Story Reader / Affection / Selena: Pianissimo / Story
A solitary whale glides through distant, deep waters.
She hears herself lingering amidst ruins, and sees herself wandering through the desolate wilderness.
She witnesses countless sunrises and sunsets on Earth, where forests and mountains bathe in radiant light,
She sees colorful clouds painted blood-orange, soaring above the boundless ocean.
She witnesses countless moons, their waxing and waning measuring the scale of life. She sees silence embracing cities, and musical notes dancing through time.
Clocks tick faster and faster as masked gods of tragedy and comedy descend from the heavens in chariots drawn by black panthers.
Lost dreams finally awaken, and after the storm, a rainbow hangs delicately between heaven and Earth—
—Selena.
A call pierces through the suffering brought by calamity, dispelling empty illusions, resonating from the dazzling sunlight—
Inside the connection pod, Selena knits her brows tightly as she adapts to her new frame. It's not looking promising.
M.I.N.D. transfer complete. So far, everything looks normal compared to the data from her old Transcendant frame.
To be honest, I didn't expect Hamlet's stored Whalesong data to help stabilize her M.I.N.D., but... it worked.
Comparing the data stored within the iris flower formed by dots of light extracted from Hamlet, Asimov sinks into deep thought.
Hm...
Dashes flicker across the display screen. In the connection pod, Selena's fingers twitch slightly.
[player name]...
Her bright eyes sparkle with tender, lingering colors.
She sees... She sees the human who has been watching over her, comforting her, guiding her all this time.
All her pain vanishes beneath the warmth of sunlight.
The connection pod opens slowly, revealing her like Sleeping Beauty asleep in a crystal. She looks forward to this meeting, yet worries about her "rebirth."
A cold touch falls into your palm.
She gently holds your hand.
...
I've pictured this scene so many times...
What should I say when I see [player name] again?
"Nice to meet you" sounds too formal, but "hello" feels... bland. I'm not sure what kind of greeting would feel right...
Her voice is like the soft, melodious song of a skylark.
I used to worry that when we met again, I wouldn't be ready, that I wouldn't look perfect enough...
But the "ideal me"... always felt like a distant shore I couldn't reach.
Clearly, Selena has noticed the "scars" on her shoulder.
But would there ever be such a perfect moment? At the perfect time, in the perfect place, with the perfect me...
Before the frame swap, I kept wondering whether I should let you see me like this...
Her lips curve into a gentle smile as she softly takes your hands in hers.
But now I know... I just wanted to see you again.
And if that means showing you a flawed, unfinished version of me... then I'm okay with that.
I'm glad you were the first person I saw when I woke up. And I'm glad I didn't wait for some perfect version of myself to appear...
...I've missed you, [player name].
Time slips away quietly as you sit together. Selena whispers words too profound for any letter to hold.
She tells of the sights she saw on the surface, of time wandering alone on moonlit snow plains, of skies filled with countless stars, and of every poem she recorded in her tattered journal.
...Excuse me?
The frame adaptation's done, but there are a few important things to note...
Ah... Sorry about that!
Startled from your intimate moment together, a blush rises to Selena's cheeks.
Actually, I should probably be the one apologizing... ahem.
The staff takes out a report and gives a brief summary.
With the data from Hamlet integrated, your M.I.N.D. is stable for now, and there's no rejection reaction to the modified frame.
Even so, we built this frame pretty hastily, although we used Capriccio as the base. Some functions still needed definition, so we had to make some visual sacrifices.
She gestures at the "scars" on Selena's shoulder.
In order to transfer her core parts and M.I.N.D. into this frame, we had no choice—it was either that or sacrifice practicality for aesthetics.
That girl named Leonie, the one who used to work in Section 2 and then went to WGAA, argued with us for ages. She finally gave in, though.
According to WGAA's original design, this frame's exterior is only about ninety percent complete. We'll fix the rest over time.
Well... that's about it. If nothing else needs my attention, I'll let you be.
The staff member politely shows the two of you out of the testing area.
Standing in front of the Science Council's main entrance, you exchange uncertain glances. Selena suddenly lets out a soft laugh.
...Pff.
What a... dramatic conclusion.
I'd love to take a walk with you in Babylonia again and keep talking about the past. But...
The chairman told me the military wants me to report in now that I've synced with the frame. Apparently, they have some questions.
Don't worry, it's just a routine inquiry...
You know where to find me... You'll come, won't you?
You unintentionally touch the "scar" on her shoulder. Selena gives a gentle smile before turning around and heading to the military building.
Just as Selena said, it is indeed just a brief inquiry.
According to Celica, because of Selena's achievements, the special nature of her frame, and the WGAA's endorsement...
...After confirming she knows nothing about the "agent" who modified her and finding no M.I.N.D. tampering, the Control Court temporarily drops the matter, requiring only regular activity reports and confinement to Babylonia until threat clearance.
Having finished some work and received what you asked someone to find from the Science Council, you look at the nice weather and decide that today is the perfect day to visit Selena.
Winding through several streets, you follow the address from her previous letters to Selena's home in the residential district.
Your call goes unanswered. The thick door is blocking any sounds from within.
A moment later, the door slowly opens.
...[player name]?
The girl with deep blue hair looks at her visitor with delight.
I know you'd honor your promise... Please, come in.
She steps aside, ushering you into the room.
The room is simple yet cozy. On the table sits a bouquet of bionic flowers with a card. The card has vibrant colors and oversized letters that convey the writer's excitement:
Welcome home, Selena! —Ayla
Ayla sent it. She's very happy, and... so am I.
Noticing my gaze on the bionic flowers, Selena explains softly while preparing tea.
After Selena's frame replacement, you went out of your way to find these "gifts."
A gift...
Her clear eyes light up with excitement.
Inside the box are a roll of special material for repairing Construct skin and a can of special paint.
This is...
After these materials were developed, they were abandoned because they could only repair the surface without providing any medical benefits. You noticed the report while taking inventory of supplies.
You had to apply a few times to get your hands on these. They are pretty much useless for other Constructs.
But at least they can cover the "scars" that have been bothering her.
...
Soft strands of hair cascade down, veiling the side of her face as rose-colored light climbs onto her, bathing her in a brilliant glow.
I don't even know how to put this gratitude into words...
She gives you a gentle hug.
I really appreciate it, [player name].
No...
Instead of leaving it to WGAA, I'd rather complete this frame with you.
She turns to the side, brushing her soft long hair aside to show the "scars" on her arms and shoulders.
The wounds not covered by synthetic skin reveal internal mechanical structures, like shattered porcelain pieces interlaced across her shoulders.
It doesn't hurt. No side effects either.
If survival only costs this much, I'd call that a miracle.
I've made peace with living like this, but still...
That sunlight reaches the deep abyss of your heart first.
Following the instructions and with Selena's help, you carefully apply the appropriate amount of material to cover the scars.
The synthetic skin feels slightly cold to the touch. As the highly elastic, metallic-like material absorbs your warmth, it wraps around the girl's arms.
You carefully cover all the scars with the remaining material. Selena bows her head slightly, the dark blue cascade of her hair grazing your fingertips.
This is enough for me. Really!
She examines the new skin on her shoulders with joy.
Although this material adheres as closely as possible to synthetic skin, it's still different from her original skin tone.
You specifically asked a member of the WGAA to buy special paint used for frame coating. By painting on the seams between materials, you can conceal the cracks in the frame.
You open the special paint container, but pause before you dip your brush into the paint.
I don't have any big ideas either...
Maybe we could sketch something out first?
You spread a piece of paper across the small table. Selena stands beside you, thinking together with brushes in your hands.
Maybe you are inspired by Selena's hair ornament.
How about we paint some floral vines?
"Use gold and silver grapes for decoration, add leaves and silver irises..."
The girl's gaze, gentle and tender, lingers on the paper.
The brush strokes carve out flowing arcs, winding and turning until they form silvery-white patterns.
Exactly how I pictured it...
She holds the paper up to the light, watching as the white vines bloom in the sunlight.
Would you draw it onto the frame for me, [player name]?
Selena sits quietly in the chair as you stand behind her, brush in hand, tracing the pattern you created together onto her shoulder.
At this angle, she can't see your expression, but she can feel the soft touch of the brush tip gently on her shoulder.
Like a gentle spring breeze, the paint traces across her synthetic skin.
She imagines your focused gaze behind her while tracing the gel-like material, bringing it to brilliant life...
Springs merge with rivers and are embraced by the ocean. The winds in the sky will always carry a sweet tenderness.
The floral vines grow along her arms, filling in the wounds on her frame while also mending her battle-worn soul.
[player name]...?
Nothing...
It's okay. We've still got plenty of time.
Reassured, Selena relaxes and puts her hands together.
Warm light bathes the room in a gentle glow. It's all so perfect that she feels the need to confirm this is real.
Thankfully... this isn't just another dream.
The special gel-like paint quickly blends into the skin, completely covering the color differences.
Is it... finished?
Her emotions nearly overflow as Selena presses her lips together, eagerly awaiting the answer.
With the last brushstroke, the floral vine design blossoms beautifully across her shoulders.
...
Selena walks to the mirror and stares in awe at the girl in the reflection.
Exquisite floral patterns climb upward along both arms, perfectly hiding her old scars.
Selena is left speechless. Words seem too hollow to express her feelings at this moment.
Her M.I.N.D. has never been more stable—not just because of the white patterns painted on her frame, but because of the person who cares about her every move...
No flaws. Everything's perfect.
I really do love them...
She lifts the hem of her dress and spins gracefully, showing you her "new" frame.
It feels like something out of Aphrodite's magic...
It feels as beautiful as a dream, yet the sunlight pouring in, the gentle breeze from the window, and the texture of the floral patterns, everything tells her that this is reality.
Her weathered soul has been carefully mended. She has already returned to the paradise that she belongs to.
After taking photos of Selena using the terminal as she asked, protocol dictates that any modifications to a frame's appearance must be reported.
After filling in the frame version, Selena stares at the blank space for "frame name."
This frame... I haven't given her a proper name yet.
The Science Council still calls it "Capriccio". I never really thought about naming it until now...
I want to give myself a new name.
She touches the floral patterns on her shoulder.
Do you have any suggestions, [player name]?
Your gaze sweeps across the room, settling on the stack of sheet music on the table. Vague whale songs begin to echo in your mind as ancient Kowloong texts you've seen slowly rise to the surface of your memory.
Great music is silent. Great forms are formless...
Selena repeats your words.
You've read Kowloong's works too? I came across that line once.
The most beautiful music is often the softest—pianissimo, barely more than a whisper. True art doesn't shout; it silently becomes one with the world around it.
Selena smooths her long hair stirred by the breeze from the window, smiling.
"Pianissimo"...
What do you think of that as a name for this frame?
You mean... "Peace in me"?
Well, I don't mind the pun.
"Only the experience of hell can exercise the power to create heaven, only through the blood of the fingers can the world pop into existence." Remember that letter I wrote you?
I never once regretted becoming a Construct, or walking into that station.
That's why this name means so much more to me now.
Someone once gave their life to protect me, so...
She can never forget the bloody path at the space station paved by the bodies of those who sacrificed themselves for her.
If the day ever comes when the world needs me to do the same... I won't hesitate.
Because I believe the seeds of our civilization will one day bloom brighter than ever...
The girl's eyes are gentle yet determined, sparkling with earnest.
But that's just a hypothetical...
So yes, I really do like this name.
With great care, she writes "Pianissimo" in the frame name field.
