Hero Stories: How to Be a Sister

Chief Landy, here to see Belian.

Ah, there you are. I'm glad you were able to make it on time.

I would never be late to a meeting with you. But why did you want to see me?

There weren't any problems with the regular report, were there...?

Oh, no, this isn't about that. I just wanted to ask you something.

Sure, ask me anything you'd like.

How has the city's security been recently?

Fine. Nothing of note has happened.

Is that so? I've heard the opposite, that rising dissatisfaction is finally starting to rise to the surface.

While it's true that some citizens are breaking laws and committing crimes...

We're handling them with the appropriate sanctions.

Everything is under control, and they're not doing anything serious enough to affect the city's system. You don't need to worry.

I see. You're doing your job as chief of police very well.

But I believe this isn't a problem that can be solved solely through force.

...I'll come up with an alternative.

Oh, I'm not reprimanding you. I just wanted to give you something that might help you.

...Help me?

I'm going to introduce you to a new colleague to help resolve this.

Now, please come out.

Nice to meet you. My name is Flan.

Flan is an Automatic Doll who was created to mediate problems that arise within the city.

Oh, and for your information...you two were manufactured on the same production line.

The same production line..? Aside from how snooty she looks, she seems pretty average.

I thought she'd just be a heap of scrap metal, but she's in better condition than I expected. Why is she staring at me like that, though?

Landy, please show her around the city. And if possible...

Try to work together to resolve any issues you encounter.

So the area we just walked around in is District A.

Since this is where the chosen citizens live, it seems like there's nothing but a few minor issues to report.

Right. Most problems arise in lower-grade districts.

I thought that might be the case, since there are more people who cause problems in lower-grade Districts.

...Flan, can I ask you something?

Sure, go ahead.

I heard Politia is electing a new foreign minister, and you're one of the candidates. Is that true?

Yes. There are also other candidates that were manufactured on different production lines.

So it would look good if you were to help clean up some messes around the city with me, right?

I would assume so, as this is a command I received directly from Belian. But why do you...

Then I'll do my best to help you become the foreign minister.

Because that's what an older sister is supposed to do!

Um, older sister?

Yup. We're from the same production line, so...we're like family, or like sisters, as Humans would say.

But since I'm an older model, and I was made before you, I think I should be the older sister.

...What is this old tin can saying?

I see... Then that means the reason you've been speaking so casually to me wasn't because you're the chief of police.

Yup. Wouldn't it be weird for me to speak so formally to my little sister?

Actually, I think you're being too polite, so why don't you just...

If this starts, who knows where it will end. I'd better draw the line here.

No, thank you. I appreciate your concern, but I would prefer it to stay like this. So are we done with District A?

Huh? Um, yeah... As soon as we get this paperwork done, we're going to go to the train station and move on to District B.

Understood. Then I'll head out to the train station first.

Huh? W-Wait for me! Ah... She's gone already.

...I feel like she's acting colder all of a sudden.

I guess it's just in my head.

So this is our final destination, District D. And looking at our list...it seems we have a lot of problems to solve here.

Not only in District A but also B and C... She solved every problem in minutes just by talking.

Well, I suppose we should go to District D's police station first, right?

Who would have thought problems that couldn't even be solved with rules and regulations could be handled that easily...?

Chief Landy? Did you hear what I said?

Is it because she's the latest model? There's something special about her...

Chief Landy!

Huh? Oh... Yeah, let's head to the police station. We'll need guards from here on out anyway.

It sounds like this district is a lot more dangerous than the others.

Is it because this is in the Unregulated Area outside of the Core Tower's control?

Yeah, this is where you'll find all sorts of criminals and other headaches.

But why would you leave such a place unchecked?

Because, as the name suggests, that area is literally "unregulated." Only non-citizens who aren't under our management live here.

But based on the records, it looks like the other districts are suffering because of the many incidents that arise there.

...Yes, there have been a few cases because of that.

But no significant action has been taken... Why?

Well, it's not as simple as you might think. There are actually dozens of criminal organizations situated in that area.

They're like bugs we just can't seem to squash...or the worst virus ever. So...

So you've just been sitting on your hands, letting it happen?

Yes, because sometimes, letting things play out by themselves is a solution.

...Have you ever considered that your irresponsible attitude might just be making things worse?

Oh, please. I've tried. We even carried out a major mopping-up operation once.

But that ended up making the whole thing so much worse because it just resulted in split organizations. At least things are stable now with the organizations keeping each other in check.

There won't be any problems unless we create them first. So we shouldn't make any sudden moves until we have a real solution...

So what you're saying is, because it's impossible to solve the problem using force, you're just trying to maintain the status quo.

...Because that's what's best for now.

Very well. I'll search for more intel in the police station's information hub.

If I can give you a piece of advice, I think it's best to just ignore whatever is going on in the Unregulated Area. We have enough to deal with just within District D.

I'll store your advice in my memory, but I'm not giving up.

This is what I was made for. Solving problems that are outside of your capabilities.

So I'll set this aside for now, but...

*siren blaring*

...That's the emergency siren.

Ch-Chief Landy! We're being attacked!

Have you identified the number of enemies and their objectives?

Multiple unidentified machines are attacking the train station and passengers indiscriminately.

All right. All available units, follow my command! We must protect the citizens from these enemies!

There are too many of them. Let me help.

No, it's too dangerous. Stay away from this.

Remember what you said? You were made to solve problems that I can't.

In other words, we each have our own roles and responsibilities. So you can leave this to me.

Roles and responsibilities... Now that you mention it, it's true that standing in the front lines of battle is not one of my responsibilities.

But standing back and providing support is.

She handled this situation with precise judgment and without taking any significant damage. I thought she was just a useless old hunk of metal...

Maybe I was wrong...?

Was that the last enemy?

Yes, Chief. I think it's clear now.

I'm glad you were here, Chief. Thanks to you, we were able to minimize the damage.

Yes, thankfully. But make sure you keep your guard up and update me once you determine the extent of the damage.

Understood.

Are you hurt?

Not at all. I stayed a few steps behind the battle.

True... By the way, what is that? Are you disassembling the drone we caught earlier?

I was checking its circuitry and serial number. It turns out this is a discarded drone.

Does that mean someone is collecting discarded drones and illegally converting them for their own use...?

It seems that way. And according to what I've found so far, that someone appears to be from the Unregulated Area.

Are you sure?

Yes, I'm certain.

Weird. There haven't been any unusual movements in the criminal organizations in the Unregulated Area recently...

I wonder if they knew Flan and I were coming and staged an attack intentionally.

No, that can't be it. They would have been stronger if that was the case... Then what were they trying to accomplish?

...What will you do now?

Hmm? Do about what?

You said you've left the Unregulated Area alone because it hasn't caused any significant problems.

But things are different now. It may not be many, but citizens have been injured and facilities have been destroyed.

...I get your point. We won't be able to maintain the status quo any longer. I need to investigate who's behind all this.

I'll go to the Unregulated Area right away. You should stay here and...

No, I'll come with you.

No, you won't. That place is like a powder keg. No one knows when it will explode.

You're not even a battle model. I can't bring you to such a dangerous place.

All right, I admit I'm no help when it comes to battles. Then let me ask you one thing.

What are you planning to do? Are you going to use all of your available forces to subjugate them?

I doubt it. You aren't foolish enough to repeat your past mistakes.

Which leaves you with a different method...

I see where you're going with this.

But those criminals in the Unregulated Area... They never listen.

Have you ever tried negotiating with them?

No, but I am sure about one thing: you don't know them, and you're underestimating them.

I have no idea what you might try to do, so I can't bring you with me.

She looks very determined... She won't back down easily. In that case...

...Fine. Then I guess what you said about being an older sister and helping me become the foreign minister earlier didn't actually mean anything.

D-Don't get me wrong, I meant what I said...!

Solving this problem would have put me one step closer to becoming the minister, but...

Well, I guess I'll just do some chores here in District D.

...All right, all right. You can come with me, but that's it. I won't let you get involved if things get dangerous.

Of course. Don't worry about me.

Umm... Shouldn't we stop those two?

Let's just watch for now. I don't want to get in between those two.

Don't you see that your method isn't a viable solution to this problem?

Yes, maybe this isn't the answer. But...

Even if they're not citizens, we can't punish them for sins they haven't committed.

But they're all potential criminals. It's only a matter of time before they commit a crime!

But there will be those among them that don't.

Then what? Are you going to investigate them all one by one...

...Hoping you'll find the criminal organization that attacked the train station?

No, but... All I'm saying is I don't want to kick the hornet's nest.

So for now, I think it would be better for us to investigate a few organizations based on the information we have...

If it were possible to catch them that way, they would have left behind some kind of evidence. But we haven't found a single clue, have we?

So please, listen to me.

...

If my plan goes well, we'll be able to significantly reduce the crime rate in the Unregulated Area.

And depending on how things go, we might even be able to put this area under the Core Tower's control...

Yes... If your plan is successful, then we'll be able to do those things.

Right? So why don't we get started...

But it won't. It's going to fail. And it's simply not the right thing to do. So I can't agree to your plan.

And didn't I make myself clear? I said I wouldn't let you step into a dangerous situation.

But I'm the only one who can do this. So please, just reconsider...

No, there's nothing to reconsider. End of discussion. Guard! Show her to her room.

...Very well. If you insist, I'll let this go.

I hope your plan works, Landy.

I'm sorry, Flan. I can't put you in danger when I don't even know what our enemies' goals are.

*sighing* I shouldn't have even brought her here in the first place. But there's nothing I can do about that now, is there?

But I am worried about one thing... She gave up so easily. I thought she'd be a little more persistent.

That stupid old hunk of metal... I told her exactly how to solve this, but she refuses to listen!

Does she think I won't be able to do it since it's not something she's capable of?

You can get some rest here, ma'am. And if you need anything...

As soon as the investigation starts, the criminals will go into hiding. And then...

All of this will have been for nothing.

I can't let such an important chance to clean up the Unregulated Area slip away.

All right. Then...

Wait, I need an authorized wired port. Could you please set one up here?

It's possible, but...may I ask why?

I need to deal with something that happened in District D. So please make it quick, if possible.

Yes, ma'am. I'll set it up right away.

As if I could just sit back and watch... I'll make sure this plan is successful.

So you set up a meeting with the Automatic Doll sent from the Core Tower?

Are your ears blocked? Why do you keep asking?!

The reason we hired you is to remove all records of the train station attack from the district network.

Not to meet up with them for coffee!

Don't worry, that Doll doesn't know you're the culprit.

Meaning she also has no idea that the only reason you attacked the station was to procure some parts for your business.

Well, good... But why do I have to meet up with her?

*sighing* She's the newest model. She was just made, so she has no idea how dangerous this area is.

And won't be able to bring more than a couple of guards with her. Isn't this a pretty good situation for you guys?!

I'm basically handing you your target. Are you going to keep whining about it like a crybaby?!

Hmm... Is that so?

The full plan is stored on this memory drive. And we're running out of time, so you'd better get moving.

...Heh. If everything goes according to your plan, this is going to be very interesting.

All right. If this works out, you'll be well compensated. Look forward to it! *chuckling*

Hmph, those overexcited idiots. They don't even know they're being taken advantage of...

Now that everything's ready, it's time for you to get going.

All right. So you wanted their mobile data device, right?

...FYI, I'm watching you. You'd better not do anything stupid.

I've got cameras installed everywhere. Everything you do is being filmed, and those videos are being saved in real-time.

Pfft, don't worry. I'll keep my word.

I'm almost there. I'll be at the meeting place after a few blocks.

M-Ma'am, can we stop here for a moment?

What's wrong?

If we go any farther, we'll be in the area Chief Landy banned us from entering. She said it's too dangerous.

...So? You saw her signature on the mission request.

I did, but... I don't understand why she gave us this dangerous mission...

So you don't believe me? Are you implying I'm lying to you?

...No, certainly not. I didn't mean it that way.

Don't worry. The remaining district network is limited, but I'm keeping an eye on our surroundings.

So trust me, I'll make sure we stay out of danger. And moreover, there was nothing sighted on the army dogs' radars, was there?

Well... Understood.

I know what I'm doing now could become problematic, but as long as I make sure it works... I'm sure things will be fine.

So... I've got to make this happen.

Well, well. You kept your promise and showed up with minimal personnel.

Flan, step back. He's...

I know. He's a wanted criminal.

...We're not here to meet him, are we?

...Watch and learn. This is for the city's sake.

Okay, there doesn't seem to be anything other than a few surveillance drones in the area. I don't detect any significant danger.

Did you bring the item?

Yes, everything you asked for is in this drive. But...are you sure about this?

Of course. If you give us information on the other criminal organizations, the police will get rid of all of them except for you.

Meaning we get to rule this area, under one condition...

...Which was to follow your commands and manage the Unregulated Area. Right?

...Correct. Sounds like you remember everything.

*chuckling* This is a surprise. Who would have thought the police themselves would give us such a generous offer?

Sometimes, you've got to think practically to help the city grow and improve.

...Before we close this deal, there's something I need to ask you. How did you find me when I connected to the district network?

We just got lucky, I guess. A hacker we hired found you while working on something else for us.

A hacker...?

As you already know, a lot of organizations are fighting each other. So you need to be fast when it comes to collecting information.

Now then, shall we continue with our...business? Deal? Agreement? Whatever you want to call it.

Yes, let's. Now, sign this contract.

*chuckling* Hahaha! Wow. I can't hold it back any longer.

The hacker was totally right about you. What a naive, talented Automatic Doll you are!

H-Huh...? What are you...

Did you really think I'd make a deal with you? There's no guarantee for you to keep a promise like this. Why would I take such a huge risk?

Can't you see that capturing you would be far more beneficial to me?!

Target confirmed. Beginning operation.

Ack... Where did those machines come from so suddenly!? I'm totally certain there was nothing here besides...

A few surveillance drones. Right? *chuckling* That hacker is pretty good, huh?

Good enough to fool the newest model. I'm impressed.

No way... Then all of the information I've been looking through was sent by that hacker...?!

Dammit, I knew it! Those filthy Unregulated Area bastards set her up!

There's no time to complain. Hurry, we have to save Flan!

Are we the only two left...?

Seems like it...

I don't get it... How could I be fooled by a hacker...?

Arrrgghhh!

Ma'am, quickly, hide behind that box!

Ack...!

*chuckling* Gotcha, you little rats!

Ma'am, you need to go by yourself. I'll hold them off for as long as I can.

B-But...

Go! I can't hold them back for much longer!

Ack... I'm sustaining damage. At this rate, I won't be able to make it...

But where am I? According to the information I saw in the district network, the Bureau of Investigation should be right there.

Was that also fake information...?

She should be around here somewhere. Go, now! We can't lose her!

Are they already here...?

Urk...!

I've lost too much power... My system will start shutting down soon...

There you are. I've been looking for you for so long.

Who are you...?

...I'll tell you that later. Leave this to me, and...just get some rest for now.

...

Nng... Where am I?

I'm not chained up, which means I probably haven't been kidnapped by a criminal organization...

...Did that blonde Automatic Doll take me here? I remember seeing him before I blacked out.

And all of my damaged parts have been repaired. Quite proficiently, too. Impressive...

You're awake. How are you feeling?

This Cyborg looks pretty old. I wonder how it's even still moving...

...I don't seem to have any problems moving. But...did you repair me?

Ian and I did, yes. Of course, my older brother helped too.

They look like they've been repaired quite a bit as well. But looking at the parts that haven't been changed...

They look like citizens from the city's early days who were converted into cyborgs.

You're back. How are things outside?

I don't see any of the people who were chasing her. They must have moved on to search other areas.

...You two must be helping me hide.

Yes, Miss Flan.

How do you know my name...?

I saw your serial number while I was repairing you.

You seem to be the newest model from the special factory under the Core Tower's control.

...How could a Cyborg living in the Unregulated Area know that?

Oh, you don't need to raise your guard. It's just a little information I picked up while I was working for the city in the past.

I see... Anyway, some parts seem to be missing from my body...

I removed them.

You... You're the Automatic Doll who saved me, right?

Yes, that was me. You made a very reckless decision without considering the danger lurking in this area, you know.

...You're not registered in the system. Where were you made? And who made you?

Oh, now you're interrogating me? I thought I'd at least hear a "thank you."

...You removed my body parts without my permission. Wouldn't it be strange for me to treat you politely after that?

From the way you speak, it sounds like you haven't considered that there might have been a reason behind that.

A reason... The only reason I can think of is you trying to make a small fortune by selling me off to the black market.

Tch, come on... If I wanted to do that, you already would have been completely disassembled and powered down.

...

I'll return those parts if you really want them back, but I'm not sure how useful they'll be.

My mobile data device... It's completely burnt.

It was shot with a special bullet by the criminal organization. If I had left it there, it would have affected your primary circuitry.

...I guess I owe you quite a bit. I'll repay your kindness later. But more importantly, can you tell me the way to the District D police station?

If I were you, I wouldn't leave so soon. They're still looking for you out there.

If I stay here, it's only a matter of time before I get caught. So...

I'll help you if you want. Unlike you, I'm free to move around.

...Why are you so desperate to help?

Well, it's simple. If one of the Core Tower's newest models goes missing in the Unregulated Area...

...Do you think they'll just let it happen? I'm sure they'd purge the entire area.

So it would be in everyone's best interests for us to help you return safely.

Although...some idiots out there can't seem to understand this simple concept.

Now, where do you want me to go?

...Go to this place and ask for help.

Okay. In the meantime, you stay right here and keep a low profile.

I'll bring someone to help.

How did things get this out of control?

What a nightmare... I'll never be able to look Landy in the eye again.

...Ian must be pretty far by now.

Yes, I think so.

...

What are doing with that giant wrench? Are there still repairs I need...

...

W-What are you doing? Why are you grabbing me?!

You asked how we know which factory you were made in, right?

My brother and I used to work there. We know every single part you're made of like the back of our hands.

Plus...you have a part we've been desperately searching for.

...If that's what you were aiming for, why did you fix me in the first place?

That...was just a part of Ian's request. But now, we have a little more freedom.

I'm sorry. We just want to live!

I need to avoid getting hit. If I take any more damage, Huh? His arms are loose.

Ack...!

H-Hey...! Are you okay?

I'm not in the best condition, but I think I can handle you two easily. So I'll give you a choice.

You can stop and tell me the reasons behind your actions, or you can continue with this meaningless fight.

No news about Flan yet?

Unfortunately, no. We've dispatched all available personnel...but it sounds like the search isn't going very smoothly.

No evidence was left behind, not even a single footprint. It's almost as if someone removed all traces of her on purpose.

I'm sure someone is after her. That means...the longer we take, the lower our chances of finding her.

We're going to put everyone we have onto this operation. And the second you find a clue, no matter how small, I want you to contact me via the secure line.

Understood. I'll give the order to stand by.

Flan... Where are you?

I recognize that emblem on your cap. You must be Landy, the chief of police.

Who are you? How did you get in here?

Does that really matter? What's important is the information I have.

I'm really curious what information you think is important enough to justify breaking into the Bureau of Investigation.

Trust me, this is information you'll want to know.

They're eager to work for the city, even if stealing other machines' parts is what it takes...

I'm sure there wouldn't be any trouble if everyone in the Unregulated Area thought the same way...

Anyway, there must be a reason why Ian asked them to keep me there.

But why? Surely it can't be just for the Unregulated Area's well being...

DANGER. ENEMY DETECTED AT CLOSE RANGE.

Miss Flan, hide!

Target undetected. Moving on to next area.

Phew, I'm glad we brought that Machinery with us as a guard.

There are more drones than I thought. We'd better hide here for a little while.

Are they converting discarded models and using them?

Yes. The Unregulated Area is the last resort for not only criminals but also discarded Cyborgs and machines...

...And Humans that were kicked out of other districts.

With such a hodgepodge of people and all sense of order collapsed, it's no wonder this place is in such disarray.

To those who aren't from here, it may seem like that. But this place has its own rules.

...Sounds like you know this area very well.

We certainly do. As far as Cyborgs go, we're pretty old.

We built the factory you were made in and worked there until it became fully automated.

So you brothers used to work for the city together.

Oh, we're not actually brothers. Initially, we were just coworkers.

We didn't even get along well at first. He's actually an office model. He used to be my boss.

Speaking of which...you were a pretty evil boss.

That's just because we had deadlines to meet...

But you two lost your jobs when the factory became automated, right?

Yes. We were replaced by automatic machines and Cyborgs with newer features.

Since we were older models, we lost our jobs and...ended up here in the Unregulated Area of District D.

And then you happened to reunite here.

We've been through a lot together.

Going through so many hardships together, we naturally became a lot closer.

And before we knew it, we were like brothers.

I've heard that the emotions of Humans who were converted into Cyborgs tend to dull over time...

But it sounds like it was the opposite for you two. As an Automatic Doll myself, it's not something that's easy for me to understand.

*chuckling* I'm sure you'll understand what we mean one day.

...Do you really think so?

Of course. Automatic Dolls are the beings that most closely resemble Humans, after all.

Emotions... Will there really come a day when I understand the meaning of that word?

We're almost on the path that will take us to District D.

Good job, you two. Now, once I make it safely to the Bureau of Investigation, I'll keep my word and find you jobs...

TARGET CONFIRMED. ATTACK MODE ACTIVATED.

Finally! But what are those ancient Cyborgs doing here?

Ah, I see what's going on now. They've been hiding that Automatic Doll from us. That's why we couldn't find her.

Ugh... The audacity of you two pieces of junk...! I'll make you pay for this!

KABOOM!

Ack... They're out of control.

If we stay here, we're going to die. We need to get out of here...

Watch out!

Ack...!

N-No!

He sacrificed himself to save his brother. How...could he make such a decision?

W-Why... Why did you...

I-I can't let my little brother die, you know...?

A-And I'm a construction model, so I thought...maybe I would be more durable than you... Haha...

Shhh... Don't worry. I'll fix you. As long as we have enough parts, I can...

His body is completely destroyed. This is past the point of repairs.

I wanted to...return to the city with you...one day...

I'm so sorry... I don't think I can keep my promise...

...

The excruciating pain Humans feel when they've lost loved ones... I understand what it is, theoretically.

But I don't truly understand...the way it feels.

Great! One down. Now, let's continue...

That way! Quick!

Dammit. I think we attracted the cops with that explosion.

Well, we've got no choice then. We should just call it a day.

As you requested, we moved the surviving Cyborg to a safer location in District D.

Thank you. But...how did you know I was here?

We didn't. As soon as Chief Landy knew you were gone, she mobilized the entire force to find you.

We just happened to get lucky. Anyway, now that we've found you, we need to report this to the chief.

...That's odd. Chief Landy's private line isn't working. And all of the other lines stopped working too.

The device seems to be working fine... Can I take a look at your mobile data device?

An unknown firewall is restricting access. We won't be able to connect to the district network unless we break through this.

There are no perfect systems. Everything should have a flaw. What matters is finding it...

...Okay, I found it.

Oh, did you figure out where she is?

Just a second. I'm about to.

This line... Wait, these are surveillance cameras. That's weird. I thought there weren't any surveillance cameras in the Unregulated Area.

...A hacker must have installed these to collect information. And it seems like the video feed is being saved in real-time.

Wait, this video...

What's wrong? Is there a problem?

I think things are about to get dangerous.

Quick, before it's too late, we need to go to this location with all available forces.

We're almost there. Just a few more blocks.

Are you sure we can trust this guy?

...I understand what you're getting at.

We'll soon be arriving at the most dangerous part of the Unregulated Area. And once we enter, we'll be disconnected from the communication network...

...So we won't be able to ask for additional backup.

Exactly. And if this is a trap...there are too few of us.

Even if it is, there's no going back. The parts he brought definitely belong to Flan.

So I'm left with no options. We have to follow him, no matter what it takes.

Are you sure Flan is here? In a place like this?

How unusual. I thought we agreed to meet here.

...You'd better be telling the truth. I'm running out of patience.

Oh, wait! Now I remember! Yes, Flan...

Ack...! So your true colors have finally come out.

He took my mobile data device. Was he aiming for that this whole time?

Phew, that was easier than I thought. Well, I'll leave the rest to them.

*creaking*

*beeping*

We're surrounded, Chief.

Don't worry. As long as I'm here, it doesn't matter how many enemies there are.

So Flan isn't here, clearly. But I'm sure you know where she is.

So if you tell me the truth, I'll spare you.

Tch... Is a good poker face all it takes to become the chief of police these days? I'm obviously the one with the upper hand here...

KABOOM!

Does that look like a bluff to you? Now tell me. Where is Flan?

*rattling*

*beeping*

You're strong, as expected. But...I can handle myself too. Why do you think I brought you here?

I've got enough of them to fight you until you're completely exhausted.

All I need to do is to escape...

I'm afraid that won't be possible.

Flan!

Landy, I'll fill you in later. Let's focus on catching that jerk for now.

I thought I told you to keep a low profile. What are you doing here?

Wait a second, did you just call me a "jerk"? That's not a very nice way to talk to the person who saved your life.

The person who saved my life...?

I might have thought that was true if I hadn't found that footage of you and the hacker talking.

...All of this, from the train station attack to Flan's disappearance. It was all planned.

*sighing* Is there any evidence they didn't leave behind?

Both sides are going to be trying to catch me now. Unfortunately, I can't allow that to happen.

I suppose I'd better run.

You've got nowhere left to run. This exhausting game of tag ends here.

Give in peacefully. And if you provide us with information about the hacker, we might let you off easy.

*chuckling* I think you're forgetting something. I led you here.

Do you really think I would have run into a corner without a plan?

*rumbling*

BOOM!

The surrounding buildings are collapsing and blocking our way out.

I'm afraid it's time we say our goodbyes. I won't say "see you next time," though.

Because...there will be no next time.

No, we can't let him get away!

*crashing*

Flan, watch out!

Ack...!

L-Landy...!

Hehe... I-I'm okay. You're not hurt...are you?

Why did you save me...?

Why...? I don't need a reason to save my little sister...

Your power levels are growing weaker and weaker. At this rate...

Don't worry...older models are more durable than newer ones. Haha... I'm sure...it's nothing...

So enough with the long face... Just...

...

N-No... Stay with me, Landy. Landy!

You did a wonderful job destroying an entire neighborhood. And yet you escaped unscathed...

Your talent for running away is pretty remarkable.

Haha, not as remarkable as your firewalls... Oh, wait. Looks like one just got bypassed. Hm.

...Ugh, shut up.

Anyway, enough chitchat. Here, take this. I suffered a lot for that thing, by the way.

...This is Landy's, and she's an older model. This is not what I asked for.

Oops. I have both, actually.

But the one you asked for was shot by one of those idiots' special bullets. Do you still want it?

...Hmph, whatever. I guess I'll just have to try it with this one.

*typing* ...BEEP!

Ugh... I can't disable the Core Tower's security system with this.

But I guess it did give us Landy's information. This might come in handy later.

You don't look very happy. I assume it didn't work?

Hmph. Why don't you mind your own business? You're going to be registered as a wanted criminal in the Core Tower any moment now.

That's fine, anyone could have seen that coming. And I've already got everything I need.

You know, now that you mention it, I never got to hear what you were looking for.

You're curious? But the thing is...

BANG...!

BZZT...

There's no reason for me to tell you that. Or anyone, for that matter.

I got pretty lucky, though. I found the information I needed in Flan's memory, not the district network.

Well, I suppose I'd better start getting ready.

All I need now is the body of that Automatic Doll that's secretly being made in District B's factories. As soon as I have that...

...I'm getting out of this disgusting city.

So...in the end, you didn't find Ian or the hacker.

No, but since we were able to clean up the criminals who attacked the train station as well as that criminal organization...

The Unregulated Area should be peaceful for now. And thankfully, my punishment didn't last too long, either...

Anyway, how does it feel to be back at the factory?

It's great, but I feel kind of empty. My brother should have been here with me...

...Yes, he should have.

But it's fine. My feelings and memories of him...will always be saved in my memory.

Anyway, I didn't realize the time. The repair work will be done any minute now.

I heard the damage was so severe that she might need a newer model body...

I worry it might look a little awkward on her.

Oh, that... I don't think you need to worry about that.

Flan? Were you waiting for me?

How...? I heard there were no parts left for older models...

I found some in an abandoned storage room. Of course, they were the last ones, so I suggested she change her body to a newer model...

But if I do, then I wouldn't know what to call you! You can't be my older sister.

So I decided to keep my original body!

Although this body lacks some more modern features, it's durable. It'll be perfect for battle.

What a shame. I would be such a cooler older sister than you are.

...Are you finally admitting that I'm your older sister?!

Well, if you keep your promise, I'll consider it.

My promise...?

You said you'd help me become the foreign minister. Although, the punishment I got after everything that happened did a number on my evaluation...

But I thought maybe I could use your help as chief of police to recover. What do you say, sis?

Huh? Did you just... Let me hear it one more time!

L-Later!

*giggling* All right, you promise?

The moment I saw her damaged after she saved me... I felt something inside me.

I was confused, but I thought about it for a while, and I realized...that might have been the "emotion" the Cyborg brothers told me about.

I've decided to keep her company for a while. And...maybe one day, I'll understand what those so-called emotions really are.

So until that day comes, let's take care of each other, Landy...

...My dear sister.