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More memories from the Candle were tickling the back of his mind, wanting his attention, and yet, somehow, Hector could already tell that there wasn’t much of substance there. Rumors and mentions of the name. People hypothesizing. But nothing concrete. Nothing like this meeting here, right now, with Zirat.

Garovel took the opening in the conversation to interject again. ‘You and the Void are enemies, then?’

At that, Zirat actually took a long pause. His gaze drifted toward the ground, and he clicked his tongue. Or Caster did.

Agh, this was confusing.

“...As much as I wish for it not to be so,” said Caster, “yes. I do not think I can formulate an argument wherein the Void might be considered our ally.”

‘So the tales about him rending you from existence...?’

“Ah. Largely true, yes. And I say ‘largely’ only because I’ve heard a few that grew to be quite outlandish.”

‘Why did he do it?’ said Garovel. ‘It’s said that he used to be one of you. That he had quite a warm relationship with all of you, even.’

“A good question,” said Caster. “He was always an enigma among enigmas. Truly, only he would be able to tell you what he was thinking--and even that might be debatable.”

That sounded like bullshit, too, Hector felt.

And perhaps Caster could read that feeling in his aura, because after a moment, he kept going. “...However, I believe he thought that we were abusing our power over this world.”

Hector saw the opportunity and took it. “Were you?”

A heavy silence arrived.

Hector just waited, though. Calm. Attentive. How were you going to answer, Primordial?

“...Perhaps,” said Caster.

“Or perhaps not?” said Hector.

Caster chortled. “Just so, yes.”

“I’m afraid that’s not good enough this time,” said Hector. “Answer clearly and honestly, please. Were you guys abusing your power back in those days?”

Caster sighed. “Let me put it this way: I do not think we were abusing our power, but I can also understand why he thought that we were.”

Hmm. Still not enough. “Why do you say that?” said Hector. “Give me an example.”

“Hmph. Quite disagreeable, aren’t you? Fine.” He paused for a moment, apparently thinking. “Ah. Here’s one that should feel quite relevant. You are familiar with Azai, I assume?”

‘Of course,’ said Garovel. ‘Goddess of Sand.’

“Do you know her other two titles?” said Caster.

‘Reputation and Thirst.’