AGG: Human Side Stories

Sasaki 1

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Commissioned by: zomfgmikeftw and Ichypa

Word Count: 2049

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To my surprise, life in space was hardly different from life upon Earth. I suppose, given that I lived within a separate dimension, I shouldn’t have been very surprised. Still, though I’d believed I would be inhabiting the same room, kitchen, and yard, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety still available for the billions living in space, due to the extensive preparation of all the worlds governments.

I’d thought all meals would be communal, from cafeterias, yet here I was still cooking lunch for Kita and Angela. 

Naturally, the meats I was utilizing were synthesized, but the vegetables, spices, and grains were not. Prices did not change in the slightest, even for the most expensive luxury goods such as steak, because of humanity’s exodus.

Life was the same, except looking upward would reveal another Arcology, framed by stars, as all spun in orbit of the Earth. Despite our new location, I still attended to a hot pan, over an electric stove, and carefully arranged each bento, before tying them together in a cloth bundle, and making my way to where Kita and Angela worked. 

Should I wish, I can watch a movie, attend a class, and even find a job.

Similarity.

Comfort. 

Assurance.

Everywhere I looked, I felt all of those emotions.

Though everything has changed, everything has stayed the same, so I couldn’t help but wonder how long the exodus had been planned.

Since when was it decided that Earth could no longer sustain humanity? 

Five years ago?

Ten years ago?

Before I was born?

Though I am immensely grateful for my circumstances, now without the threat of Chimera simply appearing, I couldn’t help but need to curb a measure of abhorrence within my chest.

How much of my life had been decided for me?

Did I truly have a voice in this world?

Was I to be simply made to change regardless of my wishes?

Truly, I was aware of how foolish the words were. The governing bodies of the world, along with their secret organizations, researched, studied, and explored what could be done for humanity. This was their solution. It saved billions of lives, ensured no loss in quality of life, and will continue to keep all safe for millennia to come. 

Yet, I couldn’t help but be bitter about not having known about it, and the assumption that all would be fine with the matter.

Already, I hear words I do not wish to hear.

Many do not wish to fight anymore. 

They wish to run.

To leave forever Earth to the Chimera.

To be defeated, even when victory is possible.

Of course, there are many who protest against this action. I am one of them. However, I greatly dislike being called a warmonger, or an individual obsessed with bloodshed. 

All I want is to look upon Earth, and know that I can return to the land where I was born, and that my children could as well.

…

“Kids, huh?”

As always, with a single word, Kita threatened to set my features aflame. I’d almost forgotten how his Eye of Wisdom made any attempt at keeping secrets worthless. In his presence, my embarrassment was guaranteed if I did not comport myself to the highest of standards. Meaning, in his presence, I had to be perfect, composed, and unyielding.

Never had I been more glad to have parents adherent to tradition than when Kita chose to retake his eye.

“Of course, a wedded couple is expected to have children.” The bubbling nervousness within the depths of my stomach faded away as I directly addressed Kita’s words, while arranging lunch upon his desk. Simply, gracefully, I set aside his work in favor of our meal. Ioseva entered just as I undid the lid. “Can I not hope that my children would live beneath blue skies and feel soil between their toes?”

“It’s an overrated nowadays, especially with VR simulations.” Kita’s hand reached out for food, and I dissuaded him from doing so with a glance. Ioseva took a seat before the two of us, with her hands upon her lap, the picture of poise. I gestured for her to pour us all tea. Kita huffed. “I’d rather they’re stuck at home all day, rotting their brains, until I can tell them to do whatever I want them to.”

“Well then, my dear, we are in disagreement in that regard.” Direct statements of the truth, and nothing besides the truth, are the only means to dissuading Kita from any course of action. He is uncompromising, selfish, and arrogant, but those were all frail compared to his righteousness. I shall make my case, see it concluded, and if it isn’t wanting he will give his assent. “I do not want any of my children to live surrounded by steel and electricity their whole lives.”

“Oi, all that steel and electricity is safe. Nature’s dangerous, woman!” Kita made his counterpoints. Of course, they were all statements of truth. He would not allow for anything less to leave his mouth. I arranged each portion for everyone, looked over my work, and found it all to be acceptable. With clasped hands and a quick thanks, I began our meal. “Kids won’t exactly be running around in paradise, just because they’re on Earth.”

“I know that this Cradle is safe, secure, and perfect, but I will not leave my children forever wondering what the breeze feels on their skin, without the sky stretch above them, or unable to gaze upon a springtime in awe.” My argument was easy to support. Far easier than the argument I’d tried to mount against Kita at his final ritual. With my mind clear, goal apparent, and heart set, I was capable of telling Kita what needed to be said, instead of merely bawling and screaming and threatening. “I want them to experience the land where their ancestors lived and loved.”

Miyakuro was about to speak, perhaps to present another issue to my notice, but Ioseva spoke before him.

“I feel the same as Mayu, Kita-kun.” I did my utmost not to feel relieved by the sudden support I’d gained. Ioseva was an angel, one who cared deeply, spoke frankly, and sought out earnesty above all else. She may have been brevity incarnate, and we’d only known one another for a few months, but she and I were fast friends. “I would very much like to have our children live upon Earth, rather than the depths of space.”

Naturally, of course, she was not as experienced as wordplay as myself or Kita, so the two of us nearly choked at her words.

“Hmmm, did I say something wrong?” The very picture of innocence, Ioseva made no show of embarrassment. There was not the slightest flush upon her features, though I could feel my own cheeks swiftly becoming scarlet. She turns to me with ruby eyes alight with curiosity. “Mayu?” Innocence personified, she say nothing wrong with her words. “What did I do wrong?”

“‘Our children’, you idiot.” Kita snarled, his face a reddish hue that I hadn’t seen in years. For a moment, I forgot about his lost limbs and eye, and I sat beside the young man who I’d loved for years. He was human, lacking completely in divinity, and I felt my heart ache before I retook control over myself. “As in children between you and me—

“Then, I was not incorrect in my statement.” Kita’s words died in his throat, a pallor swept away his embarrassment, and Ioseva simply continued to speak. No, I realized that I was not a witness to innocence. I was looking upon insistence and frankness and courage. Angela, my friend, met Kita’s gaze without an ounce of hesitation. “I would like for our children to live upon Earth, as all humans are meant to.”

For a moment, a spark of fear erupted in my chest. I felt as though a hand gripped my heart and sought to break it. 

Ioseva, however, turned her resolute gaze at me and alleviated my heart with a soft smile and a shake of her head. 

No, she wasn’t looking to take Kita from me, I knew.

“I love you and Mayu. You took me in, cared for me, and loved me.” Ioseva confesses without hesitation or shame. “I’ve been alone all my life, Miyakuro-kun. Until the two of you. I can’t imagine being with anyone besides the two of you.” Placing a hand upon her chest, she turns her gaze back to Kita. “So, though you’ll refuse me, I will remain resolute in my course, and I want you to know that I want our children to have a world at their disposal, instead of a vehicle floating among the stars.”

Of course, after that statement, Kita and I were at a loss for words.

Though the statement was simple and crude compared to our usual arguments, it was keenly edged and cut straight to the matter’s heart. 

Indeed, I was not merely worried for humanity’s future as I’d initially said. 

I wanted to know what would become of my, Kita’s, and Ioseva’s futures. 

And, of the generation after us. 

So, of course, I was unable to speak for the rest of our lunch together. 

…

“I’m apologize. I erred once more in regards to the situation. Did I not?” Angela sat beside me. A frown played upon her face. Her scarlet gaze was narrowed in frustration. “I made things too complicated, though I tried to do the opposite.”

We sat together in the cabin with only one another for company, yet I felt as though hundreds of ears were awaiting my answer. Still, I called upon what measure of courage I had left and spoke my mind.

“That’s true, but I’m glad that you did.” The conversation had been embarrassing beyond belief. It almost felt shameless to hear all of Angela’s frank words. However, she’d cut through the knot of the situation with ease. What had been said couldn’t be ignored. The three of us were now to work together to see Earth our home once more. “We needed to hear those words, Angela.”

“Thank you, but I would still like to properly apologize for causing the two of you embarrassment.” I couldn’t help but smile at Angela’s words. I’d expected to face many problems since Typhon and the Exodus, but Angela was not one of them. Quickly, we’d become fast friends, supported one another, and understood one another. Though I would rather Miyakuro never be have been involved with Li Song, I was thankful that he’d Angela protect him. “Would you like to go to the mall together?”

For a moment, I almost said no, but I caught myself. 

What was the difference between staying in a secluded dimension, filled with grass, a false sky, and springs, and saying that an Arcology is all a human being will ever need? Since the Exodus, I’d deigned to stay as much as possible at home ine  comfort and safety. If I chose to stay in Kita’s enclosed space, how could I profess the need for humanity to return to Earth?

“That sounds pleasant, Angela. Let’s.” 

I am a mere human. A woman of flesh, bone, and a little magic to her name. I could not fight against the monsters that battered at humanity’s doors, or convince the whole of the world to fight, but I remained the master of my own fate. I could choose to hide, whisper, and complain, or strike out, speak out, and fight in what ways I can for what I believe in. 

“But, would you mind if we made a stop or two first? I would like to get started on something, today.”

The Exodus has just ended, but already factions are forming, between those who wish to stay and those who wish to leave. Many shout at one another over the net, but there’s yet to be true conglomerations of those who believe one side or the other.

In this time of change, while the irons were hot, I could strike.

I may not be some vaunted hero, but I could at least gather and speak to those who believe in what I believe. 

And, together, perhaps… we can make a difference that will truly matter.