Chapter 12: A Disappointment
"So, both Gilgamesh and Exdeath have failed to kill Bartz, hmm? Such a disappointment," the Emperor said, resting his hand to his chin. He sat upon his throne on the Pandaemonium's top floor.
"Yes. At least that is what I've heard from Shinryu. They were quickly exterminated," Garland told him. The Emperor smiled and shrugged.
"Well, that's what happens to the losers. I have a question for you, Garland."
"What is it?"
"Why do you think the gods have a war?"
"Because one of them simply want to rule this world. They can't do it unless the other is dead," Garland answered as if it was an easy question. The Emperor chuckled.
"But without Cosmos, Chaos wanted to end the world. He wouldn't have wanted to destroy the world if Cosmos was not destroyed. Without her, harmony and discord would be unbalanced. You are clearly not thinking about this question clearly enough, Garland."
"Then I am afraid I do not understand the question," Garland told him. He stared at the Emperor and wondered what it was he was saying.
"The gods lost their strength, so they both summoned pawns to fight the war for them. Why would they do such a thing? It is because they wanted the strongest pawns to survive and conquer this world, Garland. That's why."
"So you're saying that the reason the gods summoned us was to destroy the weak and have a victor?"
"Now you're finally thinking big, Garland. That is exactly what I'm saying. Of course, the gods themselves didn't know of it. I found out the answer to them summoning us our my own," the Emperor stood up and walked over to Garland. He smirked, "And the throne is waiting for a new ruler. So what do you say, Garland? Are you up for it?"
At first, Garland didn't answer. Then he gave the Emperor a glare.
"Are you suggesting that we should rebel against the very being that brought us back to life? It is dangerous, Emperor. We need both Shinryu and Radiant to win this war," he said, his voice raising in anger.
"But not all of us Chaos Warriors are going to live through this,are we? Look what happened to those that fell to the Warriors of Cosmos! The only chance we have to win this war is to overthrow Shinryu," the Emperor said, just as angry. They both glared at each other for a long moment.
"I'm afraid I must resign your proposal, Emperor," Garland said, "I see what you're planing. You want to become the only ruler. I'm just part of your game, correct?"
"It was merely a suggestion, Garland. If you are not interested, then I'll just ask someone else. Sephiroth would be interested, I'm sure." He began to walk away from Garland.
"Who else will Shinryu send this time?" Garland asked. The Emperor stopped and smiled.
"That is up to the god, although Kuja seems to be wearing his patience thin. I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't wait for Shinryu to give him permission. He'll probably go after his younger brother without telling anyone of us. Humph, a fool, that Kuja."
"That my be, but everyone of those Warriors have led those Cosmos Warriors closer to our grasp," Garland said, "I wouldn't speak of them so lightly."
"Is that pity I hear in your voice, Garland? I never thought that you would have feelings for the failures," the Emperor said with a smirk.
"I don't show pity to anyone. I merely was saying that it was because of them that leads those Warriors closer to us. A quicker way to end their lives." The Emperor smirked, but said nothing further. Both Chaos Warriors left the room, a dark feeling surrounding the room.
