Memories
[player] Do memories count as a treasure?
[Joseph] Of course! It's common to treasure the things you've seen and heard, and the memories of your journey.
[player] No, this is not just what I've experienced... Don't so easily take yourself out of my memories. There were two of us on this journey, Joseph.
[player] If I'd somehow come here alone, I'd probably be very disoriented in such a strange environment. I'm not as quick to adapt as you are. Before truly feeling the freshness of nature, I'd most likely have been too scared to take a single step.
[player] I can run, explore, mess around, harmonize with this jungle... All because I have you by my side. Thank you... It's like you said before, everything is beautiful. It really is no exaggeration to call such a wonderful day a treasure!
[player] ...Why are you so quiet? What's on your mind, Joseph?
Holding his cigarette by his chin, Joseph looks thoughtful.
This is the longest I've ever seen him silent. Before he finally opens his mouth, I, too, am suddenly lost for words.
[Joseph] Sorry, partner... I'm not thinking anything, to be honest. I'm just relieved that I didn't mess up this adventure.
[player] Why would you worry about that? It's not like you to be so unsure of yourself. Haven't you filmed loads of shows while adventuring with guests? And haven't they all been super successful?
[Joseph] That's different... It's not to say I don't take my work seriously, or don't care about my guests' experience. But... You're not like them.
[player] By different, you mean... Well, I guess it's not exactly the same, at the very least they'd dare to open their eyes when skydiving...
[Joseph] That's not what I meant. Listen... We're partners. I hope to explore many more places with you, show you lots of special stuff... And even if it's not that special, it doesn't matter, because all I want is to share with you the things I love, and that I hope you'll love too.
[Joseph] So I was a little nervous before I heard your thoughts on the trip. I hope this is a happy experience for you, and one which means you'll come with me on many more adventures in the future, partner!
[player] Don't think too much. It doesn't matter if we're exploring or doing something else, I have never had an unhappy time when I'm with you. Listen—you make me happy just by standing there.
[player] You were silent for so long, I was getting worried! I thought something had happened.
Honestly, what surprises me the most is that Joseph has these more... "sensitive" worries? It's quite at odds with his usual, assertive style. If you think about it, his clumsiness is actually quite endearing.
[player] Why are you covering your face? Are you embarrassed by what you said?
[Joseph] Hahaha! You've got me again! I'm blushing bright red, so I'm staying exactly like this until I'm back to normal!
[player] That is the least convincing laugh I've ever heard...
That's just his character, though—able to admit it so calmly, even if he is a little shy. He's that sort of man, a great explorer so frank and honest that it's impossible not to trust and love him.
[Joseph] I think it's time we get some rest, partner.
[player] Now that you mention it, I do suddenly feel quite tired...
[Joseph] You go ahead and get some rest. I'll finish this cigarette before going to bed. Goodnight, partner.
[player] Okay. Goodnight, and don't stay up too late... Although, to tell the truth, I don't really want to sleep so early. Who knows when the next time I'll go on an adventure will be?
[Joseph] As long as you're prepared, I'm always ready to go with you.
[player] Haha... Well, you'd better keep your word...
I feel a lot calmer with this promise, and I can no longer fend off the waves of drowsiness. Very quickly, I feel myself drifting off...
I seem to hear him say something, before sleep wraps me in its soft embrace...
[Joseph] Partner... During the day, you said that it was your honor to share the same starting point as me.
[Joseph] But I think I'm the one who should say this, hahaha... It is MY honor, to be able to be a part of your first expedition, and a part of your memories. [player], my partner.
I dream.
I realize it's a dream the second I see the galaxy spread out under my feet.
The Milky Way in my dream has the same strange, ineffable color that I could vaguely sense when I gazed up at the sky. Even here, in my dream, it is almost too beautiful.
I step forward, over the scattered, sparkling stars. I have no idea where I'm going, but I have no fear of the unknown path ahead.
Because I have that tall, reliable mountain of a man next to me, who even now smiles and says to me...
Let's go up ahead and take a look, partner!
Alright, Joseph. Let's go.
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