FFT Benji - Route Start
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards: None
Guide
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Script
Luke's Bedroom
Outside the window, amidst the gentle breeze and the warm sunlight, the sweet melodies of birds can be heard occasionally.
Soft rays of sunlight filter into the room through the gently drawn curtains, casting warm light across the floor and illuminating Luke's side.
With Luke's head resting on Benji's body, the man and the dog sleep soundly on the bed.
You tiptoe toward the bed. But after you've taken two steps, Benji wakes up.
You immediately press your finger on your lips, signaling Benji to keep still.
Benji doesn't raise his head but grunts as if he has understood you.
Benji: Woof...
You: (Thankfully, I didn't wake Luke up...)
With Benji beside him, Luke seems to be peacefully asleep.
His countenance appears tranquil, with his breathing deep and steady. Enthralled by Luke's peaceful slumber, you find yourself drawn in close to his face before you even realize it.
Luke's face gradually enlarges before your eyes, and you can feel his warm breath.
If you get a little closer, you can even kiss Luke secretly...
You: (Wa-Wait, what am I thinking about... That will awaken Luke...)
As you slowly straighten up, you notice Benji cocking his ears as if he is intently listening to something.
You: Don't tell Luke what happened just now. It's a secret.
Benji: Woof...
Benji seems to have understood and continues sleeping meekly.
Looking at the lovely scene in front of you, you suddenly think of the first day Benji came to Luke's house. That was a quite different situation...
Luke's Bedroom
A week ago...
Woof... woof, woof!
Upon entering Luke's bedroom, you hear some intermittent barking.
You: (When did Luke get a dog?)
Luke: Come on, give me your paw.
Luke: Or do you wanna play with the ball?
Luke: Well... how about I pat your head?
As you walk in farther, you see a German Shepherd sitting upright under the sill like a soldier. However, his eyes are drooping, seemingly in a bad condition.
Luke is trying to attract his attention, hoping to interact with him, but the dog keeps his head low, moaning and not responding to Luke.
Benji: *Whimper*
You: (This German Shepherd looks strong but listless, and his bark is soft. Is he unwell?)
Luke: Hey, you're here.
Luke: It's okay, Benji. She's a friend.
Hearing what Luke said, the German Shepherd named Benji calms down and lowers his head again, not looking up at the two of you.
You: Luke, where did this German Shepherd come from...?
Luke: This is Benji. I used to train under an old captain in the capital, and this is his dog.
Luke: Benji is temporarily fostered here. Don't be afraid, he won't attack you.
You: With you around, I'm not afraid.
You bend down to touch Benji's head. Benji looks up at you and lowers his head again.
You: Benji doesn't seem to enjoy interactions. Is he in a bad mood?
Luke: Yes. That is also why I took Benji home.
You: Did something happen?
Luke: ...
Luke suddenly falls silent, seeming caught up in his memory.
You: Luke?
Luke: Well...
He looks down at Benji with a lonely and heavy expression.
You: What is it?
Luke: Hmm... It's nothing. Two months ago, the old captain finished his last mission and retired.
Then he looks up and smiles brightly at you like he usually does as if the sadness on his face moments ago is only your hallucination.
Luke: Benji is aged. After sustaining injuries during a mission, he was assessed as unfit to continue his service in the military, so he retired alongside the old captain.
You: Injuries? Then is Benji all right now?
Luke: Don't worry, his injuries have already healed.
Luke: However, after that incident, Benji has been in poor condition and refused to interact with people.
Luke: Previously, my colleague took Benji to the veterinarian, and the vet said that dogs are emotional animals too. Benji is an intelligent dog, so he tends to be more sensitive.
Luke: Perhaps after parting with the old captain, Benji has been afraid of abandonment and suffers from depression.
Benji: *Whimper*
Upon hearing the word "abandonment", Benji suddenly looks up at Luke.
Luke crouches down to meet Benji's gaze, tenderly placing a hand on the dog's head as he comforts him, "There's no need to fear."
With Luke's comfort, Benji finally appears a bit relaxed.
Luke: They planned to send Benji to a professional retirement home in Stellis where they care for the retired military dogs but given his current condition...
Luke: I was genuinely worried about Benji that I negotiated with the retirement home to have him fostered here for a while.
Luke: Since the retirement home hoped Benji could recover sooner and needed to handle some necessary paperwork before taking Benji in, they agreed to go with my suggestion.
You: Why didn't the old captain continue to take care of Benji?
You: It sounds like Benji is close with him... and he probably is the best option to look after Benji.
Luke: ...
Luke: *Sigh* The old captain is not in Stellis currently, so it's more convenient for me to take care of Benji.
Luke: Moreover, Benji and I are old comrades in arms. I am just doing my part to help my comrade.
Luke: Previously, when we went out for missions, Benji was the closest to me besides the old captain.
Luke: And I know Benji well, so it is a breeze for me to help him restore his vitality.
You: Yes, with Detective Pearce working on it, Benji will definitely recover.
Luke: But there's another problem now...
You: What is it?
Luke: At present, Benji needs company very much, but sometimes I need to be out for missions and can't be with him...
You: Then lemme take care of Benji when you're absent!
You: Let's be with Benji and help him recover soon.
Benji: Woof, woof!
Sensing your concern for him, Benji lets out a bark that carries a little more strength than before.
You bend over to touch Benji's head, and Luke helps smooth his fur.
You: Benji, you will get better.
Luke: Sure, he will.
You: Then let's go make a recovery plan for Benji now.
Luke: Okay, sounds good.
