A Puzzling Holy Night
Reinhardtzar is getting ready for his first holy night since becoming a skyfarer with Cain and Leona when he notices his friends are acting strangely. Realizing that they plan on giving him a present, he is overcome with embarrassment at the idea and plots to be off the ship on the big night.
After leaving the Republic of Idelva and finding a routine carry out a number of requests as skyfarers...
Reinhardtzar and his companions settle down in a city in the Nalhegrande Skydom to prepare for the holy night.
Reinhardtzar: I thought it was quiet... Reading a book, are you?
Cain: ...
Reinhardtzar: Oh, it's a magazine. Odd. You're usually reading some dense book on military strategy.
Cain: Odd? I was just studying up on fashion trends and holiday outfits.
Reinhardtzar: Were you always interested in that sort of stuff? You're not getting any funny ideas again, are you?
Cain: No, no, no! Not a chance...
Cain: What about you, Reinhardtzar? Anything catch your eye?
Cain: Just take a look. There are styles for on-duty, off-duty, the holy night, New Year's... It covers everything!
Reinhardtzar: Why are you so interested in what I like?
Cain: Oh, I just want an extra opinion. I can't pick which of these is best.
Reinhardtzar: Hmph. I suppose if I had to choose... Yeah, this one's not bad.
Reinhardtzar: The trinkets are a bit much, though. It'd be hard to move. Best to take them off.
Cain: So you like a practical outfit, eh? I guess you do have your preferences after all.
Reinhardtzar: Don't make it seem bigger than it is! It's normal to think about how clothes will feel when you're wearing them.
Reinhardtzar: I still think it's off, you reading that right here in front of me instead of in your room. Were you trying to bait me?
Cain: Now you're the one making a big deal out of nothing! Everyone likes to dress up for the holidays, you know?
Reinhardtzar: Hmph. All right.
Another day...
Leona: Hey, Reinhardtzar, what should we do for the holiday dinner?
Reinhardtzar: Hmm. Well, the main dish has to be a nice, big roast chicken...
Leona: Did you already order it?
Reinhardtzar: Sure did. It'll be sent by air-ship to a restaurant in town on the day. Just need to pick it up.
Leona: How about the sides? What would you like? Oh, and how tall are you?
Reinhardtzar: For the sides...
Reinhardtzar: Wait... My height?
Reinhardtzar's eyes grow wide at the surprise query, but Leona remains straight-faced as she waits for the answer.
Reinhardtzar: (What's going on? Am I mistaken? No, she definitely said it...)
After a brief hesitation, Reinhardtzar answers both about the sides and his height.
Leona: Got it! Thanks.
Reinhardtzar: S-sure...
Reinhardtzar: (Why'd she want to know my height? Is there some dish that can't be made without that info?)
Leona: We have what we need to make a cake, too... Do you prefer shortcake or chocolate?
Leona: And how wide are your shoulders?
Reinhardtzar: What?
Reinhardtzar: How can the width of my shoulders possibly matter for a cake?
Leona: How?
Leona: Well! You see... You're a big guy, and I want plenty to eat for myself, so I need to make sure it's a huge cake!
Reinhardtzar: As if wide shoulders determine your appetite... You've been acting strangely today.
Leona: N-no! You just do some calculations based on shoulder width and voila! You know how much someone will eat.
Reinhardtzar: ...
Leona: Ha... Haha...
Reinhardtzar: All right... Back when my uniform was made...
Reinhardtzar mutters out the answers Leona needs while she smiles lightly in relief.
Reinhardtzar: (First my height, then my shoulders. If she starts asking about my chest or arms...)
Leona: Oh r-right, we need some alcohol, too! Any favorites? Oh, and what's your waist size?
Reinhardtzar: ...
Reinhardtzar: (Why did Leona need all those measurements? I'm positive that Cain has a hand in this, but what's he planning on making me wear?)
Reinhardtzar: (Well, the holy night's almost here. Could it be? Nah...)
Reinhardtzar: Not a chance.
Though he quickly reaches a conclusion, Reinhardtzar can't bring himself to believe it.
Reinhardtzar: (What should I do if I'm right? Just the idea of receiving a gift makes me restless...)
Reinhardtzar: (But... what else could it be but clothes?)
Reinhardtzar: (Wait... Hmm... Maybe...)
Reinhardtzar: (They want me to play Santa? There'd be no need to hide that, though...)
Reinhardtzar: (I can't really press the issue since it seems like they're hoping to surprise me.)
Reinhardtzar: Tch. What a mess. No point in worrying about it.
Putting it out of his mind, Reinhardtzar collapses onto the bed and falls fast asleep.
At last, the holy night arrives.
Reinhardtzar has spent days in unrest and after reaching maximum discomfort...
Reinhardtzar: Well, I'm outside... But now what should I do?
He rushes out from the airship. Without any particular destination in mind, he heads toward the restaurant.
Reinhardtzar: Not here yet? Well... It is the big night. Guess the skies are crowded.
The cargo ship is apparently delayed and hasn't yet reached the restaurant.
Reinhardtzar speaks with the owner and offers to go to the dock to receive the meat himself.
Reinhardtzar: Things feel a little tense here for some reason...
Reinhardtzar: (There are a lot of mercenaries around. Did something happen?)
Cautious from the unease in the air, Reinhardtzar scans the docks for signs of trouble when...
Drang: Well, now! If it isn't ol' Reinhardtzar!
Reinhardtzar: What? Is that you, Drang?
Reinhardtzar introduced Drang to the mercenaries in Idelva when it was still a kingdom.
Though they haven't had much contact, Reinhardtzar remembers him as a man similar to Cain.
Drang: My goodness! What're you doing here? How've you been?
Drang: A little birdie told me you left Idelva with Cain and Leona?
Reinhardtzar: Yeah. I'm a proper skyfarer now along with them.
Drang: Is that right? Glad to hear everyone's doing well! So, here on a little trip?
Reinhardtzar: Something like that. And you? What've you been up to?
Drang: I may not look it, but I'm on the job right now!
Reinhardtzar: On the job? You're a merc, then?
Drang: Sure enough. Think about it... This time of year, the city's chock full of expensive food and presents, right?
Drang: Plenty of bandits come sniffing around for all the goodies, which means it's busy season for us mercenaries!
Drang: That's why I'm not with Sturm today. Hope she's not too lonely!
Reinhardtzar: Hmm... I see. Still, seems like a lot of mercenaries about. What's going on?
Drang: We're on high alert because it seems that bandits are targeting the incoming cargo ship.
Reinhardtzar: A cargo ship?
As Reinhardtzar furrows his brow, the docks begin bustling with activity. It appears the cargo ship has finally arrived.
Drang: That look tells me you need something they're carrying.
Reinhardtzar: That's right. I'm not looking to get caught up in a scrap, though.
Reinhardtzar: I'll just take my goods and make myself scarce.
Drang: Our employer warned us thieves might come from outside the island... I'd best check inside, too...
Drang: So, I'll just come along with you!
And so...
Reinhardtzar: Oh, come on! This isn't how it's supposed to go...
Drang: Looks like they were on board right from the start!
They encounter suspicious men inside the cargo ship.
Drang: There's a lot of them...
Drang: You still want to get out of here fast, don't you?
Reinhardtzar: Are you asking for my help? Not that I have much choice...
As the thieves carelessly ransack the ship, Reinhardtzar looks on with a frustrated scowl.
A Kind Dawn Awaits You
Drang gets Reinhardtzar involved in a fight with bandits in a cargo ship's hold, where he finds one has eaten the food he ordered. After dealing with the bandit, he returns with a young boy who had been hiding in the hold. Drang then pushes him to help the boy meet his father.
Shortly before Reinhardtzar and Drang board the cargo ship...
Boy: ...
A young boy hides in the provisions hold.
Boy: When are we leaving? I want to get to Groz Island already...
Boy: I'm so hungry. Something smells pretty good...
Peeking out from the cargo, the boy can see all sorts of delicious food around.
Boy: Hey, there's fruit! Oh, and meat! I see cake, too... I could eat it all!
The lad shakes his head at the thought and withdraws a piece of candy from his bag, popping it in his mouth.
Boy: None of that food is mine. I've got my candy, though!
Just as the boy finishes savoring the sweet treat, the door to the hold opens and a man walks in.
Boy: (Someone's here! I can't let him see me!)
The boy holds his breath and watches the man, who begins scrounging through the food.
Thief: What's this? Candy? Tch! That'll never fill my belly! Gotta be something else here...
Thief: Oh! A roast chicken! That's the ticket!
Boy: (What's he doing? Hey!)
The boy watches as the man noisily tears into the chicken.
Boy: (How dare he! He's eating someone else's food!)
The boy quivers in fear as he begins to steel himself.
Boy: (You can't just eat someone else's food. That makes you a thief, and that's bad!)
Boy: (I need to tell him to stop! That's what my papa would do because he's an honorable soldier!)
Boy: (I'm pretty scared... But I have to do it!)
Screwing up his courage, the boy leaps out from his hiding spot.
Boy: Hey!
Thief: Huh? Oh. It's just some brat.
Boy: That doesn't belong to you! You can't eat it!
Thief: Tch. Shut it! It's none of your business!
Boy: Wha—?
Thief: Tell me, what are you doing here? You a thief like me?
Boy: N-no way! I'd never steal stuff!
Thief: Gah! I told you to shut up!
Boy: Waaah!
The man raises his fist, and the boy curls up and covers his face.
Thief's Voice: Gyaaah!
Boy: ...
Huh?
The boy cautiously opens his eyes after feeling no pain.
Reinhardtzar: Hey. You all right, kid?
Boy: Y-yeah...
Reinhardtzar: What are you even doing here? This ain't the place for passengers to—
Reinhardtzar: Hey!
Reinhardtzar: That's the roast chicken I ordered, isn't it? Who was eating this?
Boy: Oh, uh...
Rage flaring up at the remaining chicken strewn across the floor, Reinhardtzar's glare first flies to the boy. It's clear the lad isn't the culprit, though.
Reinhardtzar: Your face is absolutely spotless, and I don't see a single stain on your clothes. This guy, on the other hand...
Reinhardtzar: You better pay me back... No, maybe I'll slug you again then turn you over to the mercs.
Boy: ...
Drang: Who'd have thought there'd be a battle on the cargo ship? There's been a lot of damage to the goods...
Drang: Reinhardtzar said he was going to check the provisions hold. I hope he's okay.
Just then, he spots the man himself with a stern look on his face.
Drang: Oh, Reinhardtzar! What's that under your arm?
Reinhardtzar: Hmph...
Boy: Hm?
Drang: Did you... go into the cargo looking for this boy?
Reinhardtzar: No. I just... found him.
Drang: Whaaat?
Leaving the other mercs to deal with the ship, Reinhardtzar and Drang go somewhere to hear the boy's story.
The lad had a fight with his mother and ran away. He hoped to see his father on Groz Island and stowed away aboard a ship.
Drang: He seems to have taken a liking to you!
Reinhardtzar: Hmph...
Boy: You were awesome, mister! You were like, "Hya!" And that busted the bad guy! You're really strong!
The boy clings to Reinhardtzar's leg, looking up at him with eyes shining in adoration.
Reinhardtzar: How could ya tell, kid? You had your eyes closed the whole time.
Boy: Yeah, they were, but I could still tell! You clobbered that jerk!
Boy: You even knew I didn't even eat the chicken. That was amazing!
Boy: And stop calling me "kid!" My name's—
Reinhardtzar: Stop right there. Don't need to know.
Drang: The boy thinks you're some kind of superhero, Reinhardtzar!
Reinhardtzar: Geez... What're we gonna do with him? Let the mercs take care of him?
Drang: Hmm...
Drang: I really should report a suspicious child, but...
Drang: (He'd just be taken away for questioning if I did that...)
Drang: (That's no way to spend the holiday!)
Boy: You're so big and strong and cool, mister! You're just amazing!
Drang: I say we just take him back to his home. I've still got work to do, though...
Drang: So...
Reinhardtzar: Whoa, now. What's with that look?
Drang: The kid says he wants to see his papa. Brings a tear to my eye!
Drang: One child, all alone, on a voyage to see his father... How can you not wanna help out?
Drang: And so...
Reinhardtzar: C'mon. Stop looking at me like that!
Drang: You did say you're a skyfarer now, right? In that case...
Reinhardtzar: Not happening.
Drang: That's Reinhardtzar for ya! I knew you'd figure it out!
Reinhardtzar: Are you kidding me? I don't know the first thing about dealing with kids!
Drang: You'll be fine! I'm sure it'll all work out for you!
Reinhardtzar: Oh yeah? You know I used to be a bandit, right?
Drang: And before that, you were a proper soldier, no? Besides, you're friends with (Captain)!
Reinhardtzar: Ghh!
Having won the argument with Reinhardtzar, Drang returns to his mercenary work of rounding up the thieves with a satisfied smirk on his face.
Reinhardtzar: Guess that's that, then... Where d'ya live, kid?
Boy: No!
Reinhardtzar: Huh?
Boy: I don't wanna go home! I'm gonna see my papa!
Boy: Hey, mister, just come with me to Groz Island!
Reinhardtzar: Gimme a break!
A Kind Dawn Awaits You: Scene 2
Saying that his father is a soldier on Groz Island, the boy takes a picture book—one of the few things he has to remember his father by—out of his bag. Reinhardtzar recognizes the book and realizes with shock that the boy's father was one of his subordinates who died long ago. Unable to break the news to the child, Reinhardtzar continues accompanying him.
Reinhardtzar: You want to go to Groz Island, huh?
Boy: Yeah! I want to see my papa. He's a soldier! Here, look at this...
The boy removes a picture book from his bag and opens it for Reinhardtzar to see.
Boy: This is the book my papa gave me on the holy night right after I was just born. Look here.
He opens the book to the last page and points to a handwritten message in the margin.
Boy: Papa wrote this message for me.
Reinhardtzar: That's great, but I don't—
Reinhardtzar: (Wait! This is...)
Next to the father's message is another handwritten line with what appears to be a name.
The writing is smudged and difficult to make out.
Boy: I spilled milk on this part, so I can't read it anymore.
Boy: Mama said there's this amazing person who helps Papa at work.
Reinhardtzar: ...
Boy: Papa really respected him, so he asked the man to write a message for me when I was born.
Boy: I really want to ask Papa what that man wrote for me.
Reinhardtzar: Well...
Reinhardtzar: (What did I even write?)
Bitter memories come flooding back to Reinhardtzar's mind.
While in service to Torhid, Reinhardtzar had a subordinate who admired him so much, he asked the man to write a message in a picture book.
Reinhardtzar: (He seemed so happy about the birth of his child...)
Reinhardtzar: (I remember being surprised that he wanted me to write a message for the kid.)
Reinhardtzar: (But...)
That soldier lost his life during the chaos that struck Torhid.
Reinhardtzar tried to save him from a deadly attack aimed at his subordinates, but...
Reinhardtzar: (He sacrificed himself to save his comrades, right in front of me...)
Boy: Hey, mister. What's wrong?
Reinhardtzar: Oh... Nothing. Do you even know where your dad is?
Boy: Not really... Torhid's not around anymore, right?
Boy: But there's supposed to be a big castle on Groz Island with lots of soldiers!
Boy: Papa's just got to be there... He has to be...
Reinhardtzar: I... I see...
Reinhardtzar: (What a mess. I can't tell the kid anything...)
The boy is tiny compared to Reinhardtzar, with young, helpless eyes.
Reinhardtzar can't find the strength needed to lay the truth out for him.
Reinhardtzar: (I just can't do it.)
Reinhardtzar: (It's the holy night. I don't know much about kids, but I know you don't do that.)
Reinhardtzar: (You don't tell a kid his dad's dead on tonight of all nights...)
Boy: Hey! Hey, mister!
Reinhardtzar: Wh-what is it? Ready to head back home?
Boy: Will you come with me to Groz Island?
Reinhardtzar: Ah... I can't, kid. I gotta get you back home.
Boy: What? No! I don't wanna go back!
Boy: I'll be fine without you... I started this whole trip on my own!
Even as he mutters those words, the lonesome expression on his face is clear. Reinhardtzar lets out a small sigh.
Reinhardtzar: Ngh... All right, fine.
Boy: You'll really come with me?
Reinhardtzar: We do this and you go straight home. Can't have you worrying your mom too much.
Reinhardtzar: Let's get going. Come on, I'll buy ya some cocoa first.
Boy: Yay! Cocoa!
The main street is lined with a variety of stalls, and many people bustle about.
Boy: There are so many people here!
Reinhardtzar: Yeah. Sure are...
Boy: This cocoa is really yummy!
Reinhardtzar: Good to know...
Boy: There are so many people here...
Reinhardtzar: Yep...
Reinhardtzar: (He said that a moment ago... Is he nervous around crowds?)
Boy: What if I get lost?
Reinhardtzar: Yeah, we don't want that. Here, put this around your arm—
Boy: Geez, mister! If you don't want me to get lost, we need to hold hands!
Reinhardtzar: We... do?
Reinhardtzar: (So... That's the issue. But he wants to hold hands with me?)
Boy: ...
Reinhardtzar: Ghh... C'mere.
Reinhardtzar extends one massive, meaty paw out, and the boy clings to it with his own tiny hand.
Boy: Ehehe! Hey, mister, isn't the tree pretty?
The boy cheerfully swings their hands together.
Reinhardtzar: Sure is... Glad you're enjoying yourself, kid, but don't get carried away.
Boy: Hehehe! It's like walking with my papa!
Reinhardtzar: ...
Boy: I don't remember going on walks with him like this.
Reinhardtzar: That so...
Reinhardtzar: So, kid... Tell me how you were planning to get to Groz Island.
Reinhardtzar: Just so you know, we aren't gonna be sneaking aboard any more ships. That's against the rules.
Boy: We'll buy tickets! I couldn't before because they said I had to be with my mama or papa.
Reinhardtzar: Sure, that makes sense.
Boy: Now that you're with me, it should be okay!
However...
Boy: Wow, tickets are expensive...
The little pocket change the boy has isn't enough even for a one-way ticket to Groz Island.
Boy: Hnn...
Reinhardtzar: (Even if I pay for the ticket, his dad isn't waiting for him on that island.)
Reinhardtzar: (Maybe we can end things here so he never has to learn about what happened to his dad...)
Old Lady: You there! Are you and that boy together?
The person calling out is an elderly woman, most likely a local.
A Draph man and a neatly-dressed Human boy make for an odd pair. It's only natural that the locals are curious.
Old Lady: You're not just dragging him around, are you?
Boy: N-no, he's not! This man is... my papa!
Reinhardtzar: Ngh!
Old Lady: Your papa? How can that be, little one?
Old Lady: You and this Draph man can't possibly be father and son.
Boy: Uh, well...
Reinhardtzar: See, miss, the truth is—
Boy: M-my papa is dead!
Reinhardtzar: Huh?
Old Lady: What was that?
Boy: My papa died a long time ago...
Boy: This man is gonna be my new papa, and we'll live together!
A Kind Dawn Awaits You: Scene 3
The boy reveals that he had been hiding his knowledge of his father's demise. His real goal was to search for the amazing man his father had respected, who happens to be none other than Reinhardtzar himself. The boy begs the former soldier to stay with him, but Reinhardtzar reluctantly rebuffs his wish. Feeling rejected, the young boy declares that he will return home alone and runs off.
Slinking away from the crowd and the old woman's questions, Reinhardtzar and the boy face each other quietly.
Reinhardtzar: Hey, kid... That thing about your dad being dead...
Boy: It's true... Mama said they broke up, but I know...
Reinhardtzar: If you knew, then why didn't you say anything?
Boy: I didn't want to! I knew that if I said it, it would be true...
Boy: Well, it is true, but... I was worried I'd forget about him...
Reinhardtzar: So ya didn't want to face the truth, huh?
Boy: Mama doesn't even talk to me about Papa anymore...
Boy: I'm getting a new papa. He's supposed to be my present for the holy night this year.
Boy: Mama said I wouldn't have to feel lonely anymore.
Boy: But I do! Papa is my only papa!
Boy: What happens to him when I get a new papa?
Reinhardtzar: ...
Boy: I don't really remember much about Papa... I'll probably forget all about him...
Boy: Did I... really have a papa? I don't even know anymore!
Boy: I bet the man Papa respected knows about him though...
Reinhardtzar: Hold it right there. You mean to say you ran away from home to meet that man?
Boy: I had to! I just had to! I don't know who else knows my papa!
Reinhardtzar: Ngh!
Boy: Why'd my papa have to die, mister? Why?
Boy: Why can't he be here with me on the holy night? Sniffle...
Reinhardtzar feels like he's being torn apart inside as he watches the boy choke out words through his sobs.
Boy: Sniff... Papa... Papaaa!
Reinhardtzar: Ghh...
Reinhardtzar: (What is this... What's this feeling?)
Reinhardtzar: (Why does this kid have to suffer like this? He shouldn't have to hold it in...)
Reinhardtzar: (Is a child's crying supposed to hit you this hard?)
Reinhardtzar's face twists as he claws at his chest like he's reaching for his own aching heart.
Boy: Sob... Hic...
For a moment, Reinhardtzar sees Cain and Leona in the boy, before shaking his head to drive them away.
Reinhardtzar: (How pathetic. I can't even think of one word to say to the lad.)
Reinhardtzar: (I was left on my own, too. Though for me...)
Reinhardtzar: (I was alone from the start. No parents. No siblings. I never even knew what I was missing.)
Reinhardtzar: (I suppose that's why I can't come up with anything to tell him.)
Reinhardtzar: (I already have no idea how to handle children, much less when it comes to this sort of thing...)
Reinhardtzar: Go on and cry. Let it all out...
All he manages after his internal struggle are a few awkward words.
Boy: Sniff... Sob...
Reinhardtzar: Hey, kid...
Boy: I'm s-sorry... Sniff...
Reinhardtzar: Don't be. Cry your damn heart out. Don't worry about me.
Unable to find anything more consoling, Reinhardtzar simply strokes the boy's hair.
Boy: Your hand's so big, mister... And warm...
Reinhardtzar: Your hands'll get bigger, too, someday. And you'll learn to face the pain.
Boy: Sniffle... Please stay with me, mister.
Boy: I'm so lonely! I want you to stay with me forever.
Despite the boy's desperate plea, Reinhardtzar shakes his head with a pained expression.
Reinhardtzar: Sorry, but I just can't.
Boy: Huh?
For a brief moment, the boy appears shocked to hear the answer, but...
Boy: Okay... I'm sorry for being selfish.
Boy: I can get home by myself!
Reinhardtzar: H-hey!
Boy: Waaah...
The boy continues crying as he runs. His mind is filled with sadness over his father's death and Reinhardtzar's rejection.
Boy: Why, Papa? Why?
He's running along a deserted road when...
Boy: Whoa!
Thief: Ouch! Hey, you're that little brat from before!
The thief grabs the boy by the scruff of the neck to check his face before roughly tossing him to the ground.
Boy: Owww!
Thief: You have no idea how much trouble you caused me!
Boy: Oww! D-don't come any closer! I'm scared!
Thief: You're gonna pay! Just like I did!
Boy: Eep! H-help...
Boy: Help me, mister!
Reinhardtzar: Well, aren't you a familiar face?
Thief: Y-you!
Reinhardtzar uses his fist to easily deflect the weapon before it can hit the boy, smirking confidently.
Despite that smirk, rage burns in his eyes, and a sharp look robs the thief of his ability to speak or fight back.
Boy: You're here!
Reinhardtzar: Kid, your dad always acted to protect what was important to him. He was as solid as they come. So...
Reinhardtzar: "Don't worry about being extraordinary. Pay attention to your pops, and grow into a man that you and he can be proud of."
Reinhardtzar: That's what I wrote.
A Kind Dawn Awaits You: Scene 4
After saving the boy again from the same bandit, Reinhardtzar takes him home. He speaks regretfully of how he was responsible for the father's death, but the boy thanks him for being there in those final moments. Reinhardtzar tells the child to think about the feelings behind things he receives as they part, then follows that advice by graciously receiving Cain and Leona's present.
Having recaptured the thief who escaped from the mercenaries, Reinhardtzar turns him back in.
He then escorts the boy back towards his home as the sun begins to set.
Along the way, Reinhardtzar tells the boy everything about his father. He leaves nothing out, even the way he died.
Reinhardtzar: After you were born, your dad would make trips to visit, but...
Reinhardtzar: The country was... Hm... It was going through a rough time.
Reinhardtzar: He said there was so much he wanted to do for you but couldn't.
Boy: I... wanted to play with Papa too. I wanted to see him more...
Boy: But he was a good soldier, right? Was he really cool?
Reinhardtzar: The coolest. He saved so many people as a Torhid soldier, all the way to the end.
Reinhardtzar grits his teeth as he recalls the man's final moment, when he died to save his comrades.
Reinhardtzar: (If only my fist made it in time...)
Reinhardtzar: (I didn't beat myself up over it back then. I was prepared to shoulder the responsibility of losing people, but...)
Reinhardtzar: Until now, I believed I was carrying everything for them, including their families back home.
Reinhardtzar: But that was just in my head. I didn't see the real effect it had...
Reinhardtzar: (I all but took this kid's dad away from him myself... He has every right to blame me.)
Boy: If you're so strong, why didn't you save my papa?
Reinhardtzar tenses up, ready to take on the brunt of the boy's anger. However...
Boy: I don't understand everything you say, mister...
Boy: But I'm glad you were friends with Papa! He didn't die alone!
Boy: If you were with him, that means he wasn't lonely! Thanks, mister!
Reinhardtzar: Huh?
Boy: Hm? Are you okay?
Reinhardtzar: I'll never understand how kids think.
Reinhardtzar: Heh. But I don't mind that at all.
Boy: Hey! You laughed! You just laughed, mister!
With that, the two of them walk side by side for the remainder of the road home.
Boy: Now I can read your message any time I want!
A delighted blush colors the boy's cheeks as he looks at the picture book where Reinhardtzar has rewritten his old message.
Boy: I wanna give you something, too. I just don't have anything to give...
Reinhardtzar: I told ya, kid. Don't worry about me.
Reinhardtzar: (Besides, you already gave me something.)
Boy: But...
Reinhardtzar: One day, when you're all grown up, a little part of you will remember the time you spent with me.
Reinhardtzar: That's good enough in my book.
Boy: I don't get it...
Reinhardtzar: Oh, I just mean... Meeting you was like a present for me.
Reinhardtzar: Tch... I'm not good at this sorta thing.
Reinhardtzar: Might as well keep running with it, though. One more thing.
Reinhardtzar: Become a man who can empathize with people, kid.
Boy: Empathize?
Reinhardtzar: Presents aren't just the things you give. There's feelings behind them, too.
Reinhardtzar: Like the messages in that picture book of yours or the new father you'd find for a lonely son.
Boy: M-Mama... I need to talk to my mama...
Reinhardtzar: Once you understand someone's feelings, they'll stay with you even if the physical thing is gone.
Reinhardtzar: Always keep your mind moving and pay attention. Listen to others and actually talk to them. Don't silence your own feelings, though.
Reinhardtzar: Though if you overthink, you can freeze up and be unable to act.
Boy: ...
Reinhardtzar: Anyway, running away from home was reckless, but I admire the courage it took to do it.
Boy: You mean it? Was I good?
Reinhardtzar: Yeah, but... never forget the people who'll worry about you, especially while you're a kid.
Reinhardtzar: You may be too young to realize it, but you're not the only one thinking about you.
Boy: ...
Boy: I wanna be a great man!
Boy: My papa was great, and if I can be like him, Mama won't have to worry. So...
Boy: I'm gonna be as amazing as you, too, mister!
Reinhardtzar: Hahah! A great man, eh? Kinda vague, but I like it.
Boy: We're here... Will I see you again, mister?
Reinhardtzar: Sure. Come and look for me again sometime.
Reinhardtzar: Just don't expect you'll always find me. Sorry, but that's just how life works out for me.
Boy: Okay... I understand.
Boy: Thanks a lot, mister! See you!
With Reinhardtzar's words etched in his heart, the boy runs to his home, a bright smile on his face.
Reinhardtzar: Guess I'll head back, too. It's been one helluva day.
Reinhardtzar: Oh, right... The roast chicken. I completely forgot! What am I gonna do?
Reinhardtzar begins trekking back while mulling over what to do for the big dinner.
Drang: Yoo-hoo, Reinhardtzar! I saw what you did. Looks like you made a friend!
Reinhardtzar: Great... Now you choose to show up...
Drang: So sorry, but I had my hands full!
Drang: I feel just terrible for foisting all that on you! I got you something to make up for it, though!
Drang presents a massive piece of chicken.
Reinhardtzar: Hm? Well, this is...
Drang: I know it's not prepared or anything, but it's my way of saying sorry! This is premium meat! Very hard to find!
Reinhardtzar: This'll do just fine! I can't wait to cook up this bird. Apology accepted.
Drang: Also, I'd like to ask a favor...
Reinhardtzar: What? I thought you were here to apologize. What're you up to?
Drang: I did come to apologize! But since it's the holy night, I was hoping for an invite to join you.
Drang: A party with a delicious banquet of food is always better with more people, right? I'm sure Cain and the others would love me to be there!
Reinhardtzar: Sigh... You'll probably tag along even if I say no. Might as well just give in now...
Drang: Actually, I already told Sturm to meet me at your ship when she's done working.
Reinhardtzar: Damn, you had the whole thing planned out...
Cain: Wow! It looks amazing on you, Reinhardtzar!
Reinhardtzar: Thanks... It's my style, and it fits like a glove. Wonder why...
Leona: Ehehe... I guess I was a little too obvious, huh?
Upon returning to the airship, Reinhardtzar is met by Cain and Leona bearing gifts.
The two of them are pleased, though a bit surprised, that Reinhardtzar takes them without a fuss.
Leona: I'm so glad you're actually wearing it! I thought you weren't coming back because you hated the idea of getting a present so much.
Reinhardtzar: Ah, well...
Reinhardtzar: Become a man who can empathize with people, kid.
Reinhardtzar: I can't exactly say one thing and do another, can I?
Cain: Hm? What're you talking about?
Reinhardtzar: Oh, nothing. It's been a strange day... I did a lot of stuff I usually wouldn't.
Reinhardtzar: Heh... I'm sure I looked like a fool. I'm in a good mood, though, so let me tell you what happened.
Drang: Yes, please! Regale us with the tale of your babysitting adventure!
Cain: Reinhardtzar? Babysitting?
Leona: Well, he's a surprisingly good cook. Maybe he has other talents...
Cain and Leona stare in shock. Drang turns to the two and gives them a knowing nod.
Drang: I thought the very same thing! You might make a great father someday, Reinhardtzar!
Reinhardtzar: Hmph. I don't know about that, but it doesn't sound that bad.
Reinhardtzar: (I never knew my parents or siblings. Just the thought of having a home, much less a kid, never crossed my mind.)
Reinhardtzar: Maybe the day will come, and maybe it won't...
Reinhardtzar: (For now, I'll stand by everyone as their shield.)
Reinhardtzar: (I never want to see you two cry again.)
The vow he makes is small but solid, like the drifting snowflakes on the holy night.
Bit by bit, it fills a place deep within Reinhardtzar's heart.
