Ezette Military Base
Past
Tch. Why is this thing harder to operate than the latest-issue weapons?
Odile raked a hand through her hair in frustration, her scowl fixed on the delicate gadget in her palms.
It was a labyrinth of incomprehensible terms: white balance, exposure, color temperature. Eurytes had given her a thorough tutorial, she remembered that much, but the specifics had long since evaporated.
Damn it, she thought bitterly, information leaked from her skull faster than a bullet through air.
...Screw it. Let's just press something and see what happens.
...Is the sound off? Not even a beep or anything.
You've gotta be kidding me. I barely touched it and it's already busted?!
Faced with the stubbornly unresponsive camera, Odile's frustration reached a boiling point. Her first instinct, as always, was to deploy her tried-and-true technique for malfunctioning electronics: a good solid smack. It had worked on tape recorders, televisions, and all manner of finicky gadgets in the past.
Her hand rose automatically, poised to deliver justice, when she caught herself. Wait. Eurytes seems to really like this thing.
With that realization, Odile's jaw tightened as she wrestled with the urge to give the device a good lesson, trying instead to figure out what to do next.
Abandoning all hope of recalling what the various buttons actually did, she surrendered to pure instinct. Her finger hovered uncertainly over several mysterious buttons before settling on one that, to her untrained eye, looked most like a shutter release. Then, she pointed the lens at herself and pressed it.
Click-click-click-click-click—
The camera erupted in a rapid-fire burst, shutter sounds mingling with a strobe-like flash that caught Odile completely off guard.
*#@&—!!
$#@&%—!! The hell?! Feels like a flashbang went off in my face! I can't see a thing!
...Pfft. So... ready to let me help you adjust it now?
Eurytes, watching from nearby, laughed despite himself. He didn't mean to tease; it was just that seeing Odile so thoroughly undone was a novelty he wanted to savor.
Don't. Move. I'm trying again. I refuse to be outsmarted by a glorified toy!
Whatever you say, Boss Lady.
And wipe that smirk off your face! Every time you make that expression, I know you're scheming.
First part, I'll oblige. Second part? I object. It's just rare, seeing you like this. It's almost...
RRRRIP. The harsh sound tore through the air as Odile, shooting a glare at Eurytes, shredded the instruction manual she'd been about to consult.
Finish that sentence, and I'll make confetti out of you next.
Got it, Mr. Deputy Boss?
Alright, alright. I'll behave.
The sound of Eurytes' laughter washed over Odile, smoothing the rough edges of her irritation. She couldn't stay mad at him. Wouldn't waste the energy.
Truth be told, she treasured moments like this. His laugh was so rare in its fullness, so unguarded, so utterly him.
This is what family feels like, she thought. The little spats, the teasing, the forgiveness that followed—it was the texture of a life shared. Without it, existence would be terribly bland.
...Tch. We're gonna run out of time at this rate.
Hey, Eurytes. You sure you didn't forget something when you explained the functions? Feels like a piece is missing.
Now that you mention it... I think I did overlook one thing. My bad.
The knob on top. Turn it two more clicks clockwise. That switches it back to auto mode. That'll disable burst shooting and allow you to take normal photos.
Hmph, at least you can still read the room.
At that, Odile snatched up the camera and jabbed at the gallery button. Sure enough, the screen filled with a collection of her angry-faced selfies.
..Ugh. Delete, delete, delete.
Hmph, done! I knew it wasn't that hard!
Hey, Eurytes. What if I just grabbed some tech from the base and had them mod all the cameras to full auto? Wouldn't that save everyone the headache?
Eurytes rose from his seat, gently pried the camera from Odile's hands, and set to work adjusting the more intricate settings for her.
Worth considering. We could bring it up another time. But... not today. Remember?
Today's Ezette Family Day. Once a month, military orders are suspended. Only family matters.
Everyone's supposed to spend it with their own, even for us. Pulling rank to order soldiers around on a day like this doesn't feel right, don't you think?
Hey. I know that tone. You think my idea's ridiculous, don't you?!
You're always so damn serious! I wasn't actually gonna do it. I was just thinking out loud.
Anyway. I'm a pretty humane leader, all things considered. You know what some other bases are like?
Last time I did a supply handoff, one of their commanders actually told me that once you join them, you leave your old self behind. No past, no family, no individuality. Just service to the military.
What kind of crap is that?! We're human, not weapons. Of course we've got feelings!
You're right. Compared to other places... Ezette's always been different. It has a certain kind of strength. A power that changes people and things.
It's called family. Gentle, and a little magical. Maybe that's why we've held strong all these years. Because we never lost it.
So... as our leader, you especially can't break that rule. Right?
...Why are you being even more long-winded than when you're filing reports? At this rate, Family Day's gonna be over before it starts.
The words had barely left her lips when Odile felt arms wrap tightly around her from behind. Eurytes rested his head gently on her shoulder; the camera now sat abandoned on a nearby stand.
That won't do.
His whisper tickled her ear, soft in volume, yet every word rang crystal clear.
I already share you with the whole base every other day of the year.
On Family Day... I want Odile all to myself.
Odile allowed the embrace to linger, but when it became clear he had no intention of letting go, she finally reached back and pushed his head away from her shoulder.
Tsk. That's enough. My shoulder's getting sore. Move it.
And what's this about having me to yourself? After all these years, you still haven't shaken that possessive streak? You're contradicting yourself.
You forget what you just said? Family Day—we're not the only ones in this family, genius.
You're a grown man acting like a toddler. Enough with the clinginess. Go get the kid.
Yes, ma'am. Whatever you say, Boss Lady.
—*! You never let up, do you?! Talk to me like a normal person for once!
As he listened to Odile, Eurytes' gaze drifted and caught something in a nearby corner. A tiny, round golden head peeked out, only to immediately duck back into hiding.
Perfect. This saved him the trouble of searching. He let out a soft chuckle, already turning over how to coax the little one out of hiding.
No need to go looking. But getting him to come over... might take a different approach.
Hm? What are you—
Eurytes' words put Odile on alert. Her gaze swept around, scanning.
Sure enough, she spotted it too: that little golden head, peeking in and out. She'd always had good instincts for spotting things others missed.
Back and forth it went, appearing and retreating, repeating the motion several times with no real intention of emerging.
Come out. Hide. Come out. Hide. Come out...
Hmm... why's it still "come out"... but I don't wanna! Gonna pick a different flower and count again...
Watching his endless indecision, Odile's patience finally ran out.
KAMUI!! You think your father and I are blind?! Stop messing around and get over here. Now.
Odile's voice cracked like thunder, and the tiny golden head flinched. After a long pause, slowly, Kamui emerged.
He kept his head down, small fingers twisted in the fabric of his clothes. One hesitant step, then another. He risked a glance up at Odile before his eyes fell again, too scared to meet anyone's gaze.
I... I...
Odile's eyes bored into Kamui, who was still wearing his everyday training uniform.
You're seriously planning to wear that dirt-rolled training uniform for our family portrait?
Where are the clothes I laid out for you? Don't tell me you managed to lose something that size.
The words landed like a fresh wound. Kamui's face crumpled, his lower lip jutting out as he muttered something unintelligible under his breath.
Um... the... the d-dress...
I can't hear you! If you've got something to say, say it loud!
I don't wanna wear a dress!!
He'd said them silently a hundred times. Now, finally, Kamui gathered every scrap of bravery he had and hurled the words at Odile with everything he had.
I heard people'll make fun of me... I don't wanna wear it for the picture.
Hah. That's what this is about?
Too bad. A deal's a deal. You made a promise, and you're keeping it. Today, you put on that dress and take the family portrait. End of story.
No! I don't wanna get laughed at! I won't wear a dress!!
Who's gonna laugh at you?! Whining won't change a thing! You've got exactly two choices today: put on the dress like you agreed, or take the family photo in nothing at all. Your call.
Fine! I'll wear nothing!!
You'd better mean that, kid! I'll strip you down myself right now!!
The moment Odile raised her hand, Kamui darted behind Eurytes.
Eurytes held up a placating hand to Odile, but he didn't play the role of human shield. With gentle persistence, he coaxed Kamui out from his hiding spot and positioned him squarely in Odile's line of sight.
Kamui. Didn't you say you wanted to be the bravest warrior of Ezette someday? True warriors don't hide behind others. They stand up for themselves. They fight for what they want.
You know what you need to do, don't you? Don't be afraid. Speak up. Bravely.
M-Mom... I really don't wanna wear a dress for the family portrait. Just this once. I promise, I'll keep my word next time. Really.
...Fine, we'll do it your way. One last chance.
Tell me, those study materials you promised you'd read. How much have you actually gone through?
H-half...
He had told Odile earlier that he'd finished reading everything.
Now she scratched a symbol into the dirt with a stone. Kamui's brow furrowed. He had seen it in the book, definitely, but the meaning...
There. What does this symbol mean in Ezette's signpost system?
...L-left turn.
Hmph. And this one? Don't just stand there. Speak up.
Then Odile added a second symbol. Kamui's eyes darted to it, then away, then back, each look draining more confidence from his voice.
Um... i-it means... step back.
Odile tossed the stone aside. There was no need to continue this pop quiz any further.
Lying to my face. I bet you don't even remember where you dumped that book.
The first symbol means "no entry." Second means "continue forward."
Both of these showed up in the treasure hunt the day before yesterday. You got them wrong then. You're getting them wrong now. No improvement at all.
You made me a promise. The treasure hunt was your test.
If you knew the signpost rules, you'd reach the endpoint with the clothes you wanted. No matter what was there, you'd wear it. That was the deal.
If you'd read the book and memorized all the symbols, you'd have followed the right signs. You'd have gotten the clothes you've been begging for. But you slacked off. So you got a dress.
Kamui, neither your father nor I ever taught you to run from the consequences of your choices. That's not what warriors do.
Right or wrong, you face what comes. I told you that when we started the game.
Yeah... I know...
B-but... the dress... sob...
The protests died in Kamui's throat. He knew he'd made a mistake, and the lesson Odile had driven home was one he couldn't argue with.
But knowing and accepting didn't make it hurt less. He was a child, after all, and in a child's world, there was no wound quite like losing face. His mind drifted to illustrations in the books he'd read, to the combat suits displayed in Ezette's armory.
He wanted to wear those clothes. He wanted to look like a warrior, like a hero. More than anything, he didn't want to be different from "that person." He didn't want to be laughed at for it.
Eurytes lifted Kamui onto his lap and gently wiped away the tears he could no longer hold back.
Clothes aren't what matter, Kamui. Courage, strength, kindness, gentleness. All those things are what make a hero shine.
Whether they're wearing rags or armor, skirts or pants. None of that changes who they are.
Exactly! Look, your mom here once got ambushed in the middle of the night wearing nothing but an undershirt. And I still kicked their asses! Like this—
Hyaaah!!
Odile launched into a dramatic reenactment, jabbing and swinging at imaginary foes. Her performance hit its mark: Kamui's tears stopped, replaced by a small, watery laugh.
Besides...
Eurytes placed a gentle kiss on Kamui's cheek.
No matter what you wear, our little sunbeam is always going to shine the brightest.
There was something magical about the way a child's sorrow could dissolve so completely. Kamui's face, still wet with tears moments ago, now shone with curiosity as he raised his gaze to meet theirs.
R-really?! I won't look weird? No one's gonna laugh? I'll actually look good in a dress?!
?'Course you will! If the clothes look good and you look good, how could the two together possibly be weird?
If you don't believe me, try it on and ask around. Oh, and call Aunt Riley first. She's the one who picked that dress. Said it'd suit you perfectly.
Okie! I-I'll go right now!!
In an instant, Kamui was on his feet and racing into the room. The rustle and thump of frantic changing echoed out, then voices. Kamui's, bright and excited, chattering through video calls to what sounded like half the Ezette members.
Well, well, if it isn't our little Kamui! To what do I owe the pleasure of this video call?
Aunt Riley!! Look! Do I look good in this dress?!
You're already wearing it?! I told your mom this one would be absolutely adorable. Thank goodness we didn't go with that monstrosity she picked out.
Hey, honey, get over here! See? I told you little Kamui would end up in this dress. Looks like you owe me, hmm?
Uncle Bruce! Uncle Bruce, look at me!!
Hey! You actually called it. Alright, alright, I'll handle tonight's chores.
But seriously, Kamui? You're rocking that. Look at you! Gorgeous!
Kamui, listen to your auntie. Snap a few more photos and send them to Aunt Winnie.
She and Morton are hoping the baby in her belly's a pretty little girl. They're convinced that filling their room with pictures of beautiful kids will make it happen.
And if they use your photos? That's practically a guarantee they'll get a pretty little princess!
Really?! Then I'm gonna go call her right now! Bye, Aunt Riley!!
Aunt Winnie! Look at meee—
The chaos showed no signs of stopping. Kamui worked his way through what sounded like the entire Ezette roster, one video call after another. Odile and Eurytes waited outside, exchanging amused glances, unable to hold back their laughter at his sheer enthusiasm.
Good grief. Crying one minute, completely over it the next. Still just a kid.
One second he's sobbing like the world's ending, the next he's beaming brighter than the sun. I wonder who he gets that temperament from.
Hmm. Indeed... who does he take after?
Eurytes said nothing more and just gave Odile a meaningful look before slipping an arm around her shoulder.
Shortly after, his alarm went off. He glanced down at the time. They needed to start shooting now; any further delay would disrupt their later plans.
The other one still won't come out?
...You know how he is. Soon as he heard "family portrait," he shut down. Still sulking in his room.
And of course it had to be today. Those higher-ups keep sending their people to bother me again. Every time they show up with their grand theories, it's like a grenade going off right next to my head.
...They still haven't given up? Last time they came, they mentioned a name. I believe it was... Project Barleycorn.
Hmph. Wolves don't abandon prey. Soon as they catch a whiff of meat, they'll chase it forever.
I still don't approve. That thing is far too dangerous. It'd only aggravate Ezette's existing... you know. That problem. And from my past experience dealing with those people...
I can't say they don't mean well. But at the very least, they're hiding motives that wouldn't hold up to scrutiny.
...Yesterday, though, I saw the detailed project plans on the table. You left them there, didn't you? You're hesitating?
You're not wrong. Those officials and their delusions... they'd love it if we were all nuclear bombs ready to shake the heavens. I couldn't care less about their ideas, but...
If it works, we could use it to save more people.
And you know about "that problem." Right now, we've got no way to fix it. Ezette's been suffering from it for years. But if Project Barleycorn succeeds... maybe we finally can.
I told them I'd think about it. If we actually start implementing, we'll have our hands full after that.
Then we definitely need to take this family photo today. If we postpone, no one can guarantee we'll find the time later.
Hmm... Alright. You do it like this... and I'll...
After finishing his conversation with Odile, Eurytes turned and knocked on Kamui's door.
Kamui? Come here. Daddy has a little secret to share with you.
Eurytes walked into the room. Kamui was changing into the dress and was now meticulously adjusting every detail.
What?! I wanna hear! I wanna hear!!
Kamui bounded over, his steps light and quick, and pressed his ear close to Eurytes.
...That's the plan. Once everyone's gathered, you sneak over to the camera and press the timer button.
Before he has a chance to "escape," you come back and stand with us. We'll snap the family photo quick. Sound good?
Consider it done, sir!!
Kamui burst out with such enthusiasm that his own dress tripped him. Down he went, but he was up again before anyone could react, patting down his clothes and trotting toward the camera outside with renewed determination.
▇█▅▂▅▃▁▁, get over here!
...What do you mean "no"? Try saying that again!
Hey, don't move. Your clothes are a mess. Stand still and let your father fix them.
That voice... he's here! Hehe, watch me go!!
Dad said the timer needs twenty seconds... if I press it now, timing's perfect!
This one up here... or that one down there... probably the top one, yeah yeah, definitely!
Snap!!
?! Kamui! You got it wrong! That's the instant-capture button!
It's fine. Kids get confused. Let me see.
Hmm... actually, I think this family photo turned out pretty special. Looks good. Want to see?
...It does look pretty good. Show those two.
Kamui? Come here and take a look.
And... ▇█▅▂▅▃▁▁? Why so quiet? Don't stand so far away. Come closer. Look at it with mom and dad, okay?
▇█▅▂▅▃▁▁!!
Who is that? Why can't Kamui recall his name?
Even his face remains an indistinct blur, as if some crucial piece of the puzzle has been lost. But his voice—that, he can almost hear still, echoing faintly in the recesses of his memory.
A familiar voice pulls Kamui from the depths of his memories.
Huh?! Oh, sorry! I totally zoned out there.
It's just... I finally remembered something specific, y'know? And I couldn't not tell you about it. Guess something here triggered it.
Yeah. But his name and face... Sigh, that part's still drawing a blank for me.
I thought for sure I'd see him in the family photo, but of course, that's exactly where the memory cuts out.
I really wanna know who they were. What we had...
Ah... whatever! We'll deal with that later! Once my M.I.N.D. recovers more, it'll all come back. I know it will!
Okay! So, the archive room. Right, we need intel. Project Barleycorn, Phylotree stuff—that's all high-clearance, so it'll be tucked away somewhere secure.
How about we split up? You keep digging through the electronic data, and I'll hunt down any physical docs I can actually remember existing.
And hey, if we find my personal archive or something? We might just crack this whole thing wide open!
Without another word, you both settle into the search. The electronic archives prove more orderly with neat directories and a logical structure. Kamui's personal file is exactly where it should be, found in mere minutes.
Huh? What's up? You find the answers already?
Kamui bounds over excitedly, squeezing in beside you to peer at the electronic screen.
That's my commandant! Found my personal archive just like that! Lemme see...
Whoa... this thing is detailed. Like, everything since I was born. Delivery physician, primary education instructor, my parents'—
...?!
Mom!! Dad!!
In that instant, memories surface: countless moments from his past, each one of him calling out to Odile and Eurytes.
On the electronic screen, the photos in the parents section stare back at him. The two faces are clearly not
