cracked crown

“For surely a king is first a man. And so it must follow that a king does as all men do: the best he can.” Kurasame Susaya rp blog part of Oriensu

[hieloreaper-blog]

Kurasame sunk back in his chair, holding the right side of of his head. It wasn’t uncommon for him to have headaches, especially with students like the ones in Class 0, but this one was a full blown migraine. What struck him as odd was that the day wasn’t that hard on him. True, the commander had to wake his students up from their mid-lecture naps and Nine was boisterous, but it was no different from any other day. 

The CO sifted through his memories to try and figure out the cause. He was aware he hadn’t gone drinking with his friends the night before, though a certain Akademia scientist slipping a test drug his morning coffee while it was unattended was a definite possibility. Sighing, Kurasame ruled out going to pay him a visit, heading towards the Great Portal with  a worried Tonberry waddling close and headed towards the terrace to clear his head there. 

[machinan-blog]

“Yes…I know who Lord Zhuyu is. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t know him by now.” He always wondered why the l’Cie’s outfit was eerily similar to a cadet uniform. That explained a few things, at least. “But…isn’t he really old? That must mean there was a Class Zero hundreds of years ago, or something.”

His brow knitted together in thought, and he crossed his arms. “From what I heard, Class Zero’s supposed to be the most likely to become Agito. They’re supposed to bring the end of this war. I guess…that means we have a lot to live up to.”

Machina frowned at the mention of the doctor’s name. “But…if she‘s in charge…I don’t think she would’ve wanted Rem and I to join. She…doesn’t seem to like us very much.” Though he had only met her once, it wasn’t a very warm encounter and it left the cadet with a bad taste in his mouth. “She treats Rem and I like…we’re extras, or something. Like we’re unnecessary.”

He took a deep breath and nodded, drinking in his commanding officer’s words. He was right…but for some reason, something just wasn’t sinking right with him. “I suppose.” He ran another hand through his hair. “I guess…for some reason, it just feels like there’s a lot more expectations now. Being a cadet in general always meant we had to bear a lot of responsibility, I know that much, but…with Class Zero…it feels like there’s more.”

[hieloreaper-blog]

“There’s no record of it, at least written, but if you have seen Lord Zhuyu’s cape, it’s more than enough proof don’t you agree?” Kurasame asked, leaning back in his chair.

Machina’s next words made the commander’s brows furrow as well. He didn’t like the responsibility normally shouldered on adults were placed upon children,even more so on Class Zero. It was one of the few instances the former soldier found difficult to explain. Though he was prepared to shoulder the responsibility of a cadet when he was younger, it got harder to watch the cadets now go through it now that he was older.

The fact that Arecia didn’t take a liking to Machina and Rem was not surprising. “I see...”It also wouldn’t be surprising if the other Consortium members had something to do with their sudden transfer for personal reasons but once more Kurasame didn’t want to concern himself in it. They had a habit of being selfish at the worst possible moments and it wasn’t as if the commander held any power over them anyways.

“It’s not just a feeling,Kunagiri. You do have a lot more expectations than any other cadet. Both from me and the Dominion of Rubrum.” He began, his tone beginning to sound a little more nonchalant. “Though, how you choose to live up to that expectation is up to you, after all it’s only the first day.” he continued. Kurasame also had no clue how he would live up to his responsibility as Class Zero’s commander but he was sure he would find his answer just as Machina would find his as a cadet of Class Zero. “Just be sure whatever you choose doesn’t reflect badly on me.”

[destructiveditz]

“Us? We’ve been together for a long time~,” she answered, “Mother brought us together and taught us everything we know.” 

It was obvious some of her classmates had disdain for their new CO. Especially since they never had to take orders from someone other than the archsorceress. They weren’t used to dealing with anyone other than each other and her. 

“Machy and Remski~? I like them~.”

[hieloreaper-blog]

“Is that so.” The CO wasn’t particularly good at conversation, it was easier to do things like lecture because both the teacher and students had parts to fulfill in a talk. In a normal, social one with a student no less, he had to admit it was a little more tricky.

When Cinque has responded again, he was slightly relieved. He didn’t mind that some of the students would hold him in contempt for being a ‘pain in the ass’, Kurasame was worried how having two new peers among them would go. So far, they haven’t been as hostile towards them so he guessed he had nothing to worry about.

“That’s....good to hear, Cinque.” he replied, trying harder than he should again.

[machinan-blog]

“Um…” He absently waved a hand, brushing his cape aside. “I was just wondering if you knew anything about Class Zero - I mean…I’m sure you’re well caught up with the rumours and everything. Seeing that you’re our commanding officer, I figured you’d know a little more about it. Where did it even come from…and why is it so legendary? Who decides who gets to be a Class Zero cadet?”

“Class Zero has always been a myth around Akademeia…and suddenly, they show up out of nowhere.” He paused to brush a hand through his hair. “And…I guess a part of me is still trying to process everything - the fact that I’m part of Class Zero now. It still doesn’t feel real.”

[hieloreaper-blog]

“You’re familiar with Lord Zhuyu, correct? Centuries ago, he was a part of Class Zero as well.” Kurasame started. As far as he knew, the legend started with that particular Primus L’Cie. “Nobody knows exactly how it started and I’m sure he has even lost his memory of it, but he’s the only lead and the start of the legends. But seeing as Class Zero has been rumored to be the strongest class of cadets in Akademia, I suppose it provided a sense of hope to those who had lost it to the might of the Militesi.”

The CO hummed before continuing. “Dr.Arecia Al-Rashia has all of the say of who is assigned to this class and who isn’t. It isn’t much of a surprise, seeing as she has the most affluence of the Consortium to the Director. “ For why, that remained a mystery Kurasame wasn’t concerned enough about to pry into. 

“Whatever the case is, I’m guessing her ‘children’; your fellow classmates have something to do with it’s sudden reappearance. As for you and Tokimiya...I’m sure Dr. Arecia saw it necessary for you both to partake in the class. Just like they will have to adapt, you will have to as well, Kunagiri.”

[machinan-blog]

A wave of relief washed over him when Kurasame affirmed his answer, and Machina nearly sank in his chair - as if the tension within him disappeared and his body was allowed to let loose again. He already showed up to class late; if he got that answer wrong, it would’ve probably made him look even worse.

The rest of the lecture flew by afterwards, and the CO didn’t pick on him again. Before he knew it, the bell rang, and everyone scrambled to leave. Rem told him that she would catch up with him later, for she had a prior commitment with some old classmates from Class Seventh. That left him with an entire afternoon to himself.

He glanced around and noticed that most of his new classmates had already left. He noticed the captain still sitting at his desk, however. The boy raised an eyebrow, suddenly filled with curiosity; maybe Kurasame knew a thing or two about this enigmatic Class Zero.

Without another thought, Machina shouldered his bookbag and headed over to his CO’s desk. He warily eyed the Tonberry, gulping nervously before opening his mouth.

“Sir? Do you have a moment?”

[hieloreaper-blog]

Kurasame had thought everyone had left but one still stayed. Raising his head from the miscellaneous papers, he turned his attention to the new student.

It was a little surprising, to have a student approach him on the first day, though it made sense it was one of the ‘outsiders’ the other 12 claimed him to be. The commander watched with a raised brow when Machina warily looked at his Tonberry, who was rather excited about seeing so many people at once.

“Is there something you’re concerned with?”

[destructiveditz]

“I met her once, she seemed pretty nice~,” Cinque described the incident as she recalled it. “She said something about us not trusting her, but I don’t think it was that. Miss Hanaharu was just really excited to see us.” She idly began to play with her ringlets, looking up at her CO before asking, “How long have you known Miss Hanaharu? Were you two cadets together?”

[hieloreaper-blog]

“We were cadets together. Though we had different classes we spent a good deal of of our free time together.” Kurasame responded. He thought he should asked questions of his own. The commander’s students tended to surprise him and he didn’t know much about twelve of them aside from what Dr.Arecia summarized, doting included.

“What about you and the others? I trust you’re getting along with Machina and Rem as well.”

[machinan-blog]

He heard his name, and his head perked up. He managed to catch the last bit of Kurasame’s request, and he cleared his throat before answering. The eyes of his classmates’ seemed to be drilling holes into him, but he tried not to take too much notice. He was just as good as any of them…maybe.

“Sir. Our crystal, the Vermillion Bird crystal, enables us to harness magic. The White Tiger crystal helps the Militesi Empire create advanced weapons and technology. The Azure Dragon crystal is housed by the Kingdom of Concordia and allows its people to communicate with dragons…and lastly, the Black Tortoise crystal gives Loricans great physical strength and defence.”

He mentally ran through his explanation, hoping he got all of the main points down.

[hieloreaper-blog]

“All are correct.”

So he wasn’t as spaced as he was letting himself on to be. The commander did not pick on Machina too often after, mainly nagging the two he made a rather painful morning for earlier the rest of the lecture.

It couldn’t have been easy for the student to be a new transfer in Class Zero of all places. The other twelve didn’t seem to take too well to outsiders on top of that. They would have to learn to adapt, he supposed. What was key to anything in their current reality was that everyone worked together fluidly and it was also part of Kurasame’s duties to ensure that happened. Once lecture was finished the CO gave his dismissal.

“I have high hopes for you all- do not disappoint me.” he stated, his gaze scanning over the class, especially a select few that included Machina. “and may the Crystal guide you. You are all dismissed.”  He then used the time the class was dispersing to ponder what he should do with the little spare time he had before reporting to Central Command.

[destructiveditz]

Did she hear that right? The Miss Hanaharu? Akademia’s most popular cadetmaster? Cinque was bewildered at this suggestion. Sure, Miss Hanaharu was always nice to number five and the rest of Class Zero, but she always figured it was because they were her friend’s students. 

“Eeeh~? Miss Hanaharu would help Cinquey?”

[hieloreaper-blog]

“…..Trust my word when I say she would love to.” Kurasame replied exasperatedly at the countless memories flooding back. He wasn’t completely annoyed by it; Emina always asked permission before dressing his Tonberry in some doll outfit she came across. The commander knew his friend would enjoy the good company as well. “I think you and her would get along quite well over it.” At least, the CO hoped he was right. Though he was sure his friend would make it a ploy to teach Class Zero in his stead. Even if she was better at being on friendly terms with them, he wouldn’t allow it.

[destructiveditz]

Cinque bounced around in her seat giddily, smiling to the fullest extent her lips would allow. Her mind raced thinking of the creatures she could bring home, but came up blank. She’d definitely be heading to the Crystarium later to take a look at the bestiary.  Nodding to show that she understood the conditions, she gave the CO a thumbs up and a cheesy grin. “You got it! You’ll see! Cinquey’s gonna work extra hard! I’ll probably even make you proud~.”

[hieloreaper-blog]

Kurasame suddenly felt as if he made the right decision when he asked Cinque to sit properly as soon as she started bouncing in her chair in excitement. Suddenly it struck him. Though it didn't sit well with him most of the time, he remembered one of his friends had a penchant for dressing Tonberry up, particularly in frills. Cinque would like that for the pet she choose...right?

“Very well, I look forward to it.” he replied. “If you would like as well, Emina--Miss Hanaharu might be just as thrilled to help you with your new friend.”

[destructiveditz]

“REALLY!?” Cinque squealed, clapping her hands together in excitement. “Oh, Commander! Cinquey promises she’ll do her bestest!”

She was already daydreaming about it. Bringing along her own little creature companion with a red mantle to class. She was sure Queen, her desk mate, would disapprove, but oh well! If she had the CO’s approval, how could she refuse? At this point, her commander’s dark past was nothing but a distant memory and her mind was fixated on the possibility on having a pet of her own. 

“…but what kind of creature is Cinquey allowed to have?”

[hieloreaper-blog]

Not that it was very new to the CO, but she was very keen on the idea. Kurasame wondered if he should allow the class to if they wish under those conditions. After all, he would have  more focused students and Tonberry would have other friends along with Mog.

“You must maintain doing your best in order for it to maintain it’s allowance. “ he stated firmly. “And it must be a creature that grows no taller than Tonberry. Understood?”Surprisingly enough, Kurasame even ended up forgetting the heavy conversation earlier.

[destructiveditz]

“Hey!! Cinquey tries to listen! It’s just that listening for too long makes my brain hurt,” she frowned. “And at least I remember all four crystal-states. I’m not like Ninesy…at least not that much.” It wasn’t a very solid argument, mind, but it was all the tiny ginger girl had to offer. Cinque was very openly known as the class ditz, but that never really discouraged, or stopped, her from being herself.  The cadet’s eyes lit up at this particular story, leading her to emit a tiny coo while she dreamily clasped her hands under her chin. Oh, if only she were allowed to keep pets while growing up—or now. Sure, she could always keep a chocobo at the stables, but it wasn’t the same as having a companion, like her CO’s Tonberry, always at her side.  “….Can I bring a tiny friend to class too!?”

[hieloreaper-blog]

“I’ll give you that.”  Cinque only applied her stubbornness in the battlefield and not in the classroom, something the commander was thankful for. But Kurasame made a mental note to try something different with his teaching. He had a tendency to forget when he was a student, he was more concerned with his own aspirations than the lessons, though when he  was accepted into Class First that greatly changed. He also remembered it was because it was taught the same way he was teaching now, though a bit more softer than his commander was on him.

Sighing and giving up on that note, he managed to catch Cinque’s question and hummed in thought. Of course, he wasn't against it, but he wasn’t sure how it would fly with the Akademia’s higher-ups, especially Dr.Arecia, or how much more it would serve to distract. Kurasame was surprised at how the cadet managed to turn the conversation completely around from her original intention, something he was also thankful for.

“Once I see an improvement in attention and a slight improvement in grades...I will allow it.”

[machinan-blog]

This CO didn’t mess around, it seemed.

“Sorry-” Machina scrambled down the steps and slipped into the first seat he saw available, which happened to be across the aisle from Rem. He caught her giggling at him from the corner of his eye, and he rolled his eyes. First day on the job, and he already messed up.

Well, that was going to be the first and last time. He was in Class Zero now. He always took his studies and training seriously, but somehow the vermillion cloak made it different. He couldn’t help but feel like that now…everything counted - not like it didn’t before, but it just felt like that everything really had to be done perfectly this time. An entire country was counting on him to end this war. There was no room for mistakes.

Sighing, he dipped his head slightly. If he was going to live up to Class Zero’s name, he should have at least set an alarm this morning.

[hieloreaper-blog]

Beginning his lecture, the commander made through the aisles and he read from the book. Simple enough and he occasionally had to swat his book in front of the student who seemed to be drifting and give them a warning glare. The new captain had a bad feeling this would become part of his daily routine.

As he made his rounds, Kurasame asked questions. For the first day he decided to make them rather easy and common knowledge questions to gauge everyone and especially picked on the drifters. Machina, the one who turned up late and seemed to be in his own world already, seemed like a good first pick.

“Kunagiri, tell me the four crystals abilities in one sentence each.”

[destructiveditz]

“But you’re the commander of legendary Class Zero~,” she replied cheerfully, tapping her toes on the floor, as she began to perk up. “Just because the Icy Reaper can’t show off his skills on the battlefield doesn’t mean he can’t teach us a thing or two.”

Her gaze drifted over to Kurasame’s hand patting the top of Tonberry’s head. She had an idea of how the two came to be partners, but being as curious as she was, Cinque needed to know more. 

“How did you come across TonTon?”

[hieloreaper-blog]

“That is, if you, Nine, Cater, and Sice would listen through lecture.” Kurasame added, thankful for his mask hiding a small smile.  The commander scratched under the small creature’s chin. Hard on the class he may be, he still thought each of them had more value than mere pawns of war.

The former soldier took his hand away from his little friend, pulling it’s cape on it’s back and allowing him to nap longer. “I came across him during a mission to earn my place in Class First. He was taking care of someone and while me and a comrade were gathering intelligence we decided to help him take care of that person.” Kurasame leaned back in his chair, still not making eye contact. “We didn't get along at first, but we ended up becoming friends. Unfortunately, he lost that person during the mission, so he came back to Rubrum with me.” At least the story was a bit more light-hearted this time.

[machinan-blog]

He blinked wordlessly at the double oak doors for a moment before drawing in a sigh. The small, but lavishly decorated, hallway was a lot…redder, than the hallway to his old classroom.

Rem reminded him not to be late today, as it was their first official day as Class Zero cadets…but of course, his nervousness kept him up late last night and he spent an extra few minutes sleeping in this morning. He managed to get here on time, but apparently Rem had already gone inside without him. He couldn’t help but roll his eyes - so much for doing this as a team. He was going to get her for that.

He sucked in another breath and reached for the brass door handles, gulping as the cool metal came in contact with his palms. He was sweating…but why? He wasn’t this nervous when it was his first day in Class Second. What was so different this time?

Oh, maybe it’s the fact that you’ve just been inducted into a class that you thought was a rumour until now. You’re now part of something legendary.

Right. That was it.

The red cloak sitting on his shoulders suddenly felt a thousand times more heavy.

“Get it together.” He muttered to himself, and without another moment’s hesitation, he pushed the doors to his new classroom open.

[hieloreaper-blog]

The first day of class was going rather smoothly.  Kurasame did have to put a few nay-sayers in their place, but one of two new cadets was on time and standing close behind him. Suddenly it dawned on the commander. Surely the boy of the two couldn't have gotten cold feet.

Not wanting to waste any time, he began his introduction. The captain supposed Kunagiri’s intro could wait. But just as he thought that, the doors opened to reveal the person of interest.

“I would like to also introduce you to Rem Tokimiya and Machina Kunagiri; your new fellows classmates.” he stated, not bother to wait for Machina to take his place besides Rem.

[destructiveditz]

She listened intently as the Icy Reaper told his story. In fact, this may have been the most she had ever listened to him at all. It was no secret Cinque often took naps or kept herself busy daydreaming during Kurasame’s lectures. Still, hearing the words come from him only reassured her that the story was indeed a tragedy.   Cinque remained silent several moments after he finished speaking, letting the information process. Turquoise irises directed themselves up at her commander, filled with a hint of sadness and sympathy. Nervous, she tapped her index fingers together, mustering up the courage to give her response.  “Well, Cinquey thinks she had to have been kind to save you like that,” she began, “I’m sure she cared about you too, and maybe she saw that you could do great things one day!”

[hieloreaper-blog]

Once he was finished with what he had to say, it was unnervingly quiet again. It was also nerve-wracking that this was the longest he had spoken without having to swat the desk in front of Cinque to get her to wake up or snap out of her daydreams. He didn't want sympathy, he’s never asked for it and certainly not from his students. But the ginger-haired girl looked at him with that exact sentiment. Suddenly feeling defensive he  looked away, more specifically at his tonberry.

“I don’t know about that. My wounds from that day forced me to retire from the battlefield. I can’t do much besides a commander’s duties and that’s why I’m here now.”

Kurasame often wondered if his friend would be proud of him, of the decision she made. The commander made it a point to visit hers and the two others graves often because of this question. He gently pet the top of tonberry’s head pensively. He had to admit he was being a little pessimistic even though he was just given comforting words.

“Thank you, though.” 

[destructiveditz]

Cinque let her head hang in defeat upon hearing his conditions. She wasn’t particularly upset about not saying anything to the moogle, but she was in disagreement with having to get up from her seat on the desk. Begrudgingly, she hopped down from her spot, grabbed a chair from the corner and sat it, along with herself, down in front of Kurasame.  “Okay, now that I did the first part, Cinquey now promises that I won’t say anything about this to Class Fourth’s moogle.” She then proceeded to raise her right hand, as if she were taking a sacred oath. “Cadet’s honor!”

[hieloreaper-blog]

“Alright then.” He replied, nodding in acknowledgement. Where should he begin? Though he remembered very, very, small fragments of the time before he was betrayed, he could only remember what he had written in blood. It pained him. Despite the fact that the reason for the memory erasure was the Crystal’s way of eliminating a loss of morale, it was what little memory that kept him pushing forward, even as a cadet himself. 

“Her name was Miwa.” he began, his brow furrowing once more. “She used to be a cadetmaster for the Akademia.” Kurasame searched the fragments of his memories. “That day, when we were betrayed by our friend....I remember her collapsed in front him. When I rushed to see what had happened....” he held his mask,as if to touch the scars he had gotten from then.  “He struck me as well. With him sharing my strength, sharing Miwa’s strength, it wasn’t easy. After the battle, I was expecting to die with them, or had hoped at least she chose to save herself. Instead....it was me that she chose to save. I don’t know why, but she had to be a kind person to do so, I think.” he continued on rather awkwardly. Kurasame had read his own message over and over once he recovered enough to walk back then, even to a point of worrying the two close to him that remained. But as soon as it was instilled in his mind, he wiped away the written part. 

[destructiveditz]

Being the epitome of the word ‘unprofessional’, Cinque plopped herself onto the commander’s desk, figuring she’d more than likely be there awhile.  “Soooo I was talking to Class Fourth’s moogle,” she began while idly twirling one of her ringlets between her fingers, “and ze was telling me all about your days as one of the Four Champions of Rubrum! Ze said that the girl was in hir’s class and always wanted to ask you about her. Ze also said that you were kinda scary to talk to…but not to Cinquey so here I am! I want to know more about it~.” Perhaps she shouldn’t have been so…brash about the subject, but that was Cinque. No filter, no manners, not much of anything to coerce her into holding her tongue more often. 

[hieloreaper-blog]

Kurasame raised his hand to stop her from sitting in such a manner on his desk, but just as quickly gave up and sighed when Cinque began her inquiry. However, the commander’s brow unfurrowed when she brought up ‘the girl’. 

The mentioned girl’s name popped in his mind, but her features were still clouded to him. Clasping his hands together in his chair, he paused in thought before replying. “Very well. I will tell you what I remember, it’s not much of a secret now, apparently. On two conditions. The first, you must get a chair and sit and face me properly. The second, you must absolutely keep this from the Class 4 Moogle. Ze should worry about the students now, rather of the past.”

As if he was one to talk, giving a silent apology to his dead friends. Though he accepted, this was going to be a daunting talk.