Death in TCF, except make it hilarious
I had a really weirdly funny thought today.
So, we know from the Wind Island Test that Cale's worst fear is facing a future where he's the only survivor. If anyone on Cale's team died – and I do mean anyone – he would be devestated.
...or would he?
I mean.... sure Cale would be devastated if anyone he LOVED died. Like the children, or Choi Han or Alberu, or Eruhaben or et cetera. But my weird thought was this:
What if... purely hypothetically speaking.... Clopeh was the one who died for Cale??
Just think about it for a second. Not from angst perspective, but from Cale's actual point of view.
Yes, canonically speaking, in the moment of death, Cale would be devastated; if not by the loss of life then by the feeling of personal failure. The first death on his team since he became a Team Leader 10 years ago. He would absolutely avenge Clopeh, destroy everyone who dared harm him, conduct a proper funeral, maybe even give consolation money to his father Duke Sekka, and so on. I don't believe Cale could be callous about the death of a comrade who'd die for his sake.
But. BUT.
Can you guys actually picture Cale MOURING CLOPEH? Like missing him or something??
Because no matter how I think about it, I can't imagine it! I know we're talking tragic scenario here and it should feel sad, but I'm not feeling it! Would he ACTUALLY feel sentimental about the loss this weird guy, who once tried to invade his territory then had his limbs chopped off and replaced with bombs for insurance? The bastard Cale explicitly told Choi Han to capture alive because initally he wanted hostage money from his dad? The creepy fanatic who couldn't laugh without looking insane??
It's just. Imagining Cale and co. actually, sincerely trying to mourn Clopeh? Isn't that strangely hilarious?? I know Clopeh has fans, I am also fond of his character, but let's be real here for a sec people; HOW can you possibly mourn that guy???
Cale, at Clopeh's funeral: We are gathered here today to say farewell to one of our comrades. A.... respected...? member of our community. He was always... (struggles to find any positive word) ...reliable? Truly, a terrible loss for us all. He will be.... (looks at the deadpanned faces of his friends) ...alright so we won't be missing him exactly. He will be remembered, I guess? Choi Han: What was his name again? Raon: I think it was Cloppy Cale: Yeah, close enough
Clopeh: *comes back from the dead* Rosalyn: I knew it was too good to be true... Cale, deadpanning: Oh, joy, he's back. Mary, did you ressurect Clopeh? Choi Han: Who? Mary: ...I don't remember trying to do so, Young Master-nim? Sui Khan: I mean, this happens sometimes... Choi Jung Soo: *munching on noodles* Yeah, death is a social construct! Clopeh, armed with a broom: Cale-nim, I've fought the God of Death for the right to return to the world of the living, in order to fulfill my life's purpose! (That purpose being the creation of Cale-nim's interdimensional cult, of course!!) Cale: Once again, God of Death never fails to disappoint me Choi Jung Gun, in the background: I've taught him well!
