GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story · Side stories
GINGERBREAD HOUSE
19 scenes, 2,960 lines
1. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 1
244 linesLittle Mermaid opens her eyes beneath the ocean.
Little Mermaid swims up to the surface.
*Splash*
She looks around.
Where am I...?
An unfamiliar sight comes into view, one that looks nothing like the area around the Lift.
Did I get separated from everyone...?
Where is everyone...?
Cinderella? Abe! Hansel!! Gretel!!
...
There's... no one here.
Could something have happened to everyone?!
Little Mermaid claps her hands over her mouth.
N-no...
I have Kotodama... so I shouldn't say things like that.
... I-I'm sure they're still alive.
They're alive. Yeah. Th-that's what I'll believe...
... I have to go find them.
With my bubbles, I'm sure I'll be able to find them quickly.
Everyone... I'll find you, I promise.
Little Mermaid hugs her bubble close and prays.
So please... just be alive.
Soon, Little Mermaid sets off to find her friends.
However, no matter how far she travels,
she finds neither a place she recognizes nor anyone she knows.
As time passes, she eventually reaches a beach beneath a cliff...
... Siren?
Hansel?
At last, Little Mermaid finds the first of her friends.
Siren...!!
Hansel runs toward Little Mermaid.
Hansel!
They wrap their arms around each other in a tight hug.
Where's Gretel?
Gretel is...
really hurt.
She is.
She hasn't woken up yet, but... I'm sure she will soon!
After all... she said she'd wake up soon.
I think they're dead.
They didn't come to the lab.
No one came to our meeting place.
I... see.
I waited for a long time... I waited for so long...
But they never came.
So... they must be dead.
Otherwise...
There's no way Abe would forget the promise we made.
But...
Little Mermaid wants to tell her about all the terrible things that could have kept them from coming even without them dying,
but she's afraid that saying them might accidentally turn them into reality through her Kotodama.
Ahh... ah woo...
Hey, Siren...
Humanity betrayed us.
They say nobody remembers us anymore.
Nobody remembers me, Gretel, you, Cinderella, or Abe...
Even when I told them Gretel was hurt, nobody came to help us.
Ah... woo?
And yet, the one who saved us back then... was a Heretic.
Funny, isn't it?
Huh? Wh-what did you just—
She's a little different from Cinderella back then, so maybe she's not really a Heretic after all.
I mean, I did sign a contract with her, but...
A contract...?
She did save me and Gretel, so she's gotta be a good person...!
Hansel.
Huh?
No.
I don't fight for humanity anymore,
so Heretics aren't my enemies.
... What?
So, Siren,
why don't you stay here, too?
Stay with me,
and let's fix Gretel together.
Hansel...
Just then, Little Mermaid thinks of someone.
A friend who deceived everyone with her flawless acting and silver tongue.
Someone who turned Cinderella into a Heretic and ruined their tale.
Red Shoes.
We can't coexist with Heretics.
You remember what happened... when Cinderella became one.
No. I told you, she's different from Cinderella!
Watching Hansel defend a Heretic,
Little Mermaid grows alarmed at the thought that Hansel might be getting deceived by someone like Red Shoes.
And who might you be?
Little Mermaid turns toward the voice.
A woman holding a parasol looks back at her.
I took you for one of my pursuers...
But it seems you're my slave's guest.
Slave...?
Little Mermaid notices the woman's red eyes.
A Heretic...!
How perceptive of you.
Hansel, the contract you said you made with this Heretic...
It wasn't a slave contract, was it?
... It is.
Siren?
Little Mermaid uses her Kotodama on the woman.
Stop.
!!
Oh?
The woman remains completely still, as if frozen in place.
Hmm, I take it you know how to wield kotodama.
Siren, what are you doing?!
Dozens of small bubbles form around Little Mermaid.
Set her free?
Stop... Don't attack her!
Run, Hansel. I'll take care of that Heretic—
I said stop!
*Click*
Hansel aims the Witches Cauldron at Little Mermaid.
Hansel...?
D-don't attack her.
She's the one saving Gretel's life, remember?!
I told you she was helping her, so why are you attacking her?!
She's the only person who can fix Gretel. She's the only one!
That's not true, Hansel. Once we find Abe—
Abe didn't come. She never came looking for Gretel and me!
I told you, she's dead!
No, I'm sure she's still—
There's no way she's alive. If she were, she would've come looking for me by now!
I can't wait any longer.
I can't... I can't do this alone without Gretel...
*Whirr*
Huh...?
Light begins to emanate from the Witches Cauldron.
Wh-why can't I control—
!!
Siren, move!
*Boom!*
A burst of light shoots out from the Witches Cauldron,
filling Little Mermaid's vision with a cloud of green light.
What's this?!
*Kaboom!*
Decades later, in the present day...
Riding atop a bubble as it drifts across the distant sea,
Little Mermaid finishes recounting what happened all those years ago.
... So you took the full force of Hansel's attack?
No. Thankfully, I wasn't hit directly.
I think I was safe because that green cloud of light protected me.
But even so, the impact knocked me back into the ocean,
and I ended up drifting toward you, Cinderella...
She was definitely a Heretic, but...
something felt off about her.
It was like she didn't have any hostility toward Nikkes...
At first, I thought she was holding Gretel hostage to keep Hansel in check, but...
I think she was the one who kept me from getting hurt back then, too.
Something resembling a firefly flies toward the bubble surrounding Little Mermaid.
"Miss Mermaid,
I believe it would be best for you two to take some time apart for now."
... That Heretic actually said that?
Ah woo.
Little Mermaid nods.
Now I know there are Heretics who aren't hostile toward Nikkes, like Levi and the Four Beasts.
But back then, I didn't think such Heretics existed.
I sent out another bubble to make sure,
but then I learned it couldn't cross the ocean because of the Island Eater.
I decided to look for you and Abe first, but I eventually collapsed from exhaustion.
That's when Levi found me.
Then Gluttony swallowed me, and before I knew it, all these years had passed.
I see.
You said Hansel and Gretel couldn't fight alongside us
because they no longer wanted to fight for humanity... and because they were with a Heretic.
Ah woo.
Back then... Hansel genuinely didn't want to fight for humanity anymore,
and I thought I'd hurt her by not accepting how she felt.
So I thought maybe I should just give up.
But after meeting the Prince and the Four Beasts, I learned just how powerful communication can be.
And watching Marciana, Naga, and Tia,
I learned that even if we can't be together in the future, we can still trust each other and wish each other well.
That's why I have to go back.
I want to see Hansel and Gretel and talk to them again.
I want to hear how they've been, and how they want to live from now on.
... You're right.
At the very least, we should say goodbye and wish them well.
Besides, I'm curious about that Heretic.
Ah woo!
But Cinderella,
we don't have much time.
The Rapture Queen is descending to the surface.
It took longer than expected to cross the ocean.
Yeah, I didn't think it'd take this long...
Grave is right.
If what Siren said is true, then the Queen may already be on the surface.
Which means...
An all-out war is drawing near,
and the Prince will surely have to face the Queen in battle.
With the Rapture Queen...
... Ah woo.
We must lend him our strength.
... She's right. We must help him.
We should hurry.
Please do.
Little Mermaid starts speeding up her bubble.
Um... Grave?
Yes?
You don't remember anything about Hansel and Gretel, do you?
... No.
I saw their faces through Siren's bubbles, but...
Nothing came to mind.
I do have a vague memory that a long time ago, there were two people who looked exactly alike.
That's all. I'm sorry.
... Yeah.
Siren, those two on the cliff look familiar...
Ah woo?
Little Mermaid gazes toward the cliff Mori is pointing at
and spots Hansel and Gretel.
Hansel, Gretel...!
They're your friends, right?
... Yes, they're dear friends of mine.
2. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 2
118 linesHansel... Hansel!
Huh?
What's with you?
Why are you spacing out?
... Abe?
Hansel looks around.
Where... am I?
She finds herself in a familiar laboratory.
Our lab, of course. Where else?
Everyone's been here... this whole time?
Ah woo!
Cinderella... Siren...
Home... Yeah, this is our home...
I never thought I'd get to come back...
Why are you so out of it today?
You're not sick, are you?
Abe places a hand on Hansel's forehead.
You don't have a fever...
...
Hansel suddenly throws herself into Abe's arms.
H-huh? Where did that come from...?!
I missed you, Abe.
You're not sick or something, are you?
I'm not sick. Gretel isn't either...!
Hansel... You're awake...
I'm glad...
!!!
Th-that's right. Gretel got hurt trying to save me...!
You have to help her, Abe!
Gretel?
Siren's the one who got hurt.
What?
That's right, Hansel.
Why did you push me away?
I was only worried about you and wanted to get you out of there.
... Siren?
Besides, we're already dead, aren't we?
But you never bothered to look for us.
N-no... I didn't look for you because...
Han...sel...
Even if you have to go on alone... you have to survive...
Gretel, no... Don't leave me all alone...
Hansel!!
!!
Hansel's eyes shoot open.
Did you have a nightmare?
Hansel nods.
Was it that dream again?
... Yeah, b-but I'm okay!
Hansel and Gretel's eyes meet.
It doesn't bother me.
However, Hansel quickly looks away.
...
You two hellions! Do you intend to work today?
!!
!!
Ber's gonna start throwing a fit if we don't hurry.
... Yeah.
Come on, Gretel. Let's hurry and get downstairs.
... Okay.
Hansel quickly gets to her feet and rushes out.
...
Gretel stares at Hansel's now-empty bed.
Hansel...
*Thwap! Thwap!*
Hansel beats the blanket she'd hung out to dry.
I think washing blankets is the most annoying chore there is.
Washing them is already a pain, but then you have to wring them out and hang them up, too.
There are just way too many steps.
*Thwap! Thwap!*
She continues beating the blanket over and over.
...
Gretel looks over at Hansel.
A washing machine would be nice, but Ber insists that stomping on the blankets is the only way to get them clean.
Next time, let's figure out how to buy one without Ber knowing.
*Thwap! Thwap!*
Hansel still won't meet her eyes.
... Hansel.
Yeah?
Hansel and Gretel's eyes meet once again.
Wh-what's wrong?
Hansel quickly looks away.
Still the same blanket this whole time.
Oh... I guess I have been!
No wonder I was starting to get bored with this one.
Still thinking about your nightmare?
Hansel freezes.
No, I was just spacing out...
Are you thinking about Siren?
...
It was around this time of the year
when you met Siren.
... Yeah.
It was my fault.
The Witches Cauldron malfunctioned because I wasn't there with you...
No.
I was the one who threatened her with it.
It was my fault.
Still...
You weren't there, Gretel.
!!
It was my fault.
...
L-let's stop talking about this!
I think we should finish hanging the laundry and get back inside.
Maybe we can look out at the ocean and clear our heads...
Huh...?
Hansel looks out at the ocean before coming to a halt.
Is that...?
Huh?
Gretel gazes out at the ocean as well.
Something huge and purplish is flying toward them.
Siren's bubble...?
!!
3. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 3
109 linesThe waves crash in the background
as Little Mermaid jumps off her bubble and onto the ground.
... It's been a while, Hansel.
You're... alive.
I-I'm sorry. I know I came too late...
You're alive...
You have no idea how much I—
Sorry I'm late... There was a turtle—I mean, a Rapture blocking the way...!
You have no idea...
Hansel hangs her head.
... As long as you're alive, that's all that matters.
I-I'm sorry...
How have... you two been?
!!
Cinde...rella?
It's been a while, Hansel, Gretel.
You're alive...!
Th-then what happened at the Lift?
What... what happened to Abe?
... I see.
Instead, I managed to accomplish something else... but I'll tell you about that later.
As for Abe...
She's here.
Grave steps forward.
...
She may look a little different now, but this is Abe.
Abe?
Y-you're still alive?
You... don't remember?
Us too?
... That's right.
I... see.
You don't remember us...
...
...
...
Grave...
Ah, awah...
U-um... Can I come down, too?
!!
Y-yeah! Come on down, Mori!
Mori steps onto the ground.
... Who's this?
Hansel, Gretel, this is Mori. She's a dear friend of mine.
H-hello...
...
...
Hansel and Gretel eye Mori warily.
Ah... hahaha...
H-Hansel...? Gretel...?
So that's what all the commotion was about. And who have we here?
She's the Heretic I saw back then.
A Heretic...!
Hmm?
I wondered who had everyone making such a fuss.
Why, if it isn't Miss Mermaid.
It's been a while.
... It really has been.
Your eyes have certainly grown more resolute since then.
Back then, you were nothing but a little pufferfish bristling with spite.
Ah, awah?!
Hehe... how interesting.
A welcome guest has come all this way, and you leave her standing outside?
Hmm...
You insolent little things.
Miss Mermaid did the same thing long ago. Must every greeting of yours begin with checking whether I'm a Heretic?
... Heretics are the enemy of mankind.
Is that so? Then what of you?
From what I can see...
The woman stares into Cinderella's eyes.
Judging by the composition of your body alone, you must be a Heretic as well.
Are you quite certain?
... I am.
Is that so? Very well, if you insist.
...
Indeed, I am a Heretic.
But not the sort you need fear.
Not the sort we need fear?
My name is Bernoullia.
I am the owner of this house you've come to visit.
Since you're the rather boisterous guests of my two slaves, I'll make an exception and invite you inside.
!!
Slaves...
... So you're still calling them that.
It's hot enough outside as it is. Why work yourself up over a mere word?
It would hardly be proper to leave our guests standing outside. We shall discuss the details inside.
Bring them inside, you little hellions.
Okay, follow me.
Hansel!
Bernoullia limps back into the house.
Come in, Cinderella.
Let's talk inside.
Cinderella.
... Very well.
4. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 4
159 linesWow...
Mori slowly looks around the house as she follows Hansel inside.
Warm sunlight streams through the windows,
illuminating an antique vase and various elegant decorations displayed in a cabinet.
A warm, savory aroma wafts through the air from what appears to be the kitchen.
Want some?
H-huh? No, I-I'm good!
...
Gretel nods and looks away.
Phew...
Mori looks over at the other four who came in with her.
...
...
...
Ah, awah...
Where's that Heretic from earlier?
Ber probably went to the lab.
She likes it there.
Ber saved Gretel's life.
... What?
So we decided to live as her slaves.
Just don't get mad like Siren did, Cinderella.
It was my choice.
Even so, being a slave is—
Cinderella...
*Sigh...*
...
...
U-uhhh...
The silence drags on, making it hard for Mori to breathe.
She swallows hard.
B-being nervous is making me thirsty...
Want some water?
N-no, I'm okay...!
...
Gretel nods and looks away.
U-um...
??
Shouldn't you go talk with them, too?
Gretel shakes her head.
I can't.
... I have no right to.
No... right?
Then, Hansel, may I ask you for just one favor?
!!
I want to see for myself whether she's worthy of calling you her slaves.
Surely, I can at least do that much?
And how are you going to do that?
You really think you can trust a Heretic, Cinderella?
Siren didn't trust what I told her, either. And look where that got us. We ended up fighting.
I... don't want to go through something like that again.
Even so...
I'm against it too.
Grave?
There aren't many ways to judge someone who's hiding their true intentions.
Even less so when they're a Heretic.
We'll have to keep an eye on her for a long time,
and we don't have that kind of time.
I know we don't have much time,
but... I still want to meet her.
Before we leave, I want to see for myself who exactly my friends are slaving—no, working for.
You seriously don't remember me...?
Then, there's something I'd like to ask first.
They say the Rapture Queen is descending to the surface.
She may already be here...
The Rapture Queen...?
!!
You're going to fight the Rapture Queen... and you want us to join you?
Hansel looks at Gretel.
...
Gretal looks back at Hansel.
...!!
Hansel averts her gaze.
...
Hansel...
Mori gazes at Gretel,
whose eyes are brimming with guilt.
...!
No.
Just like I told Siren before,
we're not going with you.
We don't fight for humanity anymore.
...
... May I ask why?
We risked our lives for them,
but they never helped us.
They don't even remember me, Gretel, Cinderella, Siren...
or Abe.
So I don't want to risk my life for them anymore.
...
Hansel...
!!
Grave...!
... Give up?
We don't have time.
The Queen is descending. She may have already descended.
This time, we have to help Superhuman.
If we're even a little late, he could be in danger.
Prince...
...
You... gave up.
Abe... you gave up.
... You gave up on us just like that.
But Abe...
You never gave up on Cinderella before.
...!!!
Hansel...
You really don't remember...
... You really don't remember us at all.
That's why you never came.
I was waiting for you.
I believed you. I waited for you...!
But you didn't come because you'd forgotten us.
And all that time... I was waiting for you at the lab!
But you forgot about me...
and Gretel...!
You forgot our promise!
That's why you never came!
Then why did you even come here?
You don't remember us, but you still came looking for us because you need our power?
If that's all you came for, don't ever come see us aga—
Hansel!
*Crash!*
!!
!!
!!
H-huh...?
Mori looks down at the shattered vase.
Wh-why is the vase...? D-did I knock it over when I backed up?!
Gretel stares at the shattered vase.
Ber's favorite vase is broken.
R-really...? Wh-what do I do?
... She's coming.
*Bang!*
I do believe I just heard something that has no place in my peaceful home.
Bernoullia looks down at the shattered vase.
I see my precious vase has been rather creatively rearranged across the floor.
Bernoullia shifts her gaze to Mori.
Was this your doing?
... *Hiccup!*
5. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 5
160 linesI-I'm sorry...!
Um... things were getting pretty serious, so I was going to step in, but I must've backed up without realizing it and accidentally knocked over the vase.
I'm really sorry!
So...
You're telling me this happened because you were startled while watching my slaves fight your companions?
Yeah, I-I guess, but...
Then I suppose I should hold my slaves responsible.
Mori...
So you mean to say you did all this on your own?
I-I'm sorry!!
Mori bows to Bernoullia.
No need for apologies.
What matters is whether you can afford the price of my precious treasure.
H-how much do I owe you?
1 billion credits.
You don't?
Then you'll have to repay me with your labor.
Wait, what?
From now on, you shall be my slave.
What?! That's absurd!
A slave?! Just give us a little more time! We'll find a way to get the money!
... I'll do it!
Mori?
...
Bernoullia stares intently at Mori.
...
Heh heh, you're quite the clever one, aren't you?
Since I'm feeling generous, I'll shorten your sentence to one year.
O-one year? That's way too long..!
You truly are a shameless lot.
Do you have any idea how precious that vase is?
The finest artisan on this continent crafted it with painstaking care!
That is your concern, not mine.
You broke something of mine, so naturally, you owe me compensation of equal value.
If you're truly in such a hurry, simply leave the girl behind.
That would settle the matter quite neatly, would it not?
We can't leave Mori behind.
She's right. We can't just leave her here—
Abe... you gave up.
... You gave up on us just like that.
You never gave up on Cinderella before.
!!
...
Is that so?
If she's that dear to you, then I suppose I can make an exception.
You may all stay here for a year.
I have more than enough rooms, so I shall graciously allow you a place to sleep.
Ah woo.
Another condition, you say...?
Bernoullia looks at Cinderella, Little Mermaid, and Grave in turn.
I happen to be in need of a new research subject...
Then she points at Cinderella.
You there, Miss Mirror. You'll do nicely.
...
Miss Mirror seems to have quite a few questions for me as well.
In that case, we may as well discuss various matters while I conduct my research. It should be mutually beneficial, don't you agree?
Cinderella!
It's all right, Grave. Don't worry.
She's right. There's quite a lot I want to ask her, too.
Cinderella...
Very well. It's hardly a favorable deal for me,
but I suppose it will provide some amusement in an otherwise dull life of mine.
Since you've agreed to my terms, I'll reduce your term to one month.
Okay, I'll do it.
Mori...!
Grave, it looks like we'll be getting back a little later than expected. Will that be all right?
...
Grave?
Uh, yes... That's fine.
...
Very well, it seems we've reached an agreement, then.
Now, you hellions,
take her with you and see that she learns the work.
Ber, you're seriously going to make her your slave?
Haven't you been listening?
You know I don't like repeating myself.
Now, take her.
... All right.
Let's go.
O-okay!
Will you be all right, Mori?
O-of course! I'll be fine, so don't worry about me, okay?
Siren.
Gretel looks into Little Mermaid's eyes.
Gretel nods.
Then she leaves the room with Hansel and Mori.
Now then, Miss Mirror, shall we go and fulfill your end of the bargain?
Very well.
Don't worry about me. You're the one who needs to rest, Grave.
... All right.
Siren, please take good care of Grave.
Okay...!
One might think you were on your way to your own funeral.
Don't fret. I have no intention of eating you.
Bernoullia limps out of the room.
...?
Cinderella watches her go without taking her eyes off her.
Do you still have business to attend to?
How much longer do you intend to drag out this melodrama?
Cinderella leaves the room as well.
... Are you all right, Grave?
Is it because of what Hansel said?
... Yeah.
It never once occurred to me
that not having my memories could hurt someone.
I never thought about it.
I figured I was fine without them.
But...
And all that time... I was waiting for you at the lab!
She said she'd waited for me.
She said we'd made a promise.
But even after hearing that, I still can't remember anything, no matter how hard I try.
... It's not your fault, Grave.
I know.
But... someone was hurt because of it.
I... should apologize,
but I don't know how.
I don't even know if I have the right to.
I want to remember what happened in the past,
who I used to be,
what promises I made... But I can't remember any of it.
I'll help you.
Help me?
Little Mermaid shapes her bubbles into Abe, Hansel, and Gretel.
Ah woo ah!
It is!
I'll use my memories and my bubbles to show you
our stories from back then.
Maybe watching this will help you remember something, too.
Ah woo!
6. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 6
114 linesWhat's your objective?
What an impatient little lady you are.
And quite insolent, too.
Must I remind you that you're here to make amends for breaking my vase?
Go on, ask.
...
A Heretic should have no trouble regenerating that leg.
It should be a simple matter of body restoration.
Why haven't you done so?
I won't deny that I could restore it.
Naturally, I have my reasons for not doing so.
Are you really a Heretic?
In principle, yes.
Why? Do I strike you as different somehow, despite being a Heretic?
I suppose you were bound to be different.
My little hellions told me
how you came to be.
You heard that from Hansel and Gretel?
Indeed.
The little hellions told me they had a friend
who'd been corrupted by something wicked and turned into a Heretic.
That would be you, would it not?
... That's right.
I was made rather differently from you, you see.
I was never corrupted.
I chose to turn my own body into that of a Heretic.
What... did you say?
What exactly do you think makes one a Heretic?
A Nikke brainwashed into serving the Rapture Queen?
Or one brainwashed into fighting for the Raptures instead of humanity?
I thought it was both.
Hmm, I see.
Even after all this time, they still believe that...
Heh, the bastards over there must have done a rather fine job of controlling the information.
Indeed. Here, "Heretic" carries a rather different meaning.
Have you ever wondered where the term came from in the first place?
Back when I was a Heretic, I heard V.T.C. was the one who came up with the term.
Yes, V.T.C. coined the name.
By their definition, Heretics are beings that cannot live beneath the blessing of Her Holiness.
Raptures with human brains,
yet bearing the form of Nikkes...
That is what a Heretic is.
!!!
What... do you mean?
That almost sounds as though you're saying Heretics are Raptures with human brains.
You're quite right.
Which means you're still a Heretic.
After all, that body of yours is made up of a human brain and a Rapture body.
No, I'm... a Nikke.
I don't want to fight for the Raptures or the Queen anymore.
I'm acting of my own free will.
Yes, the corruption may be gone,
but that doesn't mean your body has returned to its original state.
Your eyes are still red, for one.
What is it you're trying to say?
You asked what my objective was, didn't you?
What interests me is the corruption planted inside your head.
I hear its source was one of the priestesses of V.T.C.
If that's truly the case, then it means corruption is no longer something beyond our understanding.
I suspect it is a form of code that can be understood by humans.
And that is precisely what I wish to learn from you.
Even if you're no longer corrupted, there must still be traces of it left within your body.
You want to learn about... corruption?
That's right. You'll find no such corruption here.
... Is that so?
Then absolutely not.
Corruption brings nothing but misery.
I'll never hand it over, not for the sake of the Nikkes here.
Hmm... interesting. What if I were to take it from you by force?
Then I'll simply have to use my Glass Slippers.
Glass Slippers...? Are you referring to the weapon at your side?
That's right.
That name suits you, Cinderella.
Yet you still think of yourself as a Nikke, don't you?
You're consciously refusing to use your abilities as a Rapture.
Did you know? In theory, you could still transform.
I'm a Nikke. I don't... transform like a Rapture.
... I would never do something so unsightly.
It isn't that you won't. You simply can't.
You've yet to accept what you are... a Rapture.
...
And you expect to defeat the Queen with that mindset?
How did you...?
A long time ago, you and your friends took the Lift to fight the Queen.
If you've come to see my hellions now and ask them to fight alongside you,
the answer seems rather obvious, don't you think?
The Rapture Queen must finally be descending to the surface.
...
You may be formidable,
but your strength as it stands will not be enough to defeat the Rapture Queen.
She is, quite simply, beyond what you can defeat as you are now.
So I shall teach you
how to make proper use of that body of yours,
and how to ensure that the remnants of the Corruption Code within you
never awaken again.
I'm curious, that's all.
A witch can't help but be drawn to rare and beautiful things, you see.
A witch?
Allow me to introduce myself once more.
I am the Heretic who betrayed V.T.C.
My name is Bernoullia, though I am better known to those hunting me as the Witch.
I shall grant you greater power with which to stand against the Queen,
in exchange for allowing me to examine your corruption code.
Will you make a deal with me?
7. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 7
146 linesMori... was it?
Uh, yeah...!
What are you?
H-huh? Me?
Are you a Grimms model Nikke too? Third gen? Fourth gen?
I'm... just a Nikke from the Ark.
A Nikke... from the Ark?
Then you're on the side of those bastards from back then...
Huh?
Then why are you hanging around with Siren?
If you're from the Ark, shouldn't you be with the other Nikkes back home?
W-well...
Hansel.
!!
... Sorry, I went too far...
Siren saved me!
Huh?
Siren saved me, and... Um, I guess I saved her too?
We defeated Gluttony together, and...
We became friends.
I... see.
Cinderella and Grave said I could come with them!
We flew across the sky, met these people called the Four Beasts,
and we saved the Ark too... I think? Whatever, we did! We went to the ocean, met a giant turtle, and...
Wow... I've been to a lot more places than I thought.
I think you can stop now.
Uh, r-really? S-sorry...!
Pfft...!
!!
!!
... Gretel?
Oh...
Sorry for laughing.
I-I mean... if you think it's funny, you can laugh...
...
...
Um, w-well then! Now that we've introduced ourselves,
could you tell me... what this whole slave job thing is supposed to be?
Have you ever done any housework?
There was a time when I'd try just about anything... Um, let's just say I've tried all sorts of things...
I mean... I did try.
So, do you know how to do it or not?
??
Could you show me how you do things here?
I'm sure you have your own way of doing things... B-besides, you might use different machines from the ones I'm used to!
We don't use machines.
Ber hates using them for housework,
so Gretel and I have to do everything by hand.
B-by hand...? Without any machines?
Yeah, gotta do it all by hand.
Cleaning, laundry, everything.
But... why?
Ber says we have to conserve as much energy as possible to avoid her pursuers, but I don't think that's really why...
Pursuers?
Hansel. Quiet.
!!
Anyway, there's a reason I can't tell you.
So you'd better do exactly what we teach you.
Mori starts learning the ropes of household chores from Hansel and Gretel.
Starting with cleaning the house...
Just use this to mop the floor from here to there.
Hansel points toward the end of the hallway.
Mori steels herself and pushes the mop forward.
A-ahhh...!
Mori loses her balance.
!!
Hansel catches her as she falls forward.
Phew... Th-that was close.
How did you even manage to trip over yourself?
I don't get it.
S-sorry!
Washing the dishes...
Just scrub everything here with soap.
O-okay...!
Mori eagerly picks up a bowl and a sponge covered in soapy suds.
The bowl suddenly slips from Mori's grasp.
Ahhh...!
It starts to fall toward the floor...
...!!
*Swish*
But Gretel catches it just in time.
Th-thank goodness...
Phew...
Th-thank you...
Hanging up the laundry...
Just hang these blankets on this clothesline.
Okay, I can do at least this much!
Mori lifts up the wet blanket.
*Fwoosh*
Wha...? The wind's kinda strong...
Mori staggers.
A-ahhh...!
!!
Hansel and Gretel catch her from either side, steadying her.
Phew... Th-that was close.
How are you this bad at keeping your balance?
Are all Nikkes from the Ark like you?
N-no! I'm just bad at this.
I practiced my balance last time, but... Haha, guess it's not going so well...
And even cooking.
Hansel and Gretel each take a bite of the bread Mori made.
!!
!!
H-how is it...?
How can bread possibly taste like this?
I'm...
I'm...
Starting to wonder if this even qualifies as bread.
Hansel and Gretel's eyes meet.
!!
!!
Ah...
Hansel hastily looks away.
...
If Ber had tasted this, she would've smacked you over the head with her parasol.
Th-that bad, huh...?
Mori couldn't manage a single chore she was taught.
I can't believe you're this bad at housework.
I was pretty terrible at first too, but I didn't think anyone could be worse than me.
That's honestly impressive.
... Sorry to impress you.
Anyway!
I think you're really bad at this.
At this rate, you'll just be a burden to Ber.
S-sorry...
Try harder!
Keep at it until you can actually be useful to Ber!
Huh? Does that mean I don't need to quit?
Were you planning on quitting?
N-no! Of course not!
I made a deal, so of course I'm gonna see it through.
It's just... I thought you'd tell me to quit. So... thanks for letting me keep working.
What?
I'll try harder!
Mori sprints off, brimming with determination.
What's up with her?
... She's weird.
Gretel watches Mori walk away with a faint smile.
...
And so, a few days pass.
8. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 8
175 linesWhew...
Mori looks around the spotless living room.
I finished without falling over this time.
I guess... that's an improvement.
Hehe, kinda makes me proud of myself...
...
... Is this really something I should be proud of, though?
Yeah.
!!
You can be proud.
G-Gretel...?!
You've improved.
Huh? Uh... thanks. I mean, I do it every day, haha... Guess I'm getting better at it.
Looks like you worked hard.
...
Sorry.
Huh? What for?
I'm sorry that Hansel called you a burden.
N-no, it's fine!
It's true that I wasn't exactly doing a good job.
I mean, I get why she said it, and it wasn't like she was being that mean.
Besides, um... how do I put this?
I guess I'm kinda used to that kind of thing...
Used to it?
But you're friends?
It was before we became friends.
I kept pushing her away whenever she tried to be kind to me and was always so cold toward her.
I even said some really hurtful things.
Probably worse than anything Hansel said.
I can't imagine it.
... Really?
I'm glad I don't seem that way anymore.
Back then... I was so mean to her and kept pushing her away.
But Siren taught me
that I'm someone who can be loved, too.
Love...?
Yeah.
Back then, I hated myself because nothing ever seemed to go right for me.
I felt like I had no one in the world on my side,
so I couldn't fully accept the kindness that Evaluator and the Counters showed me.
But strangely enough, once I came to understand Siren's affection,
I could finally see kindness for what it was.
It's like the fog that had clouded my vision finally cleared...
And the fog finally lifted...
because you were shown affection?
... How do you show someone affection?
Huh? I-I'm not sure... Siren probably knows more about this than I do.
... No, I can't go to Siren.
I can't be the one to meet her first.
Hansel hasn't made her choice yet.
I have no right to choose for her.
I don't want her to hate me any more than she already does.
Yeah.
It doesn't really seem that way to me...
She won't look me in the eyes.
She doesn't tell me we still think alike.
We used to know what the other was thinking just by being together...
But ever since we fell from the Lift and woke up,
she won't even look at me.
Even when our eyes meet, she looks away
as if she's seen something... terrifying.
I see...
Hansel was another me, and I was another Hansel.
... Even now, I still think of us that way.
Maybe it's because I was asleep for so long,
and because Hansel had to go through so much on her own...
That's why she doesn't think of us as one anymore.
I think she... doesn't like me anymore.
I-I'm sure that's not the case.
I haven't known you two as long as Siren has, but...
I can tell how much you really care about each other.
Hansel likes me?
Because whenever Hansel has to make a decision, it seems like she's always looking over at you.
Looking over at me?
But why won't she look me in the eye, then?
W-well... I'm not sure...
...
Maybe she's scared of something.
Scared? Hansel?
... I wonder what Hansel's afraid of.
I-I dunno...
Is it me? Is Hansel afraid of me?
But I don't hate her...
... Maybe she just can't see affection for what it is.
When you hate yourself that much, sometimes you can't accept it from other people, either.
Then what am I supposed to do?
How can I make Hansel feel how much I care about her?
H-how?
I need to know.
I-I'm not really sure myself... Is that okay?
That's okay.
Siren...
Mori recalls what happened while they were trapped inside Gluttony.
She tried to understand how I felt.
She helped me face the feelings I'd buried deep inside and refused to acknowledge.
That gave me the courage to make a choice
and to look ahead.
She stood by me through it all.
Stood by you?
Yeah, she didn't tell me that what I'd done was okay.
Instead, she helped me face what I'd done and own up to my mistakes.
Once I realized I had someone on my side, I found the courage to move forward.
She gave me a way forward.
Pave the way...
Give her courage...
Stand by her side...
Can I do the same?
!!
... Right?
Yeah. I am.
That's for sure.
... Thank you, Mori.
H-huh? I didn't really do much... All I did was tell you about my experiences.
What I told you might not even be the right answer,
and in the end, you're the one who has to work through your own problems.
I guess that goes for me, too...
You have problems too?
O-of course! I'm sure everyone does!
What is it?
I'm...
...
I'm worried that I'll just hold everyone back in the great war ahead...
I keep asking myself,
"What can I even do?"
I've been training to get stronger,
but you saw how I was with the chores... It didn't exactly go well.
Controlling my strength, keeping my balance... I couldn't get any of it right.
And now we're heading into such an important battle... What can I possibly do?
What if I don't help at all and just end up getting in everyone's way...?
...
S-sorry! I was supposed to listen to your worries, but I ended up rambling about my own.
Just pretend you didn't hear that!
Do you want to get stronger?
Huh? I mean, yeah...
Maybe you should ask Ber.
Ber?
Bernoullia,
our master.
She's as smart as Abe.
... Yeah.
She fixed me after I fell from the Lift and was nearly destroyed.
She's really smart.
Maybe she knows how to make you stronger.
R-really? Um... but wouldn't she be annoyed if I went to see her...?
She won't.
She'd never ignore a question from her slave.
You can do it.
You care about everyone, after all.
!!
You do, don't you?
... Yeah.
I'll be brave, too.
9. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 9
205 linesGlass Slippers. Full contact.
The Glass Slippers unfolded.
Pierce.
The light streaming from the Glass Slippers converges at a single point.
Stop.
The light subsides.
Excellent.
I was concerned your output might be enough to break through the energy barrier,
but your control and precision are impeccable.
Not bad.
Your control as a Nikke is flawless. Better than I expected, even.
As one would expect from a Grimms model.
For someone who has spent so long wandering the surface, you've kept your weapon in remarkably good condition.
I heard another Heretic had once taken it from you, so I thought I'd have a look.
I found a small section of shattered glass at the tip and had it repaired. You shouldn't have any trouble with it now.
...
Once you shore up your mental fortitude, I daresay you'll be able to land a solid blow on the Queen.
Now then, I have an assignment for you...
Does it truly matter?
It does. Depending on who's offering it, kindness without an ulterior motive only makes me uneasy.
...
Because I wished to.
Consider it one of a witch's many intellectual pursuits.
What?
I have no intention of taking advantage of you, so enough with the nonsense and pay attention.
I have a little assignment for you.
Assignment?
Look into those red eyes of yours in the mirror,
and remind yourself that your body is no different from a Rapture's.
What matters is that even as you do so, you must never deny that you are Cinderella.
Only then will you be able to remain yourself, even after you've transformed.
I don't enlarge myself.
No, you must.
The time will come when you have no choice but to.
And when it does, you'll choose that path.
There will come a time when you realize that's what it takes to defeat the Rapture Queen.
If you choose to transform by any means necessary,
you must have an unwavering sense of who you are
if you're to remain in control after being exposed to corruption.
Otherwise, you'll be taken over.
I...
What do you think defines you?
Look at the reflection in that weapon. What do you see?
Cinderella gazes at her reflection in the Glass Slippers.
She sees herself staring back with red eyes.
Those red eyes prove that you're still a Rapture... a Heretic.
But does acknowledging that truly make you any less yourself?
Very well.
*Knock, knock*
Who could be knocking so unnecessarily politely?
Come in.
E-excuse me...
Mori?
We're finished here. Come in.
What is it you want?
Oh, um, well... I wanted to ask you something.
Mori glances over at Cinderella.
Th-thank you.
Cinderella steps outside.
Phew...
So,
what was it you wanted to ask me badly enough to lie to your friend and send her away?
As my slave?
Tsk, I see the hellions couldn't keep their mouths shut.
Enough defending yourself. Speak.
I owe you, after all. I was going to grant you a wish anyway.
Owe... me?
It's nothing you need concern yourself with.
Wait, is this about the vase?
!!
... You knew?
That night, after I got back from learning how to do the chores, I kept thinking about it...
No matter how much I thought about it, I just couldn't remember touching the vase.
And then, thinking back on it,
the timing of the vase breaking and the timing of you coming in all angry... It was almost too perfect.
I don't know how you did it,
but I started to wonder if you'd broken the vase on purpose and blamed me for it because you wanted us to stay here.
I figured it was probably because of Hansel and Gretel...
Because of those hellions?
You can call them your slaves or hellions, but it's pretty obvious you care about them.
I can tell just by the looks on Hansel and Gretel's faces and the way they talk to you.
...
Well, I won't deny that.
And yet, knowing all this, you still chose to remain my slave?
I... I'd like my friends to make up with Hansel and Gretel, too.
Haha!
I took you for nothing more than a timid little duckling,
but it seems you're quite the clever one.
L-little duckling...?!
So, my perceptive little slave,
what is it you wish to ask?
... What?
Gretel told me that Miss Ber, you—
Miss Ber?
S-sorry! I-I didn't mean to say that...!
You all seem rather fond of calling me whatever you please.
Never mind. Continue.
W-well... I heard that you know a lot about Nikkes...
So I was wondering if you might know a way for me to get stronger quickly.
I just... I don't want to hold everyone back, no matter what...
It was the same when we fought another Heretic before,
and when we were exploring the coast this time. I couldn't help at all...
Someone had to stay behind just to protect me.
I think... the same thing's probably going to happen again in the great battle ahead.
I thought as much.
Frankly, you're... too weak to set foot on the surface.
You may have no desire to hold them back, but unfortunately, you will.
...
Having someone weak on the battlefield can be just as fatal a liability as having a wounded soldier.
And against what you're about to face, that risk will be all the greater.
She is not an opponent you can afford to underestimate. No, she is one you must never let your guard down against.
I knew it...
A way to grow stronger quickly, you say...
Why, there is one.
R-really?
Though it may cost you your sanity.
... Wait, what?
What I mean is, it's impossible by any ordinary means.
Unless you're willing to turn your entire body into a Rapture, that is.
I-is that the only way...?
It is.
You think there's a way to gain power without paying a price?
Do you truly believe this world would be so kind?
...
Find something you can do, even if you lack the strength to fight.
Do you really think taking up a gun and fighting on the battlefield
is the only way you can be of use to those girls?
... Got it.
I'll... think about it.
...
Something I can do even if I'm not strong, something I don't need a gun for...
What could that be...? Maybe something like housework?
What am I saying? I was actually proud of myself just for getting better at housework...
This really isn't the time to be proud of something like that...
Why not?
You've gotten better at housework.
So you should be proud of yourself.
... You must've worked hard to get this far.
...
Mori stares at Hansel, dumbfounded.
Why... are you staring at me like that?
Ha, haha!
Wh-why are you laughing?!
Did I say something weird?
No, it's just...
It really hit me that you and Gretel are twins.
I just thought it was funny that you both said the exact same thing.
Gretel said... the same thing I did?
Yeah, she said the same thing earli—
*Creak*
!!
!!
Grave walks out of the house.
Hide...!
H-huh?!
Hansel pulls Mori behind the wall with her and hides.
Why are we hiding?
I don't want to see Abe yet...
I don't know what face I'm supposed to make when I do.
Hansel suddenly grabs onto Mori.
Are you really gonna leave me here all by myself?
N-no! I was just going to take her somewhere else...
Mori sneaks a glance toward Grave from behind the wall.
Hansel looks in the direction Mori is pointing.
Gretel?
Abe.
Gretel approaches Grave.
You're...
I'd like to talk to you, Abe...
I mean, Grave. Can I?
... Of course.
10. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 10
125 linesAfter deciding to stay in the house a little longer,
Grave saw many memories through Little Mermaid's bubbles.
Hey! What did I say about picking on Siren?
Gretel and I weren't picking on her. We were just having some fun with her.
You little brats...!
What part of tickling her and running away is "having fun with her"?!
From simple moments of everyday life...
I have to see this through to the end.
I need to witness the moment Cinderella clears her name once and for all.
The moment she rewrites her story.
Gretel and I don't care about that.
We just want Cinderella to live.
That's why we have to protect her.
To the moments that mattered most...
She watched every memory Little Mermaid had of Hansel and Gretel.
However...
I... still can't remember.
... I see.
She still couldn't remember anything.
I'm sorry... after everything you did for me.
Grave...
Ah woo?
*Creak*
Grave sits down on a bench overlooking the sea.
*Sigh*
She gazes out toward the open sea.
In the end... is there really nothing I can do about the damage to my brain?
... Will I never be able to recover my memories?
At this rate... I don't even have the right to apologize...
*Rustle*
Abe.
Gretel approaches Grave.
You're...
I'd like to talk to you, Abe...
I mean, Grave. Can I?
... Of course.
Gretel sits down beside Grave.
I never really liked talking,
so Hansel always spoke for me.
But...
Right now, I have to.
I have to be the one to say it,
because I'm on Hansel's side.
Gretel looks at Grave.
I have to tell you the story Hansel could never bring herself to tell.
Something Hansel couldn't talk about...?
Yeah, I came here to tell you
what happened after Hansel and I fell from the Lift.
Gretel begins to tell a long story.
Long ago, in the Lift...
Hansel and Gretel look around curiously.
Abe.
Gretel and I think it's a bit hot in here.
Aoohah...
Really? Could the temperature regulation system be broken?
I'll check.
Abe approaches the control panel.
Actually, it's strange.
It's not hot.
It's burning.
... Don't worry. Abe is looking into...
*Thunk!*
A giant beam blasts through and vaporizes half the elevator.
Gretel!!
Hansel!!
Hansel and Gretel reach out toward one another.
*Grab*
They clasp hands as they fall toward the ground.
Han...sel...
Hansel opens her eyes.
Gre...tel?
You... opened... your eyes...
Thank... goodness...
Gretel...?
Hansel pushes herself upright and looks down at her other half.
Her torso has been crushed by the impact of the fall,
and her legs are twisted and mangled.
Her right arm is crushed beneath Hansel's body,
and half of her face that's identical to Hansel's is caved in.
... The only thing left intact on Gretel's body is her left arm, resting on top of Hansel's torso.
!!!
D-don't tell me... you fell while holding me...!
Even alone... you have to... survive... Hansel...
The light fades from Gretel's eyes.
... Gretel?
Gretel doesn't move.
Gretel... answer me.
She still doesn't move...
I-I don't want to be alone.
Open your eyes! Please...!
Not even a twitch...
...!!
N-no... D-don't die! Gretel!!
I-I have to find Abe.
I have to...
Sh-should I go back to the Lift?
Suddenly, Hansel recalls a memory from long ago.
If something happens to you,
don't go anywhere else. Come straight back to this lab.
This lab?
Gretel and I don't even know which lab you mean.
You little brats...!
The one where you two were born!
You remember the coordinates, don't you?
You two, especially, must never go to another lab. Do you understand?
Promise me!
W-we have to go back to the lab where we were born.
If we get there, Gretel will...!
Hansel hurriedly picks Gretel up.
*Thump, thump*
Half of Gretel's severed body falls to the ground.
!!!
Ah... Ahhh...!
Hngh... *Sob!*
N-no...! Don't cry!
I have to save Gretel...
Gretel... Don't die. Please don't die...!
Please...!
Hansel staggers forward with Gretel in her arms.
11. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 11
261 linesHansel desperately keeps walking, clutching Gretel close.
She tries to call for help,
but no matter where she looks, there isn't a human or Nikke anywhere in sight.
All she can see are Raptures.
There's... nobody?
Are all the humans dead?
Hansel fights her way through the swarming Raptures, dragging her battered body along.
Days pass like this before it finally dawns on Hansel.
Humanity... lost in the end.
Neither Cinderella... nor Abe... could do it.
We lost... In the end, we lost...
Then does that mean Abe, Cinderella, and Siren...
all left me behind...!
N-no... No, no!
They have to be alive. They wouldn't leave me behind.
Right, Gretel...?
There's not a sound.
...
Ngh... Hngh...
Hansel holds Gretel tightly.
Even then, Hansel keeps walking, with no end in sight.
Each battle with the Raptures leaves Hansel's body more battered than before.
Gretel... It hurts so much.
I can't even use the Witches Cauldron properly without you.
I need to make the ammo, but...
I don't know how much energy to put into it.
The more I learn... the more I realize just how amazing you were.
So please...
Even just for a moment... can you open your eyes?
Still nothing.
Even if it's only for a second...
Could you tell me it'll be okay? That you're still here with me?
Silence.
Ngh... Hngh...
Hansel walks on and on.
Finally, she reaches the ruined laboratory.
There, she realizes that two whole years have passed since the day they set out for the Lift.
There's no one here...?
Abe! Cinderella! Siren!!
There is only silence.
Is there really no one...?
Could it be that they're all d—
N-no... No! They must've gotten lost and are running late.
Yeah...! That's gotta be it. I know I'm right.
For now... I have to keep Gretel alive.
I have to keep her alive no matter what and wait for Abe...!
Hansel frantically searches the ruined lab.
Found it...!
She places Gretel inside the least damaged healing capsule she can find.
Please work... Please...!
Hansel desperately presses the activation button.
*Gurgle, gurgle*
The empty capsule fills with blue liquid.
Thank goodness...
It still works.
Hansel stares at what remains of Gretel, half-submerged in the blue liquid.
... I don't know how long this thing will keep running.
I have to find Abe.
... But what if
Abe is dead, too...?
*Smack!*
Hansel slaps herself across both cheeks.
No!
I shouldn't think that way.
I have to believe... Abe is alive,
and so are Cinderella and Siren.
So... they'll all come here and save Gretel.
Yeah! I'm sure they will!
However,
even after a year...
How long has it been...?
Should I go look for them...?
Hansel gazes at Gretel in the capsule.
N-no...
What if someone takes Gretel while I'm out?
I-I have to stay here...
Then another passes...
Wh-why aren't they here yet?
Are they all... dead?
N-no, I have to believe in them... I'll trust them and wait!
And another...
...
No matter how long she waits, neither Abe nor Cinderella nor Little Mermaid ever comes.
The only ones left in the crumbling laboratory are Hansel and Gretel, the latter badly damaged.
When are you coming, Abe...?
How much longer do I have to wait here...?
...
Is everyone dead...?
Hansel stares blankly at Gretel inside the capsule.
Gretel...
What if they're really all dead?
Then should I die, too?
I wanted to live, just like you told me to...
But if everyone's dead... what's the point of me being alive?
... Tell me. Please, Gretel.
*Beep, beep, beep, beep*
!!
Hansel heads toward the source of the sound.
"Warning: Low Power."
"Please check the power cable."
Already...?
N-no...!
I've used up every bit of power I could find...
There isn't any left anywhere nearby!
Where can I get more power?!
Think... I have to think. I have to think!
Hansel sprints outside
and cries out desperately.
I-is anyone there?
Help... Please help...!
However, the only ones who come in response to her voice are Raptures.
All of you... MOVE!
*Boom!*
Hansel takes down the Raptures swarming in at the sound of the commotion,
one
after another...
Only after taking them all down does she finally encounter a reconnaissance squad from the Ark that had followed the Raptures, suspicious of their sudden movement.
Y-you...! Nikkes?!
You're Nikkes... right?
What...? Why's there a Nikke out here...?
But weren't we told there were no survivors left on the surface?
H-help me...! Gretel—I-I mean, there's an injured Nikke in the lab!
Y-you're asking for help...?
Don't trust her.
*Click*
The leader of the reconnaissance squad aims her gun at Hansel.
Wh-why are you pointing that at me...?!
It's been years since the Ark was sealed...
Yet there are still Nikkes left on the surface?
And a Nikke that strong just happens to ask for our help when we arrive? The timing is way too convenient.
Th-that makes sense.
The other Nikke from the reconnaissance squad also points her gun at Hansel.
N-no! I'm not your enemy!
... Something's not right. This could be a trap.
Identify yourself.
I-I'm a second generation Grimms model!
A second generation Grimms model?
... Those actually exist?
Yeah, we do. W-we were even called the successors to the Goddess Squad!
J-just a second. I'll contact someone at the Ark and confirm whether it's true...!
The Nikke from the reconnaissance squad begins contacting the Ark.
You'll know once you check!
The successor to the Goddess Squad...! If you mention that, they might know.
No, wait... Abe. If you mention Abe, they'll know!
Abe's really famous, after all!
It's true! Abe made all of us!
... We'll find out soon enough if it's true.
Th-they said they don't exist?
... What?
... I'll ask again. Who are you?
You don't know the second generation Grimms models? You don't know us... the ones who were supposed to succeed the Goddess Squad?
You don't know Abe or Si—I mean, Little Mermaid, or Cinderella?
None of them are in the records.
...
None...? There aren't any records of us?
She's dangerous. We're pulling back.
The both of them slowly begin to back away.
!!
D-don't go! It's okay if you don't know us!
There's an injured Nikke in here, but we're almost out of power. I won't even be able to keep her alive.
Please help...!
Hansel desperately reaches out her hand.
*Bang!*
Stay back!
*Thud, thud, thud, thud*
L-Leader, this is bad! More Raptures are swarming in...!
So it was a trap after all...! Run!!
The two Nikkes run for their lives.
However...
*Crash!*
A Rapture approaching from the opposite direction kills them.
!!!
A-ahh... Ahhhhh...!
Hansel fights off wave after wave of Raptures,
but never encounters another Nikke.
And so, another day passes.
...
Hansel returns alone to the research lab, now silent with even the warning lights gone dark.
...
Hansel trudges through the lab
and stops before Gretel's darkened capsule.
... Gretel.
The Ark... doesn't know us.
Abe, Cinderella... Siren, me, and you...
They don't... know any of us.
Then why...
why did everyone have to die like that?
Why do you have to die here like this, Gretel? Hm?
I don't understand.
If the people we fought for were just going to forget about us, why did we risk our lives for them?
What was it all for...? Who was it for...?!
Hansel places her hand on the capsule, now dark with its warning lights out.
Then, she gazes at Gretel inside.
... Gretel.
I'm sorry I couldn't save you.
There's nothing else I can do... I'm sorry.
*Thump*
Hansel drops to her knees in front of the capsule.
I'm so sorry...
I don't think... I can do this anymore...
You told me to live, even if I had to be alone...
But I can't.
I... don't want to be alone anymore.
Hansel closes her eyes.
All she wants is to close her eyes beside Gretel
and see her again, even if only in her dreams.
One day, as she waits to drift into eternal sleep...
Is someone there?
!!
Hansel looks up.
*Click, click*
A woman in heels, carrying a parasol, steps into the lab.
I thought I sensed a presence here...
The woman's gaze shifts to Hansel, who is kneeling in front of the capsule.
And what do we have here? A little hellion?
Who are you...?!
Hansel looks into the woman's red eyes.
A Heretic!
Hansel hurriedly pulls out her self-termination pistol and points it at the woman.
*Click*
What's a Heretic doing here...?!
So, you can tell I'm a Heretic.
Hoho... Quite the knowledgeable young lady, aren't you?
Why are you here?!
How tiresome.
Bernoullia turns her gaze toward Gretel's capsule.
So that's why you've been so wary. There was another injured young lady here.
You put her in here to save her, didn't you?
Just answer my question!
...
*Bang!*
The woman slams her parasol against the floor.
!!
I don't converse with those who point a gun at me without so much as a courtesy.
So you would do well to choose your words carefully.
...
The woman points at Gretel inside the capsule.
Do you wish to save her life?
You can save her...?
Do you wish to save her, whatever the cost?
Can you save her?!
First, answer my question.
Are you truly prepared to pay whatever price it takes to save her?
Yes... Yes!
If it means saving Gretel... I'll do anything.
Anything, huh...
Haha, how delightful.
As it happens, I've been in need of a useful slave...
Tell me, Hellion. If I save that girl's life,
would you become my slave?
You can save Gretel?
I'm not one to lie.
Given her condition...
It won't come without a price, but I can save her.
!!
Then answer me...
Will you become my slave in exchange for her life?
What's your name...?
Bernoullia.
You'd do well to remember
who your master will be.
12. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 12
116 linesAnd so, Hansel came here to save my life.
But apparently, there wasn't enough energy.
I'm a Grimms model, and I was in pretty bad shape,
so the body maker needed a lot of energy to operate.
But there was no energy source it could draw from.
Bernoullia is currently hiding from her pursuers,
so she's using all the energy in this area to mask her signal.
Which meant there was nothing left to draw from.
In the end, Bernoullia used one of her legs as an energy source to save me.
She said something about being able to use a Heretic's body as an energy source somehow,
but honestly, I didn't really understand any of it.
But... I know that's why Hansel can't leave this place.
Even without the slave contract,
Hansel and I can't leave Bernoullia's side because of that.
If we leave, Bernoullia will have to stay here all alone.
So we can't leave.
And then you appeared in front of Hansel.
... I see.
So... this is all my fault.
Hansel coming to hate humanity, the things she said to you,
and the fact that she can't leave this place...
It's all my fault.
So please try to understand Hansel.
Don't hate her.
She likes you, Abe.
If you hate her, she'll fall apart
whether you remember her or not.
Because she's been waiting for you for so long.
Gretel...
Ever since she came here, Hansel's been having a lot of nightmares.
She told me you, Cinderella, and Siren are in them.
She's always apologizing whenever she has one,
and calling out for me,
begging me not to leave her alone.
Hansel doesn't know this, but I do.
Because whenever she has a nightmare, all I can do is watch.
So I don't want her to have nightmares anymore.
Since... we can't go with you,
please help Hansel stop having nightmares before you leave.
Gretel rises to her feet.
That's all I have to say.
... I'll be going now.
Gretel walks away, leaving Grave behind.
...
Grave looks toward the house Gretel entered,
then turns her gaze back to the open sea.
I can't just sit here like this...!
Then, she dashes back inside.
...
... Are you okay, Hansel?
I didn't know Gretel felt that way.
I...
I thought Gretel might hate me...
Me...? Hate Gretel?
Yeah.
Why would she ever think that...?!
She said you won't look her in the eye.
!!
And that... you look away as if you've seen something terrifying.
I-I...
Isn't that obvious? Gretel...
Gretel's my—
Then why don't you tell her how you really feel?
Before this misunderstanding gets any worse and you two grow apart.
Some things can't be communicated without words, you know.
...
Why are you telling me all this?
I've only ever been mean to you.
You're seriously asking me?
In Gluttony's... what?
Yeah, that explains it. I guess that's why I feel more comfortable around you two.
You... saw me?
Yeah. Back when we were inside Gluttony, Siren used to make you two out of her bubbles.
So I got to see you guys pretty often.
Siren did...?
Well, um...
I really hope things work out for you guys.
I wouldn't really know, since I don't have anyone I can call family,
but in Siren's memories, you guys really did seem like one.
Family...
...
I-I'd better get going.
Mori heads into the house.
... Family.
*Crash*
Siren... Siren!
... Grave?
Grave...?!
Cinderella... Siren...
I... I have to know.
I have to remember.
I have to... give her the answer she's been waiting for.
Calm down. Did something happen while you were out?
Gretel did...?
... All right.
Grave begins to recount what she heard from Gretel.
13. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 13
115 linesSo that's what happened.
That's why she said she wouldn't fight for humanity...
I had no idea...
After hearing this story, I thought to myself...
I... can't go on like this.
I have to restore Abe's memories, no matter what.
Grave...?
Siren, please help me one more time.
I can't remain Grave.
I have to become Abe.
That's the only way I can answer that—
Why would you say that? You're—
I'm not Abe.
I'm not smart.
I can't remember the promises I made in the past,
and even after seeing all the memories we shared, I still can't remember them.
There's no fixing my mind anymore...
My face is so damaged that I have to hide it behind a mask,
and even my body isn't the same anymore.
I'm... I'm not—
You're you.
Grave is Abe, and Abe is Grave.
Even if you've lost your memories, even if your brain is damaged, even if your body changes,
what makes you who you are won't change!
!!
What do you think defines you?
Those red eyes prove that you're still a Rapture... a Heretic.
But does acknowledging that truly make you any less yourself?
Cinderella lifts the Glass Slippers.
*Thud*
Then she sets them down against a wall.
... Cinderella?
Grave, look at my Glass Slippers.
Cinderella...?
Grave and Cinderella look at the Glass Slippers together.
What do you see?
... I felt bad for her.
How did you feel after hearing Hansel and Gretel's story?
... I felt sad.
How did you feel when you couldn't remember Hansel, Gretel, and Siren?
I felt... devastated.
Yes, that is you.
These aren't feelings someone else made you feel.
They're what you felt and thought for yourself.
!!
Even if the chief researcher who created all of us has suffered brain damage,
even if you can no longer remember the memories we shared,
you're still right here beside me, watching over me from the finest seat of all.
You're my mirror,
and the finest audience I could ever ask for.
I...!
Of course.
Even though my red eyes still mark me as a Heretic,
and my body is more akin to a Rapture's than a Nikke's?
!!
Like you, everything about me has changed except my brain.
Even so, do you still find me beautiful?
You are...!
!!
It doesn't matter if you're Grave or Abe,
whether my eyes are red or blue,
whether you're Abe or Grave...
No matter what form we may take,
we'll always be us.
Cinderella...
... Yes.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hurt,
but honestly... I was just happy.
Because I know how sorry you were that you couldn't remember me,
and how happy you were to see me again.
Besides...
That day, you hugged me back when I suddenly threw my arms around you.
I know all of that came from your heart.
So it's okay.
Siren...
Thank you for still holding me dear, even though you don't have your memories and you have a different body now.
If you let Hansel and Gretel know
how you truly feel,
I'm sure they'll understand. Even if you're Abe without your memories, I believe your heart will still reach them.
So Grave,
tell Hansel and Gretel what you really think.
Tell them how you feel when you look at them,
whether you truly want to fight alongside them
or if you'd rather leave them here.
Take a moment to sort out your thoughts, then tell them how you really feel.
Yes?
Ah woo?
14. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 14
116 linesHansel stands before Gretel.
...
Gretel stands before Hansel.
...
The two face each other.
They are as alike as they've always been.
Even without speaking, even without hearing a word...
they believed they'd always understand each other,
as beloved twins,
as two halves of the same self.
Gretel...
Hansel.
But Hansel doesn't know anymore.
When did they grow so far apart?
She always thought they'd understand each other.
But now, she can't seem to understand what Gretel is feeling.
That is why Hansel is so afraid of Gretel.
She's scared that if she looks into Gretel's eyes,
she might see even a hint of resentment toward her.
...
So she avoids looking into Gretel's eyes.
I have to be the one to say it,
because I'm on Hansel's side.
Gretel said the same thing.
She said you might hate her.
Do you like Gretel?
Then why don't you tell her how you really feel?
Before this misunderstanding gets any worse and you two grow apart.
Some things can't be communicated without words, you know.
... I shouldn't run away.
Hansel gathers her courage once more and meets Gretel's gaze.
Gretel.
I... overheard what you told Abe earlier in the garden.
... I see.
And... Mori told me
that you think I hate you.
Hansel,
are you scared of me?
... What?
Do I remind you of that day whenever you look at me?
... What do you mean?
Do I remind you of when I was broken?
So...
Do you hate me?
Do you not want to see me anymore?
!!
N-no... It's not like that, Gretel.
I...!
I... hate myself.
I hate myself for almost killing you.
There's no way I could hate you.
How could I ever? You're...!
Another me.
!!
That's right. I'm another you.
If you hate yourself, then you hate me, too.
Or do you suddenly think we're separate beings?
That's...
Gretel takes Hansel's hand and places it on her core.
I'm alive.
You saved me.
I lived because you didn't give up on me.
You're the one who saved me.
So... can't you forgive yourself now?
Hansel and Gretel gaze at each other.
In the quivering eyes of their other selves,
they see their own fear of being hated reflected back at them.
!!
It wasn't just me who was anxious.
You were, too.
You were anxious, too.
Just as I was scared you'd hate me,
you were afraid that I'd hate you.
... Yeah.
We were afraid of the same thing.
I get it now.
Nothing had changed.
All this time... we've been thinking the same thing.
Hansel.
Yeah, Gretel?
Once we're done talking,
we'll go to Siren first
and tell her we're sorry for hurting her.
!!
We'll go to Cinderella, too.
We'll tell her we're glad she's safe and give her a hug.
... Yeah.
Then we'll go to Mori.
We'll tell her that her advice was sound,
and that we want to be friends with her.
Haha... Yeah!
And after that, we'll go to Abe...
I mean, Grave.
We'll ask her what she's been through all this time.
We'll ask her how she feels about us,
and tell her everything we feel, too.
We'll tell her again why we can't fight with them.
And since we can't go with them...
we'll tell her to come back... without getting hurt.
Everything I just said is right, isn't it, Hansel?
Yes, you're right...!
That's what we'll do.
And before we do all that,
let's give each other a hug.
!!
We'll forgive each other for all the times we made each other afraid...
and tell each other we love each other, so we won't have to be afraid anymore.
...
Right, Gretel?
Yeah... Hansel.
Hansel and Gretel
throw their arms around each other.
I love you.
I love you.
For as long as they had wanted to embrace their wounded selves,
they hold each other close for a long, long time.
15. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 15
186 linesThe next day,
Hansel and Gretel go see Siren.
Siren.
Gretel and I think I should've said this first when I saw you again.
Ah woo?
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry I hurt you, Siren.
I know I was wrong.
Not at all!
I was the one who messed up first.
I didn't know what you'd been through...
or how you felt about her.
I just saw her and thought of Red Shoes,
then jumped to the conclusion that you'd been forced into becoming her slave and were being threatened, so I tried to attack her.
I'm sorry, Hansel.
...!!
That's not all.
I was so hung up on you saying you weren't on humanity's side
that I even told Cinderella and Grave you two wouldn't fight alongside us.
If it weren't for Cinderella, I might not have come back to ask you to join us.
... I'm really sorry.
I see.
...
Siren,
I heard from Mori
that Gluttony swallowed you up and you had a rough time.
Huh? Why'd you bring that up...?
I heard you made us out of your bubbles while you were in there...
Is that really true?
... Yeah.
Why'd you do that?
Because I missed you guys.
Even after I pushed you away?
Even when you knew we might not be able to fight together again?
That's not important.
Just because we can't fight together doesn't mean we're not family.
Hansel and Gretel look at Little Mermaid.
You really... mean that?
I mean it. I've never once thought of you two as anything but family.
*Sniff...*
That's more than enough for us.
Woo?
Hansel and Gretel
pull Little Mermaid into a hug.
We've both done things we're sorry for,
so now we're even.
B-but... I have two things to apologize for...
It's fine. There are two of us, after all.
We can each take one.
Right, Gretel?
Yeah, Hansel.
Hansel... Gretel...
So there's nothing left to be sorry for. Now you can hug us back.
... Thank you.
Little Mermaid raises her arms and embraces Hansel and Gretel.
Thank you, too.
Hansel and Gretel then head over to Cinderella.
Cinderella.
Gretel and I think this is what I should've said first when we saw you again.
Hm?
I'm glad you're safe.
Siren told us
you wanted to come see us
because you wanted to tell us you'd like to fight alongside us,
even if we're no longer on humanity's side.
Yes, I did.
... Why did you do that?
Because you two are precious to me.
Like I said long ago in front of the Lift,
if I were to rewrite our story, I wanted to do it with you.
I made a promise, after all.
In front of the Lift...?
A promise...?
I promise that
the story we'll write from now on,
won't be one of failure, but one with a happy ending.
We believe in you.
Aaah!
You still... remembered that?
Just as you believed in me back then,
this time, I wanted to believe in you.
Even if you chose a different path... I wanted to understand why.
Because you two are truly precious to me...
You're family.
Cinderella...
...
So... may I give you a hug now?
Hansel and Gretel walk up to Cinderella
and throw their arms around her,
hugging her tightly.
Hansel, Gretel... I missed you.
We missed you so much, too.
I'm glad you're safe.
I'm really glad... we got to see you again.
Yes. What a relief.
After meeting Little Mermaid and Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel head off to find Mori.
Gretel and I talked, just like you told us to.
We decided we wouldn't look away from each other anymore.
We also made up with Cinderella and Siren.
That's great news.
Ahem...
So Gretel and I gave it some thought...
Mori.
We want to be friends with you.
Yes.
Oh...
Uh...!
Gretel and I think you're being pretty lukewarm about this.
N-no, that's not...!
We're starting to think you don't really like us.
It's not like I hate you or anything!
Then?
Then?
I was just surprised... I didn't think you'd actually see me as a friend.
I've never heard anything like that from anyone but Siren...
Gretel and I don't get it.
You were so kind to us. How could you not expect us to see you as a friend?
You were so friendly to us, too.
Really?
Seriously?
Yeah, of cour—
Hansel and Gretel throw themselves into Mori's arms.
Ack!
No taking it back.
No takebacks.
Two questions are fine.
Three, too.
Yes.
Gretel and I were hurt by what Grave said,
but I think what I said hurt her, too.
So I think we should be the ones to go to her first.
Amazing?
Mm...
Hehe...
Wh-what's wrong...? You both went quiet all of a sudden...
Gretel and I think you're giving us too much credit. It's nothing special.
Huh? Y-you really think so...? I'm sorry if I—
We think it shows just how kind you are.
Oh...
Th-thank you...
Uhh...
Then, um... What if...
What would you do if Grave said she wanted to fight alongside us?
I still don't want to fight for humanity,
and Gretel thinks she can't go if I don't.
But what if, just maybe... you started having second thoughts?
Still... we can't go.
Gretel and I have to stay with Bernoullia.
We can't just leave her here all alone.
What if there's a way to fix that?
There is?
I'm only asking hypothetically...! I-if something like that really were possible...
What would you do?
Then...
Hansel and Gretel look at each other.
I suppose Gretel and I...
And finally...
Mmm...
*Sigh*
Uh...
Hansel and Gretel come face-to-face with Grave.
16. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 16
162 linesYes.
Gretel and I came because we want to hear your story.
Will you tell us?
My... story?
Yes.
I'm sorry. I don't remember anything from when I was Abe—
Not Abe's,
but yours, Grave.
Will that be all right...?
Yes, we want to hear it.
Gretel and I think we need to know
how you came to be
... and what you've been through.
Grave begins to tell Hansel and Gretel everything that's happened so far.
She tells them how she found and protected Cinderella after she fell from the Lift,
and how she was taken by the humans of the Ark and subjected to horrific experiments.
She tells them everything she went through after fleeing to the Crystal Region to escape the Heretics.
She tells them about her journey from meeting Superhuman to meeting Siren,
and everything that happened after they learned that the Queen was descending to the surface.
She tells them how she crossed the ocean in search of them.
She tells them everything.
So that's what happened...
That's why you don't remember anything.
*Sigh*
Uh... I'm sorry. I said some pretty harsh things without knowing any of that.
I'm sorry, too. I only talked about us without knowing any of that.
Don't be.
If anything, I'm sorry for not remembering you.
I used that as an excuse to give up on you so easily.
I'm sorry for that, too.
Ah...!
Hehe...
Gretel and I think we're good now. You apologized, after all.
... Yes, I think we've asked everything we wanted to.
Then can I say what I came here to say?
You have something to tell us?
As Grave?
I saw the memories of the time I spent with you two as Abe,
with Siren's help.
In those memories... I was a smart person.
But I'm not anymore.
I speak differently now,
and I'm not as smart as I used to be.
I don't have those memories, either.
But...
My heart tells me otherwise.
When I first saw you two,
I was just relieved that you were alive.
!!
Grave looks at Hansel and Gretel.
That much, at least, was genuine.
I thought that if you didn't want to fight alongside us,
you could stay here and live happily without having to fight.
I never thought it would hurt you.
I'm sorry.
Hehe...
So I thought about it.
I kept asking myself
what was right, what was best for all of you,
and what I wanted.
I'm not the same as I was before.
I may no longer be someone you can call Abe.
But...
Even so, I want to fight alongside you.
If we were to rewrite our story, I want to do it with you.
I want to rewrite our humiliating past with you.
Not for humanity,
but for us.
Let's defeat the enemy that ruined our story,
and rewrite it together.
Stories that have gone on this long deserve a happy ending.
So I want to write a new story with you.
My memories, my body, and my personality have all changed,
but this is genuinely how I feel.
This is the part of me that will never change.
Hehe...
Hehe...
*Gasp!*
You're wrong.
You're wrong!
Abe is still in there.
She's still inside you.
Inside me...?
That's why you feel the way you do.
At least, that's what Gretel and I think.
Gretel and I...
*Sigh*
Hansel and Gretel become lost in thought.
They remember the day they set out for the Lift, determined to see it through.
They remember Gretel's shattered body after their fall from the Lift,
and Hansel's heart as it broke.
They remember Gretel clinging to life in the ruins of the laboratory.
They remember Hansel trying to end her life when no one came to help her.
They remember Hansel hurting Siren, and being hurt by her in return.
They remember the nights Hansel spent plagued by nightmares,
and the nights Gretel spent anxiously by her side.
Ah...
Ngh!
Hansel and Gretel's eyes meet.
They see someone who thinks just like they do.
We want... to fight.
We want to fight alongside you.
We want to make those who hurt us, both physically and mentally, pay.
We want to get back at those who ruined our story.
I don't want to see Gretel in my nightmares anymore.
I don't want to see Hansel having nightmares anymore.
We want to rewrite our story.
We want it to have a happy ending.
Let's fight.
Let's fight.
Not for humanity,
but for us.
For our family, who've been hurt and scarred.
Hansel and Gretel turn to Grave.
So, Abe... no, Grave.
Will you hug us again?
Hansel and Gretel throw themselves into Grave's arms.
I'm sorry... for making you wait.
*Sniff... Sob*
I'm sorry I couldn't help you.
I'm sorry for not remembering you.
Even so...
Thank you for staying alive.
*Sob*
*Hnn...*
Tears begin rolling down Hansel and Gretel's cheeks.
... *Sniff*
*Sob*
I'm glad... *Sniff* you're still alive.
*Sob* I'm glad we got to see each other again.
I'm glad we're still alive.
Yes... I'm glad we made it.
Thank you for staying alive, Abe.
Thank you for staying alive, Grave.
Hansel and Gretel wrap their arms around Grave and hug her back.
Tears spill from Grave's eyes.
Grave...
You're crying...?
Grave holds them tightly.
The three of them hold each other until their tears finally stop,
hugging each other tightly as if to make up for all the time they spent apart and the long, winding road that brought them back together.
17. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 17
148 linesUm...
Uh...!
Why have you been standing there in silence this whole time?
You're becoming quite a nuisance. If you have nothing to say, then leave.
Uh... Ber.
What?
What would you do...
if Gretel and I wanted to go fight alongside Grave?
Uh...!
You intend to leave with them?
... Yes.
You ungrateful brats.
How dare you take one of my legs and then try to run away?
We're not trying to run away. Gretel and I—
Then what?
Have you changed your mind and decided you wish to fight for humanity again?
That's not it!
Gretel and I just... don't want to have any more regrets.
We swear we won't run away. Once the battle is over, we'll come back.
And then, we'll keep living with you.
We can never forget that you saved Gretel,
and we know what you sacrificed to save us, too.
And yet, you still intend to leave?
But... we want to fight alongside them one last time.
We don't want our story to end as nothing but pain and ruin.
Just once more... We want to fight alongside everyone.
Our story ended before we ever got the chance to stand before the Queen together.
We want to pick up where we left off and continue our story.
I don't want to have nightmares anymore.
I don't want to keep regretting my past and hating myself.
I'm begging you... just let us go this once.
Uh...!
We promise that...
Once we come back, we'll never leave your side again.
I'll never forget for the rest of my life
that I'm alive because of your leg.
I'm begging you too. Please believe in us.
Uh!
What cannot be done cannot be done.
You will remain my slaves for the rest of your lives.
That is the contract.
Ber!
Do you have any idea what I went through to save you?!
And now you have the audacity to take that precious body onto the battlefield?!
Uh...!!
Ber...
If you want to leave that badly,
then you'd better be prepared to defy me
and leave me here alone, with only one leg.
Now, leave. I have nothing more to say.
Ber!
How many times must I tell you that I don't like repeating myself?
Ah...
Uh...
Get out.
Ah...! Okay.
Hansel and Gretel trudge out of the room.
The door closes behind them.
*Sigh*
*Krrkk*
Bernoullia opens a drawer and takes something out.
Hah...
A photograph of Hansel and Gretel smiling from ear to ear.
*Sigh...* Just as I thought.
What do we do...?
Ber looked really mad.
Mm...
We don't have much time left... How are we supposed to convince her?
We're all leaving in two days, aren't we...?
Hansel! Gretel!
Mori?
Hansel and Gretel walk over to Mori.
Did it go okay?
Ugh... No.
She was really against it.
Huh??
That night, in Grave's room...
Gretel and I think we should leave at dawn.
Ah woo?
That soon?
Did you get Bernoullia's permission to leave?
No, she didn't.
She... didn't?
Ah woo?
So Gretel and I are gonna run away from home.
Gretel nods resolutely.
*Gasp...* What?
Oh my...
Is that really okay?
Haha...
Yes, it's okay.
I thought you said you owed Bernoullia and needed her permission to leave.
True, but...
Hansel and Gretel lock eyes with Mori.
It'll be okay.
It will?
Yes.
We believe it will.
*Sigh...* Right.
Ah... Mori?
Anyway! We've said our piece.
Now, everyone, hurry up and get ready to leave.
But still... don't you think we're rushing into this?
Gretel and I think you're supposed to run away from home when nobody's expecting it.
Hmmm...
Is that so...?
So we're leaving early in the morning.
Siren, think you can get your bubbles ready?
All right,
then I'll see you all at the washing place at dawn.
Hmm...
At dawn,
Hansel and Gretel stand in the living room, their things packed and ready to go.
This is bad, Gretel. I don't see the Witches Cauldron anywhere.
This is bad, Hansel. It's not over here, either.
Then that means...
They turn to look at Bernoullia's closed bedroom door.
*Gasp...* Ber has it.
... Yes.
How about we sneak in?
If we get caught, we're done for.
Maybe we should just leave.
Guess it can't be helped.
Yes, let's just go.
Okay.
*Sigh*
*Sigh*
They turn their gaze toward Bernoullia's closed bedroom door.
Thank you... for saving us.
And... we're sorry for leaving you here all alone.
Gretel and I feel like we have to go.
We just don't want to have any more regrets.
But once we come back... we won't do something like this ever again.
So we promise... we promise we'll come back
and spend the rest of our lives making it up to you...
We'll even write you an apology letter.
So... don't be too mad at us.
*Sigh...* We'll be back, Ber.
Hansel and Gretel exchange a glance.
Let's go, Gretel.
Okay, Hansel.
They turn around and walk on.
*Creak... Click*
Hmm...
18. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: 18
190 linesIs everyone ready?
Ah woo!
I'm ready.
Me too.
If everyone's ready, Gretel and I say we get going. Now.
Then, everyone, hop on the bubble.
Okay.
*Sigh* Guess we're in for another few days crossing that endless ocean.
Hehe... I suppose it can't be helped.
Just then, Mori stops.
... Mori?
Oh...! What?
You're not coming?
... Mori?
I'm going to stay here
and help Bernoullia.
That's what I suggested to Hansel and Gretel.
I told them I'd stay behind, so they should go on with everyone else without worrying about us.
Is that so?
... Yes, that's why we decided to run away from home.
Gretel and I trust Mori to keep Ber safe.
Hm... Thanks, Hansel, Gretel.
Why... would you want to stay...?
I think someone should stay behind and help Bernoullia.
That way, Hansel and Gretel can move forward without having to worry.
To be honest... I'm not confident I can hold my own on the battlefield,
and I don't want to become a burden to the people I care about.
No, Mori! You're not—
Siren.
While I was here, I spent a long time
thinking about who I am, about what I can do right now,
*sigh...* and whether I can become stronger.
Mori...
I want to do my best for the people I care about, too.
Of course... It hurts that I can't go with you. I'm sad, and I feel guilty about it...
I even thought maybe I'd rather die fighting alongside you on the battlefield...
But I can't do that.
I can't fight with that kind of mindset.
You're going up against an enemy that you'll only be able to beat if you give it everything you've got,
so I want to do my best to help everyone win, too.
I just want all of you to come back without getting hurt.
I want to be someone who can be there for the people I care about.
That's why I'm going to do what I can do best right now.
Which is staying here?
Yeah,
I'll stay here and protect Bernoullia
and the home everyone will come back to...
So Hansel and Gretel can fight without having to worry.
That's the conclusion I've come to.
So! Don't get hurt, okay?
Come back safe after you win.
I'll be rooting for you.
Oh...
Little Mermaid gazes into Mori's eyes.
Those same eyes Mori had when she dove back into Gluttony's throat and reached out her hand to Little Mermaid.
The same unwavering resolve in her eyes when she put her life on the line to save her.
Once again, those eyes are looking back at her.
Ah... Looks like you've made up your mind.
You're a strong person. You always have been.
I-I am?
Yeah!
We promise we'll win and come back, Mori.
You stay safe too and wait for us to come back.
Ah... Okay!
Let's... go, then.
We'll see you when we return, Mori.
See you soon.
Please take good care of Ber.
We're counting on you.
I'll do my best.
They all get onto the bubble.
We'll be back, Mori.
The bubble begins to drift toward the distant sea.
Take care, everyone!
Mori waves goodbye to the bubble as it carries everyone away.
*Sigh...* You have to come back.
Oh right,
there's something Gretel and I forgot to tell you.
What is it?
We left the Witches Cauldron back home.
Ah!
Oh...! Wh-what do we do? Should I turn the bubble around?
No, we might get caught by Ber.
If we saw her face, Gretel and I might feel too guilty to leave.
So we should probably get help from that prince Cinderella mentioned...?
Ask Superhuman for help...?
If that doesn't work out... um... maybe Siren could make it with her bubbles?
Cinderella points to a box off to one side.
It's from Bernoullia.
From Ber?
Let's open it.
Hansel and Gretel opens the box.
!!
Last night, in Bernoullia's lab, before hearing Hansel and Gretel's plan to run away...
So...
You told Hansel and Gretel that if they wanted to fight with us,
they had to be prepared to leave you here alone, with only one leg?
Indeed.
I'm afraid I don't know what misunderstanding you're referring to.
Why be so harsh with them?
You could've simply told them you didn't want them going to war because you were worried about them.
Do you really think those two would listen just because I told them so?
And if they need my gracious permission before they'll go,
then they have no business going at all.
To march onto a battlefield without even that much resolve... they'd be practically walking to their deaths, wouldn't they?
Oh... You must be quite worried.
Enough of that. Take this.
*Thud*
Bernoullia sets a box down in front of Cinderella.
Uh... What's this?
Go on, open it.
Cinderella opens the box.
Inside the box lies Hansel and Gretel's weapon, the Witches Cauldron.
Take it, and spare me the arguments. It'll prove useful.
Of course, who do you think raised them?
Those hellions are an open book.
They'll be talking about running away from home and declaring that you ought to leave at first light.
Hmm...
So take it.
Don't let those careless hellions leave it behind.
Hehe... You're quite an odd one.
Heh, look at you, already treating me like a proper person after only a few days together.
I know you don't consider yourself a Rapture.
Ha...!
Whether my body is that of a Heretic, a Rapture, or a Nikke...
I am still me.
And you are still you, are you not?
Hmm...
Hehe, indeed.
Who could presume to define me
when I alone decide who I am?
*Sigh*
Bernoullia,
you taught me how to protect myself
for Hansel and Gretel's sake, didn't you?
Whatever could have given you that idea?
Ahh...
Thank you for saving my family and taking such good care of them all these years.
You do say the most ridiculous things.
They are not your family.
They are my hellions.
Whatever they may have been in the past, they are my precious possessions now.
So there's no need for you to thank me.
Yes, I'm glad Hansel and Gretel are so dear to you, too.
Hmph!
I'm finally getting used to the way you speak. It's a shame we won't have more time to talk.
Enough nonsense.
When you return, you'd best be prepared to tell me how the corruption works.
Are we... allowed to come back here?
Were you planning to take what you needed and simply run off, then?
Put such foolish notions out of your head, and concern yourself with bringing my little hellions back to me.
So Ber... knew everything.
She knew exactly what we were thinking, and yet she still let us go.
Yes.
A firefly emerges from the Witches Cauldron and flutters toward Hansel and Gretel.
This is...!
Ber's nanomachine...!
You belong to me, so don't go getting yourselves hurt.
Come back in one piece, you runaway hellions.
Ngh...
Hic...
Hngh... *Sniff* Ber...!
*Sniff*
Agh... If you're going to cry, stop it at once. You'll look ugly.
Hehe!
... Pfft.
Haha... Hahahaha!
The firefly flies back toward the house they left behind.
Take care, Ber!
We'll be back.
Hansel and Gretel wave to the firefly
until they can no longer see the sweet witch's house
that sheltered them when they were lost and wandering after losing their home.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE: THE END
19. GINGERBREAD HOUSE: EPILOGUE
111 lines*Sob*
Mori lowers the hand she's been waving toward the distant sea and wipes away her tears.
Does that vex you?
Are you really that bitter about being left behind?
N-no...
It's just... I feel so pathetic.
I wanted to fight alongside them...
but in the end, all I could do was run away to save myself...
Uh...
You had plenty to say earlier. Why are you shrinking back now?
Eek...! Y-you were listening to everything we said?!
You mean that business about protecting me?
Gah... s-so you did hear everything!
Then why didn't you come out?
To be honest... when we talked earlier, you said it was okay, so...
I thought you'd come out to see Hansel and Gretel off.
I never permitted the hellions to leave.
Huh? But I thought you said...
I merely allowed you to become my new slave. Nothing more.
Err...
I can't stand tearful goodbyes.
Such things are for those marching off to their deaths.
For little hellions who'll be coming back, running away from home is far more fitting than marching off to war.
Because then they'll come home?
Heh! Think what you want...
Hmph.
Duckling.
You're rather like a duckling, waddling along as you struggle to grow stronger.
Remember this frustration.
Never forget how powerless you felt when you couldn't even make it to the battlefield to fight alongside your friends.
And with that feeling in your heart, keep running. Don't you dare give up.
The world is certainly unreasonable and unfair.
And yet, amusingly enough, so long as you can show that you've put in the effort,
this world will also give you the chance to overcome what you were born with.
Ah...!
Of course... What constitutes enough effort differs from one person to the next.
And because there is no end to it, every passing hour may feel like a cruel tease of hope just out of reach.
But who knows?
Keep at it with those little feet of yours,
and perhaps one day, this duckling of mine will grow into a swan.
Now then, keep that spirit up and make me some delicious bread for breakfast.
If you burn it like last time, I'll have you baking bread all day long.
G-gah... Yes, ma'am!
A few days later, on Little Mermaid's bubble above the ocean...
Hmm...?
Little Mermaid looks down at the water.
... What could that green light be?
Green light?
Ah woo.
I didn't notice it at first, but this green light seems to be forming a path that matches the route we're taking.
Could it be showing us where we're supposed to go?
You think it's showing us the way?
Cinderella looks down at the water as well.
Something glowing green stretches out ahead of and behind the bubble they're riding on,
as though guiding them along the way.
Isn't that...
We wanna see too!
Hansel and Gretel look down at the water.
Huh? Those are...!
Ber's fireflies.
Ah woo?
Why are Ber's fireflies out here in the ocean...?
The other way around?
Oh...!
*Gasp!*
Ah...
Yeah, I think you're right!
*Sniff* Ber...!
What a lovely gesture.
Cinderella looks up at everyone.
Hm... When all this is over, we will return.
We cannot let Bernoullia regret showing us the way back.
Ah woo!
Yes!
Little Mermaid gazes ahead.
Everyone, we're almost there. We should be able to see our destination soon.
At last...!
We're... going to fight the Queen again.
Heh... Yes.
Grave looks in the direction Little Mermaid is pointing.
Soon, their battlefield comes into view.
*Sigh*
Grave slowly turns to look at her comrades, who are all staring in the same direction.
Yes, that includes you, Grave.
Hmm... Yes, we're all here.
We'll do what we should've done all those years ago,
what we wanted so desperately to do, but couldn't.
We'll bring down our enemy,
so that the second, third, and every page that follows can be beautiful.
Let's rewrite our story
and
give ourselves a happy ending.
OLD TALES: Rewrite