In which Ion is Colette and Martel's lesbian lovechild

[positiveion]

[Ion touches the crystal in his chest, calmly explorative. It was kind of Zelos to rescue him once again that way, and he really is glad to have met such a nice person. Though now he is left alone with Jade. This doesn't bother Ion in the least, save for the concern he feels at perhaps having done something to trouble the colonel. He hadn't considered the inconvenience to Jade when he'd volunteered to take the place of those less willing. It simply seemed more practical--his 'mana signature' as they'd called it had appeared a good match, and Ion's life was worth considerably less than the lives of the others who had gone free in exchange.]

[It just made sense.]

[But he also realizes that it is something he now must live with, and in that way it is something Jade must live with.]

I'm sorry for being impulsive, Jade.

[Even if he would do it again. It is his nature to be unable to turn a blind eye to those in need.]

Comments

[clinical]

Please tell me how this occurred, Fon Master. [It's Ion. Jade is more deferential to him. He also has this vague hope that it wasn't something incredibly stupid and Luke-worthy that led to this moment, but he isn't that hopeful. He sets down a glass of water for Ion, because water cures everything and he'll make tea later.]

[positiveion]

[You know that suicidal need to protect others before themselves, Jade? You might want to check that in your Replica formula. Ion takes the water and takes a sip.]

Thank you.

[And then holds it in his lap as he calmly begins to relate the story. There's not much to it.]

I volunteered in place of those who were not willing but would have been made to otherwise.

[And that really about sums it up!]

[clinical]

I see. [He doesn't need to see more. His disapproval is as obvious as it is terse. Jade nods to the exsphere.] What do you know about it?

[positiveion]

[Ion lowers his eyes, dismayed to upset Jade yet not about to repent his actions. He believes he did the right thing, even if he is sorry it brought trouble.]

They told me very little, directly. It is my surmise that it feeds on me in some fashion and gains and distributes power in that way. Something like a capacity core with a drawback and greater benefits.

fun fact: playing Abyss after Symphonia, I automatically assumed capacity cores were evil

[clinical]

It likely wasn't designed for a body that incorporates fonons. [Scolding, yup. Now how can he read this? There's not much. Blood fonon count will be the big one.} I'll need to take a blood fonon count sample more frequently. [It's difficult at this point. If he could get that crystal out of Ion to inspect, he could probably get more done.]

Hahah I always thought Ion would be evil...

[positiveion]

[Ion accepts his scolding because Jade only scolds people he likes.]

I understand. Is there anything I can do?

Re: Hahah I always thought Ion would be evil...

[clinical]

Don't use any of your artes. If it works similar to a capacity core, it will have an effect on them. We can do some tests on its effects later.

[Tests under Jade's careful eye. Ion won't die again. Jade won't allow it.]

Are you aware of any others who have had something like this implanted? A control without your anomalies would help.

[positiveion]

[It's funny but the thought that he was already dead was one of the reasons Ion decided to step forward. Why hurt those with a future when there's a perfectly usable person without one? He nods again, silently affirming that he won't use his artes.]

I don't know if he would be willing, but Zelos. If there are others I haven't met them or wasn't aware.

[clinical]

[Seriously need to work on the suicidal gene in that replica coding.]

[But Jade had noticed Zelos's Crystal, and he had wondered.]

Well, he appears not to have come to any obvious harm. I'd like to do a brief check up on you regardless.

[positiveion]

Of course. If it helps, I think if my body were going to reject it, it would have happened immediately.

[He can't really describe what it feels like to have this thing attached to him. Almost like... perhaps another creature. But that's not right either. It's part of him for now.]

[clinical]

[Jade sighs, and he adjusts his glasses, and he gets to his feet.] We should head to the basement. I'll take the initial samples.

[positiveion]

[Ion follows, looking up at Jade's back in silent worry. He does feel bad for the stress his actions will add to Jade's workload and perhaps his heart--Ion believes firmly in Jade's capacity to care. But Ion has given his apology and he is practical, there isn't any more to do but deal with what's already in front of them.]

I think I can be of help in keeping record of observations as well.

[clinical]

Can you assure me you will keep a full record?

[This particular party has a bad habit of NOT BRINGING IT UP when they're slowly dying. It's something of a thing. You can understand Jade's need to be certain.]

[positiveion]

[It's not like it's a new thing! Even the Symphonia party members don't mention details like that.]

I'll be as detailed as possible, if that will help.

[clinical]

Thank you for your cooperation, Fon Master. [He gestures to the chair in the basement.] Please take a seat.

[positiveion]

[Ignoring the basement of horrors and doing just that, Ion sits as directed.]

Of course, Jade.

[clinical]

[He takes out something he doesn't get to use all that often: a fonon blood scanner! Sadly, most of his patients don't have fonons. Weirdness.] Excuse me. [Because Jade is super polite as he takes Ion's arm and lets the scanner take a small blood sample.] If it operates in a manner similar to a capacity core, I will be able to set up a monitor for it when we have you test your artes. [It would be better if he had Guy, though. Capacity cores aren't his speciality!]