yourfononsarewhack | First Field of Fonons [Written/Action]

Current Music: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYUC-W8scA0

Entry tags:

First Field of Fonons [Written/Action]

[Written, Anonymous]

[The following anonymous message appears around noon on Sunday. It could be familiar to anyone who's seen it before.]

Excuse me, people of Luceti. I am new here, and I would simply like to make a few requests in order to better ascertain this situaion. First of all, I'd like to request that the following people report to the local schoolhouse's second floor office immediately for questioning:

-Fon Master Ion
-Nephry Osborne (née Balfour)
-Anise Tatlin
-Mystearica Aura Fende
-Florian
-Asch, son of Susanne
-Arietta the Wild

-Also, Luke fon Fabre.

[He intentionally uses a personal touch in some names for several reasons. One is to hint at what he knows about them, which gives incentive for them to come meet with him without knowing for sure who he is. Anger is also a useful incentive, which is why at least one name is written a certain way - not to mention how anger can make someone slip up. And of course, Jade has to see if these people truly answer to such names - if they really have the memories of those he knew back in Auldrant.]

If there is anyone else here hailing from Auldrant whose name is not on that list, I invite them to be questioned as well. Secondly, any authors of this so-called Guide whom still reside within the enclosure are also to come talk to me. I would be glad to speak with anyone who has any other unique information at all.

Finally, I believe there that one of the clothing shop should currently have in its stock a standard grade uniform of the Malkuth imperial forces. If he is currently within Luceti, Gailardia Galan Gardios is to retrieve it and then report in for questioning. Otherwise, this duty shall fall to Luke fon Fabre.

That will be all.

[Action]

[It's been several hours since Jade woke up in this seemingly unoccupied office, which possibly contained some samples of pottery which had a disturbing familiarity to them. Jade had no problem working alone and in this state of undress to figure it out where he was - occasionally examining the hallway and nearby rooms to confirm that he was in some kind of schoolhouse. Even his glasses were gone, but Jade felt no major concern for the time being. He realized after reading the Guide that it could be effect of the supposed power cap reducing his need for the glasses. It just helps him feel more confident on his decision of spending the rest of the day in that room, awaiting those who come to see him, while making some paperwork already from loose sheets of paper.

During these hours before making the anonymous message, he had studying the contents of the journal, reading back through the last few months to gather as much information as possible - and studying the Guide as well. He liked to think that he was taking it calmly and rationally. But he has to confirm things firsthand. The images he saw in that book included those whom he was sure were dead. Until he talks to them himself, he can't dismiss the possibility of being suddenly trapped in a replica world, no matter how final Van's defeat seemed to be. So Jade sat at a desk with his fingers steepled, awaiting the first interviewee, his red eyes more glaringly standing out with his lack of glasses.

One could also catch him that evening in full uniform, browsing the item shop for those glasses once all his interrogations are said and done.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

All right. I'm near the school now, so you can expect me within the hour.

[He won't waste any time after that in making his way to the school, having been in the library for the past few hours to get some reading done. Though it still takes a little time for him to get the books he'd been reading put away and even more time just wheeling himself to the school...]

[Provided Jade has made his way to the first floor, he'll eventually see the door open with Ion, in his wheel chair, making his way inside.]

[Jade goes still for a moment as he sees Ion walk in. Yes, almost the splitting image of the boy he saw die in that volcano - but also the splitting image of Florian, whom they left in Daath. And of course the wheelchair is definitely new and explains why stairs couldn't be a thing.

Jade calmly slides his hands into his pockets while sizing him up.]

Greetings. Excuse me if I'm wrong, but... Do you answer to the name of Ion?

[Though the reaction is different from the ones he typically received upon being found alive and well in Luceti, he still has an idea for what exactly is going through Jade's mind right now. Then he must be from after... though exactly how far after, he can't be sure. He did seem to recognize Florian, if that written message was any indication.]

Yes, that's right. [His voice is a bit deeper now, but still recognizable. Even though by all means this meeting should be impossible, here they both are... he knows it can be a lot to take in.] It's good to see you again... Jade.

I see. [There is a definite difference in the voice tone, but the way he says his name - it's with recognition. This Ion knows him in some way. He gives a slight, hesitant pause before he continues on.] It is good to see you as well, Ion.

Hold on for one moment.

[He then goes to pull over the nearest chair, and he sits in it to face Ion.]

So you have memories of me.

[Ion patiently waits as Jade grabs a chair, keeping his hands neatly folded on his lap.]

Of course I do. I would never forget a friend so easily. [...] Though I understand it may be a bit difficult to accept seeing me here now.

[Why else would he ask about memories? His smile wanes a bit.]

Would I be correct in assuming that you're aware of what happened to me on Auldrant?

[A friend. The way he speaks is very convincing - speaking from the memories of the Ion Jade knew. That does briefly earn a smile, one which is less ironic than his usual ones. But the smile is quick to go at Jade's questions. He responds bluntly, but quietly.]

I watched you die, at Mount Zaleho.

[And he takes a breath before he speaks.]

And I am currently attempting to grasp the accuracy of the reports regarding the nature of this world.

[Were it not for recent events, Ion may have been able to hear that statement without outwardly reacting. But as it is, when Jade says those words, his smile falters and he looks down at his lap.]

...there's a force in this world that pulls people from various points in time from different worlds. Among those brought from Auldrant, I don't believe any of us are from the same point in time. Though I myself am a rather unique case, seeing as I was brought here after I died. The ability to bring the dead back to life is something else this world is capable of, though... it only lasts so long as we remain in this world.

[Really, after these past few days, this is the last subject he wants to talk about. He looks up again, once more with a smile.] If you have any reason to doubt me, please, ask me anything. Provided I knew the answer on Auldrant, there's no reason I shouldn't be able to answer you here.

[the ability to bring back the dead. He balls a fist at that phrase. There is no ability. He tried and he failed to make that ability. All he could make was a science that made new life, new death. And now it turns out there's some magical other world that does it for him?]

I see. So I am faced with two possibilities that both seem impossible considering what I've come to know as truth: either this bizarre world is one which can bring back the dead, or it is possible to transfer memories between replicas.

[But he watches Ion carefully. Emotional responses are as important as spoken accounts in deducing the validity of an account. Ion did seem hurt by the mention of his death, but Jade can't help but go deeper.]

Describe the last people you recall seeing at that time.

[Please don't make me answer that.]

[He thinks it, but he doesn't say it. This is far from what he'd expected upon seeing Jade for the first time in so long, and suddenly those happy feelings of seeing an old friend are twisted by the pain of being thought of as a replacement -- no different from his intended purpose on Auldrant, and yet so very different from who and what he really was.]

[But unlike the Ion who could so calmly speak of death and his own mortality back home, the Ion sitting in front of Jade was visibly more disturbed by it. The most he spoke, the weaker his voice became. This wasn't always so hard for him, but... well, he's had a difficult week.]

Mohs... and Anise. They were the ones who brought me to Mt. Zaleho in the first place, in order to make me read the Planet Score for him. Luke was the one to finally stop me. Though I'm certain you, Natalia, and Guy were also there, I... wasn't able to see you clearly from where I fell.

And Tear... held my hand as I took the miasma from her body... moments before everything went dark.

[The hands in his lap are shaking. His next words are very soft.]

...and if it's all right with you, I'd like to request that you don't ask me about that again.

[Jade draws back as Ion gives his account, with a silent drawing of breath. It's so vivid that Jade's mind stops from trying to think of any trick questions. He's even tempted to cut him off and stop him. But he lets Ion finish, and blinks, with some hints of something like regret in those red eyes.]

I understand.

[And he takes a moment to reach across place a hand on his shoulder.]

I'm... sorry, Ion. I very well can't doubt your memories now.

[The apology is more appreciated than he knows, and with a deep breath to steady himself, he's able to bring a small smile back to his face.]

...it's all right. I don't know if I would have truly believed it was you if you weren't at least a little skeptical about all of this. I know it can be a lot to take in.

It is. [He admits. The different world, the wings, the war - all of this could be comprehensible to Jade. It's just this which eludes and frustrates him: reversing death.]

This very possibility goes against everything I've learned - everything I've come to accept - regarding the nature of death.

[It's still possible that Ion's memories were moved to a different replica. But it doesn't matter. It's the same case either way; Ion has a renewed life. Just like he had wanted so badly for Professor Nebilim.]

However... once a possibility is before me, I cannot deny it.

I'm afraid the nature of death in this world is hardly comparable to that of any other. Just as it's true this world can return people from the death, it's also impossible for someone to die here.

[It was something certainly touched upon in the guide, but bears mentioning regardless. Or perhaps he just wants to say it, so that he may hear it and try to settle his own growing dread.]

Though I'm sure you would have found out through other means eventually, in the past year here, both Asch and Luke have died in this world. And just like everyone else... they were returned within a week's time.

I see.

[He takes quiet note of this. Those two just can't help but keep up their dying gain. But regardless, it's a matter of concern to him.

He presses his fingers together before he utters an observation.]

It sounds like the type of system I would have designed, had I the means.

[He doesn't respond to that, perhaps only because he doesn't believe it. Though whether that's due to faith in Jade, or a desire not to believe it, he doesn't know. Regardless, it's not a topic he wants to dwell on any longer than he feels he has to.]

...what I mentioned before, about pulling people from different times. Some of us may not know what you're talking about it you ask about events that haven't happened for them yet. Neither Anise nor Luke were aware of what happened to me before they arrived.

The others seem to be from further along. If you're going to insist on asking everyone questions like you did with me, I suggest asking what they remember before arriving here first.

[He's not so sure if he has some faith in himself. And it sounds so easy - unlike replica... true resurrection. The Malnosso must be geniuses if they are the ones behind it.

But he focuses on Ion's words, watching him with concern.]

That sounds fair enough. I'll go easy on them in that case. [He wonders what their mental states must be like.]

With that in mind, I have a different question for you, Ion, if that is all right. [He pauses.] How has your life here been?

[Had Jade asked him that same question months earlier, he may have more readily given a positive answer. As it stands, his answer is filled with a certain hesitation, tainted by the events of these past few months.]

...it's different. Very different from my life on Auldrant, both in what it was and what it ever could have become. It's... not always easy. And I'm sure by now you're more than aware of the problems we face by living here under the Malnosso's rule. [Experiments. A war. And never quite knowing whose words can be trusted among those with power over them. One hand moves to gently grip the armrest of his chair.] But even taking all of that into account, I really do enjoy my life here.

Mm. I see.

[He takes a moment to collect the account and gives a glance to the wheelchair. And there's something like a smile at Ion's last words]

Hardships are always a part of life, although I suppose it sounds as if those in effect here are of an entirely different variety than those normally encountered back home. At the same time... I have come to hope for a way to replicas to be able to live peaceful lives. I'm responsible for their creation after all. So, given that and your final world on the matter, I... appreciate that you have another chance at life in this world, Ion.

[He's not quite sure what to say to that at first, but eventually he settles on a smile.] ...thank you, Jade.

Actually, there's something you would have found out about eventually I'm sure, but... our world isn't the only one with replicas either. Not quite to the same extent as on Auldrant, but I have met a few of them here from at least two different worlds.

[And at least of them is someone Jade would be familiar with if he's stalked any of the journal entries so far, given she's dating Luke at all.]

[At the very idea - he looks towards Ion sharply. Other replicas? His first idea is disbelief, his second is reminding himself that being from other worlds, he would not be responsible for them. And his third is a seething jealously that there could be someone else on another world with an intellect to create the same thing he had.

He responds sharply.]

Tell me more.

[Perhaps he could have caught wind of her; but unless there's any indication in accessible entries, he cannot guess that she too is a replica.]

[Though Ion didn't exactly expect a positive reaction to that, the sharp reply makes him frown.] I'm afraid there isn't much I can tell you on a technical standpoint. So far, Auldrant is the only world I've heard of where fonons exist. But in at least one case, it's possible for them to share memories with their original... or memories of things that never happened at all.

But... they still suffer from many of the same problems as those from Auldrant. So I hope you'll understand why I'd rather not divulge too much information. It's not exactly something they would otherwise make public, and I'd rather not risk saying anything that might violate their privacy.

[i.e.: He'd rather not say something that would allow Jade to figure out who they are. It's not as though he doesn't trust Jade, but... well, it has been a long time since he's seen him, and the last Jade who was here did manage to shake that trust a bit.]

[Part of him was disappointed that the information didn't come so easily. Ion could sometimes be a useful source of easy information. But Jade was understanding of the boundaries provided by Ion's honesty.]

Mm. I understand. It would be foolish of them to pass any information so easily that could be used against them. [So they'd either keep it to themselves or only pass it on to one who would keep it a secret, as Ion seemed to. Jade admires the move as much as he is disappointed - but he also understands the importance of voicing it to build Ion's trust.] I must admit, this limited amount of information alone has caught me somewhat off guard. I had long ago given up on the possibility of replicas retaining an original's memories.

[It could have gone differently. So, so differently.]

...even if the memories were the same as the original's, they would still be memories of times that never passed for the replica. False memories would only be a painful reminder of what they can never be.

[It only occurs to Ion now that he's never really spoken to Jade about replicas like this. It's only in Luceti that he's come to be more open about just who and what he is -- and perhaps that's why his words might come off as notably more defensive than he would have been about the topic back home.]

[After all, had it been possible on Auldrant for replicas to retain their original's memories, that same process would have no doubt been used on Ion. And the only case he's aware of in Luceti is his best friend. How could a replica accept himself as a individual being separate from his original if they held the same memories?]

It's for the best that such things aren't possible on Auldrant.

[He doesn't like being told that while he is still processing the possibility itself, even by Ion.]

You don't know that would be an absolute fact. If the replica has full memories and no reason to question them, then...

[Then it wouldn't be so different than suddenly waking up in a place like this, wouldn't it? But Jade has enough courtesy to cut that part out. He bows his head slightly and pinches at the bridge of his noise briefly.]

My apologies. I understand your feelings on this matter, Ion. Rest assured, this does not reflect how my views on yourself or Luke. Merely, I cannot help but consider other individual cases in which this could have helped a replica to turn out for the better. [Primarily, he thought of Nebilim. But as much as he wanted to believe that it would help her, he knows that wouldn't solve the primary problem of the mental instability which was caused by his method of fomicry. No, nor would it solve the true primary problem of having killed her in the first place.]

[No, you don't understand. You can't.]

[This was hardly a good conversation for Jade's first day in Luceti. And though there's a part of Ion that feels he should try and make Jade see why that idea is so flawed -- to understand why that would bring no benefit to a replica and only make forming an individual identity that much more painful -- there's also a part of him that wonders if anyone other than another replica would really understand why. After all, without a sense of self and identity to call your own, what else could you ever be but a mere replacement? Living with the knowledge that no matter what happened to you, it didn't matter, because you could be so easily replaced by another...]

...it's fine. [Ion's an easy enough read for Jade to see that he clearly struck a nerve, though Ion's not about to give him time to dwell on it.]

Have you met with any of the others yet? I'm not sure how easily they might trust an anonymous message over the journal...

[And there's at least one person who Ion feels he should say something about if Jade is going to insist on seeing her as well.]

[Written > Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]