#full transcript.

Ark’s Birth

In the beginning, the world is nothing but a sea scorched by lava.

Boiling magma erupts from the deep ocean floor. Heat and cold, lava and sea, are locked in a never-ending battle. Water evaporates, lava cools and solidifies, and the cycle goes on and on. There are no signs of life—nothing can survive in such chaos. Will “we” perish along with this world?

No, “we” haven't even been born yet. There is no self to ask questions, no consciousness to seek answers, no senses to explore. “We” are still inside a sealed shell, a shell made of warmth, emotional beauty, and rational truth—a beating heart.

“We” are squeezed and scorched by lava, tossed around by waves and storms, slammed down again and again. Yet, amid all this, “I” feel joy. The world is like an exhilarating amusement park. At the same time, “I” know I have to be cautious. The world is also a dangerous unstable factory. But these thoughts mean nothing. After all, “we” are not yet born. Maybe these are just fragments left behind by someone else, by the owner of this heart.

Time passes—maybe moments, maybe years—and the shell around us begins to turn transparent. It has been forged by the molten waves into something stronger. Eventually, it sheds all flesh, turning into a massive heart-shaped prism that refracts a brilliant rainbow. The lava sea, once so restless, begins to calm in its presence. The deep red of destruction quickly fades, giving way to a tranquil, soft blue. The world transforms into a sea shimmering with starlight.

As the rhythms of the sea and the heart align, gentle, quiet time spreads outwards. Beautiful light begins to form, passing through the transparent heart and falling into the shell that holds “us.” It is the moon’s reflection on water, stars scattered across the sky, and a vortex of strange light—all of this makes up our world.

Can “we” enter this world? No, “we” haven’t even been born yet. Not yet. We have no hands to touch it, no legs to step into it, no eyes to explore it. “We” feel a deep sense of frustration. “We” no longer want to endure confinement. “We” yearn to reach this new, fascinating world.

The world responds to “our” wish.

At that moment, two tracks extend from the heart-shaped prism, spiraling upward like intertwined helixes. “We” each step onto one of the tracks, standing at opposite ends. And there “we” are, standing at the center of a floating, sparkling world. Massive waves hang frozen mid-air. Auroras and rainbows appear at once, and in front of us stands a huge, marvelous structure.

Instinctual knowledge and inherent wisdom awaken in our minds, and we understand: this world is called “the Ark,” a museum dedicated to recording every civilization and every form of beauty. Following the paths, we “gaze” at everything in this world.

The moon is not a moon, but a transparent workbench. Crystal-clear bubbles flow toward its diamond-shaped grid, each containing a streak of luminous design. The stars are not stars, but exhibition halls displaying various architectural styles—pavilions from Cloud, the grand cathedral of Pigeon, and interstellar ships from Ruins, all scattered at the ends of the tracks.

Designs and beauty are precisely categorized into indexes, displayed in the exhibition halls. Countless Personality Mirrors are embedded along the corridors, shimmering eternally.

The vortex is not a vortex, but a colossal door—mirror-like, hanging directly above the heart, connecting different realms of time and space, waiting for someone to awaken the miracles within.

“We” are overjoyed and content with everything we see. “We” are the Ark’s administrators, and it is “our” duty to determine the Ark’s course.

“I” lower my gaze, calmly studying the intricate, mysterious instruments. The Ark needs precision and order—a steady hand to navigate eternally, pursuing truth through reason and contemplation.

“I” laugh, running off to explore, thrilled by the vibrant, boundless wonders surrounding us. The Ark needs imagination and adventure—a bold spirit to paint the world in the colors of pure emotion.

And so, “I” and “I” disagree.

Standing on opposite tracks, “we” look at each other. In that moment, “we” finally gain a self, a consciousness, a set of senses—fingertips, legs, eyes—that connect us to the world. As our eyes meet, “we” are truly born.

Beneath the sea, the Heart of the Ark spins slowly, stirring gentle currents, enabling the Ark—a vessel recording all of civilization and beauty—to continue its endless journey. Two administrators, “Aeon” and “Marina” stand at either end of the tracks. Identical faces, identical blue hair and eyes—twin souls split from someone’s consciousness, embodiments of reason and emotion. They cast their newly awakened eyes on the vast Ark, and at last, their gaze falls upon each other’s deep blue eyes.

This is the true beginning of the Ark’s story.

Observation Log

Marina’s Diary, Part One 7/4/11, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

My gosh, counting from the year we first set foot on the Ark, it’s been exactly 17 years and 101 days! It's almost unbelievable that I’ve endured such a dull, monotonous life for this long!  Sure, there’s still a lot of work to do, but all these routine tasks are so boring! Anyway, there’s that guy—he’ll take care of everything perfectly, so let him handle it.

As for me, I’m off to do something way more fun! Hehe, that guy’s gonna freak out when he finds out!

Aeon’s Diary, Part One 7/4/11, Ark Calendar. Clear, 27ºC, calm sea

7:45: Facility inspection, complete. 8:10: Route calibration, complete. 8:30: Begin first routine patrol. The monitoring systems and fluctuation indicators are stable, which means Miraland is safe for now.

Monitoring and protecting Miraland is one of the Ark administrators’ duties, and we are created for this very purpose. We can’t set foot on Miraland, and we know nothing of our origins, but the Ark is our lifeline out here. Therefore, I must focus, setting aside unnecessary distractions—emotions serve no purpose here. It’s a pity not everyone understands that.

During my inspection, I see that blue-haired girl again. She’s gazing at the distant shadow of the continent, completely lost in thought, her work totally forgotten. As long as she doesn’t mess anything up, I can handle both tracks on my own. I just don’t get why she spends so much time every day thinking about that far-off land. Daydreaming like that is pointless. It’s more practical to focus on the work we can actually do.

Marina’s Diary, Part Two 17/4/13, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

Ark Breakout Plan No. 398 initiated! This time, I’m absolutely ready. Building a motorboat right under that guy’s nose wasn’t easy, hehe. But I’m Marina, I can do anything! Not only did I build it, I’ve got tons of supplies ready too! Since that guy insists on keeping the Ark on its tracks, I’ll just leave the Ark instead! Once I’m free to roam, I’m sure I’ll reach the mainland. And the best part? This morning I grew quite a bit. I must look at least 16 years old now! More strength means I’m even more ready for my plan  – today is perfect! The sound of the motorboat engine leaving the Ark was just wonderful! Just thinking about the look on that guy’s face when he realizes what I’ve done makes me so happy!

Aeon’s Diary, Part Two 17/4/13, Ark Calendar. Clear, 28ºC, light breeze, no waves

6:05: Woke up early and found my body had regressed to a child’s form again. Based on past experiences, that blue-haired girl Marina and I share an inverse relationship in our powers. My shrinking means she’s taken in more power than usual. What is she up to? I decided to check on her. The moment I stepped out of my room, I heard the roar of a motorboat engine and saw her laughing as she sped away from the Ark. The calm sea rippled in her wake, her long blue hair flowing like a proud banner. She’s never given up on her plan to escape to the mainland, even though I doubt she’s seriously considered whether it’s even possible. Being in a child’s body makes my work a bit inconvenient, but it’s manageable. 7:30 Facility inspection finished early.  Starting route calibration.

Marina’s Diary, Part Three 17/4/14, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

This sea is endless… No matter how far I go or which direction I take, it’s always the same boring view. Honestly I’m starting to doubt if today is really 4/14. No matter how fast I go, the distant mainland never seems any closer. I can’t even tell how much time has passed – was it a day or just a minute? Whatever, it doesn’t matter. But this isn’t anything like the adventure I imagined, and I’m not happy about it! Without that guy here, there’s no one to brag to even if my plan succeeds. Seeing the same scenery over and over is making me sleepy. Guess I’ll just rest for a bit.

Marina’s Diary, Part Four 17/4/14, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

Darn it, darn it, darn it! I just took a nap! How did I wake up to find myself a child again?! Now I’m stuck curled up in this motorboat, and I can’t even reach the dashboard! The mainland is still the same as ever  – so far away, so unreachable. And to make things worse, at some point, my motorboat drifted back to the Ark! I’ve shrunk, and that guy is taller than ever, standing on the Ark, looking down at me! I hate that look of his!

Aeon’s Diary, Part Three 17/4/14, Ark Calendar. Clear, 26ºC, light breeze, with waves

11:10: Radar alert. I went to the edge of the Ark, and sure enough, there she was with her motorboat. I wasn’t specifically looking for her. I didn’t need to. The Ark never leaves its tracks, and this sea has its own rules. She’ll never reach that mainland, and we’re bound to meet again. She’s tried this so many times, yet she hasn’t realized all her efforts are in vain. When I pulled her boat back, she was furious, glaring at me without saying a word. I’m sure she’s already planning her next revenge  – a plan destined to fail once again.

Marina’s Diary, Part Five 17/4/15, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

What terrible luck! I woke up this morning and found my body had shrunk again! It must be that guy trying to do something pointless, stealing all my power! He’s always busy hammering away around the Ark. How does he never get tired of it? Since he’s not around, I might as well cover the outer wall of his room with doodles. Hmph, serves him right for always opposing me! But now that I’ve shrunk, I can’t even reach half the wall, which just makes me angrier! Fine, then. While he’s in the equipment room for inspection, I’ll give him a “surprise”! If he disappears completely, there’ll be no one left to steal my power and make me shrink again. Hehe, just wait for it! Bang!

Aeon’s Diary, Part Four 17/4/15, Ark Calendar. Clear, 28ºC, windless and calm sea

9:10: During a routine patrol in the equipment room, I had a bad feeling. Sure enough, I found a bomb hidden there. It’s not that I’m particularly perceptive, but I always seem to pick up on her traps for me. It’s like an uncanny kind of sixth sense, though I don’t believe in anything beyond logic. The bomb was defused, but I had a gut feeling it wasn’t over yet. Then I spotted her chaotic doodles outside the room, and I finally relaxed. Totally saw that coming. The cleaning supplies I need to deal with her mess are ready as always. I’ve already refined the formula a dozen times, making it quite effective against her paint. I still don’t understand why she does these “venting” acts, but everything remains stable and under control.

Marina’s Diary, Part Six 17/4/16, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

Darn it! I waited an entire day for nothing to happen, and the Ark remains calm and peaceful. Even the doodles on the wall have been cleaned completely! It’s one thing for every scheme to be discovered by him, but that guy doesn’t even bother to scold me! Come on, I was going to blow you to the sky, how can you have no reaction at all! Are you looking down on me? I hate that guy the most! Cold! Reclusive! Boring!

Aeon’s Diary, Part Five 17/5/9, Ark Calendar. Clear, 29ºC, windless and calm sea

7:45: Facility inspection complete. 8:10: Course calibration complete. 8:30: Started first round of routine patrol. The Ark is running smoothly. It’s been quiet lately. She seems to have given up on those pointless attempts. Nothing out of the ordinary to report this month apart from the usual logs. This is good. I shouldn’t feel strange or lonely about it. But I can’t shake this slight unease  – like it’s just the calm before the storm. Hopefully, it’s just my imagination.

Mirror of the World

17/5/18, Ark Calendar, 7:45, during my routine inspection of the monitoring facilities, I sense something off as soon as I step into the monitoring room.

I rush over to check and see Marina trying to force her track, attempting to steer the Ark off-course. The blue-haired girl grits her teeth, struggling fiercely, her seaweed-like hair and coral-colored dress in disarray. Each time she tries, the Ark rumbles, and the structures overhead tremble and threaten to collapse.

Aeon: Marina, what are you doing? Stop it!

Marina: Leave me alone!

Marina yells at me, her emotions more intense than ever.

Marina: Every day, we’re stuck in this lifeless place, doing the same boring work. It never changes! Who can stand this kind of life?!

Aeon: It’s our responsibility. We’re the Ark administrators…

Marina: I don’t care about responsibilities! I’ve been trapped here for years without stepping outside even once. I’m stuck in this damn sea!

I rush to the control panel, take control of my track, and urgently initiate the Ark’s lockdown procedure. The system rejects Marina’s commands, and a “Connection Failed” warning flashes on the screen. The Ark’s rumble gradually subsides. Marina stares at the screen as it returns to normal, taking a long moment to realize her attempts have failed again. Her cheek twitches, and she forces a helpless smile before slowly lowering her head.

Seeing her like this, I think it’s over. But then she raises her head again, tears flooding her eyes, surging like ocean waves.

Marina: Aeon! Are you some kind of machine?! Haven’t you ever wondered what it’s like out there? Are you really okay with being trapped here?! Don’t you care who we are or why we’re even trapped here?!

Aeon: We were born with the Ark. We can’t leave it. No matter how many times you try, the result is always the same.

Marina: I know, I know! I’ve failed so many times, but I can’t help it! I can’t stand being trapped here, even for one more day! I saw it—the continent is right there. It’s right there. I just want to see it…

Marina cries, her body seeming to shrink as if all strength has left her. Tears and snot roll down her face, just like a child who’s lost their treat. I, now standing taller, look down at her. Though I’m not usually sensitive to emotions, her sadness feels unmistakably real. Turns out she knows she’ll always fail, but she’s like a child—not wanting to be forever locked away, longing to see the outside world. She’s just deeply hurt.

I’m used to dealing with the troublemaking, chaotic side of Marina, but not with a crying child. Hesitantly, I crouch down to meet her eyes.

Aeon: Marina, we’ll see that continent one day. So, don’t be sad, okay?

She looks up, her tear-soaked eyes showing surprise like never before. For the first time, I reach out and take her hand. She seems to forget to struggle, letting me hold it obediently. I lead her out of the control room. The train resumes its smooth journey, and we sit in silence, watching the calm sea. Marina doesn’t let go of my hand.

After that incident, I added the “Mirror of the World” to the Ark—an idea that came to me while analyzing data from the monitoring system. Marina’s outburst pushed me to speed up the development. 

The Mirror of the World converts abstract waves and numbers into vivid images, allowing us to see everything in Miraland. As expected, Marina is captivated by it. She spends all day in front of the mirror, eagerly watching stories from Miraland.

With her intense curiosity, Marina always appears as a child in front of the Mirror of the World, her round eyes sparkling with wonder. At first, she immerses herself in front of the Mirror of the World alone, and I silently leave after collecting data. But one day she suddenly lifts her head and calls out to me as I’m about to leave.

Marina: Hey, Aeon, do you know what this is?

Marina can’t hold back anymore. I’m the only one she can talk to on the Ark, and she starts pestering me about everything she sees in the mirror. She’s most interested in the toys, snacks, and colorful amusement parks in Miraland—all things a child would love.

Marina: Aeon, come look at the Mirror of the World. Isn’t there anything in Miraland that interests you?

Aeon: I made the mirror for monitoring Miraland, not for entertainment. Our work on the Ark should be our focus.

Marina: Hmph! Boring!

Marina makes a face at me before running out of the monitoring room, her cheerful footsteps gradually fading away. Once I’m sure she’s gone, I quietly turn back to the Mirror of the World, enter some commands, and carefully watch the scenes in it.

<Didn’t you say you weren’t interested?>

Player: Didn’t you say you weren’t interested in Miraland?

Aeon: Ahem, there are many things in Miraland that the Ark doesn’t have, especially in philosophy and experimental science. There’s a lot worth learning.

Since we got the Mirror of the World, Marina’s become more patient with her duties. Thanks to her cooperation, we start accessing the Ark’s top-level archives together, working to repair the Designer’s Reflections stored there.

Interpreting the memories and emotions stored in the Designer’s Reflections has always been a problem for me, but surprisingly, Marina seems good at it. She plays with the kids, laughing and crying with them, and soon, they’re all fast friends.

I used to think she was just stubborn and unreliable, but now I see she has a far greater capacity for empathy and understanding than I do. With Marina’s help, our communication with the Designer’s Reflections improves and I learn many stories from the outside world—tales of human joys and sorrows. When I’m buried in work, and my efficiency begins to drop, she’s quick to notice. She does everything she can to pull me away from the lab, telling me I need rest. Gradually, our relationship becomes more harmonious.

I start to think it would be nice if she could always stay this happy, like a child. I could be her and the Ark’s guardian.

Abyssal Change

Time passes quietly over the sea.

One morning, I wake up startled from a dream. The sky is still dark, and I have turned into a child. An unfamiliar sense of crisis grips me, and I immediately get up to find Marina.

The Ocean of Memories is turbulent, the sky is dark and heavy, and leaden clouds almost touch the Ark. Marina, now an adult, stands at the Ark’s edge, staring down at the churning sea.

Below the Ark, the roaring waters swirl into a deep vortex, like a dark dragon’s eye, staring up at Marina with a mesmerizing gaze.

<What is that?!>

Player: What’s that vortex?

Aeon: At the time, I had no idea how it formed—only that it radiated a terrible power and malice. Now I think it must be the Abyss. As the Ocean of Memories calmed with the Ark’s return, the Abyss began to stir, trying to lure in anyone with desires.

Marina stares at the vortex, the chaotic darkness reflecting in her eyes, eroding the light within. She murmurs softly, as if speaking to someone invisible, her voice low and occasionally breaking into an eager, dangerous laugh.

Marina: Yes, yes… I want people to know who I am, I want to live freely like the people in Miraland.

I walk toward Marina against the howling wind, trying to bring her back to her senses.

Aeon: Marina, what are you doing? Come back! It’s dangerous!

A child’s body isn’t built to withstand a hurricane, but I push forward, shouting Marina’s name over and over. She doesn’t look back.

Marina: I’m so close to getting answers. I just need to break through this sea, destroy the Ark…

From a distance, I see Marina stand up, spreading her arms wide in the wind like a bird ready to take flight. The gale shrieks, seawater viciously lashes the Ark, and the deck beneath me violently shudders. The iron railings overhead creak, threatening to collapse.

In the midst of the storm, I sense something dark and unseen, emerging from a bottomless whirlpool, rushing toward Marina.

Marina: …Ouch!

Against the wind, I finally see what’s attacking Marina. It’s the dark emotions of humanity, hidden in the depths of the Ocean of Memories for centuries—greed, sorrow, pain, resentment… Marina’s empathy amplifies this force, and she’s unable to resist, almost swallowed by it.

Marina: I’m not afraid! You can’t scare me off! Bring it on! If I break through this sea, I’ll be free!

Aeon: Marina, don’t be fooled!

I struggle against the wind, step by step, reaching out to pull her back. Just then, Marina leaps into the raging sea. I barely think. I just follow and jump off the Ark with her.

Towering waves crash down on us like giant walls. I fight to swim toward Marina, and in the swirling chaos, I finally grab her hand. A flood of intense emotions and memories surges toward me through our clasped hands, as if centuries of built-up pain suddenly erupt.

These are emotions we’ve never experienced in the Mirror of the World—sadness we’ve seen but never felt, disasters we’ve witnessed but never despaired over.  All these suppressed feelings explode now, engulfing us both.

I realize we aren’t just protecting numbers or signals, or even distant stories. We’re safeguarding real lives and intense emotions. This is everyone’s love, hate, hope, and despair, accumulated through countless cycles of destruction and rebirth. At this moment, I finally understand what the Ark and the Ocean of Memories really are—

The Ocean of Memories is the abyss of death and the source of life, the collective unconscious of all humanity. The Ark is a solitary island, carrying on, searching for civilization's final destination. Marina and I are meant to be the Ark’s administrators. We exist to keep it running. We’re opposites—symbols of logic and emotion—forever apart but always intertwined. 

However—

In these suffocating waves, we look at each other, our hands clasped tightly. Heat flows between us, along with unspoken emotions and promises. Marina’s breath seems to be in sync with mine.

But we are also each other’s only light in this darkness, like two sides of the same coin, inseparable. I have never felt my connection with Marina as vividly as I do at this moment. I sense her longing and resolve; she senses my belief and strength. We don’t need words; we understand each other completely. Our thoughts connect, and our lifeblood intertwines.

In that instant, a massive, glowing whale leaps from the stormy sea, breaks through the towering waves, splits the whirlpool, and lifts us both on its sturdy back.

Sibling Promise

I had a long nightmare.

It began with a fierce wind and waves, a dark sky, and unending rain. In a daze, I feel myself shrink, small enough to be held by Aeon, curled up in his arms, feeling him wipe away the cold rain from my face.

When I groggily wake up, I’m back in my bed, the room warm and dry. Aeon is there, wiping my feverish forehead with a damp towel.

Marina: What…happened to me?

Aeon: It’s okay now. Your power went out of control, but you’re safe. You just need to rest.

Power… out of control?

Before I can think, I fall back into a restless dream. This time, I'm falling into a deep abyss, the wind roaring in my ears. I keep falling endlessly with no bottom in sight. A familiar fear grips my heart. I reach out, trying to grasp something that once gave me support and strength…

Aeon grabs my hand, warmth flowing from his palm into my veins, calming my soul.

Aeon: Don’t worry, I’ll be here with you.

When the dreams finally dissipate, I wake up completely. I remember some things, but the memories are fragmented, scattered by the storm.

Marina: Aeon, did I make a terrible mistake before, almost getting us both killed?

Aeon: No, you didn’t make a mistake. You were curious. Seeking answers and change is your nature, just like trusting logic and reason is mine. It’s who we are.

Marina: But… doesn’t that make me dangerous?

Aeon: I don’t think so. It’s because of you that we found part of the truth. So, I have a proposal. I don’t want you taking risks alone anymore. We’re twins, connected, complementary. We shouldn’t be separated. I promise, when the time is right, we’ll explore Miraland together, to discover our origins and the truth of the world.

Marina: Really? You’ve finally come around!

Aeon: But until then, will you listen to me? I want you to be happy, carefree, just like you would be in Miraland. And I’ll be the brother who takes care of you and keeps you safe.

But I’m more suited to be the older sibling. You should be the little brother… Aeon looks at me quietly, his eyes gentle and familiar, like the calm Ocean of Memories. For Aeon’s safety and for my future adventures, I decide to give in for now. I sniffle, wiping away tears I didn’t realize were there.

Marina: Alright… let’s make a pinky promise—

Aeon: Always and forever.

A misty glow surrounds us. Aeon turns into a proper older brother, while I shrink into a little child.

But no matter how we change on the outside, we remain the closest twins, born together, two sides of the same coin, inseparable. We’ll always stay together, bound by trust and love.

Marina’s Diary, Part Seven xx/10/13, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

Today, my brother said he has a gift for me, but I have to wait until nightfall to see it. Hmph, that’s not going to stop me! With my invention, the “Climate Controller: I could make it night right now—heck, I could even make nine suns appear in the sky, simulated of course. Turns out the gift is fireworks! I’ve seen fireworks many times in the Mirror of the World. I’ve always wondered what they taste like, if they’re hot or if they still glow when they hit the ground… The ones my brother made are cool to the touch, they don’t burn my hand, and they stay lit for a long time before going out. He said they’re different from Miraland’s fireworks, but to me, they’re the best!

Marina’s Diary, Part Eight xx/12/1/, Ark Calendar. Weather: Overcast

My brother should be about halfway through his detective novel by now. Hehe, I wonder if he found the “surprise” I left for him in the book? I just thought he could use a little help solving the case, so I left a small hint for him! Oh, and I recorded his rock track earlier and added some carefully designed explosion sounds – it sounds absolutely… explosive.  Now I'm going to show it to those Designer’s Reflections who appreciate music, see what they think!

Marina’s Diary, Part Nine xx/8/3/, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

Today a girl named Nikki came to the Ark, and my brother and I talked with her for a long time. I really like Nikki! All this time, she’s the first person I've seen on the Ark besides my brother! And she’s so gentle and great at styling clothes, I really hope she can come to the Ark often to play with me! Aeon said Nikki will be the one to bring miracles to the Ark, although I don’t know what kind of miracle, but I'm sure he’s right, just like that line in the book — the gears of fate started turning today!

Marina’s Diary, Part Ten xx/8/3/, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

I can’t believe how long I’ve known Nikki now. Every time I see her, I feel so happy! When she leaves, I always look forward to her next visit. But sometimes she comes to the Ark looking tired, with tears in her eyes, saying she failed… It breaks my heart. I bet Aeon worried about her just like I do. I really want Nikki to save Miraland, even if it’s incredibly hard. I’ll be right there with her, every step of the way! Because Nikki has already brought so many miracles to the Ark, to me, and to my brother!

Marina’s Diary, Part Eleven xx/9/20/, Ark Calendar. Weather: Clear

Birthday Fire

Momo: Make a wish, Nikki!

Momo sits in the upside down cake box and looks at me with his head on the box. Feeling cozy in the candlelight and in everyone’s presence, I put my hands together for wishes.

Nikki: Oh no, I haven’t come up with my wishes yet. Let’s see…

My mind blank, I raise my head and blow out the candles. Then, light comes shining upon the terrace from each and every way. Marina shows up with a pile of paper plates, and Yexiao passes me a cake knife.

Marina: Happy birthday! Let’s cut the cake!

I carefully cut the cake into equal pieces and place two blobs of ice cream on each one.

Serena: Nikki, you should have cut yourself a bigger piece.

I shake my head and pass the cakes to everyone. Whoosh— the golden fireworks in the night sky shines upon everyone’s face. Loen comes back to the table and picks up his cake.

Lone: Uhm? The cake tastes like Sichuan pepper.

When Loen picks up his fork, a little hand puts a smear of cream on his face.

Marina: Everyone’s going to get a little birthday surprise!

Helz, on the other hand, picks up a piece of fruit from his cake and puts it on Serena’s paper plate. And even bigger blob of cream comes splattering on Helz’s face right when Serena is ready to say something.

Aeon: Marina! Knock it off!

But Marina is already on the run with her cake looking for her next victim, leaving Aeon with no choice but to go after her. Helz tries to wipe off the cake on his head but wouldn’t come off. Serena takes the tissue papers I passed over and starts wiping Helz’s face.

>This is a bit crazy.<

[Player]: This is a bit crazy, no? Nikki: True, but cozy at the same time.

>What a party.<

[Player]: It’s fun with everyone around. Nikki: It makes me happy to have all my friends by my side.

The fluffy cake melts right inside my mouth.

Nikki: This taste is one of a kind… It’s got lemon, Sichuan pepper and longan in it.

Yexiao: We can probably give some other flavors a try next time… For example, tomatoes with hotpot.

Nikki: Huh?

Yexiao: There are so many different ways to enjoy food.

Yexiao points at Momo, who is trying to make a BBQ cone by putting butter on a piece of a crispy BBQ. Then from the distance come footsteps. I don’t need to look to know its Marina, but Momo stands before me before I could even react.

Momo: Don’t even think about it!

Momo’s voice sounds muffled with all the creamed BBQ in his mouth.

Marina: I didn’t come to attack Nikki! I came to tell Nikki that Aeon had made a cake, but it got ruined during transportation.

I look over at Aeon, who’s cleaning up the mess Marina left behind on the table.

Marina: Aeon wanted me to just throw it away, but I kept a piece just in case. Do you want to try it Nikki?

Nikki: Of course! I never knew Aeon knew how to make cakes.

Marina takes out of a piece of Aeon’s cake a rubs some of its cream on my mouth.

Loen: Next round is coming!

When I look up at the skies and see the fireworks sparkling in the night sky, I’m reminded of what happened on my birthday when I was 9. Whoosh— A walk down the memory lane begins when the fireworks shoot towards the sky.

2. Firework Memories

When I was 9, I celebrated my birthday with my family at an amusement park. Both Yoyo and I were excited about the fireworks show that night. We even drew a map of the park so we could put pictures of the fireworks on it later. Yoyo carefully took off her camera and put it around my neck. She lowered herself to adjust the strap to a length suitable for me.

Young Yoyo: Keep the camera on you even when you’re taking pictures. It’s safer that way.

Young Nikki: Yes, I will keep it safe! And I’m going to take pictures of the biggest, most beautiful fireworks with it!

People are waiting for the fireworks in the amusement park under a pitch black sky. Then, most of the lights around suddenly went off. A few silent moments later, a bouquet of fireworks swam up into the sky. The fireworks blossom and swim across the skies. And with it, the sky turns into a galaxy. I can’t even tell if those spots of light are the stars or the fireworks.

Dad: Nikki, look at that biggest one over there. Take a picture of it now.

Young Nikki: Uhh? Ohh!

I am completely enthralled by the fireworks.

Yoyo: Hurry up, Nikki! The fireworks are disappearing!

I quickly aim the camera at the fireworks, but ended up pressing the wrong button.

Young Nikki: Wait, I can’t seem to take pictures…

Dad: Let me have a look.

I passed the camera to dad as I fix my eyes back onto the fireworks, hoping to snap a picture of them with my eyes. By the time dad gave the camera back to me, the fireworks had disappeared. I rubbed my eyes in the hope that they would show up when I opened my eyes. But the fireworks were really gone. People are leaving the amusement park, but I just stand there, gazing into the night sky and not wanting to leave. Then, a hand covers my eyes. I can feel the warmth of Yoyo’s hand. She seems to have put something in my hand.

Young Yoyo: Hold it tightly and don’t let go.

When Yoyo moved her hand away, I see a tiny fairy girl’s wand burning brightly before me. Yoyo holds my hand and points the fairy girl’s wand skyward.

Young Yoyo: See, don’t they look like little fireworks?

The fairy girl's wand sparkles so brightly that it lights up the night sky.

Young Nikki: Yes!

At this very moment, the fireworks are sitting right in my hand.

3. Winter Warmth

The sky is as blue as ever when I wake up the next day. The night sky from yesterday was like a dream from a different lifetime. I walk into the kitchen in my furry pajama and see a floral cushion on one of the chairs. I love how cozy it is when I sit in it.

Mom: Happy birthday, Nikki. I made you a cake today because you didn’t get to have one yesterday.

There is an adorable little cake sitting on the table, the round blobs of purple cream on it make the cake seem all the more delicious. It looks too good to be eaten.

Mom: What are you waiting for, Nikki? Don’t you like it?

The cake sits quietly on the table, seemingly staring at me and asking me the same question.

Young Nikki: It’s not that… The cake is just so adorable that I don’t want to eat it.

Mom: But I can make another one if you want more.

Young Nikki: But… I like this one you made. And I don’t want it to be gone in the blink of an eye, like the fireworks we saw last night.

Mom touches my hand with hers as she chuckles.

Mom: They might lose their physical forms, but the good memories you have with them will stay with you forever.

I tilt my head and think about what mom had just said. The photo on the wall that dad had taken reminded of the fireworks that I failed to take pictures of last night.

Young Nikki: It would have been nice… if I had taken pictures of the fireworks and the fairy girl’s wands from last night. We would have been able to keep our good memories with them that way, right?

Mom: But we don’t need pictures for our good memories with them to last. So long as we keep those memories in our hearts, they will seem like pictures when we go through them in the future, right?

I can’t be sure if I understand that, but I goggle at mom and nod my head anyway.

Mom: Life itself could seem like fireworks sometimes, because fleeting moments can come and go before we know them. But as long as we leave behind memories about us and have made people feel happy and warm, that’s good enough. It is those happy and warm moments that come together to make us who we are.

Mom has her hands around mine, her eyes beaming with the same warmth as that of the sun. the fireworks in the night sky, and those moments we held our hands together. They made for the best of photos to me, and I still remember them as clearly as ever.

Young Nikki: Yup, I think it makes sense to me now! Great memories stay with us when great things have happened.

Mom: So, are you ready to enjoy this cake?

I quickly nod my head and scoop up a piece to put into my mouth.

Mom: How is it?

Young Nikki: Yes!

I beam at mom.

Mom: My, look at all that cream around your mouth…

The beautiful fireworks, the feeling of warmth when we hold our hands together, and the taste of the cake—all of this will be there to stay in my memory. And so, too, will the tiny, blazing ember.

4. Firework Wishes

When the sound of music pulls me back to reality, I find myself back in Miraland surrounded by friends.

Marina: Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention!

Everyone looks over at marinas as she fiddles with her violin.

Marina: Aeon and I wrote a song for Nikki. Do we want to listen to it?

Momo: A song by Aeon? I don’t know if I like where this is going…

We sit on the sofa before the stage and drink in the beautiful melody. Seems like I was wrong about Aeon’s taste in music. As Marina sends the last note high up into the sky, we follow her gaze as she turns her head around.

“Nikki”—my name shines dazzlingly across the sky.

Everyone: Happy Birthday, Nikki!

>Happy birthday.<

[Player]: Happy birthday, Nikki.

Nikki: Thank you, Player]. Thank you all.

The fireworks, the stars, and my friends—I couldn’t have asked for more on a night like this. With my eyes closed, I finish my third wish. I want to leave behind the best memories with my dearest friends.

When I open my eyes, the fireworks that were blooming in the sky a few moments ago are gone. Pink stardust falls down, eventually vanishing into the depths of the night sky I have no regrets anymore, because I’ve taken the world’s most beautiful picture with my heart. The sparkling fireworks will forever stay in my heart—so, too, will their warmth.

Nikki: My, this is heavier than I thought…

>What are you holding there?<

[Player]: What are you holding there, Nikki?

Nikki: Materials to make fairy girl’s wands with. I felt inspired by the fireworks we saw on my birthday, and I’m going to make a dress based on that. And I;m going to make a heart using the fairy girl’s wands. It;s meant to show how much everyone loves me, and that I’m going to pay it forward. Apparently you can end up with a star cloud of fireworks if you burn a bunch of fairy girl’s wands together. Do you want to give it a try with me, [Player]?

>Of course.<

[Player]: Of course.

Nikki: Great! Pinky swear, then.

Yacht Invitation

The Justiciars is getting ready for yet another vacation right around midsummer when the sun has turned hot enough to pierce the green leaves on trees. Rare is a vacation for the Justiciars, and even harder to come by is a trip to an island—which explains why some of its members can get a little too excited. For instance…

In the lineup waiting to board the yacht bound for Sunnysand Island, Yeeso is elbowing his way through people. At last, he secures an area with a swim ring in hand.

Zoey: Hey, what are you doing? We’re leaving.

Yeeso: I’m trying to save us a good spot here. We need to be the first ones to set foot on the island or else…

Freezing in his tracks, Yeeso turns around—and sees me and the luxury yacht I’m on.

Lianne: What are you doing there? Come here already. Commander has saved you a spot.

When Yeeso packs up to join us on the yacht, I can hear people whispering behind me.

Corleone: She’s got us all a ticket to go to Sunnysand Island’s trial run. Not only that, they even allowed her to park her yacht straight on the island.

Yeeso: …I think I have even more respect for her now.

Lianne: Yeah, we all know you think the world of her, Yeeso.

Leaving a beautiful white trail in its wake, the yacht sails straight for the island through the sea. In the salty, humid sea breeze are refreshing splashes of water that instantly wash away the heat and fatigue of the body. The seagulls and the waves come together to form a nice summer symphony. Putting the yacht on autopilot, i open a few bottles of wine and toss them a few cans of soft drinks.

Zoey: There’s enough time for us to finish all of these before we reach Sunnysand Island. So, I see you all came with big suitcases. What did you all bring?

Corleone: I brought a volleyball and a surfboard. Thought they’d come in handy since we’re going to an island.

Yeeso: I brought a bunch of stuff for what we’ll be doing on the island! We’ll hit the shops first and then go straight for the beach after buying swimsuits… Wait, why are you all in swimsuits already?

For this particular trip, I decided to go with an amber-colored crop top and a veil overskirt that breathes well, which allows me to feel light and at ease. Shaking their heads at Yeeso, Lianne and Corleone are both in light, waterproof wear.

Zoey: I see there was some miscommunication between us, but you could have at least asked me.

Yeeso: Uhh, uhm… So, Commander, what’s the plan?

Zoey: This is meant to be a training trip where you’ll do a 10 rounds around the island in addition to some survival training.

Yeeso: T-ten rounds in addition to survival training?!

With that, Lianne drops the grape in her hand; Yeeso chokes on his soft drink; Corleone is taken aback when the soft drink in his hand splashes onto his shirt with a wave.

Yeeso: Do you all have a brochure on the island with you? How many kilometers in one single round around the island…

Swaying the wine glass in my hand, I take my time savoring the moment.

Zoey: I was just kidding, When I said we’re going on vacation, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing. There will be no training whatsoever on the island. One thing, though…

Pointing at the brown patch on Corleone’s shirt, I look at Yeeso as I laugh.

Zoey: Seems like you’ll all need to make a trip down to the swimsuit shop.

As soon as our yacht docks, the three of them hop off and disappear before I stand up from picking up my ukulele. I wonder if they’re just trying to run away from me because of the bad joke I cracked, of if they just can’t wait to enjoy the summer vibes here. 

Zoey: Master Cyrant would have done so much better at the test than a mere pass had he run half as fast for the test.

Improvisation

We walk down the track by the beach in the sun, seeing the sand and the shells glitter as they’re bathed in the sun. Being a Northerner, I don’t always get to see sights like this—which, of course, should go with a nice song. Out from my ukulele flows a jolly beach song that waltzes into the hot summer air.

<I didn’t know you play the ukulele.>

[Player]: I didn't know you played the ukulele.

Zoey: Well, now you do.

Among those who gather around me, I see some of my old friends—Nikki and Dodora, whose presence spices up my little performance. Nothing suits the good vibes better than some cheerful beats. I start playing a famous folk song from Ninir. With it, Dodora starts humming the song.

Snap—the thinnest of the strings on my ukulele broke. I guess I should have checked them before I started playing. In the sunlight, the snapped string is reminiscent of a silver tassel.

Momo: Oh boy, the string!

It was an accident indeed, but if played well, accidents are sometimes what make life all the more interesting. I take advantage of an interval to shift gears into an old beach song. And that did the trick—I just proved that a ukulele with just three strings is just as good.

Momo: My, Zoey is amazing as ever…

Dodora: … She really is a lot better than a lot of the musicians I’ve seen.

Nikki: I’ve never heard of the beach song she just played, but I feel like she told an entire story just now with music.

Dodora: Indeed. The first half of it had the vibes of a young man who just set out on a journey, and the latter half sounded calm and gentle—as if he is at the end of the journey.

Momo: …Wow, how did you come up with that analogy? “That’s amazing” or “That’s great” as about as much as I can say.

Dodora: By the way, Zoey, the string probably snapped because it was too old. Do you happen to have a replacement?

Zoey: This ukulele is kind of old indeed, but hey, I didn’t know you were familiar with musical instruments.

Dodora: You bet. I learned a few things about musical instruments from when I was the lead vocalist in the band.

Gurgle, gurgle…

Momo: My, music is for the mind as food is for the tummy, eh…

Zoey: Seems like it’s time we hunt for food.

Sandy Sea Breeze

When the group arrives at the restaurant, they see a long lineup waiting to enter the restaurant. The trial run sure doesn’t seem to make the island any less attractive.

Momo: Look at the lineup! I bet half of the people on the island are all here…

Zoey: It’s probably going to take us two hours to get our food if we wait here. I say we go to the shops down by the beach.

Nikki: The admission ticket says that the shops here carry souvenirs and local dishes.

Momo: Doesn’t that just make the place a food street? Boy, I love food streets. Off we go!

The smell of flowers and ice cream—the air seems to grow heavier with summer vibes the closer the group gets to the shops by the beach. The light-blue walls of the shops are painted with all kinds of island views, while the roofs are adorned with flowers of different colors and beautiful shell wind chimes.

Tinkling, tinkling—cries one of the wind chimes the sea breeze passes them by. Staring at the wind chime, Dodora tries to no avail to reach out for it on tiptoe.

Zoey: Is it the one you want?

Standing behind her, I put one of my hands on her shoulder as I reach out for the white shell wind chime with the other and place it in her hands.

Dodora: I almost got it, but thanks!

Momo: No way. You weren’t even close!

Blushing, Dodora starts chasing Momo with the wind chime in her hand. Nikki laughs as the tinkling of the wind chimes and the laughter from afar reaches us.

Nikki: Never a dull moment with the two around, no? How I wish time could just stop now.

Zoey: I totally agree.

Only those who’ve seen death in the eye on the battlefield can truly appreciate moments like this.

Momo and Dodora are lining up for seas when we arrive at the beach shops. God only knows how much longer we will have to wait. Looking around, I catch sight of one of the spectators who chatted me up at my performance earlier. Walking straight up to him, I put a drink on his table.

Zoey: Care for a chat?

Moments later, I got us a table with the drink.

Momo: …Say, is it too late to learn the ukulele now?

Nikki: I believe there is more than meets the eye here, Momo.

Dodora: Anyhow, let’s dive right in!

Coconut ice cream, all sorts of fresh fruits, tropical parfait—the table brims with food of all sorts and colors. In the fruity tang stirred up by the warm sea breeze, we raise our glasses for a toast.

Zoey: To a wonderful vacation!

The waves and wind chimes sound through the shops as seagulls passing above us wing their way to the sea and skies. Dear vacation, how sweet thou art.

Summer Night Freeze Frame

Projected onto the surface of the sea are the stars in the ever-so-pure well that is the night sky of the island. I’m just taking my time relaxing in a beach chair when Momo and Nikki show up with an outdoor movie screen in tow.

Dodora: Uhm? What is this…

Zoey: Ever watched movies on the beach?

Momo: Alright, ladies and gentleman! What are we in the mood for? We’ve got a documentary, romance, and action movie! And did I mention that we’ve also got “Space Panda” where I am the star?

Seeing Momo all worked up, Dodora suggests putting it to a vote.

Nikki: This documentary supposedly follows the development of this island. One vote from me for the documentary because I’m curious.

Dodora: What suits a nice vacation better than a good romance? A vote from me for the romance.

Momo: A vote for my own Space Panda. It’s your turn to vote, Zoey!

So it’s all up to me now.

Zoey: A vote for the action movie.

Everyone: Huh?

Zoey: Just kidding. I say we watch something with holiday vibes.

Moments later, a couple shows up on the screen. The dark, gentle background of the movie is a perfect match with the campfire. The soothing music, the burning wood, and the waves—this is what I would call a perfect, quiet summer night. I don’t usually watch romances. But I sure am feeling at ease with the good vibe.

Dodora: Wait, where did Momo go?

I point at Momo—who’s fallen off his chair and is sleeping comfortably by my ukulele now. Momo jerks awake when I tap him, looking sleepy with string traces on his face.

Momo: Hey, what’s up? Where are we in the movie now?

Nikki: The movie is over, Momo.

Dodora: Oh boy, this guy is hopeless—but hey, don’t you all think the kind of vibe we have now is just right for a talk around the campfire?

A quiet summer night with the waves singing a soothing lullaby—I suppose there is never a better time for a talk around the campfire. When it’s my turn to talk, they all show great interest in North Kingdom.

Zoey: North Kingdom is nothing like these islands here down south—we’ve got nothing there but hard rocks and layers of ice.

[Player]: I’ve heard that North Kingdom has some unique sights to behold.

Zoey: We sure do. Life isn’t exactly easy there, but our aurora is something people down south don’t get to enjoy. People say the aurora up the Spitze de Gletschers is the beautiful of all. I tried to go up there as a kid to see if what people said were true…

Momo: So what was the result?

Zoey: It was a lie. Because I saw something even more beautiful than the aurora—it was the village right off the mountain, as seen from up the mountain through the aurora. The flecks that were the village’s campfires were brighter than the stars in the sky. But in addition to that, we have many fun activities as well. Tobogganing, ice hockey, fishing, you name it.

Dodora: That sounds pretty cool. Can we go there to hang out with you sometime?

Zoey: Of course, but remember to dress for the weather.

North Kingdom—a place that has made me as happy as much as it’s pained me. But none of that matters anymore, because I know exactly what I want now.

Nikki: Zoey, could you play another piece for us with your ukulele before we call it a night?

Zoey: I won’t.

Time seems to have come to a halt as I pluck the strings on my ukulele under the ever-expanding night sky.