Written: 5/20/21
Published: 5/21/21
Protect the world. That was the honorable, noble, and most important mission of the Ratri clan for generations. To me, the clan was my pride, joy, and light. And the leader, my older brother, was my biggest hero. He was kind, smart, handsome, sincere, and refined. I respected him more than father, mother, or any great person from any era or country. I loved him more than anything in the world. I believed that I was to support him for the rest of my life and that I was born to do so. However, one day he found something shocking. If he hadn't a certain document. A document that explained that Julius Ratri betrayed his comrades for the promise. An old confession. My brother changed that day. Hesitation and guild arose in him, but I didn't understand. In fact, I thought, "How wonderful! Julius didn't do anything wrong. We're the clan that protects the world. He pushed aside personal feelings to save the world! It was a wise decision. He protected the world, even if it meant he betrayed his comrades. That is what makes a hero. A clan that carries out a noble mission. This is wonderful! This is how it should be." He replied, "A noble mission. I've always thought of it that way, too. But we were wrong. This is punishment. As well as a curse, Peter." Why? No. Stop. Don't go. Don't put the world in jeopardy. You're wrong. Our clan is correct. The children are necessary sacrifices for this world. I have to stop him. What now? What do I, a Ratri, do? Ah. I'll also protect the world just like Julius.
When the guards finally discovered Peter's older, cold body, they lay it in front of him. His eyes peacefully closed with a sense of fulfillment. His mouth was slightly open as his clothes were soaked. Water dripped form his chin and hair.
"What was he like at the end?"
"He was smiling. He told us to tell you, 'I'm sorry.'"
Peter broke down there. He kneeled and hugged his deceased body. Brother, I promise to carry out the mission for your sake, too. No matter how much it hurts. No matter how warped the world may be...
"So? Whaddya say, Pete?" Y/n asked.
"Let's change." Emma said. "Let's end the 1,000 years of suffering now."
Was my brother fighting back against his destiny? Did he want to be free? Did he want to free me?
"Come on, live with us."
Y/n was astonished when Peter suddenly grinned. Never before had she seen such a broken smile. Not from Ray, not from Mama, no one. He lost hope in his own self. The feeling of regret radiating from him.
"You should just kill me. But you say you want to live together? Fools. That's why you were meant to be eaten. Actually, the demons aren't so bad. What they've been doing to you are things that humans have done to each other since long ago."
Of course, Y/n, Ray, and Norman were aware of that. No established nation or town is without issues. There were even major issues in this world concerning the royal family and the farms. War and battle against each other of both races is inevitable at some point. Clearly, Emma forgot about those details.
"Yes, even though humans don't eat each other, go wherever you want. Do what you want. You kids win. But remember this one thing. The human world isn't any different. Because they are a mirror of humanity. 'Code solid'. You can pass that on to my uncle. Try it if you can." Peter began fumbling with his shirt sleeve. "I'm looking forward to seeing how far you can go in the human world." He flicked a knife out and brought it to his neck. "Sorry, but I can't go with you kids. I'll enjoy the new world from the depths of Hell." Y/n began darting towards him. "Farewell."
"Peter, no!"
As the man slit his own throat, he fell to the ground. He blinked and the four kids were desperately calling his name. Zack and a few others were already trying to help him. Doing whatever they could to save the man, they screamed orders and cries.
Peter remained on the brink. Why are you trying to save me? Why do you look at me like that? Hm... If I was born in Grace Field... Would we have been friends? He imagined being a child. He imagined playing with the four kids who seemed so happy with their lives despite the misfortune of it. Sleeping under the same roof as them. Wearing the same clothes together. All of it. Of course not. Never. Don't bother. I'm done. The new world you're about to create s too bright for me. I'm...
"I was able to enjoy this for longer than I expected." A voice said. Peter felt a tap on his head. "Well done for 1000 years."
Y/n panicked when Peter's hand fell to the ground. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fist. Emma tried to contain her tears. The boys frowned. Y/n groaned in agitation. We couldn't save him... Ugh. The human world isn't any different. Try it if you can. Okay. Watch us. We'll find it. A life where we can live happily with our family and friends.
Y/n and the others faced all of the sisters and Mama. "So, all of you. What do you plan to do now?"
"Well, we're gonna retreat for a bit." Y/n divulged. "There's still the 2000 imperial soldiers and we got other stuff we gotta do." Mama stared at her in question. "But I'm glad because I wanted to talk to you once we got to Grace Field. Let's go to the human world."
Isabella and the sisters gaped.
"Once everything's over, you should come with us." Y/n said further. All the children go to the human world. Even the children who grew up here. "We've already made the promise with him for it to be that way. Of course, it's up to you. But once the promise is implemented, we can all go to the human world."
"You're going to forgive us?"
"After what we did?!"
"Well..."
"But..."
"We'll stay here." Mama replied a bit sadly. "We appreciate your offer. But we're..."
"Get over it already." Y/n did not need to look behind to know who spoke. "You were sick of this, right?" The raven haired boy reminded. "If you have regrets, take care of them in the human world." Ray strolled up beside Y/n. He poked her hand without breaking his gaze with Mama. Her eyes, however, did trail down. Y/n nodded and the two grabbed each other's hands. "I'm glad I'm alive. It's because I'm alive that I can atone for my sins and clear my conscience. It's fine. No one will resent anyone. We're not holding grudges. So let's go. All of you, with us."
"Yeah, let's go!" Alicia yelled determinedly.
"Let's go!" Mark added.
"Come on, Mom." Gilda grinned.
Isabella watched as all of her children smiled at her. It was really true. It was more than she could even believe. Why? After all she did. Any kid would stray from their parent. Shut them out. Never speak to them again. Maybe even hurt them. Ah. She really did have the fortune of raising brilliant, strong children. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong (Gandhi). They still loved her.
The children rushed towards the sisters and grandma. They engulfed the women with hugs. As Alicia, Rossi, and Yvette ran up to Mama, Isabella's breath shook and was uneven. It should have been so painful. Being forced to put a face on in front of your own mother. You must have been so shocked. You were betrayed by your mother in a most horrific way. Even now, you're all trembling. She looked to Ray and Y/n. Ray held a stoic face while Y/n was the same. But why? How could you forgive me? I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I've been sorry... for so long! Tears streamed down Isabella's face. Grief, guilt, and countless emotions overflew her. "I'm sorry... and thank you, everyone."
As Isabella wiped her eyes, Y/n cleared her throat. "Then it's settled. Just a little longer. Once we finish everything, we'll come back. Until then, Grace Field will continue to operate, but we'll be waiting."
"Don't worry." Isabella reassured. Her eyes were a bit sore. "The demons and the Ratri clan servants don't know about our betrayal yet. We'll handle it. Leave Grace Field to us. We'll take care of Phil and the others, and we'll deal with the demons, too. Be careful."
"Yeah. Be home soon." Y/n replied. She turned her back to the women. "Later." The children then began down the corridors. Y/n and Ray's hands were still together.
Isabella smiled happily. So you achieved that dream without me and without becoming a mom, Y/n. I'm so happy he has you. Ever since that day when you introduced yourself, I knew you were the one! He needs you. I can tell you are the same. Treasure each other. People like you two are tremendously hard to find.
"Cisco!" Norman called on his radio. "We're going to evacuate! Is everything okay on that side?"
"Everything's fine or it was... But, well, I don't really understand. The imperial soldiers are on the move. They're all leaving and heading toward the outer bridge!!"
"THAT'S NOT GOOD!" Hayato screamed frantically. "Reinforcements! They're gonna attack us! We should run now!" He began running around.
"Wait!" A sister's voice called. The group paused and hustled back. She held a screen in her hands. "Looks at this." She put the screen to their faces.
"A message from the imperial capital to all citizens..."
The farms were ordered by Archduke Lewis to be abolished. The citizens agreed and hailed the slender guy as King. However, Lewis vetoed the suggestion of him becoming king, much to everyone's surprise. He admits that he looked away from the selfish rule through farms of Legravalima. He remembered that he should have died at the hunting ground. Thus, Lewis proposed another for rule. Musica. The world was changing. His excellency as well backed up Musica for Queen. She was crowned on the screen.
"Musica! She was alive!" Gilda sobbed.
"But waits she's the queen?!" Mark exclaimed in question. "Why? What's going on?!"
"But that's good." Don assured. "The evil blood will be shared. It's going according to our original plan. The demons won't have to be annihilated!"
"No, but not just that." Oliver commented. "The farms will be gone."
"The farms will no longer exist!"
Y/n groaned in mental pain. She sunk to her knees. Emma gasped as she tried to control her breathing. Ray sank to one knee and hugged Y/n as his breath shook, too.
No more..! Y/n cried internally. She thought back to the days. The days where she was forced to watch her siblings who she loved so dearly be taken to their deaths. She wouldn't have to see her siblings as people who would inflict pain on her if she got close. They were all safe. Sherry. Hao. Cedi. Just... Everyone. We're all free. I'm so sorry you can't...
"We aren't... children to be eaten anymore..." Don grinned excitedly. "No one's going to pursue us. We're free!" (I love his face in this panel so I'm putting it in.)
"That means..." Lannion gasped.
Y/n's eyes widened as she darted away from the others. Ray called her name in pleas to wait for him. She ignored him. For the first time in two years, she will see her dear little brother. She took several turns. Y/n knew she was not tired. Even if she was, she would keep going. It could not be much longer. She skimmed the blueprints of the plant and it's products. He was in the fifth. Y/n's boots clattered against the cold stone floor. The gates were open.
The terrain shifted to soft, lush grass. It was identical to her house. The trees grew without a care in the world. Leaves grew wide and tall. A faint ring of a bell reached the running girl's ears. When she saw a familiar head of black hair, her heart nearly stopped. The little person was walking towards the house with his new siblings.
Taking a deep breath, "PHIL!!"
The boy froze. He turned around with wide eyes. "Y-Y/n?" His adorable shocked face appeared. Y/n chuckled. He winced. After all this lonely time. She really came back.
"I'm home, Phil."
Phil gaped. His countenance swiftly morphed into a tear stricken one. His face was soon wet from how much he was crying. Y/n saw the shock. "Y/n... Y/n!! Welcome home!!" He cried.
Y/n dropped her pack and sniper on the ground. She rushed to the little six-year old. The two ran towards each other. The little boy leapt into the h/c haired girl and wept. Y/n chuckled as his tears soaked into her shirt. She hugged him and patted his head gently. "Sorry to make you wait so long."
"Not at all!" Phil replied shakily. "I always believed you would come back for us!"
"Phil!" A voice called.
"Gilda!" The young boy gasped. He hugged her. Nat was crying waterfalls. Anna was smiling in relief. Lannion sprinted to his buddy. "Don!" Phil hugged the tall male tightly.
"I'm so glad. You look well." Don complimented.
"You too." Phil told. When he released the boy, he saw a figure he never thought he'd see in his life."Norman..?!" He sprinted to the albino. The older male cupped the boy's cheeks. "You're alive?!"
"Yeah." Norman smiled shyly.
"Thank goodness!!"
"Thanks for protecting our siblings." Norman grinned.
Phil looked a little hesitant. Y/n and Ray definitely knew that look. They both probably had that look every night for eight years. Thus, the two approached him. Norman... But there were also friends I couldn't protect. I wanted to. I wanted to protect them too, so badly.
Y/n and Ray gave him a ruffle on his head. "Phil." Ray spoke. "It must have been tough. Sorry. And thanks."
"Everything's gonna be okay now." Y/n assured. "We're all going to be alive from here on out."
Phil allowed more tears to flow as he hugged Ray and Y/n as tight as he could. He was so grateful to see all of his friends alive. Not a single life lost as planned. There were even strangers he did not know. He wondered of their adventures in the outside world.
"Hey, mom, what's..." A girly voice asked.
Y/n stood up and waved her arm. "Hey, Sherry! Come over here!" She hollers casually.
The girl gasped excitedly as her hand covered her mouth. "What?! No way... Y/n!? And everyone too..." The first she sprinted towards was Norman. Of course. "NORMAN!!" She nearly knocked him over.
The mother of the plant was horrified. Who were these children who knew her products so well? What's going on? What should she do? "What is this?" She uttered. Mama and the other sisters appeared. "Grandma Isabella!"
Eugene and Sherry gaped. "Mom?!"
"We're all free now." Isabella told. The mom of the plant just stared at her in confusion and disbelief. "All the farms are being abolished. It's over. It's over now." We can never erase what we have done. But... "Now we can just love them. Just love them normally."
The mother gasped. Tears began to escape her eyes as well. Isabella took the woman into her arms and soothed her. The other sisters who came along sighed in relief. It's over.
Y/n grinned. Some of the Goldy Pond teenagers, accompanied by sisters, spread the word to the other farms. The farms are ending. Not just Grace Field. But Glory Bell. Grand Valley. Goodwill Ridge. And all the other farms. That day... Sherry. I felt so many times like giving up. But. Thanks to my friends and family. So many people. We were able to come this far. Y/n looked up. She saw Lucas and Yuugo smiling down at her. Yuugo mouthed something to her. "I'm proud of you." Lucas as well. "Good job, Y/n." All of her older and younger siblings were beside her, too. She sighed in relief.
"So can we go now?" Phil asked, tugging on her arm. "To... the human world?"
"Yup." Y/n nodded. "We can. Both children and adults from all the farms. To the human world."
Y/n suddenly felt a threatening presence from a ways away from her. She whipped her head. A farm demon stood behind Lannion, Thoma and other kids. (Personally I don't understand how they didn't realize a demon was there, but okay...)
The children gasped as they began running away. Y/n remembered she dropped her gun. He began bearing his long, ebony fingers to snatch one of the children. Y/n sprinted towards the girl.
"Y/N!" Gilda, Ray, Norman, and Emma screamed.
Ray's eyes widened. Make it in time!!
Y/n dodged an attack, but he had another hand. Y/n was a few inches from being impaled in the face.
SQUELCH
Y/n had tackled the girl to the ground. She groaned. Eyes trailing up, they quickly dilated. Above her was the sight she never wanted to see. Never. Not even when she discovered the secret.
Isabella was defiantly holding the demon's hand. Its slender fingers impaired her chest, blood soaking her dark gown. It was practically a spitting image to when Y/n was impaled by Lewis. Crimson blood dripped onto the once pure viridescent grass. Isabella choked for a moment. Rage swept over the demon's face. Y/n's jaw dropped.
"Mom?"
Here's more photo's I would've and wanted to have up top: