In Zanarkand

Ingrid stood quiet, waiting for someone to come up with a plan.

"Let's not rant about manipulating the government of a strange, unknown, much more advanced city so loud, okay? In any case, to do that, we'd have to know the first thing about the government, which we don't."

Ingrid let out a sigh, they were getting nowhere at a snail's pace.

"Find out?"

"From what, the information center?"

*An old man steps out of a nearby shop & looks at them.*

Maechan<Hello. Would you like to know the history of this lift?>

[I would've suggested a library.]

"Actually, I would appreciate it if you could tell us a bit about this city." Ingrid told Maechan.

Ark: <So again we immediately refuse my idea only to end up doing a variant of it anyway.>

*He shrugs and turns to Maechan to listen to him, crossing his arms.*

Maechan<Zanarkand was founded nearly 7 hundred years ago. Once a small fishing village whose name has been lost to the ages, when Machina became more advanced, it was renamed in honor of Grand Summoner Zanarkand, the man who pulled it out of the dark ages. Today, the Grand Summoner is elected from among the many High Summoners that make up Zanarkand's ruling body. Nonetheless, the current Grand Summoner is a direct descendant of Zanarkand. His name is Yu Yevon. His daughter, Lady Yunalesca, is a very talented Summoner despite her age, & many believe that she will be the next Grand Summoner, after the retirement of Lord Yevon. Zanarkand also has an illustrious tradition of music....>

"(So I guess we are in the past...but not really, because over half of Spira is missing.)"

Maechan<...In fact, Summoning evolved directly out of music. Ancient musicians of old found that Pyreflies would respond to certain melodies & emotions conveyed through lyrics, & with this, they could direct them to take on specific actions & forms. Still, how summoning became synonymous with the Zanarkand elite is a mystery.>

*He pauses to drink out of a canteen on his side.*

[What if the rest of Spira is only missing to us. And how are we even going to get back to our Spira?]

"Hitomi, dear, you know we can't read minds, don't you? You clearly have something to say."

"N.. No I don't."

Ingrid raised an eyebrow. She looked as deadpan as ever, how could anyone know what was going on in that head of her's.

[Lesbian telepathy.]

Ark: <Tell us more?>

"Don't you start doing it too!"

*She points at Ingrid.*

*Hitomi stares at Luna. Her confusion emphasized by her blinking twice.*

Ingrid blinked as well, "Do what?" She asked a bit confused.

"When you have something to say, you say it, otherwise, we'll never get out of this hellhole!"

"But I didn't have anything to say, I was just thinking to myself..." Ingrid replied.

*As they're getting nowhere, and Maechan is apparently not going to continue Hitomi begins head further into the city.*

"Hey, where are you going?" Ingrid asked, "We still don't really know what is going on here, I don't think it is wise to walk aimlessly."

Ark: <It's almost like you think that'll stop her.>

Ingrid let out a sigh, "I guess you know her better than I do..." She said.

Maechan<...The Grand Summoner resides in the tallest building in Zanarkand, easily visible from any point in the city. It is protected by an unknown number of magic barriers of the summoner's own making, though he traps some of his essence in statues, so that he need not maintain it constantly. The floating pagodas can even repair a barrier in the event that it is broken, without conscious direction from Lord Yevon himself.>

"...You know, I never actually thought about how the religion of Yevon got its name. I knew he was a Saint of Zanarkand who laid down the teachings of how to defeat Sin to Yunalesca before ascending to Heaven, but I didn't know he was the ruler of Zanarkand, & a summoner himself."

*Hitomi's wandering about, looking around and overall looking out of place.*