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rivkae-winters · 1 year ago

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Zack Fair, Violence, and Tragedy

Over the last month or two I’ve seen several posts about the nature of Zack Fair’s tragedy and his seeming heel-toe-turn and thought I’d chime in.

Also like last time: this is only my interpretation of canon, there is no one true analysis to take as gospel. If you disagree/differ in opinion/even just want to talk please reblog or dm! I enjoy talking to other people about this sort of thing, fandom is all about discussion after all!

While I agree with the sentiment I’ve seen going around that Zack’s relationship to violence plays a role there are other nuances and factors at play here. I’d argue that it’s more accurate to say that Zack is becoming more aware of personal and professional culture outside of SOLDIER and outside of both ShinRa’s constraining grip and Angeal’s attempts at protection. Even then it takes great personal tragedy caused by the inherent contradictions of ShinRa’s reality for him to realize that he has functionally been on the wrong side.

Sure he’s not callous like Cloud is in the beginning of original and Remake, but he certainly isn’t horrified at his actions just because there is violence. I’d argue the violence of his actions isn’t the main horror to him in isolation. I’d argue that even the death that results from violence isn’t what the core of the issue is either.

Zack’s hinging point is more his loyalty and his pride. What he does for other people and what he believes in and of himself. Specifically these things in conjunction with his desire to be a good person.

The language of Pride, the non-localized direct translation of the word hokori or 誇り(JP CC Script), is what’s going to be used here rather than Honor.

誇り | Hokori - To take pride in; To boast of

Definition Sources: 1, 2, 3

Just keep in mind that I’ve written this from as neutral a point of view as possible on the matter of pride since the Western perception definitively does not apply. To be proud is not a crime and it is not foolish it simply is.

Zack initially places his pride in SOLDIER- in what being a SOLDIER means to him. In how being a SOLDIER is his and that they are his people and thus he lets ShinRa policies define how he frames his morality. Thus ShinRa defines good in Zack Fair’s life.

Zack wants to be a hero. He wants to help people. He is trusting and kind and respectful to people consistently outside of the conflict of the mass desertion. Zack genuinely wants to be a good person and help other people, good or otherwise. He is led to believe by ShinRa propaganda that the best way to help people or to be anything meaningful in this world is through them. This is a baited trap that he falls into, Zack is prime prey this trap was intended to catch.

He is angry at Genesis and horrified by Angeal, especially at the beginning, not for cruelty or violence or even really death… He is angry at them for their betrayal. Sure he is violent and angry in the instance he thinks Angeal has murdered his own mother, as with Genesis and his parents, but that does not define his antagonism, his hatred, his regret, his sense of justice with them at all.

Zack does not raise his sword at Genesis for the people of Banora, he raises his sword for SOLDIER.

Zack understandably feels, and has been, betrayed.

He is hurt and angry and alone in a way he’s never been since he got into the SOLDIER program. He falls deeper into the illusions of ShinRa for that reason, angry and hurting and grieving the life he had with people in it who will never return. There is a deep sense of nostalgia throughout Crisis Core in the sense of the word’s initial meaning: the pain of missing home. Specifically the homes we find in people.

Even as he believes in ShinRa's twisted reality Zack wants to help. He wants to protect those he cares for. Zack wants to be good. Unfortunately in Zack Fair’s life the undisputed definition of good is now written by the ShinRa Electric Power Corporation alone.

Then he meets Aerith.

Suddenly ShinRa’s version of right and wrong have opposition but the control that ShinRa has over his life, total and complete as it is, prevents that from sinking in. Zack is perceptive though, around Aerith he is her version of good and then he has to go back to what equates to his phase of reality. A sanctuary is not safe, not truly, when watchers are peering in through the back door ready to drag you out by your feet if you misstep.

Zack wants to be a man Aerith or anyone won’t be scared of. He wants to do that not because he is suddenly horrified at his own violence but rather in consideration of others. Zack is highly empathetic after all once he can see someone else’s perspective. He wants to be what Aerith wants, even if he doesn’t really and truly understand it yet, because he cares about her and cares about her opinion. He cares about her comfort. Zack still puts most of his pride within SOLDIER though. That means that Aerith’s morals cannot sink through his skin to his center, not like Angeal’s had. She makes him think but she is not shaping his mind, he is left to do that himself.

Zack spends a lot of time questioning Angeal and being upset at and about him off screen even more than on screen. We don’t get a front row seat for all of it. The big takeaway is that Zack doesn’t shed Angeal’s morals that he’s taken on himself. He can’t after all, not with ShinRa only just seeming tarnished. ShinRa would need to rust and crumble fully before he actually can let them go. Before he can be free in his own mind.

ShinRa chips and rusts in an instant under Sephiroth’s hand. The last holdout crumbled in the fight of two victims of ShinRa and someone who will become one soon. ShinRa is no longer the defined of good, not after what Zack sees is the response to the Nibelheim Incident.

ShinRa not being good, worse even ShinRa being bad breaks the entire morality system. The illusions crack and Zack is forced to examine himself, his actions, and his biases in ways Aerith made him want to but that he couldn’t afford to truly indulge in. Even more that he was scared of self introspection in a sense, of the paradigm of his reality shifting even further.

He eventually truly reframes his actions and has to reckon with them (and himself) at the end of the game, chapter 9 and onwards. It is only then that he actually LOOKS and is fully horrified by what he sees of himself. That horror only progresses as he fights for both his and Cloud’s lives. That horror only builds as he realizes he’s exactly the person who his girlfriend SHOULD be terrified of despite his best attempts- that he’s everything she was talking about. He’s everything she was talking about even after trying to change the way he acts around her.

To abuse the innate metaphors: Zack Fair goes to Nibelheim, a well trained attack dog, still seeing relatively little wrong with fulfilling ShinRa’s orders. Zack is only then on the cusp of figuring out that he does not want to be there, that he is the antagonist of the planet’s (and Aerith’s) story unwittingly.

Zack Fair leaves Nibelheim beaten. He tries to go back to the safety of what was once his home prior to ShinRa only to be waylaid.

Zack Fair leaves Banora free and irrevocably changed.

He is free in the sense that the illusions he held himself too are crumbling even more with knowledge that his demons are men too. He is free through the knowledge that he is one of those demons. , that he has been shaped to be one, and that good intentions pave a terribly walkable path to hell.

Zack leaves with the knowledge that he was the monster in the closet. The knowledge that his sword was not just the executioner’s blade but the enforcer’s. The sword kept clean in favor of bloody hands and higher risks is now drowning in pools of it. Zack leaves with the knowledge that he never would have been truly free.

Yet he is in the sense that he can choose- actually choose- what he wants, what he values. He chooses Aerith and he chooses Cloud as he has each time before. He chooses violence. It is something he knows and among what he is good at. It is not all he is but it is a tool he can use.

He chooses to pay the price of freedom.

Crisis Core is a tragedy and Zack and Genesis both are tragic figures at its center. Zack’s arc is angled to the viewer for maximum effect but Genesis’s does mirror it in a way just on an offset path already initiated. Sephiroth is also a tragic character, undeniably so. However structure wise his role is more murky given the way he has the ability to be the god waiting in the machine, a guaranteed victory or unavoidable altered trajectory should he choose to act, for most of the story.

And that’s a large part of why I love Zack as a character, aside from things I’ve said before about what makes him such a good narrator. Zack is the unlucky prodigy at the center of a story about wars, abusers, connections, and perspectives. He wants to be good, he wants to be a person that helps.

He can’t, not really, not in the way he wants.

Crisis Core is a cautionary tale about exactly that going wrong and how anyone can be taken advantage of.

#zack fair #ff7 #ffvii #crisis core #ff7 crisis core #angeal hewley #genesis rhapsodos #rivkae writes #long post #Sephiroth is the deus ex machina functionally for cc and I adore that and about him #and what it does to his arc #If anything it aids in his feeling alienated since his power and control over the narrative LITERALLY separates him from the world #puts chasms between himself and the people that he considers his fellows that he despises but that is a post for another day #i need a tag for analysis or something #random unprompted essay be upon ye #riv’s lil rants

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dorkus-mcdingus · 4 months ago

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The Eyes are Always Honest

Characters: Fellow Honest, Gidel, Joanna O'Malley

Tags: OC x Canon, First Meeting, Fellow Honest x Fem!OC

Hoo boy this was a fic that was a long time coming. I love writing the dynamic between Fellow and Joanna especially with how both of them hate having their wings clipped.

You can think of this as like a precursor to Playful Land's story where Fellow and Gidel first landed on Sage's Island and it's sorta day (or rather night one of landing in the place). Also, if you see these brackets bolded (These ones ⏩ { } ), It just means Gidel is signing to his big brother. I just don't want to bother with trying to describe the signs he does unlike the previous story with Rosalie 😅

Another day meant another moment to see the moon rise. As the street lamps emitted their gentle glow, a pair of strangers idly strolled through the laughter filled streets of Foothill Town with nothing more than a bag carrying the essentials they needed and dressed in fabrics so bright that one could easily pinpoint them in the dark. Although in contrast to the vibrant colors they wore and the wolfish grin of the taller beastman, weariness of the road cloaked their eyes.

The bite of the autumn fog mauled their faces and stung their skin while the tiny beastman toddled close to his guardian to keep himself warm. At the same time, a nightmare replayed in their minds, all they could focus on now was to keep walking and to hold on a little longer before they could find something to hold them over until tomorrow. A cheap inn if they're lucky or at least someone who can accept their money and not turn them away.

Over in the Western half of Foothill Town in a quaint little cafe that viewed the vast ocean, a lone barista heaved a heavy sigh once the last customer left for the night and she counted her tips for the day.

"Rough night for tips but every little sorcent counts." The woman muttered. "The sooner I'm able to get back to England with Rosie unscathed, the better I'll be able to sleep."

Alas, the workday wasn't quite finished yet as she had to help close up shop. Excusing herself, she walked outside all while fishing for a cigarette and a lighter. If the boss was going to get on her ass about her behavior, while she loses hope about ever returning home repeating the same boring routine, might as well cool off before more customers come in, loiter around, and treat her like a maid.

Despite the chill in the air, the fog finally cleared and she got a good gander at the twinkling stars that shined as bright as magestones in a mine. Though, one in particular caught her eye as she raised the lit cigarette to her lips. This star in particular glowed brighter than the others and was quite a large one at that. The locals took to calling it,

'The wishing star.'

A star in which can hear the wishes and pleas of the people who are in dire need of hope or happiness. Some say that a gentle and kind celestial fairy took the form of that star and would grant the wishes of those who have given so much happiness to others.

"I sometimes wonder if that's true." She thought as she watched the smoke curl when she exhaled. "With how that bleeding carriage spirited us away, I need any kind of miracle."

Looking up, the twinkling star did give her some feeling of serenity. Maybe one little wish wouldn't hurt? While true, dad always told her that the old star could only take her so far, at this rate, she needed hope for the safety of her sister and a safe journey home.

After exhaling another drag of smoke, she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and said quietly as if in desperate prayer,

"Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might have the wish I wish tonight."

"Some naysayers would say that a girl your age is far too old to be wishing on stars. Personally, I disagree."

The sudden voice that cut through the quiet bustle of the night shot at her like a blast of lightning and she hastily jerked her head to locate the source.

Before her stood two gangly figures. The taller one, a fox with hair, eyes, and fur as orange as a glowing fire, and the younger, a tiny little cat beastman who looked no older than an elementary schooler with fur and hair the color of mahogany while his large, round eyes and eyes that seemed to match the shade of peridot green shadow worn on his guardian's eyelids. Their outfits were unbelievably gaudy, bordering on stage costumes rather than proper streetwear. One could say, it's as if they were cosplaying proper members of society only to come off as a cheap imitation of the kinds of people she used to surround herself with in her old life.

The fox looked a little more spruced up compared to the cat (if not for the hole in one of his gloves and the intricate patchwork on his trousers) but it wasn't by much. In a crowd, he REALLY stuck out like the sorest thumb and his little lackey was no different especially with the mallet he held tightly in his tiny hands that hid behind these comically large sleeves.

"My, my Gidel." Spoke the fox, his honeyed voice oozing with faux adoration. "What have we here?!"

The cat, Gidel, looked up at the woman with wide eyes, and replied with a silent but surprised nod.

{"She's so pretty!"} He signed.

"Isn't she? Dare I say, that..."

"Pardon me." The woman interrupted. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Oh, do excuse me, Miss. I was so enraptured by your beauty that I couldn't help myself with getting distracted." The fox replied, drumming his fingers on the golden handle of his cane.

She nodded with a warm smile as she put her cigarette out on the bottom of her high heeled shoe.

"It's rather cold out so I'll give you both some hot tea to warm up."

"You're far too kind my dear. Come along Giddy, we can't let our gracious host wait on us."

As the two travelers entered the cafe, the barista glared at them. Immediately, she knew they weren't to be trusted and every little fiber in her body screamed at her to turn them in to the police. However, the devil on her shoulder whispered oh so sweetly in her ear, tempting her to let them stay for a while. After all, back in her world she was no stranger to characters like him but the intrigue pulled at her so hard that she wanted to see how the handsome showman and his adorable little brother could try to pull one over on her. Alas, it seemed like this time her hedonistic curiosity won her over as she followed them inside.

The fluorescent lights acted like a spotlight as the two escaped the chill of the autumn night and into something more cozy. The poor things looked like they were practically starving so maybe something complimentary could do for them. Not like a pot of tea from her apartment would break her bank much. Still, just seeing the way the little boy gazed at the pastries displayed in the window, her heart felt close to shattering. The world truly can be an unkind place especially for children like him.

Once the tea was finished steeping, Gidel ran back to the table his guardian fox was sitting by and took his seat aimlessly swinging his legs with an innocent smile.

"Consider this as compliments of the barista." She spoke while pouring the tea with the skill and elegance of a proper hostess.

"Thank you!" Replied the fox. "Although, I'm afraid I haven't gotten your name."

The woman giggled.

"I do believe the custom is that the gentleman introduces himself first, sir."

"Oh my, where are my manners?!" The fox replied with a smile that oozed rose colored dreams. "My name is Fellow Honest. The young lad beside me is my dear friend, Gidel. He can't exactly talk but he's a nice enough sort."

With a light nudge, the cat boy looked over at his caretaker as he said,

"Go on, Gidel. Say hello to her."

Obeying the order, the tiny kitty greeted his hostess with the sweetest smile ever seen from a boy his age and a handshake.

"Aww, aren't you the little charmer, Gidel." She smiled. "Name's Joanna. Joanna O'Malley."

Fellow let out a chuckle as Gidel moved back to his seat, his ears and vulpine eyes narrowing at her like a lone rabbit in an open field.

"Joanna O'Malley, huh? Definitely rolls off the tongue well I'll admit."

Joanna gazed at her two guests, her grey eyes glimmering with intrigue as she retorted the fox's compliment with,

"Is flattery how you communicate, Mr. Honest? Pity your hostess isn't naive to fall in love with something so empty."

"Oh, no, no! I genuinely mean it! A lovely lady such as yourself befits a name like that. Apologies, but in my case it's hard for me to tell a lie. Matter of fact, many people have taken to calling me an 'Honest John' for that reason you see."

Joanna let out a smirk before she broke out into a giggling fit. This bloke couldn't POSSIBLY be serious! An Honest John?! Him?! It was like he had,

'Call the police! I'm a suspicious man!'

Painted in neon colors on the back of his coat.

Just that sentence alone, was enough for her to know the kind of person he is. A charlatan, a silver-tongued sleaze, a professional schmoozer who peddles nothing more than broken promises disguised as sweet dreams.

This rodeo wasn't anything new to her but oh how her heart pounded as a lack of logic took over her mind. She just HAD to speak to him more. Her curiosity about him and his little brother ate at her like vultures feasting on a fresh corpse as well as feeling like she took the revolver in her hand and spun the chamber. Who knows, maybe she'll live, maybe she'll succumb to her gamble and she'll greet the grim reaper with the most passionate kiss.

Either way, much like a shark smelling blood, she was locked in and Fellow could see she was on to him and his pretty little lies.

"Oh this will be FUN!"

"Apologies for my little giggle sir, it's been so long since I've felt this way before, especially since I've been so wracked with worry for a while now."

"Oh my sweet dear!" Fellow replied as he pulled up a chair for her. "Come now, tell me your troubles and maybe I might have the solution to help relieve you of some of your worries."

Joanna took a deep breath as she recounted her story. Not too long ago, a black carriage came by and shoved her little sister into a coffin and dragged her to another world. Trying to free her, she hitched a ride and had one hell of a crash landing and here she was. Trapped in Foothill Town, working day in and day out with barely a sorcent to her name, trying to find a way to bring not just her sister but herself home, back to their world.

Poor Gidel's sweet smile ran away from his face as he rubbed her arm. One could only imagine how terrified she was.

"I appreciate it, sweetheart." She smiled at the boy.

"Unfortunately, as far as my magic is concerned I can't cast a spell to help alleviate your worries. As far as my prowess with magic is concerned, I can only cast sparks to my fingertips, a small breeze, or little droplets of water."

Striking a pose to where it appeared he was lost in thought, Gidel tugged on his guardian's coat and with the rapid fire signs, the fox said,

"Yes... Yes! Ah, Giddy what a clever little genius you are!"

"Pardon me, what is he saying?" Joanna inquired as she collected the tea tray.

"He told me the most brilliant idea!"

Approaching the counter, he pulled out an Ace of Spades playing card with a charming smile on his face, letting out a giggle at the confused expression on the girl's face.

"Sorry, sorry. A bit of humor on my end. This is what I meant to give you."

With a slight of hand, between his fingers rested a glimmering ticket. In bright, red letters inscribed

"Playful Land Dream Ticket, Admit one."

Against the bright blue, crimson red, and beige.

"The hell is this?" Joanna asked a little coldly.

"My word! You've never heard of Playful Land? To think I would ever meet a soul who hasn't heard of our esteemed park."

Gidel nodded, his expression bug-eyed like a fish searching for water.

"Ah, you work at a theme park? I took you two as a pair of runaway vaudevillians or carnival barkers but I suppose the latter was correct."

"Really? It just so happens that I am the manager of the park. Though, color me surprised, I didn't think anyone knew about stage shows like that."

"The theater is one of my interests actually, alongside fashion and costume history. Though, commedia dell'arte is the one that gets me the most."

"Is that so? Well, have you ever thought of becoming a star on the stage? One of the perks of this particular ticket is not just the free rides and food but also participating in our world renowned stage show."

"Pfft! Bruv, never in a million years will I ever reach the stage. Even if you paid me the treasury of any royal family in this bloody world, I wouldn't do it. You truly are hilarious!"

"Oh but I insist!" The fox replied with the most insidiously charming smile and a twirl of his cane. "The moment you and I gazed at each other, I knew you could be a star in the making! Especially someone with the most magnetic 'come hither' stare like yourself, my dear. Think of it, the lights, the applause, a lovely lady such as yourself was made for the stage!"

She tried to choke back her amusement but much like one of her bad hangovers, she had to let it out. She laughed, and laughed, and laughed, until her sides went sore.

The manager and his lackey looked at each other as the swirl of emotions bubbled up inside them. They were going to lose her if they didn't redirect their strategy sooner. But it felt like a lost cause at this rate as not even magic worked to help her crack. The pitch was far too sketchy to where it could leave anyone howling like a hyena.

Once Joanna dried her tears and calmed herself from her laughter, she looked at the two much with a glint in her grey eyes on par with a lioness hunting for a fresh kill. With a low and melodic purr in her voice, she said to them

"My, my, darling. Aren't you quite the comedian! Dare I say a real Brighella if you will!"

For the first time in what seemed like a very long time, an icy chill shot through the fox. For some strange reason, the cafe started feeling colder than the autumn chill they escaped from.

Brighella was a character he knew well, especially whenever he had time to sneak into the theater. A masterful liar and schemer, fond of money yet spends it rapidly, but he takes advantage of those especially if it will gain him the best advantage. In other words, a scum of the earth omnivore just like himself.

The little boy on the other hand didn't take the insult well and just before he was about to hit her, Fellow immediately grabbed the mallet, looked at him like a stern parent and replied with a calm,

"Don't be crude."

There was a time for violence and this was not one of them.

"Oh how you spark my curiosity though Fellow. Believe me, your offer is tempting. Dare I say, tailor made for someone like me. Gorging myself like I'm a pig for slaughter, going up on stage to dance around like you're making me pretty for buyers who want my body, indulging myself in a carnival that's prime bait for hedonists! It's so sublime...!"

This was it! They got her hook, line, and sinker! Though her choice of words was unbelievably concerning towards anyone that's sound of mind. Well, a fool is a fool and a good way for them to make a quick mark...

"But I have to refuse, darling."

"WHAT?!"

"I've done plenty of dangerous things to give myself an adrenaline rush, hell, even talking with such a suspicious character like yourself is enough to get my blood pumping. However, much like you, I've got a sibling to look after and make sure she's safe. After my last attempt at laughing in the face of death, my sister became my reason to stay alive. Besides, I doubt you both would get anything out of me if you tried to pick my pockets except for a few measly sorcents. I may have come from money back in my world, but here, I have nothing."

Sure, in their travels they may have come across strange and suspicious characters like them, but not once did they ever meet a woman that was both intrigued and on guard. Fellow's sweet-talking silver tongue couldn't do anything while his unique magic wasn't much help either. After all, the girl was searching for her sister and she was already suspicious of them from the start so alas according to the rules of his spell, she really would take a lot of convincing.

She gazed at the ticket, the fox really bore a resemblance to the one in front of her. Recalling her childhood, she remembered her mother telling her stories of foxes and their notorious trickery but she gave both the fox and the tiny kitten toddling beside him a wide smile as her eyes narrowed at them.

"You're trapped in a whale's stomach, aren't you?"

The room started growing colder while Gidel clung to his guardian. He couldn't sign or act out what he wanted to say but it was enough to make him shake. Something about her just put him on edge and every single bit of him was telling him to run away.

"Ahem, eh-ehehehe... My apologies madam, but whatever could you mean by that?" Asked the fox as he smoothed down his little brother's messy hair.

"Your eyes gave you both away to me."

And for once, a look of genuine shock was plastered on their faces.

"You may lie and trick with your silver tongue and your brother's adorable charm is a magnet for gullible bell-ends, but the eyes are always honest, you see? They can tell me everything. You're both so weary from the long journeys you've been on, but you have that desperate hunger in them too."

Stepping out from behind the counter, she walked around the two eyeing them up and down like a prison guard performing an inspection.

"Looking at the clothes you both wear, I must admit, the needlework is amazing, but I wonder how many times you had to patch up your trousers and his shirt while walking for so long. The truth is, I don't know what you two have done in the past, but I can tell that you abhor the life you have now."

"Run! Run! You need to get out of here!"

Was the thought that screamed in the minds of the petty schemers. Just before he was ready to leave, he thanked Joanna for her time and left her the ticket in case she wanted to join them on a day full of fun.

"Boys!" She called.

"What now?!"

"You're forgetting something."

In her hands, she gave them a bag full of leftover sweets and sandwiches and a couple cups of hot apple cider but they both looked at the little offering with DEEP skepticism.

"Oh dear, it seems like you're both worried." Joanna replied.

"Why wouldn't we be scared after all the weird crap you sai-! I mean... We're just curious about the offer."

Close call. Almost slipped their cover.

"Something for the road. You both look starved to death."

"That little...! Is she looking down on us?!"

"I appreciate the offer, but we're on a rather tight schedu-"

Grrrrrol

Gidel's stomach couldn't help itself and as much as the little kitten hated to admit it, he was hungry and the checks they've been getting were getting less and less by the minute so they could barely afford food. Almost like the boss was trying to find a way to keep them as his own personal donkeys he could bark at like a slave driver.

In turn, Joanna looked at the little boy with deep sympathy. As much as it was fun setting them on edge, she really couldn't help but pity them. Heaven only knows what kind of horrors they've seen and what they're experiencing right now.

Fellow hates his life. That was for certain, much like how Jacob Marley was as dead as a doornail. As for Gidel, his innocence has been somewhat shielded for the most part, but he too has witnessed all sorts of horrific things at such a young age. Yet still, in a way he acted as his big brother's conscience. A sweet yet bitter bond they share that you can't help but pity.

"Please, take them. We're going to be closing soon and at least these won't go to waste. Besides you two are quite the fun pair, that it would kill me inside to see something horrible happen to you. Back home, I work as a bartender and I do have strict morals and principles when it comes to my customers. I'd rather they leave happy, satisfied, and head home safe. So rest assured that no one tampered with these."

They did smell good... And the apple cider would be a huge help in keeping them warm tonight on the way. Besides, it was better than a failed theft or pickpocketing attempt, or having to forage for potatoes again for the upteenth time and it was ESPECIALLY better than dealing with the boss barking orders or screaming abusive obscenities at them.

"On second thought, might as well take these while they're still warm."

Gidel let out a beaming smile as he bounced on his toes as he signed,

{"Thank you! Thank you so very much!"}

"You're very welcome, darling. As for you Fellow, I hope you can make it out of there. Whatever it is that's leaving you shackled. I'd hate to see a man like you have his wings clipped."

"What do you know about that?" Fellow replied, his vulpine eyes narrowing at her. "And why in hell do you care?"

"I don't like seeing passionate people like you both losing your spark. From the looks of it, you're stuck."

Heaving a deep sigh, the two gave her a little bow, bade her farewell, and disappeared into the night.

As Joanna watched their silhouettes grow smaller before disappearing into the darkness, she let out a somber smile.

"Honest John…” She scoffed as she tore up the ticket. “What a joke! I can read his face like an open book! Although, I know his pain too well. It's happened to me many times. While true, I don't know what it's like to go through what they've been through, I've been in partnerships and relationships where I nearly had my wings clipped."

Meanwhile, in the outskirts of Foothill Town, there rested a little motel where visitors could rent a room for dirt cheap. The owner, while wary of the two strangers, accepted the little fee they had to pay but at least it served as a refuge from the Coachman's abuse. Although they had no chairs or tables, they made do with the tiny room they had to share. Gidel's eyes lit up like a kid in a candy shop the more he got a good look at the morsels the woman at the cafe gave them.

Sandwiches, a cookie for both, a couple of muffins, croissants with little cups of blueberry jam, and then the hot cider waiting?! This was the most amount of food they've seen in so long and she gave it for free?!

"Damn it..." Fellow huffed as he unwrapped one of the sandwiches. "And she was a good mark too wasn't she Giddy?"

In reply, Gidel nodded although his cheeks were stuffed like a chipmunk's.

He tried to sign to him but Fellow quickly stopped him.

"Swallow first, then you talk."

Once he swallowed and set his sandwich down, he signed to him,

{"She's nice, but she's so scary!"}

"No kidding...! Geez Louise, I've never been more creeped out by a target in my life! It was like she was staring into my soul!"

Gidel nodded with a shudder as he took another bite of his little meal, urging his big brother to at least eat something.

"Okay, okay. I will." He replied as he took a bite.

The smoky taste of the meat coupled with the slight saltiness of the warm, melted cheese made his face soften up. For what seemed like a long time, Gidel saw a genuine smile on his guardian's face.

"Well, it's not all bad I guess. At least we got a decent meal out of her. I just hope to the heavens we never see her again!"

Gidel nodded as they both toasted the coffee cups filled with the hot cider, and took a sip soon after.

The warm, sweet but slightly tart taste of the apples felt like heaven after spending days on that godforsaken ship, waking up every morning to clean up the evidence of their previous prospects and to make sure the place shined like the Fairest City.

Still, what annoyed Fellow was that she was right. He was just like the old toymaker stuck inside the belly of that behemoth of a whale. The amount of times he had to kiss ass, sacrifice blood, sweat, and tears so that the hard times wouldn't be so hard on them, but that jackass of a Coachman made the two of them his own personal marionettes to exploit.

He looked out the window and back to Gidel, letting out a sigh as he gazed upon the wishing star.

"I'm not lucky enough to have my wish come true, but if you can hear me, I need a sign. At least something to have a bit of hope to better our lives."

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