Heart and soul

[jianai]

[1]
[In order to get better as a pilot and not wreck a mobile suit each time they're piloting, Ren is doing some good old fashioned physical exercise.]

And one, and two...

[Running laps around Alhambra Base - with a lack of haste that'd cause any drill sergeant worth their salt to pop a vein or a dozen. But what's this - 15, 20, 30 laps around the base done, and Ren isn't even sweaty yet.

Comment? Or maybe join in, if you dare?]

[2]
[Some time after the exercise, but directed at whomever seems willing to listen.]

Do you believe in the afterlife?

Comments

[jianai]

I see.

[Ren looks up to meet gazes with Optimus, hands behind their back.]

That belief is close to mine. I know everyone has free will and may act as they wish - but in the end, our actions serve a purpose.

[tillallareone]

Indeed, though some would not know of it even after they have passed. A sad fact of life... or a mercy in some cases. I am curious as to why you had brought this topic up. It is something I was led to believe was not often talked about.

[jianai]

Spiritual matters are very personal. But, considering everything that happened recently, it has got me thinking... you could say that I seek solace in such matters.

If it is not too much, could you tell me about the origins of your kind?

[tillallareone]

I am not sure if I am the best one to speak of this, but I will do my best to answer.

[Optimus chuckles softly... his hand brushing to his chest and pondering if he should...]

In a time before my people walked the surface of Cybertron, there were two. A being of pure hatred and chaos that sought nothing but destruction, the other a force of good that stood against the dark and eventually drove it away. Wounded from his battles, he lapsed into an endless sleep.

His body became a world where life began to birth and thrive, born from the light of his essence. A spark from his flame. He was Primus... he is our god and he is also... our father. All Cybertronians, whether born from the surface of Cybertron or from a small fragment of another's spark carry a piece of Primus with them always.

There are many different tales that branch from this. Some believe that there were Thirteen Original Cybertronians who fought alongside Primus in the battle against the ancient evil. Others who believe that it was not the injuries that sent Primus into an eternal slumber but one of the five beings he had split himself into - an aspect of death who had gravely injured not only Primus himself before being defeated, but the beings that represented wisdom, intelligence and adaptability.

Whichever interpretation is true I am not sure... all I know... all I feel is that he is there, watching over our kind - all our mistakes and successes, our cruelties and kindnesses and would open his hands to us regardless to welcome us back.

To where all are one.

[jianai]

[Ren listens to the storytime with an expression of polite interest.

When Optimus is done, for a while there is no response but silence. Yet, finally...]

I felt enriched and, you could say, honored to hear this.

I am really happy for you.

[tillallareone]

[Had Optimus a visible mouth he would be smiling.]

It is... the first occasion I have ever spoken at length of Primus. Most would have simply written it off as baseless superstition.

I am glad that you do not see it as such.

[jianai]

Do not judge, lest you be judged. I too believe in many things others would decree just a superstition.

Optimus... may I call you that? Optimus? I'm sorry if I cross any lines. Anyway, I have never heard of a robotic civilization created in such a way.

I am relieved.

[tillallareone]

A wise statement. Life can come in many shapes and forms and from many different origins. It simply... is.

[jianai]

Today, I have learnt that having a soul is not limited to organic beings. I should be grateful for helping expand my horizons.

[tillallareone]

I believe that the capacity for a soul isn't restricted simply by how or what a being is... but something more simple. The ability to feel, to acknowledge the existence of others, to be able to form bonds for better or worse.

[jianai]

That's a very noble definition. But I can't agree with it.

While it's true for almost every sentient being that they have a soul, and can form bonds with other beings, there are some that were born - no, they were made to be explicitly soulless, on purpose.

I know that because me and my kin are as such.

[tillallareone]

... Perhaps...

[Optimus shakes his head though.]

While that may seem to be the case, and what you believe...

Perhaps when you and your fellows were created you could be judged as such. However when I speak to you now, I know that there is a kind soul who would do everything in their power to defend those who cannot defend themselves and open their heart to those even I would be unsure of.

[jianai]

Thank you. I really mean it - I'm so happy to hear this, especially coming from you, Optimus.

But it's the fact. I know that my psychic powers could never be compatible with a soul. This is a reason why I was made soulless, it was not out of my creators' sense of malice. It's not something that saddens me.

I was simply born this way. I came to accept it a long, long time ago.