“Please stand back, everyone,” a WRO soldier said.
“My family is in there. I need to go inside,” R came and talked to him.
“No, it’s too dangerous, sir,” the soldier replied, “Don’t worry. We will take care of it.”
“That’s okay. We’re soldiers too,” P1 stepped on and said, “Here is my diplomatic plate.”
“Right. But it would be best if you stayed back,” the soldier said, “We have a bomb squad. They will come here in 5 minutes.”
“5 minutes?” R shouted, “That extinct guy with his bomb has already been in the Church for a moment. We have no time anymore.”
The soldier intended to say something, but then another soldier appeared. He gasped out: Not good! The bomb squad was stuck in a square. Today is the Christmas Day. They won’t come here soon.”
“Oh! You guys are kidding me!” R was abashed.
…
Meanwhile, the helicopter had just landed on the rooftop of the HQ. “Welcome to the Den, sir, Ma’am!” an officer stepped on G and Materia, “The Council is waiting. Please follow me.”
While moving along the collide, G looked at a white hair Android mannequin. A distant rumble of thunder. He remembered the past...
It was heavily raining. Denzel stood inside his barrack, watching outside with a binocular. Seeing that Emanation was standing in front of water pouring through a tent ceiling, he ordered, “Move forward! Keep watching from there for me.”
G sat inside his barrack drinking wine with Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo. Looking at Emanation standing tall in the rainwater rushing on its head, G left the barrack and stepped on it: “Now that’s a true coolie. Emanation, who gave your name?”
Emanation still kept silent. Feeling offended, G angrily said, “Look at me, freak. Show your identity!”
Emanation slowly turned to look at G. Its eyes were bright inside the blindfold. G felt cold. It said: A Humans scientist created me. He’s my father and named me Emanation. So I am an Android, sir.
G: Yeah! Yeah! I know. I mean… what’s your origin?
Emanation: A Humans scientist created me. He’s my father and named me Emanation. So I am an Android, sir.
G smiled: Okay. I ask you. If an Ancients b*tch makes you, you still serve us with your loyalty, huh?
Emanation: Then… an Ancients scientist created me. She’s my mother and named me Emanation. So I am still an Android, sir.
G gazed at Emanation, then brushed into a laugh: Okay. You little shifty! I think you better kill yourself not to lose your honor.
Emanation’s eyes kept lighting inside the blindfold when looking at G. It said: Sir, I think I won’t do that. I was born to fight and gain victory for my creator. Not be defeated by anyone, even… me. So you better stay out because you're blocking my watching from here, sir.
G couldn't bear it anymore. He punched Emanation's face, but the Android didn’t still move, even its face, while G held his hand and felt hurt.
Right before G punched again, Denzel appeared with Kadaj from the back. He roared, “Hey. What’s going on here?”
“Father, I am teaching this insolent robot,” G said while rubbing his hand.
“No, certainly you can’t,” Denzel said, “This Android is made for defeating the Tyrant Queen only. You better stay out of him.”
“Oh! That’s ridiculous,” G smiled ironically, “They have to make a male Android to defeat a woman only, huh?”
“Yes, they have,” D said, “And you don’t need to show that attitude. From now on, he will be on our team. So you need to treat him as a comrade.”
G: I don’t need a freaky robot to protect me. Even I can defeat that ageless witch by myself.
“Enough!” D said. He turned to see Emanation for a while, then looked at Kadaj and said: Do you really want to replace Emanation for guard duty, Corporal?”
Kadaj: Yes, sir. I feel he is one of my comrades. You’re right that even a robot may have a soul. So I will do him a favor.
Denzel: Right. Go to replace him. Emanation, dismiss. And you, my son, we need to talk. Follow me.
Standing in the pouring rainwater, Kadaj suddenly turned his face to Denzel. He said while grabbing D’s hand: Sir. Hours ago, Emanation showed me the most terrific thing in this forest I have ever seen that makes us strong and invincible.
D: Corporal, you can't rely on a robot for something.
Kadaj: No, you don’t understand. Many of our soldiers have been sick for a long time since we stepped on this place, but Emanation could find a way that brings their life back. I was one of them who got a gift from him. Sir, I think you’re sick. So please come with him and me. I’ll show you his gift for you.
D: Well, I like to get some gifts, but why are you so sure about his gift for me?
Kadaj: There’s something valuable and pure already inside Emanation. It can be connected with magic in this forest, bringing all of us great stamina and everything…
D: Okay. Thanks. But I am completely strong. No need to get any gifts to feel better. Hey… your hand… You’re hurting me…
G saw that Kadaj was grabbing his father’s hand so tight with blazing eyes in the white and cold rainwater. D still kept calm. Looking straight into Kadaj’s eyes, he slowly said: Corporal… Kadaj… Your hand… is grabbing my arm. I am HURT.
Kadaj blinked twice. He got D’s hand off and said while smiling: Oh… I’m so sorry, sir. I didn't mean to hurt you.
“Okay. I’m fine,” D said. He turned to see that Loz and Yazoo had already stood outside their camp and looked at him. They were also smiling.
“Hey. What are you looking at?” G shouted, “Go to sleep. That’s an order!”
After the two soldiers had returned to their camp, Denzel whispered: “What’s wrong with these guys?”
“Sir, due to my bad, I am willing to get a punishment from you,” Kadaj said, “So I think I will stand here till tomorrow.”
“Okay. That’s good,” D said while rubbing his arm. He ordered G, “You. Come with me. Now.”
Kadaj: But I really hope you will rethink that someday, sir.
D smiled ironically: You know, Corporal?! You should have invited me when I was a kid. That means…no. And I hope you can stand there until we all prepare to move next time.
Kadaj still smiled: Right. I’ll remember that.
“Okay, dad. I will come with you.” G told D and turned to see Kadaj, “Sorry, buddy. You deserve to take that.”
After D and G had already been in their camp, D ordered: Show me the map. Mark everything around the church.”
G: Got it!
D: Where’s Emanation?
G: He just returned to his camp. There you can see.
D saw Emanation sitting in a ragged camp, grinding his sword.
D: Today is enough for strange things.
While G was arranging tiny flags put on the map. D told him: Okay. Listen to me. We’re gonna arrest the Tyrant Queen in her church tomorrow. But it is clearly not as simple as it seems. So Emanation will be our plan B.
G: I understand. And I really love your plan B.
D said sternly: No. After she had been down a little bit during the fight, Emanation will arrest her with all his stamina only. We won’t take her down. Remember you have already promised me.
G: Yes, but… come on. Don’t be self-opinionate. Both of us know she won’t ever surrender, especially after our troopers had forced one of her maids in the Cetra village.
D: My fault, son. I thought she had countered and caused harm to them.
G: Definitely not. She had surrendered, but they still wanted to touch her when they tried to burn her house. It would be best if you could have kept your eyes on them.
D: Okay.
G: And last but not least, I heard that they had contacted Kadaj and his friends before going to the village.
D: Okay. However, we still need to stick to the plan.
G: No way. Apparently, the maid’s death made the Tyrant Queen truly go mad and return after years of retirement. Now only God helps us!
D: Still better than her whole nation will go mad if she dies under our hand. Don’t worry, son. She is a Queen but a witch and only human, not a God. So Emanation will be very suitable for this mission.
G listened to the sword-grinding sound re-echoed through the darkness mixing with the sound of the heavy rain. He asked his father: Are you sure that freaky robot will only arrest her? He looks more like a butcher than a soldier.
D: To get a freaky person, you must use a freaky thing.
G: Okay then, I have to tell you the Queen must die one day for the sake of all people.
D: I know. But not tomorrow in a place like a church, and definitely not by us.
G: Why not? We can be heroes on this planet after defeating a final boss like the Tyrant Queen.
D: No. A vengeance will hunt us down then. Our next generation will get retribution. You can’t see it now, but I can.
G writhed: Can’t believe a man standing in front of me is my father. Your mind is so weak, father.
D intended to say something, but suddenly a hologram image of two women just appeared from his phone. “Darling, everything is still okay? How’s our son?” one of them told D
“Marlene,” D whispered
“Hi, mom,” G replied, “Haven’t you gone to bed?”
“Not yet,” Marlene said, “What are you doing? You look… tired and wet.”
“Don’t worry, mom. I am okay,” G looked at her and answered, “Please go back to your bed. You need to care about your health.”
“Marlene, our son is right. Now it is too late. There’s nothing problem here. We are discussing each other about the mission tomorrow.”
Marlene still looked at G. She said: No. You lied. He isn’t so right. Please don’t tell me that nothing problem.”
D turned to see G. G understood and then moved to the table. D saw Marlene and said: Are you okay, honey?
Marlene: I can’t sleep. I remember all of you.
Looking at some drugs on Marlene’s table, D asked Marlene’s maid: Why don’t you prepare Mako medicines I sent to you for my wife?
The maid: I am sorry, sir. I’ve made all the medicines, but lady doesn’t want to use them.
D: Useless! You must care about her with all your best, or I will fire you.
Marlene: No. It’s not her fault. Since I knew you had taken from them, I never touched those dirty things.
D put his face in his hands. Then he said: Why do you always make yourself hurt, Marlene? We all fight this war for you, for our good future. I can’t focus on anything if my wife doesn’t obey me.
Marlene: I don’t want this war. I don’t want anything from you for our good future. I want my son back. Please, your words hurt me more than not using those enemy’s drugs.
G turned his head to see Marlene and said: Mom, I am still here.
D: I am sorry, my dear. I will keep my word that brings our son back in peace.
Marlene closed her eyes. Tears dropped to her face. She said: I will not lie to you, darling. I gave those Mako to all children in our hometown, but their kids aren't all right, so they give back to me. Darling, I want to hear you. When will all of you be going home?
D: Marlene. Please!
G suddenly said: Don’t worry, mom. Dad and I will go home right after our mission has been completed. I promise.
Marlene: What’s your mission? You really go to meet that woman? Are you crazy? She’s a witch and a monster. People always talk about her like that.
G: Yeah, mom. But I don’t fear her. Dad always tells me that overcoming fear is the only way to be survived.
Marlene: I know. But I've never witnessed what she has done. Only hear about her from propaganda… Overcoming fear is good… But we need to know about our enemy… We need to see them ourselves… or we will going to die…
D slowly said: Honey…
Marlene kept talking and talking until her maid hugged her and said: My lady. Please don’t hurt yourself anymore…, especially in front of your son.
Marlene regained consciousness. D told her maid: My wife needs to take her medication regularly. Try to make her go to bed on time. And you. My dear… I promise our son and I will go home and never join the war anymore. Our son wants to be a politician. A tough dream, but the good news is that he will not continue at our family’s job.
Marlene smiled radiantly: Is it true?
D: Yes, and he will be serious about finding someone to love, even no more fighting…
Marlene: Thank God! My son is really grown up. Now he can think about his family. I’m so happy.
G: Mom. Please listen to dad. You have to care about yourself. You have to live well because I shall go home with a lot of gifts and trophies to make you happier.
Marlene: That’s my boy! Right! I will take my medication now and then go to bed. I need to make my son happy. Oh, Denzel, darling. I’m so sorry for making you unhappy this night. I hope our son’s dream won’t make you feel sad.
D smiled: No, honey. Instead of fighting on every battlefield, our son will only sit on a chair and lead the others. A different type of fighting, so… I should feel happy about it.
Marlene: Thank you. May the gods be with you and our son.
D: May the gods be with you, my dear.
After Marlene’s image had been shut down, D turned to G and said: Son. Mom really loves you more than me. So I hope you will go back to our home in peace if I get bad luck.
G: Dad, don’t say so. We have agreed that will go home together.
D: I’m an old man who has been fighting all my life. My promise to mom that protects you is my actual final mission. Then, I will feel no regret.
G: Dad. You can’t say that. I think you don’t love mom anymore.
D sighed, then turned back to G. He put his hands on the table and said: There’s something I need to tell you. Before this war, I… I have a strange dream repeated day by day. A tall man from my family but I’d never seen before took me to visit the outskirts of somewhere like a big city. I could see yellow flowers grow in that place, so I just asked him if the place was someone's grave… then he took me to a coffee shop. I went upstairs…and saw your mom sitting… there.
D pointed at a corner of the barrack. He said: …right in front of me… under the yellow sunshine—an incredible scene. I've never seen her happiness like that in my life.
G: Wow! That’s a sweet dream.
D: But we are just children at that time. Even I am not a member of House Fenrir because that man told me about my family. They’re all gone. So he adopted me like other kids in the city. Strange, huh?
G nodded. D waved his hand: Nah! It only shows that if this world is changed to another form, or it's my reincarnation, my new life is still related to this f*cking family.
G only kept silent. D thought for a while, then smiled: Okay. Sorry, son. We don’t have time for this. You can go back to your camp. Tomorrow we will go to a church in a country where we’re still calling the enemy to arrest their most dangerous person. About that freak robot, I really hope that we won’t need to use him.
G: So what if he can’t arrest her although he has used all his stamina?
D: Then we will have to fight her in a duel based on a code of honor.
G: “A duel based on a code of honor.” I see. Everyone who wins that kind of fighting will bring the final victory to their country. But if they cheat, they will lose it, even the honor of their country, and the war still goes on. Maybe I'm a little curious, but what’s your plan in case you have to fight her in that way?
D thought for a while, then said: Because the rule of honor doesn’t apply to a robot, while Emanation is a speed Android, I think I will arrange for him to kill her from her back.
G smiled: Great! That’s a good strategy. But we may not need to use it tomorrow. How’s a pity!
D: You should not feel any trouble, son. The Tyrant Queen’s death will not be good for anybody, especially for you, because the government will not need us anymore after she dies. But… her enemy will attack us with all their best. We will be surrounded by them… and die too.
G: You're thinking too much. Maybe they still need us. But okay… I will follow you… only this time.
D: Thank you, son. Oh and one more thing. About that Aeon girl, I hope you will love her sincerely. Okay?
G: Are you doubt me?
D: No. I just…warn you. People always talk about us having the ability to meet pretty women and get their love. A gift from God that everyone wants. But for me, it’s a kind of curse, not a gift. So be careful, my son.
G: Dad, I think you should not blaspheme against God.
D: I don’t. I only want you to create true love with a woman by myself, not take her love back to you, because you will never have her heart. Okay?
G: You done? I can't go back to my camp if you still talk to me about nonsense like love, which isn't entirely suitable for this time.
D: You… Right… Right. Go back to your camp. Try to sleep well. Tomorrow will be our most challenging day. Just forget everything I tell you if you feel good. Dismiss.
Right after G turned back, D called after him: Son…
G stopped moving, D said: I love you. You’re my hero.
“What’s wrong with you?” G sniggered. Then he left.
…
Next early tomorrow, G saw that Loz and Yazoo cared about Kadaj, but that man refused, took the new uniform, and quickly went back to the barrack. G asked a soldier: Hey, where’s my father?
The soldier: Sir, he’s staying with Wutai people.
G: What's he doing with those people?
G followed the soldier to go there. He saw D sitting beside the fire with a pretty young girl and a blind old man. Close his eyes, D listened to the girl sing a song while the old man played an instrument. D asked the soldier: What’s the song about?
The soldier: It’s from one of the popular folk tales in their continent. It may take time if I tell you.
G: You have 5 minutes. Do it.
The soldier caught his breath and then ran his mouth: Their folk song begins with a sovereign deity or the great mother. She creates the human on the planet. She has three children: two sons and one daughter. When they grow up, she gives them the duties of caring for the human with one rule: do not use their power of deity to harm the human at any rate. Since then, the daughter has helped all human babies to be safe and healthy, so they will be obedient and able to overcome all sicknesses. But when she leaves, they start to feel sad and cry. Her brother, or the second son of the sovereign deity, will help them stop crying and develop on their journey into adulthood. Until they have grown up, the eldest son begins his duty. He helps them to be successful in their life without interfering with their trouble till the time they die. And then, his sister will again care about their babies. They all do their duties well and obey their great mother’s rule. Therefore the circle of life keeps going on. But one day, the second son feels tired because he always keeps eyes on several nasty and rude children while still has to obey the rule. He’s even jealous of his brother and sister since they are respected and praised by human more than him. He starts to hate all the children and gives them so much strength, sometimes formed in candies, that they begin to fight each other and die before they grow up. Standing before the mother, he explains that their fighting is from their choice, not from him. He still obeys the rule, and even those children enjoy fighting, stealing, and destroying everything like him, so his mother doesn’t do any punishments. Because of him, human is nearly extinct. Feeling no way, the eldest son asks the mother for help. He is given by her a male human who can lead all the children and makes them stop eating candies and fighting too. The second son is angry. He attacks all children, threatens the planet, and kills that man with bare hands, but then the man’s blood turns into a river, along with all the dead children’s souls flowing to the second son’s place in the sky to stop him. The second son is terrified and asks the mother for help, but she refuses him because he has attacked the human, which means he has violated the rule. Therefore she exiles him into the deepest inside the planet where the Lifestream’s light can’t exist, making him collect all the good human’s souls and bring them to paradise. However, he still hates human so much and always tries to find a way to revenge. As a result, people have to sacrifice food, even some pretty women to the second son to calm him. Sometimes they do it to get strength from him... That’s it, sir.
Right after the Wutai people stopped singing, the soldier sat down and breathed heavily. G told him: Good work! Your memory is amazing. How old are you?
The soldier: 18, sir.
G: Too young, but still older than the other. Do you want to join me after the war?
The soldier: Thank you, sir. But my wife needs me to go home to care for our child and her assets.
G: Hope you think about my invitation. I’ll give you a new life right after I’ve become a hero.
The soldier: Yes, sir. I’ll consider it.
D stood up and gave the young Wutai some coins. Listening to the sound of the coins dropping into the young’s pocket, the old Wutai felt happy and said: You’re an infamous warrior but also a good man. Thank you. And don’t worry. You will always be good since people don’t change… But please, be careful, sir because war… war never changes.”
Emanation suddenly appeared and said: Sir, the folk song is sad. Not suitable for our spirit, but the second son's detail can increase the indicator. I highly recommend he need to sing about that.
The young Wutai was puzzled: No. My grandpa has never sung that song since we love peace and hate war…
“Love peace and hate war?!” Emanation said, smiling. This was the first time G saw Android’s smile. “Wutai was an aggressor nation when human still rode the horses. Wherever their hoofbeats went, grass and flower didn't grow back there. Sorry but your word isn’t so right.”
The young Wutai squinted: Yes, certainly that was many, many years ago.
Emanation: In a moment, a hero might be a devil and vice versa. But the invader will undoubtedly be an invader and not become an invaded every time… even the noun “invaded” word is also wrong in grammar.
The young Wutai: Hey, bookworm freak! I told you clearly that we now love peace and hate war, and no more invading people… Do you understand?
Emanation: Now you are hating me, certainly not love peace…
While the young Wutai was purple with rage, D soothed her: All right, lady. You don’t need to make a spat with a robot. But now I can see you are too young to earning, which means you are a victim of child labor, and so your grandpa might be arrested.
The young Wutai was awkward: Sir, my grandpa is blind. So I volunteer to help him and never felt any trouble.
D: I know. But that’s a law. Your grandpa must conform to it.
The young Wutai hugged her grandpa, cried, and told D: No, please. You can’t let them do that. My parents died because of war when I was a baby, so he's my only family now. I beg you.
D: Okay, young lady. There’s a way. He must sing another song after you've joined us to be his audience this time. Then your grandpa won’t be caught.
The young Wutai mopped up the tears and said: You sure, sir?
The old Wutai consoled her: Don’t be sad, my dear. I’ll sing another song. Just go.
After meeting the Wutai people, D, G, and Emanation went back to Kadaj, Loz and Yazoo who were standing some Chocobos.
Yazoo: Sir, these animals are from our enemy, and now they have been conciliated by us. But we still need to blindfold them and equip a weapon in front of their head.
G sniggered: That would literally be like some horses.
Loz flew up into a Chocobo. The chicken was groaning under his weight. He laughed: Yep, still better than horse.
D looked around at all Humans soldiers in front of him. They were young and scary. He told them: Guys. I know you’re feeling tired and want to go home. But it’s my honor to fight with you. And I can promise that all of you will go home after this thing has been finished. Thank you for your service. You’re all good soldiers. There’s no love bigger than patriotism. You guys helped me and my son here learn about this. Now please follow us one last time for our country. For the Humans!
Soldiers replied in chorus: For the Humans!
All of them drove their Chocobos to run to the church in the Cetra land. Yazoo asked: I heard some people say that the Tyrant Queen had loved one man from us far years ago, but their love was prohibited, and then she was assassinated by one man in the royal. All those things made her turn into a devil… Is that a folk song too?
Loz: Believe it or not. That story is only an oral history, which is “extremely contradictory and historically unreliable,” as those say.
G: Whatever. She’s definitely a woman who hates love, a true final boss we must defeat to victory. Do you agree, Kadaj?
Kadaj didn't reply to G and only took a look at D. G’s father tied his rifle to his back and then drew his sword. He pointed it to the church and said: Keep moving forward, everyone.
On their head, a helicopter was following. The dark clouds were coming up. The pilot noticed: We are in the enemy’s land. The sky is not clear, so I must return. Good luck, guys!
Then a group of Humans soldiers riding Chocobos came to them
G smiled: Hi, uncle. Glad to see all Fenrir’s brothers and sisters here.
G’s uncle told D: Okay, listen up, Denzel. We will create a hem in the church. Pretty sure that our enemy is around there. But we can take care of them. You and your son just go inside the church to take care of their Queen.
D nodded. Then he ordered everyone: Gear up!
All of them wore gas masks. Only Emanation equipped a kind of cyber ninja mask. While still moving fast, they all shot gas bombs at the high ground in front of them, making all grasses and flowers perish.
…
Aerith was in the Church. She saw a Cetra boy running fast while screaming: “They’re back! The invader’s coming!”. All people near him stopped working outside, went into their houses, and closed the doors and windows.
A Cetra knee behind her. She ordered him: Tell people to leave now. They’re my personal trouble.
He cried: Your Majesty! You’ve just returned to the throne after we all asked you. You can’t surrender.
Aerith: Don’t worry about me and obey.
The Cetra man: Don't leave us! You have promised to fight until the last breath. Do you remember?
Aerith still kept silent. The Cetra guy knee on the ground for a while then left. She turned around and noticed that the church hall was filled with people sobbing. Her eyes were wet will tears.
“My family is in there. I need to go inside,” R came and talked to him.
“No, it’s too dangerous, sir,” the soldier replied, “Don’t worry. We will take care of it.”
“That’s okay. We’re soldiers too,” P1 stepped on and said, “Here is my diplomatic plate.”
“Right. But it would be best if you stayed back,” the soldier said, “We have a bomb squad. They will come here in 5 minutes.”
“5 minutes?” R shouted, “That extinct guy with his bomb has already been in the Church for a moment. We have no time anymore.”
The soldier intended to say something, but then another soldier appeared. He gasped out: Not good! The bomb squad was stuck in a square. Today is the Christmas Day. They won’t come here soon.”
“Oh! You guys are kidding me!” R was abashed.
…
Meanwhile, the helicopter had just landed on the rooftop of the HQ. “Welcome to the Den, sir, Ma’am!” an officer stepped on G and Materia, “The Council is waiting. Please follow me.”
While moving along the collide, G looked at a white hair Android mannequin. A distant rumble of thunder. He remembered the past...
It was heavily raining. Denzel stood inside his barrack, watching outside with a binocular. Seeing that Emanation was standing in front of water pouring through a tent ceiling, he ordered, “Move forward! Keep watching from there for me.”
G sat inside his barrack drinking wine with Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo. Looking at Emanation standing tall in the rainwater rushing on its head, G left the barrack and stepped on it: “Now that’s a true coolie. Emanation, who gave your name?”
Emanation still kept silent. Feeling offended, G angrily said, “Look at me, freak. Show your identity!”
Emanation slowly turned to look at G. Its eyes were bright inside the blindfold. G felt cold. It said: A Humans scientist created me. He’s my father and named me Emanation. So I am an Android, sir.
G: Yeah! Yeah! I know. I mean… what’s your origin?
Emanation: A Humans scientist created me. He’s my father and named me Emanation. So I am an Android, sir.
G smiled: Okay. I ask you. If an Ancients b*tch makes you, you still serve us with your loyalty, huh?
Emanation: Then… an Ancients scientist created me. She’s my mother and named me Emanation. So I am still an Android, sir.
G gazed at Emanation, then brushed into a laugh: Okay. You little shifty! I think you better kill yourself not to lose your honor.
Emanation’s eyes kept lighting inside the blindfold when looking at G. It said: Sir, I think I won’t do that. I was born to fight and gain victory for my creator. Not be defeated by anyone, even… me. So you better stay out because you're blocking my watching from here, sir.
G couldn't bear it anymore. He punched Emanation's face, but the Android didn’t still move, even its face, while G held his hand and felt hurt.
Right before G punched again, Denzel appeared with Kadaj from the back. He roared, “Hey. What’s going on here?”
“Father, I am teaching this insolent robot,” G said while rubbing his hand.
“No, certainly you can’t,” Denzel said, “This Android is made for defeating the Tyrant Queen only. You better stay out of him.”
“Oh! That’s ridiculous,” G smiled ironically, “They have to make a male Android to defeat a woman only, huh?”
“Yes, they have,” D said, “And you don’t need to show that attitude. From now on, he will be on our team. So you need to treat him as a comrade.”
G: I don’t need a freaky robot to protect me. Even I can defeat that ageless witch by myself.
“Enough!” D said. He turned to see Emanation for a while, then looked at Kadaj and said: Do you really want to replace Emanation for guard duty, Corporal?”
Kadaj: Yes, sir. I feel he is one of my comrades. You’re right that even a robot may have a soul. So I will do him a favor.
Denzel: Right. Go to replace him. Emanation, dismiss. And you, my son, we need to talk. Follow me.
Standing in the pouring rainwater, Kadaj suddenly turned his face to Denzel. He said while grabbing D’s hand: Sir. Hours ago, Emanation showed me the most terrific thing in this forest I have ever seen that makes us strong and invincible.
D: Corporal, you can't rely on a robot for something.
Kadaj: No, you don’t understand. Many of our soldiers have been sick for a long time since we stepped on this place, but Emanation could find a way that brings their life back. I was one of them who got a gift from him. Sir, I think you’re sick. So please come with him and me. I’ll show you his gift for you.
D: Well, I like to get some gifts, but why are you so sure about his gift for me?
Kadaj: There’s something valuable and pure already inside Emanation. It can be connected with magic in this forest, bringing all of us great stamina and everything…
D: Okay. Thanks. But I am completely strong. No need to get any gifts to feel better. Hey… your hand… You’re hurting me…
G saw that Kadaj was grabbing his father’s hand so tight with blazing eyes in the white and cold rainwater. D still kept calm. Looking straight into Kadaj’s eyes, he slowly said: Corporal… Kadaj… Your hand… is grabbing my arm. I am HURT.
Kadaj blinked twice. He got D’s hand off and said while smiling: Oh… I’m so sorry, sir. I didn't mean to hurt you.
“Okay. I’m fine,” D said. He turned to see that Loz and Yazoo had already stood outside their camp and looked at him. They were also smiling.
“Hey. What are you looking at?” G shouted, “Go to sleep. That’s an order!”
After the two soldiers had returned to their camp, Denzel whispered: “What’s wrong with these guys?”
“Sir, due to my bad, I am willing to get a punishment from you,” Kadaj said, “So I think I will stand here till tomorrow.”
“Okay. That’s good,” D said while rubbing his arm. He ordered G, “You. Come with me. Now.”
Kadaj: But I really hope you will rethink that someday, sir.
D smiled ironically: You know, Corporal?! You should have invited me when I was a kid. That means…no. And I hope you can stand there until we all prepare to move next time.
Kadaj still smiled: Right. I’ll remember that.
“Okay, dad. I will come with you.” G told D and turned to see Kadaj, “Sorry, buddy. You deserve to take that.”
After D and G had already been in their camp, D ordered: Show me the map. Mark everything around the church.”
G: Got it!
D: Where’s Emanation?
G: He just returned to his camp. There you can see.
D saw Emanation sitting in a ragged camp, grinding his sword.
D: Today is enough for strange things.
While G was arranging tiny flags put on the map. D told him: Okay. Listen to me. We’re gonna arrest the Tyrant Queen in her church tomorrow. But it is clearly not as simple as it seems. So Emanation will be our plan B.
G: I understand. And I really love your plan B.
D said sternly: No. After she had been down a little bit during the fight, Emanation will arrest her with all his stamina only. We won’t take her down. Remember you have already promised me.
G: Yes, but… come on. Don’t be self-opinionate. Both of us know she won’t ever surrender, especially after our troopers had forced one of her maids in the Cetra village.
D: My fault, son. I thought she had countered and caused harm to them.
G: Definitely not. She had surrendered, but they still wanted to touch her when they tried to burn her house. It would be best if you could have kept your eyes on them.
D: Okay.
G: And last but not least, I heard that they had contacted Kadaj and his friends before going to the village.
D: Okay. However, we still need to stick to the plan.
G: No way. Apparently, the maid’s death made the Tyrant Queen truly go mad and return after years of retirement. Now only God helps us!
D: Still better than her whole nation will go mad if she dies under our hand. Don’t worry, son. She is a Queen but a witch and only human, not a God. So Emanation will be very suitable for this mission.
G listened to the sword-grinding sound re-echoed through the darkness mixing with the sound of the heavy rain. He asked his father: Are you sure that freaky robot will only arrest her? He looks more like a butcher than a soldier.
D: To get a freaky person, you must use a freaky thing.
G: Okay then, I have to tell you the Queen must die one day for the sake of all people.
D: I know. But not tomorrow in a place like a church, and definitely not by us.
G: Why not? We can be heroes on this planet after defeating a final boss like the Tyrant Queen.
D: No. A vengeance will hunt us down then. Our next generation will get retribution. You can’t see it now, but I can.
G writhed: Can’t believe a man standing in front of me is my father. Your mind is so weak, father.
D intended to say something, but suddenly a hologram image of two women just appeared from his phone. “Darling, everything is still okay? How’s our son?” one of them told D
“Marlene,” D whispered
“Hi, mom,” G replied, “Haven’t you gone to bed?”
“Not yet,” Marlene said, “What are you doing? You look… tired and wet.”
“Don’t worry, mom. I am okay,” G looked at her and answered, “Please go back to your bed. You need to care about your health.”
“Marlene, our son is right. Now it is too late. There’s nothing problem here. We are discussing each other about the mission tomorrow.”
Marlene still looked at G. She said: No. You lied. He isn’t so right. Please don’t tell me that nothing problem.”
D turned to see G. G understood and then moved to the table. D saw Marlene and said: Are you okay, honey?
Marlene: I can’t sleep. I remember all of you.
Looking at some drugs on Marlene’s table, D asked Marlene’s maid: Why don’t you prepare Mako medicines I sent to you for my wife?
The maid: I am sorry, sir. I’ve made all the medicines, but lady doesn’t want to use them.
D: Useless! You must care about her with all your best, or I will fire you.
Marlene: No. It’s not her fault. Since I knew you had taken from them, I never touched those dirty things.
D put his face in his hands. Then he said: Why do you always make yourself hurt, Marlene? We all fight this war for you, for our good future. I can’t focus on anything if my wife doesn’t obey me.
Marlene: I don’t want this war. I don’t want anything from you for our good future. I want my son back. Please, your words hurt me more than not using those enemy’s drugs.
G turned his head to see Marlene and said: Mom, I am still here.
D: I am sorry, my dear. I will keep my word that brings our son back in peace.
Marlene closed her eyes. Tears dropped to her face. She said: I will not lie to you, darling. I gave those Mako to all children in our hometown, but their kids aren't all right, so they give back to me. Darling, I want to hear you. When will all of you be going home?
D: Marlene. Please!
G suddenly said: Don’t worry, mom. Dad and I will go home right after our mission has been completed. I promise.
Marlene: What’s your mission? You really go to meet that woman? Are you crazy? She’s a witch and a monster. People always talk about her like that.
G: Yeah, mom. But I don’t fear her. Dad always tells me that overcoming fear is the only way to be survived.
Marlene: I know. But I've never witnessed what she has done. Only hear about her from propaganda… Overcoming fear is good… But we need to know about our enemy… We need to see them ourselves… or we will going to die…
D slowly said: Honey…
Marlene kept talking and talking until her maid hugged her and said: My lady. Please don’t hurt yourself anymore…, especially in front of your son.
Marlene regained consciousness. D told her maid: My wife needs to take her medication regularly. Try to make her go to bed on time. And you. My dear… I promise our son and I will go home and never join the war anymore. Our son wants to be a politician. A tough dream, but the good news is that he will not continue at our family’s job.
Marlene smiled radiantly: Is it true?
D: Yes, and he will be serious about finding someone to love, even no more fighting…
Marlene: Thank God! My son is really grown up. Now he can think about his family. I’m so happy.
G: Mom. Please listen to dad. You have to care about yourself. You have to live well because I shall go home with a lot of gifts and trophies to make you happier.
Marlene: That’s my boy! Right! I will take my medication now and then go to bed. I need to make my son happy. Oh, Denzel, darling. I’m so sorry for making you unhappy this night. I hope our son’s dream won’t make you feel sad.
D smiled: No, honey. Instead of fighting on every battlefield, our son will only sit on a chair and lead the others. A different type of fighting, so… I should feel happy about it.
Marlene: Thank you. May the gods be with you and our son.
D: May the gods be with you, my dear.
After Marlene’s image had been shut down, D turned to G and said: Son. Mom really loves you more than me. So I hope you will go back to our home in peace if I get bad luck.
G: Dad, don’t say so. We have agreed that will go home together.
D: I’m an old man who has been fighting all my life. My promise to mom that protects you is my actual final mission. Then, I will feel no regret.
G: Dad. You can’t say that. I think you don’t love mom anymore.
D sighed, then turned back to G. He put his hands on the table and said: There’s something I need to tell you. Before this war, I… I have a strange dream repeated day by day. A tall man from my family but I’d never seen before took me to visit the outskirts of somewhere like a big city. I could see yellow flowers grow in that place, so I just asked him if the place was someone's grave… then he took me to a coffee shop. I went upstairs…and saw your mom sitting… there.
D pointed at a corner of the barrack. He said: …right in front of me… under the yellow sunshine—an incredible scene. I've never seen her happiness like that in my life.
G: Wow! That’s a sweet dream.
D: But we are just children at that time. Even I am not a member of House Fenrir because that man told me about my family. They’re all gone. So he adopted me like other kids in the city. Strange, huh?
G nodded. D waved his hand: Nah! It only shows that if this world is changed to another form, or it's my reincarnation, my new life is still related to this f*cking family.
G only kept silent. D thought for a while, then smiled: Okay. Sorry, son. We don’t have time for this. You can go back to your camp. Tomorrow we will go to a church in a country where we’re still calling the enemy to arrest their most dangerous person. About that freak robot, I really hope that we won’t need to use him.
G: So what if he can’t arrest her although he has used all his stamina?
D: Then we will have to fight her in a duel based on a code of honor.
G: “A duel based on a code of honor.” I see. Everyone who wins that kind of fighting will bring the final victory to their country. But if they cheat, they will lose it, even the honor of their country, and the war still goes on. Maybe I'm a little curious, but what’s your plan in case you have to fight her in that way?
D thought for a while, then said: Because the rule of honor doesn’t apply to a robot, while Emanation is a speed Android, I think I will arrange for him to kill her from her back.
G smiled: Great! That’s a good strategy. But we may not need to use it tomorrow. How’s a pity!
D: You should not feel any trouble, son. The Tyrant Queen’s death will not be good for anybody, especially for you, because the government will not need us anymore after she dies. But… her enemy will attack us with all their best. We will be surrounded by them… and die too.
G: You're thinking too much. Maybe they still need us. But okay… I will follow you… only this time.
D: Thank you, son. Oh and one more thing. About that Aeon girl, I hope you will love her sincerely. Okay?
G: Are you doubt me?
D: No. I just…warn you. People always talk about us having the ability to meet pretty women and get their love. A gift from God that everyone wants. But for me, it’s a kind of curse, not a gift. So be careful, my son.
G: Dad, I think you should not blaspheme against God.
D: I don’t. I only want you to create true love with a woman by myself, not take her love back to you, because you will never have her heart. Okay?
G: You done? I can't go back to my camp if you still talk to me about nonsense like love, which isn't entirely suitable for this time.
D: You… Right… Right. Go back to your camp. Try to sleep well. Tomorrow will be our most challenging day. Just forget everything I tell you if you feel good. Dismiss.
Right after G turned back, D called after him: Son…
G stopped moving, D said: I love you. You’re my hero.
“What’s wrong with you?” G sniggered. Then he left.
…
Next early tomorrow, G saw that Loz and Yazoo cared about Kadaj, but that man refused, took the new uniform, and quickly went back to the barrack. G asked a soldier: Hey, where’s my father?
The soldier: Sir, he’s staying with Wutai people.
G: What's he doing with those people?
G followed the soldier to go there. He saw D sitting beside the fire with a pretty young girl and a blind old man. Close his eyes, D listened to the girl sing a song while the old man played an instrument. D asked the soldier: What’s the song about?
The soldier: It’s from one of the popular folk tales in their continent. It may take time if I tell you.
G: You have 5 minutes. Do it.
The soldier caught his breath and then ran his mouth: Their folk song begins with a sovereign deity or the great mother. She creates the human on the planet. She has three children: two sons and one daughter. When they grow up, she gives them the duties of caring for the human with one rule: do not use their power of deity to harm the human at any rate. Since then, the daughter has helped all human babies to be safe and healthy, so they will be obedient and able to overcome all sicknesses. But when she leaves, they start to feel sad and cry. Her brother, or the second son of the sovereign deity, will help them stop crying and develop on their journey into adulthood. Until they have grown up, the eldest son begins his duty. He helps them to be successful in their life without interfering with their trouble till the time they die. And then, his sister will again care about their babies. They all do their duties well and obey their great mother’s rule. Therefore the circle of life keeps going on. But one day, the second son feels tired because he always keeps eyes on several nasty and rude children while still has to obey the rule. He’s even jealous of his brother and sister since they are respected and praised by human more than him. He starts to hate all the children and gives them so much strength, sometimes formed in candies, that they begin to fight each other and die before they grow up. Standing before the mother, he explains that their fighting is from their choice, not from him. He still obeys the rule, and even those children enjoy fighting, stealing, and destroying everything like him, so his mother doesn’t do any punishments. Because of him, human is nearly extinct. Feeling no way, the eldest son asks the mother for help. He is given by her a male human who can lead all the children and makes them stop eating candies and fighting too. The second son is angry. He attacks all children, threatens the planet, and kills that man with bare hands, but then the man’s blood turns into a river, along with all the dead children’s souls flowing to the second son’s place in the sky to stop him. The second son is terrified and asks the mother for help, but she refuses him because he has attacked the human, which means he has violated the rule. Therefore she exiles him into the deepest inside the planet where the Lifestream’s light can’t exist, making him collect all the good human’s souls and bring them to paradise. However, he still hates human so much and always tries to find a way to revenge. As a result, people have to sacrifice food, even some pretty women to the second son to calm him. Sometimes they do it to get strength from him... That’s it, sir.
Right after the Wutai people stopped singing, the soldier sat down and breathed heavily. G told him: Good work! Your memory is amazing. How old are you?
The soldier: 18, sir.
G: Too young, but still older than the other. Do you want to join me after the war?
The soldier: Thank you, sir. But my wife needs me to go home to care for our child and her assets.
G: Hope you think about my invitation. I’ll give you a new life right after I’ve become a hero.
The soldier: Yes, sir. I’ll consider it.
D stood up and gave the young Wutai some coins. Listening to the sound of the coins dropping into the young’s pocket, the old Wutai felt happy and said: You’re an infamous warrior but also a good man. Thank you. And don’t worry. You will always be good since people don’t change… But please, be careful, sir because war… war never changes.”
Emanation suddenly appeared and said: Sir, the folk song is sad. Not suitable for our spirit, but the second son's detail can increase the indicator. I highly recommend he need to sing about that.
The young Wutai was puzzled: No. My grandpa has never sung that song since we love peace and hate war…
“Love peace and hate war?!” Emanation said, smiling. This was the first time G saw Android’s smile. “Wutai was an aggressor nation when human still rode the horses. Wherever their hoofbeats went, grass and flower didn't grow back there. Sorry but your word isn’t so right.”
The young Wutai squinted: Yes, certainly that was many, many years ago.
Emanation: In a moment, a hero might be a devil and vice versa. But the invader will undoubtedly be an invader and not become an invaded every time… even the noun “invaded” word is also wrong in grammar.
The young Wutai: Hey, bookworm freak! I told you clearly that we now love peace and hate war, and no more invading people… Do you understand?
Emanation: Now you are hating me, certainly not love peace…
While the young Wutai was purple with rage, D soothed her: All right, lady. You don’t need to make a spat with a robot. But now I can see you are too young to earning, which means you are a victim of child labor, and so your grandpa might be arrested.
The young Wutai was awkward: Sir, my grandpa is blind. So I volunteer to help him and never felt any trouble.
D: I know. But that’s a law. Your grandpa must conform to it.
The young Wutai hugged her grandpa, cried, and told D: No, please. You can’t let them do that. My parents died because of war when I was a baby, so he's my only family now. I beg you.
D: Okay, young lady. There’s a way. He must sing another song after you've joined us to be his audience this time. Then your grandpa won’t be caught.
The young Wutai mopped up the tears and said: You sure, sir?
The old Wutai consoled her: Don’t be sad, my dear. I’ll sing another song. Just go.
After meeting the Wutai people, D, G, and Emanation went back to Kadaj, Loz and Yazoo who were standing some Chocobos.
Yazoo: Sir, these animals are from our enemy, and now they have been conciliated by us. But we still need to blindfold them and equip a weapon in front of their head.
G sniggered: That would literally be like some horses.
Loz flew up into a Chocobo. The chicken was groaning under his weight. He laughed: Yep, still better than horse.
D looked around at all Humans soldiers in front of him. They were young and scary. He told them: Guys. I know you’re feeling tired and want to go home. But it’s my honor to fight with you. And I can promise that all of you will go home after this thing has been finished. Thank you for your service. You’re all good soldiers. There’s no love bigger than patriotism. You guys helped me and my son here learn about this. Now please follow us one last time for our country. For the Humans!
Soldiers replied in chorus: For the Humans!
All of them drove their Chocobos to run to the church in the Cetra land. Yazoo asked: I heard some people say that the Tyrant Queen had loved one man from us far years ago, but their love was prohibited, and then she was assassinated by one man in the royal. All those things made her turn into a devil… Is that a folk song too?
Loz: Believe it or not. That story is only an oral history, which is “extremely contradictory and historically unreliable,” as those say.
G: Whatever. She’s definitely a woman who hates love, a true final boss we must defeat to victory. Do you agree, Kadaj?
Kadaj didn't reply to G and only took a look at D. G’s father tied his rifle to his back and then drew his sword. He pointed it to the church and said: Keep moving forward, everyone.
On their head, a helicopter was following. The dark clouds were coming up. The pilot noticed: We are in the enemy’s land. The sky is not clear, so I must return. Good luck, guys!
Then a group of Humans soldiers riding Chocobos came to them
G smiled: Hi, uncle. Glad to see all Fenrir’s brothers and sisters here.
G’s uncle told D: Okay, listen up, Denzel. We will create a hem in the church. Pretty sure that our enemy is around there. But we can take care of them. You and your son just go inside the church to take care of their Queen.
D nodded. Then he ordered everyone: Gear up!
All of them wore gas masks. Only Emanation equipped a kind of cyber ninja mask. While still moving fast, they all shot gas bombs at the high ground in front of them, making all grasses and flowers perish.
…
Aerith was in the Church. She saw a Cetra boy running fast while screaming: “They’re back! The invader’s coming!”. All people near him stopped working outside, went into their houses, and closed the doors and windows.
A Cetra knee behind her. She ordered him: Tell people to leave now. They’re my personal trouble.
He cried: Your Majesty! You’ve just returned to the throne after we all asked you. You can’t surrender.
Aerith: Don’t worry about me and obey.
The Cetra man: Don't leave us! You have promised to fight until the last breath. Do you remember?
Aerith still kept silent. The Cetra guy knee on the ground for a while then left. She turned around and noticed that the church hall was filled with people sobbing. Her eyes were wet will tears.
