Bridge of light

A girl's cheerful voice echoes in a faint memory.:

"N1-Red, you're the best! Let's go see the city together!"

Back in the café, Raiko and Gael are keeping an eye on the girl from a distance.

Raiko says to Gael, "I think she's 17..."

Gael replies, "I'd say 16... But why are we even talking about this? We should go talk to her."

Gael starts to get up from his chair, but Raiko grabs him by the shoulder and says, "I don't think that's the best idea. Look at her hands and face."

Gael observes her more closely and responds, "You're right... she has several adhesive bandages."

Raiko clarifies, "Yeah, she's covered in band-aids. Let's call them that—it's easier. The thing is, if we both approach her out of nowhere, she might get scared or something."

The girl thanking the cashier and preparing to leave. Gael he then says, "You're right, it's better if only one of us goes. Go on, it's your moment."

Raiko, brimming with confidence, replies, "Yeah, let's recruit her—" but he's interrupted by the sound of the bell. The girl had already left. Both stand frozen, their mouths open in disbelief.

The scene shifts to Raiko and Gael walking down the street, following the girl from afar.

Raiko says, "I think the mission we were supposed to handle will have to wait for a while."

Gael replies, "Yeah... I've noticed. The question now is, where is she heading?"

After some time, they reach the western edge of the Cobarran District. At the district's border lies the Neon Coast, a massive canyon that spans across multiple districts. Below it is the Circuit of Lights and the ocean. The views of the ocean are breathtaking.

Raiko and Gael stop at a corner, peering out to see the girl staring at the ocean before continuing her walk toward a bridge—one of the largest in Neonvale. Raiko recalls something Gael had told him before:

"An important note—Neonvale is divided by a large natural river. That river separates the central zone from the southern one, as well as the industrial and residential areas from the eastern zone. Obviously, there are several bridges, but the first one is called..."

Back in the present, Raiko says the name of the bridge aloud:

"Bridge of Light... Gael, I'm going. Wait here."

Raiko begins walking quickly while Gael stays behind.

As Raiko approaches, he notices the girl gazing at the beautiful ocean. He also spots a faint pink glow near her arm, which she quickly hides when she senses someone approaching. Raiko thinks to himself, "Yeah... she's like us."

Leaning on the railing near her, Raiko says, "Beautiful view, isn't it?"

She, a bit startled but maintaining her composure, replies, "Who are you? Do I know you?"

Raiko responds, "No, you don't know me—" but suddenly falls silent as a brief memory flashes in his mind:

"... you're the best!"

Raiko places his hand over his face, covering one eye, and thinks, "Again? It's almost the same as what happened on the bus..."

But he continues as if nothing happened, "Ahem, Yshini, I came to recruit—"

She interrupts him with a serious tone, "How do you know my name?"

"Martin told me."

"Wow... Listen, I don't even know your name, and I'm not interested in joining any—" she is interrupted by him.

"Raiko... That's my name."

Yshini, surprised but confused, thinks, "Raiko... but it doesn't matter. Even if I wanted to... I wouldn't be able to."

She turns away, still avoiding his gaze, and says, "Sorry... I'm not interested in doing anything. In fact, I'd prefer if you left me alone right now."

Raiko understands and thinks, "oh... she doesn't seem very motivated. It's best to try again another day."

He replies, "I get it. Sorry for bothering you. See you later."

As he begins to leave, he thinks, "I'll need her number to coordinate another meeting."

While turning back, he says, "Could you give me your numbe—" but he stops mid-sentence, frozen in shock. Gael, watching from a distance, is equally stunned.

At that moment, Raiko has a memory of Osmerd.

"Osme! I want to have more friends. Can I go out?"

Osmerd responds seriously, "Making friends isn't that simple, Raiko. It's not just about going out, talking, and that's it. Real friendships take time to build."

Raiko feels disheartened and starts to leave, but Osmerd adds, "However..."

Raiko turns back, intrigued.

"Sometimes, with the right person, all it takes is one moment to start a true friendship."

Raiko, thoughtful, asks, "What kind of moment?"

Osmerd confidently replies, "Saving them from whatever they're going through."

Back in the present, Raiko and Gael are stunned as they see Yshini jump off the bridge.

Time slows as Yshini thinks, "No one cares about me anymore... I never even knew who I am... and no one is going to save me—"

But a sudden push interrupts her, and time snaps back to normal. It's Raiko, who had also leapt off the bridge to save her.

As they fall, holding onto each other, Yshini angrily yells, "What are you doing?! Why did you—"

But Raiko shouts back, "What are YOU doing?! You don't deserve such a cruel fate, Yshini. Let me help you!"

Yshini is stunned. She wants to say more but notices that they are about to touch the water.

Raiko quickly positions himself as a shield to protect her from the impact. Finally, both crash into the water.

Above, Gael remains frozen, still processing what just happened, and thinks nervously, "What... just happened?!"