Scorched Earth

You see, the angel has the will to survive. A true ruler is not afraid to call food "food," nor to eat when they are hungry.

I-I guess that makes sense. Angels have to eat too.

But what makes angels special is that they can eat a-a-anything.

Any form of life can become their su-su-sustenance...

T-Tilda?

You wanna know what else angels say about their food? They say that out of all ■■■■ on this planet, nothing tastes better than fresh ■■■■■ dripping out of a ■■■■■.

They describe the flavor in such vivid detail, I can't help but want to try some for my-my-myself.

My own ■■■■■■'s blood... REHDETSATI.

Wh-Where...

Finally awake?

Ruina?!

S-Stay back! It is not safe!

I understand. You must have gone through something very traumatic. But I assure you, it is safe here. Nobody is going to hurt you, so don't be afrai...

Did you just...say my name? How do you know who I am?

What? Of course I...

Do you not recognize me?

I recognize you... ...as the girl I found beaten, bloodied, and unconscious. Hence why I brought you here.

(...I forgot I am not Erin anymore.) (She's never seen me in this body.)

R-Right. Sorry. Forget I said anything. Where exactly is "here"?

Unfortunately, my own abode is quite far from here. Fortunately, however, a very kind individual has welcomed us into theirs.

This is too dangerous. I have to go.

Not with those injuries, you aren't. Where are you off to in such a hurry?

Somewhere without people.

I have no choice. If something were to happen to either of you...

You aren't making a lot of sense right now. I'm sorry, I can't in good conscience let you leave in this state.

(Forcing my way through is not an option... I would never forgive myself if I hurt her.)

And before there's to be any talk about leaving, I need to speak to your guardian first. Are they nearby?

...Despite how my looks may deceive, I am a member of the military; not a child. And for that reason, at the very least, I am capable of taking care of myself and have the right to my own autonomy.

Now if you would please excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be.

Well, if you put it that way, I suppose it can't be helped...

Well, if you put it that way, I suppose it can't be helped... I'll go with you.

N-No, you don't understand.

Just being around me will put you at risk!

I can't let someone with your injuries travel unaccompanied. You being military does not make it weigh on my mind any less. If you truly have somewhere to be, then I will take it upon myself to get you there safely.

(Ruina! Ugh...)

Furthermore, I appreciate your concern for my well-being, but I can hold my own in battle.

I understand that nothing I can say will change your mind. Just, promise me you will run away at the first sign of danger.

Run away? I'll be too busy protecting you to run away.

It is not I who needs protecting...

That reminds me, I forgot to ask after you woke up. What is your name?

I...can give you my codename. You may call me Havoc.

Havoc, it is. Ready to go when you are, Havoc.

This is your last chance to turn back. Perhaps I did not make it clear exactly how dangerous...

You can stop now. I said I will escort you, and I intend to do so.

......

(I cannot go to the base. Rusalka said the SMU is waiting to pounce on me the second I walk in.) (And anyway, my priority right now should just be to prevent any more casualties from piling up.) (But if I am really what is causing everyone's hearts to stop, I do not even know where to begin...)

(...Volos Research Institute. If there exists an explanation for what is happening, it will be hidden where this body was made.)

So, this destination, where exactly is it?

You know, it is actually quite far, so I would understand if you wanted to...

Not a problem. Let's go.

I must say, I'm a little bit surprised that you have your own personal cargo ship.

It is somewhat to be expected, given my position as Commander.

Commander... That's impressive.

It really is not; especially considering that I am currently on the run as a fugitive.

(My own personal cargo ship...used by me, and only me. It will not be long before it gives away my position.)

(There were no other options. I would not exactly blend in on public transportation... It does not matter now. I have to hurry.)

What's that?

It is a communication device that grants access to secure channels.

Huh... It's actually quite cute.

Rusalka?

Boss! Are you okay? You went radio silent after the run-in with the SMU. I started to worry...

I am still breathing. Did you look over the briefing I sent?

I'm up-to-date on everything, boss. It's like a scene from a horror movie. If the entity inside of you is behind it all, it's not going to be so easy to dig ourselves out of this one.

So we dig fast, the institute, Rusalka. The room that this body was made in has to still be in there somewhere. If I can find it, I might be able to learn more about whatever this thing is. Which brings me to why I need your help. You used to be a researcher there, you must remember the layout to some degree?

Actually... I might not be very helpful. I was in a completely different department, but even within the correct department, it was a carefully guarded secret. Although...Area Alpha, Sector Six needed the highest level of clearance. If I were looking for secrets, I would start there.

Let me look through some old files and reach out to the professor. Maybe she'll remember something I don't.

I owe you one, Rusalka.

You can make it up to me by watching the episodes I lent you! Now let's get off this line before they start tracing it. Stay safe out there, boss.

I stayed quiet to be polite, but you said "where this body was made." Do you mean this is where you were born?

Technically, "born" is not exactly the word I would use...

So you weren't birthed, you were...made, by the military, and there is something other than "you" inside of you.

And that "something" is what you believe has been harming everyone around you. Did I miss anything?

No, that is an accurate summary. Do you understand now why I said it is dangerous to be around me?

I cannot let another person, no less a student, get themselves tangled up in this nightmare. Now that I have explained everything, please just get on the cargo ship and get away from here...

I'm afraid I can't do that. I swore I would see you finish your journey safely, and from where I stand, there is plenty of it remaining.

How many times do I have to tell you...

(Why must you always do the right thing and be as frustratingly stubborn as I am! You really have not changed...)

If you're finished, we should get moving. You mentioned we're short on time, right?

H-Hey! Were you even listening?!

Good news! I managed to pinpoint the lab you're looking for. I'm sending coordinates to your Signoct as we speak.

That should save me some time, thank you.

I also have some bad news. You're about to have some company, and soon. Good luck out there, boss.

...I figured as much. No time to enjoy the scenery in that case.

It should be...this way.

Looks to be a straight shot from here.

Let's hope it's that simple...

(This must be where Tilda was modified...)

Now what?

Now we investigate, using this.

Using...your communication device?

The Signoct was originally designed to find and read radio waves, like a radar. It can riffle through piles of electronics and extract residual data from them; even if that information is 10 years old...

So you plan to scan the whole room and look through its history?

Correct. I have instructed it to search for any data left behind pertaining to this body.

Come on... Don't let me down.

...It drains the life force out of everything it comes across... This is a piece of nonfiction, right? To think something so horrific was once in this lab...

Not only this lab... If this report is true, then that nightmarish monster is what currently inhabits my body...

This report includes photographs, but they're hard to look at... Are these people who had their life force drained?

They look to be in the same condition as the victims I encountered...or caused, rather. Fine one minute, unmoving the next; their hearts no longer beating...

Looks like we got another hit.

What does it say?

......

Are you concentrating or...

Just remembering there are people on our tail. We should get out of here.

Don't change the, hey!

(First, I must get away from this place. Then...) (...Away from everyone...)

Would you slow down a little?

Don't just give me the silent treatment, what was in the report?

......

Apologies, Ruina, but this is where we go our separate ways.

No deal. You're not thinking clearly right now. Just take a breath...

S-S-Separate ways, ways, agh!

Havoc! What's wrong?

There is no time to argue... Y-You have to get away from me.

Why would I just leave you here like this?

Please, just listen to me for once...

I refuse to let one of my closest friends die...

Closest...

This has gone on far enough, Havoc.

Let the hostage go.

No, you've got this wrong, I'm...

Ruina, go to her.

Look around you... I am being chased by the authorities for a reason. I am a wolf in sheep's clothing, and I do not know when I might claim my next victim.

I...

I won't let you take her.

What do you mean you won't...

Please! Do not get yourself involved!

I'm seeing this through with you to the end, just like I said I would. As a proud member of the Disciplinary Committee, my word is my bond.

...You've left us with no choice. All units, proceed with the operation as planned. Subdue the target!

Leave her to me. I'll do everything I can to protect her.

Everyone, stop!

Aldo? Not you too...

Don't worry, Rusalka told me you were in trouble, so I rushed over here as fast as I could. I'm here to help.

Aldo, what is the meaning of this? This woman has been charged with committing some very serious crimes!

You there, what is the meaning of this? This woman has been charged with committing some very serious crimes!

Yes, I know. Someone already told me. But she's been suffering, trying her best to find a way to fix everything that's happened.

...And I'm not someone who can let one of my friends suffer alone!

Please, stop. I do not want you to become a target too.

Yeah, but the other option is abandoning my friend, so I'll take whatever's coming.

More obstacles...but no matter. We'll take you all if we must!

What's the plan, Aldo? There's no way out of here...

I don't know you, but what's the plan? There's no way out of here...

Actually, there is.

All aboard the Hydra!

Get back here!

Are you hurt?

I...will be fine.

Are you the captain of this ship? I have a request... I need to get to Last Island, could you take me there?

But of course! Who could refuse a wish from such a captivating young lady? Certainly not a gentleman battleship such as I!

Thank you... Aghhh...

...We must make haste. Setting course for Last Island! Ladies, hold on tight!

We're here now, but what's the plan?

Havoc... What are you saying?

I knew something was up. Ever since you read that report, you've been acting differently. For the third time, what was in the report?

Just tell me already.

That's...

Get those thoughts out of your head! Taking your own life is completely off the table!

What are you saying...

Stop! This is crazy and you know it! There has to be another way!

Ngh...

Not on my watch!

You're not about to disappear on me like this! Not like she did. I forbid it!

A girl...who suddenly went missing, 10 years ago.

When she disappeared...it's hard to explain, but it felt like a hole was torn open in my heart and could never be refilled... I NEVER want to feel that pain ever again.

You still can. I'll always believe in you. Because I'm proud to be your sister, and you're the strongest person I know!

Y-You're body is...

There are...two Havocs now?

What are you doing?!

Havoc!

Come on! Stay with me!

How are there...two Commander Havocs?

They're not breathing... I-I don't understand. It's like the life's been sucked out of them.

We have to find a way to stop it!

This power is ridiculous...

But there's no going back now.

It is my turn to be on the inside. I am going in to finish this!

Wait! You don't know what's in there!

...A voice? In that direction, I guess.

Is...someone there?

What are you...

Aha! I found you! But...you're not someone I know... Who're you?

Your host.

...Host?

I should be the one asking who you are. You are the one who has been running wild, having a field day in our body.

"Who am I?" Like, you're asking my name? Everyone just calls me number three...

Number three...

Are you the one who has been draining everyone's life force?

What does "jraining lie force" mean? I just wanted to see people's sparkles, and if I could see them, then maybe they'd wanna play with me...

Sparkles... That must be what you call the energy you see flowing in people...

Your face looks really mad... Please don't be mad at me! I just wanted someone to play with...

And there used to be this one girl who'd play with me all the time, but I can't find her any more... Umm...you kinda look like her...

Was that girl named Tilda, by chance?

Yesss! Tilda was the best! Me and her were playing hide'n'seek together and it was my turn to be it. But I finished counting, looked everywhere, and called out her name but she didn't answer me... I just kept counting again and again, and calling her name out like, "TILDAAA!" But I still haven't found her yet...

That's why I felt so lonely and wanted to play with everyone.

And started sucking out their life...

And then, while I was playing, you came here to see me.

But...even though you look like Tilda, I can tell you're not her. I remember her sparkle and your sparkle looks different.

......

Why does your face look like hers? You're making me feel scared.

Are you a scary person? Are you mad at me?

I cannot let any of it slide, everything you have done... Maybe you did just "want to play," but that does not erase the fact that your actions caused many people to suffer.

...... Are you going to kill me?

Am I...what?!

Like the people in the white coats. They killed a lot of my friends...

White coats... People from the lab?

That's how all my friends died. The people in white ripped them up into little pieces. Did you come here to kill me like they killed my friends?

N-No, I...

I'm sorry I didn't know! I'm sorry times infinity! I promise to give all the sparkles back... ...So please don't kill me!

......

...You're right. How could you have known any better? You were being used too. One day you're sleeping peacefully in your ship, the next you're shaken awake and forced to fuse with another living being... All without a way of understanding how, or even why, any of it was happening to you.

D-Don't, don't kill me. I don't wanna die. I wanna play with friends! I don't wanna die, I don't wanna! Please don't...

That's not something I'd do.

Come. Come with me. We can live together. We'll figure it out.

I'm allowed?

Yes. You're allowed.

All it wanted was to live...and so it sought the light. In the midst of a black void, there was nothing else to grasp at but the sparkles...

Havoc...

I know I had you worried, but it is over now. I am sure of it.

You're okay! I mean, you look okay? What's your condition?!

Boss, do you copy? Our two downed soldiers have regained consciousness!

I'm glad everything worked out in the end.

I am just glad it is the end...

It appears the EGPD officers, nurses at the clinic, and anyone else affected has regained consciousness.

Looks like that thing's settled down, at least for now.

Not just for now, I assure you both. Nothing like this will happen again.

Glad to hear it.

...However, Commander, the military still has to conduct a thorough investigation and has many questions for you.

All of which I am willing to answer. Terrible things happened to your people because of me.

Actually, I think its we who owe you an apology...

I will make my full report as soon as I return to base... But before I do, would it be alright if I did a little gallivanting on the way? I have some loose ends to tie up.

I don't see why not. I'll be there waiting for you when you arrive.

I would like to bring her back to Elzion. There are also a few things we have not had the chance to talk about yet.

Sounds like quite the hassle is waiting for you at the base, so take your time. You sure you're okay though?

Believe it or not, I have had worse days. I will be okay. Thank you for showing up when you did, Aldo.

Friends show up. That's all it is. Well, I should probably head out too. If you're ever in trouble, give me a shout!

I will take you back to the Gamma District, if you are ready.

I'm ready. Let's go.

I'm glad to hear everyone is feeling better at your base.

Me too. I still want to apologize to them directly though.

So...

You said there was something you wanted to talk about, right?

......

Yeah, about that... Y'know that girl Erin you mentioned you used to know?

...The one who disappeared 10 years ago...

I...never mentioned her name...

She lied to you that day when she left. As a result, she found herself pulled along a series of events, all starting at a research institute. I'm certain it was karma, her punishment for lying.

She wasn't supposed to have survived the initial incident, but for reasons untold, she was instead reborn in her sister's image. And for 10 years, her memories erased, she waged war for others as a soldier. Until recently...when she came to her senses and finally remembered who she was. As for who she is now, well...you're looking at her.

I'm so sorry, Ruina. I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you that day. You deserved to know.

I'm sorry for not saying anything either. To be honest, I had the feeling you might be Erin from the moment we met.

H-How?!

It was back when I first saved you in the Theta District. When you zoned out, you accidentally called yourself Erin...

Ah...

So of course, that had me wondering, "what if you were the Erin I lost 10 years ago?" But even if you weren't, I thought maybe you knew something about her...which is the real reason I wouldn't leave your side...

That...makes a lot more sense now.

But despite the circumstances leading up to this... I'm just glad we were able to meet again.

Ruina...

I must be off now. It has already grown late and I have a curfew to uphold.

R-Right. Yes. Curfew... Mustn't forget...

Hey, Erin. No pressure, and you don't have to share everything all at once or anything... ...But next time, whenever you have time to just talk, tell me about who you are now. I'd like to get to know this you too.

Y-Yeah. Okay.

Okay. Well, back to school for me.

Keep going... Find happiness... Live.

Hey, Ruina.

Yes?

You know, umm, it can be on like, a day off or something, but when you're free...

When you're free, maybe you and I could...

You mean...walking and eating on the way home?

N-No, not like that, I mean... There is just this...parfait specialty shop... I have been wanting to go to for a while...

...Oh, well... If it's sitting down for dessert on a day off, I guess there's nothing wrong with that?

Sounds like fun. I'll go with you.

Yes! I MEAN...

...Cool. Great! It's a plan!

We did just make plans. yes.