mogmelodies | LETTER TO ALL - Diamonds may not be forever

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LETTER TO ALL - Diamonds may not be forever

To my fellow Heroes of Light,

I am sure that I am not the only one who is taking this current lull as a moment of waiting for the next boot to drop. Given our experiences in this world it always seems like it is one thing after the next with little reprieve. There is however a matter I believe that deserves addressing before it turns to become a new peril due to our inaction.

I have mentioned this to a few of our number in the past and again more publicly more recently. If this is the first time you are hearing this and you are not one of our new compatriots from the other group of Heroes you have my apologies. My intent was not to hide information but rather to make sure that a decision wasn't made rashly. Given the vision that a good many of us shared thanks to the Sage I feel that this decision was well founded.

However I cannot sit idly either.

Sometime back myself and a few others intercepted information that alludes to the discovery of the Diamond WEAPON in the northern reaches of the Lost Continent. That the information came from Artemicion and Palitutu was so quick to show up when we faced him makes this information suspect, but it cannot be disregarded wholly either. Furthermore, the Calamity is readily encroaching on that location.

The time has come for us to make a decision of what to do and more importantly to act. The sooner the better. Personally I believe we'd be better off without it but leaving it to the Calamity or our foes would be foolhardy. If we can find it and destroy it ourselves that may be for the best. To that end I would like to propose an expedition to seek it out and make a judgement where we find it. We may well need the same jobs we needed to tame the Ultima Weapon before Palitutu's betrayal.

I hoped to gather more information and I will continue to do so but this is all I have to offer at this time. I understand that there is the concern that our action will hand over another WEAPON to our enemy's hands but we cannot let that fear prevent us from acting either.

I would have all opinions on this matter, as well as any who would volunteer for this journey. Please reply at your earliest convenience.

Yours,
James Kidd

__________________________________________________

[Tucked within the first letter is a smaller enveloped sealed with wax and bears the telltale symbol of the Assassin Brotherhood. Any letters with this letter included are delivered personally by Bonnie ~~albeit with a bit too much sneaky flair~~.]

To my Brothers and those who would be,

I believe it long since time that we gathered to discuss matters pertaining to our guild. Furthermore, we are now blessed with the presence of one of the founding members of the Brotherhood, and I would like to properly introduce you to him and discuss how we should proceed as a group from this point. I have done my best to do my Mentor and our Creed the honor they deserve but I am glad now to not have to do it alone.

While our Guild Headquarters remains in Aerilon I understand it is not an easy road to travel for all. The meeting can be convened in Aqures Ixen if need be. Regardless, I think it something we ought to do. Further details will be forthcoming but expect a call to gather within the week.

Yours,
Mary Read

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James Kidd,

We've met in passing a few times, and worked together before. Further, while they take a different form here, WEAPONS are known to us on Gaia. Especially from the point in time I am drawn-from, we have faced and defeated Diamond WEAPON. Not that it was an easy task.

I am interested in helping, to subdue it and in more information, if my assistance can be useful.

--Vincent Valentine

Mister Valentine,

Yes, I do recall you from when we were on the expedition to the Crystal Tree. Additionally Bonnie had many nice things to say about you when she handed me your reply.

I would like to know more about the WEAPONS as you know them from your world. I expect that there many be some similarities at the least that may be helpful.

You're more than welcome to join us on this expedition once it gets sorted out. I'll be sure to share the details once I have them

Yours,
James Kidd

Kidd -

Count me in. Last thing Palitutu needs is another Weapon. If you need someone to drive that thing once we find it, I can switch on over to Magitek Knight.

- Sparks Nevada

Marshal Nevada,

Your offer is welcome and likely necessary. Personally, I'm all for destroying it and leaving it buried at the bottom of the sea but I don't expect it will go that easy. I'd be happy to have you along with us for this.

I'll pass on the details once I have them sorted out.

Yours,
James Kidd

We made need to keep it. Got to fight fire with fire, after all. But let's see if we can even track it down first. Then we'll worry about where to hide it.

-- SN

Marshall Nevada,

Yours is a good reason to keep it. I am simply worried that things may turn in such a way that one of our own may be tempted by its power and use it against us or the people of this world.

But I agree, we must find it first. And of course this is all in the hope it doesn't activate by our presence and force us to fight it.

But then again the worst case scenario is nothing new to us, is it?

Yours,
James Kidd

Mary,

You know I'm in!

-Yuffie!

Yuffie,

Glad to hear it. And I hope to see you soon.

Yours,
Mary Read

Mary,

I don’t like… need to bring shit do I? Also I thought we were going back to Aerilon or somewhere. Staying in Aqures seems counterproductive.

-Yuffie

P.S. I heard you got a girlfriend. Go you.

Yuffie,

As much as Aerilon suits my needs and my experience, I find myself drawn back to Aqures Ixen with relative frequency. If anything it may be reasonable to open a second bureau here. That would be something that I believe Mentor Malik would be very well suited to. It's not much of a world spanning information network if we only have one location. But perhaps I'm being too presumptuous in trying to recreate what I had on my world.

As for the meeting, no, I don't think you have to bring anything. This won't be a party.

And thank you, she's been a great comfort to me considering all else we've been dealing with.

Yours,
Mary Read

Mary,

Noted!

See you.

-Yuffie

[Two letters? For a moment, she wonders if this second letter about the guild was delivered by mistake, since Mary had always viewed Ellie with no small degree of skepticism. Has she changed her mind, or has her suspicion risen further? Well. There's little she can say in response to that letter, so she leaves it be for now. The second one that is said to be sent later will receive her attention. For now, she'll concentrate on the first.]

Mary,

Having seen what the Diamond WEAPON can do, I am fully satisfied in allowing the Calamity to claim it, and let it be done with. It can only bring devastation otherwise, no matter who holds control. However, I am curious as to these Jobs you mentioned being necessary to this other WEAPON Palitutu seems to have. I was not present when this took place. Can you tell me more?

-Ellie

[The fact is that the choices that Ellie made during the vision, even if she doesn't remember them, are the key factor in Mary's choice to trust the woman. Her recent association with Malik doesn't hurt either. But when it comes down to defending a city of innocents against ancient weapons, well that's part of what an Assassindoes.]

Miss Ellie,

I'd be satisfied with that as well if I didn't have the creeping feeling that letting the Calamity consume it would just lead us to further troubles. At the time we engaged the Ultima WEAPON, Palitutu presented us with the Engineer, Programmer and Hacker jobs with the goal of subduing and reprogramming the beast, as she explained it. At that point Mister Strife took control of it as a Magitek Knight and used it against the invading Imperial forces.

The WEAPON's attack coincided with but was separate from that invasion. Plus there was the questionable but effective choice of using the crystalized Heroes as bait.

We managed to end the engagement with minimal loss to the city, but shortly thereafter we found ourselves thrust back in time. In the time we were absent from the present, Palitutu showed her true colors and escaped to the Empire with the Ultima WEAPON in tow.

Apparently the newcomers from Mysidia kept watch over us while we were in crystal stasis during our slow trip back to the present. A number of their own, as well as Kalki, were lost to Palitutu's attack.

Myself, I will believe Kalki is dead when I see the body.

Yours,
Mary Read

Mary,

Feelings are not to be confused with reality. If we must focus on any weapon, it would be the one she already has. She's already used it to force us into submission, threatening to destroy an entire town. It seemed a bluff to me, but either way, it was not a bluff we could afford to call.

How large is the Ultima Weapon? Something like that cannot be easy to hide. Personally I believe her possession of this weapon is far more troubling than the one that remains buried.

~Ellie

Miss Ellie,

I do not disagree with you on your assessment. My intent is more to act in order to prevent her from acquiring a second one. And as much as I'd hate to see it put to use it may be the only weapon we have against the one she has.

It is a rather large construct, much like the Behemoths on the far western continent. The last known location of the Ultima Weapon was the Imperial Capital, which is now consumed by the Calamity. If she did move it I have no information in that regard yet. I will see if I can uncover anything though just so we can be thorough.

Yours,
Mary Read

[He's always one to address depending on which alter-ego Mary/James wants to use, out of politeness if nothing else.]

James Kidd,

I was otherwise occupied when the Ultima WEAPON was baited and apparently 'tamed' only to then have been stolen out from under us in the wake of Kalki's time-warp. It then proceeded to destroy yet more of Aqures, and I'm informed that it even attacked a significant portion of the stronghold at Esdham on its retreat.

Needless to say, I'm keen to offer any assistance I can provide in subduing this similar WEAPON before it too might end up stacked against us.

I'm not sure if others from my home world might have replied already, but there is an interesting correlation that needs must be considered. As was demonstrated previously, WEAPON are attracted to the Calamity --or traces thereof-- which seems to suggest their function is the same; to purge it from this world.

That in mind, I might suggest that the Calamity itself might trigger the dormant machine, as it draws closer. Or indeed, those Heroes who still hold a portion of the Calamity within themselves might not be the most suitable for any expedition in its direction.

~Sephiroth

Sephiroth,

I was likewise busy elsewhere during the engagement, but as I understand it, it was one of your world's own who played a major part of subduing the creature before Palitutu's betrayal. He and the others who fought against it deserve more thanks than they likely received for the risk they put into what they did.

But I've seen you fight before and I would be very happy to have you along should things go south. I am concerned that left alone, the WEAPON will either awaken and become a new threat, or worse the Calamity may find some way to gain control of it.

If you are concerned about your own crystal causing it to awaken, I am willing to take that risk. We may need to keep you a safe distance away, but I'd rather have your blade on hand than not at all.

Yours,
James Kidd

James Kidd,

Indeed. Cloud proved himself stronger that day than he probably allows himself to take credit for. Especially given the events since, concerning Moggle Mog, in particular.

Capable as I might be in combat, being willing to take such a risk is bold but I'm fairly sure there will be an over abundance of others with differing opinions. They wouldn't be wrong in their concerns, either. I find I'm lacking for patience in open debates, lately.

If we could try to find a way to know, for sure, one way or the other before approaching the area it would be best. Who knows, perhaps awakening it would have to form some part of the plan.

Presuming you do have a plan?

Regards,
~Sephiroth

Sephiroth,

I don't have a plan at this time beyond what I've just said but I plan to speak to some others about this. I also plan to gather as much information as I can before we go.

Any input, advice or opinions you wish to offer are welcome. Even if we need to keep you away from the WEAPON I will still favor your patient opinion over anyone who wishes to act rashly. At the same time we're running low on time and I believe that the cost of inaction is greater.

But I do agree that awakening it may need to be something we'll need to do in order to destroy it completely. I dislike it, but it makes it no less possible.

In any case, I shall keep you abreast of the decisions that are made.

Yours,
James Kidd

James Kidd,

I don't believe you're wrong, personally the Achilles is determining which exact-direction requires which exact-action to be put in first, if you take my meaning.

Count me in, at the very least should I not prove to be instrumental in the execution I you can always come to me for an opinion.

Regards,
Sephiroth

[Saori quickly replies and let Brigid directly deliver it.]

My Dearest Mary,

Of course I'll be there when the time comes on both counts. While letting the Calamity take the WEAPON has appeal, I think we might sleep better if we know it's dismantled beyond repair.

Speaking of the Assassin Brotherhood, I had an idea in mind I'd like to bring up when we all meet.

Yours Truly,

Saori

P.S. I must apologize to both you and Bonnie. It seems Aoi has a habit of sneaking over to your house from time to time.

Saori,

It's quite alright. Aoi has been pleasant company and I must admit that it's amusing when she manages to sneak up on Bonnie.

That's mean, kupo!

In any case, I look forward to hearing your idea though I should remind you that you will likely need to convince Malik as well.

I look forward to our next date, though this is not the letter in which to discuss such matters.

Yours,
Mary

Mary,

I'm not too worried. I think he'll like it very much.

Of course. I'll send you another letter later.

Yous,
Saori

P.S. Bonnie, think of it as training in evasion and watching your surroundings! Just no knife practice on her, please.

Saori,

I look forward to it.

Yours,
Mary

PS: I guess I could do that. And I promise I'll try not to hurt her. But she does keep using her own claws.

[Malik's handwriting is a graceful loop when he gets his own response back with Bonnie.]

Mary,

This means I have to make a speech, doesn't it?

-Malik

Mentor,

If you feel the need. Did Mentor Altair make you do the same in your own period?

Yours,
Mary Read

Only when he needed me to.

-Malik

Mentor,

So more often than you liked, then. I would not wish him to come to this world, but all of this has given me the faint hope of meeting some of the Brotherhood's past.

Our times are different, but the prejudices and problems persist. But the Brotherhood has done a lot to help. And it gave me a chance to do far more than I could have on my own, all without judging me for who I was born as.

So thank you for everything you've done.

Yours,
Mary Read

Mary,

You more have Maria to thank for that than me, to be truthful. She put Altair and myself in the dirt enough times to beat it out of our heads to underestimate anyone regardless of their sex.

There have been other women in our history who have risen to greatness. Cleopatra's poisoner was of our Egyptian cousins for one, and I am sure there are more after my time and yours as well. You are among good company I think, regardless of what anyone has told you previously.

Still getting used to being called Mentor,
Malik

Malik,

I'm sorry. I can just call you by your name if you prefer.

And to be fair, I kept company with a fair deal of scallywags. Of the many men I spent my years with only a small handful were worthy of introducing to the Brotherhood. One of them even had a natural inclination to expanding his senses as in Altair's fabled 'Eagle Vision'.

But as for myself, I am proud to be a part of this all. Even if most folk will never know, I'm glad to have had the chance to fight for freedom and make something more of myself.

Forgive me, I could write about this for as long as I'm permitted. If there is anything you think we will need for our gathering please let me know. I shall also see to my own connections to see if we can gather any more information regarding the WEAPON, but that will take some time.

Yours,
Mary Read

Mary.

Unless it is something official, I would prefer it for the time being.

Have you been formally recognized as a Master Assassin? If not it is high time it was done.

-Malik

[Tazim will comment that "He was grinning about something, Kupo." and look mildly concerned about it upon delivery.]

[It's a good thing that Malik isn't there to see her as she reads the letter. She's at least spared that indignity.]

Malik,

No, I haven't. There was no need to do so and I was still fairly new to the Brotherhood compared to others training under Ah Tabai, my mentor back home. I suppose if I had survived my imprisonment I may have been granted the honor, but the rescue came too late. Still, it was good in my final moments to know help was sent.

But that's another world. This world, for all the pain it has put us through, has given me the chance at a new life and I plan to make the most of it.

Yours,

Mary Read

Mary,

It is time that was rectified. You are deserving of the title even if it comes later than it should have.

-Malik

Malik,

I am honored. As for the others, I believe that there should be some consideration given to their own time and actions here in this world should you see fit of offering them ranks of their own. While they may be new to the Brotherhood, 'Novice' might be a bit underwhelming of a title considering all we have been through.

Something to consider, but I will bend to your judgement.

Yours,

Mary Read

[The letter is hand-delivered by Mimi.]

Mary,

The biggest problem with racing Palitutu to the WEAPON is her ability to disable our jobs. I can always bypass that with a giant airship, but we may have to take Kalki's word and use the Crystal Knight Job to make sure we can still fight.

I'm all for taking the WEAPON for ourselves, but I don't want to make the mistake of playing into her hands again.

-Ales

Mister Ales,

Thank you for bringing up that subject. That capability of hers is not something I'd soon forget but it's worth bringing up when we meet in person. Anyone we have capable of using that job we should certainly bring along if we can.

However, while it would be a potent addition to our arsenal I worry that the Sage's vision, as questionable a future as it may be, gives doubt that we are as a group worthy of being trusted with its power.

More matters to discuss, to be sure.

Yours,
Mary Read

Dear Mister Kidd:

I must say, that if you have need of assistance, I am most pleased to offer sword and spell in your endeavor. I have been growing bored with my life in the city, and it may well be that the Calamity or your activity would attract the interest of Palitutu. Shoudl my talents be welcome, I would join you.

Yours sincerely,
Tazendra Lavode, Baroness Daavya

Baroness Tazendra,

Your offer of assistance is well appreciated. You are more than welcome to join us on this endeavour and once I have more specific information to offer you will be sure to receive it.

Yours,
James Kidd

Dear James Kid:

Until you have more information then. I am looking foreward to it!

Yours Sincerely,

Tazendra Lavode, Baroness Daava

Kidd,

I would be happy to assist with locating the Diamond WEAPON. However, the question remains what exactly we should do with it. Destroying the WEAPON might be the safest option in that it would be permanently out of Palitutu's hands, but keeping it for ourselves could present an advantage.

Of course, should we attempt that, we'd need as many Hackers as possible to pacify it. As I recall, we needed a dedicated team to gain control of the Ultima WEAPON while another engaged it in battle. We also won't have "Jessie's" help this time.

-Jade

Jade,

I agree that both options have merit but I have my concerns that about the Sage's vision. While we cannot trust everything in it, the fact that at least a few of our number saw fit to direct its power towards a civilian population is disconcerting. Even people who are noble under most circumstances can be bent by the possession of enough power.

I will however take the suggestion of having hackers on hand under consideration.

Yours,
James Kidd

Kidd,

I'll be willing to lend whatever aid I can to ensure it ends up no danger to us. Given the destruction the Ultima Weapon is capable of, I'd sooner see it destroyed, but I realise others may see some benefit in keeping it. I suspect destroying it would be no easy task, in any case.

- K'pandolu Tohka

Miss Tohka,

Thank you very much for your offer of aid. There are a good many who wish to come help with this and all the hands we can get are welcome. Likewise I suspect destroying it will be difficult, and I can't help but fear we'll have to activate it to do so.

But better we do something now than simply wait and hope nothing ill comes to bear.

Yours,
James Kidd

Kidd,

I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure we'll appreciate them when the time comes.

That would stand to reason, much as I dislike it- whatever defences it has are surely heightened when it is inactive. Perhaps there's a way to lower them more, if we can get at it… But that's simply speculation, for now.

I agree. "Victory favours the bold", after all.

- K'pandolu Tohka

Dearest Mary,

You know I am yours in any capacity ~

Seriously, though. I'm happy you found me a good candidate after all. Travel is no issue, I'll be at your meetings. Diamond WEAPON is a pain in the ass, but it isn't impossible to take down -- we've done it before. Just let me know what you need.

Also -- if any of my letters appear to have been opened, you have full permission to punish my moogle as you see fit. He is too curious for his own good.

Yours,

Reno

[If nothing else, perhaps the fear of another Hero will keep Sohma in line.]

Reno,

Your letters arrived unharmed. Still, while I do not have the same enemies in this world as I did at home finding our correspondence opened may be something more worthy of concern than simply blaming a moogle. We don't know what lengths that certain people like Palitutu or the Cult of Naranaya would go to. Or unknown foes besides.

I look forward to seeing you. It's been far too long since we last had the chance to chat. Saori will be there as well in case you wish to ask her about which pages we've been able to make use of.

Yours,
Mary Read

Mary,

Not that I'm not concerned about them -- but the difference is, if it's a true threat, he'd tell the truth. Or the letter won't arrive.

If it's him, he'll try to lie. Poorly. It's pretty awkward to watch.

Glad to hear you've been able to enjoy the book, though. Maybe I will ask her about it.

-- Reno

[At the bottom, Reno has drawn a smiley face.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

LETTER TO ALL - Diamonds may not be forever

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I think you mean you faced and ShinRa defeated :P

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