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"Vingette" (Kyaro) The World of Work Early this morning, hundreds of Highland soldiers, as well as four of the great Highland Generals - Prince Ruka included - have been spotted marching southwards towards the Ryube district of Jowston. While a clear reason why has yet to be stated by King Agares, one can only assume this confrontation may be Highland's first step to resolving the Unicorn Brigade Massachre. 'Highland still speaks of the Unicorn Brigade. It was only a matter of time before Highland began their act.' The newspaper was lowered to reveal three separate business executives. "Now you understand what I'm talking about, young Jowy Atreides?" spoke one executive. "Now as I was saying, condsidering that Highland's royal army deployed itself in almost its entirety in the Ryube region, it's almost certain that trade among the South Window region is unaccessable. What do you suggest we do?" "Withold trade for now until we know what's going on." Jowy answered. "As of current, it would be even more suspicious for Highland to barter with Jowston." "However, if you don't continue upon act of trade, market prices may crash and you may lose millions!" "Then continue among the Matilda region. Matilda is neutral and would not frown upon Highlanders." "Your decision is as good as mine, Master Atreides." Jowy sighed. Making so many decisions in one day was harder than he thought. Once the trade executive left, another took his place. More quick, yet thorough decisions were made only to be replaced by another subject and another train of thought. 'I didn't ask for this,' Jowy thought, 'But the Atreides Foundation is a responsibility I must handle. What would Makoto have done in a similar situation?' Brotherly Love "Not as easy as you thought, eh?" Marco grinned snidely from the side. Jowy, exasperated, glanced at his brother. Marco was covered in all sorts of bruises with his clothes in disarray, even though it was obvious Marco tried to primp himself up. Lord only knows what happened to him - perhaps a force in the shape of a girl whos name starts with an N. "Marco... what happened to you?" "None of your business, peasant!" Marco snapped, clenching his fist. "Anyway, I'm getting a personal enjoyment out of seeing you struggle with what you can't handle." The younger brother's egotistical composure returned. He crossed the floor towards Jowy. "You know, if you can't handle the pressure, you can just hand the fortune over to me." Jowy hesitated not to shake his head. "The Atreides fortune was handed down to me. It's... it's my responsibility to live up to father's name. And besides, Marco, what would you do if you were in my shoes?" "A better job than you, thank you very much." Marco sneered. "Now, if I was in your place, I wouldn't remain stagnate and restricted to our current business. Oh no, I would expand our industries to the far reaches of Jowston. See, that's your first mistake - barely acting upon what we already have instead of being a visionary. Hmph. Well, I didn't expect much from a peasant anyway." His sneer became an evil grin. "It's clear now which one of us inherited the true Atreides blood and who didn't." The best way to avoid a nuisance - walk away. Exactly what Jowy began to do. "And another thing, peasant!" Marco called back. "I wouldn't waste my precious money or effort consoling a tragedy that's already passed. You know what I'm talking about, peasant, the Unicorn Brigade. Don't continue your tears just because your best friend died." Even though Jowy said nothing, those words hit him harder than anyone could imagine. Reconciliation Midday's sun shone upon the weathered front porch. Yet, Jowy felt as if he had never seen the sun in a very long time. He had not much time to ponder as he saw two of the mansion guards hold back a hysterical woman. "Let me go!" she cried. "I demand to speak to the head of the Atreides Foundation immediately!" "Calm down, woman. Just calm down and let us take you home..." "Stop. Please let her go." Jowy spoke calmly but firmly. "But Master Atreides! She is a madwoman! Who knows what she will do if..." "I said to please let her go." The guards reluctantly dropped the woman to the ground. The latter promptly grabbed Jowy by the collar. "My boy! Give me back my boy!" she cried. Jowy blinked. "I said to give me back my boy! My little Jimmy! He was barely your age when he joined the Unicorn Brigade! He was such a sweet lad, my pride and joy. He promised he would return to help with my family business. But look at him! Dead as the ashes of the fires that burned the Unicorn Brigade. Why did you have to be the only one who survived?! Why YOU? Why not my little Jimmy?!" "....." "Do you think... do you think this... this... paper will help save lives?!" the woman thrust paper poch into Jowy's hands. "Do you honestly believe money, these materialistic little pieces of paper, will bring back the hundreds of lives mercilessly slaughtered?! If so, then take this money and shove it up your mouth! I would rather have my little boy than your worthless pieces of paper!" "Ma'am, I'm doing the best that I..." "If you honestly are doing the best you can, then give me back my boy! Bring him back from the dead! I want my boy!" the woman pounded on the young man's chest. "I want my boy...!" Jowy said nothing. Instead, he pushed her arms away and gently embraced her. The woman continued to cry hysterically, screaming like a madwoman, but accepted the warm embrace. She needed a shoulder to cry on, someone to grive with, someome to vent her frustrations onto. Yet, Jowy couldn't help but feel frustrated. What else could he do? He couldn't tell her to move on - he understood her feelings. Makoto... Makoto is dead. Live with it. Marco watched this scene with great amusement. "This life is not meant for you, peasant Jowy."
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