Story Reader / Event Story / Stellar Narratives / Story
Hello, excuse me, would you be interested in something called "Sunset Chase"?
As you walk through the streets of Constellia, a mechanoid suddenly steps in front of you, cheerfully handing over a flyer.
According to research, the glow of a sunset fades slowly after the sun goes down. But if you run toward the horizon during that time, it can create the visual illusion that the colors linger just a little longer.
To help with that, we've set up a special viewing platform and a scenic running path that points straight toward the horizon. You'll find all the details on the back of the flyer. We'd love to have you join us!
You take the flyer and glance at the location. The terminal shows it isn't far. A quick check of the time confirms it's close to dusk. If you head over now, you should catch the sunset just in time.
You repeat the words under your breath, and without thinking, a certain pink-haired Construct comes to mind.
You arrive at the event site, and just as expected, Ishmael is already there. She's standing at the edge of the platform, one hand resting lightly on the railing, quietly watching the sky at the far end of the sea.
You're here. Come closer, I found a perfect spot.
Look at that. The whole sky painted in color... and the ocean sparkling beneath it. It's all right here in front of us.
Her voice is calm, like always. It's almost as if she knew you'd show up. You never plan these encounters, and you never go looking for her. But somehow, every time you wish you could see her, she's already there.
You step up beside her. Following her gaze, you see the sky filled with streaks of crimson and gold, flowing gently downward, casting a luminous glow over the endless sea.
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Ishmael hums an unfamiliar tune as the sunset light warms her face. Mysterious and distant as she always is, something about her in this moment feels unexpectedly intimate.
You realize that she always stops to watch the sunset. Whether she's on a mountaintop, by the sea, or under Babylonia's artificial sky, she never misses that beautiful moment when the sunlight begins to fade.
When someone is drawn to a certain view, there's usually a reason behind it.
As if reading your mind, she turns to you. There's a soft smile in her eyes.
Maybe it's the ever-changing beauty of nature. Maybe it's how the scenery reflects their thoughts. Or maybe the scene helps them keep a certain memory alive.
So, Gray Raven, what do you think my reason is?
Whenever she watches the sunset, her eyes always drift far beyond the sky in front of her, as if they're searching for something out of reach...
She doesn't answer—just smiles quietly, which pretty much confirms your guess.
She looks toward the horizon. The colors are already starting to fade. After a moment of silence, she speaks again.
That memory's important, sure. But it's only part of the reason. As for the rest... I think it has something to do with realizing that sunsets always end.
At first, I thought it was simple. Today's sunset fades, tomorrow's comes right on time. Day after day. Always there, never changing.
But later, I realized that nothing in this world lasts forever. Even the things we believe will never change—given enough time, they wear away like stone turning to sand and eventually vanish.
So maybe I watch sunsets because they remind me of things that will eventually disappear. Or maybe... because it feels like a small way to hold on to something that's slowly slipping away. Probably both.
The last streak of crimson sinks beneath the horizon. Night falls slowly, like ink spilling across the sky. The light fades from her eyes, leaving only a quiet calm, deep and still as the ocean.
In that silence, Ishmael seems to come back from wherever her thoughts had drifted.
Ah, so the sunset's gone already...
Then we should go too.
Ishmael steps away from the railing. The streetlights along the path begin to flicker on as she starts walking slowly toward the exit, her steps casting long shadows.
But you stay where you are, not following her. For some reason, the look on Ishmael's face just now won't leave your mind. It doesn't feel right to end the day like this.
Someone runs past, and it's only then that you notice the path ahead is full of people sprinting toward the sunset. As you watch them go, an idea suddenly hits you.
...Gray Raven?
You grab Ishmael's hand.
As your lungs protest, the breath you've been barely holding together slips, and your body can't keep up the pace. You slow down, first to a jog, then a walk, until you finally stop.
Panting heavily, you lift your head. Ishmael is still beside you, but the rest of the path is empty. Looks like you unknowingly left everyone else behind in your full-on sprint.
And yet, no matter how hard you run, the sky on the horizon keeps dimming. The fading sunset doesn't pause, not even for a second.
Sunset glow is just scattered sunlight in the upper atmosphere after the sun goes down. To catch up with it, you'd have to catch up with the sun itself, and there's no way human legs could manage that.
Your full sprint clearly didn't faze Ishmael. Her voice is steady, as always. While she talks, she gently pats your back, helping calm your breathing.
You knew it was impossible. So why did you run?
She tilts her head slightly, looking right at you. There's a hint of curiosity in her silvery eyes.
Ishmael doesn't say anything. She just keeps looking at you, long enough that you start wondering if pulling her into this on such a flimsy excuse was a bit ridiculous. Then, suddenly, she smiles.
It's barely there, just the corner of her mouth turning up. But for some reason, it feels like she's smiling from the heart.
You're still exactly the same...
Ishmael doesn't explain. Instead, she looks back to the sky, where the last traces of color remain. After watching in silence for a moment, she speaks again, her tone light and clear.
There's a simpler way to hold on to the sunset than chasing it.
Gray Raven, hold tight.
Ishmael moves in closer and slips her arm around your waist, like a dance partner.
Before you can say anything, the ground vanishes beneath your feet.
Images rush through your mind all at once—falling ground, the blue sky, clouds rushing toward you. They flash by in no clear order, leaving you momentarily dizzy.
As the dizziness subsides, you suddenly realize you're already high in the sky.
Gravity pulls at you, trying to drag you down, but Ishmael holds you close, steadying your body with a gentle embrace.
There's a simpler way than chasing the horizon. If we fly high enough, the sun will light the clouds again, just for us.
You follow her gaze. A vast sea of churning crimson clouds stretches out below. The sun, which had already dipped below the horizon, now pours its final, fiercest light across the sky.
Golden light sets every cloud aglow like burning amber. Up here, with just the two of you, time and sound seem to disappear. All that remains is the breathtaking beauty of an endless dusk.
A brilliant sunset... just like that time...
This is the glow we chased. Stay with me a little longer, until the very last bit of light fades.
