True Feelings
The Aruk tribe, who live in the Canopus Mountains, possess a special gift.
They can observe the stars with the naked eye, and see far beyond the mountains.
But with great talent comes a cruel cost.
They say that, eventually...
Daddy, are you awake?
...
I made stew. Let's eat together, Daddy.
...
Mm... Or just wait until you're hungry.
Hey, I'm heading out to hunt today. If you're feeling up to it...
...
...Mm.
...Never mind.
I'll be back later, Daddy.
*Sob* *Sniffle*
Why...?
Ta-da!
Ahaha! Surprised? Totally caught you, didn't I?
You always make the best faces, Captain. Totally worth it every time.
Glad it's worth it...
Ahaha! Sorry, sorry! Don't sulk.
Still, this one's on you too.
I can't help myself if you keep reacting like that. Riiiiight?
Anyway, thanks for taking the time.
Do you like camping?
Kind of?
At Clarissa's suggestion, we went camping in a quiet, peaceful forest.
Ahaha! Good to hear. Camping's actually a hobby of mine.
I used to go camping alone on weekends, even while I was in the Canopus Rangers.
Take it easy today. I'll take care of everything for once.
True to her word, Clarissa set up camp like a pro.
She cooked a stew with unfamiliar ingredients and a secret spice. It was unusual, but tasty.
Phew... This is nice.
Sure, city life is more convenient.
But when it comes to clearing your head, nothing beats camping.
Now, it's time to get serious.
No beating around the bush. You saw the book I dropped, didn't you?
I did.
The book was about the Aruk tribe of the Canopus Mountains.
Superhuman vision. Geographic uniqueness. And the way Clarissa reacted when her eyes were covered.
I also checked the loan cards, too.
Blindness. The Aruk tribe. The Canopus Mountains. The stars' blessing and curse...
Every book on those topics had the same name on its loan card.
You've been going to the library after training every day, right?
You were searching for a way to change your fate.
...I was careless.
I left too many clues behind.
You're right, Captain. I told you before that I had a wish I wanted to come true.
Everyone in the Aruk tribe lose their sight without fail.
That includes me.
That's why I joined the Journey. To find a way to escape that fate.
I told you before I didn't like cats, remember?
There's another reason I didn't mention. Cats remind me of my father.
A cat's last days.
When they feel the end coming, they slip away somewhere quiet... and die alone.
My father, the best hunter in our village, did the same.
He lost his sight, and just lay in bed all day, or did odd chores around the house.
Was he, like a cat, just waiting for the end?
When I left for the Rangers following tradition, he didn't say much.
Just a short, "Take care of yourself."
That was the last thing he ever said to me.
After that, I got some transcribed letters from him. But honestly, I don't even know anymore.
At home or in those letters, the father I once knew—the hunter—was just gone.
...
...I'll probably go blind someday too.
Or maybe not. If I finish the Journey, maybe I'll find a cure.
But what if I can't? What if it really is impossible to escape?
Ahaha...
...I'm tired.
Sorry. I'll head into the tent and get some rest.
Leave cleanup to me. You get some sleep too, Captain.
...
Now I understood why Clarissa wasn't giving her all during training.
But how do I help her commit to the Journey?
What if she's right? What if there's no solution? No hope? Do I still have the right to ask her to keep trying?
And what was her reason for telling me all this in the first place?
Her reason...
But no shooting match. Because I'd win for sure.
Whoever performs better wins. Loser does whatever the winner says, no questions asked.
I stared at the campfire Clarissa made.
From the dying ashes, a single ember flared to life.