It shouldn't have surprised Jay that Elder's house was exactly the same as every other building in the Farm. He wondered if it was a conscious decision on the part of the Shumis; a statement that what was on the outside was not important. Knowing them, they probably had simply never considered doing it any other way. The Shumis had insisted that Jay go alone, saying something about how Tycho and Darian had to find their own way.' Darian had seemed to understand perfectly, and Tycho had eventually agreed.

The Elder's house was not exactly hidden; it was merely in the midst of a number of identical structures connected by a maze of earth roads, with two Moombas sitting outside the door being the only distinction it held. Them, and a life-size statue of a long-haired young man brandishing a machine gun over his head. Jay had stumbled on it largely by accident, and he doubted if he would be able to find it again. He hoped he wouldn't need to.

The Moombas jumped up in unison as Jay approached. They regarded him curiously with their bright, black eyes, before one ran up to him and pegan pulling at his pant leg. it chirped.

Jay asked, looking down at the thing. What? Jay wondered for a moment why the creature was talking about a centuries-dead Esthar president.

Mmmmeet Elderrrrrr, the other growled, and the first one bounded back to the building. Jay felt slightly awkward as the furry orange creature opened the door for him with a soft yip.

The inside was brightly lit, colored exclusively with light greys and browns. A ring of overhead lights surrounded the room, although they were off for the moment; natural light filtered in through the windows in the ceiling. A pair of couches were set up on opposite sides of the room, and the walls were lined with articles from ancient magazines.

Elder sat in a chair off to one side of the far end of the room, watching Jay patiently. Even sitting, he was a head taller than the other Shumis. His hands were considerabely larger as well, but otherwise he looked perfectly normal for one of the beings. His eyes never left Jay's face, and the SeeD suddenly felt slightly unconfortable.

he offered.

Elder bowed. It is an honor to meet you, he said. His voice was slightly deeper than the other Shumis.

...Right. I need to warn you about a Raider attack that might be headed this way.

I see.

Jay waited for him to say something else. he prompted. What are you going to do?

Elder gestured with his hands.

Jay blinked.

We are prepared to defend ourselves, Elder said calmly, but in the centuries since we built this farm, we have not needed to enter combat once to defend it. If these raiders want food, then we will give it to them; we have more than enough to spare. If they desire our statues, they may have them; their purpose is done. What else can they want?

Antique magazines? Jay almost smiled. They could want to tear the place to the ground.



Jay was silent. Who knows why people do what they do? ...No, that's just an excuse. He's right, it wouldn't make any sense for the raiders to tear the place down. What would they gain?

Elder gestured to the magazine articles on the wall. These were all written by a single human, he explained. A long time ago, when I was very young, the only thing I wanted was to be fighting alongside this human, to accompany him in his adventures.

His statue is outside. As I helped to build that statue, I began to understand something about this human. He was not a warrior by choice; he was an adventurer. He wanted to see the world, to experience everything it had to offer. He did not want to fight; he was forced to do so. When I realized this, I also realized that I did not want to fight, either. I only wanted to understand this human.

That is when I began to collect these magazines. You see, we believe that anything of importance can be said without words. However, this human believed in the power of words, that they held some strength. As I studied his writings, I found this to be the truth. Through words, you can conceal yourself, hide how you truly feel. You can escape who you are.

Huh?

You believe that people can change. This is not true; only our understanding changes. Words can help us to understand, or they can simply confuse. They are a powerful tool indeed.

That went way over my head. What does this have to do with the raiders?

If you can understand someone, there is no need to fight. We understand the raiders; if we simply give them what they want, there will be no need to fight.

Jay admitted. I think I understand. Sort of.

This is not why you came to see me.

It's not? Yes it is. Isn't it?

You want to understand yourself. You want to know why you are the way you are.

How did he know that? I've never told anyone that.

This is a rare gift among humans. Too many of you simply take things at face value, without bothering to see what lies beyond. This approach is what leads to misunderstanding and violence.

Jay had never felt more lost in his life. Thanks. I think. So...are you going to help me understand?

No. You must find the answers yourself. But do not worry. When you face your destiny, you will understand.

Face my destiny? Jay blurted. What are you talking about?

Words can be confusing, Elder admitted. But you will understand, in time.

Jay understood enough to know that he wasn't going to get anything more than riddles. I'll understand when I face my destiny. Sounds ominous. Thanks for seeing me.

Elder nodded. It was my pleasure. It has been a very long time since I have known someone with your ability.

Jay shook his head. ...Right. We should probably be going.

Stop by anytime.


Tycho was waiting for him as he came out of the housing section, pacing back and forth at the end of the street. Something was wrong.

Jay increased his pace, worry beginning to gnaw at him. What can it be? The raiders can't be here already, can they?

Tycho pulled up short when he heard Jay, rushing to meet him. he said. How'd it go?

Jay responded. What's wrong?

Tycho shot a glance over his shoulder. You know that Darian guy?

Yeah —

He's gone.

Jay stared at Tycho. What do you mean?

I mean he just sort of got up and left while you were in there, Tycho said. He disappeared. I can't find him anywhere.

Jay groaned. First Tiana, now Darian. I guess this is why SeeDs don't contract outsiders. We had better find him, he said. Preferably before the raiders strike.

Tycho said. You have any idea where?

Jay looked around the enclosure for a moment. Let's hope he hasn't left the Farm.

Tycho mimicked his motion, taking in the gigantic space enclosed under the dome. Great plan, boss.

Get moving.


It was nearly impossible to find a space in the Farm that was devoid of life, but somehow Darian had managed. He sat in the middle of an unplanted field, completely motionless. His cape nearly blended in with the soil, Jay noted.

Are you all right? Jay asked, walking up to him.

Darian was silent. For a moment, Jay wondered what else he should say. But his inability to read the other made him reluctant to assume anything.

We'll be leaving anytime now, he said.

Did you see the Elder?

Jay stopped at the question. He did not know what he had expected, but Darian's simple curiosity was not it. he said.

What did he tell you?

Lots of things. Not much of it made sense. Then again, maybe he'll understand. He meant to say that the Shumis weren't going to fight. Something about how I wanted to understand, he said instead. And that I would once I faced my destiny.

Darian nodded. Yes, we all understand our purposes once they are fulfilled.

Not him, too.

Darian stood, still not turning to look at Jay. I have already faced my destiny. Now, my life has no purpose. My future is whatever I make of it.

Jay repeated, knowing he sounded like an idiot.

You'll understand, Darian assured him. Sooner or later.

For a moment, the two simply stood there, looking out at the expanse around them. Then, Jay decided that, while he was waiting to understand, he might as well do something about the raiders. Are you coming with us? he asked.

Darian did not so much as hint at a shrug, and his tone was the same as ever, but Jay got the impression nonetheless. Why not?