Chapter 2: The Players
In discussion with the old man, the protagonist got a list of code names for his friends:
The woman on the beach: Player (1)
The young man in the favela: Player (2)
The man in fight club: Player (3)
The secretary: Player (4)
An assistant of the old man: Player (5)
The other: Player (6)
The protagonist: Main
The name "Player" looks like a team football, but the old man explained that it is from a default part of this video game:
Attachment 26000
And the idea of the code name wasn't from the old man. It was from the director. He opted to utilize the default term "Player" in the bar name for all team members after reading a Square Enix record regarding players intending to insert other words for the video game characters arbitrarily. He believed that there wasn't a better code name than "Player" because he couldn't find out any other good names to replace the actual and beautiful names of the team members. When Main heard this, he couldn't help but chuckle.
Afterward, the Main went to meet the director alone. On the way, he came across a loud discussion between (3) and (4) in a room. (3) complained that he would never get home by this mission, and (3) tried to calm him down. Then (3) suddenly stormed out of the room. He saw the list in the hand of Main and felt shame. After (3) went away, Main arrived in the room and saw (4) was slightly crying. She dried her eyes quickly against one sleeve when seeing Main coming. Main tried to think about something to make her happy again. Since (4) rarely talked about her hometown, he asked about it, hoping that she would remember some good memories of her origin. (4) smiled and said that her first hometown was Midgard. Many years ago, her parent had left that city to make "a new life since using Mako was prohibited." Sometimes, she was told about several heroic stories relevant to her original hometown. And now she was happy when Cid and the director decided to rebuild that city to become a historical relic. When they were both smiling, (4) told Main that he looked like (6), and then said nothing more until a soldier arrived to take Main to the director's office. Main was still concerned about who (6) was after (4) had left.
When Main met the director, here is their dialogue:
The Director: You. Come here. Take a seat.
Main sat on the chair and just looked at the Director.
The Director: I hope that you have got the principle here. Never speak out the real name in any situation, though it makes you impolite. Anyway, we will not talk about the work today. So, let's do some good talking to understand each other more.
Around the Director's sitting, Main could see a giant portrait hanging on the wall. There are cups, wine, and medals put on a cabinet. But he only focused on a picture of a family on the Director's table.
the Director smiled: That's my wife and son. We are of the royal line. Wanna drink?"
The Director poured Main a drink of wine. Main showed his hand up to refuse it. The Director drank himself and kept talking: I met my wife in the military institute and married her shortly afterward. Since then, her career has been as good as gold… What's wrong?"
Main implied the death of Cid's wife.: Sorry, Sir, I don't want to think of one more dead wife of someone else.
The Director stared at Main for a while, then he quickly smiled. It made Main feel worried that if he was reading it right or not. "No, No. My wife is still living well", the Director said, "You are meaning that, right?"
Main: I don't mean that, Sir.
The Director: Ok… since our son was a pup, we have been chosen to be Crystal's protectors. It was such a stressful job until our son reached adulthood and gave us a hand. I used to think that this military career was never for him. Still, you know, he… has an extreme obsession with most of the previous heroes on the planet, which gave him the courage to accomplish many tasks without any helps. Sometimes people wonder why I have never supported him though I am his father. But also, as a father, I do know that… becoming a time traveler is his true goal. He wishes to meet those people in real life. So, my son has not hesitated to do everything, even terrible, to get this desire.
Down a glass of wine again, the Director smiled gently and said: And that day came, he was chosen to back to the past to stop… a group of Cetra trying to defeat Jenova….
R realized that the Director was a little drunk.
The Director: …But that mission has never come true. Do you understand? We decided not to mention it in each of our meetings. My wife had personally spoken to the board. She said that all of us should not interfere with the mission of that monster. Heh! Anyway, we agreed that this game was too risky for our boy. But he never gave up.
The director's eyes looked sad when he continued his talk: The fact that he doesn't care about Mako, GF, Magitek, or anything but only one thing. It's the Crystal. We can remake any stories in this world from it. My son told me that. His desire was so strong that I had to accept to let him become a time agent once. Well, speak of the devil! Hello, (6). We were talking about you.
Main felt startled when someone trampled underfoot down on the floor firmly. "Morning, sir," (6) bowed respectfully. "Son, let me introduce you to your security man here." While the Director was saying, (6) lowered the head to look at Main attentively.
The Director: …A long time ago, a very famous warrior who protected Cosmos had also helped my son a lot. Now he was considered as an M.I.A, sacrificed for our Greater Good, so I hope that you will be next, continue to serve my son as well."
Although the Director wasn't intentional, Main could feel the word next mentioning something worse for him than that famous warrior of Cosmos.
"We were friends and colleagues, but for me, he is always my mentor," (6) said while he slowly moved to his father and put his hat on the table. "After the project Dissidia was ended, I had tried to look for him through the timelines but no any lucks." Pulling up a chair, (6) sat on it and kept talking, "Now, due to the seriousness of the situation, the project should be reopened. There are still many holes in the entire timeline, leading to the appearance of a Cetra group right here. So, we have to fix it. When that time comes, you and your team will get the responsibility of protecting my men while we are preparing to travel back to the past."
Main worried: Sorry, but I thought that we would not talk about the work right here, just… understand each other?
(6): I have read about you and your whole team in the top-secret document. So, there is no need to be known each other. The only thing we will have to do is the training because the document also tells that you guys have not returned to the battle for a long time. So, I very much appreciate when we can begin right now."
Main: What's training?
Before (6) gave him an answer, a soldier ran into the room and whispered something in the Director's ear.
The Director: Bring them to me.
Now, Sir?
NOW!
The soldier left the room, then quickly came back with a wounded man and a couple of Androids. Here is their dialogue:
The wounded man croaked: Sir, those robots attacked us in the training room.
The Director: You know it's impossible, right? Because they are all programmed not to attack us in the battle, only the loyalty.
Sir. One of them defeated all of my men, so I had to train to give that robot a lesson. But when I was keeping it down on the ground, suddenly the other came to attack me.
So that's the reason you have some of that scars?"
Yes, Sir. The other men and I then constrained that mutineer one. But it and its partner still kept fighting us until I had to advise them not to stop to show mercy even if the enemy was down. As a result, they stopped themselves instantly. It indicated that they were reloading to learn the lesson. Sir, I think these robots are brilliant. Maybe they are the best we have right now.
That's pretty damn smart. Well done! So… you want me to forgive them after everything they have done to you, right?
Yes, Sir.
Did you know about how is not showing mercy on the battlefield?
Do not do anything good to be able to protect yourself in any situation, Sir.
The Director stood up and came to the robots. (6) intended to stand up, but his father made a sign to order him to stay in the seat. The Director looked at one of the Androids, saw an electric gun holding on its hand. He asked it while rolling his eyes at the other Android, "You care about your partner more than your boss, right?"
The robot spoke with a halt, "Sir. It's entirely my fault. He didn't take any action. Punish me."
The Director turned his head to see Main and (6), then took the gun from the robot and pointed it at the Android. Main, (6), and the wounded soldier hold their breath. The Director looked at all people in the room, saw that (6) shook his head. He pointed the gun at the other robot and looked at his son again. Suddenly that robot said, "No. It's entirely my fault, not hers. Please just punish me."
At this time, (6) did nothing. The Director sighed, immediately pointed the weapon at the wounded soldier, and took a trigger.
When the wounded soldier was screaming because of hurting again, the Director talked to the Android, "I thought about forgiving you until your partner said the word please in his sentence, which means he still feels about mercy under the challenging situation. From there, I saw that you had learned something your boss told me, but not your partner. So, I had to punish your boss because he lied to me about your partner's intelligence of learning his lesson as he told me. Do you understand?"
The robot just kept silent. The Director sighed again, said, "You know what? I would have forgiven you only if you had been able to answer me anything. GUYS!"
Some of the soldiers appeared, the Director ordered them, "Fix them all, make sure they have been reset." Before the soldiers followed the order, (6) talked to his father, "Sir. Don't forget about our ethics department." The Director smiled, "Fine! Let do it gently."
At that moment, Main saw two soldiers pressing Androids down and taking their syringes out of the bags, while the other was getting the wounded man out of the room. The Director talked to Main in the private place, "Typically, the Android will cry like hell when we open their head to reset. Since the ethics department was established, we have processed a local anesthetic so the reset work will be less noisy. I didn't feel any problem until the department talked about the restriction of something dress…."
Main was irritated when seeing that the Director was imitating the old man's speech. (6) cut off his father, "Sir, we must get down to work right now. I need to discuss something with him privately."
"That's fine. Before you guys could leave, do me a favor?" The Director took a smartphone out of his pocket, said, "Two heroes are standing with me now, and they will continue to serve this country well. Let me take a selfie on us to keep this moment forever."
The Director blacked out the scene of Androids then pressed the button to take a selfie. After that, (6) took Main out of the room. Before leaving, Main could still listen to those Androids trying to speak words of love to each other.
The dialogue of Main and (6):
Sorry about that. I thought that Cosmos was the best Android and she could teach the others as well. My father… we have to do that for our country's benefit. No other choices.
Main came to a complete halt. He looked to (6) and stated, "From your father, I could imagine that you have already worked for Cid of the Lufaine before. And he has just talked to me about his fantasy world. So tell me, it's what a kind of... fantasy world should be, right?"
(6) looked to Main and answered, "Don't worry. No one knows from the outside, so this planet is still a fantasy world for them. You know what I mean, right?
Main said nothing.
(6) kept following Main: We appear to be some kind of designer crafting fascinating worlds with a cast of amazing people. We are very unattractive in comparison to all of them. But it doesn't matter when our work is completed to a high standard. Mr. R, I am only one of the designers attempting to construct such a universe. I hope this makes sense.
I hope your job as a designer does not go to hell till I have what I want, Mr. (6)." Main said, "This is only one thing that makes sense to me.
I am confident that you will receive what you are due. After many of the events, our planet is practically complete. One more step to go. Those Cetra people from the sky, on the other hand, had descended from the sky and threatened to destroy everything. For me, they're just another variable in a long list of variables, arranged in the wrong order. It's only a matter of repairing it.
Whatever. You forgot to talk to me about where we should go next.
To the training room. There, you'll run into your buddies. I'm afraid I won't attend the party since I need to meet some pals. You'll come across a few that are intriguing. Have faith in me.
(6) 's pocket phone rang as he and Main waited in the elevator. When taking the phone, (6) dropped a photograph on the ground. Main could see a woman with blond hair in that photo, despite (6) picking it up swiftly and saying, "You know? Doc (the code name of the old man) and I have previously experimented with how the following generation can keep all memories and the previous generation's abilities and talents. For example, if my father has a goal or a responsibility that he can't fulfill in his life, he may delegate it to me, and I will carry on his work under his direction stuck in my head. Sometimes a son or daughter may forget everything their parents have taught them and start a new life. However, with some codes hidden inside words, kids will never forget their parent's responsibility, beliefs, and character.
Yeah. Good for you.
When I was in Shinra timeline, people seemed to hate me so much except one woman. The group decided to send me to go back here, in this timeline. When I returned home, I was greeted warmly. Many ladies, including the secretary, surrounded me, but my heart was solely for her, the lady who never hated me. Now I'll get another chance to meet her. It's the most beautiful thing in my life, even though she may become enraged after seeing me for many years."
I assume that she will hug you so tight if seeing you again.
Yeah, maybe. Time travelers' existence is brief, but it is too complicated. We were all transported to every time many centuries ago. In medieval times, some of us become knights, while others become warlords, but not everyone serves just on the battlefield. Scientists, leaders, business people, and residents are everywhere in all periods. They have all constructed a Wonderland throughout the decades filled with fairies, witches, giant creatures, and... robots. Mr. R, do you believe we're simply troops doing our jobs? At the same time, we are heroes and beasts.
Hey, it just occurred to me. When you mentioned the secretary, I just met her in her room a few minutes earlier. She informed me that she would meet with your father. However, I believe she should join us right now because she is an essential member of my team.
(6) raised his hand to gonna have to interrupt R and said: Cid of the Lufaine is commemorating Midgard hero city anniversary. A museum has been erected to honor all of the country's heroes and heroines. She is a V.I.P., as is the Director. But, more significantly, we anticipate those Cetra will attend the celebration, so we are prepared to greet them with a large contingent of seasoned Androids.
So, I'm hoping you didn't send all of the Androids to that nation since it may be a trap. Perhaps they will not come there, but instead here, to assault all of your troops and steal all of Crystal's secrets.
As a result, I will not be invited. Only idiots would consider assaulting or taking something from here, but nothing is impossible with those folks. Therefore, I was appointed to command the defense. My father and the rest of the country would rip them apart limb by limb if I confronted them and died. Strangely enough, I believe you will do the same.
I'll do it only if you're a sincere buddy, which I haven't seen yet and probably never will. Besides, if you die due to defending all of us, I may consider retaliating for you.
"You make me recall those guys in Shinra timeline...," (6) stated, his voice melancholy, "Okay, I'll remember what you said. I have to leave now. Best of luck with your training. I'll see you and your buddies later."
End chapter 2.
Before writing this long chapter, I have read it: FFVIIR Writer Kazushige Nojima Harassed by Fans, Refuses to Talk About New Games - GamerBraves
I know that being a good writer for video games will never be easy. I always imagine myself as a writer when writing my fanfiction. I'm writing it in a manner that's a mix of video games and movies. However, my fanfiction may be ludicrous. Only if someone knows how to do it well does Final Fantasy deserve an excellent TV show, in my opinion. For the time being, I'm hoping that some writers will be entertained as audiences while reading my fanfiction here.
I choose some ideas for my fanfiction when imagining this as a show. They may be time travel, conspiracy, genocide, vengeance. and gratitude.
"The calamity of the skies" was sent back to a timeline in the past to make a genocide for the Cetra. It's an Android-like Chaos and Cosmos.
The robot, or Androids, will dominate the world in the future. They are called Gods and Goddesses.
All people in the story lose their homes, they become vengeance.
The Players are a part of the conspiracy, just like time agents who are put in each of the timelines from the old age to the new age to make a world of fantasy.
This makes an unbroken circle. It's finally broken by a "remake". A traitor who has gratitude for the Cetra does it. There, a first Final Fantasy remake begins.
And finally, one who lives in a remake will make another good one die. This is an unbroken rule of the circle.
It's midnight, time to sleep now.
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