To Fort Yano (16)

<Author's note: The things (racism, sexism, political views, etc.) depicted or mentioned in this story do not reflect the real world and are purely coincidences. If they do, please keep in mind that they are simply for world-building and are only work of fiction. Thank you for your understanding.>

"Mister, you're a brown-skinned Asian… So you --?"

Tink.

Nathan lightly flicked Zita's [Grade D] Tiara

"Are you trying to say that since I'm a brown-skinned Asian I've been tricking you? Use your head, Zita. If my plan was to trick you, why would I tell you this information? Wouldn't it make more sense if I didn't tell you these things?"

Zita rubbed the section of her tiara that Nathan flicked.

"Zita, tell me honestly, do I look stupid to you? Is the word 'Stupid' or 'Idiot' written on my forehead? We're partners, remember? We should have each other's backs. And to ensure that, we must have complete trust with each other so lying to each other is a no-no."

Zita stopped rubbing her tiara.

"Anyways, the reason why I told you about those stereotypes is for you to understand that what we did back there wasn't something worth stressing over because chances are they're nothing but lowlifes or bad people.

"And plus, don't forget, Muwin is a third-world country and we're currently in a zombie apocalypse.

"Furthermore, they should be thankful that we were even kind enough to tell them at least twice to accept the deal that we offered to them. But they still refused and even attacked us first. It's not our fault if they're too stubborn and stupid."

Zita knitted her brows because even though some of the things Nathan said sounded correct, there were some things that she doesn't agree with. In addition to that, there was also the racism part.

Just with the stereotypes that Nathan mentioned about Caucasians alone, as a Caucasian herself, in her mind, she was certain that her parents, her grandparents, her extended family and friends were definitely not racist, entitled and immoral.

"But mister, the things you said, it was so racist."

"Yeah, hence the reason why I told you the disclaimers earlier."

"But still, mister, I don't really think it's fair to judge people like that. And like my smommyk always say, no one is bad, we're all good. It's just that everyone is unique which can cause misunderstandings so we should sit down and talk about it so that we can understand one another. Also, my parents, my grandparents and --"

"Look, Zita, I'm not denying that what I said wasn't racist. I'm fully aware that it is racist. Which again, is why I told you the disclaimers first before I told you the stereotypes. So I understand that you're offended and what you're trying to do. But I already told you many things back at lunch so you just have to piece things together with the things I've told you right now."

Zita became quiet.

"But if you still can't understand what I'm trying to say, then I'll give you a quick summary to think about.

"Throw away your first-world mindset because Muwin is a third-world country.

"In third-world countries, it's survival of the fittest here. There are many crocodiles, sharks, wolves and foxes that are disguised in sheep's clothing here that will devour you.

"So instead of being offended about the stereotypes that I mentioned, think of them as guidelines or something like a survival gadget or tool that can help you to identify potential dangers, because the last thing you want to do here, if you want to survive, is to operate based on feelings.

"And oh, I think I also mentioned this to you back in Burrow City before we left Womania that Muwin is like the third or fourth most racist Asian country.

"So if you combine all these factors and add in a zombie apocalypse? What do you think is the sanest thing to do here in Muwin?

"So be cold, be ruthless. If you have to lie or step on people to get ahead, do it. If you have to kill to survive, do it. If you feel bad about doing these things, learn how to shut your feelings down and deal with them later during your downtime."

"But mister, you also said that not all foreigners that come here are bad," said Zita.

'Oh my fucking God, this kid is stressing me out! Fuck!' Nathan thought. "Yes, I did mention that."

"So --"

"So now you're going to try to argue what if they were good people, is that it?"

"Yes…"

"Well, given that they're already dead so we can't ask or interview them and there's also nobody else around that we could ask about them, all we can do right now is to argue between ourselves whether they're good or not. And in this case, you're claiming they're good, while me I'm claiming they're bad, correct?"

"Yes."

"But do you know why I'm still going to win the argument?"

"Huh?"

"I'm asking you why I'm certain that I will still win our argument. Come on, tell me. I want to see if your brain actually works."

Zita thought for a moment before finally answering, "Because you're older and you're from here?"

"It's because my argument is backed up by statistics."

Zita knitted her brows.

"Zita, if there is something in this world that humans can trust, it's numbers. No matter what, 1 + 1 will always be 2. It will never be 1, 3, 4, 11 or whatever. It will always be 2.

"And on this case, given that I was born and raised here in Muwin, I'm well-aware of the stereotypes here. And let's be brutally honest here, stereotypes just don't pop out of anywhere. Each one has some grain of truth in them or is based on some truth. So with that, regarding our argument, my stance is the one that's more believable."

Although Zita more or less understood what Nathan just said, she still wouldn't back down.

"But mister, what about the boy? He was only a boy. Did we really have to kill him?"

"Only a boy?" Nathan said and smiled. "Zita, use your brain. You're about the same age as that kid. Don't you think you're getting arrogant just because you can kill a couple of zombies on your own now?"

"Arrogant? Me?"

Nathan let out a sigh and shook his head.

"I really didn't want to point this out. But it looks like I have no other choice.

"To be honest, I really had no intention of killing that family at all. My only goal was not only to extract information but also force them into giving the RV to me.

"I needed the father or mother to teach me how to use the RV because I have zero knowledge of how to use it.

"However, I was forced to kill them because you killed the mother which came to me as a surprise because I remember specifically telling you to 'take care' of the mother, not 'kill' or 'TAKE CARE' of the mother. The 'take care' was just to rough up a person, not kill. So if there's anyone here to blame, it's you."

Hearing what Nathan said, her eyes widened.

"Just think about it, Zita. If my goal was to kill them all along, why would I even bother to offer them that deal, let alone offering it to them at least twice? You know that I could've easily just killed them right from the start, right?"

"But mister before we came out you said to me that you're going to show me a 'fun' way to take things," said Zita.

"Well, yeah," said Nathan.

"So it wasn't my fault, because I was just following what you've said."

"Well, you're still a kid and Regisian isn't your first language after all. So I'm also partly to blame for assuming that you could understand the difference between 'take care' and 'TAKE CARE'. So please accept my apology," he said and gave a slight bow.

After hearing Nathan admitting that he's also to blame and even saying sorry along with a slight bow, Zita regained some of her confidence back.

"So mister, since you didn't really want to kill them because you wanted to ask them to teach you how to use the RV and you're also so strong, couldn't we at least let the father and son live?"

"Let the father and son live?" Nathan said and face-palmed.

Zita was taken aback by Nathan's reaction.

"Zita, did you see the look of the boy's eyes when he saw what you did to his mother? Ever since the zombie apocalypse started, I've killed a few people already. And the eyes he showed me, well, he may not get revenge now because that booty warrior will stop him. But in the future, I guarantee you that he will definitely get revenge.

"And the scariest opponent of all is the one who is obsessed and has nothing to lose.

"And I for one have no intention of living a life constantly having to look over my shoulder because of some stupid decision I've made in the past due to mercy."

"But if it's like that, then we shouldn't have tried to take their things in the first place. None of this would've happened if we didn't…" said Zita.

"Hold that thought for a moment. And my second point, remember when I said you're getting arrogant just because you can kill a couple of zombies on your own now?"

Zita knitted her brows.

"Try to think about it this way, Zita: What if in the future you encounter a kid about your age who doesn't have any problems killing people, regardless of their age? Tell me, who do you think will win? And take note, it doesn't even have to be a fair fight. Only an idiot would expect a fair fight.

"Well, you're only 10 years old and you're a girl so it can't be helped. Your fighting experience only started when the zombie apocalypse began and was mostly against the zombies and with me on your side.

"But trust me, Zita, if you've been in a street fight -- I mean, first of all, let me tell you this: Before the zombie apocalypse, although I'm not a professional or trained fighter or a soldier and whatnot, I've been in street fights before. And I also didn't win all of them. So with that being said, all I can say is, when it comes to street fights, there are no rules. It's literally free for all.

"Don't believe what you see in the movies, dramas, cartoons, games or whatnot. Those things are called entertainment for a reason.

"A real street fight is quick, dirty, chaotic, spontaneous, and it can easily turn into a do or die situation, especially when weapons are involved.

"Which is why I insisted earlier to you to drop those unnecessary movements and focus on subtle and sudden movements only.

"And then after a fight comes regret. Regret will always come after, unless you're a psychopath or sociopath yourself, or someone with nothing to lose.

"And here in third-world countries, there are a lot of people who have nothing to lose.

"And if you add in the fact that we're currently in a zombie apocalypse, and also the fact that you and I are Chosen Ones and about weaknesses?

"Also, that booty warrior also mentioned that are also some people who are specifically aiming for the Prophets because the Prophets somehow represent God's will or something and they want to vent out their frustration on them for unleashing this zombie apocalypse.

"So just try to imagine for a second a kid your age who will pretend to be your friend while he secretly gathers information about you. And once he gathered enough information about you and you turn your back on him or let your guard down -- Boom! That's when he will attack.

"So let me ask you again, Zita: Who do you think will win? You who has yet to decide whether to take your opponent's life or not because of your feelings, or your opponent who has decided right from the start to kill you? And if your opponent is also a Chosen One?"

This time around, Zita had nothing to argue back and could only so hold her head down and cast her gaze on the ground in silence.

"I guess that possibility never crossed your mind, huh?"

She continued casting her gaze at the ground in silence.

"And as for your question that we shouldn't have tried to take their things in the first place, well, Zita, have you ever stopped to wonder for a moment why do I have so many items?

"Just take the gloves and shoes you're wearing for example. Aside from being Second Tier items because they give +4 bonus stats, they also have a special effect. There's also that knife strap on your right thigh. Furthermore, there's the thermal goggles, the food -- especially the candies and junk food that you love -- and many more.

"Tell me, Zita, where do you think I got all of these items? Do you think I just looted them up from the zombies or the Armored Angels? Or maybe they just happened to be lying on the ground and I picked them up? Or perhaps you thought I traded them with people?"

Nathan leaned over to her ear.

"Let me tell let you in on a little secret. At least half of the items I have, I took them from people. And if they refused, I kill them."

Zita's eyes widened.

Nathan's lips slowly curled up into a smile. He leaned back, placed his finger under her chin and raised her head, forcing her to look at him.

"So what are you complaining about, Zita?" he said and released her chin.

Zita opened her mouth and was about to give an excuse…

"You're not going to give me the I-didn't-know-so-I'm-innocent excuse, are you? Zita, don't tell me you already forgot how I got the helicopter?" he said and grinned.

Images of what happened at the government shelter in Burrow City flashed inside Zita's head.

She closed her mouth and returned her gaze to the ground.

Pat.

Pat.

Nathan patted her head.

"Zita, don't forget we're in a zombie apocalypse and you're my partner. Didn't I tell you that the road we're traveling is going to be a bloody and dangerous one? So don't be surprised that things like food and shelter won't always be available and we must always be ready to grab every opportunity that appears. Because of these things, even if you don't agree with everything I do, even if you will hate me for it, I will always prioritize your safety even if it's at the expense of others. I rather have you be the aggressor than the victim."

He knelt down on one knee in front of her and lifted her chin with his finger.

And this time, he was wearing a very warm and kind expression on his face.

"So don't feel bad about killing those people, okay?

"We're in a third-world country where it's survival of the fittest here and we're currently in a zombie apocalypse.

"And don't forget about the stereotypes that I told you about here in Asia.

"Also, this is Asia. We have the highest number when it comes to race population so killing a few is nothing."

'Meanwhile, you Caucasians have the lowest number...'

'Which makes you more exciting to kill because it feels like killing endangered species...'

'But I won't tell you that because it's too dark~'

'Sigh... Why isn't dark humor popular...?'

'I honestly believe that people would be more happy and grateful in life if dark humor was the norm...'

"That man, Zita, was most likely just a booty warrior or a reject back in his home country. Meanwhile, that woman was nothing but a cheap who-- I mean, a low-class woman. Their deaths are not even worth stressing about.

"In fact, I would even bet that if you ask anyone here about what happened, they would definitely agree that it what purely self-defense on our part. They would even point out that we were too kind or pushovers because we gave them at least two chances to take the deal. So it's not our fault that they're too stupid and stubborn to accept it. We are actually the victims here to tell you the truth.

"And as for the kid, well, think about it as a blessing in disguise: He was for your training in preparation for future enemies that are around your age.

"And most importantly, don't forget that you and I are Chosen Ones. Everyone else is nothing but tools to us and they should be grateful that we would even lower ourselves to look at them, let alone interact with them."

Zita blinked her emerald eyes a few times, trying to process everything that Nathan has told her to justify the killing of that family.

No matter how much she thinks about it, she and Nathan were definitely in the wrong, especially the last part which goes against her core values as an Iskladian.

Back in Iskaldia, they have this cultural practice called Law of Dante. And one of its main core values is that you should never think of yourself as better than anyone.

However, at the same time, she had to admit that they were in a zombie apocalypse and Nathan was the only person whom she knew who could take on zombies and humans like they were nothing, giving her not only a strong sense of security as long as she was with him, but also the impression that maybe his way of thinking was the correct and proper one.

He removed his finger from her chin.

"But if you still can't get over the guilt of killing people, well, since you're still a child so such ideas and emotions are too complex and heavy for you to handle, just think about it this way: I forced you."

"Forced me…?" said Zita.

'This kid is only going to get stronger and stronger whether I want it or not so I have no other choice but to plant more seeds…' Nathan thought. "From now on, whatever bad things you're about to do or think you shouldn't do but you have no choice but to, just blame it on me. Blame everything on me. You will have nothing else to worry about, no guilt or whatsoever. All of it will be mine. Don't worry, I'll carry that burden for you because you're my partner. And in return, we should never betray each other and keep each other alive. That makes things easier, right?"

Poke!

He poked her nose.

"So what do you say, Zita?"

Zita stared at Nathan's face that was wearing a very warm and kind expression.

She clenched her fists and then unclenched them.

"Okay..." she said softly.

Hearing her answer, Nathan's expression brightened even more and he began gently stroking her head as if she was the most precious thing in the world.

Stroke.

"I'm very proud of you for making the right decision, Zita."

Stroke.

"As a matter of fact, in my entire life, even myself included, and this is the honest truth, I have never met anyone your age aside from you who is already this amazing."

Stroke.

"So brave…"

Stroke.

"So strong…"

Stroke.

"So intelligent…"

Stroke.

"So wise…"

Stroke.

"So understanding…"

Nathan covered his mouth with his hand and tears began welling up in his eyes.

"You're really one of a kind, Zita."

He sniffled as he wiped off the tears on his eyes with his finger.

"Which is why I feel so very happy because I'm blessed to have such an amazing partner like you! So thank you, Zita! Thank you so much for being such an amazing and one-of-a-kind person!" he said with a voice that sounded like he was about to cry.

All of a sudden, he and Zita heard the sound of a truck engine from a distance.

*********************************************

Author's thoughts:

Hello, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Thank you for reading!

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