Liv: Limpidity

Good morning, Commandant. I'm still here by your side.

Keep growing within the cocoon, and the day of transformation will come.

I've outgrown the need for things like this... but if it means your approval, I'll keep it up.

Now... I'm ready to carry this power.

Every system's running better than ever.

I'll carry this hope forward.

Keep growing within the cocoon, and the day of transformation will come.

I've outgrown the need for things like this... but if it means your approval, I'll keep it up.

Now... I'm ready to carry this power.

Every system's running better than ever.

I'll carry this hope forward.

Let's march together toward victory.

Stand behind me. I've got this.

All missions are done. Nothing else scheduled. Want to come rest with me for a while?

The body changes, but the soul only grows ever more resilient through each rebirth.

I tested plenty of new weapons with the Science Council. Turns out light gear suits me best.

Loneliness felt like... sinking into the abyss, grasping for scraps of light... But that was long before. Now, I've gathered enough light around me, to shine for others.

...Does this coating look strange? Even though it's coming from you, being stared at like this still makes me blush...

Terminal, sidearm, even this water glass... Don't laugh, but the Science Council says this frame purifies whatever I touch. Helps ward off illnesses. So, I touch everything you use.

I don't want to lose anyone. So I've chosen to love everyone—this whole world included.

After I was born, my mother grew weaker and weaker. But she smiled through the pain even till her last breath. I remember the smile... and I decided to face pain the same way... No, Commandant, don't worry. It doesn't hurt anymore.

Commandant? The fruits and veggies I grew in the greenhouse... are finally ripe. Want to try some? Huh? There's dirt, on my face? I must've been too happy harvesting to notice... Is it gone now, Commandant?

When I was little, there was a blizzard. The snow was so deep, one of the adults had to stomp out a trail for the kids to step on so they wouldn't fall. Now, it's my turn to clear the path, so others can follow my footsteps.

Use me... If singing from a cage brings joy to this world, then I'm willing to stay caged till the end of time.

I went to visit that child at the Youth Center. She was full of energy from crying and playing—truly the very definition of "vitality." The growth of life has always been a breakthrough from nothingness into existence—how truly magical.

...Huh? Did I smile again? Yeah... working with you, seeing us both so focused, like mirrors of each other—it makes me happy.

I'm not afraid of what comes after the war anymore, because I know you'll stay by my side. What binds us together isn't hardship—it's love. We've endured the worst, and we'll share the best too.

Commandant, how come I've never seen this medical report? Did you "accidentally" hide it from me? Oh, fine... I just hope this little act of "pretending everything's okay"... isn't an act afterall.

I used to believe that if one person's sacrifice could bring victory, it's already a perfect ending. But then... you all taught me how to value life. And now that I do... I look back, and you're all gone.

I know you're here.

Lucia and Lee stood by me all these years, helping me become who I am today. Now, I'm strong enough to take on more responsibilities and stand in front of everyone.

If we can, would you keep pets with me? I'd love a scurry of squirrels, two little lambs, butterflies would be nice too, plus some birds and kittens... it won't be too much, I can take care of them all.

I couldn't bear to see you walking alone. So I caught up and held your hand.

If I had to describe what it feels like to be with the Commandant... well, it's like holding a little lamb. Warm, soft, and comforting.

I was once told I'm too vulnerable, which is fine by me. It was softness and vulnerability that made me who I am today. If we stop caring, we lose our connection to the world. And you... you're mine, my anchor in this world.

I saw you. I saw you marching ever onward, through every storm, embracing every version of me along the way. Did you hear my quiet appreciations? Or maybe... the louder affections, too?

If I could make a wish right now, I'd wish for you to be healthy, happy, and to live a long, fulfilled life... I also wish that, part of your happiness involves me.

Alright, I'll accept it all.

How should I repay you... I know a fairy tale, if you'd like.

I'll keep every bit of your kindness close to me, for as long as I live.

Commandant, your Mind Beacon's signaling emotions too... I can feel your heart's sentiments from this gift.

Let my care for you turn into a habit. Let's spend our days and nights together, until it feels like the most natural thing in the world.

That feather bookmark I gave you—it's sitting in such a prominent spot. It must be very happy being in a place you can see it every time you look up.

I've hidden some gifts for you, Commandant. Found them yet? Under your pillow, in your folder, behind your terminal... Our lives are already permeated with traces of each other.

The biosphere holds an entire mini-world inside. As I take care of it every day, I often feel its fragility... and what it's like to be relied upon. Commandant, it feels good to be... relied upon.

Don't worry, I've set your terminal to silent. I'll handle the rest of the work for now.

Hmm... that's fine. Rest while you can, Commandant.

Dandelions turn into parachutes... crabs and jellyfish could pave a small path... lambs become clouds in the sky... Ah! Commandant... It's nothing. I was just... doodling.

Before, I didn't care where the path led, or if it was right or wrong—having you with me was all that mattered. But now... I must guide everyone onto the right path. We all deserve that beautiful ending.

Sleeping so soundly... your brows, your lashes, your lips... all of it. This is who you are, and I hope you'll never change.

That's enough, Commandant. You have to call it a day.

Your hair and collar are a mess. Busy as you may be, you still need to look after yourself.

In that distant vision, there's a vast, clear sky, and the earth is alive again. I'd give my life to make it real. I'll hold the world, but I... I need you to hold me... Please.

Ahem. It's time for bed. If you don't shut those eyes, a monster's gonna come.. and gobble you up—rawr!

Put your worries aside and go after what you want. I'm right behind you, watching, following, supporting, and loving you.

Life is good enough as it is. I'm content.

Would you like to try some? I cooked it myself.

Someone has to walk at the front so others can follow. I'm willing to be that person.

You promised me you'd never forget me, no matter what. I know now—you've always kept that promise.

I want to stand with you, to be part of that hope, and pull the world back from the edge of despair.

I found you again today. Meeting you like this every day fills me with joy, but I can't help but wonder what price it carries... Regardless of the costs, I'll hold on to this joy without changing who I am.

I think I can see farther than before... but I promised you, I'd never go where you can't reach me. I'll always be right here, within your reach.

I used to want to be strong and never hold anyone back. Over time, I wished to let you in... and call you a friend. After all we've been through, our bond runs so deep... I started calling us... "family". But today, I'd rather say this: Good morning, my dearest. A new day, has just begun.

...Hm? Commandant, you're back. I've been waiting for you... Every moment hurts... when you're the one who is left behind... Never mind. Let's make a new promise, alright? Never leave me again. Never make me endure this long wait again.

My balance system's been upgraded. A little shake like this doesn't bother me at all.

Be careful, Commandant! Wait, this shaking's exceeded the normal th... You did that on purpose? Com-man-dant... Next time I won't fall for it.

Shaking me that hard—aren't you afraid I'll fight back? Well... I won't. This is... actually nice.

Mmm, please don't touch... my horns...

I'm here, I'm here... You've got me. I won't go anywhere else.

This frame, has a lot of new gear. Hmm... there's a brand-new Inver-Device, a built-in comm system, bird feathers, ribbons, and little flowers... Want to see? Do... you like it?

Another day lived to the fullest... It feels wonderful.

Break the storm, crush the thunder... I stand unafraid!

I seek only truth.

Illusions, revealed.

Return to dust.

Face the heavenly strike!

At last, the dream ends.

Bear witness.

This is my will.

Lightning, pierce through!

Remember this.

Through hardship, my heart is made clear.

By heaven and earth, I bring you new life.

Ugh—! Just a scratch.

Not nearly enough to shake my resolve.

A lone feather... fading away.

Lean on my strength.

Come to me.

The mists clear, and the road ahead is open.