4★ Yuki

Fire Yuki

An excerpt from “Theories on Ecological Exchange Vol. 301” by the Astromon Academy:

Paper: “The Discovery of Humanoid Astromons and its Effect on Our Field” “…As stated previously, the relationship between Astromons and humans cannot be thought of in such simple terms. It is a relationship that requires mutual respect and understanding. With the discovery of humanoid Astromons, humans must fundamentally change the way they think of Astromons, whom have heretofore been viewed as feral and inferior.”

“The degree to which we must recognize the rights and privileges of humanoid Astromons was a topic of much debate with both social and legal implications. Were it not for the tireless efforts of the master A. Russel, humankind might have once again face the goddess’s wrath for their hubris.”

– Kido Leibniz

“Public sentiment and social accommodations for humanoid Astromons have greatly improved in recent years and now new laws have passed to ensure they receive treatment equal to that of humans and elves. In addition to the obvious right to choose their masters, they also are now guaranteed residential and labor rights. It was a long and arduous battle to get this far, but I like to think of the whole experience as the growing pains of a world becoming more developed and humane.”

– A. Russel

“Humanoid Astromons… Organisms capable not only of rational, logical thought, but also of wielding astral energy. Does that not make them superior to humans?”

“The very idea of superiority and inferiority is flawed. The concept of ‘eat or be eaten’ is simply part of the greater flow of life. Why else would it be called the ‘food chain’?”

“Beings more powerful than humans are captured, raised, and taught to obey their masters. Their very thoughts are shaped and controlled. That’s much worse than just ‘eat or be eaten.'”

“Are you trying to assert the superiority of Astromons, or the moral depravity of humans? Our subject for debate is falling apart.”

“And who’s the one who suddenly started talking about the food chain?”

– Debate between two buffoons who think they’re smarter than they are

“Yukina, aren’t you a fire elemental Astromon?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Then why are you the ‘Boreal Queen’? ‘Boreal’ implies severe cold…”

“It’s because my astral energy originates from the cold.”

“Yeah, but…you use fire.”

“Just think of it as wielding fire energy that’s innately ice, or cold energy that’s hot.”

“What does that even mean?”

“I don’t know. Hey, why don’t we play a game called ‘No More Questions’?”

– A conversation between Master Nestea Berry and Yukina

Water Yuki

Water Yukis are known for their control of ice and for their puns. Their first conversations often include phrases such as “Ice to meet you!” and “I’ve got the perfect ice-breaker!”

When asked what sort of hobbies she enjoys, a Yukiko’s typical response is, “Oh, you know, just chilling.”

After pelting foes with a powerful ice storm, Yukinas sometimes like to call down one last chunk of ice to top it off, a move they call the “icing” on the cake.

“Now that you’re super evolved, could you PLEASE use a little control? You froze me along with everyone else last time!

“Oh, whoops.” (Flicks master with her finger)

“Aahhh! I just got ice flakes in my nose!”

“Do you really think my jokes are that bad, Master? Well, you’re…stupid!”

As tears streamed down Yukina’s face, she waved her hand, and immediately my body felt cold. It was as if the air had froze, and as I breathed it in, so did my lungs. I could hear the cracking of ice within my throat, and suddenly I understood what ‘so cold, it burns’ meant. The pain from the frozen air was unbearable, and the frost all around me was freezing my entire body…

– The last memories of R. J. Swagga

Wood Yuki

A humanoid Astromon who wields wood energy. She has the maturity level of a roughly 10-year-old girl, both in mind and appearance.

An evolved Yukiko goes through a stage of development similar to that of a teenage human experiencing puberty. She grows in spurts, becomes more self-aware, and is said to be highly influenced by the environment around her.

A fully evolved Yukina resembles a human adult. Yukinas are normally easy-going, but there are stories that famously describe one Yukina who shares the same aggressive personality as her master, Ren the Tempestuous. A master’s influence on his or her Astromons cannot be overstated.

The sunlight reached down gently between the tree leaves to light up the area. With such refreshing air and a beautiful view, I thought to myself how great it would be to come here on a stroll sometime.

…As long as the ruckus in front of me wasn’t still going on.

“Gaahhhh! Help!”

“The forest goddess’s wrath is upon us!”

Frightened hunters scrambled as some were enveloped by a fierce storm of leaves while others became completely entrapped by tree branches.

“This area was marked as a no-poaching zone. It’s under the protection of the Association!” I tried speaking in a clam voice, but I’m sure they didn’t hear.

Yukina sat down beside me, a flowery fragrance about her.

“The people with evil intentions have been punished!” She fluttered her wings as she spoke with more than a hint of triumph in her voice.

“They sure have… Thank you. I’ll start charging the ones who’re trapped with trespassing.”

Ever since I met her several years ago, Yukina’s been helping me with some of the more exhausting parts of my job.

– Excerpt from the journal of Winged Espeon, a forest ranger

Just then, for an instant, all went silent. Even the masked assailants, weapons in hand and ready to kill, stopped in their tracks. They felt it, too: an overwhelming presence.

“Something’s not right. Defenses up!”

As soon as their leader gave the order, the ones yelled in unison. The old, bloodied knight standing between them and the young girl suddenly embraced the girl, a panicked look on his face. After the space of two breaths, a strong wind began to blow from nowhere. As leaves and wind blew through the air, it was all the men in masks, the knight, and the young girl could do to cover their faces.

After a short while, the wind calmed and there was a young woman looking at them arrogantly from among the floating flower petals. Light from the entire forest seemed to bounce off her four wings, and her horns stood as steadfastly as the woman herself. The guardian of the Phantom Forest had arrived.

– Excerpt from the journal of Winged Espeon, a forest ranger

Light Yuki

An excerpt from “Theories on Ecological Exchange Vol. 301” by the Astromon Academy:

“There is much to consider in regards to the Astromons’ unique process of instantly evolving both mentally and physically, in contrast to humans’ much slower process of incremental growth. A master’s influence on the mental development an Astromon undergoes during evolution is the subject of many academic theses, and is a rapidly growing area of interest thanks to the recent discovery of numerous humanoid Astromons.”

Part of a research report by Shurtz C. Valentine:

“One surprising behavior the subject exhibited was her continued reliance on her master in a number of aspects. For example, on stormy nights she would always remain in close proximity to her master, as it seemed to grant her a sense of safety. This was true of both her first and second evolutionary forms. However, whether this is a trait specific to the species as a whole or solely to this subject is unknown, and requires more research.”

Part of a research report by Shurtz C. Valentine:

“I shall end my report here. Much is yet to be known of the subject, and I suspect I shall be observing her for a long time still. My next experiment is to observe the effects of indulging her sweet tooth by taking her to a famous parfait shop in Lupern Village–purely in the name of research, of course.”

“You agree with everything I say! It doesn’t help when I wanna hear a different opinion.”

“Not everything! I don’t like pineapple on pizza.”

“You don’t?! You must be too young to appreciate something so good.”

“They don’t go together at all! It’s like putting pineapple in your spaghetti…”

– A morning conversation between Yuki and Master Ovamagus

What drives the desire to possess something? A longing? A craving? Earnest ambition? Is it possible to free oneself from the thought of wanting to own something completely?

To want something is to want ownership of it, and to want the experience and positive emotions that arise from that ownership.

It’s natural to wish for something, whether it be something that can be expressed in words or writing, or whether it’s more instinctive and subconscious, such as the desire to keep living and breathing from one moment to the next. Such desires are natural and normal.

Some say that the universe will give you what you desire, so long as your desire is strong enough, but that’s just nonsense. If the universe was really like that, it’d have destroyed itself long ago, as one person’s desires almost always contradict another’s.

Certain religions teach the value of letting go of desire and the idea of ownership, even saying that you must let go to achieve enlightenment. I’m not religious, but I could definitely benefit from following those teachings right now. Rewards come to those who do not expect them, right?

…Oh, who am I kidding? I can’t shake this desire! I want… No, I NEED a light Yuki! I’m going to hatch one! There’s nothing wrong with wanting one! If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to get a light Yuki!

– An unknown master’s journal with slightly stained spots from dried tears.

Dark Yuki

Article from volume 82 of the “Weekly Monsermo”

“Stories of romance between masters and their humanoid Astromons are a dime a dozen. In addition to humanoids looking essentially human, they form a bond with their masters that deepens over time, often turning into love. However… (cont’d on page 8)”

(cont’d from page 3) “…there’s no way for them to truly consummate their love due to vastly different reproductive methods. It’s no surprise, then, that such stories of love often end in tragedy… (cont’d below)”

(cont’d from above) “And yet, sometimes it seems the power of love really does conquer all, as a number of stories attest, some centuries old. These include ‘Sir Prim Percival and the Blazing Beauty,” “The Melodic Maiden of the Great Master Hinak,” and the more recent “A Yukina and A. Russel.” For all my cynicism, I can’t deny such stories, when they do occur, are a thing of beauty…”

She always spoke to me soothingly, comforting me even when she was in the most pain. I realized too late that it should have been me comforting her. Through all of her whispers and warm embraces, I never noticed her sadness until it was too late.

“Why am I even still alive?”

The words seeped out of my mouth and turned into a sigh. She’s not here anymore. All I have are memories to sustain me through the despair. Through a series of choices, I lost her. What is there left to live for? How much longer do I have to drag myself through life?

– Excerpt from the record of Master A. Russell

I’ve never not failed, and in all my years, which are not a few, I’ve never not been foolish.

I might as well do what I think is right. What’s the worst that could happen? Death? I’ve got nothing to lose, so that doesn’t scare me.

From now on, I’m going to do what I want.

– Excerpt from the record of Master A. Russell