The Shooting Match, and the Spark
One day, my father lost his sight.
I'd always heard the stories. In our Aruk tribe, everyone goes blind eventually.
But that day, he didn't just lose his sight, he lost his will to live.
That was the last day he was the skilled hunter I knew.
The eyes that once sparkled like stars whenever he went out to hunt lost their light forever.
From then on, he barely left his bed.
Just like a cat.
Waiting for his end.
I'll lose my sight someday too. Will I end up like him?
Lying in bed, just waiting for it all to end?
No.
I hated the thought. So I tried searching for a way out.
But no matter how hard I tried, nothing worked. And I was starting to break.
That's when the Journey invitation arrived.
Huh? You're early.
Did you come early just to see me? Ahaha!
...A bet?
Funny. I was just about to suggest one myself. What will it be?
Same as last time, training results? Or maybe a race?
Ooh, maybe a tickling match would be fun. Ahaha!
Let's make it a shooting match.
Huh?
Captain, I told you.
There's only one person who ever beat me in a shooting contest. And he's gone now.
Sorry, Captain. But you—
Shooting match.
...Hmm.
All right. You're on.
But since the outcome's obvious, I'll just settle for a forehead flick if I win.
What about you? Want me to grant a wish?
Ahaha! Do what you want. I'm not gonna lose anyway.
Don't blame me if your forehead swells, okay, Captain?
As expected, Clarissa kept winning the shooting matches.
Just like Clarissa said, it was an overwhelming defeat.
Ahaha! See? Told you I'd win!
...What?
Another shooting match?
Captain, you sure you don't want to switch it up? If not, I'll just keep winning.
Let's go for another shooting match.
...
With each match, the swelling on my forehead worsened and the skill gap grew even wider.
But the matches didn't stop. I kept challenging her.
And slowly, Clarissa's playful grin turned serious.
...What do you want?
This is weird. Why are you so obsessed with this?
You're clearly trying to say something, right?
...A wish?
So...! Phew...
What is it that you want, exactly?
...You want me to give it my all in the Journey?
What do you even mean by "give it my all"?
Before the next match started, Clarissa spoke to me.
It means exactly what it sounds like.
...Ahaha!
Whatever you think, I'm always giving my best.
If I fail, that just means I wasn't good enough.
That's not true.
I know Clarissa. We haven't been together that long, but it's been enough.
She's skilled enough to complete the Journey. It's just...
You're not giving it your all.
Wow, thanks for the high praise.
But you know I don't lie.
Clarissa always gives it her best, Captain.
Are you afraid of failing?
...!
I quit!
I can't do it! No matter how hard I try, I miss every shot!
The only people who never fail are the ones who never try.
I'll show you again. Just try once more.
So that's why you've been holding back during training.
You're scared of failing again, right?
...Don't go running your mouth like you know me.
Do you even have the slightest idea what blindness means to the Aruk?
Do you know what it means for someone who's hunted their whole life to go blind?
Do you remember what happened to the best hunter of the village after he lost his sight?
I hated it. I wanted out.
So I saved money. I searched for info. I even tried suspicious herbs.
Clarissa's shots fired faster and faster, her bullets smashing through targets.
Her aim was flawless, but it felt like she was running from something.
You know what happened? Ahaha. I failed at everything.
Lost all my savings to a scam. Almost got kidnapped by an informant. And nearly died from eating poisonous herb.
I tried!
I gave it everything! I even joined the Journey!
So what more do you want from me...?
What else am I supposed to do?!
I know you're trying.
I know how hard she worked.
I saw the loan cards.
I know how much research she did.
Everything Clarissa said was true. She'd been through countless challenges and failures.
I know it.
You just needed a reason to try again.
If she'd truly given up, she wouldn't have read all those books.
She hasn't quit. She'll rise again and keep fighting her fate.
She just needed someone to push her forward.
Whoa... You really say that embarrassing stuff like it's nothing.
You know what?
Everything you just said is all guesswork.
What if you're wrong?
What if I am trying my best right now?
Do you really believe that?
Of course—!
And in that moment, Clarissa's gun stopped firing.
She was right. Everything I said could just be in my head.
Only she knows the truth.
Only she knows if she's giving it her all.
If I win, I'll wish for you to give it your all.
Helping the Journey member focus on the Journey is the Captain's job.
I'll be the one to push you forward.
...!
Meow!
...Coco?
Kgh?!
Startled by the cat leaping from the bushes, Clarissa missed a shot for the first time.
This is my chance.
Whew...
The overwhelming gap narrowed, but I still couldn't beat her.
...You're still going challenge me?
I am.
You do know you can't win, right? You're going to keep trying until you do?
Your forehead's already a mess.
I will win.
For you.
...You're such a pain.
Teasing you was supposed to be fun. Didn't think you'd get this obsessed.
Fine. I give up.
Make your wish, Captain.
Give the Journey your all.
All right. I will.
And if you still can't find a solution...
You'll stay with me until I do?
You're a problem, Captain. A real problem.
That's too much.
It's hot.
For me, it's so hot I feel like I might get burned.
After the match, we cleaned up the training area and walked back together.
Looking at her from the side, she almost seemed relieved.
