Story Reader / Affection / Hanying: Solacetune / Story
Your view turns hazy under the relentless downpour.
Two mechanoids make their way along a shallow rut, hauling a crate of batteries. As they pass, they kick up a small splash of murky water.
The rainstorms descend in silence. You don't spot Yalin before leaving for the campsite, so you start looking for her.
[player name]! Hanying!
Boccioni calls out both your name and Hanying's.
He's pushing a shipping container, and as soon as you see him struggling, you hurry over to help.
Boccioni!
L-let's get it to a safe spot first. I'm pretty sure there's a thief out there...
A thief?
You instinctively reach for the weapon at your hip.
Someone took my oilcloth tarp!
I really don't want to rely on my waterproof plating alone.
Hanying helps Boccioni push open the warehouse door at the camp. This hastily built storage facility is the handiwork of the Bixi Crew.
After placing the container in the corner, you turn on the lights.
Thanks. We're in real trouble if these documents get soaked.
No, I've just checked everything.
It could've been borrowed by someone at the last minute...
That's definitely possible, but I'm realizing I got too anxious earlier, which wasn't very sensible.
Have you seen Yalin?
Yalin? Has she not returned home yet?
When was the last time you saw her?
Before four o'clock this afternoon.
There wasn't any rain yet.
So, are you asking me to lend a hand?
A familiar, gruff voice rises from the shadows.
How did you all get here?
Dazhu studies the three faces in front of him, each wearing the same confused look.
Dazhu, why are you here too?
I'm worried we're gonna run outta sandbags if the flood hits, so I'm grabbing some more.
This rain just started out of nowhere, seriously...
That little girl? I haven't seen her today.
Hold on... You're here to find her? So she's missing?
Where can anyone go in this downpour? I'll get the Bixi Crew to help.
We need to have your men evacuate the crowd now.
Where do we evacuate people to? This spot ain't even got ventilation! Even I'd feel damn suffocated if I had to stay here for a while.
If the nearby river levels rise, there could be casualties.
All the danger zones are marked, and the Bixi Crew is keeping an eye on things.
Excuse me, gentlemen!
Hanying interrupts the two of them.
Let's take the children here first and have the others rescue the camp. Is that okay?
After she finishes speaking, Hanying looks at you.
Yalin mentioned she was going to meet Boccioni before she left.
Ah yeah, today Yalin came to me and asked about reinforcing the shed.
But we've already set up the shed a while ago, and the potatoes won't be ready for harvest until next month.
Also, that little girl asked me for some vines...
A shed helps saplings sprout faster.
The original plan is to check on the saplings tomorrow.
You never expected this to be Yalin's secret.
You catch a flicker of unease in Hanying's eyes.
Besides, that's my downtime. I told her to come back and find me later.
From what I can tell, she should be home by now.
But that's not the case.
The answer seems to be within reach. After locking eyes with Hanying, you nod.
She could only be there.
Without hesitation, the two of you head straight out of the warehouse.
Boccioni, staying at the camp, looks over at Dazhu.
Were they just communicating on an encrypted channel?
They just vibe.
But aren't they always...
What?
Hey, enough questions. Let's get to work.
It'd be nice if you guys could "vibe" a bit better.
I don't want you mechanoids and Babylonians to look down on me.
Dazhu dons his cloak, watches the water level rise, and lifts a sandbag.
...
The girl strains to hold up a corner of the shed.
When she just laid down the rain tarp, the downpour started.
Rain, whipped by fierce winds, slightly lifts the wooden stakes and batters the canvas she set up with Boccioni only yesterday.
Luckily, she had prepared in advance. After Boccioni left, she quietly took the waterproof green tarp he left at the camp.
Thunder crashes, pulling her out of her memories. Just moments ago, she was desperately protecting this small shed, but now, the sound startles her into a crouch.
Once I shore up this area, I can head home.
Yalin thinks to herself as she wipes the rain from her face.
She coughs uncontrollably, then stands up, trying to keep the surprise she prepared for her two "parents" safe.
The howling wind and rain echo through the hills, silent and equal.
Yalin pants heavily, unable to understand why she still can't secure a corner of the tarp
Right now, she's fascinated by how Boccioni can pull off these tasks so effortlessly.
...
You glance ahead. Though the heavy rain hasn't stopped, it's lighter than before. Fierce winds lift a corner of the tarp-covered shed.
The mountain path is more treacherous than you expected. Hanying steadies you, while the bright green tarp stands out starkly in the night.
You break into a run toward the shed and, sure enough, spot Yalin there.
With no time to waste, you wrap the child in your cloak and lift her frail, slender body.
We're almost there...
Hanying soothes the groggy Yalin.
The scent of earth blends with the moisture in the air, forming a fog.
The fog blankets the mountains and dense forests, obscuring the way home.
...
As you move through the camp, it's clear that some areas have already been flooded, but you can't attend to them now.
Back at the cabin, you carefully lay Yalin on the bed; the girl's consciousness is already fading.
The situation looks grim as you place your hand on the girl's forehead.
You retrieve the fever medicine from your coat, break a dose in half, and give it to Yalin.
(I'm sorry for making you worry.)
Yalin strains to make hand gestures; the aches from her fever make it difficult for her arms to lift.
It's okay...
Hanying joins you in comforting her.
(I want to take good care of those saplings.)
(Can they hold up?)
Feeling somewhat relieved, Yalin can't help but smile.
...I'm going to get a towel.
Hanying quietly stands up to fetch the towel, while the girl grabs your hand.
(Can you stay with me for a while?)
(And Hanying.)
Yalin's eyes hold a pleading look.
Hanying strides into the room without answering right away. She calmly folds the damp towel and places it on Yalin's forehead.
Yalin continues to reach out her hand.
Like this?
Hanying places her right hand over hers, and your left hand is gently pulled over.
The girl carefully aligns the two hands together.
Finally, your skin touches.
You turn your gaze toward Hanying without even realizing it, and her amber eyes rise to meet yours.
Outside the window, the rain softly tapers off. A silver gleam cuts through clouds and mist, illuminating her face.
You can't explain it, but the way your hands find each other feels so natural.
(I want to do something for this place too.)
(Just like you.)
You shouldn't push yourself so hard next time.
With that said, it's clear Hanying still carries the weight of blame on her own shoulders.
(So,)
(You two are more than just good friends, right?)
Then a long, weighted silence settles in.
