shiningdesignersreflections

[shiningdesignersreflections]

The Happiest Kid

During the recent anniversary hell, Marina goes through her belongings on the Ark and comes across a video of Aeon telling her to "always be the happiest kid." While this sends her into an existential crisis during the hell, originally it was a sweet message from the events of Rainbow Fantasy.

Marina had wanted to be a mascot for an amusement park after hearing about a contest for the Happiest Kid, and the winner would also get special perks in the park.

But we can't all be kids and carefree, so in two weeks, we'll hear how the Justiciars' newest member came to join them. (Hint: this member has an owl.)

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Ruyin: Dirge of Loss

Awakened Suit: Dirge of Loss

You can find the original suit here.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Ruyin: Beads of Love

Designer's Reflection: Beads of Love

Obtained: Delayed Devotion hell event

Rarity: UR

Attribute: Gold/Elegant

Awakened Suit: Dirge of Loss

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Merpeople of the Sea

Chapter 2 - Boat on Fire

Chapter 3 - Eternal Coral

Chapter 4 - Wax and Wane

Chapter 5 - Melodies of the Merpeople

Story - summarized

Ruyin was born without the ability to sing, but that hasn't stopped her from trying. If she masters the mersong, then she can control the tides in the Eternal Sea.

One day, she witnesses a shipwreck. A handsome young man fights valiantly, but is quickly cornered. No other hope, the man dives into the sea. Ruyin rushes to save him from drowning, even giving him her merpearl to help him breathe underwater.

The young man is Yuyan, a prince from the Winged Kingdom. He was always told that the merpeople were savage and merciless, but as he gets to know Ruyin, he relaxes. She heals him and tells him all about the Eternal Sea. He's amazed by how wonderful it is.

Sadly, the day has come for Yuyan to return home. But he promises Ruyin that he will come back to see her. Also, he promises to never attack the Eternal Sea. Ruyin finally learns to sing as she leaves him a parting song.

She also decides to prepare a gift for Yuyan when he returns: an outfit woven from merperson silk. The silk itself is gorgeous, and it's only given to loved ones. Ruyin can't wait to see Yuyan again - when he comes back, he leads an attack on the merpeople. One of his soldiers stabs Ruyin in the chest.

But she doesn't panic or cry. She channels all her strength into her mersong, and she finally drives back the intruding army. All of them blink like they're waking up from a dream. Yuyan finds Ruyin, but as he snaps out of the spell, he realizes what he's done.

Ruyin glimpses his memories and learns that someone had tampered with his mind to drive him into a frenzy. But she also says that Yuyan has always wanted to fight. Before she dies, she leaves him one last chance: he must watch over all of the Eternal Sea, not resting once until the day he dies.

Her body then dissolves into foam and joins the Eternal Coral.

Connections

-Ruyin's song causes the Winged Clan's soldiers' ears and eyes to bleed. When we meet another mermaid, Nixie, during the Silver Tide Dreams event, she explains that mersong is fueled by emotion, and it can either harm or heal depending on the intention.

-Yuyan truly wanted to leave the Eternal Sea alone, but in his Reflection for Lustrous Halo, we learn that the Royal Mentor was the one pushing for war in the sea. He even tampered with Yuyan's memories to forget Ruyin and think he'd been cursed by the merpeople.

Fun Facts

-The lore of Ruyin and her people may be inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's tale "The Little Mermaid." The main mermaid falls in love with someone on the surface, merfolk don't have souls themselves so must share souls with a human if one loves them enough, and when merfolk die they turn to foam.

-While reading Chapter 5, as Ruyin talks to Yuyan while dying, her character art begins fading out, starting from the line "You'll have a long life, but nowhere to remain." When she completely turns to foam, her character artwork is gone.

-The Eternal Coral seems to be a Tree of Life for underwater worlds.

-Despite being treated as a plant, coral is actually an animal that makes its exoskeleton from limestone. You can learn more here.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 5: Melodies of the Merpeople

Narrated by Ruyin.

~Content Warning: blood, graphic death~

Narrator: Despite my mother's praise, I still haven't learned the true mersong.

Narrator: When the moon is bright, I swim to the rock where Yuyan danced and weave silk under the stars and moonlight.

Narrator: The moon and stars are interwoven into pure white silk, flowing with the water.

Choose "The silk is stunning."

You: Wow, that silk is stunning! I bet Yuyan will love it.

Narrator: What kind of outfit should I weave?

Choose either "Cloak" or "War robe."

If "cloak," ...

You: A cloak would be nice.

Narrator: Good idea! And since you have a great sense of style, I'm sure you have plenty of other ideas, too, right?

If "robe," ...

You: How about a war robe?

Narrator: It's a custom in the Winged Kingdom to make a war robe, and I bet Yuyan would look amazing in one!

Narrator: But... I have to admit, I'm not too keen on watching him fight in any more battles.

--

Narrator: Almost finished weaving the outfit! Just give it one more push, and it'll be done.

Narrator: As I exit the cave, holding the silk, the water is tainted with the scent of blood. I follow the source, hearing an angry and urgent mersong.

Narrator: It's Fei Mo, my childhood playmate who used to tease me for being mute. Now our best warrior, his scales are stained with blood and his tail is covered in scars.

Fei Mo: Why are you here? Run!

Narrator: Strange weapons glint with icy malice, thrusting toward us. Swiftly, I condense the water into a colossal shield, defending against the onslaught.

Narrator: An array of humans, bereft of fins and tails, glides through the water with ease, casting their golden nets and ensnaring my people like mere fish.

Fei Mo: Barbarians, get out of the Eternal Sea!

Narrator: Fei Mo's mersong, fraught with a sharpness I have never before heard, pierces my very soul.

Narrator: The tide rages and the fish scatter, yet the sword-wielding foes, clad in armor, remain undeterred.

Ruyin: Mom! Sisters! Where are you?!

Narrator: Blood stains the water. My people, armed with coral halberds, surround me, battered and bruised. The mersong, heavy with grief and anger, echoes around them.

Fei Mo: She can't sing. Let her stay in the middle.

Ruying: I can fight, too!

Narrator: Drawing on the memories of Yuyan's swordplay, I condense the water into a lengthy blade and poise myself for an attack.

Narrator: We fight and flee, seeking sanctuary in the Eternal Coral. But there, the wail of death has already taken hold, the merpeople's blood pooling into a river.

Narrator: Standing in the midst of that river is the young man I know so well.

Ruyin: Yuyan!

Narrator: What's he doing here? It's so dangerous, and he can't sing the mersong... I find myself drawn towards him, as if by some subconscious force.

Ruyin: It's dangerous here. You need to get out!

Narrator: My cries of warning are abruptly silenced by a mournful, bone-chilling howl that pierces the air.

Narrator: Yuyan brandishes his long spear and mercilessly thrusts it towards my people. Blood splatters across his cheeks and stains the silk in my arms.

Narrator: The silk slips from my grasp and drifts away, lost to the sea's relentless currents.

Narrator: It is then that I understand the true nature of his visit. His father seeks to create an elixir from our blood, and a battle robe from our silk.

Ruyin: Yuyan!

Narrator: He remains oblivious to my screams, consumed by a strange frenzy that burns in his golden eyes and twists his lips into a cruel smile.

Narrator: A young soldier, adorned with feathers and armor, thrusts a sharp sword through my chest. He looks just as relentless as Yuyan.

Narrator: But I felt no pain.

Narrator: I turn my gaze towards Yuyan, whose bloodstained form dances in the moonlight, much like the night we had first met.

Narrator: I feel a curious sense of illusion, as if my very soul is shattering inch by inch, not by the sword that runs through my chest.

Narrator: Blood courses down my throat, and I part my lips to a wondrous melody. Is it a song? My ears struggle to comprehend it, yet the sound pours forth.

Narrator: It is a cry, a call, a roar, a lament.

Narrator: Finally, I've learned the true mersong.

Narrator: Withdrawing my sword from my chest, I leave a bloody hole in my heart.

Narrator: The soldiers of the Winged Kingdom look like they've just awakened from a wild dream and gaze at me in awe. They flee in panic, their eyes and ears bleeding.

Narrator: The song swells like a tide, a whirlpool, breaking the invaders' strength and will. The surviving merpeople stir, awakened by the melody, and answer in soft voices, their throats still hoarse and broken.

Narrator: I feel no pain, no sorrow, as I walk towards Yuyan. The mersong's slow chant envelops me.

Narrator: He doesn't flee, but stands transfixed, his golden eyes no longer blazing, just staring blankly at me, as if recognizing me requires a great effort.

Yuyan: Is it you...

Narrator: Yuyan kneels before me, a moment of pure joy surfacing in his eyes as he takes my hand in his, just as he did when we parted.

Narrator: This time, his palm is stained crimson with blood.

Narrator: He freezes, seemingly burned by blood for the first time, gazing at the wound on my chest and finally understanding what he has done.

Narrator: He awakens from that feverish dream, confronted with a corpse-strewn sea... a nightmare he has wrought with his own hands.

Yuyan: How could I... forget you... I thought I was fighting against a bunch of scary monsters...

Narrator: He gazes at me helplessly, no longer a warrior with a weapon, but a child who has made a mistake beyond repair.

Narrator: It's the first time I've seen him so lost and helpless, unable to justify himself and murmuring in pain, turning to those closest to him for help.

Yuyan: Sorry... I'm sorry...

Narrator: Gazing upon Yuyan, it's as if the person I hold dear has become so distant from me.

Narrator: Is it because my soul is now whole at long last? I stand atop a great height, looking down upon my own pleasure and pain, upon my sinful and innocent lover.

Narrator: The Eternal Coral shines brighter than ever before. At this moment, I understand the words of the Priest that my soul possesses a special power, but that gaining this power would come at a cost.

Narrator: This is my destiny.

Narrator: Yet I have one final task to complete before I can embrace my destiny fully.

Narrator: I lower my gaze and lift the prostrate Yuyan, my fingers resting gently against his forehead.

Narrator: The tide of memories surges forth from him and flows into my hollow heart.

Narrator: The memories of thousands of battles, the dead bodies of his enemies, his Royal Mentor's harsh training, and his distant father on his high platform...

Narrator: "After you conquer the Eternal Sea, you'll be the King of the Winged Kingdom, and I will be above the King," an old and strange voice rings.

Narrator: "When I win this battle, I'll be one step closer to achieving that position." "Kill! Kill them all! Destroy anything that stands in my way..." the young man says.

Narrator: I look upon Yuyan with a deep sense of compassion. His soul is laid bare before me, with all its joys and scars, past and future.

Ruyin: I know what's going on. Someone twisted your memories and intensified your desire to kill.

Ruyin: But you've always had a thirst for blood. Innocent deaths have always been a means to your goal of becoming a king.

Ruyin: You've always seen the merpeople and the throne as opposite sides of the same coin. So, what's it going to be? Which side will you choose?

Narrator: Yuyan, unable to speak, gazes at me with the pain of a sorrowful child.

Yuyan: I owe you, and I will pay with my life.

Narrator: In a desperate act, he draws his short sword to plunge it into his heart.

Narrator: I gently take hold of his golden-red sword.

Ruyin: Death is not the solution. It doesn't absolve sins or heal your soul.

Narrator: I wipe away the tears from his face and from my heart.

Ruyin: You'll have a long life, but nowhere to remain.

Ruyin: You'll spend all your years, with the last drop of blood in your body, guarding the lives you've taken and sacrificed until the Eternal Coral takes your soul.

Ruyin: I'll never forgive you. This is your fate.

Narrator: The wounds on my body begin to heal, and my scales and skin slowly dissolve into foam.

Narrator: The sobbing mersong consumes the last of my strength, which I give to Yuyan.

Narrator: He'll carry the weight of my unspoken love for eternity.

Narrator: The Eternal Coral glimmers before me, and the souls of my ancestors sing with joy, beckoning me to join them. I drift upwards to the embrace of eternity.

Narrator: Just before I fully merge with the light, I catch sight of the bright red coral tree, which has grown a new branch.

~~

At the dawn of time, gods roamed the land of Hongmeng.

One of these gods swam to the Westernmost Sea and transformed into the Great Kun, becoming the ancestor of the merpeople.

Another god flew across the sky to the east and transformed into a divine bird with golden feathers, becoming the ancestor of the Winged Kingdom.

Although the merpeople and the Winged Kingdom people share a common ancestry, their paths have diverged, and their hearts have grown apart.

Despite their shared origins, they have become sworn enemies.

~~

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 4: Wax and Wane

Narrated by Ruyin.

Ruyin: Aaaah Aaaah Heeee

Yuyan: No, it's Aah Aah Heeee. You got two out of the three sounds wrong.

Ruyin: Aww...

Yuyan: But you're doing much better than your last two and a half mistakes!

Ruyin: I'm supposed to teach you how to read music, okay? When did you start coaching me? Am I really that bad?

Yuyan: Ahem.

Ruyin: Stop sniggering.

Narrator: In a fit of frustration, I drop the conch and collapse onto the soft seaweed, my fish tail creating a mess of foam.

Narrator: Yuyan sits quietly next to me, and after a while, he pats the back of my hand.

Yuyan: Your mersong has improved a lot, but the rhythm is still a bit messy. If you start with a simple, powerful melody, you'll improve even faster. Maybe...

Narrator: I look at him, puzzled. Suddenly, his calm expression falters, and his cheeks turn a faint shade of red.

Yuyan: Remember when you said that the mersong would sound even better with dance?

Ruyin: That's a great idea! But... I'm not the best singer. Who would want to dance to my song?

Yuyan: I can try.

Narrator: I gaze at Yuyan with wide eyes as his face turns redder and he looks away from me.

Yuyan: Forget about it.

Ruyin: No, no. I can't just forget it. You're the prince of the Winged Kingdom, and you have to keep your promise!

Narrator: The moon shines like a pearl, casting silvery waves on the deep blue sea. A solitary rock juts out from the water, big enough for one person to stand on.

Narrator: Yuyan leaps onto the rock, water droplets falling from his shoulders as his feathery clothes flutter in the night wind. Though he stands still, he resembles a bird finally freed from its cage, poised to take flight at any moment.

Yuyan: As a member of the royal family, my entertainment knowledge outside of battle is limited to the war dance passed down through generations.

Yuyan: It's a martial art and swordplay style, created by our ancestors, based on the divine bird that soared in the sky.

Narrator: Under the moonlight, his snow-white sleeves swing like the sails of a bulging ship, and his feet are firm on slippery rocks as he dances with steadiness.

Narrator: The dance is vastly different from the merpeople's style, brimming with energy and power, akin to a stormy sea.

Narrator: Mesmerized by his performance, I try to sing, but my voice comes out hoarse and inadequate.

Yuyan: Keep singing. Don't hesitate!

Narrator: He encourages me with bright eyes that shine like a burning sun even in the dark of night.

Narrator: His short sword hums as he draws it from his belt, echoing the melody of my song.

Narrator: The blade dances in a dazzling display, revealing an unknown creature with golden wings and a sharp beak soaring through the clear blue sky.

Narrator: Zing...

Narrator: When Yuyan sheathes his sword, his forehead is covered in sweat and he is breathless.

Yuyan: You sing even better than before.

Ruyin: Thank you...

Yuyan: You saved me, and I don't know how to repay you. Consider this battle dance my thank-you gift.

Ruyin: Saving your life can't be offset by a dance. When I really master the mersong, and you come back to dance for me, then we'll call it even, okay?

Yuyan: I'm sure you'll learn it in no time.

Ruyin: By the way, are your wounds okay? Did the dance hurt you?

Yuyan: I'm fully recovered now.

Narrator: But Yuyan's gaze turns distant, and he looks toward the blur of lights in the direction of the Winged Kingdom.

Narrator: I know he's feeling homesick again. It's a familiar pattern... whenever we fall silent, his eyes always wander in that direction.

Narrator: For the first time, a strange sensation overtakes my heart: a poignant sadness, akin to the pinch of a little crab lurking in the deep, unforgiving sea.

Ruyin: You don't like the Eternal Sea?

Yuyan: It's beautiful, but I don't belong here...

Choose either "Are you going to send him home?" or "You don't want him to leave."

If "home," ...

You: Are you going to send him home?

Narrator: Though I wish he can stay... I know that Yuyan must return to his rightful place.

If "leave," ...

You: You don't want him to leave... Will you convince him to stay?

Narrator: I won't. It's not for me to keep him here, for everyone has a path to follow.

--

Ruyin: I'll send you back to the shore. The Eternal Sea is treacherous to navigate.

Yuyan: I...

Ruyin: Cut it out. You've been acting weird lately, and it's not like you to stumble over your words. You're thinking about leaving, right?

Yuyan: Thank you, Ruyin.

Ruyin: It's a merpeople's ritual to sing as a way of saying thanks. So, you owe me a song.

Narrator: As we stand in silence, Yuyan suddenly embraces me tightly, his gaze filled with a myriad of emotions.

Yuyan: ...I'm not a merperson, but this is how the Winged Kingdom people express gratitude.

Narrator: My cheeks blush, and the little crab in my heart stirs with excitement, causing my heart to race even more. Luckily, he's not looking at me.

Ruyin: Alright, the sea is tranquil tonight, perfect for escorting you to the shore!

Narrator: I push him away, diving into the icy water, attempting to calm my thudding heart.

Narrator: We make our way towards the Winged Kingdom, with no sharks or enemy ships in sight, nor gusts or perilous torrents. The sea is so peaceful that it mirrors the night sky in its tranquil embrace.

Narrator: I had previously assumed that the Winged Kingdom was distant, but the journey to return Yuyan home is so brief, so fleeting, that I can't utter more than a few words before the lights of the shore come into view.

Narrator: The lights are so brilliant, as if all the pearls of the Eternal Sea spilled on the shore, entwined by a hand and merged into a galaxy.

Narrator: Yuyan's homeland is truly a breathtaking sight.

Narrator: He's almost impatient to rush to the shore, yet he turns back and kneels down on one knee, gazing down at me.

Yuyan: I'll my people to steer clear of the Eternal Sea from now on.

Ruyin: Thank you, Yuyan.

Narrator: I try to comfort him by patting his shoulder, but he misunderstands my intention, holding onto my hand firmly, revealing his incredible strength.

Yuyan: We'll meet again soon! How about we hit up Mirage City on New Year's Day and check out the tallest tower? The view up there must be breathtaking.

Ruyin: Yes, it must be beautiful to behold.

Yuyan: Oh, and your merpearl...

Narrator: I smile, shaking my head while returning the dazzling merpearl to Yuyan.

Ruyin: Since you've promised to come back, I think it's best that you keep the pearl.

Narrator: He gazes at me, nodding solemnly.

Narrator: I take a few steps back, and the water envelops me gently, caressing my long hair like a tender embrace.

Ruyin: See you, Yuyan.

Narrator: He turns around, walking towards the radiant lights.

Narrator: I feel as if all the lights have vanished, and the stars have plunged into the sea's abyss. Only the whispers of the waves linger, resonating in my ears.

Narrator: Until that moment, I had failed to comprehend the sea's whispers, but now I finally understand. I understand the subtle pain in my heart and the glint in Yuyan's golden eyes.

Narrator: For the first time, I feel an overwhelming desire to sing.

Choose "Go ahead."

You: Go ahead. You can make it this time.

Narrator: So I begin to sing, and a luminous melody flows forth, a melody about the dimmed lights and the fallen stars.

Narrator: Yuyan, do you hear that?

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 5

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 3: Eternal Coral

Narrated by Ruyin.

Narrator: I move through the labyrinthine cave with ease, carrying a package of Mirage City's specialty shell pastries.

Narrator: I've been hiding Yuyan's existence, fearing my friends' hatred for those from the Winged Kingdom, lest they throw him to the sharks again.

Narrator: Despite his fierce exterior and sparse words, Yuyan proves a patient listener who never minds my lack of singing talent.

Narrator: There he sits upon a coral reef, his cape's feathers displaying a unique pattern and delicate shimmer, as if poised for flight at any moment.

Ruyin: Hey, Yuyan, I came to see how you're doing. How's your wound? All better now?

Yuyan: ...Much better, thanks.

Narrator: I sit beside him, my long fish tail cascading gracefully below me. He clutches his short sword, gazing at the sea as the flickering light dances across his face.

Ruyin: So, what's with you always holding onto your weapon? You do know that with my merpearl on you, sea creatures won't be able to harm you, right?

Yuyan: This short sword has been with me since I was a kid. A true warrior from the Winged Kingdom never goes without a weapon until their dying breath.

Narrator: Observing my curiosity, Yuyan presented the sword to me.

Ruyin: It's a really beautiful sword, though, and the scabbard as a special pattern on it.

Yuyan: It's a feathered pattern that symbolizes the wings of the golden divine bird. It's said to protect the warriors and help them win battles.

Ruyin: Why is everything always about fighting and killing? Are all the people of the Winged Kingdom so obsessed with war?

Yuyan: As the youngest child of the King, it's important for me to uphold the spirit of a warrior...

Yuyan: We value martial arts above all else. Princes and Princesses are recognized for their battle skills, and only the best warriors get to meet with Father.

Ruyin: Wait, so the only way to see your father is by excelling in battle? That's rough!

Narrator: I offer a shell pastry to Yuyan. He hesitates at first, but eventually eats one.

Yuyan: This is too sweet...

Narrator: The little prince is being so fussy. I decide to ignore him and keep talking.

Ruyin: Even though I can't sing, and my clan thinks I'm mute, my mother always says I'm her sweetest child.

Ruyin: Whenever I want, I can just jump into her arms and get all her care and attention. Compared to you, I'm so much happier.

Yuyan: You're not mute... You can talk.

Narrator: We linger on the coral reef, chatting about everything while watching fish swim in the distance. Though mostly I ask the questions, and he answers them.

Ruyin: Anyway, why do humans always want to enter the Eternal Sea, even when they know they'll get lost if they get too close? It really bothers us.

Yuyan: According to our legend, the merpeople's flesh and blood can bestow immortality, and the silk you make is impervious to swords, spears, water, and fire.

Yuyan: That's why our royal family has always aspired to conquer the Eternal Sea... especially my father, who wants the immortality elixir and the invincible battle robe.

Narrator: His eyes glint with a bright, somewhat guilty gleam as he looks at me.

Ruyin: Hmm... all for those reasons?

Narrator: It's strange how you humans can make up such absurd rumors and take the risk of coming into the strange waters for some dumb reasons.

Ruyin: Now, I'll show you the real Eternal Sea.

Narrator: I pluck some dense, plush seaweed and deftly weave it into a cloak that conceals my form, leading him away from the subaquatic caves.

Narrator: Rainbow-like schools of fish glide past us, while tender anemones sway with the tide and the glimmer of pearls appears and disappears in the water's curtain.

Narrator: The warm Mirage City's lights illuminate the depths like daylight, and the merpeople dressed in veils stroll through the streets, humming softly.

Narrator: With a somewhat apprehensive Yuyan in tow, I guide us through the bustling market, concealing our figures in the coral.

Narrator: In the heart of the thicket stands a colossal coral tree, its brilliant red branches growing out in all directions, resembling flames rising from the sea.

Yuyan: That's...

Ruyin: Here is the starting point of all the merpeople, the Eternal Coral. Look...

Narrator: By the Eternal Coral, my clansmen sit in a circle, their long hair intertwined like seaweed swirling in the water, singing a mournful mersong.

Narrator: At the circle's center sits an elderly merperson who gazes lovingly at the coral, as if reminiscing about her home she can never revisit.

Narrator: The moonlight illuminates the sea, casting shimmering speckles of light on her pallid cheeks, her body weightless, lifted by the song.

Narrator: Her pale, faded tail, her fins that no longer flutter, her long hair that has lost its luster all dissolve into the moonlight, transforming into crystalline foam.

Narrator: Her corporeal form vanishes, leaving only a string of pearl-like bubbles that affectionately cling to the coral tree amidst the clan's song.

Narrator: As the bubbles vanish, the points of light dance, culminate in a grand welcoming ceremony. Fresh, bright red coral branches sprout.

Narrator: The light of the Eternal Coral shines in Yuyan's eyes, leaving him speechless and transfixed, overwhelmed by the farewell and rebirth ceremony.

Ruyin: This is the funeral of a merperson.

Yuyan: But I've heard that the merpeople live forever...

Ruyin: Death is not the end for us.

Ruyin: Our bodies transform into foam, and the most precious element of our souls remains on the Eternal Coral... not living, not dead, not awake, nor asleep...

Ruyin: For thousands of years, our ancestors have guarded this place, growing with the Eternal Coral and reincarnating with the waves of water.

Ruyin: When a merperson longs for a child, they come to pray by the Eternal Coral, and the seeds of their souls rejoin to create new life.

Yuyan: So, this is the truth about the legendary immortality of the merpeople.

Ruyin: Yes, the Eternal Coral represents the will of this Eternal Sea. And only the most complete and clear souls can follow it in its constant metamorphosis and rebirth.

Ruyin: So, an elixir made from the merpeople's blood is useless. When a merperson's soul is incomplete, it cannot be accepted by the Eternal Coral.

Yuyan: How can you tell if a soul is whole or not?

Ruyin: Only a whole soul can sing the song of the merpeople. A crippled soul is like mine, mute.

Yuyan: That means... you're not able to go through the peaceful cycle of reincarnation in the same way as your people.

Narrator: He appears to realize he may have misspoken and drops his gaze apologetically.

Ruyin: Hey, I may be young, but as a merperson, I have the gift of time on my side. I'm sure I'll find a way to make my soul whole again!

Narrator: Yuyan is silent and then nods, his golden eyes glowing in the light.

Yuyan: Okay. I trust you.

Yuyan: ...By the way, what about the legend of the merperson silk?

Ruyin: Well... it's safe to say that the part about being invulnerable to water and fire is a bit of a stretch. Hey, too many questions. Go practice singing with me!

Narrator: I gaze into Yuyan's sparkling eyes and find myself at a loss for words. The silk we make is never used for war robes, but is gifted to the ones we love.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 2: Boat on Fire

Narrated by Ruyin.

Narrator: The ocean gleams with a pearly radiance as moonlight spills over its surface. The tide hums a gentle tune, enveloping everything in a soothing lull.

Narrator: Do you think practicing here will bother anyone? Last time I sang, it frightened one of my clansmen who thought it was some kind of haunting...

Narrator: I look up at the moon and imitate my sisters, tilting my head and exhaling the first few notes. Suddenly, the sea lights up with a beautiful golden glow.

Narrator: Gradually, the first rays of sunlight break through the horizon, illuminating the sea with a flowing light.

Ruyin: Oh, no... a fleet of ships is approaching.

Narrator: With no time to warn the clan, I try to guide the fleet away with my singing, but all that comes out is a hoarse murmur that can hardly be called a song.

Narrator: The reefs used to be alive with singing clansmen under the moonlight, but this time, the waters are eerily silent and deserted. From this moment on, my destiny is already set in stone.

Narrator: Boom! Suddenly, a deafening boom echoes in the distance, and a ship explodes into a shower of crimson stars.

Ruyin: What a beautiful light...

Narrator: The sea erupts in a fiery spectacle as ships launch burning balls of fire at each other, as if exchanging greetings.

Choose "You better stay away."

You: You better steer clear... It's a total bloodbath. They're straight-up slaughtering each other.

Narrator: I have no idea what slaughtering means, only drawn to the alluring flames that beckon me towards its source.

Narrator: I see a grand ship of the Winged Kingdom, adorned in glistening gold and resplendent fabrics, accompanied by a magnificent divine bird with radiant feathers aglow.

Narrator: Yet the air reeks of death, and the deck runs red with rivers of blood. Amidst it all stands a young man.

Narrator: Garbed in white robes and a crown of feathers now stained a deep crimson hue, he stands resolute and steadfast, as if a falcon with broken wings, clutching a short sword against a throng of foes.

Narrator: Despite his valor, the odds are against him. His movements falter, his rhythm unsteady, and he finds himself trapped, with no escape.

Narrator: I see his eyes, gleaming with the reflections of fire and blood, piercing enough to send shivers down my spine.

Narrator: Then, as if a dazzling comet shooting through the sky, he leaps from the ship and plummets into the sea below.

Narrator: Subconsciously, I dive into the water and swim towards the spot where he fell.

Narrator: He's sinking helplessly to the bottom, while the stench of blood attracts a shark, gaping its ghastly mouth at the young man.

Ruyin: Shoo!

Narrator: Extending my arms to cradle him, I cry out to the ravenous shark, as the water around me morphs into a sharp blade aimed at its gaping maw.

Narrator: Sea creatures all tremble before the merpeople. The shark hesitates before ultimately swimming away.

Narrator: The young man in my embrace lies motionless, his eyes shut as if trapped in a painful dream.

Narrator: But my merpearl is capable of granting breathable waters to beings other than the merpeople. I hang it around his neck. His brow smooths, and his body relaxes.

Narrator: While the merpeople are peaceful beings, we admire the bravery of an unwavering warrior. He's human, but standing alone against a hundred foes is no small feat.

Narrator: I swim with him in my arms to my secret hiding place.

Narrator: It's hidden amongst the hundreds of caves that even my sisters are unaware of, ensuring that we won't be discovered.

Ruyin: Hold up. Taking a closer look, you're just like us.

Narrator: As I feed him the juice of the seaweed, his lashes flutter slightly, and his eyes slowly open.

Narrator: With a sudden movement, he knocks over the shell containing the juice.

Ruyin: Hey, I worked my tail off to squeeze that juice!

Youth: Don't you dare come near me!

Narrator: He's unable to sit up, but is holding his sword defensively, his charming golden eyes now cold and distant.

Youth: You're... a merperson!

Ruyin: Check you out, all slim and trim, but you've got a bit of a temper.

Youth: A monster...

Narrator: I grab a bubbling jellyfish and press it against his bleeding wound.

Youth: What are you doing, you monster...

Ruyin: Well, I wouldn't advise struggling. This jellyfish is highly toxic, and the more you wiggle, the faster the poison will spread through your system.

Narrator: Hearing that, his face looks even paler. Releasing the harmless creature, I pet it reassuringly.

Ruyin: Thanks, now you can go.

Youth: You twisted monster... If you want to kill me, just do it... Why resort to poison?

Ruyin: Well, I love to chow down on fresh, young men who can't even move, and tainted flesh and blood taste tangy and delish!

Youth: I would rather meet my end... than suffer the sting of shame and mockery!

Narrator: He manages to sit up!

Ruyin: Hey, easy! I was just teasing you, okay? The jellyfish toxin is actually a painkiller! Do you feel it? Your pain's gone, right?

Narrator: The poison takes hold, and he collapses upon the bed of shells. Yet, his unyielding gaze burns into me like twin golden flames.

Narrator: Undeterred by his ire, I take a piece of seaweed, squeeze out its healing liquid, and apply it to his untreated wound.

Ruyin: Finally, that nasty wound's been taken care of. Hey, why aren't you chewing me out anymore?

Youth: You got cut by some seaweed.

Ruyin: Oh, right!

Youth: If you really wanted to kill me, you wouldn't go to such trouble to fix up my injuries... You're saving my life.

Ruyin: Well, well, looks like you've finally figured that out.

Youth: I'm Yuyan, the ninth prince of the Winged Kingdom. You... are nothing like the merpeople I've known.

Chapter 1

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 1: Merpeople of the Sea

Narrated by Ruyin.

~~

At the dawn of time, when heaven and earth were parted, two domains emerged.

In the frigid Westernmost Sea dwelt the Great Kun, the progenitor of the merpeople.

Meanwhile, in the Easternmost Sky soared a golden-feathered divine bird, monarch of the Winged Kingdom.

The Great Kun and the divine bird clashed on the Eternal Seashore for nine days and nights, staining the tides crimson. Yet a victor was not decreed.

And so, the merpeople and the Winged Kingdom, once brethren, turned their backs on one another, becoming sworn enemies for generations.

~~

Narrator: Today marks my eighteenth birthday, and yet, for eighteen years, I have not sung.

Narrator: At my birth, the Priest recollected. I didn't let out a single wail but gazed wide-eyed upon my mother, then my father, then the golden fish that swam around me.

Narrator: The Priest rested her brow upon mine, peering deeply into my eyes, her expression knit with concern, while I smiled, reaching for her flowing locks of dark green.

Narrator: "She's mute," she told my parents. "A part of her soul is missing, and she was born unable to sing."

Narrator: It's not that I can't talk. I speak every day to the little fish and the seabirds. But to the merpeople, not being able to sing is just as bad as being mute.

Narrator: Our songs are more than just words. They are vessels of emotion and remembrance.

Narrator: I once beseeched my ancestors, imploring them to bless me with the ability to sing the merpeople's sacred melody. At that moment, all the points of light on the Eternal Coral dimmed, as if in a soft sigh.

Narrator: The Priest told me, "Do not be disheartened. Your destiny is special, and your soul possesses greater power than we can fathom."

Narrator: She continued, "Our ancestors knew of your fate and understood that repairing your soul would come at a cost, but they acted in your best interest."

Narrator: I don't know what destiny my ancestors had foreseen, but I remain unable to sing. While my sisters sing on the surface, I stay in the cave, watching as moonlight seeps through the crevices.

Narrator: How extraordinary it is to meet someone who can communicate through "words..." Could you speak with me further?

Choose "I'd be more than happy to accompany you."

You: It would be my pleasure. It's the first time I've met a merperson. Your songs sound mystical.

Narrator: Yes, each night, our clan gathers under the moon to sing.

Narrator: The songs possess the power to make ships approaching the Eternal Sea whirl and spin before being turned away. And, should a pesky Winged Kingdom vessel encroach, we would compel it to circumnavigate a while longer.

Choose "Why?"

You: What is the Winged Kingdom? Why do you people hold such animosity towards them?

Narrator: The Winged Kingdom borders the Eternal Sea and traces its ancestry to the divine bird, while ours is the Great Kun.

Narrator: According to legend, our respective ancestors engaged in a millennia-old battle, but neither emerged victorious.

Narrator: The feud between our clans has persisted up to this day, with ships from the Winged Kingdom constantly coming over in the sea, and we always fight back.

Narrator: But we don't usually harm passersby. We just don't want to be bothered by humans, and sometimes we just want to play pranks on them.

Choose either "But you can't sing" or "Do you want to get in on the action, too?"

If "sing," ...

You: But aren't you lonely, since you can't sing?

Narrator: Not at all. Sure, I can't sing, but I can swim, weave, and do a lot of other things.

If "action," ...

You: It seems like you enjoy playing pranks... Do you want to get in on the action, too?

Narrator: My oldest sister always says it's a good thing I can't sing. Otherwise, those ships would be in some serious trouble!

--

Narrator: Actually, my mother and sisters are worried about what the Priest said, about my incomplete soul and that my clan is isolating me.

Narrator: But I don't feel lonely at all.

Narrator: My clan isn't very fond of talking to me, but I find solace in speaking with fish and coral. I've always been able to find someone to talk to, and now I have you!

Choose "Are you sure?"

You: Are you sure? I'm just a visitor to your memory...

Narrator: Yes, we're having such a great conversation, don't you think?

Narrator: Plus, I've been practicing my singing every day!

Narrator: Let's go to see the moon over the sea together. What do you say?

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Like Romeo and Juliet...

The merpeople and the Winged Kingdom have fought each other for millennia. No one knows how they went from brethren to mortal enemies, but when Ruyin meets a handsome man from the Winged clan, maybe she can find out the truth in Beads of Love.

If the tragedy is too much for you, we'll visit the Ark admins. The younger one wants to enter a contest for an amusement park.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Modric: Graceful Music

Awakened Suit: Graceful Music

You can find the original here.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Modric: Spring Chant

Designer's Reflection: Spring Chant

Obtained: top-up for Valentine's Concerto event

Rarity: SR

Attribute: Gold/Elegant

Awakened Suit: Graceful Music

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Opera Invitation

Chapter 2 - Dressing Etiquette

Chapter 3 - Intoxicated Slumber

Story - summarized

For all his hard work on the Valentine Music Festival, Modric is gifted two tickets to the opera by Queen Ophelia. And it's for one of his favorites, too.

The downside is, his theater buddy is Yeeso.

First, the Justiciar arrives late, and worse, he's wearing a hoodie and jeans. Modric's parents taught him to respect all forms of art with the way he dresses, so he is astounded that Yeeso thought this form of attire is okay.

Yeeso doesn't even like musicals, but he wants to spend time with Modric. Unfortunately, once the two are inside, Yeeso falls asleep immediately during the opera. Modric still focuses on the heart-wrenching plot of a family trying to undo a curse on them all. The melodies are beautiful, the story is gripping... the moment is ruined. By Yeeso's snoring.

After the musical, Yeeso wakes up and still wants to hang out with Modric, who is so fed up that he just wants to go home. The next morning, he receives a box from Yeeso containing a rare record that Modric has been searching for. Yeeso also writes a note saying that he felt bad he ruined the experience for Modric, and to "please accept this token of apology."

Modric never wants to spend the day with him again... but he can accept this apology, and the rare gift.

Connections

-Modric mentions in the Index that he should invite Nikki as a guest next time. While she's never watched an opera, she's been in a concert (Before the Dawn) and theater plays (Flower and Jenny, Green Pastoral), so she probably would love giving another form of stage productions a chance.

-This isn't the first time Yeeso has gotten in trouble with someone over video games. In Iced Coke, he stole an in-game power up from Corleone during a tournament, and when the two met in person for training, Corleone beat up Yeeso.

-Yeeso finds opera boring, but he still takes the stage in Randy's Accordion, where he stars as a musician longing to play his own music to his heart's content. He was actually recommended by Modric to perform as Randy, so this may be his way of reconciling with Yeeso.

Fun Facts

-This is the first (and probably only time) Modric and Yeeso hang out alone.

-Yeeso wants nothing to do with his noble family or his title, but he likes using that privilege to get things to go his way.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 3: Intoxicated Slumber

Narrated by Modric.

Narrator: We are just in time for the opening of the musical.

Narrator: When the lights on the stage have gone out, the curtains open to reveal a gorgeous stage setup.

Narrator: "Fate and Redemption"... this is the theme for the musical.

Narrator: The music and the actors have come together to tell a story of a family that isn't able to escape fate's curse.

Narrator: The hall brims with heart-touching music and leaves everyone immersed into it silently.

Narrator: The climax puts many spectators on the verge of tears as they dab at their eyes with handkerchiefs.

Narrator: I enjoy every moment of the music... that is, until I hear snores coming from behind me.

Narrator: Following the climax, the hall slips into absolute silence.

Narrator: In the silence and pitch darkness, the snores have grown so pronounced that I can feel people looking our way.

Narrator: I turn around and give Yeeso a hard shove.

Yeeso: What's going on? Is it over already? That was fast.

Narrator: I turn back around because I don't want people to know that we know each other. Yeeso yawns shortly after the music resumes, except his yawn gets drowned out.

Yeeso: I knew it would take much longer...

Narrator: I decide to give up on the lost cause and hold up my pocket binoculars to better enjoy the performance.

Narrator: When the lights in the hall are turned back on again, the audience's applause floods the hall as the musical comes to a close.

Narrator: But Yeeso doesn't wake up... not even to the deafening applause. I give him another hard shove on the shoulder and immediately leave my seat.

Narrator: No one is going to find out I'm friends with that guy if we keep a safe distance between us.

Narrator: Yeeso stretches long and hard when he comes out of the theater.

Yeeso: So, what's going to happen next? Wanna go grab a drink?

Modric: I think I'm going home to sleep now. Sucks to be me since I can't afford the luxury of time to sleep during the day like a certain someone.

Yeeso: I think the musical is to blame, though. It was boring. I would have been able to sit up straight all night long if we were gaming.

Yeeso: Speaking of which, I have a match in a bit. Want to give it a try?

Modric: Staying up is bad for health, so thanks but no thanks.

Yeeso: Uh? But didn't you tell me that artists all stay up at night?

Modric: We stay up for art and not for gaming. Let's call it a night.

You: Are you really going to leave?

Narrator: It's been a headache of a day, so I think we really should call it a night.

Narrator: I feel much better now with a good night's sleep. What makes it better is that I'm seeing dishes of breakfast sitting on my table... alongside a nicely wrapped box.

Narrator: I see an extremely rare record inside when I opened the box. It's so rare that I have never been able to get my hands on a copy of it.

Narrator: The record comes with a note with Yeeso's handwriting on it.

Yeeso: The musical was such a bore, but it still didn't justify my behavior last night. Please accept this record as a token of my apology.

Modric: Oh, come on...

You: So, I guess there is going to be a next time, then?

Narrator: Nah. I think I've had enough of him snoring right next to me, so thanks but no thanks.

Narrator: As I take a sip of coffee and listen to the larks singing outside the window, I know it's going to be an enjoyable day.

Narrator: I look back at the record as I put down my coffee cup.

Modric: I wouldn't say I like what happened last night, but I guess this gift has made up for that.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 2: Dressing Etiquette

Narrated by Modric.

Yeeso: Thank God I made it.

Narrator: I stand on the theater's staircase, looking judgmentally at Yeeso.

Modric: Were you just... gaming?

Yeeso: I was. How do you know, though? We had a match this evening, and it took a little longer than I thought...

Modric: Very well, but Mr. Cyrant, are you really going to go into a musical in a hoodie and jeans? And you still have your earphones on, by the way.

Yeeso: Oh, cut me some slack already. I didn't have the time to change into something formal because I rushed out of home.

Narrator: I gesture for Yeeso to look at the sign posted on the wall by the box office... Yeeso is practically in violation of every single rule under the theater's dress code.

Narrator: The theater attendant standing by the door shoots Yeeso a glance of pity.

Yeeso: Oh, come on! I know what I am wearing isn't formal, but it isn't out of line, right?

Modric: Well, there is nothing we can do about the code. Guess I'll just have to go in alone. I'll see you around, then...

Yeeso: Wait, hold on. I can't just let you go in by yourself.

Narrator: I try to make my way to the entrance when Yeeso stops me and walks up to the theater attendant.

Narrator: Then, with an astonished look on his face, the theater attendant sizes up Yeeso.

Theater Attendant: I understand you're from the Cyrant family, but you're putting me in a difficult situation here with that outfit of yours...

Yeeso: It's time that the theater's code be updated.

Yeeso: I don't really see why I shouldn't be allowed inside in this outfit when the theater holds performances done by regular citizens every now and then.

Narrator: With an interestingly serious expression on his face, Yeeso tries to talk sense into the theater attendant.

Yeeso: And we got our tickets from Queen Ophelia herself. Are you really still going to stop us?

Narrator: The theater attendant finally decides to let me and Yeeso through after struggling with himself for a few moments.

Narrator: Yeeso turns to me and breaks into a smile.

Yeeso: See? Even the theater attendant thinks their code can use some updating.

Modric: He only did it because you're from the Cyrants. You have your family's name to thank.

Narrator: I can't make out Yeeso's face too well, but I think I just saw him making a face at me in the dark.

Chapter 1

Chapter 3

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Chapter 1: Opera Invitation

Narrated by Modric.

Narrator: As night sets in, soothing music fills the night sky and trickles down into the city.

Narrator: The theater hall in the big promotional poster sparkles in the dazzling neon lights.

Narrator: The night is only about to start in Valentine.

Narrator: I checked my appearance for one last time... I'm wearing a formal evening suit, an elegant bow tie, and a pair of leather shoes I just polished.

Narrator: And I'm bringing this pair of pocket binoculars with me, of course.

Narrator: Great. I'm perfect.

You: Look at you. What's the occasion?

Narrator: This is just to show my respect to art.

You: But the music festival is already over, no? Why didn't you go back with Queen Ophelia?

Narrator: I'm staying behind to catch a musical that I've always wanted to watch.

Narrator: Tickets to this musical are extremely hard to come by year after year, but Queen Ophelia was kind enough to save two seats for me.

You: Two tickets? Who is the other one for?

Narrator: It's for a friend who's helped out at the music festival.

Narrator: As night sets in, I begin to see well-dressed spectators arriving at the theater.

Narrator: But I haven't seen the only person I've been waiting for. Checking the time on my watch, I turn around and start making my way to the box office.

You: Aren't we still waiting for someone? Are we just going to go in without them?

Narrator: He isn't a big fan anyway, so there is no way I'm going to miss the opening for him.

Choose "I think I know who he is now!"

You: Not a big fan of stage plays and helped out at the music festival... I think I know who he is now!

Yeeso: Hey, Modric, wait for me!

Narrator: I turn around... and see Yeeso running this way at top speed as he waves his arm at me.

Narrator: Great. My head is starting to hurt already.

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

[shiningdesignersreflections]

Tickets From The Queen!

Modric has been dying to see his favorite musical onstage. Tickets are so hard to get, but after all his hard work on the Valentine music festival, he gets a chance in Spring Chant.

But the Queen sent him two tickets. Who is his theater buddy going to be? And will they get along?

Then, we'll travel to Mirage City to hear the story of a mermaid.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

William: Johnny's Wish

Awakened Suit: Johnny's Wish

You can find the original suit here.

[shiningdesignersreflections]

William: Johnny's Garden

Designer's Reflection: Johnny's Garden

Obtained: Styling Competition

Rarity: SSR

Attribute: Gold/Elegant

Awakened Suit: Johnny's Wish

Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection

Chapter 1 - Special Invitation

Chapter 2 - Garden and Roses

Chapter 3 - Aiko and the Girl

Chapter 4 - True Golden Rose

Story - summarized

William and Susan get an invitation in the mail to star in the latest December Troupe play. William will play the lead, a boy named Johnny who desires to grow the first golden rose. Susan excitedly helps him practice. The day of the show arrives. William steps onto the stage and begins the story of the alchemist gardener.

Johnny loves his garden dearly. He tries everything to grow precisely golden roses. The rest of his garden is blooming, but still nothing gold. Neighbors come by to offer help, but Johnny thinks more people around will hurt his garden.

But one day, he returns to his garden to find everything eaten by a little goat. Betty, the goat's owner, offers to make it up by helping grow a new garden. Johnny is too overwhelmed to do anything. Betty realizes that Johnny is lonely in his garden, and she suggests inviting his neighbors to come and enjoy the flowers.

Johnny feels certain that no one wants anything to do with him - to his surprise, three neighbors agree to come. With warm food, blooming roses, and lively company, Johnny realizes he doesn't need to alchemize a golden rose: his garden is perfect just the way it is now.

Connections

-William's character Johnny meets a girl named Betty. Susan plays Betty in her Reflection Betty's Lamb, showing her side of the story.

-When Nikki joins December Troupe in Flower and Jenny, she needs to find a midnight rose, which is another magical flower within the troupe's connected shows.

Fun Facts

-Historically, alchemy was practiced in secret for a couple of reasons: the fear of execution, and the desire to protect the scientific process, as alchemy is considered an ancestor to modern chemistry.

-William is perfect for the role of Johnny because of how similar they are: intelligent boys who pursue alchemy, who are also shy and socially awkward.

-Even though the twins play Johnny and Betty, it's unclear if they play those roles at the same time onstage.