Kon strode briskly through the lush greenery of his valley, the fading light casting long shadows that stretched across the earth. The golden hues of the setting sun painted the western horizon, igniting the sky in a blaze of oranges and reds. Despite the breathtaking scene, Kon's mind was clouded with lingering frustration.
Adam's words replayed in his head like a relentless drumbeat.
"What do you really know about her?"
Kon clenched his fists at the memory, his sharp yellow eyes narrowing as his brows furrowed deeply. "He doesn't understand," he muttered to himself. "None of them do."
As he crested a ridge overlooking the heart of his valley, a flicker of movement below caught his attention. The sight made him pause mid-step, his anger melting away, replaced by curiosity and a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Down in the open field, amidst tall grasses swaying gently in the cool evening breeze, was Tigrera. She crouched low, her sleek tiger-striped form almost blending with the foliage, her movements deliberate and graceful. A black blindfold wrapped snugly around her eyes, her ears twitching to the faintest sounds.
Kon tilted his head, his smile deepening, though his expression betrayed some confusion. *What's the blindfold for?*
He leaned against a nearby tree, watching as she prowled silently toward a small group of grazing gazelles. Her body moved with a predator's precision, each step calculated, her breathing steady.
Then, in one fluid motion, she leapt forward with startling speed. The gazelles bolted, but one wasn't fast enough. With a deft swipe of her claws, she brought the animal down. She crouched over her prey, taking a moment to catch her breath.
Kon decided to approach, his heavy footsteps crunching softly on the grass. At the sound, Tigrera's head snapped toward him, her ears perking up. Even with the blindfold still on, she recognized him immediately. A radiant smile spread across her face, brightening her features despite the dirt and exhaustion. She raised a hand, waving at him.
"Kon," she called softly, her voice tinged with relief and happiness.
Kon smiled back, his earlier frustration fading entirely. "I see you've been busy," he teased as he walked closer.
Tigrera chuckled, standing and pulling the blindfold off to reveal her striking golden eyes. "Hunger makes for good motivation," she said, holding up the gazelle triumphantly before setting it down.
Kon's gaze lingered on the blindfold she now held in her hand. "What's with the blindfold?" he asked curiously.
Tigrera tilted her head, her smile softening. "It's part of my Arcem. My senses are… heightened, more sensitive than others. But it can be overwhelming sometimes, so I use the blindfold to sharpen my focus. It helps me filter the noise, so to speak."
Kon nodded, impressed but also intrigued. "It's effective. You move like a shadow out there."
Tigrera gave a shy laugh, then hesitated before taking a step closer. Her expression grew more serious as she looked up at him. "Kon… your friends. They don't trust me, do they?"
Kon's jaw tightened, but his voice remained steady. "It's not their concern," he said firmly. "They don't understand, and they have no right to interfere with my life."
Tigrera studied him for a moment, her eyes searching his face. Then, with a soft sigh, she reached out and rested her hand lightly on his arm. "Thank you," she whispered. "You've done so much for me already. I've never felt this calm, this… safe in years."
Kon didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His voice was low but resolute as he said, "I'll always take care of you, Tigrera. You're not alone anymore."
She closed her eyes, leaning into his embrace with a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Kon," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Their foreheads touched, and as the golden light of the setting sun bathed them, they shared a tender kiss. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the warmth of their connection.
---------------------
The scene shifted to another part of Archen Land, where the sky blushed with the last remnants of daylight. Adam sat perched on a rocky ledge overlooking a vast expanse of rolling hills and rivers. His deep blue fur glinted faintly in the fading sunlight, the crescent moon pendant around his neck catching the light.
His expression was solemn, his gaze fixed on the horizon as if searching for answers hidden in the dying light. The events of earlier played in his mind, each word from Kon cutting deeper than he wanted to admit.
Behind him, light footsteps approached. Adam didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Trevor plopped down beside him, his usual jovial demeanor replaced with uncharacteristic quietness. For a while, neither of them said anything, both simply watching as the sun dipped lower, painting the world in shades of crimson and gold.
Finally, Trevor broke the silence.
"He doesn't mean it, you know."
Adam didn't look at him, his gaze never wavering from the horizon. "I know," he said quietly. "But it doesn't change the fact that he's right."
Trevor frowned. "Adam—"
"I am alone," Adam continued, his voice steady but heavy with sorrow. "None of us have any other Tracients who look like us. Everyone who ever shared my blood… my history… they're all gone. Murdered. And the one responsible is still alive." He paused, his hands tightening into fists. "The worst part is… I thought I could fill that void. That maybe friends could be my family. But the truth is, no matter what, I'll always be alone."
Trevor didn't respond immediately. He let Adam's words hang in the air, respecting the raw vulnerability his friend rarely showed. After a few moments, he shifted slightly, leaning his head gently against Adam's shoulder.
"You're not alone," Trevor murmured, his voice soft but unwavering.
Adam turned his head slightly, looking down at Trevor in surprise.
Slowly, a faint smile crept onto Adam's face. He closed his eyes, leaning his head back slightly. "Thank you," he whispered.
They sat like that, side by side, as the sun finally slipped below the horizon, leaving the world bathed in the soft glow of twilight.