Chapter 10

It had been two days since Arthur and his father had had that conversation, even so, the atmosphere between them was still heavy. Arthur tried to tell the best way the news to Leon, in order for him not to worry about it, but to no avail, Leon to learn that his best friend would go to the army to contain the terrorist attacks was completely desperate. He tried to convince Arthur to give up on the idea, but it wouldn't work no matter how hard he tried, he was already made up and when he put something in his head there was no one who could take it away from him.

-You know... you're just making me and your father worry about you. You don't really care how we feel about it, do you? (Leon)

-You are taking this very seriously. It's not like I'm actually going to die. (Arthur)

-You don't know what a war field is Arthur. (Leon)

-And do you happen to know? (Arthur)

-No... I've never lived in the middle of one, but I'm not ignorant to think that there is a place of peace. The only thing you find in this field, Arthur, are demons. From the moment you walk in, you no longer have a shred of humanity. You just kill someone else in front of you as if it were nothing, without any remorse. Do you really think this is where you should go? So you, who are naive and don't hurt anyone. Why did you choose to go this way? (Leon)

-Because I felt I should. (Arthur)

-You felt? (Leon)

-Yes. (Arthur)

-What the fuck is this?! Don't tell me these things Arthur. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! (Leon)

-You know I'm serious. I felt I should, that's why I will do it, just as I felt I should help you at any cost when we were kids. (Arthur)

-Yes and because of that you ended up unconscious on a stretcher in the hospital. (Leon)

-But I saved you didn't I? (Arthur)

-I understand. So that means you're going to help people, even if it means you're going to be unconscious from being beaten. (Leon)

-Thanks, it looks like you finally got it. But you don't need to be worried, because you know I'm a tough one, don't you? Hahahahahahaha. (Arthur)

-Whatever, I don't care anymore. (Leon)

Leon gets up from the table and turns his back on Arthur.

-If you want to play toy soldier I won't stop you anymore. But know one thing, this time it won't be on a stretcher you'll end up resting, but in a coffin. (Leon)

Leon leaves and leaves Arthur alone to reflect on what he had just said.

After having warned all his friends, the long awaited day had finally arrived. It was time for Arthur to say goodbye and meet a new reality, one that would stay etched in his head for a lifetime.

-Name? (guard)

-Arthur Smith. (Arthur)

-Age? (guard)

-22. (Arthur)

-You came to enlist, young man? (guard)

-Hmmmm? Yes, why the question? (Arthur)

-Nothing. I just thought out loud. Here take this number and wait at the designated place. (Arthur)

Arthur was surprised by the instructor's attitude, but continued on his way without caring. Upon arriving at the site he meets a huge number of people.

-Or are you here too?! (person 1)

-Hhahahahah. (person 2)

-And I thought it was just me who would do it. (person 3)

-And have all the honor just for you, no way. (person 2)

-Hahahahahahah. (person 1,2 and 3)

Arthur sees a lot of young people excited for what was to come. However, he realizes that among the huge number of young people, there was a small number of adults among them and they all had the same expression, lifeless eyes, staring at the young people in ecstasy as if they were fools.

-ATTENTION worms!! (captain)

A man on a megaphone stand draws all eyes to him.

-This guy, he looks familiar. Where have I seen him? (Arthur)

-YOU MUST BE HAVING MUCH FUN HERE HUH, BEING ANXIOUS TO JOIN THE ARMY AND TAKE UP A REAL WEAPON. BUT I WILL ANNOUNCE TO EVERYONE WHO ARE HERE AT THIS TIME, THE PLACE WHERE THEY ARE BEING SENDED TO IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM THE PLACE YOU ARE IMAGINATION. IF ANYONE IS THINKING ABOUT GIVING UP THIS IS THE TIME. (captain)

Everyone was silent.

-I see, no one will back down. VERY GOOD! YOU WILL NOW BE NO LONGER COMMON CITIZENS, FROM NOW ON YOU ARE BRAVE WARRIORS WHO PUT YOUR LIVES IN RISK FOR THE SALVATION OF HUMANITY. FROM THIS MOMENT, YOU ARE HEROES! (captain)

-UOOOOHHHH!!! (all)

-THE TIME HAS COME, THE TRAIN LEAVES IN 20 MINUTES, EVERYONE GET ON BOARD. (captain)

Everyone started boarding to leave.

-Arthur!! (Logan)

-Father? (Arthur)

-Thankfully, it looks like there's been time. (Logan)

-What are you doing here? No matter how many times you insist I won't... (Arthur)

His father hugs him tightly, interrupting his speech.

-Father... (Arthur)

-Please my son, come back safely to me. I beg. (Logan)

He starts crying into Arthur's chest, not knowing what to do, Arthur just hugs him back.

-Don't worry dad, no matter what happens, I promise I'll come back to you after all. (Arthur)

BUNDUM.

-Do you promise me? (Logan)

-Do not worry. (Arthur)

BUNDUM.

-Son, there's something I need to tell you before you leave. (Logan)

BUNDUM.

-And what would that thing be? (Arthur)

-Do you know why I always liked to hear your heart beat? (Logan)

BUNDUM.

-Is it like one of those daddy things? (Arthur)

-No... it's not related to the fact that I'm a father. When your mother gave birth to you, that's when she left too. At that moment, it was as if I was lost in the darkness, it was as if the world had ended for me, there was no longer any reason to live. That's when I heard a sound. (Logan)

BUNDUM.

-It was at that moment that I realized that there was still a reason to go on living, and that reason was only a few inches long. Even being so small, that little being managed to lure me back to life with his heartbeats. That's why every time I'm nervous or sad, I like to listen to your heart, to remind me why I keep living in this world. (Logan)

-Father... (Arthur)

BUNDUM.

-Hey Arthur, promise me. That I will be able to continue listening to your heart beating. (Logan)

-Don't worry, nothing will happen. I promise to get back to you. (Arthur)

-2 minutes until the train leaves! (driver)

-Need to go. (Arthur)

-Yes, take care my son. (Logan)

Arthur says goodbye to his father and heads towards the train. When he passes by the captain who was waiting for everyone to come in, he hears him saying something to him.

-Recruit, I'll give you a warning from someone experienced. Avoid making friends here, you'll regret it. (captain)

Arthur was surprised by what he said, but kept walking until he got on the train.

Now I remember where I already found him. He was at the bar that day. (Arthur)

The memory of that person crying in the bar surrounded his thoughts, but that didn't shake him and stopped him from getting on the train. He walks stiffly inside the train to a vacant spot and looking out the window he sees the figure of his father watching him. The train starts to depart and the two keep looking each other in the eye until they are no longer able to do so.