Quote Originally Posted by Hezzlocks View Post
Yeah I may very likely be wrong about what I said, but yet this doesn't actually quite disprove the existence of Zodiark after the 8th calamity. We know the Ascians intend to sacrifice much of the life on the Source to Zodiark so that he can bring their brethren back. Its quite possible that the apocalyptic future is part of the process of sacrificing to Zodiark. It could also be a result of the war against Hydaelyn, which would be in full effect once Zodiark was free.
Lives aren't being sacrificed in the dark future, they've been killed by the Black Rose. It's explained when Urianger describes his "vision" (ie. relaying the Exarch's account of history from what is still our future, but his past) in 'Unto the Truth' - the "passive polarity" aspect of the gas reacted with the influx of passive-aspected aether from the First, driving it to spread far beyond its initial use on the battlefield. Vast numbers of the population die, the ground is poisoned, and the survivors go to war over what little remains.

We don't know if the Ascians can "sacrifice" what's already dead, but I would assume not.