9th Crystal: [Voice]

[cladinthedark]

[The sound of a breaking dish and a man in armor stumbling backwards come from the journal, followed by what can only be described as Golbez gasping.  A few seconds later, the reason for his sudden astonishment becomes clear.]

F-Father?

[OOC:  I'll give you three guesses as to what experiment Golbez has been afflicted with, and the first two don't count.]

Comments

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

[[Can Cecil see him?]]

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

[Not yet, I think Golbez has to directly tell him what's going on first.]

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

[[got it!]]

Is everything alright?

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Cecil, it's... Father is... no, there are no wings, it must be some sort of illusion... or... is this an experiment?

[voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

...I presume these are the ghosts...

Re: [voice]

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Ah, yes, this must be... an experiment, yes... [There is a cough, and a brief unintelligeable mutter, and Golbez speaks again, more composedly.] This one seems to be... rather unpredictable.

[voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

Unpredictable, yes, but none of the effects observed so far are unheard of here. You have not been affected in any other way than seeing specters?

[voice]

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Correct. It would seem we are being revisited by several previous experiments simultaneously. I've seen the transformation one and the ghost one so far. Have any others been noted?

[voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

Jarring personality changes that manifest themselves as headaches. Gender switching. Some have complained of suddenly feeling ill, which was the beginnings of a deadly virus. It seems we even have a repeat of the most recent experiment with the mythological beasts.

[voice]

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

So, the Malnosso are recycling several old experiments simultaneously. I can see three pressing issues immediately. The Virus, the personality changes which may cause ordinarily harmless or helpful members to become dangerous, and the usual hazards of having mythological beings running amok. Do we have any methods to counteract any of those problems?

[voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

Unfortunately, no. At the moment, we need to take note of who is being affected by what; Professor Raine and others are already working on that. Once we have a better idea of who is still capable of doing work or rallying, we will begin other measures -- bringing the ill to the clinic, finding an effective way to watch the children, having a group on hand to deal with violents...

[voice]

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

I will focus my attention on defending against any dangerous personalities, then. I am no healer, and children would most likely be terrified of me, but I believe I should be able to come up with some adequate, non-lethal defensive measures once I know what we are dealing with.

[voice]

[chikaidestroyer]

I thank you for your aid, Sir Golbez. Seeing as you are already affected, your assistance is important; those of us currently working have not yet shown any effects under this experiment, but that can change at any time.

[voice]

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

We should probably see who else is affected that could still be capable of assisting in their current state. Cecil won't be much use as a chocobo, but the children might like him.

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

Father..?

I...perhaps it is an experiment.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Master Golbez?

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

It must be... I heard of an experiment like this once before, where people saw ghosts of those from their past. This must be a repeat of previous experiments...

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Just the latest experiment, Valvalis. Nothing to-... [Looks at the screen.] Now that is something I never thought I'd see.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

Neither would I. I was never a child...

At least I kept my hair...

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

I doubt the Malnosso particularly care.

I'm surprised you haven't stepped on it. It must be longer than your body is tall.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

I suppose they wouldn't.

Well, it certainly is. It's different though, I like my hair this way. I hope mine is still growing.

In any case, I wonder if this puts a damper on my abilities...

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

There's really only one way to find out about your abilities.

... And on a completely different topic, where did you find the clothes? I've never seen you in anything other than your battle garb.

[aero-dienamic.livejournal.com]

((Oh yeah... that... uhm... just say it's always the school outfit despite the icons))

Well... once I head out, I'll find out.

I had to ...borrow some from Yuri.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

[Can do.]

How fortunate you had someone your size. [He chuckles.] You look like you're about to head off to school.

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

I see. That appears to make the most sense.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

I don't understand why they'd do that, but... What's that Father? No, I really don't think... Well, if you insist. Cecil... do you want to see him?

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

I....

Yes....I would like to see him.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Alright. One moment. [Golbez turns the journal, making quite sure not to focus on anything from the neck down, because KluYa had a rather unpleasant death. KluYa's smiling, if translucent, face can be seen smiling at Cecil.]

Hello, my Son.

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

Ah...father?

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

It is good to see you... I never got a chance with my own eyes. A pity I can't look upon your real face, but this is good enough.

How are you, Cecil?

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

I...

Fine. I've been fine.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Theodore has told me much of your heroic deeds... I'm quite proud of you, Cecil. It's a shame it doesn't look like I'll be able to meet this Rosa...

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

Father...

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

What is it, my son?

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

I...wish we could have met under better conditions.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

[KluYa's smile turns sad.] I know, Cecil. We should have been a family together for many, many years. But fate dictated otherwise... and you have done admirably with what you have been given.

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

Ah...thank you, father. That means so much to me.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Theodore tells me that you defeated even Zemus... such was beyond even my skill.

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

I.....it wasn't just myself....

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

Of course not. Your friends and allies have supported you and made your victory possible. But when all seemed lost and even the greatest magic had failed, it was you who stood and proclaimed that you would win... for all the world's people.

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

Father...it truly was you who spoke to me at the Mount of Ordeals.

[cladinthedark.livejournal.com]

... I am sorry, my son. My memories end at my death. Everything I know from then on is from Theodore's lips. While I would like to assure you that it was indeed me... I do not know myself.

[moon-paladin.livejournal.com]

Ah.