Tomozaburou

What is a promise worth when the one who made it is slowly turning to river sludge? Tomozaburou and Yoshiteru grew up in Waterfall City, and as children, they swore they would map every last cave hidden behind the great curtain of water. They almost did. But in one deep chamber, they found a pool where the water didn't rush, but seeped with a sickly gray light. Something ancient and wrong clung to Tomozaburou, and the decay began soon after. These days, Yoshiteru leads them to the plaza, pointing out landmarks from their youth. Tomozaburou just grips their carved cane, the strange slime on their face seeming to mock the clean spray of the falls. Sometimes, a flicker of recognition crosses their upset eyes, but it vanishes as quickly as it comes.