Chapter Fifteen

"You are a God, why would you wish to lose your power?" Ashelynn asked.

"What claim do we Occuria have over history's weave? We are seated on throne immortal, rent from time. What use our power if we do not understand the plight of man? Who better to use the power, than those who understand the perils the mortal man faces? Indeed it is not Occurian history that needs weaving, but the history of man." Venat replied. "It is for this reason, I have chosen to assist man until the transfer of power is complete, so man can then wield the power to his own destiny."

"Why choose Archadia to carry out your plan?"

"Archadia has the ability to carry out the task as well as the reasoning to understand its importance."

"Who else knows of this plan?"Ashelynn asked.

"Just Dr. Cid, myself, and Venat. And now you." Vayne replied.

"How do you plan on accomplishing this?" She asked.

"We are still working on the details on how this will be accomplished." Vayne said. "Dr. Cid is studying magicite to see if we can find a way to recreate the shards of nethicite that were given to King Raithwall." He watched her as she stood thinking. So that was the reason he needed the magicite from the Lhusu mines and had entered the business deal with her father, Ashelynn thought, though she doubted the Marquis knew the real reason for the Empire's need for the magicite.

"If you manage to recreate the shards, what then? I do not believe the Gods would peacefully just hand over their power."

"Only the Gods have the power to create the nethicite as of this moment. But if man can gain the ability to create it then the Gods lose the advantage of being able to control history by choosing when, where and who they bestow their gifts of nethicite to. Their gifts of the nethicite then become meaningless as the worth of nethicite decreases due to there being plenty of it made by man. I do not wish to defeat the Gods only take the ability of controlling our destinies away from them." Vayne explained.

"And once you have accomplished this goal, then what will you do with the nethicite?"

"We will learn to wield it, to use it to further Ivalice's scientific endeavors."

"How will it help in that?"

"Once we successfully manufacture nethicite then we will be able to find its purpose. Until then, we have no plans for how it will be used." Cid spoke up, looking at her over the top of his glasses as he was bent over studying some papers on his desk.

"So this is for the benefit of Ivalice?"

"It is for the benefit of Ivalice's future." Vayne replied. "It is a necessity for a better future for Larsa."

"In other words, it will greatly benefit Archadia, thus ensuring a better future for Larsa." She stated."Well I certainly cannot fault you for looking out for Archadia's interests above those of the rest of Ivalice, since you will be the next Emperor and that is part of your duty. I do hope this works out as you hope, and won't require too big of a sacrifice."

"Sometimes sacrifice is required for the greater good." Vayne replied, glad she understood.

"Sometimes secrets are needed for the greater good also. I know that anything I see or hear in Draklor is strictly confidential, so you need not worry. I will keep this to myself. Do know that while I do understand your reasoning and I agree with your plan, I do not approve of the way you are accomplishing this goal. I do not see it ending well."

"I do not expect you to agree with everything I do, but I do appreciate your respect in keeping my confidences." Vayne said. He had developed a deeper respect for her, realizing she did not just dismiss ideas that she didn't agree with, but understood they were just different according to ones point of view. "Unless there is something else you need, Cid, we will take our leave."

"No, no. Please do not let me keep you from your appointments. It was a pleasure meeting you, Lady Ashelynn. Please feel free to drop by anytime." Cid replied, as he came around the desk, and walked them to the door.

"I will be by to see you another time, Cid." Vayne said, as he and Ashelynn stepped out of the office.

"Until next time, then." Cid replied.

Finally got this chapter uploaded. Please review. The next chapter will hopefully be up in the next few days. Enjoy!