their tea parties and gossiping), she noticed that many of the more brusque women didn't have a circle of their own, and were often isolated when they weren't among their own realm's people. So, Minfilia surmised that bringing together these autonomous and combative women for dungeon clearing on occasion would improve inter-realm relations. Plus, it made her feel more important.

They didn't all need to be friends. But comrades, was an even higher title of respect among warriors like these.

Pleased, Minfilia walked along with Agrias toward the Vault nearby.

"Hey! What the hell!?" Paine growled, "What are you doing!?"

Gogo looked up from his notes to Paine staring directly at him. With one hand, he shut his journal. Gogo cocked his head innocently.

"What are you doing!?" he mirrored.

"Don't mock me, you stupid shithead!" Paine countered, "I asked you a question!"

Under Paine's accusatory glare, Gogo paused and cocked his head to one side. Celes and Beatrix looked on with uncertainty. While Lightning seemed uncaring, looking off into the distance.

Gogo shrugged. With his head and eyes he gestured to his journal with a smile. Opening his hand at the same time, the book opened to the page where he had drawn Minfilia.

Paine, Celes, and Beatrix blinked at the sketch. The portrait was beautiful, particularly in the eyes. The sparkle in them seemed like they overflowed with kindness.

"Don't mock me~" Gogo sang bashfully.

Paine's scowl softened, and she turned away.

"Mimics are quite enigmatic, aren't they," Beatrix said to Celes. Celes nodded.

"Our Gogo is similar," Celes replied.

The women turned back to their dungeon plans as Minfilia and Agrias returned with their armament.

Gogo sighed with relief, but at a tap on his shoulder, he froze. He looked up to see Lightning beside him.

"Iron Maidens, huh?" Lightning remarked. Gogo froze. But the woman simply walked past him, chuckling, which to Gogo seemed surprisingly out of character. He would have to jot this down later.

Outside the Library

Most of the records had never been to the library. Tyro scant paid attention to that area. He had already spent much of his apprenticeship in the library in the early days. But that was before he had to lead people. There were, however a few regulars to the area. At this point in time, Rubicante sat in the corner; and on the opposite side sat the Cid from Zone XIII. The library was the most secluded place outside of a record, and most of the regulars preferred it this way. But the two could overhear a loud conversation outside. At the moment, Jecht was confronting Kuja and Golbez.

"The curtains fell on that vexation a long time ago," Kuja boiled, "It was an old act, never to be repeated."

"Look, I just wanted to know if either of you had any allegiance to Chaos," Jecht barked, "You don't have to be such a princess. I was curious! Curious!" He repeated himself for emphasis.

Although the three: Jecht, Kuja, and Golbez were summoned by Chaos in the 13th and final cycle, they had been originally first been summoned by Cosmos in a cycle prior to that. Jecht himself had been under Cosmos' command up until the 12th.

"I don't see any reason why you think I'd go back to those charlatans," Kuja spoke with snark, "I can think of a handful of others you could be asking rather than myself."

It was true. Cloud, Terra, Tidus, and Gabranth had all also fought under the Chaos banner. They didn't have any allegiance to him by the end though. But more importantly... Why did it matter? Golbez couldn't fathom what Jecht thought was happening.

"But yer so secretive and off to the side," Jecht continued, "You can't help but look suspicious."

"The source of this questioning..." Golbez spoke slowly and hauntingly, perhaps merely because of the echo within his helmet, "Do you have reason to believe Chaos is gathering followers? Trying to rebel against Tyro?"

"Calm yourself. What kinds of damage do you imagine a few stray records could hope to accomplish in a stagnant world like this?" Golbez asked.

Jecht rubbed his chin and grinned, as though he were thinking for a moment. Truthfully, he wasn't really thinking about anything. Too much of what Golbez said, Jecht didn't understand. It didn't matter, because Jecht didn't even really care. If he had been asked to fight under Chaos again, he'd have even considered it a little, if only to have a little fun.

"I dunno, I'm just seeing where you guys stand. Just a feeling in my gut, you understand?" Jecht laughed, "Maybe there's nothing going on! I know!"

To Jecht, everything here was like a game. One where he got to fight monsters with his son for all of time. Or where he could listen in on worthless drama and laugh. And nothing was allowed to destroy his little paradise. Not while Jecht had a warrior's fire in his heart. This wasn't like being forced to kill thousands while he was inside Sin. This time, he didn't want the Dream to end just yet.

"Tell me..." Golbez continued, "Are you that curious about our activities?"

Jecht brightened up at this. He hoped this would be juicy. Or something that would give the man someone to fight. Or both.

"Yeah! It gives me something to do 'round here till they call me in for a dungeon run," Jecht grinned, "Fill me in, Golby!"

"No, you can't be thinking about having him join us," Kuja started to exclaim, "Not this loudmouth lughead!"

Jecht laughed at this. Insults only ever did one of two things to the man: if he found them funny they would bounce off of him, but if he didn't find them funny, the right words drove him into a rage. It mostly depended on who the words were from. There were a few records that Jecht would take it from because he had learned it was in their personality to be uptight; like Auron, Kain, and Kuja. But many others could easily get on his shit-list.

"Yes, I think Jecht should know. Tyro's shown the man more favor and boon than most of us," Golbez uttered, "He would make a fine member of our ranks."

Kuja stuck up his nose. But inside, he didn't mind all too much. Sure, Jecht was much louder than the other members, but it was also true that he was powerful. Better yet, he was one of the few familiar faces that didn't dislike Kuja. The Genome pretended he didn't care what others thought of him, but even he could feel lonely.

And sure enough, that was the day Jecht would be inducted as another one of the unionizing morally-gray records, the 'Grays'. In actuality, the man had been unknowingly onto something with his gut feeling. Though Chaos himself wasn't planning on getting involved, many of the villain camp were keeping quiet for something.

The Emperor had poked his nose into the gossip drifting through the zones, and thanks to the loose lips of the many children, he had learned much. And so Emperor Mateus started to work his beliefs into the others he shared camp with.

Their numbers were too small, and their individual strength wasn't at the necessary peaks, but, it would be a cold day in hell before the Emperor allowed himself to become irrelevant, and many of his compatriots shared this opinion enough to deign to work together too.

The Grays. The Villains. It wasn't exactly uncommon for interrealm groups to form, but these were two of the larger groups. The largest group was mostly composed of the healers would have tea together. Cosmos' Chosen also met up on occasion. The records weren't limited to any one group, as there were so many groups one could be a part of. Many fraternized with those that had similar upbringing, or those that were currently dead, or those that were masons, or those that missed their children. And of course there were the groups that formed up of heroes of similar occupation.

Because of this, no one really paid any much mind to the Villains. There was no precedent for what happens if someone's out of line.

So when it did happen, it was huge.