As straightforward as the explanation seemed, Nigredo only grew more discontent. The one logical reason for choosing an alias was to protect themselves from the U.R.T.V. project and its reputation. According to the many notes and patient gossip, however, they were in a world beyond the Galaxy Federation Government's reach. Why would a name like Rubedo matter to anyone beside themselves?

Whatever. Rubedo's name was Rubedo's business. Nigredo had no intention of probing further. "Still. I'd rather not be the one to tell him," he replied, "especially since he's your friend." The boy smiled, or more accurately, quirked one corner of his lips. It felt a little bland, even for a stoic such as himself. "And you better talk to him soon. Sora seemed pretty taken aback that his own brother didn't know." He probably figured this out already, but a reminder couldn't hurt.

When the suggestion for a new name was posed, the child blinked. He turned to the elder with one eyebrow shot up toward the sky. His expression? Incredulous. The shock wasn't quite on par with what he felt when the cat was set on fire, but nevertheless, Nigredo had to wonder. What, exactly, had possessed Rubedo to come up such a thing?

"You want to name me after the cat?" he asked, completely deadpan.