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[betterthangarlond]

[ It was one of those times where NOAH was still figuring out their way past the Labyrinth of the Ancients, and Nero was still lingering.

Today, though, he had found himself by the side of G'raha, when G'raha was taking a break. Not that Nero had been watching for it, of course not.

With a soft grunt, he flopped down next to him, holding a few of the tomestones that they'd been tasked to decyther. (Nero, honestly, had been asked not to join in this, but. Nero had waited until Rammbroes wasn't paying attention and stolen these ones.) ]

...You're all struggling with these?

Comments

[aneyeonthepast]

That would make sense. […ah well he didn't think so but] It is. He wasn't… that way inclined?

[betterthangarlond]

There's no record of Emperor Xande the Second - the one at the End of the Era - having children.

[aneyeonthepast]

No? [huh.] That… would make it hard to prove any kind of lineage, if they were inclined that way…

[betterthangarlond]

It's quite the hobby to see how close to Allagan blood you have, you see.

[ a beat ]

...I could never trace a family.

[aneyeonthepast]

Is it? [actually.] Yes- I think I can see.

[he makes a face.]

I suppose- it wasn't really possible. … But you can trace your origins directly to it- that works well enough, doesn't it?

[betterthangarlond]

...Hah, I guess it does.

[ And that's when he pauses. One of his fingers...

It's gotten under his paneling on his front. But it's touched something, and Nero seems to frown a little. ]

[aneyeonthepast]

[OH GEEZ are you sure that's a good idea

G'raha frowns as well, leaning towards him.]

Nero- what's there?

[betterthangarlond]

...I... can open myself. Look, come here.

[ He's gesturing to where he's touching, and... there's a small latch there, blended into the skin. ]

Why do I look like this, I wonder?

[aneyeonthepast]

So that's… fine? Normal?

[okay. that's not so bad, then… He leans in, curious.]

Well- presumably that whoever needed to maintain you could do that.

[betterthangarlond]

[ Nero sighs. ] It's me. But why, again - why make automations who look like Hyur? There's so many improvements which could be done to their bodies.

[aneyeonthepast]

Well- of course. It still helps, doesn't it?

… Perhaps they didn't want you to look so different. To be assured all was well…? Or perhaps that they could. […that seems more likely.]

[betterthangarlond]

A decoy man - that does sound rather Allagan. But if that was the case, why not create a clone with the knowledge?

...Hah, even if I've sighted some clones in recent times.

[aneyeonthepast]

Clones…? I suppose- perhaps it wasn't a task they wished to entrust to them.

[he tilts his head.] Really? Where?

[betterthangarlond]

[ Nero snorts. ] Those two who joined NOAH in recent times. Doga and Unei.

[aneyeonthepast]

Oh, those two- wait, they are? [he straightens up, ears perking.] Do you think- they'd know something, too?

[betterthangarlond]

I'm still seeking information on them... but I think they might.

[aneyeonthepast]

It'd be very exciting if they did! Have you asked them about it?

[betterthangarlond]

...Not yet. [ He says, so very quietly. ] Honestly? I was hoping for more time with all of you. [ And, also, Nero has to prepare for his toy. His Void Power. ]

[aneyeonthepast]

You were? Well- there's hardly any limit. [he looks- kind of touched. G'raha is not entirely expecting Nero to actually do that with the Void, no.]

[betterthangarlond]

[ ??? ]

What do you mean? Won't you be off studying what we find?

[ he doesn't get it ]

[aneyeonthepast]

Certainly- but you're not saying you wouldn't be coming as well, are you?

[betterthangarlond]

...The mysteries of Allag aren't the only thing I'm interested in, you know. [ Nero says. ] Even if the Crystal Tower might hold interest for a time, there's much more out there.

[ Nero sighs a little, as he finally stops palming himself. ]

And besides - what of when you're done? The path of an Ex-Tribunus Laticalvius is one of hiding.

[aneyeonthepast]

Oh- no? Well, that's all right… I suppose all the mysteries of the world do deserve to be unearthed, after all.

… Are you sure you'd be satisfied like that, though?

[betterthangarlond]

I was satisfied before. After all... I was the one who restored and awoke Ultima Weapon. It took a while to restore her, but that was one of the best times of my life.

[ He was wanted. He wasn't compared to Garlond. ]

But now, the Empire and Eorzea both want me dead. A pity.

[aneyeonthepast]

It would be incredible… rebuilding something like that…

[even if, you know. kind of dangerous.]

Mm… it is. There ought to be something we could do… that'd at least mean fewer people wanted that.