Work Text:
Kefka was glad the emperor thought he was the most suited for the initial infusion program. Even if the emperor hadn't approached him, Kefka would have found some way to put his name forward anyway -- he had always been fascinated with the creatures from the other world, with the whole idea behind the magitek program. He could see that Leo's interest was piqued as well, but Leo was too cowardly to step boldly into the unknown, to see the rules of the world changed. But Kefka wasn't.
The infusions are painful. Like lightning under his skin. Like ants, crawling and crawling, every minute of the day and night. But through all the pain and fog, sometimes Kefka has a moment of clarity, where the clouds clear and he feels like he can touch heaven and the ground simultaneously.
Through the pain, Gestahl watches his progress, satisfied but also with a look of pity. No, not pity, or guilt either, but more the resigned sigh of an engineer who wakes up one morning to find their most handy tool has broken. "Your loyalty will be rewarded, Kefka," he promises.
Loyalty, he says. Kefka feels his lips curve up into a smile.