…..
Varakiel: Damn, lost comms again.
Viper: Hey darling. What are you looking at over there? Can I have a peek?
Viper approaches varakiel from the side.
Varakiel: sure.
Varakiel hands Viper his phone.
Viper: oh, it's a text from Syuen. And she was talking about us? How outrageous.
Varakiel: You are a patrol unit?
Viper: Yes, we are the patrol unit of the outer rim. Sure, it's not as formal as anything the scouts do, but we still go on daily patrols to try and make sense of the mayhem around us.
Varakiel: i see
Viper stares at varakiel. And all of sudden, she smiles.
Viper: anyhoo…we're almost at the finish line. We can meet the legendary pilgrim. So what do you think? Will snow white take a shine to us.
Varakiel: Hmm, as long as you don't mention you wear collar bombs everything should be okay.
Viper: phew, that's a relief. We are not exactly a polite nor innocent bunch. So I didn't expect we'd get along. Well, all we can do is trust you my darling.
Varakiel: Mhm, as long as you don't betray any of your teammates I will show you the respect you deserve.
Varakiel says to her with his eyes closed, like a fox
Viper:...i-i get it. (he's more cunning than i thought, he saw right through me…impressive~!)
.....
Rapi: We've arrived at the destination. We should run into the pilgrims here. Northeast of us. There's an area about 3 square kilometers known as the land of the mage.
Anis: it's an abandoned village. As you can see, it's been infested by raptures.
Varakiel: Let's hope the information is correct.
Rapi: adjusting for error, we've got a 3-hour window. She could have left 3 hours ago. Or she could arrive in 3 hours.
Varakiel: Good, let's start the search.
Rapi: understood. We'll divide the area by its streets. Counters will search the east side. Exotic will take the west side.
…..
Soon after, zone B.
Viper: Captain, let's proceed to the coordinates I've sent you. I found something you may get a kick out of.
Crow: the counters…
*boom*
Crow: are pretty far from us. Very well.
...
Crow: my god….
Jackal: wow!! The whole floor is covered in parts! Check out all these emergency rations!...but they're all empty. What's going on?
Crow: the pilgrims have been here. I heard that they modify their weapons using rapture parts. Looks like the stories were true.
Viper: they may be resourceful, but that doesn't make them one of us. As for me, i think we'll get more use out of what's on that table.
Crow: Is that a map of the neighborhood?
Viper: yes. I think this was a spot they planned to come back to, so they left it behind. They even mark the next destination.
Crow: you made a useful discovery for once. Good job, viper.
Viper: for once? I'm always useful!
Crow:...this map is just what we need. We can have a lot of fun with this.
Viper: for example…
Crow: oh, I don't know. Like punishing a certain goody two-shoes commander…
Viper: that could be arranged. I happen to have some information from a reliable source. Under these coordinates, there lies a slumbering beast of tremendous size. But, isn't it dangerous flying by the seat of our pants like this? We were originally just going to kill some time up here.
Crow: That's your problem, viper. You're clever, and quite resourceful. But you're too cautious. You're incapable of any impromptu decisions. You'll never make it into the history books by acting that way.
Viper:...thanks for the advice.
Jackal:....
...….
Jackal: commander! Look at this! We found traces of the pilgrims!
Neon: looks like they're the winners.
Rapi: Let's go.
Jackal then goes besides the commander.
Varakiel: What is it Jackal?
Jackal: commander….
Jackal then whispers to varakiel ear.
Varakiel: oh, i see, thanks jackal, don't worry i'll see what can i do.
Jackal: don't go hard on them…
Varakiel: i'll take it as a prank don't worry.
Varakiel then pats Jackal in the head.
Jackal: hehe, hey are they okay in the church?
Varakiel: mhm, don't worry they are all fine, don't worry.
Due to jackal playful attitude she often played with the orphans in the outer rim but when she noticed they disappeared she was heartbroken until one of the orphans led varakiel to jackal, since that day jackal is very grateful to varakiel and she is very loyal to him but she hides it from her squad.
Varakiel: Are you sure you don't want to visit them yet?
Jackal: no, until i have taken off this collar i won't! What if it suddenly blows up and hurts them, no no no!
Varakiel: i see….you have progressed a lot jackal.
*pat* *pat*
If jackal had a tail it would be wagging around.
Varakiel: Alright we are almost there you should hurry up.
Jackal: okay!
Jackal rushed ahead of everyone.
…..
Neon: wow, look at all this food that's been thrown out.
Anis: they were probably using these to assemble weapon parts. This is Snow white's camp, no doubt about it.
Varakiel: most certainly
Varakiel then notices the dust-ridden bed.
Varakiel: But she didn't spend the night here it seems. Hm? A map?
Neon: look, there's a checkmark on the lighthouse. What do you think that means?
Rapi: it could be a resource of some kind. Or it could be signifying nikkes that need to be rescued. Worst case scenario, it could be a trap.
Anis: even if that's the case, it would be set up by the raptures. There's no way a rapture squeezed into this tight space, checked off the lighthouse on the map, and left….unless we're being misled.
As soon as Anis and rapi's eyes move towards Crow, she points to the choker on her neck.
Crow: calm down. Why would we do something like that? If I turned on you guys, my head would pop like a balloon.
Anis: have you forgotten? The average alva particle level here is 100% forget about Syuen activating those collars, we can't even send a distress signal.
Crow: well…any evidence to back up these claim of yours?
Anis: call it intuition. You've had nothing but bad things to say about us since this operation began. Then you just happen to find this place first. You had plenty of time to tamper with the map before calling us over.
Crow:....i should kill you for that.
Anis: Give me your best shot.
Varakiel: *sigh* we'll trust on exotic.
Anis: But they're…outlaws?
Crow: terrorists? Stick any label you'd like on us, and we'll be more than happy to oblige you.
Varakiel: We'll trust you, for now.
Crow:..!! I…i can't believe it. Brings a tear to my eye.
Jackal: you're the first human to ever trust us!
Jackal says with a genuine smile, she really mean it.
Viper: jackal. Shut your mouth!
Rapi:...if that's the case then, our next destination is the lighthouse. It would be nice to move out right away, but visibility is poor right now. I suggest we camp for the night.
Varakiel: very well.
Rapi: Then shall we prepare a place commander?
Varakiel: mhm, exotic you will set up the decoys, meanwhile we will set up the camp.
Viper: no problem.
....
Soon after, Counters set up the camp in an empty house at the abandoned village.
Crow:...*sigh*
Crow was looking at her cellphone.
Varakiel: What is it?
Crow: there was recent information. About the vapaus we're looking for. You want to see?
There a video is paused. The title is…missilis the grand company that created vapaus….(feat vapaus, matis, corruption)
Crow: it starts off praising missilis. Then, once this john guy comes up and starts running his mouth, they do a complete 180…do you know about NIMPH?
Varakiel: Yes, of course. They are nano-machines that nikkes carry.
Crow: nano-machine that humans put inside us. It gives them complete control over our memories. From what i hear, NIMPH is what is affected by rapture code during corruption, and the so-called vapaus rids nikkes of corruption by destroying their NIMPH…it's here that john poses the question. By using Vapaus to dissolve the NIMPH, nikkes will become free from human control…but will they continue to be loyal to humans? In fact, they may act vindictive to the humans who have exploited them, and attempt to blow up the ark using rapture weaponry. Interesting story, huh?
Varakiel: Interesting indeed, first of all you really don't see yourself as a human?
Crow:....
Varakiel: think about that, nikkes may have a mechanical body but your souls and brains are still human, then nikkes shouldn't have a leash in the first place, that's the problem of the central government if they can't clean their mess then let them pay the price, and nikkes being loyal to humans? Nikkes are humans, if they want to lie to themselves like that so they can be free of guilt then they don't deserve their protection, use rapture weaponry? What a joke they have been using it themselves for a very long while now.
Crow:....you seem to know a lot, awfully a lot.
Varakiel: I did a little digging, yes.
Crow: Anyway, this is John. he's been spreading similar conspiracy theories amongst quite a few communities. Apparently he has photos and research reports to back up his claims. Only Enikk knows the real truth, but it seems people are buying into John's claims. Prediction. By the time you find vapaus and go back to the ark. You won't receive a hero's welcome. Instead, they will try to destroy the vapaus you worked so hard to find. Knowing that will happen, will you still continue your search?
Varakiel: Oh absolutely, I would like them to try, and besides, a hero's welcome? Screw that, the only people i care to welcome me are my friends and my family, aside from that i don't care.
Crow:...very well. I can see what type of human you are now.
...
The next day.
Rapi: There's a steep slope ahead of us. I recommend a detour.
Jackal: huh? Why? It's all covered in snow anyway. Can't she just slide down?
Neon: You don't have a clue, do you?
Jackal: ¿?
Neon: what happens if we're halfway down that slope and run into an avalanche? Not only will master be down for the count,but we'll all be separated and the operation will be delayed for several days at least. Meanwhile, snow white will move on to the next location.
Jackal: *gasp* Is that right? I didn't know….
Neon: any nikke with common sense would know this.
Anis: So how come you know it?
Varakiel: Let's find another path.
Crow: This is starting to turn into a real slog. Hey, varakiel. We might as well keep each other company.
Varakiel: alright.
Crow: I actually had a few more things to ask you from our conversation yesterday. How do you think nikkes who regain their free will through vapaus will react?
Varakiel: most certainly there will be resistance, that's to be expected.
Crow: What makes you so sure?
Varakiel: Every human being longs for freedom. And like i said before Nikkes are humans the only difference is their bodies, nikkes still are human both in soul and mind.
Crow:.....i'm not so sure. Even if they do rise up one day. It wouldn't be anytime soon. Just because nikkes are being granted free will now, all that brainwashing they've been subjected to won't just go away. Not all the information humans have beat into them through NIMPH…but also the social pressure and expectations of what a nikke should be. We have human brains, yet we're deliberately given different names to distinguish us from humans. It makes us regard ourselves as submissive and lower than humans. Just removing the NIMPH alone can't completely liberate the nikkes. Only by their own power can they break the chains that bind them. That's what I think.
Varakiel: good to know then.
Crow: Is that really all you have to say?
Varakiel: Mhm, I don't give a damn about the ark, I just care about my family and friends, and some friends of theirs are nikkes and humans, so if I want to save them, I have to save the ark.
Crow:..you are really unique. Just like Jackal said. When I'm talking to you, I don't feel any urge to kill you. That's quite unusual considering that you are human.
Varakiel: i'll take it as a compliment.
Crow: do what you want, if only i'd met a human like you a little earlier… I might have been a force for good, just like those nikkes in counters.
Varakiel: And who is the one that says that you can't change?
Crow:.....
Varakiel: Everyone can change, for the better or bad, as long as you believe it is the right thing to do.
Crow: no, I don't think so. The time when I could see hope in this pathetic world has long since passed.
Varakiel: Is that really true?
Crow: absolutely.
Varakiel: Let's make a bet then, in the future I will do something, something great that will change the ark forever. If you still believe that then I tell Syuen that you don't need a bomb choker anymore.
Crow: oh? And you think she will listen to you?
Varakiel: nothing that a good deal can't solve.
Crow: oh is that so, and if by a miracle i do change my mind?
Varakiel: hmmm…..you will help us.
Crow: help with what?
Varakiel: reclaim freedom.
Varakiel says with seriousness.
For just a second, just one, crow believed in his words.
Crow:.....alright it's a bet then, good luck, you'll need it.
…..
Neon: huh? What was that flash? Over there…at 2 o'clock.
Neon points in a direction.
Neon: wha….now it's gone.
Anis: Did you see a ghost or something?
Jackal:...!!
Viper::..!!
Neon: there! It flashed again!
Rapi: almost like a light that's spinning…maybe it's the lighthouse?
Varakiel: Probably, let's get closer and check it out.
Rapi: Yes, commander.
...…
Rapi: Approaching the lighthouse.
Neon: it's nothing but snow.
Anis: I'm getting a bad feeling about this.
Viper: why? This would all be perfect for a dramatic confrontation with the pilgrims!
Anis: no, what I'm saying is we're completely out in the open. If we get attacked, we will be at a disadvantage.
Rapi:...
Neon:...
Anis:...What? Was it something I said?
Neon: no, it's just…everything is so serene here.
Crow: No. This is a game to them. Like hide and seek. And they're about to find us. They're right…
Varakiel: They are beneath the snow, prepare for an encounter.
*click* *click* *click*
Rapi, anis and neon prepare their guns.
*Stomp…*
Neon: please don't tell me it is an avalanche too.
Rapi: no, just raptures. Lords, and one seems to be a tyrant class or higher!
Anis: another surprise attack!? This is why we need an operator.
Varakiel: complain to Syuen later, it was her idea for this to be a secret operation.
Anis: that damn monkey brain.
Varakiel: And we still have communications blocked.
Anis: Stilllll!
Rapi: FF formation! Everyone move to their positions! Exotic…
Viper: we'll provide back up from the rear. We don't have any experience in engaging a tyrant class. Is that okay?
Varakiel: okay.
Crow: So do you trust us?
Varakiel: Of course I trust you.
Crow:...we'll show you your trust wasn't misplaced. Let's do this thing. The outlaw way.
Jackal:..!! Commander that means can i?
Viper: roger!
Varakiel: yeah jackal you can use everything.
Jackal: yayyyy!!!
….
Rapi: all clear status report.
Anis: damage rate 21.8%, concentrated in the lower body. I don't want to make excuses, but snipers kept coming at us from behind. We were lucky the commander was blocking all their shots.
Neon: same here. I nearly took one in the head, but thankfully the commander covered me. Damage rate is 32.77%.
Anis: exotic was so gung-ho about having our backs…what were they doing?
Varakiel: it seems they got caught up in an explosion during the fight. I saw them falling towards the lighthouse.
Rapi: yeah i noticed that too, but after that, i am not sure. I don't know if they've sustained heavy damage…or if they had second thoughts.
Varakiel: i'll look for them, the three of you perform repair with earth magic. And just in case, activate your pain inhibitors, but act like you don't have them.
Rapi: roger commander….be careful something is fishy about this.
Varakiel: yeah i knew from the start, but maybe we are wrong, i'll check on their status and then i'll come back.
Suddenly.
Crow:...i can't do it.
Varakiel: hm?
Just as varakiel turns around
*Bang*
A flash bang explodes in front of his face.
Rapi: ugh…!!
Crow: sic 'em, jackal.
*Rat-tat-tat-tat*
Crow: make it so they're inoperable.
Jackal: hehe, you got it!
Anis: Exotic!? What are you doing!?
Crow: Viper, secure the hostages.
Viper: yes, ma'am.
*click-*
Viper presses her gun against varakiel temple.
Viper: stay right there, darling.
*Bang bang bang bang!!!*
Varakiel:....
Rapi: have you been corrupted?
Crow:...No. you're the ones who have been corrupted. Not by raptures, but by human hands.
Anis: i don't know what the hell you're on about…and i don't want to know…once word of this gets out you're all headed straight for the scrap yard! You realize that, don't you?
Crow: oh, we know. We know very well. But even with that risk, we decided it would be good to kill your commander.
Varakiel: why?
Crow: an ordinary commander would never turn their backs to us. Even if we're mixed together with a regular squad. No one would ever risk their life coming up to the rapture-infested surface, just to search for a cure for corruption. Not for nikkes, who are so expendable. But ….you're different. At first, we thought you were just a charlatan, but it wasn't even that.
Crow slowly crouches in front of varakiel. And smiles, it would be impossible to tell what lies behind that smile. Expect for someone who knows someone like her, broken, hopeless….
Varakiel: ( i see, she is afraid, afraid of change *sigh* she tells herself that she's a machine but she acts more human than most of humans.),,,,
Crow: Varakiel, you're special. A great leader like you only comes around once in a century. But having someone like you around throws a wrench into my plans. Nikkes and humans. Outlaws and sovereigns. The weak and the strong. Two extremes that can never coexist. Like oil and water. By sowing dissension amongst their ranks, I will make the ark destroy itself from the inside. But someone like you may end up giving them other ideas. I can't have that.
*click-*
Crow: So I'm afraid you have to go. You and your code of honor.
Rapi: you idiot…
Varakiel: rapi.
Rapi: But commander….
Varakiel: so your hatred is stronger that NIMPH, i can see that
Crow: see this is what i am talking about, you manage to see the true nature of people and still are able to trust them…you are going to ruin everything.
*bang*
Crow's bullet bounces off the iron plate that jackal placed on the snow. And goes straight through varakiel body.
Crow:...farewell. Time to go to heaven. You deserve it.
Varakiel:...*cough* I hope you can bear the consequences of your actions then…..
*bang*
...…
Meanwhile, at the ark.
Matis was watching the news.
Reporter: According to a netizen personally identifying themselves as a former researcher at missilis, nikkes who have had their NIMPH removed are no longer under human control once these memory control devices are removed, nikkes are said to have their own free will. That begs the question: will nikkes who can think for themselves continue to serve humans as they have before? Will they not be prone to voicing their grievances? Say, for example…"Finally, I'm free!" "I'm sick of risking my neck up on the surface for these humans."
Maxwell:...*sigh* people freak out if we become corrupted, and they freak out if we're cured of it. I don't know what they want us to do.
Laplace:i…i'm not sure….what would teacher think about this….why are people so terrified of us having free will? All we want to do is stand up for the weak. Fight against evil and bring justice upon this land. Why can't they see that?
Drake: That's probably just you.
Maxwell: agree. Not that I want to bring harm to humanity, mind you. All I yearn for is to get my hands on research material. I could care less whether humans are in the picture. For me, reclaiming the surface is secondary.
Drake: So long as I've got something to tear down. I'm happy, haha!
Reporter: it is very probable that once nikkes can think for themselves, they will display a strong aversion to humans. As anxiety grows amongst the citizens and they begin to speak out against missilis, the company still has not issued any official statement. In fact, they seem to be concealing any relevant information.
*beep*
Maxwell: That's enough. It doesn't matter what happens, there's nothing we can do about it.
…..
Mihara and Yuni were reunited with Syuen.
*Bam*
Syuen was smoking her desk.
Syuen: What do you mean you lost contact with them.
Mihara: yeah it seems something happened to counters out there.
Yuni: The commander said that in case something like this happens we should come here, and he said no hitting us.
Syuen: Argh, I know he already warned me a lot about it! Why! A few days ago, they were praising missilis to the heavens! Now they're changing your tune just because some attention whores spread a few rumors?
Rian: technically speaking. It wasn't rumors. Nothing John Doe said was a lie.
Syuen: shut up. If i say it was rumors. It was rumors. Now then, have you found out john doe's identity?
Rian: no. not yet.
Syuen: they were a former researcher at our company! How hard could it be!?
Rian: the thing is, john doe's IP is distributed over a wide area. It couldn't possibly be a single person. None of the addresses match up to any former missilis researchers either.
Syuen: And is that supposed to mean something?
Rian: It does, very much so. Almost all retired researchers wind down the rest of their days in luxury on royal road. However, John Doe's IP can all be traced back to the outer rim.
Syuen: what? The outer rim? Something smells fishy here…first counters incommunication then john doe issue….bring exotic over here this instant! They run the outer rim. If anyone knows anything, it'll be them.
Rian: yeah….they are not within range of radio waves.
Syuen: What do you mean?
Rian: communications are far from ideal in the outer rim. It's fairly common.
Syuen: Well then, what about their recognition chips?
Rian: right,
*tap**tap tap*
Mihara: my my, syuen it seems being with our commander changed you~.
Syuen: What do you mean by that?
Mihara: You seem more capable than before, and you have less anger issues.
Yuni: mihara is right, also the commander said if you need help we can let you our assistance, we have received secret upgrades thanks to him.
Syuen: secret upgrades?
Syuen's ears perk up when she hears those words.
Yuni: He said we can't tell you, but if you behave he will tell you soon. He said.
Syuen:.....argh, fine. Rian, you found something?
Rian:...(so that's why she's less entitled and more hardworking, this commander really is a miracle.) external GPS located. They are on the surface.
Syuen: what are they doing up there!?...wait a moment. Nikkes can't go to the surface unless it's part of an operation. They are the only command in operation right now. They've lumped themselves in with the commander. Then what have the scouts been doing all this time? I made it very clear to report any unusual activities.
Rian: to date, we have received 0 reports from them. We've attempted to get in contact with them, but communications seem to be down.
Syuen: *sigh* *inhale* *exhale* mihara, yuni, you two will remain in standby, when exotic signal arrives the outer rim i want you to infiltrate and join them up, if they are doing what i think they're doing and those rust buckets are doing it! I want you to join whatever terrorist attack they are planning.
Mihara: my my, varakiel would be surprised if he was hearing this~!
Yuni: I agree mihara, syuen isn't the same from before.
Mihara: very well then, we will remain in standby, let's go yuni.
Yuni: yes mihara.
Mihara and Yuni then walk to the door to leave the office…but then….
Syuen: hey you two….i….i want you to listen something and hear it well because i will never repeat it ever...i...i...
Mihara: ( commander, you really care about us….please be safe.)
Yuni: (wow, commander is really a miracle wonder!)
Syuen: I..I am sorry…for everything.
Mihara:....
Yuni:.....you hurt us a lot in the past, but being with the commander has made us see that you too might have it hard but that was no excuse to hurt us but still…..we accept your apology, please tell us when to go.
Hearing those words makes a weight in Syuen's heart lift up a little….she knows she has a long way to go.
Syuen: go then i said i will only say it once!!
Mihara and Yuni look at themselves and smile.
...
….soon after in the outer rim. In a secret bar.
Jackal: Ta-da! Nice job! We've really got Syuen fuming now. We've even taken care of wonder boy. Bit of a waste though…anyway, we've created a perfect alibi for john doe. It's all going perfectly!
Viper: exactly. Heavenly ascension played the john doe role with aplomb. Quite the thespians they are. Thanks to them, people have become more and more suspicious of missilis.
Jackal: hehe, it's all about to set off. All we've got to do is light the fuse. And….kaboom! Let the fireworks begin. Sayonara ark! Oh man…i'm getting too excited…
Crow:...
Jackal: eh? captain , what's with the long face? Are you excited about what's going to happen too? Or is something else on your mind?
Crow:...that person. Should be dead?
Jackal: oh, that…do you think so?
Crow: Give me a straight answer. Are they dead?
Jackal: O-of course! No doubt about it! We shot him and left him for dead. Barring some kind of miracle, they should be arriving at the pearly gates right about now.
*click-*
*bang bang!*
Jackal: *gasp!* captain! At least warn me before playing with your gun..
Crow: Do you really think that? They are truly dead?
Jackal: That's what I said…
*bang bang bang!!!*
Jackal: ah! Help me!
Crow: viper. What do you think?
Viper: although i can't say why…i think he's still alive. You saw when we did background research. They have gone on several missions with a 0% survival rate and lived to tell the tale. What's to say it won't happen again this time?
Crow:....very perceptive of you, viper. It wouldn't be any fun if they died so easily. Then we'd be denied the thrill of a rematch. Someone like them will hold on to their dream until their dying breath. Killing them in their greatest moment of despair…that would be sublime. Don't you agree, viper?
Viper: That's right. Just imagining it….how exciting!
Crow: It will be quite a fascinating sight to behold, I'm sure. At one point, my greatest pleasure was blowing up passenger trains. But not anymore. I need more. Perhaps it's because my body has become a machine? If so, then this is all karma for Syuen.
Viper: yes. That's why Syuen is our first target, right?
Crow: again, very perceptive. Also very resourceful. You're clever enough to carry out a plan like this while up on the surface. Ambition flows within your veins. You're like a serpent ready to strike at any moment. I'll have to keep a close eye on you.
...
Back on the surface.
Varakiel: ( well shit, i could have forgiven her on the first shot, but the second…prepare crow, you and your precious heavenly ascension they are all disappearing forever, and viper..i have a special punishment for you….wow i need to relax my darkness….not too much tho.)
Gnome: (...)
Gnome makes poses and signals to varakiel to indicate that she wants to strangle both crow and viper.
Varakiel: ( haha, but killing them would be an easy punishment gnome, making them help will be their real punishment…anyways let's rest for a while, i think this might be a canon event, for the protagonist, haha.)
….after sometime.
Rapunzel: huh? Your abs…are moving!
Varakiel: (huh? Abs? Does she mean my chest?)
Rapunzel: believer, are you awake? Open your eyes!
Varakiel: (wait, rapunzel?) ah, it's you rapunzel.
Rapunzel: as expected, the abs don't lie. Welcome back to the world of the living.
Varakiel: What are you doing here?
Rapunzel: I found you wandering out in the snow.
Varakiel: my body feels lighter, did you tend my wounds?
Rapunzel: yes, just some simple first aid. You're lucky. The bullet didn't snag any vital organs.
Varakiel: (that or jackal did an excellent job pretending, wow she has talent~.) what about my friends?
Rapunzel: oh them?, they are okay, everyone one of them was sending out a distress signal, bellowing at the top of their lungs. If it wasn't for their hooting and hollering. I'd have never found you in this snowstorm.
Varakiel:...(despite telling i can't die from such wounds, what great people i found hehe.) where are they?
Rapunzel: they went to see if this place is suitable for a temporary camp. But they're taking longer than expected…there didn't appear to be any threats…
Varakiel: i'll go look for them…
Varakiel stands from the bed he was on. His eye flinch in reflex due the pain
Rapunzel: Hey now, you can't be up and about just yet. I only administered some basic first aid.
Rapunzel puts on a lewd smile to varakiel.
Rapunzel: Or….maybe i could help you up…you can hold onto me…onto my body…*gasp*
Varakiel: (oh she is a closet pervert, haha who would though, almost like darkness, i just hope it doesn't become a habit to find blonde pervert girls….)....i am counting with you then…
Rapunzel: r-really!? I promise I won't do anything dirty, honest! I'll be a good girl.
Rapunzel then grabs varakiel arm and support his body with hers.
Rapunzel: I'll show you to them.
Varakiel: Alright, let's go.
...…
Rapi: No. This place is too dangerous any way you look at it. We'll move out as soon as the commander comes to.
Anis: Let's just go to the ark then.
Rapi: the ark?
Neon: why? We've turned up squat on the vapaus.
Anis: the commander is hurt. If that bullet had been a few millimeters to the left, or if Rapunzel hadn't seen our distress signal, the commander would've been done for!
Neon: yes, but…
Anis: no buts, we need to go back. We can reorganize and give Syuen a piece of our mind. We can head back up to the surface once we've regrouped.
Neon: But anis, doesn't that make you upset?
Anis: what?
Neon: if we do that, then we're playing right into exotic's hands. We didn't learn a thing about the vapaus. We've been betrayed, our commander is injured, and now we're running off with our tails tucked between our legs. I don't know about you, but I won't accept that.
Anis: You think I'm doing this because I like it? I…I…!
Rapi: stop you two. We can make a decision after the commander wakes up.
Rapunzel: judging by how loud you all are, you must have fully recovered by now. That's great, isn't it?
Anis:!!
Varakiel: Hehe, it seems they only wanted me dead.
Anis: commander!
Neon: master!
Rapi: Are you feeling better?
Varakiel: oh c'mon after all i showed you, you believed two bullets would take me down? Let me show you a magic trick.
Varakiel hand shines with a white light.
[Sacred Heal]
Varakiel: *guh* *ufff* *cough*
Varakiel then spits out two bullet tips onto the snow.
Rapunzel: ohhh wow *clap* *clap* *clap* *clap*
Anis: c-commander why didn't you do that in the first place!?
Varakiel: exotic kept an eye on us for some hours, i am not revealing magic to them, it would only raise worse problem than vapaus.
Neon: master is right, but still why didn't you use it after they left?
Varakiel: ha, well…with the coldness well…..i fell asleep….
Rapi:.....if you were a regular human you would have died of hypothermia…
Varakiel:....okay, i indeed owe you an apology, sorry rapi, anis and neon, the truth is that i believed that crow and viper would regret their decision and help us, but even i can make mistakes.
Rapi: no commander, you didn't make a mistake you believed in them until the end, you had hope in them, but they still betrayed us, but enough of them, i am glad you're okay.
Rapunzel: how's it looking? Anything suitable for a bivouac?
Rapi: no, I think we need to keep moving. There's more snow here than I thought, so there's a risk of more avalanches. We were also late to set up the decoys, so there are still some raptures left.
Rapunzel: all right, let's keep moving and find somewhere that we can camp…
Anis: no. Let's go back.
Rapi: anis.
Anis: commander. Let's go back to the ark and come back. I don't like what crow and viper are planning. Nothing we're here for is that urgent we can contact snow white when we come back up.
Neon: I don't agree. After everything we've been through, we have nothing to show for it. Even if it's a shot in the dark, there's always a chance of hitting your target!
Varakiel: Alright, calm down girls.
Rapunzel: woah. Woah. calm down everyone. It's not good to pressure someone who's was recently injured.
Anis:...sorry.
Neon: *sigh* I'm sorry.
Rapunzel: Besides, these freezing temperatures aren't only harmful to the body. They can dull the senses and make it so you can't think straight.
Rapi: Do you know where we should go?
Rapunzel: Of course, I'm a pilgrim. We're in my wheelhouse right now. I'll take you somewhere you can all get nice and warm.
Varakiel: Alright, thanks Rapunzel, show us the way.
Rapunzel: of course commander~.
...…
Rapunzel: so, how is it?
Rapunzel took everyone to a shack.
Rapunzel: way cozier than before, right?
Neon: What's the difference? Isn't this just another abandoned building?
Rapunzel: unlike before, there's only one room. So it's much cozier.
Neon: You say cozy, I say cramped.
Rapunzel: We need to set up our decoys. Can you go take care of that for us?
Varakiel: There's no need.
Varakiel then snaps his fingers and the shack is getting magically repaired, then varakiel puts the light distortion device in the middle of the room
Varakiel: Hehe, as a thanks and an apology I will make you an extra special meal today.
Neon: awesome!
Anis: oh,oh, can I choose!?
Rapi: thanks commander…
Rapunzel: oh so this is the famous device that snow white talked about, such a little device gives us a lot of comfort. But still you should put the decoys we don't want raptures to roam near here causing avalanches.
Rapi: That's true, let's go anis, neon.
Anis: aw, fine…
Neon: again? Right now?
Rapunzel: yes. Please.
Rapi: We'll be right back, commander.
Anis: let's go…
Rapi and anis take neon and head outside.
Rapunzel: oh, now it's just you and me, close quarters! We have a few minutes until those three come back. Plenty of time to have my way with the commander who can't defend themselves! Mwahaha!
Varakiel: *chuckle* ( her voice is so adorable, hahaha.)...we can do that later Rapunzel, right now I need to think.
Rapunzel: awww….okay, so are you concerned about what you should do?
Varakiel: yes.
Rapunzel: hehe, you're so honest like snow white said. So what's on your mind? Are you comfortable with sharing? Sometimes it's nice to hear. What's going on in other people's heads.
Varakiel:...so this is what happened.
Varakiel tells Rapunzel everything that has transpired up until now.
Rapunzel: vapaus. Vapaus. So that's why you were face down in the snow with a bullet in your gut….believer…with everything you've been through, you can see how not all nikkes are your allies. If it hadn't been for the NIMPH, that bullet would have gone straight through your heart, guaranteed. So tell me, do you still want to find the vapaus that can remove the NIMPH?
Varakiel: mhm of course, not all nikkes are my allies, but also not all nikkes are my enemies, if i want them to sleep without the fear of corruption, i need to find this vapaus.
Rapunzel: even if it means you might be betrayed again?
Varakiel: Those who betray me, they lose all my compassion and sympathy. If they are willing to betray me, then they should face the consequences of such action. I prefer to be betrayed before they can do any harm to my family. I can tolerate it as long the suffering is pointed at me. And besides all that, even if a nikke betrayed me, it doesn't mean all of them did, not everyone is a good person but not everyone is a bad person either.
Rapunzel: woo. You're so concerned about everything else, but you don't have any hesitation when it comes to saving nikkes. Hmm, so we can't chalk up your bad mood to you not trusting nikkes anymore. No, you're concerned about whether you should go back to the ark or continue to search for the vapaus, which could be anywhere. So it's about sorting out your priorities, is that it?
Varakiel: Indeed, I don't know which way to proceed…
Rapunzel: okay. You possess great inner strength. Thank you for sharing it with me. To express my gratitude, I will also share a secret of mine with you. To be honest, I know something about the vapaus.
Varakiel:...i figured as much…but you can't tell me is it?
Rapunzel: yes, i won't tell you, even if you force yourself upon me!
Varakiel: (yep, a masochist….) I don't want to do that to you….right now.
Rapunzel: not even a little?
Varakiel:....nope.
Rapunzel: aww, too bad…next time i suppose.
Varakiel: Can I know why you can't tell me?
Rapunzel: because I'm not the only one keeping it a secret. Anyway, I'm going to the promised land. Do you want to tag along? It's only open on the first of every month.
Varakiel: promised land? Sounds cool, alright.
.....
Next day.
Anis: commander, are you sure it's okay for you to move around like this so soon? Wouldn't it be better if you rest a bit longer?
Varakiel: don't worry anis, I am at full capacity right now.
Anis: but in a cold place like this…
Neon: anis, why have you become such a worry-wart?
Anis: Hey, what do you mean by that!? In case you forgot, the commander was shot in the stomach…! Forget it. I'll just shut up.
Varakiel: *sigh* alright you two, stop fighting.
Varakiel patted both of them.
Varakiel: I know your concerns anis, but I am seriously fine, and there was no real danger that bullet wound would have never killed me in the first place, jackal wouldn't allow such a thing.
Anis: What do you mean by that?
Neon: yeah, jackal wouldn't allow such a thing? What does that mean?
Rapi: I see so jackal is a double spy…
Varakiel: yep, i knew they would do that from the start, i just wanted to see if they were gonna regret and pull back, it seems that wasn't the case.
Anis: But still, what they did is unforgivable!
Varakiel: I know, so first let's complete this operation, then we can think of them later, okay?
Anis:....okay, fine.
Anis walks forward annoyed.
Neon: what's she so sensitive for all of a sudden? Master, this isn't your first time being injured, right?
Rapunzel: perhaps she is the one who is most emotionally invested in you.
Rapi: well…rather than that, I think she is worried.
Neon: worried? Anis?
Rapi: she's always been wary of others but, the moment she let her guard down, we were sold down the river, and the commander was betrayed because of it. That's probably why she's a bit on edge right now. It's also why she wants to go somewhere that's more secure.
Varakiel: mhm, just like rapi said, i'll talk with her later, we need to move right now. But first, prepare for combat.
Rapi: roger!
Neon: I wondered when they would show up.
Anis: engaging!
.....
Varakiel: I suppose your jammer works as much right?
Rapunzel: haha, my hair may function as a jammer, but I can only cover so many people while we're moving.
Anis: commander, are you okay?
Varakiel: i'm okay, relax
Anis: Are you sure? Tell me if you're hurt, eve-
*pat* *pat*
Varakiel: I'm fine, don't worry, such a thing will never happen again. I promise, c'mon do it with me inhale *inhale*
Anis: *inhale*....
Varakiel: *exhale*.
Anis: *exhale*.....o….okay…
Varakiel: what is that worries you so much?
Anis: what? Me? Worried? No-nothing. I'm just a bit tense, that's all.
Varakiel: I can see that's not the case….just, tell me when you are ready, i am not going anywhere.
Anis:....commander, are you positive you're okay? You specifically came up here. To help us this time around instead of the humans, and you ended up being backstabbed by those nikkes. The very thing you vowed to protect tried to kill you. Doesn't that make you resent us?
Varakiel: Anis, look me in the eyes.
Anis slowly moves her eyes and meet varakiel gaze.
Varakiel: Are my eyes looking at any of you with resentment?
Anis: i...no.
Varakiel: Then don't over think things, if I am going to resent someone is going to be crow and viper, and besides that, marian and rapunzel, both nikkes, Saved my life.
Anis:....is that true?
Varakiel:.....
Varakiel just looks directly at anis.
Neon: Firepower!
*Smach*
Neon whacks anis on the back.
Anis: ouch! That hurt! What's the big idea!?
Neon: be gone, worry-wart! Your firepower is lacking. That's why you've become such a worry-wart!
Anis:...have you got a screw loose?
Varakiel: *sigh* what way to ruin the mood. I'll just say this anis, just because both of you are nikkes doesn't mean you're like them, just like everyone else, there's bad people and good people
Anis:...okay, commander….thank you.
Neon: return to us our anis who was so distrusting! Return to us!
Anis: what is this a séance? Take it down a notch
Neon: She's back!
Anis: Honestly, I swear…
Rapi: if that's everything, let's go. The earlier we arrive the better.
Neon: good ol' rapi, she never changes.
Anis: yep, no matter where we are. But that's one of her most endearing qualities.
Rapi: Would you two quit babbling? Let's move.
Anis: Yes, right away!
The three of them walk forward.
Rapunzel: haha, it must be nice. Having teammates like these.
.....
Rapunzel looks at counters silently.
Rapunzel:....
Anis: rapunzel, why are you just staring at us? Do you have something to say?
Neon: wow, you really are back to your old self. The distrusting anis we know and love. Already picking fights with someone who's doing nothing.
Anis: no, I'm not!
Rapunzel: haha, I'm sorry. It's my fault. I just…thought it was nice seeing you all interact. It brings back some old memories.
Neon: old memories?
Rapunzel: yes. When I was first assigned to a squad. We were a rowdy bunch. The surface was more dangerous than it is now. The war was closer to home as well. We were all happy to be together. We were just like all of you, laughing, crying, and getting into spats while traveling together.
Neon: what happened to them?
Rapunzel: some went missing. Some of them are still with us, but the years have changed them.
Anis: um…sorry for losing my cool back there.
Rapunzel: no! It's nice watching all of you.
Anis:....
Anis takes a look to varakiel.
Varakiel: (haha, alright i'll help you out anis) and why just watch? C'mon right now we are a team, we are all curious about you, tell us something about you.
Rapunzel: r-really? W-won't I be a nuisance?
Anis: Of course not, you helped us without hesitation, we owe you one.
Rapunzel:....alright everyone, well we're should I start first….
Varakiel: (hehe, just like darkness in all senses, she also longs for a party to belong with)
....
Counters and rapunzel eventually arrive at snow white and scarlet location.
Snow white: you are late.
Rapunzel: i'm not that late, am i?
Scarlet: the new moon hasn't set yet. There's still time. And she has guests with her this time around. Cut her some slack. Ladies, it's been a while. And I heard you got a bullet in the stomach. Are you all right?
Varakiel: I'm fine, thanks for asking, I used some magic to take the bullets off me.
Snow white: so why are you here? Why didn't you send a message?
Varakiel:.....
Anis: We did!
Neon: yes we did several times!
Snow white: !!
Snow white takes out her phone out of one of her seven dwarfs storages and opens blabla….
Snow white: ah…i see. I didn't know I'd gotten a message. Sorry about that.
Anis: Well shoot, we can't keep ripping into her after she's apologized…
Neon: yep.
Varakiel: haha, but it is good to know all of you are safe, what about marian?
Snow white: she is somewhere safe. Don't worry, she needs a quiet place to learn her capabilities. They may be money-hungry and always pestering us to join them, but the white knights would never betray their faith and besmirch their good name.
Scarlet: ah yes, the knights. I was wondering who it was.
Rapi: Are they also pilgrims?
Rapunzel: yes. Two sisters Crown and Chime, and cute as a button they want to become the masters of the kingdom.
Anis: if you vouch for them, I'm sure they're trustworthy.
Varakiel: white knights? the kingdom? They sound like great people.
Snow white: then what is the reason you came all the way here…
*Bling*
Varakiel deflects a laser that was shot at them
Varakiel: first of all, let's take care of them
Rapi: !! raptures!
Anis: how come?
Snow white: they must have followed you here. Rapunzel, is your jammer malfunctioning?
Rapunzel: It seems fine to me…maybe I've used up too much energy today, my output is a little weak today.
Snow white: make sure you check it out later.
Varakiel: Rapunzel, I told you to tell me if there was something wrong!
Rapunzel: s-sorry.
Varakiel: *sigh* rapi, anis, neon you stand by, i'll help.
Rapi: i…understood commander.
Anis: ohh, it would be quite a show to see 3 pilgrims being led by the commander.
Neon: yes, they definitely could take the title of strongest squad in the world.
Rapunzel: no. you're our guest. You should rest.
Varakiel: And what kind of guests would we be if we don't help you out?
Scarlet: the undesirable kind, alright, i have been longing to see this technique of yours since snow white mentioned it.
Rapunzel: but….
Snow white: let it be, he would never take a no for an answer.
Rapunzel:...fine….although, it's been a while since we all fought together.
Scarlet: lord, opportunity is knocking. Will thee take command?
Rapunzel: right. This is a rare opportunity. You can command as you see fit. Dominate us, and make us do al-
Varakiel: Let them witness thy might.
Varakiel interrupts Rapunzel's lewd remarks.
Snow white: roger, engaging!
…..
After the fight that took barely 2 minutes.
Neon: wow, amazing!
Rapi: So this is what the pilgrims are capable of….
Anis: incredible.
Snow white: we're all clear. I must admit….having a capable commander really helps in combat. So what was it you were going to say before? We've got a lot on our plate here.
Rapunzel: yeesh, you could use a little more tact…
Scarlet: truly a boorish knave lacking the slightest shred of decorum.
Rapunzel: yeah, turn on the charm why don't ya?
Snow white:...I'm sure he doesn't mind, right commander?
Varakiel: Of course haha. So scarlet what do you think?
Scarlet: to tell the truth…i didn't understand anything that you did, your skill seems almost…ethereal.
Varakiel: hehe, that means you have a lot to improve yet, let me help you practice later alright?
Scarlet: sounds delightful.
Snow white: *cof* What is it?
Varakiel: oh yeah, this might sound strange coming for me, but uh..we've come to get information on vapaus
Snow white: information? Don't you have everything you could think about it?
Scarlet: vapaus?
Varakiel: yeah but that's my research i am talking about the people who did vapaus before me.
Scarlet: your research?
Varakiel: hm? Didn't snow white told you? I can create vapaus with my blood.
Scarlet: whoa, really? Snow white didn't say anything…
Rapunzel: ah, so that's it. I was wondering how do you get it on the first place.
Scarlet: snow white, did you forget about telling us this?
Snow white:...so you want information of vapaus from other sources. This may take longer than i anticipated. Let's talk inside.
.....
Everyone goes inside a house.
Snow white: the last time i saw you face modernia, i though you already knew everything about vapaus. How much do you know?
Varakiel: well first i know it removes NIMPH from nikkes.
Snow white: all right. You already know about its function. What more do you want to know?
Varakiel: i want to know how people used to produce it.
Snow white: i see.
Scarlet: is that really all?
Varakiel: well i guess i can tell you my reasons, so is like this, in the ark a company managed to create their own vapaus.
Snow white: !! did you!?
Varakiel: i just let them my blood, i didn't tell them how to create it, and i specifically stated that if is used to harm nikkes i will never hand over my blood again
Scarlet: And you believe such a threat will work out?
Varakiel: I believe so, I am some degree of authority in the ark by now. If they want to go against me they will lose more than they are winning.
Snow white: I see, so you have a tight leash over this company, then why?
Varakiel: The method of creation is too expensive and time consuming, they need a method to create it faster and better.
Rapunzel: for what?
Varakiel: to help corrupted nikkes.
Snow white: corrupted?
Varakiel: yes, that's all they will do, they will help nikkes to remove corruption out of their brains, and that's all, it wouldn't be used for fighting nikkes, nor will it be used by nikkes to hurt others.
Snow white:....if i say no?
Varakiel: If that's the case I guess this mission failed.
Snow white: are you giving up so easily?
Varakiel: I will not force it out of any of you, you're my companions as well, I would never do such a thing.
Rapunzel: Wow, it's impressive that things didn't escalate.
Scarlet: Indeed, it seems they know each other very well. Snow white, I think we should lend them ideas. This fellow standing before you is someone that shouldn't deserve your trust after everything you told us about him?
Snow white:...fine, I think I was beginning to overreact. I admit it. After all, you all came here with good intentions.
Scarlet: good, and you, lord. Are you telling us the truth? That's everything they will do, just remove corruption? I don't think I need to point this out, but you see how agitated Snow white was becoming, when she's usually cool as a cucumber. That's how important the vapaus is to us.
Varakiel: I know that very well, I will just listen as far as you want to tell me, I won't ask for more than that. And yes it would be used to only remove corruption, if it were used to cause harm to others I will personally take the consequences myself.
Scarlet: very well then. So keep on explaining, what did you find about vapaus?
Varakiel: mhm, the first information i found about vapaus was the Existence of NIMPH, we found this out thanks to a nikke called Exia.
Scarlet: ah, i see so the ark does hold some information about the vapaus, is that right?
Varakiel: yes, but most of it is classified or outright deleted.
Scarlet: very well, then knowing this, do you think the NIMPH should be removed?
Varakiel: yes for most cases, but like everything on the world, there's good and bad, only those who deserve such trust should be allowed, mind switches, corruption, memory wipes, none of those people should be afraid of such things, only criminals should be, for it's the consequences of their actions. Marian's case is one example.
Snow white:...
Scarlet: ah yes, she would have indeed been better off without NIMPH to begin with, so she wouldn't have turned into a heretic. That is what you are trying to say, no? However, do you think that the NIMPH has only negative effects on nikkes? Be it to escape the horrors of the battlefield or debilitating depression, there are many nikkes who voluntarily undergo a memory wipe. Above all, the very existence of NIMPH grants nikkes a form of eternal life. Against this infinity, the horrors of the battlefield do not seem so abominable. It gives them the courage required to take on tough missions. Don't you think they need the NIMPH?
Varakiel: i agree with that statement, but i have to disagree with allowing them to have such eternal life, that's the reason we have heretics in the first place, performing the same tactics the same technology over and over and over again, as allowed raptures to evolve, that's why they can corrupt nikkes, that's why they have taken all over the surface, humanity has been fighting like they are fighting other humans, but raptures are not humans they are machines, they learn, they are durable, they can repair themselves, when they saw that using nikkes was a viable tactic they went with it and nothing else. They believe that with nikkes they would win against raptures and that's why they created vapaus, a countermeasure when they supposedly win the war, but such a thing never happened. This is my answer, it should be their decision to make. Is their life, they shouldn't be controlled by anyone else but themselves.
Scarlet:....it appears you're more perceptive and more well knowing of humanity than most of us here, if that's how it is i can rest assured that all you said is true, but accidents happen, lord.
Varakiel: I know, and I will prepare to face those accidents.
Scarlet: So that's your answer, choice.
Varakiel: it doesn't matter if they want to live for all eternity. Or only for a period of time. I want to create a future where nikkes can create their own future.
Snow white: and that…that is the reason you wish to use the vapaus.
Varakiel: It was the first thing that came to my mind when I found out the capabilities of my blood, in my own words would be ...."how can i use this to save them". Just like how Marian and now Rapunzel saved my life, I want to do the same for them, no matter the pain I have to endure.
Snow white:....*gasp*
Scarlet: a world where nikkes create their own future….a scandalous statement if i ever heard one. If we were nikkes belonging to the ark, you'd be accused of subversion, and your head would no longer be attached to your shoulders.
Varakiel: That's why my plan has be slow and unnoticed, I predict that in 10 years there will be humans supporting nikkes, that's how influential they are.
Rapunzel: nikkes capable of making their own decisions? Your dream is a long way from reality. In the ark, stability is found in submission.
Varakiel: not for too long, at the path the ark is going, they will destroy themselves in the future, and i have to change that, for the nikkes and the good people that live in there.
Rapunzel: Nevertheless, your idealism intrigues me. I'm inclined to agree with you. Rather than just leaving behind fragments of the past, I want to leave a key to the future. Scarlet, snow white. What do you think?
Scarlet: I agree. I believe there's no harm in informing them. Even if we try to keep it a secret, it will be revealed one way or the other. The last thing I want is to be an impediment to future progress.
Rapunzel: What about you, Snow white?
Snow white: you two are already in agreement, what do you need me for?
Varakiel: Your opinion is as valid as the three of them, if you don't agree I won't allow myself to hear it.
Rapunzel: Yes, all three of us have to agree. None of this would interest dorothy. Lilith, red hood, and the commander…are no longer with us.
Rapi: !!..red hood?
Varakiel: (did she said….i see, i see, so that who's in there.)
Snow white:....why are you doing this? Why are you going through so much trouble? The NIMPH has nothing to do with reclaiming the surface. You're a human. With the NIMPH, nikkes will protect you even if they go through a memory wipe.
Varakiel: because, there will be no future in that path, eventually raptures will win at this path, and besides all that, i want a better future, a future where i can save everyone dear to me, i want to save all of you, just like how you have done all this time for mankind.
Varakiel says with a saddened smile.
Snow white: !!
Rapi:..commander…
Anis:...
Snow white:....fine…i…agree. We will tell you everything about the vapaus.
Varakiel: Thank you, to all of you.
Varakiel bows to snow white, rapunzel and scarlet.
Snow white: alright you are already aware of the effect vapaus has. Even more, you are already putting it to better use than we ever did. We only used it as an ace-in-the-hole when eliminating heretics.
Rapi: So vapaus was indeed being produced and distributed in the past?
Rapunzel: not to just anyone. Its uniqueness is due to how it's made. It was discovered purely by happenstance.
Neon: wow so they found it out by accident, just like the commander.
Rapunzel: Wow so it was the same way you found out about vapaus believer?
Varakiel: almost like that.
Rapunzel: Well, we found out during our fight with the heretics, by pure chance we ended up discovering someone's blood had a special effect on them.
Rapi: So is indeed the same way, special blood.
Rapunzel: Yes, your commander's blood is really special. We found out it could be used as a weapon against the heretics. It could bring down what we thought was unkillable. Thus, vapaus came into existence.
Anis: So someone with the blood of the commander existed in the past?
Rapunzel: yes, him to be specific, a bullet made from the blood of our commander. That is vapaus.
Anis: So that's why no one knew how to manufacture it?
Scarlet: indeed, if word had gotten out, the commander would have never been allowed on the battlefield. They would retain him and harvest his blood for the rest of his life. Our commander, like yours, was one-of-a-kind. Even then, people considered him a legend.
Varakiel: legendary commander, no one even recorded his name…*sigh*
Scarlet: back then, bringing down the heretics paled in significance to a commander who was able to defeat hordes of raptures. It was decided he would remain a commander and that vapaus would be kept a secret. Only a select few knew of it. One of the main reasons for this was likely due to them not having enough time to conduct the proper amount of research.
Neon: where is he now?
Snow white: that, i do not know.
Anis: what?
Snow white: my memories were a casualty of my mind switch. Even the story I just told you was relayed to me by rapunzel.
Rapunzel: he's in the ark. Maybe…
Anis: what? As in THE ark?
Rapunzel: *nod*
Anis: seriously? We came all the way up here for nothing?!
Rapunzel: he might not be there anymore. He is human after all.
Anis: What do you mean? Didn't you just say he's in the ark?
Rapunzel: Did I forget to mention it? All of this occurred during the first rapture invasion.
Varakiel: I see that's the case….(Andersen might be related to him or he himself is the legendary commander, it wouldn't be a surprise after all he cares about nikkes…)
Gnome: ( *nod* *nod*)
Gnome agrees to varakiel statement.
Anis: the first rapture invasion…that was years and years ago. Unless he was wearing diapers back then, there's no way he'd still be alive today.
Neon: So does that mean there's no other way to find the vapaus?
Varakiel: if there wasn't, they wouldn't be telling us all of this right?
Rapunzel:....
Varakiel: Am I wrong?
Rapunzel: haha. I wanted to have a little more fun with you, but I suppose playtime's over.
Snow white: I heard there was an institute where the commander's blood was refined into bullets. I'm not sure what is left of it.
Rapunzel: I noticed the records were still preserved during a recent visit, so it should be okay.
Anis: where is it?
Snow white: south from the ark. At the edge of the big lake. It's hidden inside it.
Neon: Then there's no time to waste! Let's go!
Snow white: no. if you go in your current state, you might die, the raptures over there are in a different league than the raptures you'll find here. You should gear up properly before you set out, otherwise you'll have a hard time even with your commander's help.
Neon: really? *sigh* fine.
Snow white: I'll send you the exact coordinates.
Varakiel: thanks.
Snow white: heh, no need to thank me. Even if you find the institute, I can't promise you'll find anything about the method to create it like you want. And don't forget. Once you find out how to synthesize it, you have to keep it a secret. A world where nikkes are given freedom of choice…that could bring about a cataclysmic shift in our world, pot-
Varakiel then gets close to snow white.
*pat* *pat*
Varakiel: believe in the me that believes in them, i know that there will be problems, there are always problems, i just need them to see it from another perspective and i know how to do that.
Snow white:.....
Snow white then closes her eyes.
Snow white: don't say i didn't warn you.
Varakiel: Hehe, i know, believe me if there is someone who knows the most about the pure malice of the human heart that one is me.
Varakiel says with a hint of sadness
Rapi: commander…
Anis: commander….
Neon: master….
Scarlet:....i don't feel any lies upon your words…just who are you really?
Varakiel: sorry that's a secret i can't reveal to anyone, not yet…i….i am not ready….
Rapunzel: I can feel sadness and grief from those words.
Rapunzel gets closer to varakiel and embraces his head.
Rapunzel: You too have endured a long journey, haven't you?
Varakiel: Yeah, that's why I want to save the nikkes in the ark. The ark has been engulfed by a lot of darkness and its absence of light is slowly destroying it.
Snow white: just don't forget the consequences of what you are doing right here.
Varakiel: I won't.
.....
The next day….
Everyone was outside.
Scarlet: ah, the sun, she rises!
Varakiel:Mhm, it is always a beautiful sight to watch the rising sun, so are you going?
Scarlet: To be completely honest I would have liked to learn more from you, our time is tight, even so goodbye doesn't mean we'll never meet again, is it not?
Varakiel: mhm that's true, next time we meet let's spar some more and see how much you have progressed.
Scarlet: of course, lord. Rapunzel, would you escort our guests?
Rapunzel: of course.
Scarlet: good. Well then, my lord. Should our fates be intertwined, we shall meet again. Until then, stay safe.
Varakiel: Before you go, here, a gift from us.
Varakiel hands scarlet a white stone.
Varakiel: this is called a magic storage, if you think about opening something while holding this down a space will open and you can save anything not living inside, i hope this can make your journey more easy, you should practice with it when you have time, you can also use it in combat if you become proficient enough and there also some things inside to help you out.
Scarlet: ah i see so that's where your weapons come from, this is but a wonderful gift, i'll cherish it always, then my lord, until we meet again.
Scarlet leaves.
Snow white: I'm going, too.
Anis: hey! Try and go somewhere with some better reception!
Neon: yeah, and stick to the roads so we can find you more easily!
Varakiel: and check your messages more regularly….and here, one for you too.
Snow white: i don-
Varakiel: This one is different. It has a lot of meals and treats specially made by me, I know you'll like them.
Snow white:...*drool* *cof* I'll accept it then.
Varakiel: Hehe, I hope next time we meet you can show us this kingdom and its white knights.
Snow white: i'll keep it in mind…..commander….don't dare to die.
Snow white leaves.
Varakiel: likewise snow white…
Rapunzel: Well, since everyone's left. Should we head back?
...…
Anis: they really do all go their separate way. No big ceremony or anything. I've never seen a squad like that before.
Rapunzel:They all have their own individual goals. We promised each other long ago that we wouldn't get in each other's way.
Anis: was that during the first rapture invasion?
Rapunzel: no. It was some time after the ark was first created. Being reunited after such a long separation, we realized how different we'd all become. Even then, we realized how difficult it would be for all of us to unite under a shared goal. So at that moment, we promised each other. We each promised to respect how the other chose to live their lives. We would meet once a month to show that we were alive. That's what was agreed on.
Anis: not sure if that's cool or just weird. Rapi, what do you think?
Rapi:....
Anis: rapi?
Rapi: huh? Oh, sorry what were you saying?
Anis: isn't it weird that Rapunzel and the rest of them always split off?
Rapi: oh, yeah…weird…
Anis: Is something on your mind? You've been…
Neon: rapi! Anis! Hurry and get over here! We got raptures!
Anis: !!
.....
Rapunzel: rapi, you remind me of my friend. Your attitude and personality are different. But the way you fight is practically identical.
Rapi:...perhaps. I assume you're referring to red hood?
Rapunzel: huh? How did you know? Do you know her?
Rapi: So I heard you right after all….
Rapunzel: What do you mean?
Rapi: red hood. A nikke from the first invasion. And the legendary commander. In the past, was your squad named Pioneer?
Rapunzel: No. we only got that name once we met again on the surface. We were originally called…
Varakiel & Rapi: goddess.
Everyone turns to look at varakiel.
Anis:!!
Neon:!!!
Varakiel: I infiltrated the central government secret archives and got all the information in there, don't worry keep going.
Rapi: Okay, so are we right?
Rapunzel: yes…correct. Have you met red hood?
Rapi:...yes.
Rapunzel: No wonder you two are so similar. Thank you for telling me.
Neon: wait…goddess? Really?
Varakiel: mhm, rapunzel, scarlet, snow white, red hood, lilith, dorothy and the legendary commander, they all were members of the goddess squad…..the heroes who defended the ark in operation over zone
Neon: yes, they were the ultimate warriors. True heroes who will go down in history.
Rapunzel: Wow, I didn't realize we were so popular.
Anis: there are more important things at stake here. The commander of goddess is a very famous person. Shouldn't we be looking for him?
Rapunzel: hehe, i'm not surprised he's still a popular guy.
Anis: that's not the point! We need to locate him. Or…how he died. Where his grave is located. You at least deserve to know that much.
Rapunzel: no. please. I prefer not knowing.
Anis: what?
Rapunzel: if i heard any news about him, it'd only make me miss him more. It'd be unbearable. I'd want to return to the ark. I don't want it to come to that. I still haven't accomplished my mission.
Anis: what mission? Don't tell me it's reclaiming the surface?
Rapunzel: it is one of the factors, but not the sole reason, no.
Anis: what do you mean by that? It wasn't your fault we lost the surface to the raptures! Like the commander said it was all due to humankind foolishness.
Rapunzel: hehe. No, that's not it. It is not as if I lament for all of mankind. I do not entertain such grandiose thoughts. It has nothing to do with others. It's about us. All those who laughed, cried, and fought together in that war. Who made a promise to one another. We were unable to keep that promise. And so we must atone. I cannot yet return to the ark.
Rapi:...
Anis: You sure live a complicated life.
Rapunzel: hehe, you could call it a quirk of ours. But I'm glad. Goddess and the commander have not been lost in the annals of history. Just knowing that…is enough for me.
Varakiel: Mhm, that is true, one truly dies when he's forgotten, when no one remembers their names, their dreams, their hopes, and as long as i live, i will remember each one of their names, Lilith, the legendary commander, i will never forget them.
Neon: yeah me too.
Anis:...I agree.
Rapi: I agree with the commander.
Rapunzel: believer…neon, anis, rapi…..thank you.
...…
Rapunzel: Here we are. Just go straight from here. And you'll be able to get on one of the ark elevators.
Rapi: Thanks for the escort.
Rapunzel: don't mention it. It's been a long time since I had such an enjoyable excursion.
Varakiel: Hehe, I hope we can repeat this soon.
Rapunzel: That would be….lovely...believer, i have a question, are you not worried about returning to the ark?
Varakiel: no one bit, i know what to do…kinda, if everything goes exactly as i plan.
Rapunzel: Is it because of what Snow white said?
Varakiel: no more like….i had some appointments due these days i have to apologize to my clients and friends, after all i went MIA for quite a time.
Rapunzel: I see you're more worried about the people you care down there and what your absence could have brought?
Varakiel: yes.
Rapunzel: believer, i had a question that i couldn't bring myself to ask but, why do you come up to the surface?
Varakiel: Can you be more specific?
Rapunzel: We live in turbulent times. Why do you continually come up to this lawless land? And fight? I am pretty sure you would be able to change the ark from the inside with your capabilities.
Varakiel: how i would be able to save nikkes if i don't experience what they do day by day, all the pain, the trauma, their fears, their reasons to fight, only by going through the same thing can i understand the pain of nikkes and know how to save them.
Rapunzel: *gasp* that…..
Rapunzel was baffled she never in her life heard of such commitment to help others, sharing the pain, the sadness, the tears, the grief, the....dread.
Rapunzel: d-does that mean your brain?
Varakiel: oh about that, from time to time early in the morning i purposely seal my memories for about an hour to emulate the memory wipes nikkes receive, it might be not the same thing bu-
Suddenly varakiel is embraced by four people.
Neon: master!!
Anis: you dumbass never do that ever again!
Rapi: I agree with anis you should never do such a thing ever again!
Rapunzel: Yes, I have to agree to stop doing such reckless things, we would all be very sad if you suddenly forgot about all of us.
Despite what they were saying and the angry expression on their faces, they are all touched to the bottom of their hearts, he understands….no, shares their pain, the fear, the sadness, everything they go through he has experienced it, he understands them, and he…wants to save them.
Varakiel:...i am sorry, but it must be done, let me tell you, there's a nikke down there that also goes through the same thing but worse.
Neon: Are you talking about Anne?
Varakiel: yes.
Anis:....just…don't over do it. Okay?
Varakiel: I can promise that.
Rapunzel: Who is this Anne if you don't mind me asking?
Rapi: is a nikke that is used to study nikke's memory and how they can control it and alter it, they….
Rapi clenches her hand in anger.
Rapi: they experiment with her mind by performing daily memory wipes on her.
Rapunzel: *inhale* How horrible is that how bad is it in the ark…?
Varakiel: I am sorry you have found out like this rapunzel, but…that's how it is down there, that's why I don't want any pilgrim to go to the ark, if they were to find out they would be devastated for everything that happens there…
Rapunzel:....and you are trying to change that right?
Varakiel: slowly but surely.
Rapunzel: Then I can rest assured that you will accomplish whatever you want ! believer i believe in you.
Rapunzel says with a sunny smile.
Rapunzel: But you must never forget that our world is full of harsh realities. It will try to hurt you and knock you down. People who are on different paths will criticize you and tell you that your path is the wrong one. They will say their way is the right way and will try to tempt you onto their path. However, there are many different paths we can take. So long as you do not lose the sense of inner purpose, your path will be the right one. Whatever the time, wherever the place, and whatever choice you make.
Varakiel: Mhm, but there's something i am doing something different that follow a path, Rapunzel, I am building it, I am building a path for anyone to connect their own paths with, I want that my path can bring hope and happiness to whoever chooses to connect with it. A path that can bring everyone together to the surface.
Rapunzel: *gasp* that!....believer, i never had heard of such a beautiful idea before! You truly are different….and perhaps what this world needs.
Varakiel: And tell me Rapunzel, have you found your path?
Rapunzel:...yes. A very long time ago. I found it when I fought with those people whom I miss so dearly. I am always trying to find my way back to that.
Varakiel: Mhm, then rapunzel…
Varakiel then takes Rapunzel's hands gently.
Varakiel: Whenever you need help, feel lost or need a place to rest, remember, my path will welcome you with its arms open. Never forget that, me, rapi, anis and neon will help you with whatever problem you have, always, we are friends.
Rapunzel: i….i….i am grateful commander…i will never forget your words, whenever i need help i will seek it from my new friends…thank you.
Varakiel: and thank you, for encouraging me.
Rapunzel: hehe, don't mention it. What you are doing for all of us is something greater that anyone has done in the past.
Varakiel: but your path is as valuable as-
Anis: cut it out you two and this path it will become nighttime, both of your paths are great leave it like that.
Rapunzel: heheheh.
Varakiel: right, sorry, heheh.
Rapunzel and varakiel laugh shily.
Rapunzel: Now then, it's time for us to say goodbye. I enjoyed our time together. May your life be a journey just as this one, full of joy.
Just as Rapunzel was about to turn around and leave.
Varakiel: Wait, your gift.
Varakiel then shows Rapunzel a white stone like the one he gave Snow white and Scarlet before.
Rapunzel: believer you don't….
Varakiel: Take it, I am not taking a no for an answer.
Rapunzel:...so forceful….heheh, very well if you are going to be like that…
Rapunzel then grabs the white stone.
Rapunzel: thank you believer, and thank you rapi, anis and neon.
Rapi: be careful, rapunzel.
Anis: see ya later.
Neon: good luck out there rapunzel.
Varakiel: mhm good luck and take care.
Rapunzel then turns around with a smile full of joy and leaves.
Anis: alright, gotta go.
Neon: she's gone.
Rapi: take care, rapunzel.
Varakiel: mhm.
Rapi: commander, are you okay?
Varakiel: I should be asking you that question, are you guys okay?
Rapi: what?
Varakiel: while my path might take nikkes to freedom and the ark as well, we'll be making a lot of enemies. Are you fine with it?
Rapi: ….
Neon:...
Anis:..ha. Haha! After everything we've been through, you're bringing that up now?
Varakiel: heheh, everyone can have second opinions.
Anis: But it's too late for that. We're in this together, whether you want it or not. Just how many close calls have we had together?
Neon: we'll i won't call them close calls when the commander is this powerful but…exactly! If you're going to ask that question, you should have done it before I joined. Then I could've signed my resignation letter.
Anis: what are you on about? You were ordered directly by your boss to spy on us.
Rapi: commander. Do-
Varakiel: i want to hear your honest words rapi, yours and "hers"
Rapi: ….commander, whatever you do, we trust you with our lives. We've been ready for whatever comes our way ever since you trusted your secrets to us, since you gave us the strength to reclaim the surface.
Anis: haha, right! Who would have thought we'd be paired with a mage. But we've trained and progressed a lot since then.
Rapi: So commander, wherever you go, we go together.
Varakiel: hehehe, you are the greatest family anyone could wish for…then, let's go back to the ark.
Rapi: roger.
Anis: okay!
Neon: yes!
The three of them say with a big smile on their faces, yes, they are a family.
...…