Arisunime — Summer Pockets, a romance visual novel by Key released in 2018, takes players to a peaceful, remote island called Torishirojima in the Seto Inland Sea. Among the various interesting characters that protagonist Hairi Takahara meets, one of the most prominent is Ao Sorakado. This article will thoroughly explore Ao, her background, and her crucial role in the story.
Ao Sorakado (空門蒼) is one of the four main heroine in Summer Pockets (and seven in the Reflection Blue version). She is a girl known for her eccentric, friendly, and often slightly “perverted” personality in a comedic context. Ao has a unique habit of sleeping in various places across the island, which has become her trademark. Her voice is provided by the talented voice actor Natsumi Takamori.
Background and Role in the Story
Peran utama Ao dalam narasi Summer Pockets adalah sebagai “gadis yang mengejar legenda pulau.” Namun, legenda yang ia kejar ini bukanlah dongeng biasa, melainkan terkait erat dengan misteri tentang kupu-kupu bercahaya yang muncul di pulau dan keberadaan adiknya, Ai Sorakado.
Central to Ao’s storyline is her relationship with her sister, Ai Sorakado, who is in a coma. Ao believes that Ai’s lost memories are scattered across the island and manifest as glowing butterflies. Together with Hairi, Ao embarks on a journey to collect these memories, hoping to awaken Ai from her slumber. This creates a touching storyline about brotherly love and overcoming loss.
The Butterfly Chase and the Legend of the Island
Along the route, Hairi and Ao spent many nights chasing these “colorful shadows” (butterflies). This process is not just a physical search, but also an exploration into Ai’s memory and past, and unraveling the mystery behind the unique phenomenon of Torishirojima island. The legend of the island suggests that memories can take physical form, and certain people can “fall asleep” (coma) after experiencing too many memories or fulfilling certain goals.
The climax in Ao’s route occurs when Hairi and Ao manage to collect Ai’s memories. However, when Ai awakens, Ao herself falls into a coma. This happened because Ao had absorbed too many memories during her quest, causing her to suffer the same fate as Ai. This section presents a deep emotional dilemma for Hairi and highlights Ao’s sacrifice for her sister.
Impact and Theme
Ao Sorakado’s route is one of the most memorable parts of Summer Pockets. In addition to providing deep insights into Ao’s complex character, this route also explores key themes from the game, such as:
Memory and Loss: The search for Ai’s lost memories becomes a metaphor for dealing with trauma and grief.
Brotherly Love: The relationship between Ao and Ai is the emotional core of this route, demonstrating the strength of family bonds.
Island Mystery and Mysticism: Legends of butterflies and the comma phenomenon add a magical layer to the beautiful island setting.
The Sweet and Bitter Nature of Summer: Like many of Key’s works, the Ao route highlights the beauty of fleeting moments and the sadness of separation, inherent to the feel of summer.
Conclusion
Ao Sorakado is an unforgettable character in Summer Pockets, not only for his cheerful and unique personality, but also for his heartfelt and meaningful storyline. He epitomizes the spirit of adventure and devotion, taking players on an emotionally stirring journey amidst the wonders and mysteries of Torishirojima***
