-The Choices we Make-
(Cite / Dragato)
"It’s...been a while, hasn’t it?”
Dragato approached his childhood friend when Ramset informed him he was returning. It was odd, he never expected someone as timid as Cite to go off and travel alone. At first he thought he heard wrong when Teacher Bate informed him, but apparently it was true! The once terrified squid he befriended all those years ago set off and followed his dream of becoming a world-renowned artist. Even at a young age, Dragato knew Cite had the talent and drive, and he could certainly say he was ecstatic when he got the news that his friend was off traveling to showcase his many illustrations at exhibits or museums, but...
Part of him wished he was there to experience with him.
He wondered, was he still the same Cite as before? His attention soon focused back on the Squishy when he started to speak.
"A few years, give or take.” Cite responded, happily smiling back at the warrior. “You still look the same as ever."
“And you…ah…...” Dragato walked a bit closer when something about him instantly caught his attention, “You’re not stuttering.”
Cite resisted his urge to laugh, but failed miserably and burst out in a fit of giggles. “Gee, Dragato, is that really the first thing that came to mind after all this time?”
Dragato turned away, slightly embarrassed from the response he received. “I…I’m sorry. It’s just strange hearing you without it.”
“Well, hopefully it’ll be a change you wouldn’t mind getting used to...unless you catch me on a bad day, that is.” He chuckled and decided to shift the attention back to his friend, “So, how have you been? I’m awfully sorry I haven’t been around when you and the others visit during the holidays.”
Dragato slightly shook his head. “It’s quite alright. Teacher Bate told me how busy you’ve been. I...could understand.” He gave a weak smile, “I’m just glad to see you before you, ah...head off again. He told me you’re leaving in a few days...?”
He saw Cite nod to his response. “Nothing too major. Just a small expo north of Gamble Galaxy. It should be only a month or so.” He stated, giving a small, somber like smile in return. “It’s a shame you haven’t been able to see any of them. I hope one day I could take you along- I’ve invited Bate to several in the past, and he'll tell you it’s certainly worth the travel."
“I’m sure it’ll be amazing....” He softly said, “Thanks for the offer, Cite…"
Cite noticed his friends' replies were getting less and less enthusiastic. That certainly wasn’t something he hoped to hear after being reunited after all this time. He knew something else was on Dragato’s mind. Though not seeing him in years, he wasn’t sure if it was related to war, one of his comrades, or something else. Usually it would always him being comforted by Dragato, but now...
The Squishy reached out and slightly gave his friend a small nudge. “Hey, is it alright if we sit down? I’m getting a bit tired from standing.”
“O-oh, of course!” Dragato quickly sat on the grass below and apologized for not noticing. Cite on the other hand just waved it off and took a seat right after. He set his crutches aside and fell back to watch the evening clouds pass by. Dragato followed his actions, and both kept silent as they watched the sky.
“So tell me,” Cite finally spoke, “What's it been like working under the GSA? I bet you have tons of stories of all the missions you’ve been on, hm?"
He patiently waited, though he could sense how conflicted his friend was now becoming.
“It’s....been fine.” He mumbled, cutting it short. He gave a deep sigh and just focused on the clouds. “Not much, truth to be told. Nothing worth wild like you.”
Cite wasn’t convinced, so he slightly sat up and faced him, “Dragato, is something troubling you? You know you can always talk to me…right? We’re best friends, remember?”
The Squishy watched as Dragato tore his gaze to look at him. Both locked eyes for only a few seconds before the warrior closed them, “When you first left Kalmari to travel, how did you feel?”
“Hm?” Cite pondered his question. What could this be about…..
“I was scared.” He replied after mulling it over. “I remember how terrified I was. I wasn’t sure if I was making the right decision or not."
Dragato kept quiet and listened on.
“Bate, however…..he believed in me. He supported my decision and told me that if I didn’t take this chance, then all my years of telling him the goals and dreams I had would all be empty words. They will always remain a dream unless I did something to make them a reality. So…I took the chance and left Kalmari.”
Cite fondly smiled at the memories, “If I didn’t do what I had back then, I really don’t know where’d I’d be. I’m really glad I took that chance.”
Dragato tensed up once he said that, and Cite quickly picked up on it.
He understood now.
Cite would be ashamed to call himself his friend if he couldn't recognize what was truly troubling him, and after answering his question, he was sure he knew what it was…..though a huge part of him hoped he was wrong.
“It’s been a fun adventure, really. I’ve went off to chase my dreams, and I finally have what I want in life.” Cite said as he took a glance at the warrior next to him. "Though...could the same be said for you, Dragato?"
The Puff went lax upon hearing him say that. A wave of unfulfilled promises and childhood dreams soon unsurfaced, and the warrior couldn’t help but tear up from the very thought of it. Cite figured it out. He gave a faint laugh and focused on the clouds again.
“I should be happy, right? Why shouldn’t I be?” He spoke with little to no emotion in his voice that caused the squid to flinch. “I mean- I was raised and trained to do this. My whole life focused on this very task of fighting for the war, but...."
“You’re not happy.” Cite finished, “It’s not what you wanted, was it?"
He heard Dragato softly sigh, and the warrior sat up and looked at him, “Am I selfish?"
“Selfish?”
The warrior lowered his wings at the very though of what he was going to say next. Even with the comfort of Cite by his side, Dragato felt uneasy. What would he think of him after he knew- after he found out the truth…
“I...don’t...” He quickly bit his tongue as soon as he began. It was only after a few more minutes of silent and the gaze of Cite did he finally muster up the courage to say what he’s been hiding for so long. “Y-you're right. I’m not happy, Cite. I haven’t been in such a long time. I really tried over the months when I first began, but after the first year I returned to Kalmari and found out you weren’t there...” Dragato paused a bit to gather his thoughts.
“And then Teacher Bate informed me that you left...”
“D-Dragato, I told you numerous times. Didn’t you get any of my letters?”
“I did, but....” The warrior couldn’t bear his presence any longer and turned away in shame, “I’m sorry…p-please forgive me, Cite. I do remember reading several of the letters you wrote. You told me all the things happening in Kalmari, and all the new projects you were starting. I even remember seeing how happy you were in one of the photos you sent. I guess…well…..”
The warrior’s voice started to get softer to the point where Cite had to lean over to even make out what he was saying.
“A part of me wanted to be part of it too.” He whispered, "After that....I stopped reading them.”
“O-oh.” Cite was somewhat shocked when he heard his reasons. He assumed Dragato was always too busy to write back, but in truth, it was the complete opposite. His best friend was hurting for all these years, and he has not once even noticed....
“So all this time....” Cite softly spoke as he felt a wave of guilt from not noticing, “You weren’t happy?"
He saw Dragato slowly nod in response, “P-please don’t think poorly of me when I say this, but I think I know what I need to do. I know I’m going to disappoint my mentor, and my comrades, and even my leader, but....I want to leave the GSA.”
The warrior waited quietly, but the sudden feeling of regret started to overcome him. He shouldn’t have said anything. He should’ve just lied and said he was fine. What’s going to happen now? How could he show his face around everyone once they find out. Dragato slowly started to hug himself with his wings in embarrassment from the very thought of such a thing.
Cite softly hummed to himself after he heard his response. His voice caused Dragato to slightly lower his wings so he could get a better look at his reaction. He didn’t seem mad or even disappointed for that matter.
“Thank you, Dragato. I’m really glad you told me that.” Cite said, placing a hand on his wing, “But…there’s still something on my mind. A really important question I need to ask after hearing what you’ve told me."
“I-important?” He repeated with a hint of fear still lingering in his voice from what the question might be. “Ah…y-yeah, sure. What is it?”
Dragato blinked in surprise when Cite reached over to lift up his mask. He kept silent as he sat in front of him and grabbed both his hands. A warm smile formed on Cite’s face, and Dragato was at the verge of crying once more as he spoke.
“Please- tell me what I could do to make you happy again.”
And like that, the warrior’s shoulders began to tremble as tears started trickling down his face. “S-so you don’t c-care if I leave?”
“Of course not. Dragato, I wouldn't have cared even if you left on the first day.You’re my best friend, and I know for a fact that your comrades would support your decision if they truly knew how you felt about it."
A tired, but genuine smile finally formed on Dragato's face, and the warrior reached over and hugged him.
After all these years, he finally didn’t have to pretend anymore.
No more lies,
No more false words,
No more fake smiles,
He was finally able to leave his past behind…..
He finally has a reason to smile once more.
“T...T-thank you, Cite.”
Dragato approached his childhood friend when Ramset informed him he was returning. It was odd, he never expected someone as timid as Cite to go off and travel alone. At first he thought he heard wrong when Teacher Bate informed him, but apparently it was true! The once terrified squid he befriended all those years ago set off and followed his dream of becoming a world-renowned artist. Even at a young age, Dragato knew Cite had the talent and drive, and he could certainly say he was ecstatic when he got the news that his friend was off traveling to showcase his many illustrations at exhibits or museums, but...
Part of him wished he was there to experience with him.
He wondered, was he still the same Cite as before? His attention soon focused back on the Squishy when he started to speak.
"A few years, give or take.” Cite responded, happily smiling back at the warrior. “You still look the same as ever."
“And you…ah…...” Dragato walked a bit closer when something about him instantly caught his attention, “You’re not stuttering.”
Cite resisted his urge to laugh, but failed miserably and burst out in a fit of giggles. “Gee, Dragato, is that really the first thing that came to mind after all this time?”
Dragato turned away, slightly embarrassed from the response he received. “I…I’m sorry. It’s just strange hearing you without it.”
“Well, hopefully it’ll be a change you wouldn’t mind getting used to...unless you catch me on a bad day, that is.” He chuckled and decided to shift the attention back to his friend, “So, how have you been? I’m awfully sorry I haven’t been around when you and the others visit during the holidays.”
Dragato slightly shook his head. “It’s quite alright. Teacher Bate told me how busy you’ve been. I...could understand.” He gave a weak smile, “I’m just glad to see you before you, ah...head off again. He told me you’re leaving in a few days...?”
He saw Cite nod to his response. “Nothing too major. Just a small expo north of Gamble Galaxy. It should be only a month or so.” He stated, giving a small, somber like smile in return. “It’s a shame you haven’t been able to see any of them. I hope one day I could take you along- I’ve invited Bate to several in the past, and he'll tell you it’s certainly worth the travel."
“I’m sure it’ll be amazing....” He softly said, “Thanks for the offer, Cite…"
Cite noticed his friends' replies were getting less and less enthusiastic. That certainly wasn’t something he hoped to hear after being reunited after all this time. He knew something else was on Dragato’s mind. Though not seeing him in years, he wasn’t sure if it was related to war, one of his comrades, or something else. Usually it would always him being comforted by Dragato, but now...
The Squishy reached out and slightly gave his friend a small nudge. “Hey, is it alright if we sit down? I’m getting a bit tired from standing.”
“O-oh, of course!” Dragato quickly sat on the grass below and apologized for not noticing. Cite on the other hand just waved it off and took a seat right after. He set his crutches aside and fell back to watch the evening clouds pass by. Dragato followed his actions, and both kept silent as they watched the sky.
“So tell me,” Cite finally spoke, “What's it been like working under the GSA? I bet you have tons of stories of all the missions you’ve been on, hm?"
He patiently waited, though he could sense how conflicted his friend was now becoming.
“It’s....been fine.” He mumbled, cutting it short. He gave a deep sigh and just focused on the clouds. “Not much, truth to be told. Nothing worth wild like you.”
Cite wasn’t convinced, so he slightly sat up and faced him, “Dragato, is something troubling you? You know you can always talk to me…right? We’re best friends, remember?”
The Squishy watched as Dragato tore his gaze to look at him. Both locked eyes for only a few seconds before the warrior closed them, “When you first left Kalmari to travel, how did you feel?”
“Hm?” Cite pondered his question. What could this be about…..
“I was scared.” He replied after mulling it over. “I remember how terrified I was. I wasn’t sure if I was making the right decision or not."
Dragato kept quiet and listened on.
“Bate, however…..he believed in me. He supported my decision and told me that if I didn’t take this chance, then all my years of telling him the goals and dreams I had would all be empty words. They will always remain a dream unless I did something to make them a reality. So…I took the chance and left Kalmari.”
Cite fondly smiled at the memories, “If I didn’t do what I had back then, I really don’t know where’d I’d be. I’m really glad I took that chance.”
Dragato tensed up once he said that, and Cite quickly picked up on it.
He understood now.
Cite would be ashamed to call himself his friend if he couldn't recognize what was truly troubling him, and after answering his question, he was sure he knew what it was…..though a huge part of him hoped he was wrong.
“It’s been a fun adventure, really. I’ve went off to chase my dreams, and I finally have what I want in life.” Cite said as he took a glance at the warrior next to him. "Though...could the same be said for you, Dragato?"
The Puff went lax upon hearing him say that. A wave of unfulfilled promises and childhood dreams soon unsurfaced, and the warrior couldn’t help but tear up from the very thought of it. Cite figured it out. He gave a faint laugh and focused on the clouds again.
“I should be happy, right? Why shouldn’t I be?” He spoke with little to no emotion in his voice that caused the squid to flinch. “I mean- I was raised and trained to do this. My whole life focused on this very task of fighting for the war, but...."
“You’re not happy.” Cite finished, “It’s not what you wanted, was it?"
He heard Dragato softly sigh, and the warrior sat up and looked at him, “Am I selfish?"
“Selfish?”
The warrior lowered his wings at the very though of what he was going to say next. Even with the comfort of Cite by his side, Dragato felt uneasy. What would he think of him after he knew- after he found out the truth…
“I...don’t...” He quickly bit his tongue as soon as he began. It was only after a few more minutes of silent and the gaze of Cite did he finally muster up the courage to say what he’s been hiding for so long. “Y-you're right. I’m not happy, Cite. I haven’t been in such a long time. I really tried over the months when I first began, but after the first year I returned to Kalmari and found out you weren’t there...” Dragato paused a bit to gather his thoughts.
“And then Teacher Bate informed me that you left...”
“D-Dragato, I told you numerous times. Didn’t you get any of my letters?”
“I did, but....” The warrior couldn’t bear his presence any longer and turned away in shame, “I’m sorry…p-please forgive me, Cite. I do remember reading several of the letters you wrote. You told me all the things happening in Kalmari, and all the new projects you were starting. I even remember seeing how happy you were in one of the photos you sent. I guess…well…..”
The warrior’s voice started to get softer to the point where Cite had to lean over to even make out what he was saying.
“A part of me wanted to be part of it too.” He whispered, "After that....I stopped reading them.”
“O-oh.” Cite was somewhat shocked when he heard his reasons. He assumed Dragato was always too busy to write back, but in truth, it was the complete opposite. His best friend was hurting for all these years, and he has not once even noticed....
“So all this time....” Cite softly spoke as he felt a wave of guilt from not noticing, “You weren’t happy?"
He saw Dragato slowly nod in response, “P-please don’t think poorly of me when I say this, but I think I know what I need to do. I know I’m going to disappoint my mentor, and my comrades, and even my leader, but....I want to leave the GSA.”
The warrior waited quietly, but the sudden feeling of regret started to overcome him. He shouldn’t have said anything. He should’ve just lied and said he was fine. What’s going to happen now? How could he show his face around everyone once they find out. Dragato slowly started to hug himself with his wings in embarrassment from the very thought of such a thing.
Cite softly hummed to himself after he heard his response. His voice caused Dragato to slightly lower his wings so he could get a better look at his reaction. He didn’t seem mad or even disappointed for that matter.
“Thank you, Dragato. I’m really glad you told me that.” Cite said, placing a hand on his wing, “But…there’s still something on my mind. A really important question I need to ask after hearing what you’ve told me."
“I-important?” He repeated with a hint of fear still lingering in his voice from what the question might be. “Ah…y-yeah, sure. What is it?”
Dragato blinked in surprise when Cite reached over to lift up his mask. He kept silent as he sat in front of him and grabbed both his hands. A warm smile formed on Cite’s face, and Dragato was at the verge of crying once more as he spoke.
“Please- tell me what I could do to make you happy again.”
And like that, the warrior’s shoulders began to tremble as tears started trickling down his face. “S-so you don’t c-care if I leave?”
“Of course not. Dragato, I wouldn't have cared even if you left on the first day.You’re my best friend, and I know for a fact that your comrades would support your decision if they truly knew how you felt about it."
A tired, but genuine smile finally formed on Dragato's face, and the warrior reached over and hugged him.
After all these years, he finally didn’t have to pretend anymore.
No more lies,
No more false words,
No more fake smiles,
He was finally able to leave his past behind…..
He finally has a reason to smile once more.
“T...T-thank you, Cite.”
-End-
Artist Comment:
Date: November 24, 2016
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So this takes place a few years after Dragato's been fighting in the war. It's revealed that he's become terribly depressed because fighting in the GSA wasn't what he wanted to do in life. When he found out that his best friend left to pursue his dream of being an artist (A dream both of them had as children) he made the realization that leaving the GSA was the only way he can truly be happy once more. Dragato couldn't really go to any of his comrades to talk about this since by that time, Nonsurat left to be with Marlo due to the plane incident and Falspar was dealing with his own issues with Pyrell.
In the end, Dragato did leave the battlefront to follow his childhood dream with Cite. As stated in another illustration, both live and travel together. Other than an artist, he's a bit of a body guard to Cite. Usually when they travel to rural lands to get inspiration for their art, Dragato's there to always protect him. And yes- Dragato is happy and shows no regrets of leaving.
As for Cite- well, he's grown up quite a bit from the timid squid you once knew. He doesn't stutter like when he was a kid (Unless he gets super stressed) and he became a famous artist! He travels a lot, so he's not in Kalmari often. He has, however, invited his family and friends to the exhibits he's asked to partake in. (Mainly Bate since he was his greatest supporter) Even though he's slightly changed over the years, he still retains his caring, kind personality. <333
Date: November 24, 2016
-----------------
So this takes place a few years after Dragato's been fighting in the war. It's revealed that he's become terribly depressed because fighting in the GSA wasn't what he wanted to do in life. When he found out that his best friend left to pursue his dream of being an artist (A dream both of them had as children) he made the realization that leaving the GSA was the only way he can truly be happy once more. Dragato couldn't really go to any of his comrades to talk about this since by that time, Nonsurat left to be with Marlo due to the plane incident and Falspar was dealing with his own issues with Pyrell.
In the end, Dragato did leave the battlefront to follow his childhood dream with Cite. As stated in another illustration, both live and travel together. Other than an artist, he's a bit of a body guard to Cite. Usually when they travel to rural lands to get inspiration for their art, Dragato's there to always protect him. And yes- Dragato is happy and shows no regrets of leaving.
As for Cite- well, he's grown up quite a bit from the timid squid you once knew. He doesn't stutter like when he was a kid (Unless he gets super stressed) and he became a famous artist! He travels a lot, so he's not in Kalmari often. He has, however, invited his family and friends to the exhibits he's asked to partake in. (Mainly Bate since he was his greatest supporter) Even though he's slightly changed over the years, he still retains his caring, kind personality. <333
Species © Nintendo/ HAL Laboratory
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
