[ Two years have passed. The kids are now seventeen, set to graduate in one more year. Before that, though, there's something they have to take care of.
Soon, they'll set off on their journey to the northern ruins. By now, the village knows, buzzing with concern and excitement. Will they be fine? Maybe that eyepatch man will lose his other eye? (A comment that may or may not have come from the Randos.) WILL THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE BE FINE, cries that one suitor of Hilda's from, like, ten years ago. Wow. But if all goes well, they'll finally know what the lost treasure is, and the village can boast they have Hishi, the genius of this generation. Also, Kaiza exists, they suppose. (No, they love him too. But he's less brag-worthy.)
Riu hugs Hishi tearfully, telling her that nothing had better happen to her or she'll never forgive her. Also, she'll castrate Kaiza. And his dads too, for good measure. Ohmi reminds Kaiza that he and Hishi have to come back alive, or else what will happen to their plans together? Not to mention that he has to be his best man for—no, never mind, talking about marrying Riu in the future is still too embarrassing, aaaaaaaaah.
Kaiza and Hishi regret having to worry their friends like this, but... this is something they have to do.
Still, there are a few things left to take care of. ]
[ Hishi has meticulously gone over every supply they'll need for the trip, so she's confident they're prepared. Or at least, as prepared as they can hope to be.
There's one thing she's not quite ready for, though—or is she? That's the question, apparently. ]
... Before, you once told me that if I liked someone, I should let him know sometime, once I had things figured out. [ She pauses. ] I've thought about it over the last few years, and through careful observation and analysis of Ohmi and Riu's relationship, as well as interrogating the effects of Ohmi's presence on Riu's physiological reactions, I believe this may be "love" now.
[ That's one way to do things, but anyway. ]
Right now, we need to focus on this expedition. However, once that's done with, I have to consider the future. Success will be good for my career, but aside from that...
[ For all of Hishi's usual confidence, except for when her moms are catching her off-guard with their affection, she's starting to look increasingly awkward. ]
... After we come back safely, I think I'll confess. I don't know if he'll accept, but... I should at least try, right?
[ there's something concerning about this trip, and not just because jan is dropping death flags. there's a lot that could go wrong, both for them and hishi—her parents have been gone ten years now? she's not optimistic about their chances in general.
but hilda approaches this with an easy confidence—for now—clasping her hands together in apparent glee. ]
You should!
[ their girl, falling in love for the first time... they grow up so fast. nevermind that she's basically hilda's age now. ]
No matter what he says, it's good that you recognize your own feelings and get them out there. Besides, he's a nice boy—you two would be so cute together!
[ hishi's probably gotten taller over time, but that hasn't ever stopped alyssa from patting her head, just like that very first time all those years ago. ]
Maaaybe don't mention the stuff about collecting data or stalking your friends, though... or, you know what, maybe do, because that's so very you. Kaiza might think that's part of your charm!
[ she grins as her face turns a healthy shade of pink. ]
We're, um... familiar. [ the sacrifices they make for hishi's happiness ] We showed up around the same time—I guess Kaiza needed someone to look after him.
[ then this journey out to the ruins also feels like fate, inevitable. no point dragging her feet about it anymore. she reaches out and takes hishi's other hand, giving it a little squeeze in support. ]
[Says Hansa, almost casually, but his expression shows that he is touched by the sincere thanks. And what do you know, he's wearing the bracelet Kaiza made all these years ago.]
Honestly, ten years went by in the blink of an eye. You're all grown, now...and what really matters is that you're happy.
Ten years did pass by pretty quickly, huh...? It almost feels like a dream. It's more than I could've ever hoped for...
[ He's quiet for a moment. ]
... Hey. Remember the stories you told me when I was younger? And how everything held value, depending on the person?
[ After another pause, he continues. ]
The treasure—it's not what people think it is. If there's anything left behind, it's the belongings of those who died there a long time ago. Things that they grew up with, things that belonged to their family... things like that.
... This might sound crazy, but the spirit of one of those people is still lingering there. She's afraid that the things once important to her will stay hidden forever, forgotten in the dark. So... I made a promise: that once I was ready, I would unearth them for her.
If she would have it be unearthed, though, then let us bring it all back to light-- if you are prepared to take on the burden of remembrance, for what we may find there. 'Twould be pointless to allow it to die out again within subsequent generations.
... Yeah. Like he said, it was kind of a secret. But I met her there, before I met you guys. I did mention that I got into trouble for exploring before, didn't I?
[ Haha! But then Kaiza's eyes turn distant for a second, before he nods slowly. ]
I'll make sure it's remembered. This, at least, should be.
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BEFORE THE JOURNEY
Soon, they'll set off on their journey to the northern ruins. By now, the village knows, buzzing with concern and excitement. Will they be fine? Maybe that eyepatch man will lose his other eye? (A comment that may or may not have come from the Randos.) WILL THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE BE FINE, cries that one suitor of Hilda's from, like, ten years ago. Wow. But if all goes well, they'll finally know what the lost treasure is, and the village can boast they have Hishi, the genius of this generation. Also, Kaiza exists, they suppose. (No, they love him too. But he's less brag-worthy.)
Riu hugs Hishi tearfully, telling her that nothing had better happen to her or she'll never forgive her. Also, she'll castrate Kaiza. And his dads too, for good measure. Ohmi reminds Kaiza that he and Hishi have to come back alive, or else what will happen to their plans together? Not to mention that he has to be his best man for—no, never mind, talking about marrying Riu in the future is still too embarrassing, aaaaaaaaah.
Kaiza and Hishi regret having to worry their friends like this, but... this is something they have to do.
Still, there are a few things left to take care of. ]
GROUP H
There's one thing she's not quite ready for, though—or is she? That's the question, apparently. ]
... Before, you once told me that if I liked someone, I should let him know sometime, once I had things figured out. [ She pauses. ] I've thought about it over the last few years, and through careful observation and analysis of Ohmi and Riu's relationship, as well as interrogating the effects of Ohmi's presence on Riu's physiological reactions, I believe this may be "love" now.
[ That's one way to do things, but anyway. ]
Right now, we need to focus on this expedition. However, once that's done with, I have to consider the future. Success will be good for my career, but aside from that...
[ For all of Hishi's usual confidence, except for when her moms are catching her off-guard with their affection, she's starting to look increasingly awkward. ]
... After we come back safely, I think I'll confess. I don't know if he'll accept, but... I should at least try, right?
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but hilda approaches this with an easy confidence—for now—clasping her hands together in apparent glee. ]
You should!
[ their girl, falling in love for the first time... they grow up so fast. nevermind that she's basically hilda's age now. ]
No matter what he says, it's good that you recognize your own feelings and get them out there. Besides, he's a nice boy—you two would be so cute together!
1/2
Maaaybe don't mention the stuff about collecting data or stalking your friends, though... or, you know what, maybe do, because that's so very you. Kaiza might think that's part of your charm!
[ she grins as her face turns a healthy shade of pink. ]
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Oh, god—does that mean Hansa and Emet-Selch will be our in-laws?!
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Those are Kaiza's guardians, right? Do you know them?
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We're, um... familiar. [ the sacrifices they make for hishi's happiness ] We showed up around the same time—I guess Kaiza needed someone to look after him.
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Maybe, just maybe... all of this was fate?
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Fate...? What do you mean?
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Meeting you, you and Kaiza, all of us ending up on this adventure together... it does feel pretty fated.
[ and what an adventure it's been so far. ]
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[ She places her hands over her heart. ]
Yes, I can see what you mean. It feels as though I've been waiting for all of this, for my entire life.
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alyssa takes both hishi and hilda's free hands, so that the three of them form their own little ring. ]
Then we'll all see it through together to the end, right?
[ fambly...! ]
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Even if y'all suspect me so much, smh. ]
GROUP K
Hey... I just wanted to thank you guys for everything.
[ He scratches his cheek. ]
I know there were things I probably could've done better [ like his grades ] but I'd like to think it was a pretty decent ten years.
[ With a smile, if... a sad one— ]
You've done a lot for me, so... thank you. Seriously.
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[Says Hansa, almost casually, but his expression shows that he is touched by the sincere thanks. And what do you know, he's wearing the bracelet Kaiza made all these years ago.]
Honestly, ten years went by in the blink of an eye. You're all grown, now...and what really matters is that you're happy.
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Yes, yes, you are welcome for not letting you wander off into the jungle to meet an untimely death on our first meeting.
[his arms remain folded, but he does relent after a moment and add:]
You have not been an unpleasant child to rear.
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[ Thanks, Emet-Selch. ]
Ten years did pass by pretty quickly, huh...? It almost feels like a dream. It's more than I could've ever hoped for...
[ He's quiet for a moment. ]
... Hey. Remember the stories you told me when I was younger? And how everything held value, depending on the person?
[ After another pause, he continues. ]
The treasure—it's not what people think it is. If there's anything left behind, it's the belongings of those who died there a long time ago. Things that they grew up with, things that belonged to their family... things like that.
... This might sound crazy, but the spirit of one of those people is still lingering there. She's afraid that the things once important to her will stay hidden forever, forgotten in the dark. So... I made a promise: that once I was ready, I would unearth them for her.
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[He says, with a smirk...and then his expression turns thoughtful at the explanation. Frowning, Hansa finally pipes up after Kaiza is done:]
Who is this "her", though? You never mentioned anything about this promise to us...
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[a little quieter than usual, maybe.]
If she would have it be unearthed, though, then let us bring it all back to light-- if you are prepared to take on the burden of remembrance, for what we may find there. 'Twould be pointless to allow it to die out again within subsequent generations.
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[ Haha! But then Kaiza's eyes turn distant for a second, before he nods slowly. ]
I'll make sure it's remembered. This, at least, should be.
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[smh....Kaiza??????]
But that's a noble endeavor. We'll help her and you out.
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... Thank you—again. Really.
[ That time isn't too far off, after all. ]