Yayoi, a Joto Heisho ranked Nekovalkyrja, slowly stirred from the depths of unconsciousness, her consciousness gradually emerging from the haze of pain and disorientation. As her eyes fluttered open, she was met with the sight of the sterile ceiling of the starship YSS Resurgence's Medical bay. She couldn't help but feel a surge of relief that washed over her. They had succeeded in their mission; they had saved the planet from the clutches of the Mishuu, the sworn enemies of the Yamatai Star Empire.
With a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips, Yayoi shifted her gaze to her surroundings, taking in the familiar hum of medical equipment and the soft glow of monitors casting a gentle light across the room. Her unique heterochromatic eyes, one a striking shade of red and the other a vibrant yellow, surveyed the room briefly before settling on the door. It was time to leave this place, to return to her duties, to the quiet solitude of her own thoughts.
Despite the lingering pain in her legs, Yayoi's movements were determined as she pushed herself upright, her muscles protesting the sudden exertion. She glanced down at her limbs, encased in the protective shell of her Power Armor, grateful for the advanced technology that had saved her from more severe injuries. With a silent nod of approval, she acknowledged the skill of the medical team who had tended to her wounds, their expertise evident in the meticulous care they had provided.
With a sense of purpose driving her forward, Yayoi swung her legs over the edge of the medical cot, testing her weight gingerly as she prepared to stand. The familiar sensation of relief washed over her as she realized that the worst of the damage had been repaired, her body responding to the healing ministrations of the ship's medical facilities.
As she made her way towards the doors of the medical bay, her movements purposeful yet unhurried, Yayoi couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach. She knew that her daughter Yuri, a skilled medic serving aboard the same ship, would be concerned for her well-being. Yet, Yayoi couldn't bring herself to face her daughter just yet, couldn't bear the thought of seeing the worry etched into Yuri's features.
And so, with a silent resolve hardening her expression, Yayoi slipped out of the medical bay, her footsteps echoing softly against the metal floors of the starship. She would find solace in the quiet solitude of her quarters, allowing herself a moment of respite. She passed Yoshiro, but trusting that Poppy, or another medic could help him, she made no comment.
Yuri, Yayoi's daughter, had suddenly appeared in front of her mother before Yayoi could go to her quarters. "mommy! so your away mission was over?" Yuri had asked her, and smiled, unaware that Yayoi had been injured.
Yayoi's heart skipped a beat as she found herself face to face with her daughter, Yuri. The unexpected encounter caught her off guard, her carefully constructed facade of composure momentarily faltering in the presence of her beloved child. Yuri's bright smile, brimming with innocence and affection, melted away the walls that Yayoi had erected around her emotions.
For a fleeting moment, Yayoi hesitated, her mind racing as she searched for the right words to conceal the truth of her injuries from her daughter. But as she met Yuri's gaze, so full of trust and admiration, Yayoi found herself unable to deceive her precious child.
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Yayoi reached out to gently cup Yuri's cheek, her touch tender and reassuring. "Yes, my dear," she replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of warmth and affection. "The mission is over, and I'm here now, safe and sound."
Yuri's smile widened at her mother's words, her eyes shining with pride and admiration. "I'm so glad to see you, Mommy," she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Yayoi in a tight embrace. "I was worried about you."
Yayoi returned the embrace, holding Yuri close to her heart as a surge of guilt washed over her. How could she have considered hiding the truth from her daughter, when Yuri's love and concern were the very things that sustained her? "I'm sorry," Yayoi murmured, her voice tinged with regret. "I didn't mean to worry you. But I promise you, I'm okay."
Yuri pulled back slightly, her gaze searching Yayoi's face for any signs of deception. Finding only sincerity reflected in her mother's eyes, she nodded in understanding, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"I trust you, Mommy," Yuri said softly, her voice filled with unwavering faith. "Just promise me that you'll take care of yourself from now on."
Yayoi nodded, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for her daughter's unconditional support. "I promise, my dear," she vowed, her voice steady and resolute. "I'll always take care of myself, for your sake."
And as they stood there, locked in a tender embrace, Yayoi knew that no matter what trials lay ahead, she would face them with the unwavering love and support of her beloved daughter by her side.
"I was heading to my quarters to make sure this is reattached, it was acting wierd before" Yuri said holding a clock in her hands. "want to come? we could go to the Wardroom and get something to each together after?" She asked her mother.
Yayoi couldn't help but smile at Yuri's innocence and thoughtfulness, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of her daughter's earnest desire to spend time together. Despite the lingering unease gnawing at the edges of her mind, Yayoi knew that she couldn't deny Yuri's request, couldn't bear to disappoint her precious child.
"Of course," Yayoi replied, her voice soft with affection as she reached out to take the clock from Yuri's hands. "I'd be happy to accompany you."
With a gentle squeeze of Yuri's hand, Yayoi fell into step beside her daughter as they made their way through the corridors of the starship. The weight of the clock in her hands served as a comforting reminder of the bond they shared, a tangible symbol of the love and connection that bound them together.
As they reached Yuri's quarters, Yayoi followed her daughter inside, her eyes scanning the familiar surroundings with a sense of nostalgia. The room was filled with trinkets and mementos, each one a testament to the memories they had shared together.
Yuri set the clock down on a nearby table, her brow furrowing slightly as she examined it with a critical eye. "It seems like it just needs a bit of adjustment," she mused, her fingers deftly working the delicate mechanisms with practiced precision.
Yayoi watched in silent admiration as Yuri worked, her heart swelling with pride at the sight of her daughter's skill and determination. Despite the challenges they faced, despite the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of their starship, Yayoi knew that they would always find solace in each other's company, would always find strength in the unbreakable bond that united them as mother and daughter.
And as Yuri looked up at her with a bright smile, her eyes shining with pride and satisfaction, Yayoi knew that there was nowhere else in the universe she would rather be than by her daughter's side. With a sense of gratitude and contentment settling over her, Yayoi nodded in agreement as Yuri suggested they head to the Wardroom for a meal together, the prospect of sharing a moment of peace and companionship filling her with a sense of warmth and joy.
Yayoi looked around her daughter's quarters on the ship, her unique eyes caught sight of something new. "what’s that?' she asked pointing at it, and looked closer, at the two little figures made of recovered metal, embracing in a hug. The taller of the two figures had plain features, feline ears and a tail, and its color is a bland metal… Except for where it is hugging the other. There, the metal had been treated with an electrical charge, making it brighter and shinier thanks to the hug, as though a kindly warmth was spreading into it. The shorter of the figures, also with a tail, had dark brown hair crafted from a carefully cut moonstone gem. A note accompanied the figurines. “To the first person who ever gave me a ‘hug’. I thank you, Nitô Hei Asakura Yuri.” Yayoi blinked as she realized, it was a gift from the diplomat Toidorno of the Hidden Sun Clan they were escorting. The fact that Yuri hugged another didn't surprise her.
Yayoi's gaze lingered on the intricate figurines, her heart swelling with a mixture of curiosity and pride as she took in the delicate craftsmanship of the gift. The sight of the two figures locked in a tender embrace, their metallic forms radiating with warmth and affection, stirred something deep within her soul.
As she read the note accompanying the figurines, a soft smile tugged at the corners of Yayoi's lips, her eyes glistening with emotion. The realization dawned on her that the gift was from Toidorno, the diplomat from the Hidden Sun Clan whom they had been tasked with escorting. And yet, it wasn't the origin of the gift that captivated her, but rather the sentiment behind it.
Yayoi felt a surge of pride swell within her chest as she reflected on her daughter's compassionate nature, her willingness to extend kindness and warmth to others, even in the face of adversity. It was a trait that Yayoi had always admired in Yuri, a testament to the strength and resilience of her character.
And as she glanced back at the figurines, her gaze lingering on the brighter, shinier metal where the two figures were locked in a loving embrace, Yayoi felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. Gratitude for the bond that united them as mother and daughter, for the unwavering support and love that Yuri had always shown her.
With a soft sigh of contentment, Yayoi turned to Yuri, her eyes shining with pride and affection. "It's a beautiful gift, my dear," she murmured, her voice filled with warmth and admiration. "And it speaks volumes about the kind-hearted soul that you are."
Yuri smiled back at her mother, her eyes shining with gratitude and love. "Thank you, Mom," she said softly, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "I'm just glad that I could make a difference, even in a small way."
And as they stood there, surrounded by the gentle glow of moonstone and the warmth of their love, Yayoi knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, bound by the unbreakable bond of family and forged in the fires of compassion and kindness.
Yuri's fingers delicately cradled the figurine as she lifted it from its place, her touch gentle yet reverent as she carefully maneuvered it to a spot where the soft glow of the ship's lights would illuminate it more prominently. As she set it down with meticulous care, Yuri couldn't help but admire the intricate details of the figurines once more, her eyes tracing the lines of their metallic forms with a sense of wonder.
With a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips, Yuri made a silent vow to herself. She would take the figurine home with her, to the heart of the capital of their empire, where it would serve as a cherished reminder of the bonds they had forged and the kindness they had shared during their time aboard the starship.
The thought of returning home filled Yuri with a sense of anticipation and longing. She yearned for the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling city, for the comforting embrace of her loved ones, and for the opportunity to share the stories and experiences she had gathered during their journey.
But above all, Yuri looked forward to the chance to spend more time with her mother, Yayoi, to bask in the warmth of her love and guidance, and to create new memories together that would last a lifetime.
As she gazed upon the figurine, Yuri felt a surge of gratitude wash over her. Gratitude for the precious gift bestowed upon her by Toidorno, the diplomat from the Hidden Sun Clan, and gratitude for the unwavering support and love of her mother, Yayoi.
And as she made plans to bring the figurine home with her, Yuri knew that it would serve as more than just a simple ornament. It would be a symbol of hope and resilience, a beacon of light that would guide them through the darkness, and a reminder that no matter where their journey took them, they would always find solace and strength in the bonds of family and friendship.
Yuri turned to her mother "ready to go to the wardroom, to get something to eat?' she asked Yayoi with a smile on her face.
Yayoi returned Yuri's smile with a warm one of her own, her heart swelling with love and gratitude for her daughter's unwavering support. "Absolutely," she replied, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
With a sense of anticipation coursing through her veins, Yayoi fell into step beside Yuri as they made their way towards the Wardroom, their footsteps echoing softly against the metal floors of the starship. The gentle hum of the ship's engines provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation, as they exchanged stories and shared laughter along the way.
As they reached the entrance to the Wardroom, Yayoi felt a sense of contentment settle over her. Here, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of their ship, in the company of her beloved daughter, Yayoi knew that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
With a smile and a nod of agreement, Yayoi followed Yuri into the Wardroom, her heart filled with gratitude for the simple yet profound moments of connection they shared together. And as they settled in to enjoy their meal, Yayoi couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over her, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as mother and daughter, united in love and kinship.
