[Bokurano] fic: Those Left Behind: This Conversation Never Happened
Title: Those Left Behind: This Conversation Never Happened
Day/Theme: Aug 28 This conversation never happened
Series: Bokurano
Character/Pairing: Anko and Komo's dads
Rating: PG
Notes: for 31_days. Manga canon. Spoilers up to chapter 42. Dialogue only fic! (what in the world am I thinking?)
Archive: LJ | ffnet
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"I'm aware that it was a breach of confidentiality. So was he."
-----
"Thank you for agreeing to meet me. I'm sorry for intruding on your privacy."
"...it's the least I can do for another parent in the same situation."
"Nonetheless, thank you."
"Tea?"
"Ah, yes, please."
"I understand from your phone call that your daughter is the current pilot."
"Yes, exactly. That's why I'm here. She has been very upfront with me with the situation, but there's one crucial thing that she hasn't told me about."
"I see."
"She won't...or maybe she can't tell me."
"So that's why you came to me."
"Yes, although I haven't been a very good father...I need to know what my daughter is facing."
"She most likely wants to protect you."
"What father needs to be protected in such a way? I don't need to be protected. Not when my daughter is out there risking her life."
"...as a father, I understand. If only it could have been me out there instead of Takami...I would have done anything to take her place."
"Do you mind if I ask you what happened after your daughter piloted Zearth? What exactly happens to the kids who pilot Zearth? I have guesses, but they are too morbid to consider..."
"I'm afraid whatever I say won't be any easier to accept."
"Whatever the truth is, I'm ready to face it."
"This is confidential information."
"I'm...here as a father. Not as a reporter. So, please."
"I know. Otherwise we wouldn't be here. You have a right to know."
"Please."
"My daughter, as you have seen on television, was a pilot of Zearth. She confided in me about what was happening. That was when the military got involved, but we could provide little support during battles. We could only help with evacuations and provide...moral support. That was what they needed the most. The rest was up to the children."
"Aiko described some of what happened to me."
"I see. It's good that she did. I'm glad Takami confided in me. I cannot imagine not knowing."
"But Aiko..."
"Right, she didn't tell you everything. About what happens after."
"What exactly happens?"
"There's no easy way to say this but...piloting Zearth requires the pilot to spend their life."
"W-What?"
"After each battle, the pilot...dies."
"No..."
"I was there as each pilot fell..."
"No...but your daughter..."
"She's gone as well. She was gone the moment the fight ended...when I pulled the trigger on the enemy pilot. Afterward...I held her...cold body in my arms."
"I...see. I see. How horrible...my daughter, Aiko...she too..."
"Please stay by her side."
"What can I do for her?"
"Truthfully, very little...but that girl must want you by her side. She needs your support. Stay strong for her. You are her anchor."
"I don't know anymore. It's hard to think. But...it seems...I must continue reporting. I can't run away, not when I know how brave my daughter has been. That is the only thing I can do for her. For them. Thank you, thank you for telling me. I'm sorry...very sorry for dredging up what you must not want to remember. Are you...all right?"
"I...will be."
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the end
Day/Theme: Aug 28 This conversation never happened
Series: Bokurano
Character/Pairing: Anko and Komo's dads
Rating: PG
Notes: for 31_days. Manga canon. Spoilers up to chapter 42. Dialogue only fic! (what in the world am I thinking?)
Archive: LJ | ffnet
-----
"I'm aware that it was a breach of confidentiality. So was he."
-----
"Thank you for agreeing to meet me. I'm sorry for intruding on your privacy."
"...it's the least I can do for another parent in the same situation."
"Nonetheless, thank you."
"Tea?"
"Ah, yes, please."
"I understand from your phone call that your daughter is the current pilot."
"Yes, exactly. That's why I'm here. She has been very upfront with me with the situation, but there's one crucial thing that she hasn't told me about."
"I see."
"She won't...or maybe she can't tell me."
"So that's why you came to me."
"Yes, although I haven't been a very good father...I need to know what my daughter is facing."
"She most likely wants to protect you."
"What father needs to be protected in such a way? I don't need to be protected. Not when my daughter is out there risking her life."
"...as a father, I understand. If only it could have been me out there instead of Takami...I would have done anything to take her place."
"Do you mind if I ask you what happened after your daughter piloted Zearth? What exactly happens to the kids who pilot Zearth? I have guesses, but they are too morbid to consider..."
"I'm afraid whatever I say won't be any easier to accept."
"Whatever the truth is, I'm ready to face it."
"This is confidential information."
"I'm...here as a father. Not as a reporter. So, please."
"I know. Otherwise we wouldn't be here. You have a right to know."
"Please."
"My daughter, as you have seen on television, was a pilot of Zearth. She confided in me about what was happening. That was when the military got involved, but we could provide little support during battles. We could only help with evacuations and provide...moral support. That was what they needed the most. The rest was up to the children."
"Aiko described some of what happened to me."
"I see. It's good that she did. I'm glad Takami confided in me. I cannot imagine not knowing."
"But Aiko..."
"Right, she didn't tell you everything. About what happens after."
"What exactly happens?"
"There's no easy way to say this but...piloting Zearth requires the pilot to spend their life."
"W-What?"
"After each battle, the pilot...dies."
"No..."
"I was there as each pilot fell..."
"No...but your daughter..."
"She's gone as well. She was gone the moment the fight ended...when I pulled the trigger on the enemy pilot. Afterward...I held her...cold body in my arms."
"I...see. I see. How horrible...my daughter, Aiko...she too..."
"Please stay by her side."
"What can I do for her?"
"Truthfully, very little...but that girl must want you by her side. She needs your support. Stay strong for her. You are her anchor."
"I don't know anymore. It's hard to think. But...it seems...I must continue reporting. I can't run away, not when I know how brave my daughter has been. That is the only thing I can do for her. For them. Thank you, thank you for telling me. I'm sorry...very sorry for dredging up what you must not want to remember. Are you...all right?"
"I...will be."
-----
the end