Yon - So We Live

At the festival Ramon and Sokon walked to a rope, and grabbed it. “Ready to lose?” Sokon asked. “Nope, are you ready to be embarrassed?” Ramon asked. “Nope.” Sokon said. “And begin.” a voice announced. Ramon and Sokon both pulled hard on the rope. Yuna watched, as did most of the people. Makadu walked over to Yuna. “Hey, sorry about earlier.” Yuna said. “It’s fine. At least you told me the truth.” Makadu said. “You look like you cried alot, is everything ok?” Yuna asked. “Fine, perfect.” Makadu said. “You wanna tell me?” Yuna asked. “No.” Makadu said. “Ok, wanna show me how you did that dance? The one you did when we first met. You made it look flawless.” Yuna said. Makadu didn’t say anything, instead watching Ramon and Sokon. They seemed evenly matched, but Ramon won with ease. “Rematch.” Sokon said. “Ok, let's go dance, I need to clear my head.” Makadu said, grabbing Yuna’s hand and pulling her away.

Makadu pulled Yuna to a small cliff overlooking the city, the ground was covered in moss, and grasses. The music of the festival could still be heard, but faintly. “This is a nice spot.” Yuna said. “It’s where I go when I can’t think.” Makadu said. “So how do I-?” Yuna started. “Zo-Odori, but with some flourishes, I have the fans to help me look elegant, and the undone Ryusou helps that look as well. “It’s nice.” Yuna said. “Just follow my movements.” Makadu said, as she started to dance. “Just follow?” Yuna asked. “Yes.” Makadu answered. Yuna cautiously followed Makadu’s movements. “This is ridiculous.” Yuna said. “Hey, this is my profession.” Makadu said. “Sorry.” Yuna said. As the two of them danced, Makadu started humming. “I didn’t know you could sing as well.” Yuna said. “I can. Remember the song yesterday, I made that.” Makadu said. “It was cool. Awesome to see people sing in our language.” Yuna said. “I know.” Makadu said.

The two continued dancing, but the music in the distance stopped, and Makadu stopped as well. “That’s how it’s done. The dance” Makadu said. “It’s nice, a bit silly.” Yuna said. Makadu sighed, and hugged Yuna. “Don’t call it silly.” Makadu said. “Sorry.” Yuna said, standing there tense, and unsure of what to do. “Can I ask you a question?” Makadu asked. “Yeah.” Yuna said. “Take me with you. When you and your friends leave, take me with you. Please. “That’s less a question, and more of a request.” Yuna said. “Please.” Makadu said. Yuna was able to sense how Makadu felt. “Yes, I say yes.” Yuna said, hugging Makadu. “Thank you.” Makadu said.

Yusuke and Hiroko walked around the festival, watching a parade passing by. In it was a Shisa puppet being controlled by a group of dancers. Around the puppet was a bunch of people dancing an Eisa. “How nice.” Hiroko said. Yusuke looked at Hiroko. “When was the last time you went to a parade?” Yusuke asked. “A while, before my dad-.” Hiroko started, not able to finish the sentence. “Well this one is definitely a highlight. If it makes you feel better, I’m glad you are here.” Yusuke said. “Thanks. That doesn't help, but I’m happy you could admit that.” Hiroko said. “I’m honest. Always.” Yusuke said. “Sure you are, let’s go get something to eat, your treat.” Hiroko said, grabbing Yusuke’s hand, and pulling him along.

“Called it.” Ramon said. He sat on top of someone’s house watching the festival, peering at Yusuke's and Hiroko’s moment. He looked at the sky, finding the moon. “Why? What happened?” a young boy's voice asked. A memory of before. A memory from his time in Pilipinas, he was barely 5. He stood next to two bodies, laying in a puddle of blood. Overlooking them, as blood and tears drip from his eyes. “Hey!! What are you up to?” Sokon asked, sitting next to Ramon. “Don’t you ever get tired of losing?” Ramon asked. “Nope, the ladies love a loser.” Sokon said. “Ok.” Ramon said. “What you sitting up here for, you should join the festivities.” Sokon said. “I don’t wanna.” Ramon said. “Does this have to do with what that woman said to you earlier? You aren't happy with yourself?” Sokon asked. “Go bug someone else. I’ve already embarrassed you in front of everyone, so leave me be.” Ramon said, standing up, and walking away. “I’m not embarrassed.” Sokon said. “You should be.” Ramon said. “You going to tell me why?” Sokon asked. “Because it’s what you are. A monster, unloved, and worthless. An embarrassment to everything.” Ramon said. “You're not a nice person.” Sokon said. “What clued you in? Just go be worthless away from me.” Ramon said, before hopping to another roof, and walking away.

Yuna walked to the edge of the cliff and sat. Makadu sat next to her. “I’m going to need to ask my friends, but I don’t think they’ll mind if you come with. Maybe they might also become your friend.” Yuna said. “I doubt it, I can’t speak what they do.” Makadu said. “Here, read. It's the Nihon-Uchinaaguchi translations, I've been working on.” Yuna said, handing the book to Makadu. “Cool.” Makadu said, skimming through the two pages written down. “This is not enough to have a conversation.” Makadu said. “It’s a work in progress.” Yuna said. The two of the stared at the moon. “So when you go with us, are you bringing your musical talent as well?” Yuna asked. “I’m never leaving it.” Makadu said. “Good, we need more people who sings in our language, and someone with a beautiful voice is perfect.” Yuna said. “Thanks.” Makadu said.

From the heart of the city a fire flew into the sky, blowing up into a beautiful flower. Several others followed. “It’s already firework time. We’ve been here too long.” Makadu said. “Well it took a long time to get here.” Yuna said. More fireworks shot up. “Thank you.” Yuna said. Makadu looked at Yuna. “I should say that to you.” Makadu said.

More fireworks shot up, and exploded. The blueish hue faded, leaving only reds, and orange in its wake. A fire that doesn’t fade, growing near. “That’s a problem.” Yusuke said, pulling on Hiroko, causing her to look at the flames. The crowd started talking, a worried whisper. “Well this is the end I guess.” Ramon said, looking at the flames, standing on a roof. “Yuna, what is that?” Makadu asked. “I don’t know.” Yuna said. The flames turned into lights, headlights of a zeppelin. “That’s a spot on choice. Who gave you the idea, the Germans?” Ramon asked, laughing. “Why?” Yusuke asked. “Yusuke, what do we do?” Hiroko asked. Yuna stood up from the cliff. “Makadu, we need to help.” Yuna said. “What?” Makadu asked, standing up as well. Within an instant multiple missiles fired from the zeppelin, impacting the city, exploding the heart of the city.