{Prologue}
In the beginning, it was an orb.
Not just any orb.
It was an orb that captured the reflections of many things and changed in response.
I decided to cast the orb upon the Earth and observe it. {QC}
It spent some time in the form of a rock.
As its surroundings grew warmer, it took on the form of moss. {QC}
In time, snow began to fall upon the land.
A Reshy wolf appeared from the south...
and then it perished.
It then took on the form of the wolf, {QC}
and gained consciousness. {QC}
It didn't know how to walk, but it was soon able to replicate the behavior.
It moved clumsily.
It seemed to have replicated the wolf's injury.
Its first discomfort.
Its first pain.
But it recovered within twenty seconds,
and continued on its way. {QC}
It began to walk,
experiencing the cold of the wind and the scent of the snow for the first time
as it wandered aimlessly.
Joaan!
You're finally back!
Thank goodness you're safe!
You were gone for two whole months! I was so worried!
But I knew you'd never forget about me.
You seem quieter than usual.
I get it. You must be tired.
Here, there were many new and unfamiliar things.
The pleasure it felt as its body temperature rose,
an unidentifiable scent...
This was an alluring space.
If it could speak, it would have said it wanted to stay here forever.
I keep telling you not to go near the fire.
Here's your food.
Here.
Huh?
I get it.
You don't like it because it's not horndeer milk.
Well, I can't help that.
The last one died a year ago.
The fire's going out.
We should go to sleep before it does.
This nameless boy was the first person it met.
{Episode}
The Last One
It's never going to dry if it keeps snowing.
The wood from Auntie's place is no good.
What's that? I have no right to complain when I'm taking people's stuff?
Sorry. I know.
Everyone's going to be angry when they get back.
What choice do I have?
I have to do this, or I'll die.
Of course I believe it!
It's been five years since they left.
Only five years!
I mean, they're way past there.
Way, way over there.
There's lots of food and people there.
They all went because they believed that.
And you know what? They told me it's like paradise there.
There's plenty of fish, and lots of tasty stuff called... "fruit," I think?
There are tons of people who are way smarter than we are,
and they all live happily together every day.
I'm so jealous.
I wish I could've gone.
Do you remember?
I tried to go with the grown-ups, but I couldn't, because you stopped me.
You bit my leg.
So they told me I had to stay behind and watch over Grandma and the old folks.
That was so mean... {QC}
They said they'd be back with gifts once they found paradise.
Remember when they said that?
In the end, the only ones who stayed behind were the old folks that I couldn't save...
and the two of us. {QC}
Joaan!
Please...
Welcome home!
Just kidding! It was actually a fish!
Woo-hoo! We haven't had one this big in ages!
Here's your share.
We need to save wood, so let's eat the rest raw.
What's wrong? That part's your favorite.
Have you forgotten how to eat?
Like this!
You put it in your mouth and chew.
Munch, munch.
See?
Hey, you can eat after all. {QC}
Oh, this is Uncle and Auntie.
And here's my older cousin and his kids,
and the hairy guy from across the street...
And this is the lady next door. Doesn't it look just like her?
I just wanted to make it clear that there were people here...
and make sure I don't forget.
Joaan, I'm thinking of leaving this place, too.
I want to meet all sorts of people and feel all sorts of things.
I'm sure some of it will be bad,
but I still want to learn about the world.
Of course, you're coming with me.
You can't see the sea anymore.
I've never come this far before.
According to my uncle, it's due south.
You turn your back to my house and just walk straight.
You can't see it now,
but eventually, you'll see a huge, wall-like mountain. {QC}
Past that is paradise.
All right, let's keep going until it gets dark.
What's that?
It's a message!
For people like us who are making our way to paradise! {QC}
It's saying to go this way!
Yes! This is great!
See, Joaan?
Aren't you glad we left?
Yeah, I'm happy, too!
Do you know what vegetables are, Joaan?
Apparently, I ate some a long time ago, but I don't remember it at all.
And then there are the round, sweet things called "fruit."
I asked my uncle what "sweet" is like, but I still didn't really get it.
I can't wait to try it.
I'm so excited.
It'll be ultimate freedom!
It's really starting to snow.
Oh? Was that a whimper I just heard?
Our journey's just getting started.
Look! It's a tree!
This is amazing! It means we're getting close to the mountains!
Let's take some for firewood.
There.
Time to head out again.
Now I've done it...
My face is freezing.
I'm soaked through.
This is great, though! There's a river here!
Let's catch some fish!
You just laughed at me, didn't you?
That'll do it.
Don't worry. I'll be fine.
It's just a scratch.
Come on, stop joking around.
I'm not going back.
That would be way too embarrassing.
It's not like we're out of food.
We're walking tomorrow, too.
And the day after, and the day after that.
Even if you say you don't want to.
You gotta use your strength while you still have it.
That's not right, Joaan.
I think it would be even more foolish to give up
just because we don't know if the others are still alive.
Even if we went back now, we'd just rot away with that house.
I don't want that.
I want to go where the others are.
That's the only thing that's left for me to do.
And I'm sure the reason they haven't come back is because where they are now is so great.
Great food, great people...
They're enjoying themselves so much, and they're having too much fun.
That's why...
This is amazing, Joaan!
This is evidence that there were people here!
Look at this!
They really came through here!
Which means, uh...
We're on the right track!
We can make it to the mountains!
We can definitely make it!
We can...
Can we... make it?
Wh-What do you think, Joaan?
Do you think I can make it?
Tell me.
Say something to me like you always do.
I guess you can't answer me, huh?
O-Of course not...
I was just talking to myself this whole time!
Damn it...
Damn it!
Yeah...
I'm sorry, Joaan.
You came with me all this way.
I shouldn't have said that.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry...
Let's go back.
Let's go back, okay, Joaan?
I decided that.
Not you.
I want to go home.
Let's go.
Why are you looking at me like that?
Do you feel sick?
Or are you trying to make me smile?
I know, I know.
You're hungry, aren't you?
I'll make you something to eat.
Good, good.
It's healing.
Does it smell yummy or something?
Once this wound heals, we're going to try again, Joaan.
That's... strange...
My chair...
Y'know... I... I don't want to be lying down...
when everyone gets back. I'd look pathetic.
This is my spot.
This is where... I look best.
Joaan...
I want you to do something for me.
Remember me...
forever.
All right, time to set out for paradise again!
Huh? Joaan!
Everyone!
Wow... You were all waiting for me!
That's great! I'm not alone anymore!
I can keep going now!
Look, everyone! There are people!
Hello, everyone.
Nice to meet you.
Tell me about this place.
Have you heard of fruit?
Hello!
Nice to meet you!
My name is...
It took on the form of a human.
The conditions for transformation had taken place. {QC}
It needs some kind of "impetus." {QC}
So it set out in search of an even stronger impetus. {QC}
It will likely meet all kinds of people and experience many new things...
Just as the boy had wished to do.
{ED}
{Preview}
Preview
It arrived in a great forest.
The South.
There, a young girl, March, lives freely.
But by the law of the land, she is chosen to be a sacrifice.
Her dream of becoming a grown-up is about to come to an end.
Two beings striving to survive meet one another.
A Rambunctious Girl