Chaos Zero Nightmare story · Event: Heidemarie, Chapter 4
Act of Atonement
The remaining actor takes the role of the hero for audiences who have left.
3 scenes, 52 lines
1. A New Hero
2 linesHeidemarie became a hero. Cheers and praise from countless people surged toward her like waves. Articles flooded in, and interview requests never stopped. Her name was already being consumed as a symbol. But Heidemarie couldn't tell the truth about that day. That's not what people wanted from her. In the end, she could only wear a fake smile and repeat the same scripted lines. "Ms. Heidemarie, the Pioneer Base incident left deep scars on everyone. But your actions have inspired many. We've heard you never stopped rescuing people until the very end." "...It wasn't something I did alone. We all worked together. Everyone was brave." "But few have shown the level of performance you have. You're very humble. One last question. If the same situation happened again, would you make the same choice?"
Dozens of camera lenses turned toward her at once. Flashes swallowed her vision. Heidemarie slowly opened her mouth. "...Yes."
2. The Youngest Mayor Ever
3 linesHeidemarie retired as an agent. The official reason was injuries sustained during a rescue operation. Many people expressed regret while wishing the hero a new beginning. She continued various activities even after retiring. She raised funds for victims of the Ellinad Incident and fallen agents, and personally visited sites to improve their lives. She met many people In the process. Some thanked her, some found comfort, and others... resented her. Heidemarie did not avoid their gaze. She believed all of it was hers to bear.
Years passed like that. Over time, people were moved by Heidemarie's unwavering sincerity. What began as quiet respect gradually turned into expectation, support, and admiration. Heidemarie eventually rose to the position of Mayor of SS Edenity. Standing on the podium, she looked out over the endless crowd. People cheered and called her name. Heidemarie raised her hand and smiled at them. As a rescue agent should, she forced a smile for everyone.
But it all comes back when she closes her eyes. The moment Khalia was crushed beneath the rubble. The fading warmth of Evie lying helplessly. Mev's voice asking her to take care of Evie. And she locked eyes with Chloe in the last moment. The cheers fade, replaced by the noise of that day. Screams, collapsing structures, the roar of monsters. "..." ...Heidemarie is still trapped in that day.
3. The Day of Reunion
47 linesThe Day of Reunion
Before the graves of her companions
Everyone, I'm here.
You know what? I became the Mayor of the SS Edenity.
I'm not sure why, to be honest.
They say there's no one on the SS Edenity who cares about the citizens as much as I do, or something like that.
...When in truth, I'm not in any position to be here.
Heidemarie spoke as she pulled out weeds growing around Khalia's tombstone.
Khalia, you would have certainly been a much better role model to everyone than someone like me.
With your dignified appearance, you would have had so many fans.
I'm so clumsy and show my foolish side too often.
Heidemarie brushed off the pollen that had accumulated on Evie's tombstone.
Evie, I want to be a source of strength to everyone like you were.
To make people smile even when they're sad, to keep the atmosphere fun.
It's not as easy as it sounds. I just end up making things awkward all the time.
Heidemarie smiled as she looked at Mev's tombstone.
Mev. When will I become as dependable as you?
I became Mayor, but the distrust toward me never ends.
No matter how high a position I reach, I can't hide my true nature.
If it were you, Mev, that wouldn't have happened.
And...
...Chloe.
......
Heidemarie pressed her forehead against the grave and whispered.
She looked at her companions.
Everyone, do you still resent me?
I keep trying my best to atone to all of you...
It's still not enough, is it?
Of course not. If only I had been a little more competent.
If only I had been more like all of you, maybe no one would have left my side.
Because I was lacking... everyone...
......
...Still, I'll continue this act just a little longer.
Mayor, hero... titles that don't suit me at all.
But all of you would have surely worked hard for the SS Edenity from any position.
If it's work you would have done, then it's now a burden I must carry. Because I'm the one who survived in your place.
I'll keep trying my best. I'll keep staying strong.
...So, when we meet again.
When I... when I reunite with you all before long.
Please, forgive me just a little then.
Before she knew it, tears were streaming down Heidemarie's cheeks.
Waiting for a forgiveness that would never come, Heidemarie remained before her companions' graves for a long while.