Story Reader / Event Story / The Meandering Three / Story
Done. I've told them about you, but I only told my guy that you took care of that asshole.
Why? I thought they'd appreciate us?
People talk... He might have some henchmen in town.
My guy will fill up your tank later. The fuel is old, but it should last until you arrive at the next supply station.
Beardy grabs the door to the car while he speaks to the Cerberus members inside.
After they arrived in the town, Beardy kept his promise and informed the townsfolks about Cerberus and where they came from, and the residents, in turn, helped them out.
Thanks.
Don't worry about it. Hey, come watch a movie with us later.
Movie?
It's my "job," after all.
He gestures at the projector and the films that he has not let go of this whole time and chuckles wryly.
Sounds good. We're in no hurry, anyway.
Captain?
...
Sigh. Fine.
The deadline for our mission is still a while away.
Vera sighs resignedly.
Time passes, and the night arrives again. However, it feels much warmer tonight, and the night sky is not as dark as it was before.
No. 21 and Noctis are happily setting up the movie theater for Beardy while creating a little bit of chaos.
When the projector starts running and casting light and shadow onto the screen, Noctis and No. 21 finally settle down quietly among the crowd, leaving the movie the only sound in this small town.
But Vera is not sitting next to them. Instead, she is further back, leaning by the projector.
I never thought someone like you would exist in the wild.
300 km before and behind us is all a big ol' stretch of nothing.
All these people have is sand, the sun, and the occasional wheat and grains.
And the alcohol they make with them. That's all these people have.
Beardy holds up the bottle in his hand and gestures toward the people sitting in front of the screen. He takes a big sip as if drinking water.
What else is there? A movie every now and then can't hurt.
How long have you been doing this?
I don't remember exactly.
You're mad to drive your motorcycle around this place with a limp like that.
So? Weren't you guys fighting on the highway like a bunch of lunatics as well?
Suddenly, the crowd near them gasps. Even Noctis and No. 21 scream, their disparate statures highlighted by the light reflected from the screen.
In the video playing on the screen, the madman riding on the back of the horse statue is suddenly lit on fire before falling at its feet, quiet and motionless.
Almost simultaneously, orchestral music begins to play in stark contrast to what is happening on screen.
The truth is... you guys reminded me of my old companions.
Perhaps that was why I chose to trust you in this godforsaken wasteland.
Companions?
I thought you were showing movies here on your own.
I'm on my own. I used to work with others in other places a long time ago.
One thing after another... eventually, only me and another old chap remained.
Tipsy, Beardy taps the projector next to Vera, his eyes glistening with a watery shimmer as they reflect the movie screen.
Ha. That idiot would be the one doing this instead of me if he were still here.
These films are what he left behind—
Then live on!
Run into an accident or a few thugs in this place, and you're gone.
Stop saying these are what others left behind. These are yours now, you hear me?
Beardy does not answer, only nodding and smiling.
You're right. My life... is no longer my own.
I've started to enjoy movies now, truth be told. I even make some of my own occasionally.
But I mostly did it to help my other friend to find his daughter... Burp.
How can you find a lost daughter in a place like this...
He's willing to believe that she's alive, and I'm willing to believe and help.
I say, ma'am, Beardy...
Vera.
Ah, Vera. Do you two still want to order anything? The tavern is closing soon. I can bring you something.
Me? I'm a little hungry...
Alright. Let me get you some bread.
And Vera... You're a Construct, right? Is there something I can bring you?
Hmm... Do you charge for intel here?
Ah, how insightful. After all, that kind of thing isn't as easy to acquire in such a lawless land.
People do come to my establishment and spin tales, so to speak. I might have eavesdropped on a few conversations. At the end of the day...
The tavern owner smiles apologetically, his finger pressing against his curling lips.
Hmph. As expected...
Even Babylonians have to do as the Romans do when in Rome?
Vera teases the tavern owner, but he does not appear to find it insulting.
More or less. As above, so below, right?
Here. Here!
Beardy hands the tavern owner the alcohol in his hand.
You always wanted this, didn't you? Here. Take it.
Ask what you need to ask. Say what you have to say. Enough with this bullshit.
Huh? What's the matter with you?
I hate owing people favors. This is me repaying you for saving my ass back then.
Now we're square. And you... you've been eyeing for my bottle for a long time, haven't you?
This is the best vodka in the North, mind you! You should be owing me if we're being strict about it!
Right, right. Well, then... What do you want to ask, Vera?
Suddenly, the crowd gasps again. The commotion does not quiet down, however, and quickly turns into screams—
Corrupted! Corrupted! Monsters!
Vera immediately clutches the banner spear that has been in her hand the whole time. Standing on her bench, she investigates the surroundings.
Familiar red lights flicker down the path Cerberus took to arrive in this town.
Corrupted approaching at 3 o'clock!
Get out of here, people!
Vera's voice resonates in the horrified residents' ears, calming their panicking screams.
Hey, Captain!
Noctis and No. 21 are trapped among the residents on the other side of the crowd. Vera can only see Noctis' tall figure waving at her.
Protect the people and escort them to safety, you two! Rendezvous here afterward!
Gotcha! Hey... Stop pushing! 21, tuck your tail away! Don't get stepped on!
This way... Go this way...
Having arranged the evacuation, Vera halts the tavern owner from running away.
You! Hold on.
Help him put this stuff away first. The projector, the films, all of them.
Follow the crowd when you're done. We'll take the rear.
O-okay...
I can do this myself. Not that I mind a little help.
You tipped him, didn't you? He has to provide a better service, then.
The jostling red lights get closer and closer, their reflections glowing even brighter in Vera's crimson eyes under the dark sky.
