Seeing Stars

Xaphor: ...are you serious?

Yamaha nodded, a small smile forming on his face.

Xaphor couldn't believe it. "How do you manage to be such an effective fighter without seeing your enemies?"

Yamaha sighed deeply. "It's a long story, Captain. Back when I was a child in Atsuki Land, things were... very different."

Xaphor leaned in, listening intently as Yamaha began his story.

---

"When I was just a boy, our village in Atsuki Land was peaceful and serene. But that all changed when a strange darkness found its way inside me. At first, it was just small, unexplainable things—objects moving on their own, shadows flickering in places they shouldn't. The villagers were scared, but they didn't know it was me.

However, the darkness grew stronger, and soon it became apparent that it was coming from within me. I started having nightmares, visions of horrible things, and the darkness would manifest even when I was awake. My parents were terrified, but they still loved me and tried to protect me. They sought help from shamans and healers, but nothing worked.

As the darkness became more dangerous, the villagers grew fearful and began to see me as a threat. The final straw came when the darkness took control of me completely one night, causing chaos and destruction in the village. The demon inside me had become too powerful to contain.

My parents had no choice but to make a heartbreaking decision. They sought out a powerful sorcerer who promised to seal the darkness within me but at a great cost. The ritual was painful and terrifying. In the end, the darkness was sealed, but it took my sight as a price.

I was left blind, but the village was safe. My parents... they had to let me go. They sent me away to a distant monastery where I was taught to harness my other senses, to use my inner strength to compensate for my blindness. Over time, I became a warrior, learning to fight without sight, relying on my heightened senses and the inner calm I developed."

---

Yamaha's smile faded slightly as he finished his story. "That darkness still resides within me, sealed away, but it's a constant reminder of what I carry. I fight to protect others from it and to ensure that no one else has to suffer the way my village did."

Xaphor sat in stunned silence, absorbing the weight of Yamaha's words. "I... had no idea. You're incredibly strong, Yamaha, in ways I can't even begin to comprehend."

Yamaha nodded, his smile returning. "Thank you, Captain. We all have our battles to fight. Mine just happens to be within."

"So you are a ronin?" Xaphor asked, still processing Yamaha's story.

Yamaha nodded. "When I was on the island, yes. However, a strange ship landed one day... and I met you. Strangely, your aura was different from the others."

Xaphor tilted his head, intrigued. "Different how?"

Yamaha smiled softly. "Your aura was filled with a powerful, yet calm energy. It was unlike anything I'd ever encountered. Despite the fearsome reputation you had, there was a sense of purpose and honor that resonated deeply with me. You didn't see me as a cursed child, but as a potential ally. You offered me a place in the Vanguard X, and for the first time, I felt I could use my abilities for a greater good."

Xaphor nodded slowly. "I see. I'm glad I did. You've become an invaluable member of the team."

Yamaha's eyes, though unseeing, seemed to hold a deep sense of gratitude. "Thank you, Captain. It means a lot to hear that from you."

Yamaha looked down at the floor, clenching his fists. "I wish... I wish to look at the stars again... It was the thing that made me happiest, and yet..." His voice trembled with unspoken emotions.

He wanted to see the smiles of his friends, their anger, their sadness. He wanted to feel everything from them.

Suddenly, he felt a hand touching his own. He looked up and sensed the aura of his captain. "...Captain."

Kryzius' voice was firm and filled with resolve. "I promise you, Yamaha... no matter how unseen you feel from the world..."

Kryzius paused, gripping Yamaha's hand tighter, "We'll make sure you always feel part of it. You're not alone. And someday, we'll find a way for you to see those stars again."

Yamaha clench his hands and felt like tears are flowing down on him. It was strange...it was new yet... comforting.

"Thank you captain..