Chapter 34

Deo Pass was rough mountainous terrain, but the trail itself wound through beautiful lush trees and grass. Raine admired the flowers that grew along the path as she walked, the yellow and the pinks reminding her a little of home. The others didn't seem as interested as they all just kept plodding along. Luke kept to the front with Guy and Natalia. Ion and Anise kept more to the middle, though Raine noticed Ion gradually moving slower and slower until Tear managed to pass them up. Just behind them, Raine walked, knowing Jade was just behind her, presumably to spear her if she decided to stop and talk to him.

No, he wouldn't actually do that. But in her mind, she sure imagined it. Why else would he choose to stay at the back? Unless he was struggling more than Ion was. She stole a glimpse of him over her shoulder. He didn't look like he was struggling, but he watched ahead of her. Perhaps he was actually tracking Ion. The Fon Master really did pant a lot as his pace fell.

The incline turned a little steeper when they left the cobblestone path for the dirt road. Now Ion moved much more slowly and struggled with climbing the hill, so Raine took him by the hand when she caught up to him.

"Walk in a zig-zag," she said as she led him side to side across the path instead of straight up like the others did. "It's more steps but it's less steep and therefore less effort."

"Thank you," Ion replied. "That does help." He smiled at her. Satisfied that he was doing better, Raine released his hand. Anise walked in step with them.

"Huh, I didn't know about that trick."

Raine nodded. "It is a bit easier, huh?" She slowed to watch the valley below until Jade overtook her. The view was astonishing! With the mountain peaks falling back, she could see the low valleys spreading out between them, and the distant range of haze marked the border town way over there, somewhere in the wall. It was like staring out from the peak of Hima. Back then, she got to ride a dragon with Genis. She would've hugged him a lot closer if she'd known what was to come.

"What are you guys doing?" Guy asked from near the front where Luke strolled with far too much energy even though he panted for breath. Luke paused to turn and look.

"It's a much easier way to travel on hills," Anise said. "You should try it."

"No way!" Luke snapped. "That'll take far too long. Man, at this rate, we'll never catch up to Master Van. We shouldn't have wasted time in the desert."

Anise joined half the party in glaring at him as they all came to a stop. "What do you mean 'wasted time'?" For once, Raine agreed. It's never a waste of time to save a friend in need. She paused.

Friend?

Maybe? Well, she was really conservative about it, but it sounded like at least the others had been traveling together for quite a while before she came along, and even she was fond of Ion now. Besides, he was weak. Who knew what leaving him in the hands of the God-Generals would've done to him?

"I mean wasted time." Luke sure sounded like he meant it. Raine saw it in everyone's body language how frustrated they were. Even Guy shook his head and frowned. "We don't need Ion anymore. The war won't start as long as I'm around."

But Anise believed none of that. "You moron."

"H-hey!"

Raine wouldn't know, but she wondered. With as much power and clout that Luke appeared to have, it very well could be true. Without really understanding the Fon Master's role in the Order, Raine couldn't speculate too much on it. Even so…. The comment was uncalled for. By the looks on everyone else's faces, they agreed with Anise, too.

Tear sighed and hid her face behind her hand. "Luke, even I thought that was arrogant."

"The peace is based on the respect the Malkuth Emperor and Father have for the Fon Master," Natalia said, leaning towards him with her hands on her hips, "Without Ion there would be no mediator."

Ion was apparently the only one who disagreed and he shook his head. "No, it's not that either country holds respect for me. They merely want Yulia's Score. I'm not really needed." Raine heard the sad tone in his voice. Whatever his role was, he clearly understood his place.

"I can't agree with you there," Guy said. "You carry weight as a deterrent, Ion. Even if you do owe it to Yulia's Score."

"I see." Jade said, "You're all still young. So, how about we get going now?" He started walking.

"How does he pull out a line like that at a time like this?" Guy asked, and Raine followed the others as they continued zig-zagging up the hill. Only Luke seemed to ignore the new mode of travel. "You can never tell what that guy's thinking," Guy muttered just ahead of her. Apparently it was lost on him, but Raine thought she saw what Jade meant. After all, her experience with Martel and Cruxis taught a very similar lesson. Just like the Cruxis was made up of half-elves, not angels, Martel was simply a person, not a Goddess. Her name was being used and for some reason, Yggdrasill set up the meaningless system using the Church of Martel as means of control. From what she could tell, Ion was a similar type of figurehead. After all, it wasn't Ion who told them about this mission. It was Mohs. Ion wasn't even there when Luke had been told to go. In fact, now that she thought about it, how much of a stir was there when Ion went missing in Baticul? Anise was the only one that she knew of. Perhaps that was because the God-Generals hushed his kidnapping, and if people truly had no idea where he was and no one said anything in Chesedonia or Port Kaitzur, that implied that his actual duties were minimal. Or being handled by someone else. Yes, Mohs was definitely running things here, not Ion. Luke was probably right—at least about Ion's necessity to the Order.

But that didn't excuse Luke's behavior towards him.

The party continued on with much more distance between Luke's energy at the front and Ion's exhaustion at the back. Natalia began to fall behind a little, too, even with following Raine's zig-zag pattern of walking. Anise and Tear stuck close to Ion intentionally, Raine suspected. She would've, too, if they hadn't. His shoulders sagged and he hunched over as if that would help him gasp more air as he walked.

It wasn't long before they reached an especially steep hill that rivaled Hima's and Ion collapsed on the path. Both Anise and Tear bent to help him.

"Ion!" Anise took him by the elbow but didn't try to make him stand up.

"Are you all right?" Tear asked. "Do you want to rest a bit?"

"No... I'm fine."

"No, you have to rest!" Anise insisted. "We're taking a break, everyone!" Good. Raine didn't mind a small break at all. This hill was extremely steep, even with zig-zagging the way up. Not to mention this view was even better than the one before. She could see even further out to the west. The east was still blocked by even higher cliffs and peaks, so she turned her back to it and stepped towards the path's edge where it dropped off to a dangerous fall.

"A break?" Luke deigned to stop long enough to look over his shoulder. When he saw everyone else had already stopped, he groaned. "What are you talking about?! Master Van's gone on ahead!"

"Luke!" Natalia snapped with an unladylike tone. "There's no harm in resting a little!" What was Luke's problem? Raine huffed silently. He'd been getting more and more antsy the closer they got to Akzeriuth, to the point his attitude seemed to worsen with every step he took. Especially since they found out Van wasn't in Kaitzur. He clenched his fists as he frowned at Natalia. Raine beat her staff into the ground, crushing the grass along the path. Why was he in such a hurry, anyway?

"Yeah," Guy said. "This is a tough mountain path. There's nothing we can do."

But Luke still didn't care. "I'M the ambassador! If I say we go, we go!" He continued up the trail, pushing himself enough that he started panting again.

"L-Listen you!" But Anise didn't have to say anything more.

That's enough. Raine stopped. Since she was at the back of the party, no one noticed. "Luke!" She barked, drawing everyone's attention. The sharpness in her voice startled all of them, unsurprisingly, except Jade. His lips curled into a familiar joyous smile. He knew this would be fun to watch, but she didn't care about that right now.

Luke turned. "What?" But his anger turned to fear in a heartbeat. The party split like an honor guard for her. He drew back as Raine converged on him, her nostrils flaring. She balled up her fist, but at the last second, flattened her palm and smacked him across the face. He lost his balance and fell from the impact. He rubbed his cheek.

"What the—What the hell is wrong with you? What did you do that for?"

She just couldn't contain it anymore. "I want to save the people of Akzeriuth, too, but you're being insensitive. I don't care if you are the son of a duke, I don't care if you're the goodwill ambassador, I don't even give a damn that you have royal blood, you don't treat people like this! Ion is a human being just like you and he needs to rest." She held out her hand to help him stand up again. He slapped her hand away and stood up on his own.

"Leave me alone," he growled as he dusted himself off.

Raine continued in a firm voice, "You have a heart, Luke. Don't lose sight of it in the face of those suffering right in front of you." He glared at her with outrage. She sighed.

Fine.

She stomped off ahead, indenting the solid ground with her staff with each step. When she found a boulder that suited her, she took a seat to fume silently. Never had she ever had to deal with such an unruly child. Eventually, she'd have to face the consequences, but right now, she just didn't care. Duke Fabre and the king could unleash their entire military for all she cared. How could someone be so heartless?! For some reason, Anise gained a new affection and skipped right up to Raine.

"Wow, the nerve! I've been wanting to do that for days."

"Then what's all that about marrying him?" Raine wondered. Anise shrugged her shoulders.

"There a lot to like about him," then she muttered something that Raine didn't fully catch.

"What was that about money?"

Anise giggled. "Oh, nothing!"

Whatever. If she liked Luke, that was her business. Raine nodded. "Well, someone had to actually do it. I just hope His Grace Duke Fabre understands."

Then she noticed Tear had approached Luke about his behavior, too. Perhaps she wasn't the only one Duke Fabre would have a stern conversation with. Or one of gratitude. She really wasn't sure which would happen, but if Luke cleaned up his attitude in the least, Duke Fabre had better damn well be pleased.

Guy, on the other hand, stood stunned.

Holy. Crap.

Raine just smacked Luke.

Knowing his status, who his father was—no, who his uncle was—and she still smacked him. Impressed as he was, Guy felt a shiver of fear. This woman could be dangerous. Sure, she'd shown him some barbs and venom, but she never actually laid a hand on anyone like that. He finally settled on the path and watched the others, but now he had a new concern. As terrified as she was of His Majesty for being a replica, how afraid would she be if she knew he learned about this?

We reached the Deo Pass, but Master Van wasn't there. I guess he must be in Akzeriuth already. When I said we shouldn't have wasted time in the desert, everybody got mad at me. I'm the ambassador-I'm the one who's important in making peace, not Ion! What's wrong with calling something a waste of time if that's what it is? We don't need Ion anyway, so what's their problem? Raine just smacked me! What the hell is wrong with her? Doesn't she know who I am? I can't stand these people. I just want to get over the Deo Pass and to Akzeriuth as soon as I can, so I can rejoin Master Van. Then I can lose these idiots too.

Actually, in a way, Raine felt sorry for Luke now that she had calmed down a little. A young child that no one bothered to correct out of sheer pity for his circumstances, no wonder he behaved the way he did. Maybe she should've tried disciplining him sooner. Was it worth the risk that Duke Fabre and King Ingobert might be angry instead of appreciative? She really didn't know.

She watched Luke kick around the dirt as he waited as impatiently as he could. What was up with him? All along he had no patience for taking time doing anything but finding Van again. Meanwhile, Ion sat, gaining some much needed rest and his breathing finally became much less audible. Anise sat with him staring off into space while Jade likewise enjoyed a contemplative moment of silence. Natalia and Tear spoke with each other, something Raine didn't care about. They were way over there. No point in eavesdropping.

When Guy thought it was safe to come over, he approached her, wearing a look of concern on his face. He checked where the others were and then muttered, "I think you have more cause for worry about consequences now than you did before."

"What?"

"You just smacked him…."

"Oh, that." No, that was a small thing in comparison to not being in the Score, she was sure. "I'll get upset if Duke Fabre doesn't thank me for improving that boy's attitude." She tossed Luke a glare, though he didn't see it. "If indeed that happens."

"He's not used to punishments."

"If he keeps this up, he will be." She sat on her boulder, kicking a foot against it, not so much out of anticipation, but the boredom of sitting there. As tired as she felt, too, she was eager to help the people in Akzeriuth and move on to Saint Binah. Class M could help her with the Rheaird and she could finally get back to Genis, wherever he was.

"I wouldn't recommend that." At that, she turned to face him. He frowned, somewhat pale as he stood there, fidgeting a couple of feet away. Was he really that worried about her? Should she be more concerned? He opened his mouth to speak again—

A loud crack cleaved dirt from the path and Raine stood. Guy leapt away from her. Mieu yelped and disappeared from Luke's shoulder as he jerked back to avoid the small dirt cloud. That sounded like thunder! What was that? She looked around, but she couldn't see anything that could make a sound like that. The sky had a few cumulous clouds but nothing remotely stormy.

Then Tear looked to the high eastern cliff behind Raine and shouted at a woman standing up there. "Major Legretta!" The woman had a strange weapon in her hand. Was that the thing that cracked the noise and disrupted the dirt? If so, that long-range weapon was bad news! Legretta scanned the group and paused on Jade and then Raine. She frowned and pointed her weapon at the sky, studying Raine like she was trying to decide how much of a threat she was. Don't tell me she's heard about me, too! Raine locked eye contact until he heard someone's boots tearing up the path.

"Why you!" Luke hollered, too, running towards her as if he could reach her despite the tall cliff face separating her from them. "Have you come to kidnap Ion again?!" Oh, crap! Raine groaned. This woman was a God-General! Alone by the looks of it. Judging by how Legretta focused on her, she knew something was off about her. Would that sway Legretta from facing off against them? Perhaps she would feel outnumbered? At least now she knew how this woman had heard of her.

Legretta turned to Tear. "Tear, why do you continue to spend time with those people?" They knew each other? Raine volleyed her attention between them. So the initial attack into the path was a warning shot for a friend? How close were they? For some reason, that didn't help her feel any better about this situation.

"I'm under orders from Grand Maestro Mohs," Tear replied. "What about you? Why are you kidnapping Ion and traveling to the Sephiroth?!"

"To win freedom and free will for humans beings."

That… wasn't the answer Raine expected. In fact, something about that answer sent a shiver through her, almost validating what roiled in the back of her mind.

"What do you mean...?" Tear asked, on behalf of pretty much everyone.

"The world is completely controlled by the Score," Legretta said. "People read the Score for anything they do, allowing it to rule their lives. Don't you think that's wrong?" Raine turned to Guy, but he didn't notice. His eyes remained focused on Legretta. Didn't he say something like that before? Her heart began racing in her chest. Oh, she didn't like the sound of this. People who clung to a Score that closely definitely wouldn't appreciate an anomaly interfering with it. Then again… Legretta was a God-General…. Right? What did that mean within the Order? Was she aligned with them? Or struggling against them? With as much as Mohs wanted to send everyone on the journey, she wondered if they opposed the Order, but why would they openly defect like this? What was really going on here?

"The Score doesn't exist to control people," Ion said. "It's merely a tool to help them follow the correct path." The correct path? Like the Journey of Regeneration…. Raine took a step back. No… no, Mohs and King Ingobert hadn't done anything to her. Remember how Guy said that they would've done something? She could've been secretly killed and all Guy would've known was that she left Baticul.

But she couldn't help but feel a bit lucky. They probably didn't make a move at that time because they weren't sure what was so strange about her…? Maybe…? But Mohs had given her that strange look when she sat outside with Guy. He just… behaved like he knew something was off.

Legretta turned her attention to Ion, looking just as unhappy about his response as Raine felt. "Perhaps for you Fon Master, but most people depend on the Score. The worst cases consult the Score to see what they should have for dinner. You are no different."

"We don't go that far, but..." Anise began, "maybe it's best to live as it says just to ensure things happen the way they should." As it should…? Raine felt the panic rising in her chest.

"The Score is a good reference," Guy added. "You find out what your year will look like when you get your birthday score read."

"No," Raine muttered. Just what they want you to know…. He said so himself that they didn't read death scores and whatever happened to his family probably wasn't shared with them before it happened, either.

"We follow the Score so we can have the promised prosperity," Natalia said. Again, Raine thought back to the promises from the Goddess Martel and she couldn't help but feel apprehensive about what it could mean. Was this really the path to prosperity? Was this really a good thing? Perhaps the Order of Lorelei could be different from Cruxis and the Church of Martel. Raine didn't know what to think, but everything about her body's reaction told her she was in more danger than she realized. This just sounded too much like Martel's promise. Too much like Cruxis….

"In the end," Jade said, "relying on the Score makes life easier."

Legretta wasn't satisfied with their arguments. "That's what I'm talking about. This world is mad. Someone has to change it. Tear! Come back to us!"

"Is that my brother's order?"

"No, it isn't. But Commander Grants is worried about you."

"What I am now is thanks to you, Major," Tear said, "But I still don't trust my brother." Thanks to you? Well, that answered that question. Legretta had a hand in Tear's training or education. Maybe that would help them now? Maybe Legretta wouldn't try fighting them here? "Until my suspicions toward him are cleared, I can't return to you."

"Tear…" Legretta paused in thought, startled. "Are you saying you chose that reject instead of His Excellency?"

"Reject?" Luke hollered. "Are you talking about me?!"

"...So, it WAS you people who resurrected that forbidden technology!"

"Jade, no! There are some things people are better off not knowing!"

"Ion... you knew?!"

Wait, what? Raine turned to Ion and then back to Luke. What did that mean? Ion knew what Luke was? How? Was Ion there?

"What? Stop leaving me out of the conversation! What are you talking about?! It has something to do with me, right?!"

Jade ignored him. "...Whose idea was it? Was it Dist's?!"

"Are you talking about fomicry?" Legretta asked. "What good would it do you to know?"

"Answer me!" Jade clenched his fists and she saw the tension in his jaw and face. Raine thought she had seen Jade angry, but now she realized she'd been wrong. This was him truly angry.

"The die has been cast, Necromancer!" Legretta fired a warning shot into the sky.

"Over my dead body." Jade ran closer to the cliff face, but Legretta lowered her gun, and fired an intentional miss in his direction. Then she turned her attention to Raine. The intense frown Legretta gave her sunk another bad feeling into the pit of Raine's stomach. Either word was spreading fast about her as an anomaly or people could tell something was wrong just by looking at her. Clearly, Legretta was weighing her options of what to do. Please Sync, you must've told her something about me…. I'm too dangerous, right?

Raine could make her think twice, though.

"Guy," Raine whispered. "Cover me."

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure." He moved to stand between Raine and the cliff face and pulled his sword from its sheath. He held both aloft. Raine closed her eyes and gathered sixth fonons, but it was barely seconds when she heard Legretta's voice again.

"There is no need for that. I won't fight you here. Tear! Come back whenever you're ready." And she jumped backwards out of view. Raine allowed her fonic photon to dissipate.

"What on earth was that about?" Natalia asked.

Anise immediately turned to Jade. "Colonel... you're actually really angry..."

"...I'm sorry, I lost control. I'm all right now. Let's hurry to Akzeriuth." He turned and continued up the path at much more brisk pace than he'd had before. Raine watched him from the front until he passed by, avoiding her eyes. Definitely to be on that man's bad side was bad for one's health, but somehow finally seeing him this way alleviated some part of her fear of him. He had enough self control and enough balance as a human being that somehow, she doubted she could push him that far. Amidst her new emotional turmoil, it was a small comfort.

"Dammit, you're leaving me in the dark on purpose," Luke said as everyone else started up the path behind Jade. "Tell me what's going on! Wait! You're all jerking me around and then act like I'm not even here. I'm the ambassador."

They all walked on ahead, leaving Luke behind, all except Tear who stopped and hesitated. Raine carried on with the others, chewing on what Legretta had said rather than answering him. Legretta's concern actually made a lot of sense to her. After all, following the Church of Martel so blindly led them to a false hope of saving Sylvarant. The whole system was a setup by Cruxis and while she still didn't really understand Cruxis's objectives, she did know they were doing something on purpose. The Order of Lorelei claimed that the Score led to prosperity, right? That's what Natalia had said, at least. Was that really what was going on? But what if the Order had an alternative motive? What if the Score was a front, just like the Journey of Regeneration was? They were, after all, torn into factions, and now it seemed clear that Legretta and Van at least didn't agree with following the Score so closely. Did all of the God-Generals feel that way? Or just a few? What about others in the Order?

Raine peered over her shoulder at Luke and Tear and paused. Tear was neutral, she said. But clearly Tear was doing something for Mohs. And then there was Ion, walking slowly ahead of her with Anise. Ion and Mohs were two leaders, each with their own ideas. Ion said the Score was a guide…. Mohs was the one telling the king to send Luke on this mission. What did all of this mean?! Would she really be okay? Or did she have reason to worry? She wasn't sure, but Anise saying that Ion was concerned about her and might deviate from his duties to do something about her felt even more ominous. He seemed nice enough, but was he truly an ally? Or would he become fodder for Mohs if he deviated too much?

Was she reading too much into this? Because she feared not being in the Score? Or was it just because she was an outsider? Either way, it felt dangerous to follow the Score so explicitly. And everyone around her, it seemed, felt there was nothing wrong with this. Did all of these people she traveled with truly feel it was best to do what the Score said? Even if the Score said to do something bad?

"You okay?" Guy asked.

"What?" Finally, she noticed him. He walked with her, looking downright worried. "Oh, y-yes. I'm fine." How long had he been there?

"Man, you said I was a terrible liar." She didn't say anything to that, so he continued. "I know what I said about His Grace, but maybe he won't do anything. I can put in a good word for you and tell him you had the best of intentions and maybe everything will be okay." It took her a moment to realize what he thought she was upset about. Perhaps getting scolded about that was the least of her concerns.

If only you knew. She thought to herself. But he could… She opened her mouth but suddenly couldn't find the strength. Would he really be okay with knowing? She closed her mouth again and watched the ground at her feet. As terrible as she felt for lying to him, she couldn't tell him the truth.

"Okay, I get it. I won't bring it up again."

She nodded, but her heart quivered at the thought of his betrayal. He seemed nice, but humans generally are, in the beginning, before they know the truth about her species. And this… this would be much worse of a crime to people who followed the Score so closely. Was it possible, though, that he would deviate from that thinking? She looked up and found he had pulled away a little.

"Hey, Guy…?"

"Yeah?"

Raine fell in step with him. She didn't miss the eavesdroppers paying attention, either. Not that that really mattered. If they had input for her, all the better. "What do you think about what Legretta said?"

"Legretta?" At first he seemed confused, but then his expression changed. He knew what she meant. His eyes told her so. "Oh, I wouldn't worry too much about that. She's afraid of a more extreme faction of the Order. I doubt what she's saying is true."

"So if it came down to it and the Score said you had to do something you didn't want to do, you wouldn't do it?" Startled, Guy's eyes widened. Had he not considered that before?

"Well…."

"Raine," Ion replied instead, "Everyone has varying degrees of how closely they follow the Score. While it's true some check in almost daily, others just live and trust that what's supposed to happen will. I think it was always meant to be more of a guide than something we should explicitly follow."

"Then what's Legretta's problem?" Raine asked. "She didn't seem to think people have the sense of free will that you're suggesting they have."

"We have free will," Tear replied, "but some people choose to seek guidance from the Score because of its promises for a better future. Perhaps she's focusing too much on that."

"So what happens if someone doesn't follow the Score? Are they are any repercussions?"

"We're not hunted down for not doing what it says," Guy said, no doubt appealing to Raine's previous disclosure about her fear. "Although I've never heard of anyone actually deliberately turning against the Score."

"That's what I'm afraid of," Raine said. "No one knows because no one's tried." She turned to Tear. "What do you think?"

"I think Van is a bigger threat than Mohs."

Of course. Raine should've known better. "Well, I certainly hope there's nothing to worry about."

"Where does all of this conspiracy stuff come from?" Anise asked. "You act like you've been seriously betrayed."

"Hmph, let's just say that those who claimed to protect me weren't honest about their purpose or their intentions." Then Raine noticed Guy had a piece of paper out. What was he writing about at a time like this?! But Jade seemed to understand what she meant.

"It really is just a guide. What people believe is what determines their behavior. If you choose to believe following the Score will be best, then you'll do as it suggests. If you don't, well, they'll talk you into it, but I doubt they'll force you to comply."

"I imagine that depends on the situation and how important the person and the actions are. Would Mohs—or anyone in the Order—really be okay with Luke saying no, I don't want to go to Akzeriuth? Did they not use Van as means of ensuring compliance?"

"Perhaps it would help to explain," Ion said. "You've asked us before about the difference in factions. Mohs believes we should follow the Score so we can receive the promised prosperity. I believe the prosperity will come whether we choose to cling to the Score or not. The Order is split between those groups and of course both sides have their extremists, but we as a society obtain for ourselves the promised prosperity. As long as we aim for peace instead of war, prosperity can occur without the need for war, right?"

"I suppose that's true," Raine said, finishing off the thought with how she really felt. Only if both sides can learn to live in peace. It seemed there were always factions at odds with each other and they found rather unpeaceful and intolerant ways of showing it. "Can we truly trust that the Score is correct? Are devout followers tolerant of free will, even if it opposes the Score? What if someone—" Raine stopped herself. No, that's too dangerous to ask. But Jade thought he knew what she wanted to say. She could tell from his smile.

"Yes, I suppose you have a lot to fear from humans, don't you? With how hostile and unpredictable we can be, how can the Score be of any use to you?"

"Jade, don't tease her."

"Oooh! Guy is defending her again!" Anise, with all her delight, squealed.

"No." Raine turned her nose away from them. "He's right, Guy. The Score itself is just a thing. With it, humans can become predictable, but only to those who have access to it." She glanced at Tear. "For the rest of us, our only hope is that humans choose benevolence. After all, they don't read death scores," Raine said simply. "How am I supposed to know what's coming?" Guy shook his head and then grunted to hold his tongue. Raine saw the tension in his jaw. "No, you can say it. I want to be proven wrong this time."

"It's not that," Guy said. "I can't help you know what's coming, but if you're so worried about what people do, why bother with us, then? You could've stayed in Baticul instead of coming with us. Why didn't you?" Raine sighed, lowering her gaze to her feet. Because she was scared, but why admit that to him? She wanted to be with people who made her feel safe in this foreign world and the only people she could think of at the time were these people. When she didn't answer, Guy flashed a smile. "It's because you trust us, isn't it? When you didn't feel like you could survive on your own, you decided you could trust us."

"No," Raine said. "It's because I know you. I know what you all are capable of." Now it was Jade's turn to smile and she glared as if that would be all it took to slap it off his face. "What?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just interesting you think you've seen all I'm capable of when I'm still under the effects of a fon slot seal." He slowed his words for emphasis. "I am almost finished with it, you know."

"That's all I need, Jade. Because once it's undone, I'll be gone."

"Wow, you really don't trust people…" Anise said, her eyes lit up with respect. Raine carried on up the trail in the lead. She heard the others following behind.

"She's been that way from the beginning," Guy told Anise. Of course, their first night in Saint Binah together didn't exactly end with a lot of camaraderie on Raine's part. "Distrust is a large part of her being, but that doesn't mean that's all she is."

Feh. Raine cast a shrewd glare over her shoulder and in his direction. "I am what experience has taught me to be. Having no trust at all means that I would've been abandoned a long time ago, and likely to my detriment."

"Nonsense," Natalia replied. "No one's going to abandon you. I won't allow it."

Really? Raine's eyes widened. So Natalia would help her after all? "That's generous of you." And a bit unexpected if Raine was being honest.

"There's nothing generous about it!" Natalia huffed. "You're a citizen of Kimlasca, correct? As a citizen of my country, you are my responsibility."

Guy laughed. "Didn't we tell you, Raine? Natalia loves her people. And that includes you." That's right! Natalia didn't catch on that there was anything strange about her. As far as she knew, Raine was a citizen of Kimlasca. She had an odd way of showing it, Raine supposed.

"Besides," Natalia continued, "you're traveling with us to help the people of Akzeriuth. What's the point of joining us if you truly believe you can't trust us, least of all to help them?" She had her there. Raine tilted her head.

"Thank you." As awkward as Raine's tone was, it had to be said. Perhaps she misjudged her and lapsed into silence. A weird feeling came over her at Natalia's words. Perhaps it was true, then, that if anything happened to her, these people might care about it. Would that still be true in that moment they knew Raine was in trouble? What about if they ever found out she wasn't in the Score?

Or what if they knew she was a half-elf? That always degraded human opinions of her.

On the other side of the pass, they continued on through the grassy fields. Akzeriuth, apparently was in the mountain ahead of them, but all Raine could think about was Ion shouting at Jade, No, there are some things people are better off not knowing! She heard him walking along behind her and questioned every footstep he made. How did he know about Luke? About fomicry? The only think she could think of was Guy's theory about Sync being his replica. Perhaps it wasn't just a theory….

The idea that a leader of the church could be missing for any length of time without everyone freaking out was absurd, but Ion almost sounded like it was actually possible, given that he didn't feel important to the Order, especially where there wasn't much noise about his leaving Baticul with the God-Generals. How long ago would it have happened? Rather, how old was Sync? The only person who had a shot at answering that would be Jade, though Raine had a feeling he led the group for a reason, especially after losing his temper with Legretta.

But now she knew something that she didn't know before: what his genuine fury looked like. He controlled himself very well for someone who "lost control", which meant that he likely still wouldn't harm her no matter how angry he got. Her curiosity got the best of her and in that moment, she decided.

Raine sped up at a jog to catch up to Jade, and he glanced at her. Something about his expression told her he knew why she wanted to talk. He seemed to expect it, actually, as he increased his own pace either to abandon her or leave distance between them and everyone else in the party to avoid eavesdroppers. When Raine kept up, he resigned himself with a sigh.

"You really want to be soaked in Splash, don't you? Or perhaps I can attempt another Turbulence and see if I can make it work this time."

"Why would you use one of those on an ally? You didn't even throw an Energy Blast at Legretta, and she shot at you."

"Forgive me," Jade replied, "I had assumed a sharper, more rational edge to your sense of self-preservation and intelligence. It seems I was wrong."

"Throw your insults as much as you like," Raine said, unperturbed. "Ion had some interesting things to say, and your response was intriguing."

"You know everything you need to about that."

"No, I don't think so." Raine paused as she thought about the best angle to broach the subject. "As a replica, I have a right to an understanding of my own being. You said once before that there are things people should know about themselves. Ion clearly knows something is going on, yet you won't tell Luke."

"You won't get any information from me about that. You have a right to know about yourself, but not necessarily about other replicas, least of all things they don't yet know about themselves."

"He really wants to know, and he probably should."

"Are you arguing on his behalf? Or for the sake of your own knowledge?"

He already knew the answer to that. Raine simply smiled. "I'll let you theorize about that in your own time," she said, "But while he's busy wallowing in his own malcontent for not knowing, I don't suppose you'd answer a few other questions for me."

"Oh? If you have questions," Jade replied, "you know the best person to ask." She tensed. Surely, he wasn't offering to help her after what just happened, was he? "Guy will be happy to answer them for you." Raine couldn't help but laugh and she looked over her shoulder to see a curious expression on Guy's face as he watched them. That was true. He seemed to enjoy talking with her, and the more she talked with him, the more she enjoyed the visits, too. A part of her hoped that just how much wasn't obvious.

"I'll be sure to ask him. Unlike you, he won't be facetious and lie to me."

"Oh, did I put that impression across? My apologies. I wouldn't dare lie to you," but he used his same joyous tone that she's come to associate with his sarcasm. Not the first time he claimed to be honest. She still didn't believe a word of it. Maybe he used that tone because he knew she could read him better than that. "I only wish you'd offer me the same courtesy."

Raine scoffed. "What have I lied about?" He smiled. That in itself was a lie. They both knew it. "Okay fine. There are things I can't ask him, though. I can only ask you."

"Well, if you insist on asking me, I suppose I could answer. But I won't hand out any more free information." She gasped. Then again, he apparently realized it would be much harder to hide the truth from her. Now it meant she couldn't ask him anything without giving something up.

Crap. "What's your price?" Raine asked cautiously.

"You answer my questions as well. The truth for the truth. Straight answer for a straight answer. Of course, the reverse is also true. Lie to me and you will receive a lie."

Huh… Well, then. "Okay. But I want to screen the questions first. I reserve the right not to answer if I don't want to. Of course, you have the same courtesy."

"Hmm…" he thought about it. "Interesting that you'd want to. Very well. This question carries a promise of secrecy." Oh, no, what was he going to ask her? "Just so that you can be assured that the knowledge won't adversely affect you." Her heartrate increased with every word he spoke. "Will you tell me your caretaker's name?"

Oh, phew! Was that all? But she understood his preface. Flat-out asking would've been dangerous if she really was a replica, so his promise would've been necessary.

At this point, Raine knew it wouldn't matter anymore. Jade would've never heard of him anyway, and if he did recognize the name, all the better for her, even if the man did turn out to be slimier than the God-Generals. There's no way it would be the same man. Even so, she pretended to resign herself reluctantly and let out a small breath as she slumped her shoulders. "I suppose in light of your promise, I can give you that. I fully expect you to keep it." He nodded, so she said, "His name was Kloitz. He was the soldier that raised me." It was a straight answer, albeit not a complete one. Jade didn't seem to catch on, though something about her answer surprised him and he turned to his thoughts.

After a while, Jade said, "and your question for me?" But now knowing that getting answers came with a price, Raine hesitated to just ask Jade what he knew about Sync being Ion's replica. There were other things, too. What should she ask about first? There was so much about this world that she didn't know, but she'd have to be careful about what to ask and how to ask it. What was vital for her to know? Well, not vital, per se, but she did have one question she wanted answered. She supposed now would be a good time as any.

"Guy mentioned that he learned about me and the Rheaird from Elder McGovern," Raine began. She saw Jade's eyes widen before his face turned to confusion. Of course. He expected her to ask something else. Not this. "Then he said you spoke with him privately. What did Elder McGovern tell you about me during that private conversation?"

"Hmm…" He took a moment to remember, so Raine let him. "I believe he mentioned you had little knowledge of this world and the geography of Malkuth so he was a bit worried about you. He said you might have stolen the flying machine from Sheridan. Did you know Dist before we saw him at Choral Castle?"

"No." Should she have? Why would he wonder if she did? And stranger still, this news surprised him. Of course it did. If Dist was creating replicas and he thought she was a replica, it would make no sense that he never met her. Unless someone else was working on replicating people, but it didn't sound too common. But still, there was a reason Jade asked. He must have his doubts somewhere… meaning, something wasn't adding up for him. Should she be concerned about that?

No, not right now. She needed to know more about what Jade and Elder McGovern thought of her. If Guy realized she was a replica because of her lack of knowledge, then maybe Jade did too. Which could mean that… "At what point did you realize that I was a replica?"

"When I first spoke with Elder McGovern just before you came into the room," he replied. So he did believe she was a replica, even that far back?! No wonder she got away with it for so long! "What is Martel?"

"Martel is…." Raine hesitated. Should she say? Perhaps she should invoke her silence…. Otherwise, she might lead him away from thinking she's a replica and into learning the truth. But would that be so terrible? He seemed reasonable, especially after she'd finally seen his genuine anger, and this answer would be a good way to test him. Perhaps she should move forward with caution. How about telling him what she learned from Cruxis? "She's a woman without a body."

Jade stopped and faced her. "Is that a straight answer?"

"As unlikely as it seems, yes." Raine bantered with a soft smile. Telling him this much wouldn't matter if she framed it right. Of course, she could also mix in some theory, half-truths, and a treasonous lie, but why give him more than she really needed to? "I was told she was a Goddess, but, as I'm sure you're aware, there is no goddess Martel. She's actually a woman with no body, but I'm afraid I stole the Rheaird before I could learn more. She—I mean." Raine sighed, still pretending. "No, I should just say it. Sheena told us all she knew about Martel. I thought I could trust that."

"Ah, another thing Sheena lied about," Jade said, though he wore a skeptical smile of his own. "Perhaps there is no woman without a body after all. Seems fitting. She's lied about everything else." Perfect! Raine nodded and turned away. "Very well. What is your next question?"

"You're in my debt," she replied. "I'm not ready to ask questions that come with a price."

"Not even about Ion? You must have plenty of them." The realization seemed significant to him.

"I'm just being cautious of their expense." But she learned something without asking. Jade definitely knew something about Ion's replica. Perhaps he either already knew about or caught on that Sync was his replica. Besides, Raine didn't need the answers right away and as Jade said, some of them could potentially be answered by Guy. She still had this entire trip to prioritize, so long as she stayed out of trouble. She removed her journal from her bag and opened it up to write in it.

"Afraid to lose your advantage?"

Raine smiled. "Of course I would want to keep track. That's… two questions in my favor." His last question was self-explanatory. Why count it?

Jade shook his head, but his smile remained. "How about a third?"

Hm? "Sure, why not?"

"The mother you claimed to have, do you call her that because she created you?"

Now that was a cheat question, but she had an even cheatier answer. "All mothers are creators, Jade. But since that's disingenuous, I'll elaborate with something useful: Her name was Virginia Sage."

Bastards, every one of them! On the way through the Deo Pass, Legretta from the Six God-Generals attacked us...or more like, she came to talk to Tear into going with her. And she called me a defect, the jerk! Everybody else started talking about forbidden technology, and about Ion's knowledge of it, and a bunch of other stuff I didn't understand. They totally left me out. I'm the ambassador! I'm the most important one here-the chosen hero! You can all just go to hell! As long as Master Van's with me, that's all I need. I want to find him soon.

A/N: Hello, Peeples!

So... I finally got this one smoothed out. It's not as descriptive as I want it to be so I might update that a little later, but it's enough that I feel good about posting it now. 35 is going to be some time, though because I only have bare bones and a couple of fleshed out pieces. I'm not even sure how long it is going to be...

But anyway, I pushed so hard to get this done this weekend because I'm going to Anime Banzai in Utah. If you're going, too, say hi! I'll be dressed as Repede (and I doubt there'll be many of those...) so I should be easy to recognize. If there are other Repedes, though, I'll be pretty excited. =^-^=

Anyway, thank you again for all of your support! I really appreciate your continued readership. Have an amazing week and be well!

A/N: Update 11.22.22

Hi, ya'll! I have a deadline for you now. My goal is to have a finished or nearly finished draft by December 10, 2022. Happy Thanksgiving or Happy Thursday, November 24 if it's just another day for you. :)

Update 12.11.22

Heh. You're used to this, right? New deadline is New Year's. But there is some good progress on 35 now, so I really should be much closer by then. I has a rough draft drawn up and now I need to fill in some details and edit the writing more. We're getting there!

~~Kat =^-^=