Act One: The One Who Walks Away From Omelas

Scene: Prologue - Let There be Light

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It was all over. They had sent the dogs after her scent, and uncovered her every single flaw. Her inability to control Hydro. Her lack of knowledge on the truth of the Oratrice. Her susceptibility to the Primordial waters. Every last drop, they laid before a jury of the very people she had served for half a millennium. That Chief Justice she worked alongside for centuries. Her personal bodyguard to whom she trusted her life to. That head the Spina de Rosula, who she had felt the most regret towards in the recent days. Those twins, that she had tried to convict not long ago. And even that Traveler, who she tried so hard to get on her good side. Whose reputation preceded them. Who started this terrible chain of events. As Neuvillette stood atop his position as judge, and declared Furina guilty, all she could do was sit back and wallow.

It was almost cathartic, in a way, that it was all over. Five hundred years of an endless charade, and just like that, it was done. The grand curtains that hung forever highly above the show that was her eternal bondage, had finally come down. The spot-light was finally off her. She could bow, wave goodbye to the audience, and be done at last with the duty which caused her boundless agony. Soon enough, all of Fontaine would be consumed by the sea, all will be washed away, including her. She was not to be spared. It was catastrophic, but somewhere deep in Furina, she could almost welcome it. Maybe when she was reduced to nothing but water and memories, maybe then all the pain and hurt she felt would stop.

There was commotion going on in the opera house, but she didn't even notice it. Nothing meant anything now. It was only a matter of time until the prophecy she had tried so desperately to halt would come to fruition. She tried to stop them. She tried so hard to get them to believe her. But in the end, no one, not a single soul did. She had given everything for them. All that she was. And in the end, they doubted it. Accused her of doing nothing. Nothing! Ha… What was the point in getting angry now? The only person she should be frustrated with is herself. After all, it was supposed to be her burden alone.

There was light coming from the Oratrice. All Furina did was continue to sit at her throne and cry. It was what she was destined to do. She heard a voice. The sound of the Traveler, calling her name. The fool. There was nothing they could do, not even an outlander like them could stop what Celestia had foretold to come. At least they would be spared in all this.

Furina didn't see The Traveler rushing forth, jumping up to the cubicle that Furina remained in, reaching out for her. The Traveler may have questioned her, maybe doubted her, may have sold her down the river, but still, she didn't deserve to die. There was something more to her. Something they- something no one saw. The Traveler needed answers.

As the Traveler held his hand out to her, a single teardrop fell from Furina's face, and onto their palm. In the next instant, the Traveler's vision was overtaken by a flash of burning white light.

They would get their answers.

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Furina was a normal girl, who wanted to live a normal life. When she was brought forth into this form, she was created in the supple state of a mere sixteen year old teenage human. It was fitting. A perfect time for a person to be alive, when it was time to embrace the open world, explore, discover, and feel. She was curious yet humble. She could satisfy herself with a flower. She was kind yet stout. She would often play with the large animals of the sea, hugging them like close friends. She was afraid yet brave. The world was scary, but that only made her long for it more and more. She had only been there a short while, but she found her having love for the world, love for land, love for the people. It was all so much. She loved it all. Most of all, however, she loved literature.

On this night, she was laying in bed, reading a long novel. It had been about a girl, a young woman, with an impossible task ahead of her. She fell in love with this boy at first sight, and they would meet each other every night by her window, exchanging their affection. However, the two came from different conflicting families, and so their love had to remain hidden. At the end, the young woman was made to believe that her lover was killed in a duel, and in her sadness and helplessness took her own life with poison. Furina found it odd, yet beautifully tragic. The love that would be needed, for someone to sacrifice their own life for another, was something she couldn't help but fantasize over. As she read the last page of the book, a little tear fell from her eye, almost being overcome by emotion from this allegory.

That is what made her the perfect one.

"Furina… Furina."

Furina heard a voice, barely a whisper, from her nightstand that had a blow of apples on it. She sat up quickly, and seeing nothing, made her way to where it came from, standing in front of a large mirror.

A girl who looked like her, yet wasn't her, stared back. She wore different clothes, held a different expression, even seemed a little bit taller. Yet, in all other physical features, they were the same. Their pale skin, their light-blue hair, their water heterochromatic eyes, it was all the same. All except for one thing. Furina saw a scar that ran across the right side of the chest and down to the left stomach. It wasn't large, but through the opening in the drapes of the mirror-her, it was clear.

"W-who are you?" Furina said, nervous and afraid.

"Still yourself." That reflection that looked like her responded in a gentle voice, "I am here before you."

"Are you mirror-me?"

"'Mirror-you,' huh?" That reflection laughed softly, "That's not bad. Let's go with that."

"What do you want from me?"

"Have you heard of the prophecy?"

"What prophecy…? Oh, wait. I know. I've heard it, in my head. 'The people will all be dissolved into the waters, and only the Hydro Archon will remain, weeping on her throne. Only then will the sins of the people of Fontaine be washed away.'"

"Very good." The reflection hummed in satisfaction, "You know it well."

"What's going on? I can't seem to remember anything clearly. The only thing I know for sure is this prophecy… Will it really come to pass?"

"Yes, it will, and that is why I've come. Things will develop just as the prophecy declared. There is no escaping it."

"Doesn't that mean everyone will die? Including me?"

"Don't worry." The reflection laughed. "A meeting like this, with reflections and magic, exists in this world precisely to give people a chance to turn things around. I will tell you how to save everyone, but… you may have to suffer… somewhat."

Furina's eyes widened, "So there's still hope after all? Goodness, you… you frightened me, haha. You spoke with so much certainty… As for the suffering… I will admit, I thought, 'Why do I have to be the one to suffer?' But, when I weighed out my own suffering with the lives of everyone in Fontaine… The choice seems obvious. Besides, I'll die anyway if I don't, right?"

The reflection laughed, "You really are my ideal human. I suppose this is your justice."

"Huh?"

"Don't worry, It's nothing. Listen well. Fontaine has just lost its Hydro Archon. I need you to 'play' a role, that of the new Archon. You must begin a never-ending masquerade. You must never let anyone suspect your identity. If you can keep it up, then I shall have my way of defying this prophecy… But should your identity be revealed, then all hope will be lost."

"Play… a 'god'? How… How can I even do that?"

"Haha… You are human yourself. Imagine how you think a 'god' should act."

"I… I will try…"

"You will have to stay on the stage for many, many years. You will endure and not grow old until your task ends. But I promise you… All will eventually end in a magnificent and dramatic trial, and everyone will be saved."

"A trial…" Furina smiled to herself, "How exciting. I'll be looking forward to it."

"Good. Farewell for now, Furina. Remember, your true challenge will not be pursuing divinity, but contending against humanity."

"What?" However, when Furina looked in the mirror, that reflection was already gone. In its place, was just herself.

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Furina stood front and center on the stage of the Opera Epiclese. Fontaine was thrown into a state of chaos after the sudden death of the previous Hydro Archon. The many wealthy and powerful families, as well as generals and high ranking officials, fought in a struggle for power. The government of Fontaine was left a complete ruin of itself, threatening to dissolve at any moment due to a lack of support. That was when Furina made her arrival to the city, and to the people, she declared herself to be the new Hydro Archon. The Maison had told the many struggling families, who were already skeptical of such a claim, that Furina would perform at the opera house. With this, she would dissuade any doubts they had, and bring them back into the fold of Fontaine society.

Furina cleared her throat, as she practiced her speech for the guests eventual arrival. She spent many nights reading up on how to please a crowd. To most appear like a god. The right things to say. The way they need to be said. She could recite them by heart. She needs to summon her courage, she needs to appear earnest, she needs to close politely. That should be enough. If only for now. Eventually, as day became night, many people began to flood into the opera house. Furina had only thought they would be people so much as there were seats, however, as people stood shoulder to shoulder even on the stands, she realized that there would be far more eyes on her then she expected. There had to be hundreds of people, most of which were leaders and representatives of well-off factions in Fontaine. Even in the seats, Furina could see clearly how they divided among each other between the sects and allies. At the front specifically, looking up at her with an eagle eye, was an old man sitting named Jules. He was apparently the head of the most powerful family in all the region. A general that fought in many battles. He would be a number one priority for Furina to get on her side. Sitting beside Jules was a younger man, probably his son, a boy named Caesarion.

Around them were many heavily armed bodyguards. It frightened Furina.

Still, she couldn't falter, not at all. If she did, everyone here would be condemned to death. So, as the last of the crowd was packed into the theater, she cleared her throat, "Um, ladies and gentlemen, good evening, and welcome to the Opera Epiclese. I'm sure you've all heard how I have taken on the role of Hydro Archon. Indeed, I am Furina d'Fontaine, your new Archon. In truth, I know little about becoming a nation's new god, but it will be my honor to guide you all. As the god Focalors, the God of Justice, I shall do all within my power to lead you into an age of fairness and justice. Once again, thank you all for coming. If you should have any questions or suggestions, please send them to the Maison Cardinalice. The future of Fontaine will require us to work together, after all."

Yes, it was all a facade. A speech she planned long in advance after careful care. But still, it was her genuine feelings. It was manufactured, but it was honest. This kindness… It made Furina feel good to say, to think, to act. She smiled. If it was like this, then maybe everything wouldn't be so bad.

Her thoughts were scattered, when from the front row, that aforementioned Jules said in a low voice, "What?"

"Is this some kind of joke?" Someone shouted.

"It's impossible that this is our new Archon." Another said.

"This must be a trick? The girl is more like a child than a god."

"Suggestions? Ludicrous!" Many laughed.

"What's the difference between her and an ordinary person?"

"Shouldn't gods be all powerful?"

"Perhaps the succession didn't actually happen! This is a Maison-backed puppet!"

More people began to speak up, and eventually, the once quiet opera was nearly turning into a riot. More and more people yelled out, jeering her, judging her. Until, finally, the man at the front of the seats stood up.

"Enough of this farce!" Jules, in evidence of the influence he had as a regular human, forced the crowd behind him into silence with his words. From the old man's side, he retrieved a sword from one of his confidants, and slowly made his way around the stage and up the stairs to Furina.

What was going on? All she did was act as she thought a deity should act. Why is everyone suspecting her of being a faker? If she got exposed here… It was all over. Her heart raced. A racing that was only exemplified when Jules approached her the side, and held his blade up.

"If you truly are the Hydro Archon then prove your honor right here and now! I have fought and killed countless for this nation. It should be no problem for the Archon to do the same!"

Furina jumped back, nearly slipping over her heel. "W-wait." She stuttered, panicked, "There's no need for that. Surely there is something else I-" He approached, not dissuaded. Furina, at a loss for what to do, turned to the crowd. "P-please! Help me! I am your Archon." If she died here… She was terrified.

Yet, looking at the crowd, they all waited silently and eagerly for the duel. Like… Like it was some kind of performance.

Jules lifted his blade up above his head. It was over. Already? She already failed? What did she do wrong? Why was she already hated? The reflection told her to act as she thought a god should be, and so she did. Why didn't it work? She didn't want to die. She didn't want everyone in Fontaine to die. Tears were flowing down her face. Someone, anyone please, save her.

The man brought his blade down, and Furina fell back, her hands up to her face. She didn't know what to expect. However she opened her eyes from the floor, and saw the old man standing above her, his blade planted into the floor right beside her head. Her life was spared.

The old man scoffed.

From below, someone spoke. "Come now, father, behead the faker!"

"Please," Jules said, "I am a man of honor. I'm not going to kill some little girl for playing pretend."

Furina hid her face behind her hands, trying to stop people from seeing her mortified expression and tears.

The old man turned to the crowd. "It is clear. Fontaine no longer has a Hydro Archon. Or that the Archon hasn't been found yet. An Archon must be strong. They must be powerful. They must be stern. If they are to hold up the entire nation, then they must be able to stand higher than all others, no matter what it takes. Love? Freedom? War? No, the Hydro Archon is the Archon of Justice. If they aren't able to push down whoever stands in the way of that, then they are no Archon at all. Case in point…"

Furina didn't have to look up to know he was pointing at her.

"People of Fontaine." The man addressed the crowd, all eyes focusing on him alone. "In my position, I declare here and today that I and my associates will take control of the government of this land. Until the turn Hydro Archon is found, I will become the head of this state, and overthrow the Maison. If anyone has a disagreement, then prove your honor here, and stand for a duel."

The opera became silent. If Furina looked, she would see that many in the crowd had faces of disagreement and doubt. Still, maybe it was because of his confidence or his power, but no one took him up on his offer.

"In the meantime, we will throw this faker out. She is clearly not the Hydro Archon."

Furina's eyes widened. Even when Jules went back to speaking to the crowd, all she could hear were those words. No. No! This can't happen. But what could she do? She had no power. She had no legitimacy. She couldn't even control Hydro! How could she prove to everyone here she was the Archon? What did she need to do? She knew. She had to stop that man. If he went on, and got his way, no one in the entire world would believe her. Let alone Fontaine. But how?

Suddenly Furina's eyes went to the rapier at her side, Its shining gleam and crossguard peered into her. In her mind-numbing desperation, she shakily stood up, and grasped it. It took a moment to pull out in front of the floor. It was lighter than she expected, she could carry it effectively with only her left hand, and she clutched it close. Her breathing was heavy, her eyes were glossed over, the tears that once fell freely had stopped. There was a ringing in her ear, as in the back of her head, she heard the prophecy being foretold again and again. All of Fontaine would be washed away, and only the Hydro Archon would remain, weeping on her throne. What was prophesied will occur, unless she managed to convince the world she was the Hydro Archon.

She stepped forward with shaky legs. Each step made her want to fall back down- to give up. But, she couldn't. No matter what happened, she had to do this. She had too. She had too…

"People of Fontaine! I will rule over you all!" Jules announced. "Behold! Veni, vidi, vici- Gah!"

A wave of gasps and shock fell over the crowd, and the old man yelled in pain. Furina, in those moments when no one was looking at her, snuck up behind the man and stabbed him in the back. The rapier punctured from one end, and came out the other, from the left side of his chest. Only the tip of the blade managed to escape, but still, it brought the man to his knees.

"What-" Jules coughed, "in the world…? He tried to look back at Furina, but collapsed, causing the blade to be pulled out of him and back into Furina's hand.

Furina looked at the man, lying on the floor, bleeding to death. In an instant, her eyes went from that glossed over shade, to shooting up wide. A hand went up to her mouth, as she realized what she had just done.

She ran over to the man's side. "My god…" She hyperventilated, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Words of apologies she repeated over and over again, not knowing what to do. What overcame her? It's like she blacked out. Like she let herself become consumed by the part she was meant to play. To maintain her facade of being the Hydro Archon. She thought all she would have to do was look the part. She never wanted this.

"Tu-" The dying man tried to say something, but as blood rushed to his mouth, Furina could only stare in horror. This isn't what she wanted. She furiously shook her head in denial, staring into the man's wound. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she wanted. This isn't what she-

He needed help. Someone had to help him. Furina, ignoring the blood stains on her pure white glove, turned to face the crowd.

"Someone. Anyone! Go call a-"

She stopped.

Looking at the people, she realized something that made her shake.

They weren't looking at him. At Jules.

They didn't care about the man dying right there.

They were looking at her.

They were so focused.

They were like an audience.

They wanted to see how she reacted. They wanted to see what she would do. They wanted to see what she would say.

They wanted drama.

They wanted flourish.

They wanted a performance.

They wanted an endless masquerade.

And in the moment, Furina decided. She would give them what they wanted. To save Fontaine.

Furina slowly stood up in the dead of quiet that was the Opera Epiclese. She could hear the sound of blood dripping to the floor from the rapier she still held. But that wasn't important right now, nor was the man dying at her side. Right now, she needed to give the people what they wanted.

The lime-light was on her.

She spoke.

"Behold!" What was she doing? "People of Fontaine! My people! My subjects! In this opera house, the Hydro Archon has tested you! And you hath succeeded! A people who would allow themselves to be subjugated by a mere copy, a farce with a decent hand, is no house worthy of being ruled by the God of Justice! Couldn't you all tell? This was an act to test you. And you have passed! Well done! Well done!" Furina pointed to the man at her side with the rapier. "Yet do not be confused! I am still your god and you will still worship and obey me. Let anyone take this fool as an example, who thought he could stand in the place where a true god stood as a mere man, and get away with it. Let him be a lesson to you all! Never doubt my existence!" What was she saying? "Now, my loyal people, it is time for a reintroduction. I am Focalors, the new Hydron Archon, successor to Egeria. And like the Archon before me, I will rule this land without impediment. Before you now stands the symbol, the very embodiment of Justice. Everything you believe in, everything you hold dear, bare testimony to it here and now. For it is upon you. I will judge every action, every word, and every step all within my domain. From the smallest spec in the grand sea, to every man, woman, and child who calls themselves Fontainian. If any of you dareth be anti-theist, come and face the fate of those who deny me with its righteous, pious, divine right of judgment…" No one moved. "Hahahahahaha! At last. At last! Children of Fontaine! You recognize my august self! You are stunned in silence! Whether to acknowledge me or not, whether you trust me or nay, I say to you - 'keep faith in your ardor for justice!' For justice is most fragrant when it blooms amid sin! May law be the prayer on our lips. May judgment be our worship. Let us light the fires, and drink to the future of this nation! With my dominion, none shall bar me! Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-falling stream! So long as I, Focalors, stand before the Oratrice then none shall escape it. I say, 'god will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.' So long as I stand before you, so long as you people of Fontaine continue to have faith in me, then I shall even judge the very gods of this world!"

Furina panted for breath. The lime-light beamed on her light a burning sun. Sweat trickled from her face, and she forced her eyes wide and mouth up in a confident and imposing smile. She had no idea where any of that came from. Those were not her true thoughts at all. However, in the heat and desperation of the moment, it all came out so naturally. Like, as if she was met to play this part. What did the people think now? They were all quiet and motionless. Did they hate it? Did they find her rude and arrogant? Were they even more assured of her farce then before? Furina could only wait. The Opera Epiclese was stunned, all were staring in awe. Until finally, a man from the front spoke up.

"Behold!" The man, Caesarion son of Jules, yelled out and presented his hands forward. "The Hydro Archon has returned."

And the people applauded.

Men cried out in joy, women collapsed to the floor on their knees, tears flowed without pause. Some jumped in excitedly, some laughed, some began to hug each other. They called her name. They called for her. They tried to reach out for her. A few people rushed out of the opera house, yelling. 'The Hydro Archon has returned!' The way they acted now, it was like a son who greeted a long lost father. Like how downtrodden people would greet their long awaited savior. The wailing continued. Standing on the stage, before the hundreds in the congregation, Furina basked in it all. She could only stand there looking back at them. Her mind couldn't even process what she was seeing. The man at her side long since lay limp, her expectations being completely destroyed, all was new. So this is what it meant, Furina thought. This is what is meant to be a 'god'.

"Finally! Finally she has returned!"

"Thank the lord. Thank the lord."

"Fontaine will survive!"

"Our saviour as come!

"We will be saved!"

"Our Archon, our ruler!"

"The divinely chosen king!"

"The meaning of Justice!"

"The most rightfully guided one!!"

"We will be saved!"

"The one whom we all ought to praise!"

"The one whom we all ought to worship!"

"The one whom we all ought to follow!"

"The one whom is worthy of the title of 'god!'"

"We will be saved!"

As the praise went on and on, Furina looked to the bloody rapier with the crossguard in her left hand, and glanced at the dead man lying on her right. She paused. Then, with triumph, she lifted the rapier high above her head.

And the people's voices roared like thunder.