Welcome to Gaia! ::

"It…is not that there is no compassion," he said thoughtfully. "It is just that we are…taught that even in the face of strife, you must be resilient. We have emotions, and compassion, but we are also driven. But we are more loyal to our own kind than that of others. It is easier to love amongst ourselves than it is to love an outsider. Barnaby," he gestured to the bear, "Despite it all, would be accepted as a tool. Not unlike a hammer or nail. For the pets…"

He shrugged; it seemed to be a difficult concept for him. "That is too complicated. I do not understand how that works. You are different creatures who cannot communicate. You are manipulating the creature's natural tendencies to be more in line with your own. You 'domesticate' it. It is the same as slavery." His voice turned dark, as though the word itself was some sort of poison. He had not seemed comfortable when she spoke of it, and it seemed to leave him agitated and on edge.

"I know there are evils other than the Negaverse. I have seen them. On this planet, and on others. Many others. But the Negaverse is among the cruelest, make no mistake. When you are consumed with—plagued with—Chaos like that, you cannot see a difference between good and bad. There is simply the will of Metallia. There is little room to change, or learn, or improve."

He fell quiet for a second and seemed to be trying to calm himself.

"…But you do seem like very social creatures. I suppose it would be difficult to deny the company of even a lesser creature when you are truly lonely. Perhaps it is not unlike what I have done."

Caedus glanced up at her and shook his head. “No, I am sorry. I am fine. I have had many years to dwell on things. Perhaps my reactions are inappropriate. Either way, it is something I am passionately against. But I do not know enough about Earth culture to fairly judge your relationship with other creatures.”

He shifted positions and made himself more comfortable as he returned to her question.

“I do not believe Metallia is the cause of all Chaos, merely a single incarnation of it. She seems to have sunk her claws into this planet, this corner of the Universe, but there are others. Darker, greater things that sleep and wait and destroy. Chaos comes in many forms, unfortunately. I hope Metallia is the worst that you face, and I hope that you can destroy her.”

"All things can be destroyed," Caedus said; he sounded convinced. "I do not know how it will be accomplished, but I can only assume that you are all here for a purpose. I know that you will not be able to defeat her if you are divided, but I an only hope that you will find some way to work together. I wish I could advise you, but..."

He seemed to sigh. "...Sometimes it is only through great strife and loss that people can overcome their differences and work together. I hope things do not get so bad before you are able to work together."

Caedus nodded. “You do not need to thank me. Thank you, Hugbell. If you continue to look at things with hope, I have faith that you will persevere. But I am worried that it is getting late. You should go home and rest. But,” he seemed to smile though it was hidden in the shadows of his hood, “You are welcome back any time you like. I have enjoyed our conversation. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Or just talk, should the mood strike you.”