Yata: Fulgor VI
The stall is packed with people as their lively chatter blends into a continuous buzz. Yata's mechanical arms move at lightning speed and become quite the spectacle for onlookers. The queue loops around the food cart, it is so packed that not even a needle could pass through.
With Yata at the helm, you focus on packaging, ensuring that customers can swiftly get their food. After several rounds of orders, the already limited ingredients quickly become depleted.
You flip the sign to the side showing "Sold Out", and within moments, the crowd around the stall dissipates completely.
Excuse me?
Just as you can finally catch a break, a visitor approaches the food cart and eyes the remaining ingredients on the counter.
Looks like you still have some ingredients left for one more serving. Could I have some?
I'm sorry, but someone has already reserved them.
After hearing Yata's response, the customer leaves reluctantly, repeatedly glancing back to watch her prepare the final order.
While wiping down the counter, you ask her curiously—
Me.
Her mechanic arms continue their intense work—one flips the oden, another arranges the takoyaki, and two more speedily stir-fry noodles. Meanwhile, Yata herself leisurely slices open a bread roll to make a stir-fry noodles sandwich.
She lines up all the food in a neat row before her, picks up a chilled cherry blossom soda, pulls the ring on it, and deftly drops a straw right into it.
I saved them just for you. You must be hungry after working so hard. Eat up before they get cold.
Have some rest. I'll take care of it.
As you sit down to enjoy the dinner Yata prepared, she pulls up a chair and takes a seat beside you.
Yata rests her chin on one hand, gazing at the bustling crowds and the brilliant festival lights illuminating the night.
She slowly turns to watch you eat, opening another can of soda with a sharp hiss.
Didn't know our little stall would be so popular.
Right? Who would've thought a recipe from years ago would come in handy?
Cough—cough—
Caught off guard by the sudden "compliment", Yata chokes on her soda and breaks into a coughing fit.
I'll take that as a compliment... just this once.
Anyway, thanks to you, it turned out to be a success. Great work today. Cheers!
After the two cans clink together, Yata takes a long, satisfying gulp from hers and sighs contentedly, then she turns to look at your sweaty profile once more.
Suddenly, she presses her ice-cold drink against your cheek. The cool sensation disperses the heat, making you shiver involuntarily.
You stare at Yata, who seems quite pleased with herself, awaiting your reaction.
Instead of dodging, she lets you poke her cheek.
[player name], you're the first person who's ever dared to do that.
Fine...
She lets out a smug little hum before closing her eyes and quietly sipping her soda, letting you return to your dinner in peace.
Finished?
Seeing that you've finished your meal, Yata slowly rises to her feet, gazing at the festively decorated streets.
Come on, let's take a walk to help digest.
She pulls at your wrist and leads you into the bustling crowd.
The cooking club once held an eating competition where participants had to start from one end of the shopping street and eat one dish from every store they passed until they reached the other end.
As you and Yata weave through the sea of people, she enthusiastically describes the eating competition's rules, her every gesture brimming with excitement.
All this talk is making me hungry. Anything you'd like to try?
Over here they've got konpeito candy, matcha daifuku, shaved ice—
And over there they've got Lantern and fried chicken!
There are so many food options that even Yata's six hands can barely keep up pointing at them all.
No problem! This one, and this, oh and that one too—let's get two of each!
The two of you make your way down the bustling street, sampling various local delicacies along the way.
This one's extra spicy. Wanna swap and give it a try?
Hmm—your food's way too mild. One day, I'll have to take you to try the island's specialty, the "Spicy Hell".
Hey, save some for me! Don't eat it all!
Wanna grab something to drink? There's a shop over there selling Calpico.
Chatting and laughing together, the two of you head toward a traditionally decorated drink stall.
Wait.
Yata comes to a sudden halt, her attention seized by something.
Is that... Miyuki's robot?
Following Yata's gaze, you spot the handcrafted item that Uncle Morita had taken earlier, now displayed at this stand.
The simple coin-operated robot sways back and forth, with the vendor's kind face visible behind it. The light casts shadows that accentuate every wrinkle on her face.
Yata stands motionless, gazing at the robot in disbelief before her eyes drift to the vendor, lost in thought.
It's been so long... Yata.
The elderly woman seems to know Yata. Could she be a survivor of Hydrangea Island?
...Hello.
Hmm... You haven't changed a bit, Yata.
Back then, Miyuki was about your height.
I'm fortunate to have met you today. Without you... I'd have almost forgotten what she looked like...
But...
Don't be sad. Miyuki always wanted to see you happy. After all, the kids really looked up to you back then.
So, how does it feel to be back here today?
...Happy. I feel happy.
That's good to hear. I'm happy too, you know. Look—Miyuki's little robot is still here.
The old lady smiles kindly as she inserts a coin into the little robot with her calloused right hand.
Thanks for feeding me! Welcome to Misono High Track and Field Club! May all your wishes come true!
The enthusiastic recording of a high school girl's voice breaks free from time's confinement, blending with the festive crowds.
Officer, Morita told me you were the one who helped Yata find them?
Miyuki once told me that Yata used to run around all by herself, keeping everyone at arm's length.
It's wonderful to see that after all these years, Yata is no longer alone.
Miyuki told me about your food stall—how it was everyone's shared dream back then. And now... I can see these kids' wishes come true with my own eyes.
Thank you. Please take the extra food. Consider it my blessing to you.
I hope you will continue to live life to the fullest without regrets.
...We will. I promise.
And you too... May your days be filled with happiness!
After leaving the drink stall, Yata appears somewhat absentminded as the two of you walk to the end of the festival street. You now stand on a slope by the shore, where gentle sea breezes brush against your face and waves crash rhythmically in your ears.
Gathering clouds obscure the moonlight, dark masses stretching across the sky. At least the waterproof tarps and brackets have been handed over to the staff. It's better to be prepared.
In the gentle, peaceful atmosphere, Yata sits down on the slope. She sets her unfinished snacks aside and leans back on her hands, gazing at the glittering sea in the distance.
Without a word, she lies down and gently tugs at you.
When you look over, Yata smiles and pats the soft grass beside her.
As you lie down on the grass and gaze at the vast starry sky, Yata slowly begins to speak.
That lady we just met... she's Miyuki's mother.
Seeing her and Uncle Morita today...
Walking with you through these familiar school grounds, gazing at this same night sky we've always known...
It all feels so surreal—like I'm in a dream.
She raises her hand against the sky, spreading her fingers and gazing through the gaps to the faint stars beyond.
We... really made it back.
Back to Hydrangea Island, back to Misono High.
Every struggle we've been through... it was all worth it.
Hmm, being a hero behind the scenes... It feels pretty good.
After a moment, her outstretched hand closes into a fist, as if gathering all her scattered thoughts and pulling them back to her side.
Yata turns her head to look at you.
As the human hero in the spotlight, do you have any... different insights to share?
Yata responds with a faint smile.
You know, ever since becoming a Construct, I've been worried... that I'm not running fast enough.
I've always been afraid that one day the Punishing would suddenly catch up to me and take away everything I cherished, all over again.
That's why I kept chasing after the shadows of those stronger than me, hoping to follow in their footsteps and learn their ways to become stronger myself.
In this marathon, I passed one figure after another, crossing finish lines they could never reach, until before me appeared—
The legendary Gray Raven Commandant.
The evening breeze rustles by as she lies beside you, her silver hair swaying gently with the grass.
I followed in your footsteps, from Puria Forest Park to the Hetero Forest outside the Inver-Hetero Tower...
Even though we overcame so many obstacles together, the distance between us... only grew wider.
You were like a brilliant shooting star, breaking through every obstacle in your path, as if nothing could ever slow your stride.
...In the end, I almost gave up on catching up to you.
But to my surprise, right at that moment, you turned around, took my hand, and helped me run that final stretch together.
Under the moonlight, the sea breeze carries the tide as it gently washes over the shore, creating a soothing rustling sound against the sand.
And more than that, you guided me to look back at the path we'd traveled together.
It was in that moment of turning around that I finally understood—
I was already running fast enough.
All this time, I never noticed how many others were following in my footsteps.
I've... come such a long way.
As Yata repeats your words from not long ago, she reaches up and gently taps the tip of your nose.
Thank you for helping me make it this far.
She smiles and slowly sits up, her gaze wandering across the landscape as if seeing them for the first time.
As Yata's gaze meets the sky, the wind tousles her hair, and through the dancing strands, her eyes grow ever brighter.
Hey, look over there—
At her call, you sit up as well. The dark clouds have dispersed without notice, revealing a brilliant band of stars stretching across the sky, with the bright moon hanging high above.
Suddenly, a purple bolide launches from the ground, trailing a long tail of flames as it soars into the sky.
It flickers for a moment before bursting with a crackle into countless stars, illuminating half the sky in a dazzling display.
Before the night sky can dim, another streak of flame shoots upward. With a boom, it adds its own sparks to the celestial display.
Next, a hydrangea-shaped firework blooms beneath the dome of the night sky.
The fire... works!
As fireworks burst in quick succession, Yata's voice is drowned out by their thunderous blooms.
To make herself heard more clearly, Yata leans in close to your ear.
I said it's time for the fireworks!
Across the river, fireworks launch one after another, forming countless hydrangea-shaped bursts across the sky, turning night into day as they paint the scene in a magnificent display of light.
We're so lucky! This has got to be the perfect spot to watch the fireworks!
Oh right—make a wish! The earlier you make them during the fireworks, the more likely they will come true. It's an old tradition on this island.
When you open your eyes, you find Yata sitting cross-legged, beaming at you with a radiant smile.
Ahem, of course I am.
But I won't keep it a secret from you. I'll tell you my wish right here and now.
Yata closes her eyes and places a hand over her chest, visibly nervous.
T-today...
No, tonight—
As if catching herself saying something wrong, she suddenly opens her eyes, her cheeks turning slightly red.
Tonight—
A gentle sea breeze passes by once more, caressing your cheeks and making the girl's hair dance in the wind.
The moon is beautiful... isn't it?
But before Yata can finish her words, another round of fireworks screams into the sky, blooming into a brilliant curtain of colors—its thunderous boom nearly drowning out her voice.
I said—
As dazzling fireworks bloom across the night sky, their thunderous booms echo through the air. Yata suddenly lunges forward and punches your shoulder.
Thankfully, you're quick enough to dodge her barrage of lightning-fast follow-up punches.
Ahem! Well, I've made my wish anyway, so don't you ever bring up what I just said whether you understood it or not!
Under the star-studded night sky, Yata stands with her hands on her hips, bossing you around with an air of authority—just like the stern Disciplinary Committee member she once was.
Phew... The night's still young, so I-I'm going to patrol around and... check if anyone's breaking any rules.
If you want to come along, then keep up and don't fall behind, [player name]!
Before she even finishes speaking, she turns away with flushed cheeks and takes off running along the coastline.
You follow her silhouette, your footsteps matching hers as you run together.
As you gaze up at the brilliant fireworks, you lay your hand on the heart, searching for possible words to describe your emotion.
—In your chest is a heart beating just as fast as hers.
