[ The odd thing is that Izana would have been... grieved, yes, but also relieved, to know for certain that Machina had crystallized in Orience. Not because he wanted his brother to stop living, not at all. But because he wanted his brother to stop hurting, and he is hurting, for having a Focus that puts him up against those he least wants to hurt.

But Ace's words confuse him all over again. ]

You just said that... you left him behind? That he and Rem were safe.

[ But he was there at the end.

Izana takes a deep breath-- then promptly hisses, because that's still not a very great idea. Shakes his head, he's fine. ]

He wasn't alone because you chased him away, I don't think. He's stubborn, and he wouldn't have gone if you'd been trying to do that. I know that. But I think...

[ The rain is easing up again, at least? Not stopping, but it's not trying to drown them. Izana's hand finds its way to Chichiri's side, petting the wet plumage absently. ]

He said that my record for that day was sealed. The orders for me to go find you. That's not normal. Nor is it normal for the locked information to be told to family by somebody high up.

I meant to ask him more about how that happened, back when he first told me, but then there were the eggs, and I didn't think it would be too urgently important. But I think he was set up against you. Using me. Using you.

That's why I don't think it's your fault. Because I know my brother.

[ Or he did. Now his brother is beyond him and he can't begin to grasp him, in some way. ]