3 3 304 AniZhuanchangEnd Dear Selena, are you resting from your tiring journey when you receive this letter? cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
4 4 304 As I said, I'm trying to write a play, but it has proven to be more difficult than I imagined. cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
5 5 304 It's a one-woman journey, a path laid with precursors' footsteps. But it's been so difficult to take the right turn. cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
6 6 304 To provoke the emotions I wanted, I even did something akin to an "author"... and made a fool out of myself. cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
7 7 304 I've attached my foolish deeds. If you see this, you can laugh at my mishap as a dear friend could. cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
8 8 304 I must admit that these laughs attest to my apprehension as a young creator. cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
9 9 304 Should I word it like that? Is that metaphor weird? cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
10 10 304 These questions of uncertainty pop up every so often in the process. cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1 1
11 11 304 But the one thing that really shook me was a photo of you I just discovered when I was looking into the archives. cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
12 12 304 It was a photo your mother took of you at the end of the premier night of "The Acadia Evacuation". cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
13 13 304 You were smiling, but you were more unsettled than I am now. You were even... panicking. cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
14 14 304 What happened to you that day? What did you see? cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
15 15 304 You were unnerved by your own work... Why was that? cc82cfff 1 Assets/Product/Texture/Image/BgStory/BgStory00.png 1
20 20 301 Not something as official as a report nor as private as a diary. They're just words, like something you would say to a friend when you talked about your day.
21 21 301 I wish to record my current situation in the form of letters.
22 22 301 I'm currently at conservation area 184, near the old evacuation site during the Great Evacuation. As a member of the Archaeological Team... no, I myself have always wanted to visit this region.
23 23 301 Now, taking advantage of an expedition mission from WGAA, I've finally had the opportunity to visit this area after the red field subsided. Not just to study this place, but to commemorate a hero as well.
24 24 301 I thought I would be singing an ode for the hero or searching among the ruins outside the conservation area for the relics we couldn't bring to Babylonia all those years ago.
25 25 301 But here I am, finding myself before an unexpected audience.
40 40 301 AniZhuanchangEnd Yes, I'm enjoying telling stories to the children here.
41 41 301 They were fairytales in the beginning, but we've somehow moved on to plays now.
42 42 301 What surprised me was how much the children here have an innate understanding of stories. Fairy tales or plays, they've more or less grasped the core emotions of them all.
43 43 301 Perhaps all children have the capacity for art. They're like seeds, waiting to be woken by spring.
44 44 301 It might be arrogant of me to say this, but I hope the stories I told here will bring them a puff of spring breeze.
45 45 301 AniZhuanchangBegin I hope this breeze will reach all corners of this earth.
48 48 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Selena ...Just like that, Prospero renounced magic and forgave his enemy, returning to his kingdom. 1
49 49 202 1 1
50 50 201 1 500260 -450
51 51 201 2 500259 450
52 52 301 1 Girl Huh... but that's not right. 1
53 53 301 Girl Why would Prospero forgive his brother so easily? 1
54 54 301 Boy Right? Antonio screwed him over! Why wouldn't he punish the bad guy? 2
55 55 202 1 2 1
56 56 201 1 500430
57 57 301 1 Selena Well... erm... 1
58 58 301 Selena We'll have to start with the beginning of this character's arc... Right, an arc of a character is the gradual transformation of a character in the story. 1
59 59 301 Selena About that... perhaps I shouldn't explain it outright. You will need to think about it yourselves. 1
60 60 201 1 500260
61 61 301 1 Girl Huh? Why? 1
62 62 201 1 500430
63 63 301 1 Selena Well... Stories don't come with correct answers. 1
64 64 301 Selena If you can come to your own conclusion, it's perhaps a compliment to the storyteller as well. 1
65 65 301 She smiles at the children around her.
66 66 301 Selena So—do you want to listen to a song while you think? 1
67 67 201 1 500260
68 68 301 1 Girl Yes! Please! 1
69 69 201 1 500430
70 70 301 1 Selena Of course, of course. Now, if you would pay attention... 1
71 71 202 1 1
72 72 301 As Selena says that, her gaze lands on the crowd in the distance.
73 73 301 Conservation area 184 is situated near an old evacuation site of the Great Evacuation. Even when ravaged by war, the city nearby is still marked by artworks from the past. Refugees from that city also carry these marks as well.
74 74 301 After they were sheltered, the citizens here would share stories and rumors with the soldiers and vice versa, prompted by brief, chanced interactions. The children even said that operas from Babylonia would play here sometimes.
75 75 301 But right now, this is not a relaxed place with people exchanging tales. On the contrary, Selena can see the sadness that lingers on everyone's face.
76 76 301 A few weeks before her arrival, a moderate-sized battle took place here.
77 77 301 The despair on the people's faces echoes what has transpired.
78 78 301 They need the comfort that a child would need.
79 79 301 So Selena has chosen a lullaby.
80 80 301 She starts gently, like a mother rocking a baby's cradle.
81 81 301 As the song progresses, she increases her volume slowly, making sure her voice is carried beyond the children encircling her.
82 82 301 As the song quiets down, her voice still manifests brightly. Her gentle voice can calm every child it can reach.
83 83 201 1 500430
84 84 301 1 Selena This... is a lullaby. 1
85 85 301 Selena They are songs that comfort children... that comfort everyone. 1
86 86 201 1 500260
87 87 301 1 Girl Will... Prospero hear it too? 1
88 88 201 1 500430
89 89 301 1 Selena Perhaps Prospero needed a lullaby too... What kind of lullaby do you think he'd need? 1
90 90 201 1 500260
91 91 301 1 Girl Hmm... I think a gentle one like the one you sang is enough. 1
92 92 201 1 500259
93 93 301 1 Boy After all his adventures, he might need some compliments on top of comfort... 1
94 94 201 1 500260
95 95 301 1 Girl That's not right... 1
96 96 202 1 1
97 97 301 Selena smiles, walking away from the group of children. They need a space where they can talk among themselves.
98 98 301 AniZhuanchangBegin And she finally has a chance to head toward the person she has been searching for.
99 99 201 1 500430
100 100 301 AniZhuanchangEnd 1 Selena Excuse me. Are you Pieter? 1
101 101 203 1 0.25 -450
102 102 201 2 500019 450
103 103 301 1 Pieter I am. 2
104 104 202 1 2 1
105 105 301 The Construct soldier raises his head from maintenance and takes off his gears, revealing an aged, rigid face.
106 106 301 Selena salutes him.
107 107 201 1 500430 -450
108 108 201 2 500428 450
109 109 301 1 Selena Nice to meet you. My name is Selena. 1
110 110 301 Selena Babylonia has learned about what transpired during the battle near conservation area 184. You have been instrumental during the fight, leading a squad and carrying out a vital decapitation operation. 1
111 111 301 Selena Your bravery was instrumental in preventing a catastrophe in the conservation area. Everyone alive here is grateful for your contribution. Babylonia recognizes your actions and would love to bring you up to commemorate you. 1
112 112 301 Pieter It's my honor. I'll head up if I have time. 2
113 113 301 His response is simple and direct without a hint of joy. Selena gathers from his age that he is long used to commendation like this.
114 114 301 He does not stop speaking, however.
115 115 301 Pieter A notice for commendation could've been done with comms. I wasn't expecting a person. 2
116 116 301 Pieter The song you sang... that was your idea? 2
117 117 301 Selena It was. I thought it would bring some comfort... in the most gentle way. 1
118 118 301 Away from the bonds and rules of the high-brow art world, Selena cannot help but relax in a simpler place like this, where she can be more direct about her intents and thoughts with others.
119 119 301 Selena I worried that it would offend those of you who were on the battlefield... so I decided to sing to the children instead... hoping the song would reach your ears as well. 1
120 120 301 She looks to the side as she says that, and she thinks the furrowed brows of the sorrowful crowd have indeed eased a little.
121 121 301 Selena Perhaps commendations and operas cannot heal the wounded and fight off the enemies... but if there are fighters who protect during battles, then there should be fighters who remember afterward. 1
122 122 301 Selena Piro, the logistician. Bouvar, the scout. Celia, the analyst. And many, many others... 1
123 123 301 Selena I was sent here to make sure they are not forgotten... to make sure their families and the people here understand what they have given. 1
124 124 301 Selena So that the people who live can share the light and have their spirits soothed... This is what the commendation is for. 1
125 125 301 Pieter ...Is that so? You did well. 2
126 126 301 The veteran remains impassive, but his nod seems to suggest a compliment to Selena.
127 127 301 Pieter You're Selena, right? 2
128 128 301 Pieter I've heard of you. A rising star from WGAA... Wasn't expecting to find you here. 2
129 129 301 Pieter Thank you, Selena. I've received your notification. 2
130 130 301 Pieter I still have a mission coming up. Excuse me. 2
131 131 301 Selena Of course... but please, one more thing. 1
132 132 301 Selena You should know a man named Florance... He was a member of your team. 1
133 133 301 Selena He assisted you in decapitating the target Corrupted during that battle. It was crucial to the outcome. 1
134 134 301 Selena The children informed me that Florance joined the army because of an opera that moved him. As a fellow soldier and art lover, I wish to show my regard for his courage. 1
135 135 301 Selena I was hoping to locate his family to deliver Babylonia's recognition to them while bringing comfort to his family and friends. Would you like to join me as his captain after you complete your mission? 1
136 136 301 Pieter Of course. That's what I usually do. 2
137 137 301 Selena Thank you very much. Would you mind telling me where he lived... 1
138 138 202 1 2 1
139 139 201 1 500259
140 140 301 1 Boy I-I can show you the way, Miss. 1
141 141 301 Before she finishes speaking, Selena feels a small pull on her hand. She looks down and sees a boy grabbing her finger, pulling lightly.
142 142 301 Boy Uncle Florance lived quite far away. If Uncle Pieter is busy, I-I can take you there... 1
143 143 301 Boy If I take you, can you sing... that song again, Miss? 1
144 144 301 Boy It's just that, my mom passed during the battle... Your song reminded me of the lullaby she sang me. 1
145 145 301 Boy I... want to record the song so I can listen to it later. Is that alright? 1
146 146 201 1 500430 4
147 147 301 1 Selena ...Of course, dear. We can do this now. 1
148 148 202 1 1
149 149 301 A child's spirit is as delicate as an adult... and as resilient.
150 150 301 Selena looks at Pieter, who nods and turns to leave. As he said, he still has a mission to attend.
151 151 201 1 500259
152 152 301 1 Boy F-for real? That's awesome! Let me find the recorder... 1
153 153 301 The boy takes out an old recording device from his large coat, rust staining its external speaker as a morning glory flower.
154 154 301 Boy Uncle Florance made this himself. We all got one from him. 1
155 155 301 Boy Hmm... I think I have to press this to start recording... 1
156 156 301 The boy finds a button on the device and presses it. Selena prepares to sing.
157 157 301 But instead of a notification that the recording is starting, what they hear is an aria.
158 158 301 Boy Oh, that's not it... That's a song Uncle Florance recorded. Ugh, how do I stop this... 1
159 159 301 The boy fiddles with the recording device in a panic, but Selena catches his fluttering arms and holds them down.
160 160 201 1 500430
161 161 301 1 Selena Hold on... please let me hear this. 1
162 162 301 She lowers her gaze, watching the recorder and frozen in place.
163 163 401 1 36
164 164 301 The boy assumes Selena is enjoying the opera recording, so he stays silent for a second before speaking quietly.
165 165 201 1 500259
166 166 301 1 Boy Uncle Florance... loved this opera very much. He said that was what made him join the army in the first place. 1
167 167 301 The boy seems to be sharing with Selena how he feels and recalling what he was thinking the first time he heard this song.
168 168 301 Boy I also like it a lot... It reminds me of what the grownups fighting the monsters outside the conservation area said... the reasons they fight. 1
169 169 301 Boy What did Mom sacrifice herself for... What she was thinking before she stepped out and fought... I seem to understand a little bit more every time I hear this song... 1
170 170 301 Boy That's... important. 1
171 171 201 1 500430 4
172 172 301 1 Selena Oh... Is that so... 1
173 173 202 1 1
174 174 301 Selena answers briefly before turning her attention back to the aria.
175 175 301 It is a magnificent, flaunting melody. The singer's passionate voice evokes angry shouts at times and tearful cries at others. The two emotions interweave and linger on a thread called death—a lament for someone who passed.
176 176 301 The voice pushes and pulls, reaching high and low, finally approaching the climax—
177 177 301 And then a hand pushes the "stop" button hurriedly.
178 178 201 1 500259
179 179 301 1 Boy Uncle Pieter? 1
180 180 202 1 1
181 181 301 The veteran, who was heading out for a mission, appears behind Selena out of nowhere.
182 182 201 1 500428
183 183 301 Pieter Reed... your dad's looking for you. He needs your help... with your mother's things. 1
184 184 201 1 500259
185 185 301 1 Boy Oh... oh. I'll get going. 1
186 186 301 Boy Miss... can I come and find you later? 1
187 187 201 1 500430 4
188 188 301 1 Selena Huh... Sure. Of course... 1
189 189 202 1 1
190 190 301 The boy packs up his recorder and leaves in a hurry.
191 191 301 Selena watches him go, but her eyes are not focusing on his figure—nor anything else.
192 192 401 1 50
193 193 201 1 500430 4 -450
194 194 201 2 500428 450
195 195 301 Selena Can I ask you a question, sir? 1
196 196 301 Pieter ...Shoot. 2
197 197 301 Selena I heard what the boy played. It was a small part of an opera... 1
198 198 301 Selena The boy said that Florance decided to join the army after hearing it... 1
199 199 301 Selena I know that opera well... It's called "The Acadia Evacuation". 11
200 200 301 Selena I wrote it. 1
201 201 204 2 8
202 202 301 Pieter ...Don't think too much of it. It was my fault that I couldn't stop him from sacrificing himself. 2
203 203 301 The veteran's voice is hoarse but his tone is soft.
204 204 204 2
205 205 301 Pieter You should be proud of your talent. Your work was influential and powerful enough to carry on the legacy you claimed. You did everything you set out to do. 2
206 206 202 1 2 1
207 207 301 AniZhuanchangBegin Selena closes her eyes.
209 209 301 AniZhuanchangEnd She hears the tempest.
210 210 301 She thought she had found the meaning behind her belief and her passion, with which she could build a ship that sheltered people from the storm, taking her through all the unknown tempests on the sea.
211 211 301 She never thought that the tempest would brew from what she loves.
212 212 301 One of the people she mourns now was on the battlefield because of her song.
213 213 301 With the truth revealed to her by the boy, she finds herself once again drifting in the tempest, as Ferdinand and Antonio did.
