Hero Stories: Coiled Lies

How peaceful.

I do enjoy peace, but...!

Lidica, do you have a moment?

Sure, what's up?

There's been an increased number of reports of missing women in the forest bordering Taranor.

So the Order asked for our help. It seems they're having trouble canvassing this vast forest entirely on their own.

Hmm... I see. People going missing... This could possibly be the work of a cult.

I'll be on my way right now to bring justice to those heretics...!

No, what we need to do is gather information, since we have no clue whatsoever about the incident.

If it's monsters, then sure, we could just go ahead and sweep them. But if there's someone orchestrating the whole scene behind it, it'd be too much for you to handle it alone.

If it's the latter, then the culprit must've left some tracks, so think of this mission as going to the scene and finding them.

Yep, I got it.

I doubt you'd face any dangerous situation there, but I'm just going to say it again. Don't get involved in anything recklessly, especially when you're just by yourself.

Sez and Bellona said they completed their mission and are on their way back now. I'll send them to you right away, so you'll have an extra pair of helping hands.

Don't you worry! Then, I'll go and get ready to leav...

...

There's no sign of anyone having been here at all...

Could it be just an accident? As Captain said, this area is swarming with monsters...

...! What was that?

Urk!

No... My vision is getting...

Aw, come on, Papa!

There's no need to act so rashly. Look, we have another unconscious one in our hands.

...Who's ther...

Urk...

Oh, you've finally woken up!

...What? Who are you?

I'm sorry. Papa can be a bit impatient sometimes... I apologize for knocking you out on his behalf.

...Papa?

Yes, that's him. Come on, Papa, say hello to our new guest.

Huh? I haven't introduced myself either? Ah...you're right. My bad...

I'm Fenne, it's a pleasure to meet you.

Wait a second. That snake is your "Papa?"

Yes, the one and only!

So? What do you think of this Mama? Do you think she deserves your love?

What on Orbis are you...ugh...!

Ah, don't make any sudden moves! If you get damaged...I'd have to find another one.

You're most fit for Fenne's Mama out of all the ones I've met. So I hope you don't break!

...So you're responsible for all those people disappearing in the forest?

Oh? I guess word has already spread.

...I guess that's a yes.

But I had no choice, I had to find Mama...

...

Ah, there's nothing for you to worry about, though. I treated them very nicely!

I heard enough. I should deliver the summary execution...!

Don't get involved in anything recklessly, especially when you're just by yourself.

Hmm? A s-summary...execution? I'm sorry...it's way too complicated of a word for a little girl like me to know.

...Nothing. But... why are you doing this?

...! You're curious about us? No one has ever taken their time to ask that before...!

So it's safe to assume you're interested in becoming Fenne's Mama.

...Sure, let's leave it at that for now.

This could be a long story...

So you have to pay attention to the things I say, okay?

Sez... Sez...! What is this place?

I don't know.

When are we getting home? Fenne wants to go home now...

...

Even on you...!

Listen up, Fenne. Those researchers are conducting experiments on your body.

It hurts...

Listen to me! You need to stay sharp, or...

Right, you said you wanted to see Dad, right? You just need to hold up a little bit more.

...Papa is going to come and save Fenne from here? But when?

...Soon, so you need to be a good girl and be patient. All right?

...Sez, when does Papa come? You said "soon," but how soon is soon?

...

As you said, Fenne has been sitting here quietly and waiting!

...

Sez?

What are you talking about, Fenne?

Your dad is right here...with you.

Hmm? But Papa is...

Open your eyes, Fenne. Your dad has never left your side.

Hmm? Y-Yes...

Papa has never left my side. He's always been with Fenne...!

That's correct.

But... Doctor, what happened to Papa? Why does he look so different from how I remembe...

He wanted to be with you so badly that he changed his appearance.

Argh...!

Like this, he doesn't want to leave you alone, as exactly as YOU wanted.

A-Ah, I see! I'm sorry for not recognizing you, Papa...

...Papa?

...Doctor, I think Dad is upset because I didn't recognize him. He doesn't accept my apology.

It's not that he doesn't. It's simply because he cannot speak yet.

He's not fully assimilated to his current look now. But he will be able to talk again with your help.

Ah, I see...! Then I should...um... What do I need to do?

You have to promise to be a good girl. I'm here to help you stay with Papa now and forevermore.

It means you need to be extra cooperative when I'm giving you shots or conducting experiments on you. Can you do that?

Yes, of course! I promise! Please help Papa so he can speak again, okay?

What a good girl you are, Fenne.

Agh... Papa, you're feeling hungry again? But you had your fill just a while ago...

At first, he would only lick a few drops of blood coming out of the wound, but his appetite seems to be really growing as time passes.

It looks like Fenne's dad has been receiving so much love from you. At this rate, he may be able to speak sooner than we anticipated.

Wow...really?

Really. It might sting for a second, but if you could endure the pain...

Wait a second, Doctor, what are you talking about?

Bearing pain for family, that's what love is, no?

So, the more pain Fenne feels, the more she gets to prove her love to Papa!

...Right, yes. I said it wrong, and what everything you said is right. What a clever girl you are, Fenne.

The deeper your love for your papa grows...the sooner the day to hear his voice will come...

Hehe, I can't wait for that day, Doctor.

Agh...!

I must endure it. I must help Papa. I must love Papa more and more.

*panting* Fenne...!

Sez? What's going on? Why are you covered in sweat...

Let's get out of here.

What are you talking about? Why?

Today's the monthly conference in the lab, so there aren't going to be too many people in this facility. We should take this opportunity and leave! Now!

Huh?

...Fenne, you said you wanted to see Father. Let's go see him.

Wait, wait! What do you mean, "let's go see him?" Papa's right here!

...What are YOU talking about?

...You're not...talking about that snake, are you?

He's not just a "snake!" That's our Papa!

Doctor said Papa wanted to be with Fenne, so he came to find me in that form!

...Those bastards.

Come out now. We need to go.

Ah! Sez, wait!

Doctor promised he'd help Papa speak. If I leave this place...Papa would never...

Fenne! What are you doing?

Fenne can't leave! Especially when Papa can't speak yet!

If I wait a bit longer, Doctor said Papa could talk again! Fenne...still needs his help.

Fenne!

Sez, please... We can't leave Papa like this. He probably feels very frustrated right now...and if you want to talk to him later too...

That's not Father.

...What?

That "thing" is not our father.

Why...Why would you call him that way? Of course, he is. Papa has been protecting Fenne all this time.

Did you forget we're in a facility that conducts all kinds of experiments? We're nothing but their test subjects.

They even did an experiment of mixing monsters with Humans, so probably that snake is...

You're wrong.

What?

If you're right, then how come our real Papa is not here? Where is he?

...

You're not going to understand even if I tell you the truth. Just follow me for now, I can protect yo...

Liar!

You're lying to me, aren't you?

Papa said lying is bad, right, Papa?

I'm not lying. Our real father sold us her...

...

See? You can't even finish your sentence because you're making up lies as you go!

Fenne can't go. She needs to stay for Papa...so you should stay too, Sez.

I can't. After everything I've been through to get you out of here...

That's right. The only thing that's been holding me until now was you.

It doesn't matter what you think because we're leaving this place together, whether it be voluntarily or forcibly.

...Why aren't you defending yourself, Fenne...?

Because enduring pain is the only way to prove how deep my love runs.

Fenne has to endure this torment to show you how much I love you...and my family.

Please don't go, Sez. Stay here...with Fenne and Papa...

...

Where did it all go wrong? This is not what I've wanted...

Urgh...!

S-Sez?

The only thing that kept my sanity was the thought of escaping this hellhole with you...

A-Am I too late? Why did I...

No...no... I don't wanna die...

Wh-What's going on? Sez! Are you okay?

Don't touch me!

Argh... F-Fenne can take it...until you understand me...

Stop...

Aghh!

This is how much I love you, Sez. You feel it too...right? Say you can feel my love...

So, please...do as Fenne says...this time...

No... I can't die like this...

Sez...?

G-Get him!! Ahhh!

Run!! Run, everyone!

What just happened? I can't feel Sez anywhere. Did he...leave me here...?

This voice is... Papa?

Papa...! Is that you?

...Really...?

You promised. You promised you'd never leave Fenne alone...

Without you, Papa...I'd truly be...

That's how Sez left Fenne.

But the question that haunts me is why. Why would he leave both Fenne and Papa behind? What could drive him to do such a thing?

Is it possible that I've done something wrong? Or being with family meant nothing to him, perhaps?

...I don't know.

To be honest, I kept believing he would return someday, like the naive fool I was.

Papa stayed true to his word and never left my side...

But knowing we could never return to being the perfect family we once were... that wound runs deep in my heart.

You can come out now.

...

Fenne?

Ah, yes, Doctor!

Hmm...is everything all right with you?

S-sure...everything's fine.

You seem to be having trouble focusing lately.

I'm sorry. I'll do better next time, I promise, Doctor...

And your synchronization level is not rising as it used to be. Have your feelings for your dad changed?

No! You know how much I love Papa. Tell him, Papa!

R-Right? And look! Because I hate when the mark Papa gave me fades away, I do this...!

I carve them over and over again on my skin!

...I hear you. And I know how much you love your dad.

I know once the synchronization level reaches a certain level, it hits a growth plateau period...

Fenne, is there anything troubling you these days?

No! Nothing at all, really! I'm okay! I'm just feeling a bit tired.

A-Anyway, are we done for today? Thank you for believing in me, Doctor. I'm gonna go now.

W-Wait a second, Fenne...!

...I know. I know I don't trust Papa as much as I used to.

That's not our father.

...Huh?

That "thing" is not our father.

Because of what Sez said...

No... He left me here. He's not my brother anymore, so everything he said to me was a lie.

He promised to protect me forever, then left me behind.

...But what if Sez was really telling the truth...

No, no, no...

NO!!!

...Papa.

There's something I want to ask you.

Sez told me...you're not my...real dad. Is that true?

Ah, n-no, I made a mistake. I shouldn't doubt you. I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

Ever since Sez told me that, I've been feeling a bit weird... I know I shouldn't be like this...

Huh?

No!!

P-Papa! You must be starving now! H-Here, drink my blood. If you turn out to be someone else...I, I...

Papa...

Hmm? What's that soun, Oh my, could it be Sez?

I knew he'd come back. He wouldn't just abandon me like this.

Papa! Wake up! I think Sez is back!

I need to open this door...

Papa! Help!

I-I don't want to die. I...am going to destroy every other Sez here...

...Sez?

Restrain him! Now!

What is this place...? It's filled with people who look just like Sez... But how...?

Are they all Fenne's brothers...?

Th-Then...the one who abandoned Fenne is...

Fenne? How did you get here? This area is not safe, so you should return to your room.

Hey, you! Take Number Eighty-Seven back to her room!

Y-Yes...!

Um... Doctor, what is this place?

This is where we store clones of Experimental Subject Number Fiftee...

Clones?

You've asked enough questions. Stop wasting my time, and get moving!

That's Sez's number. And this room is full of his clones...

Then I can make a perfect family again...!

Ha...haha...

...?

Haha... HAHAHAHA!

I-I'm sorry... I just realized how foolish I've been... H-Haha...!

Papa.

I was wrong. What's real or fake...means nothing now.

What really matter is that I still have you and Sez by my side.

Yes...Papa... And I love you. I really do...

Hmm... Papa, don't you think he looks more like me than he does the real Sez?

...Who are you?

Ah, he opened his eyes!

Hello, I'm Fenne. If you feel a bit uncomfortable...it's probably because you're restrained right now.

...Shut up.

S-Shut up? The real Sez never used that tone with Fenne...

The "real?"

Are you...talking about the "original Sez?"

I don't know who or what that is...but my brother's name is Sez.

Where is he now? I must find him and kill...

I don't know because he left me. But...he will come find me someday.

Because we're family!

"Family," huh? So you're his little sister.

If I use you...I might have an opportunity to kill him, then.

You want to kill Sez?

But why?

I must prove that I'm superior to the original Sez. I have to be the only Sez this time to...

It sounds like you want to take his place.

Oh...! Does that mean you're going to Fenne's new big brother?

Big brother? I couldn't care less about that. What I truly care is...

You're so mean! There are so many good things about having a family!

We support each other... accept each other's flaws...

...I said I don't care about those things.

B-But...if you become Fenne's big brother... Ah! Maybe you can learn all his weaknesses too...

You're still not interested?

Th-Then...I'm just gonna go and ask if any of them wants to be my brother... It was nice meeting you though...

His weaknesses?

That's right.

...Fine, I'll be your family.

Wow, really?

Papa, look! Sez is back!

But...what do I need to do to become your family?

Simple. You need to show how much you love Fenne.

"Love?"

That's right, love.

Show how much pain you can endure for each other.

See what me and Papa just did? Like this! Easy, huh?

...Mhm, very easy.

Ha..haha...! Is that all?

I can feel it... I can feel the pain my brother is giving me... This must be love...!

Yeah... This sensation...is exactly what I wanted from Sez!

You're not done yet, are you? Come on, entertain me a little more!

He could be the one, who's going to be my real brother.

The one who won't betray me...or abandon me... The one who'll love me!

You agree with me, right, Papa?

Then, leave a proof on him too. A mark that proves he's one of us.

A proof?

Yes, sharing the same marks...proves that we're family.

Come on, roll your sleeve.

Urk...!

Welcome to the family, big brother. Promise you'll stay with Fenne.

Forever.

That day, I learned an important lesson.

I can...always make a new family!

So, that's how my family is formed...!

...Aha, I see...

What do you think? Don't you want to be part of this family?

Err...well...

You said this mission isn't going to be that dangerous, Captain...!

She's completely delusional. If I stay here any longer...

Hmm? I'm waiting for your answer!

H-How do I leave this place?

What are you looking fo, Ah! Are you looking for Sez?

After the lab closed down, Fenne had to bid farewell to her brother.

Because he had his own goals. But...he promised he'd come back to me...

...The "lab." Come to think of it, Sez also mentioned escaping from a lab too.

She might have information about his past... Information that could help restore his memories...

To be honest, I was a bit worried about losing my brother yet again...but Papa said family should support each other's dreams.

That changed everything for me. Because I have a dream too!

You do?

Yes! I yearn for a perfect family! In that sense, I'd love for you to be Fenne's mama!

I'm sure Sez'll be delighted to come home to a mother's warm, welcoming hug!

...

Do you...not want to? If then...I guess...you can just be Papa's food.

He seems quite starving.

He used to sustain himself on my blood alone...but lately, he craves...different things. Perhaps he's in growth spurt.

What do you mean, different things?

No...so all those missing people...

Hehe, what else could I do? Papa seemed really hungry...

There was actually one who promised to be Mama, but when I woke up the next day, Papa had already devoured her.

Oops, sorry, Papa.

You're right. I might frighten her away. How thoughtless of me.

...

W-We still have some food stored away for emergency, so you're safe...!

It's not about helping Sez's memories anymore... My life is in danger if I stay here another moment.

I-I need to buy some time now...!

Umm, I'm going to need some time to consider your offer.

Huh...? Ah, th-that's an answer I did not expect to hear...

Papa... What should we do?

Mhm, that's true. You're right, Papa.

I guess I was too eager. Becoming family... it's not a decision to be rushed.

Yes, exactly. I just need some time alone to think...

Of course! But...don't take too long, okay?

Not just me...but Papa too... The thought of adding someone new to our family...

We're all very excited about this.

...

...The coast seems clear. I guess she's not watching me.

It's now or never. I have to move.

*gasping* *panting*

I'm sure she noticed that I'm gone by now, but why is everything so quiet? Is it possible she let me escape on purpose...?

No, everything is fine. I just have to keep going.

There's light ahead. The exit must be close...

There's been an increased number of reports of missing women in the forest bordering Taranor.

So the Order asked for our help. It seems they're having trouble canvassing this vast forest entirely on their own.

W-We still have some food stored away for emergency, so you're safe...!

Wait... those missing people... If they're imprisoned here somewhere...

I might be the only one who can save them. Is it right to just run away?

Ah! There you are!

Impossible...! I didn't sense anyone approaching...!

I've been looking for you everywhere!

I think I've given you enough time to think...so what's your answer?

...Um...well...

Oh, are you...feeling shy, perhaps?

Don't worry! We need to verify something first anyway. You can tell me after that.

Huh? Verify...what?

Papa!

Argh...!

To become our family...you must always prove your love for family.

Let's see, if you have what it takes to be my mama...

No... I feel...

Agh...!

What is...this weird sensation...? Something's crawling up my leg...

It's cold...

This is...the snake from before!

E-Eek...! How far up do you think you're going...?!

Ah, you're awake.

What are you doing?!

What do you mean? Papa is showing his affection.

Agh...!

Since when is biting a sign of affection?

Since always.

Family must show their devotion to one another...

I can't wait to have a new mama, but as you said, we can't rush it.

So...

Show us.

D-Don't come near me!

Prove to us how much you can love your family, Mama.

Agh...

Hmm, what do you think, Papa?

You're right. The mother-daughter bond is more important... Hmm...

Fenne likes almost everything about her, except her appearance... I don't know, she's a bit different from how Fenne has always imagined her mama would look...

If you like her, Papa, then Fenne also like this Mam...

Ha...!

...?

Hahaha!

...What's so funny?

You, for thinking that creature is actually your father.

...Excuse me?

That snake is a monster, I can sense it.

Something reeking of a monster could never have been Human.

...

And do you really think what the snake is doing is out of love?

...Do not insult my family.

Insult? Is that really what I'm doing right now? Don't make me laugh.

Look at all those injuries left on your body. Is that what love looks like to you?

To me, that monster is nothing more than a sly serpent waiting for a moment to devour you.

...

That's not our father.

...Huh?

That "thing" is not our father.

No.

No, you're wrong. Papa is my papa. He's not a monster!

I've seen my fair share of heretics who think and act illogically.

And I've learned that words alone won't reach them.

I'll...correct you in my own way.

...Ah, I see it now. You came here just to mock my family...

Fenne isn't wrong. It's people like you who don't understand us!

You're going to pay for insulting Fenne's precious family.

...I'd like to see you try.

...What's that noise?

What are you talking about, Papa? She just insulted you! I must teach her what true love mean...

But Papa...

...All right. I'll go and check.

W-Wait a second! Stop!

...Something is here.

Hmm? You mean, here? But I see nothin...

Ah... It's ruined beyond repair...!

What a shame. I know Papa really likes this place...

...Where did she come from?

Sez! We should...

I know.

...Sez?

What?

It really is you!

Papa! Sez's back!

Who is she talking t...

You finally came back to me! I knew you would...someday. I must admit, I was bitter at the beginning...

But I knew you'd come back to Papa...and Fenne! I did!

Do you know her?

...Hardly.

But...I feel...

Something unpleasant... Urgh...!

Sez?

Sez? What's going on?

...Ow!

Stay away from him.

Kergh...!

Sez!

Do you not recognize me?

I-I don't. And I don't want to...ugh...!

...

Take a deep breath, Sez. Whatever that's been tormenting you doesn't exist anymore.

You've been doing it so well until now. So...

...Do you not remember your sister Fenne?

That's impossible.

Come here, Sez... Don't leave Fenne alone again.

I've warned you already. Don't come near us.

You're the one who...shouldn't get between us...!

Agh...!

Bellona... R-Run. It's not safe.

...You really forgot about me?

How could you? Do you know how much Fenne has been...

No...! Fenne has Papa, and she has a new big brother now.

Soon she will have Mama, so...

...Her energy just changed...!

So I don't need you.

Papa's right. Only those who stay matter... Fenne doesn't need a big brother who abandoned her.

...Sez! Watch out!

Sez! Now!

...Bellona.

Get he...

...

Sez?

I'm sorry...but for some reason...

I can't seem to attack her.

...So there IS something between you two.

Urk!

...It's too dangerous for me to handle her alone...

Where are you hiding, you snake?!

Lidica?

Huh? Sez? Bellona?

I'm so glad you came! I must warn you there's a very dangerous snake lurking aroun...

...

Right there.

I need your help. Right now, Sez is...

...

He's incapacitated. So the two of us would have to handle it, how's that sound?

Sounds perfect. I swear I'll...!

Bellona!

Got it!

Sez? Why are you stopping her...?

...

*panting*

I-I guess this is it for here.

What?

The fog...!

Be careful, everyone! Don't breathe it in!

...I can't see a thing.

Sez.

...!

Where...where is she?

Where are you going off to, again? I told you we should get out of...

Huh... Why am I saying these things...

Haha... Oh, big brother, how ridiculous.

Saying those things when you still don't even remember me...

Ugh...!

Come to think of it...taking care of you...was my new brother's goal.

And I can't just rob such a pleasure from him, can I?

New brother...?

One day, I will kill you. That's the only reason I exist.

It's either kill or be killed.

Are you talking about "him?"

Well... that's not the point.

The point is that...you're no longer part of Fenne's family.

...

You don't exist in Fenne's life anymore.

Bye, Sez.

...Don't go...

The fog's clearing! And the snake...!

It's already escaped.

...

Sez, are you all right?

Why did you block Bellona's attack, Sez? She could have caught her easil...

Ah, and you know what? She mentioned being from the lab too. We could have learned about your past!

...She did call you "big brother."

It's possible you two were family...

No, let's not jump to conclusions here, Lidica.

Huh? But...

*gasping*

Take it easy, Sez.

...

...I'm sorry. I...blew it all.

I can't really explain why...but I couldn't bear to see her suffer.

What's done is done. We can't change it now.

They'll probably lay low after this commotion.

Let's search the surroundings, just in case.

...

Hmm.

P-Please don't hurt me!

Oh? What do you mean?

You still have a choice.

P-Please...

Either become Papa's food or be Fenne's Mama... Take a pick.

But you'd better decide quickly.

Because I've been waiting for a new family...for far too long.