Hero Stories: Kanna Takes Flight

ENGINE POWER: MAXIMUM.

SYSTEMS ONE, TWO, AND THREE, NOW UP AND RUNNING.

Cognitive systems are all set up as well.

All right, everything looks perfect.

This is going to be one of the greatest weapons ever developed in Poli... Wait a second.

She shouldn't have this... Thank goodness I caught it in time.

ALL EMOTIONAL AWARENESS AND ACCESS TO UNNECESSARY EMOTIONS HAVE BEEN BLOCKED.

The ability to learn human emotions like sorrow, sympathy, and guilt shouldn't be enabled in a war-type module.

When she's done being assembled, double-check everything before the test run. If not, we may run into problems down the line.

Understood.

Should we wake her up now?

*beeping*

*creaking*

SYSTEM POWERING DOWN.

I won already? But I was just getting started.

Bring out the next ones already! I'm bored.

COMMENCING BOMB LAUNCHING SYSTEM TEST.

Well done, Kanna.

So this is Ritania.

It's your first time coming here too?

Yes, I've never traveled this far before.

I still don't get it!

Nana is specifically designed for bombing!

I just don't see why I'm here on a mission as boring as looking for Chloe.

If that's what you think, then go back to Politia. We will do just fine without you.

Are you talking to me?

You're throwing a tantrum like a child.

Who are you calling a child? I'm not the one who was manufactured yesterday.

Stop, both of you.

We don't know how long it's going to take to locate Chloe. Are you going to be at each other's throats like this the whole time?

But Commander, she started it!

Chloe could be on the move at this very moment.

We have no time to spare. Have I made myself clear?

...Yes, Commander.

Okay, then take a look at this.

This signpost?

We need to decide which way we're going first.

Nana thinks we should go toward Ezera...

We should go to Reingar.

Ugh, what's your problem now?

What are you talking about?

Do you think I don't see what you're doing?! You're deliberately going against my opinion!

My opinion is based on the data I've collected.

Did you find something on Reingar, Brinus?

According to the information I got, an Automatic Doll was spotted there.

An Automatic Doll... All right, then we should check out Reingar first.

We might have wasted some of our already limited time if not for you, Brinus. I knew I could count on you.

I'm just doing my job.

Hmph...

Huh? The sky looks like it's about to open up, Commander!

I don't think this is going to let up anytime soon.

We should find shelter from the rain.

*sighing* It's been so long since I traveled this far. I'm exhausted.

How about we take five here before heading out to Reingar?

Okay!

Then I'll stand watch while you rest.

That's not really necessary. Besides, you should rest a bit too while you have the chance, Brinus.

I insist. I saw quite a few monsters on our way over here, so I think it will make me feel better too.

No! I'll do it.

You will?

Yes! Unlike me, Bri is too weak to stand watch!

Just stay put. Having you out there will only create more problems.

I'll do whatever I please!

Then let's do it this way.

You two stood guard together a lot when you were in training, right? Why don't you do it again now? It'll be like the good old days.

There are no "good old days" when it comes to her, Commander!

...I must agree.

Stop following me!

I'm not following you. There is only one door.

Hmm... I wonder if we can actually complete this mission without a hitch.

Why do you keep hovering around me?

Go away! This is my area to cover!

I don't want to stick near you either. I'm here to keep you in check.

Come on, be honest. You want to stay close to me because you're scared, huh?

Think what you'd like.

Heh, I know all that big talk of yours in front of the commander is just an act.

You must feel special because you were sent on this mission to find Chloe, huh?

What are you getting at?

I'm saying that unlike me, you're not needed for battle.

I'm pretty sure the commander knows that too.

There's no room for a Doll who has no bombs on the battlefield!

Is that so? Then what about you? What can you do aside from throw bombs?

What?

You can't open fire without clearance anyway. So I'm just wondering what makes you so high and mighty.

Nana is cute, and you're not!

...

And... Umm... And I'm cuter than you.

You already said that.

I'm emphasizing its importance.

...Ha.

Are you laughing at me right now?

So in conclusion, you're nothing without your bombs.

How is that the conclusion?! Weren't you listening to me?

Then show me. Prove that you can handle a mission without bombing anything.

Get the commander to admit that you're more capable than I am by using your so-called charm or any of your other skills.

Then I'll admit that you're a more mature Automatic Doll than I am. I'll even call you by whatever title you want me to.

Without bombing anything...

How am I supposed to do that?!

The job at hand is to hunt down all of the monsters in the area so that the commander can take a short break in peace...

So let's see who defeats more monsters.

Hmph! I'll make you eat your words!

Prepare to see what the Great Nana is really capable of!

Where are you off to? You said this was your area.

...So simpleminded.

Argh... These things are so gross.

Wait, how many was that? I have to remember the exact number of monsters I've defeated so I can rub it in Bri's face.

Oh my, thank you so much!

I was stuck here because I didn't know how I could get past those monsters. You're a lifesaver!

What is this? It can talk?

I'm sorry?

I thought I wiped out all the monsters in this area, but it looks like I missed one.

Wait, wait! I'm just an innocent merchant trying to make ends meet.

A merchant?

She looks like an Automatic Doll from Reingar. If I can get her to come with me, entering the city will be a breeze, hehe.

You look like you're from Reingar. I'm no stranger to that city myself.

Reingar?

If only I hadn't gotten caught up in an unfortunate incident...

Why does that name sound so familiar?

According to the information I got, an Automatic Doll was spotted there.

An Automatic Doll... All right, then we should check out Reingar first.

That's right! That's the place Bri mentioned!

...And I've been talking to myself this whole time.

Does that mean you know how to get to Reingar?

Of course I do. It's like my second home.

The commander is definitely going to praise me if I bring this rat to guide us to Reingar.

...A rat...

Hmm. Come to think of it, I could just go to Reingar and look for Chloe myself.

And if I manage to find Chloe without anyone's help...

I'm very impressed, Kanna. Out of all of the members of my unit, you are the only one I can truly rely on.

Brinus is always busy collecting information but never follows through. You, on the other hand, have determination.

Starting now, you may open fire anytime you wish.

Then she'll trust me even more, which will make Bri so jealous!

Hehe, I'm so smart!

Uhh, something doesn't feel right. Maybe I should sneak aw...

Eek! Why are you pointing your gun at me?!

Where do you think you're running off to? Lead the way.

The way...?

Lead the way to Reingar.

So this is where Chloe is? There are so many buildings I'd love to destroy here!

...I can tell she's definitely up to something. I'd better keep my distance.

Tch, what a waste of time!

Heh, I did what you said and brought you here, so is it okay if I take off now...?

I have a family I should get back to...

Yeah, yeah. We're done here.

...! The Public Security Club...! I've got to dash!

Just go through the gate over there and you're all set! I have somewhere I need to be, so... Bye!

I could swear I saw Gusma just now!

Is he trying to sneak in again and cause more prob, Hmm?

Is this your first time visiting Reingar?

So what if it is? Get out of my way and leave me alone!

I don't think she's Human.

She does seem suspicious.

What are you two whispering about? If you have something to say, say it to my face!

All visitors are required to present identifying documents.

Identifying documents? That's not going to happen.

...She's got some nerve to talk like that in a situation like this.

If we can't confirm your identity, I'm afraid I can't let you enter Reingar.

Is that so?

You're more than welcome to try and stop me!

*gasping* She's going to fly into Reingar?!

Karin, request security Machinery as backup and have her arrested immediately!

Yes, sir!

Ugh, why are there so many things getting in my way? I'm getting sick of taking down all these hunks of metal!

This could be so easily taken care of if I could just drop a few bombs from up here.

Should I just do it?

Hmm... But I don't want the commander to nag me for dropping bombs without clearance, so maybe not.

Now, I need to find Chloe before the commander and Bri get here...

Argh, I'm going to be late for class...!

Hey, you!

Me?

I'm looking for someone right now, and you're going to help me find her.

But I'm running late for my class.

Are you saying you're not going to help me?

Agh... I can't be late again... Who are you looking for?

You've seen an Automatic Doll with a big old weapon and a ponytail around here, right? Show me where she is.

How am I supposed to know who...

Ah, wait. I think I saw her running that way.

Where's "that way"? Show me!

I'm going to be in big trouble if I'm late for my class again... Can't you just look for her on your own?

I'll show you even bigger trouble right here.

A-All right. I'm not sure if she's still there, though...

Yes, I'm checking right now.

Why are you just standing there? Let's go.

The Automatic Doll you're looking for. She's right there.

Where?

I'm not detecting any unusual activity in the ai...

She is not! How dare you lie to me?!

I'm not! Right there, a girl with a big weapon and a ponytail!

That's not Chloe!

You!

What do you want?!

You're the person who illegally entered Reingar!

And what if I am?

You're no match for Nana!

Find out where Chloe is if you don't want to see your city burn to the ground!

Where was she made? She's way too strong...!

I won't be able to subdue her on my own. But she's going to destroy the whole area if I leave to ask for backup...

Nixied! Descend!

Zerato...!

You still have a long way to go.

...I'm sorry.

Are you injured?

No, I'm okay. But...

I managed to tie her down for now, but what should my next move be?

Do you think this can restrain me? I can free myself in...

Zerato, get back!

What! What did you put on me?!

Hey, my launcher...!

I'm glad it worked... I managed to get a control device from the Mechanical Research Department.

That makes her unable to attack?

Yes, it's a device specially made to neutralize a target until the device is removed.

What?!

You're under arrest for illegal entry into Reingar and destruction of public property!

An Automatic Doll that specializes in flight and explosives?!

After carefully examining the devices connected to her body, the Mechanical Research Department ruled out Ritania as her place of origin.

What in the world is she?

Hmph! Do you have any idea who you're dealing with right now?

Big talk for a trespasser.

Don't call me that!

Why did you come to Reingar?

I'm not here because I want to be. I'm looking for Chloe.

Chloe?

Yes, Chloe!

She's an Automatic Doll who was manufactured in Politia like me! She has her hair in a ponytail and she carries a huuuge weapon!

...

I-It's not me!

We're aware of that.

So you turned Reingar upside down just to find this "Chloe."

Hmph, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to lock me up or something?

She's seriously locking me up in here?!

You're not going anywhere until we decide what we're going to do with you.

They'll see... I'll make them pay for treating me this way.

LAUNCH SYSTEMS ARE CURRENTLY RESTRICTED.

Argh...! This is so frustrating...! Somebody's going to pay when I get out of here!

...

What if I never get out?

On the day my cognitive functions were first implemented...

TERMINATING F-1097 PERFORMANCE TEST.

The first things that came into sight were the broken and disfigured Automatic Dolls that littered the ground.

She's flawless.

Hey.

Did I do all that?

Yes. It proves that you're a superior Automatic Doll, more useful than any of those.

NEW DATA ENTERED.

From now on, any time you see fear in someone's eyes as you stand before them, you will feel the emotions called "joy" and "pride."

What's going to happen to those useless Dolls?

There's only one outcome for Dolls who no longer have any worth.

They get dismantled for parts and discarded.

I see.

But you don't have to worry about that, Kanna. You're the best bomb model Doll there is!

But I was neutralized by this tiny device...

What's going to happen to me next?

I never imagined Kanna would go rogue like this.

...I was sure she was here the moment I saw the destroyed buildings.

I'm sorry. I should've verified my information once again...

But I didn't foresee Kanna taking that information and acting on her own.

No need to beat yourself up. If we can just confirm Chloe isn't in Reingar, we can move on.

Let's grab Kanna and get out of here.

You're saying you're from a country called Politia in Eureka?

It must have taken you ages to travel here.

The magical barrier has grown weak recently, and unlike Humans, we don't need to travel on designated airways, and we can fly nonstop for days.

The Automatic Doll we captured yesterday was definitely sturdier and more sophisticated than any Dolls we have here.

By the looks of it, your city has advanced mechanical technology as well. I'm more than willing to share some technological data with you if you release Kanna.

That's a tempting offer. I accept.

So where is she now?

In accordance with our laws, she's currently in a holding cell. Now that we've confirmed your identity, she'll be out shortly.

What did she do to end up in a holding cell in such a short amount of time...?

I hope you weren't too harsh with her.

We just attached a control device to her for the sake of the city's safety. I'll have it removed as soon as our transaction is complete.

Transaction?

Commander...? Bri?!

I knew you would come to my rescue!

I was locked up in a strange place, and on top of that, my communication systems were blocked too... Nana was really scared!

What's gotten into you? What would you have done if you had gotten yourself into something even more serious than this?

...I'm sorry... It won't happen again...

Are you injured?

No, I'm fine. I don't see or feel anything out of order either, hehe.

Good. Brinus and I were worried sick about you.

...

What are you looking at me for?

Hmph! You're not in a position to be worried about me! This is your fault anyway!

You shouldn't blame someone else for your own actions.

I'm terribly sorry for interrupting your happy reunion.

However, we need to discuss restitution, which was not a part of the deal we made for her release.

When we consider the amount of money it will take to repair the damage she caused to the city's security Machinery, Automatic Doll prototypes, buildings, and public property...

This is the total amount you'll need to pay.

*gasping*

...We don't have enough gold for that.

Besides, we need it to continue our mission to find Chloe.

I have an idea!

Let's just bomb this place and fly away.

*sighing* That's not an idea.

If we can find a way to cover these costs with the gold we have on...

Hazel, the Machinery that was deployed for the end-of-semester party is attacking students!

The Machinery is?!

I planned this party down to the smallest details...!

It looks like you could use a few extra hands.

Commander, what are you saying?

We'll stop that Machinery if you agree to reduce the amount of money we owe you.

I think this could be beneficial to both parties, don't you?

...Hmm...

You've got yourself a deal, on one condition.

To protect Reingar from being destroyed even further, I'll only remove the control device after we finish dealing with the situation at hand.

But I need it removed in order to catch those machines!

If we remove it and you end up damaging more buildings, you'll owe us even more money. Do you even have the funds for that?

You're going to extort more money from us?! Scammers!

I accept your terms.

But Commander...!

Just because part of your system is unavailable doesn't mean you're helpless.

...

Am I right, Kanna?

...

Yes, ma'am!

This would all be so much easier if I could just carpet bomb the place and fly away. Why did she have to take that deal?

If she had seen the way those machines were shooting all over the place, she wouldn't have been so against my ide...

OPENING FIRE.

KABOOM!

AGHHH!

You must evacuate! This way, everyone!

...

Hmm. This situation feels very familiar.

TARGET ACQUIRED. TAKING AIM.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

No, I'm nothing like those pieces of junk!

I don't senselessly shoot on sight like...

So, to sum it up, you're nothing without your bombs.

Then show me. Prove that you can handle a mission without bombing anything.

Just because part of your system is unavailable doesn't mean you're helpless.

Am I right, Kanna?

...Of course she's right.

I can take this scrap metal down without even lifting my launcher.

Everything is under control thanks to you three.

All right, then let's get back to the restitution.

Sure.

I'll recalculate what you owe using the standard Reingar cost of labor for your assistance.

Then it looks like we're breaking even, but...

But...?

When I include the cost of Machinery damaged beyond repair and newly destroyed buildings...

We're back to square one.

...How much did you break this time?

I didn't break a thing! Why are you blaming me for your old buildings crumbling down on their own?!

I told you from the beginning, Commander! We should just obliterate this place and leave!

...Hmm...

...There is one other option. While you three were out there, I came up with a brilliant idea.

A brilliant idea?

If you agree to it, I'll reduce your restitution by half. Then you'll be able to pay it off with the gold you have now.

What's the idea?

It's all set.

What's this weird thing you put on my arm?

It's a firework launcher for the grand finale of today's end-of-semester party.

When I heard the original Machinery for the job was broken, I had no idea what I was going to do...but then you walked in.

Fireworks?! You said I would be able to launch some explosives!

Yes, now all you have to do is fly around and launch as many of these as you want.

I can't believe you're making me do this...! Maybe I'll just aim this at people.

Absolutely not.

But...this is so childish, Commander!

You're childish too, so what's the problem?

What did you just say?!

I know this situation is not optimal, but we can make up the difference that we owe them with this.

On top of that, you get to launch explosives, which is your favorite thing in the whole world.

I give you permission to open fire as much as you want for today.

Just give it all you've got.

You mean it, Commander?

I do.

No takebacks, hehe!

I'll be right back!

Whoa, I heard they'd prepared a lot, but this is so much more than I expected.

What is that thing flying over there? It doesn't look like an airplane.

Maybe it's a new type of Automatic Doll.

Every time she fires, a giant flower lights up the sky.

I've never seen her this excited before.

You're right. It's understandable since I rarely give her clearance to shoot.

Who would guess that they're actually witnessing the handiwork of the Angel of Death herself?

I've never seen people make those faces when I launched bombs before.

They were always either surprised, or scared, or horrified.

Whoaaa!

Amazing!

As I look into those eyes filled with happiness and excitement...

I start to experience strange emotions that I've never felt before.

What is this feeling?

Well done, Kanna.

Did I do that to those Dolls?

Yes. It proves that you're a superior Automatic Doll, more useful than any of those.

From now on, any time you see fear in someone's eyes as you stand before them, you will feel the emotions called "joy" and "pride."

Hmm... That's not it... It's definitely not the same.

An unnamed emotion that I've never felt before...

I wonder if the commander or Bri knows what this feeling is.

...

I'm sure Bri will just turn her nose up at me if I ask her...

I'll ask the commander secretly later.