GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story · Side stories
MUDFISH
16 scenes, 1,761 lines
1. MUDFISH: 1
96 linesIt's been a while since I've been left alone.
...
I don't like being alone.
Should I have gone with Behemoth?
Nah, it's fine.
We all promised to work hard.
I've got to grin and bear it.
*Swooosh*
??
Are those waves?
Oh right, there was an ocean nearby.
...
The sea...
We met at the sea.
Leviathan listens to the sound of the waves and recalls past memories.
*Splash*!
Her body slowly sinks deeper.
Surrounded by the frigid waters, she can feel herself beginning to suffocate.
Suddenly, her survival instincts kick in,
and her special power wraps itself around her.
*Blurb blurb*
Her breathing stabilizes.
Encased by a layer of bubbles, Little Mermaid opens her eyes.
Beyond the bubbles, a familiar oceanic landscape appears.
In this cold open sea, she has survived once again.
The sea again...
After plummeting from space, she spent the next several years roaming the surface,
desperately searching for her comrades.
And now, here she was, sinking into the depths of the sea yet again.
Once again, her body was battered and scarred.
Despite all those years spent wandering the surface,
she has yet to find her lost comrades.
She must rise again, and find those whom she misses so dearly.
She must resurface, and use this foam to create bubbles.
This time, she must find proof that they're still alive.
In order to rise above the water's surface, she lifts her body.
Hrngh...
Her body is practically immobile.
The physical and mental toil of the past few years has taken its toll on her,
making her body feel heavier than ever.
*Rumble*
The sea currents begin to stir.
The bubbles encasing her are swept away by the currents and drift off somewhere unknown.
She closes her eyes again.
She stops struggling and lets go, entrusting her body to the flow of the sea.
For a little while,
just for a moment, she wants to let her weary body rest in the water.
*Swooosh*
Wh... what is that?
A human? A Nikke?
A girl covered in black water discovers someone who has been carried by the waves and washed ashore.
Huh?
Urgh...
*Gasp*!
The girl quickly stumbles backward.
S-she's alive?!
...
Is she unconscious?
Whew... that really gave me a scare.
I think she's a Nikke, but...
I should save her, right?
...
Wait, what am I thinking?
Who could I possibly save in this state?
Even if I did, nothing good would come of it.
... Forget it.
I didn't see anything.
I...
I didn't see anything!
*Cough*
!!
Little Mermaid opens her eyes.
A-are you awake?
Little Mermaid closes her eyes, seemingly fainting once again.
Huh?
You're starting to freak me out...
I... miss you all...
Tears stream down from behind Little Mermaid's closed eyelids.
!!
Why are you crying?
This is really unnerving...
...
Aw, to heck with it!
The girl tugs Little Mermaid away from the shoreline.
Today's your lucky day!
2. MUDFISH: 2
113 lines*Drip drip drip drip*
The sound of water droplets falling.
How....
Someone's voice can be heard.
*Sigh*... I couldn't just leave her like that... Dang it, why did I bring her?
This is followed by the sound
of what appears to be grumbling.
Little Mermaid opens her eyes.
She's been covered with a blanket,
and is inside some kind of cave which is being lit by a small lantern.
What the...
Oh! Are you awake?
*Crashhh*
Little Mermaid looks towards the noise.
Who's there?
Ouch...
Is someone there?
Little Mermaid gets up.
S-stop!
D-don't come this way!
Stay right where you are!
Little Mermaid stops.
That's better! Don't move a muscle!
Who are you?
What business is it of yours?!
Did you save me?
Yeah.
I want to see who you are.
What reason would you possibly have for seeing my face?
Now that you've come to, you can get out!
But...
No! No ifs, ands, or buts!
... Do you know who I am?
The girl reveals her face.
She has red eyes.
Those eyes...!
Do you realize what these eyes mean?
It's proof that I'm a Heretic.
Heretic...
Do you know what that is?
It means I'm something to be feared. The enemy of all humanity. Nikkes don't stand a chance against me!
So don't come near m...
*Swoosh*
A purple blur flashes by the girl's cheek.
!!!
*Bang*
Wh-what was that?
The girl turns around.
A section of the wall has been caved in, looking as if a bomb has gone off.
D-did you just try to attack me?
Dozens of tiny water droplets appear around Little Mermaid, all aimed at the girl.
Gah! Time to run!
Stop.
!!
The girl's body remains motionless, as if frozen in ice.
I... I can't move!
Little Mermaid approaches the girl.
No! Stay back!
I... I...
Answer me.
N-no!
It was a lie.
I'm not a Heretic.
Then how do you explain those eyes?
Th-these are just...
The girl blinks, and when she reopens her eyes...
They're a different color.
Your eye color... It changed?
All that stuff before was just a part of my disguise.
Don't lie to me. I've never heard of a Nikke that can change eye colors.
It's true!
Really!
Then if you're not a Nikke, what are you?
... I don't know.
What?
I said I don't know!
I'm as in the dark as you are, you jerk!
I was... *Sob*... I was once a Nikke...
You think this is how I wanted things to go?
I... I...
I never wanted to end up like this!
If I hadn't accidentally drank that water, I wouldn't be living in this cave.
I could have gone back to the Ark instead!
Why do I have to live like this?
Why is it just me?
*Sob*
Oh, sorry! You should be able to move again.
*Thud*
The girl plops on the ground.
Sorry about that...
Little Mermaid offers the girl her hand.
!!
The girl scurries along the ground and hides deeper in the recesses of the cave.
I promise I'll never do the thing with the red eyes again!
I was just trying to help! I didn't do anything bad!
I'm not a Heretic or anything like that!
So please, don't kill me!
3. MUDFISH: 3
98 lines...
Little Mermaid glances deep inside the cave where the girl is hiding.
...
Beyond the lantern's reach, cloaked in deep shadow,
the girl lies curled up in a ball, her head buried in between her knees.
... Hey.
...
Aren't you cold?
...
Would you like this blanket?
Gah!
Little Mermaid recalls one of the halcyon days of her past.
Siren?
Huh?
What are you doing here?
... Ooh ooh.
How come you're sitting here alone, looking all miserable?
Ah ooh.
Did you do something wrong?
Little Mermaid nods.
What did you do wrong?
Hansel. Gretel.
Did you hit them?
Little Mermaid shakes her head.
You didn't hit them?
Then what did you do?
Did you use one of your command spells?
*Nod*
You did? Seriously?
It was an accident.
What did you say?
Ahugh...
It's okay, just tell me.
I said, "Don't move".
...
What made you do that?
You wouldn't have used that spell unless there was a good reason.
They were tickling me relentlessly, and I wanted them to stop.
Ugh, those two are incorrigible.
They've got some nerve acting like that when they're the ones who bothered you first!
*Sigh*...
...
If it's weighing on your mind so much, why don't you bring them something they like to eat?
If you want to bury the hatchet, the first step is to extend an olive branch... and not just metaphorically.
People's hearts tend to soften on a full stomach.
First try giving them something they like to eat,
and then apologize to them.
But will they accept my apology?
If I told you they wouldn't, would you not bother apologizing?
That's not what I meant.
An apology is about showing someone that you're sorry.
Whether they choose to accept it or not is of little consequence.
If you come to someone, heart in hand, and they still spurn you, then there's nothing else you can do.
Oohugh.
Oh, and if they try tickling you again, don't use your commands.
Instead, just blast them with some bubbles.
Got it?
But wouldn't they get injured?
At any rate, just go apologize.
Little Mermaid stands up.
!!
She heads outside.
...
Did she leave?
Hello?
Silence.
The girl cautiously creeps over to where Little Mermaid had been standing.
She's gone...
Hehe... She's gone. She's finally gone!
Phew...
The girl sits on the ground.
I nearly bought the farm back there.
I thought she was an ordinary Nikke, and turns out she's some kind of superweapon!
I figured she'd run off if I said I was a Heretic.
Just goes to show that you shouldn't go out of your way for people.
She reminded me of myself. No one there to help her...
But now I'm starting to regret that...
The girl looks at the spot where Little Mermaid had been sitting.
...
I didn't necessarily expect gratitude, but...
I at least thought I'd be able to talk to someone again. It's been ages since I had a proper conversation.
Story of my life.
Nothing but rotten luck.
The girl hugs her knees and curls back up.
Never again.
Never again will I save a human or anyone.
I'll never set myself up to be betrayed again.
4. MUDFISH: 4
164 lines*Growl*
Oh boy, I'm starving.
I forgot to eat with all this excitement.
I think I've still got some of that Splendamin I found before...
Ugh!
!!
Gaaaah!
Gaaaah!
*Crash*
The girl hurriedly scurries back inside the cave.
What the...?!
I thought you'd left!
Ooh... Ooohh....
Little Mermaid lingers awkwardly at the cave entrance.
Why aren't you answering?
Wh-what are you gonna do to me?!
Little Mermaid reaches out her hand.
What are you doing?!
*Plop*
A droplet of something falls from the tip of Little Mermaid's hand.
What is that? Jelly?
The purplish droplet lands on the ground, and then moves toward the girl.
Do-don't come near me!
The droplet stops directly in front of the girl.
??
She covers her head in fear and shrinks back.
*Wobble wobble*
...?
Wha...
*Wobble wobble*
It's... not doing anything.
*Wobble wobble*
Why is it jiggling like that?
The girl pokes the droplet.
*Wobble wobble wobble*
...!
The texture...
*Poke poke*
*Wobble wobble wobble*
...
*Poke poke poke*
*Wobble wobble wobble*
Hehe... It's kinda cute.
?!
H-hold on! Who cares?! What are you trying to do with this?
Ooh uh ooh!
A little arrow appears above the droplet.
An arrow?
The arrow points outside the cave.
You want me to come outside?
The droplet bobs up and down.
... Is that supposed to be a nod?
Ah ooh!
Little Mermaid nods.
So you do want me to come outside?
Ooh!
*Bounce bounce*
The droplet wobbles up and down eagerly.
...
*Bounce bounce bounce*
No way! I'm not going anywhere.
How do I know what'll happen to me?
The droplet wilts pathetically.
Don't try and act cute! It won't affect me! I'm not coming!
Ah uh....
*Slurp*
The droplet melts into a puddle, which begins to expand.
Huh? What's going on?
*Slurp*
Ooh uh....
Okay, okay! Fine.
I'll come out, but you go first.
Ooh uh?
Go on! I'll follow you.
Ooh!
Why did you have me come outside anyway?
Ooh!
Little Mermaid points ahead.
Huh?
The girl looks ahead.
What is it?
Up ahead, a bonfire flickers on the beach.
What?! Are you crazy?!
What are you going to do if a Rapture sees that?
Ooh... Ooh uh!
Little Mermaid punches the air.
You'll take them out yourself?
Ah uh!
Wow. Impressive.
*Plop*
Little Mermaid sits down in front of the bonfire.
Ooh uh!
She gestures towards the girl.
Er... no thanks. I'd rather not.
Ooh...
Just be glad that I decided to come out in the first place!
Little Mermaid picks up a grilled fish that had apparently been placed near the fire earlier.
Ooh!
Hmm? What's that?
You want me to eat this?
Ooh!
Not a chance. How can I trust you?
Sure, I may be famished right now, but I'll just...
*Growl*
!!!
Oooh?
Dang it, you're the reason I wasn't able to eat to begin with!
What?
What the...
You had me convinced that you were really a Heretic.
But, now I can see that you're a Nikke.
...
...
Do you really mean that?
Ooh?
That you're sorry? And... that you're thankful?
Ooh uh!
That you won't ever harm me?
I meant every word.
...
Fine.
I'll trust you... just this once.
The girl heads towards Little Mermaid and the bonfire.
*Plop*
... Give me some of that. I want to try.
Ooh!!
Little Mermaid smiles brightly as she passes the grilled fish.
...
You're really pretty.
Ooh?
No-nothing!
The girl picks up the grilled fish.
... Thanks.
Ooh!
*Nom*
!!
It's delicious!
I can't believe you found something this good on the surface!
Ah uh!
Little Mermaid hands over another grilled fish.
I can have that as well?
Ooh uh!
Little Mermaid points at the remaining fish near the bonfire.
I can have all of those?
Ooh!
Maybe you're not such a bad guy after all...
Ooh?
Er... nothing. So it's really okay if I chow down on all of this?
Ah uh!
5. MUDFISH: 5
134 linesOof, I'm stuffed...
It's been ages since I've been this full.
Ah uh!
Mmm, that was a real feast.
Hehe.
So... you're a Nikke, right?
Ooh!
Then what squad are you from?
When did you leave the Ark?
Ooh uh?
If it's classified, you don't have to tell m...
I don't know what this "Ark" is that you're talking about.
What? You don't know what the Ark is? That doesn't make any sense.
Then are you a Pilgrim or something like that?
Uh ah uh?
Don't tell me you don't know what a Pilgrim is either?
Ooh!
Wow, you really don't know anything.
Hold on... Did you ingest some black water too?
Could that have caused you to lose all your memories?
Ooh?
The black water. It's like this stuff that's always coming from my head.
If you accidently drink some, it feels like your entire body is being torn apart.
Ooh uh....
Little Mermaid shakes her head.
... Yeah, there's no way that could have happened...
...
So what's your name?
Siren.
Siren?
Ah uh!
Siren...
That's a nice name.
Ooh uh?
Little Mermaid points at the girl.
What's my name?
Ooh!
I... I don't have a name.
I forgot it the moment I was changed into whatever I am now.
Oh...
You don't have to feel bad for me.
Actually, now that I think about it, there is something you could call me.
This.
The girl holds out a dog tag covered in black stains.
The inscription reads LEV-20765.
... Ah.
Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, does it?
You can just call me whatever.
Dude or "Girl", it doesn't matter.
What?
Little Mermaid points at the beginning of the inscription.
LEV.
Is that how you got Levi?
Ah uh!
Why do you care so much about giving me a name?
Not a name.
Huh?
Little Mermaid smiles.
Little Mermaid...
Okay, fine, but...
The girl looks down at her dog tag.
Nickname...
It kinda feels like you pulled it out of a hat.
Ooh?
Never mind. I guess it's not all that bad.
You can call me that from now on.
Ah uh!
So what's your next move?
Ooh?
You must have someplace that you call home.
A place you can go back to.
You don't plan on staying here forever, do you?
What?
I lost my home. So I need to find my friends.
It... it's the same for me too.
I lost my home.
Ooh?
I don't have anywhere to go back to... not since my body became like this.
Ooh...?!
What's that supposed to mean?
There's something wrong with me. Weird black liquid keeps seeping out of my body.
I look like a monster.
Who would want to associate with someone who looks like me?
But I'm not a monster! I'm a Nikke!
You mean because I don't have red eyes?
*Shake shake*
Do you really mean that?
Ooh uh!
...
Then... could you stay with me?
Ooh?
If you don't have anything to go back to... would you like to stay with me?
It's a big cave, so there's plenty of room for us both...
and I'll give you a blanket!
... I'm sorry, but I can't.
Oh... okay. I understand. Only a moment ago I was going on about how scary you were, and now I'm begging you to stay. Must be pretty off-putting, huh?
*Shake shake*
Your friends...
Okay... then I guess that's it.
Friends are important... so go, then. Hurry.
Levi's shoulders slump.
One month?
*Nod*
Why are you saying that?
Is it because...
you're taking pity on me?
It... It's fine by me.
But are you sure you're okay with this?
You don't mind being around me?
Ooh uh!
... Fine.
We can stay together for now.
6. MUDFISH: 6
147 linesAfter that day, the two Nikkes began living together.
Here, Siren.
Ooh uh?
*Plop*
Levi piles up several blankets on the floor of the cave.
You can sleep here.
Ooh!
Little Mermaid sits down on the blankets.
Well... good night.
Levi lies down directly on the ground.
... Ooh uh?
What's wrong?
Is it too hard when you lie down? Well, this is a cave and all, so no matter how many blankets I put dow...
What about you?
Me?
*Nod*
I'm fine sleeping here.
Why?
What do you mean?
It'd be uncomfortable for you if I slept next to you, and I'd get this black liquid all over the blankets.
Don't worry. I haven't used any of those blankets I just gave you.
They shouldn't have any stains on them.
*Shake shake*
What are you shaking your head for?
Let's use it together.
Absolutely not! You just use it yourself!
I'm perfectly comfortable where I am.
Little Mermaid raises her hand.
Huh?!
Bubbles balloon up from the tips of Little Mermaid's fingers, and expand into a large rectangular shape.
What is that?
A bed.
For who?
You.
Are you serious?
Ooh!
But what about you?
Little Mermaid lays on top of the blanket.
Ooh!
No, you go ahead and keep that. I don't need i...
*Shake shake*
Good night, Levi.
Little Mermaid closes her eyes.
What the... You create a bed out of nowhere and then just zonk out?
How do you expect me to sleep on this thing?
Levi presses down on the bed with her hands.
*Squish*
Actually, it feels pretty good...
...
Ah, screw it.
Levi climbs onto the bubble bed.
A feeling of warmth spreads through her body.
Wow, it's warm!
Levi gingerly lays down on the bed.
Feels like I'm sitting on a cloud... It's nice.
Hehe.
... Thanks.
... Good night, Siren.
Ah uh!
Here, have some of this.
Levi hands over a can and spoon.
Ooh uh?
I picked it up when I went to the abandoned house for blankets.
I haven't had it for too long, so it should still be good.
... Probably.
What about you?
I'm not hung...
*Growl*
Er, that was just...
...
That's the only can left.
Just eat it.
Ooh uh...!
Little Mermaid stands up.
Fish.
Huh?
You're not planning on going fishing right now, are you?
Ah uh!
Little Mermaid heads outside.
Wait! I'll go with you!
*Sizzle sizzle*
I didn't expect I'd have a chance to eat this again so soon.
Ooh!
Levi takes a big bite of the grilled fish.
It's delicious.
Hehe.
Uh... I have a question.
You spoke perfectly fine at first, so why are you only grunting and moaning now?
Do you not want to talk to me?
*Shake shake*
No? Then why...
If I misspeak, my Kotodama can activate.
Kotodama?
You mean like how you made me stop moving before?
... Ooh.
That wasn't intentional?
Ah ooh.
So you're refraining from speaking so that you don't accidentally set off those commands?
*Nod*
I see...
What a pain.
Ooh?
Even if you desperately want to say something, you have to hold it in. Must be tough.
... Ooh uh.
...
Ah, to hell with it.
Just talk.
Ah uh?
Go ahead. I'm okay with it.
I'm not scared anymore.
Are you sure you're not scared?
Nope, not a bit.
So I can talk? Really?
How long are you going to make me keep repeating myself?
It's irritating hearing nothing but monosyllabic grunts all the time, so just talk normal.
It feels better that way.
... Thank you, Levi.
Gah!
Levi's fishing rod bends down sharply.
What do I do now?!
Yank the pole up!
Like this?
*Whooosh*
Levi pulls the fishing rod up forcibly.
Ooh uhhh!
I-I caught it!
Hahaha!
I actually caught it!
Little Mermaid stares at Levi intently.
What? Why are you staring at me like that?
This is the first time I've seen you laugh like that.
What are you talking about?
I didn't laugh THAT much...
Hehe.
You know what? Fishing ain't so bad!
I'm gonna catch us a nice meal for tonight. You just watch.
Ooh uh!
As they laugh together and get to know each other,
time continues to flow, inexorable as ever.
7. MUDFISH: 7
141 linesA few days later.
*Drip*
Ugh, will this stuff ever stop dripping?
It's so annoying.
Levi wipes the black liquid off the floor.
What makes you ask?
Because I'm curious.
...
I ate something bad.
Ooh?
Don't "oooh" at me.
What did you eat?
... Black water.
Ah uh?
The stuff that's always leaking from my head. Once I'd ingested that stuff, that's when all this started happening.
What? What are you looking at me like that for?
Do you think I meant to eat that stuff?
It was an accident. I fell.
At first, I thought it was just some dirty water, but...
How could I have known that this would happen?
What now?! Why have you looking so doom and gloom?
It's perfectly fine for us to be in close proximity.
As long as you don't ingest it yourself, you'll be fine.
Being near it won't harm you.
Can I touch it?
Touch what?
The liquid that's seeping from your head.
Absolutely not!
Ooh?
What if something goes wrong?
Once it's dripped onto the floor, it doesn't seem to affect other Nikkes,
but I have no idea what would happen if you touched it straight from the source, as it were.
If something bad happened to you...
It's okay. Nothing will happen.
I'd still rather not. Just to be safe.
I'm going to touch it.
...
Little Mermaid touches the black liquid covering Levi's head.
Hmm...
Little Mermaid closely examines the black liquid on her hand.
It seems to be some kind of liquid metal.
Come again?
It's not moving.
What?
What's wrong? Are you hurt?
You don't feel like you're melting, do you?
Argh, you drive me crazy sometimes, you know that?
Huh? What?
How to make bubbles.
What the... I've been begging you to teach me that for ages, and you've ignored me time and time again!
Now you're offering to teach me apropos of nothing? What's the big idea?
I'm sorry if I frustrated you.
This black liquid flowing from your head is similar to my bubbles.
It's made of liquid metal.
I can't control it, but since it appears to be coming from you,
you may be able to.
I'm... creating this stuff?
Ooh!
It's not like I'm doing it consciously.
It doesn't matter whether it's intentional on your part or not. It's still being produced.
This black liquid may be leaking from your head
because you're unable to control it.
What's all this talk about "intention"?
Of course this is all unintentional! Who would want something like this?
No one wants to be seen as a monster.
Do you have any idea what I've had to go through?
If you learn to control it, you might be able to stop it.
I can stop this?
You really think so?
You might even be able to remove the parts of it that are stuck to you.
I... I could?
Yes!
I want to try.
I'm tired of being treated like a monster.
I... I want to be a Nikke again.
Unfortunately, no matter how much time passes...
Whew...
Levi stretches out her hand and grimaces.
I've gotta try and gather some of that black liquid at my fingertips...
Hrrrngh!
... There is no sign of change.
...
Why don't we try again?
One day passes, and then another.
C'mon... move... please!
But still there is no change.
Levi tries again and again.
... Ah.
...
But despite her attempts, nothing changes.
...
Um... maybe if you try again...
Forget it.
Ooh?
Let's give it up.
It's not going to work anyway.
There's no way someone like me could do this.
Levi...
Don't waste your energy. I'm a lost cause.
It's fine. I'll just live like this forever.
I'm used to it by now... It's okay.
But...
Siren.
Don't get my hopes up.
I'm not special. Anyone with half a brain could tell this is hopeless.
Don't give me false hope, or else I won't even have the courage to give up when I should.
Do you realize how much I've wanted to be rid of this black liquid?
Hundreds of times a day, I wish for it to be gone.
I tried dunking myself in the ocean all day long.
I scrubbed at it until my parts nearly wore down.
If you only knew the misery I felt once I realized that I was powerless to make it go away.
Do you want me to feel that again?
I don't want to!
I don't want to ever feel that way again.
I'm sick and tired of feeling miserable!
... I'm sorry.
... No.
I'm the one who should apologize. I'm sorry.
I-I want to be alone for a moment.
Levi?
I'm serious! Don't follow me.
Levi runs off.
Levi!
8. MUDFISH: 8
130 linesIt was a sunny day.
I had been assigned to some simple resource collection,
and was wondering what I should do when I got back.
Accidents really can come without warning.
An innocuous black puddle on the roadside which didn't draw any attention to itself.
The moment I stepped into the puddle...
*Splash*
I sank like a stone.
What I had thought was a shallow pool was in fact a fathomless reservoir,
deep enough to swallow my entire body.
My body was engulfed by the black liquid.
As I sank deeper and deeper, it was as if I was being swallowed whole.
I felt like I was suffocating, and so I opened my mouth and gasped for air.
A Nikke's body naturally filters out any contamination, so I thought it would be fine.
How wrong I was.
I inhaled the black water.
!!!
The moment I did, it felt as if my entire body was melting.
Who knows. Maybe I actually did melt.
My head, my body, my shoulders, my legs, my hands, my feet... It was as if my entire being was being merged into the black water.
I've never experienced such internal pandemonium.
Everything was a jumble.
Aaaagggh!
It hurts!
Writhing in agony, I frantically swam upwards.
As I flailed, I extended my hand upward,
desperately grasping at anything I could.
*Splash*
I managed to pull myself out of the water.
Urgh... *Cough cough!*
It hurts! Oh it hurts!
Gaaaah!
I heard a scream.
I think it was one of my squadmates.
Please, someone help... the pain... I can't...
I locked eyes with one of my squadmates.
!!!
Her eyes were filled with fear.
Don't just stand there looking at me! Help me!
I reached out towards them.
I-it's a monster!
I heard someone shout.
Everyone ran away in, fear-stricken and panicked, disappearing in seconds.
They left me alone in front of that black puddle.
... Why?
*Drip*
??
I felt something dripping from my forehead, and wiped at it with my hand.
Huh?
Pulling back my hand, I could see it was black.
*Drip*
... Huh?
I started to panic, and frantically wiped at whatever it was that was dripping from my head.
No... no no...
No matter how much I tried to wipe it away,
my hand kept coming back blackened.
I couldn't even tell which part of me needed cleaning, and so I looked back at the black puddle.
...?
Reflecting back at me was the face of someone I didn't recognize.
!
Ah...
Aaaaahhhhh!
I lost everything that day.
My friends, my body, my weapon, my name, my home... I lost them all.
I had no idea what had happened,
but the black liquid kept leaking from my head.
Every Nikke I came across would open fire,
terror rippling across their faces as they screamed and called me a monster.
I stopped even entertaining the notion of asking for help.
On the occasions when I ran into skilled Nikkes squads,
they nearly killed me.
Despite all of this, I wanted to live.
I wanted to survive.
So I started summoning Raptures to distract the Nikkes.
When I encountered Nikkes who would proceed to pursue me relentlessly...
Die, you monster!
Argh... No!
That was when I realized I could make my eyes glow red.
What the...?!
Th-those eyes! Is that thing a Heretic?!
That's right. I'm a Heretic!
It can't be...
*Thud thud thud thud*
She's calling over Raptures!
Is she really a Heretic...?
You're damn right I am! I've called my pets over to deal with you!
R-retreat!
Raptures would appear right on cue,
and as I watched the Nikkes run away in terror,
I began to wonder if I'd really turned into a Heretic after all.
But other than being able to make my eyes go red when I wanted,
I didn't develop any other abilities.
So I kept running away.
Again and again, I would make a desperate escape.
Until one day, I found a hidden cave near the beach where no one would come.
It was dark and scary inside,
so I picked up a small lantern and kept it on all day.
...
I'm cold.
I felt so cold and alone.
I rubbed my palms together, curled up in a ball,
and wrapped myself up with layers of blankets I'd scavenged from elsewhere.
I'm so cold...
No matter what I did, I couldn't chase away the cold.
Then...
I met Siren.
If she hadn't said she was cold, I would have left her there on the beach.
When she told me she had nowhere to go back to, I felt this sense of kinship with her.
The bed that she made for me, how she grilled those fish, and all the care she showered upon me...
It made me warm up to her.
I wanted to prove I was worthy of being her friend.
That I could be someone worth being seen with.
All she wanted was to help me, and what do I do? Get angry at her and storm off.
Why did I run away?
She didn't do anything wrong.
...
What if she doesn't like me anymore because of this? What will I do?
What if she doesn't want to be around me anymore?
Maybe she'll want to leave right away to go find her friends.
I don't have any way to stop her.
If she tells me she's decided to leave...
I can't do anything.
No. I can't let this happen.
I have to go back and apologize to h...
Levi.
!!
... Can we talk for a moment?
9. MUDFISH: 9
60 linesWhat are you doing here?!
I told you I wanted to be alone for a moment!
I couldn't stand the idea of you out here alone, crying.
I'm not crying!
What?
The reason you're struggling right now is because I'm not doing a good job teaching you.
I believe you have what it takes to control bubbles.
What makes you believe in me so much?
Ooh?
You don't even know who I am.
I might really be a Heretic.
I could be changing my eye color and deceiving you
because I want your power!
*Shake shake*
What are you shaking your head for?
How do you know that?
I had a friend who was similar to you.
No one believed in her, so she felt lonely.
She reached out her hand, asking for help, and everyone pushed it away.
... Myself included.
It's something I regret to this day.
So, I decided that if a situation like that were to ever happen again, I would believe.
I would think with my heart, not with my eyes.
I would choose to trust my feelings above all else.
So I'm going to trust you, Levi.
...
The Levi I've been hanging around with, the Levi that I trust entirely,
is no Heretic.
You're not doing this because you're after my power.
You'll be able to harness the bubbles, Levi.
You can do it.
...
*Sniff*
Ugh...
Levi hurriedly covers her eyes.
Levi? Are you okay?
Don't look!
*Sniff*... You're a real idiot, you know that?
So naïve... *sniff*.
You'll get taken advantage of living like that.
Hehe.
Don't laugh!
Levi stares at Little Mermaid.
...
I'm sorry.
I shouldn't have been so stubborn, and I shouldn't have gotten angry at you.
Being scared is no excuse for giving up.
It's okay.
I would not betray you.
Never.
So even if I keep messing things up...
Trust in me.
Don't give up on me.
... Thanks.
10. MUDFISH: 10
189 linesWhat's this?
Levi stares at the enormous purple bubble that fills the cave.
I can see that, but what are you going to do with this thing?
It's massive!
I thought you said you were going to teach me again.
We're going inside that thing?
Ooh!
Both of us?
That's right.
Won't that kill me?
*Shake shake*
Hold on, did I hear you right?
You've been to space?
Ooh!
Yes. Anyway, I've never been inside this bubble with someone else,
but I'm sure it'll be fine.
You don't sound too certain to me...
Hehe.
I never tried it before because I was afraid of the potential danger.
But I've thought about this back to front, and I simply don't think I can teach you as well as Abe did with me.
Therefore, I figured the best way would be to transfer my knowledge to you directly.
... Fine.
So... do we just head inside?
*Nod*
I'll go first.
Hold on...!
See you soon.
Little Mermaid enters the bubble.
Si-Siren?
She just stepped in like it was nothing.
Oh man... can't chicken out now...
Ehh...
Levi shuts her eyes tight and reaches a hand into the bubble.
It's... warm?
...
Ugh, fine, screw it!
Levi jumps into the bubble.
*Blurb blurb*
Levi opens her eyes.
Golden rays of sunlight stream through the water.
She can feel the warm water wrapping around her body.
Am I underwater?
... I'm not dead, am I?
Levi!
Siren!
Where are we?
Inside the bubble.
I know that!
What I mean is, how are we underwater?
This is a space created by my NIMPH.
They said it was a space which held a special place in my heart.
So this place is important to you somehow?
Levi looks around the water again.
The streaks of sunlight are mesmerizing.
I suppose this place is awfully pretty, and warm.
It's very fitting for you.
Ah uh?
N-nothing! Anyway, what do I need to do?
Levi.
I'm going to teach you everything there is to know about my bubbles.
That way, you'll be able to protect yourself,
and you'll never be lonely again.
Little Mermaid reaches out to Levi.
Will you take my hand and close your eyes?
I will share everything about this power with you.
... Okay.
Levi takes Little Mermaid's hand.
Little Mermaid closes her eyes.
Levi closes her eyes as well.
Once she shuts her eyes,
she witnesses a mass of bubbles gathering and contorting
This vision before her relays a vast store of knowledge which words alone could never possibly convey.
Wh-what was that?
This is crazy!
Isn't it amazing?
Yeah!
Totally amazing!
I want to know more.
Hmm?
Levi's eyes sparkle.
I want to know more, Siren!
How much are these bubbles capable of?
Where do they come from? How do they work? What are all the ways they can be used?
I want to know it all!
I want to keep going!
...!
Little Mermaid thinks back on that frightened girl in that dark cave, whose light had nearly been extinguished due to the cold and loneliness.
In contrast, before her now stands a girl whose once-fading light has been miraculously reignited.
Having been confronted with the brilliant truth of the world, her light is shining brightly once again.
A girl who had once been living in deprivation now exudes a voracious and primal desire for truth.
For life itself.
In the face of such luminous beauty,
Little Mermaid can only nod in agreement.
Siren...
Little Mermaid takes Levi's hand again.
Do it, and reignite that fire inside you.
Little Mermaid closes her eyes again,
and Levi does the same
as she takes her hand.
As she does,
Levi sees the truth within the bubbles.
The bubbles which are part of the vast sea that is Little Mermaid's NIMPH.
I want to know more.
I want to see more!
More! More!
*Blurb blurb*
?!
Levi opens her eyes at the sound of something bubbling.
!!
The serene water that had once been bathed in a flaxen light was now losing its glow as it percolates.
Siren, something's wrong with the water!
Siren?
*Boom*!
The bubble explodes with a thundering roar.
*Splash*
As the bubble bursts, the two Nikkes collapse onto the cave floor.
Urgh!
Blech!
Levi vomits up the contents of her stomach.
Ugh, I'm dizzy... and my stomach doesn't feel so good...
*Thud*
?
!!
Siren!!
Wake up!
Siren!
Levi crawls across the floor towards Siren, who has lost consciousness.
Siren!
She grabs Little Mermaid's hand.
Wake up, Siren!
Don't... don't die.
Please don't die, Siren.
*Cough cough*
Siren!
Le... vi...
Don't scare me like that! I really thought you were going to die!
Hehe.
How can you be laughing at a time like this?!
You did?!
Are you okay?
It's all my fault... I was dead set on knowing more.
Siren grabs Levi's hand.
O-okay...
*Sob* You better not die on me!
What's the point of you teaching me everything if you up and die on me right after?
Hehe.
I don't see what's so funny!
!!
... Yeah.
I know what I have to do now.
I know how I can use this power.
I know how you view this power as well.
I know everything.
I'll do everything I can to use this power for good.
... Just like you.
I will.
Siren...
Thank you.
Siren?
Siren falls asleep.
Phew... I can still hear her breathing.
Thank goodness... urgh...
Levi experiences a wave of dizziness, and lies down on the floor.
So dizzy... Can't hold on anymore.
I think I'll go to sleep too...
Levi moreso faints than falls asleep, firmly clasping Little Mermaid's hand in hers.
It's only three days later that they both regain consciousness.
11. MUDFISH: 11
73 linesAfter Levi and Little Mermaid get out of the bubble,
some time passes.
You know something, Siren?
Ooh?
That black liquid that used to flow from my head...
Ever since I started controlling the bubbles, it's stopped.
Was it that obvious?
Every morning when you woke up, the first thing you'd do was wipe off the marks on your bed.
Because you didn't want it getting stained.
!!
You saw that?
Ooh!
I thought I had kept it a secret...
Yeah. It's a real weight off my shoulders.
Plus now I can do stuff like this.
A black water droplet appears at the tip of Leviathan's finger.
I still can't get over it.
How is this even possible?
Who came up with this stuff?
Abe.
Abe?
*Nod*
Is that the name of the person who made you?
Little Mermaid smiles brightly.
Yes!
Is that the friend you want to find?
One of them, yes.
Um...
Ooh?
Sh-should I come with you?
... Ooh?
I can help you.
I'll find them all for you!
If you tell me how your friends look, I'll help you find them.
If we look together, we're bound to find them faster!
O-of course!
Now that I've got power too,
why wouldn't I be?
You were afraid of going outside before.
I was before, but I'm not scared anymore.
Who asked you to protect me?
I know how to handle bubbles now too!
Still...
If you're really worried,
then let me prove it to you.
Prove what to me?
That I can take down a Rapture
all on my own.
That'll show that I don't need you to protect me, and it won't be a problem for us to head out together.
That's true, but...
Give me one week.
That's when you originally planned on leaving.
I'll prove myself to you then.
... Okay.
Good, then it's settled! Now, on that note!
Today, I'm gonna use my bubbles to catch some fish.
You think you can do that?
Of course! I know how to do that much at least.
I'm really good at changing the shape of bubbles.
Very impressive!
Haha! Right?
Leviathan and Little Mermaid laugh as they share a look.
Let's go. Tonight, dinner's on me.
Ah ooh!
12. MUDFISH: 12
77 linesOne week later.
*Thud thud thud thud*
...
Levi nervously watches the approaching Rapture.
T-target detected.
... Ooh uh.
W-watch and learn!
I'm gonna destroy that thing!
Ooh!
Phew....
Levi glares at the distantly approaching Rapture.
*Thud thud thud thud*
She reaches her hand out and aims toward the Rapture.
A mass of black droplets forms behind her.
Here we go!
As Levi swings her hand...
*Swoosh*
The black droplets shoot toward the Rapture's core.
*Booom*!
As the core shatters, the Rapture collapses lifelessly to the ground.
I-I did it!
I did it, Siren!
Ooh uh!
This stuff really works!
I can't believe I defeated a Rapture so easily!
Hehe...
Hahahaha!
If I'd known it'd go that well,
I'd have gotten a cellphone to record it for posterity!
That was incredible, Levi!
I told you I could do it!
Now... can I go with you?
*Nod*
Sure.
Really?
No caveats or anything like that?
Nope.
Haha! I did it!
Should we get going straight away?
Where should we go first?
Tell me! Tell me!
Let's head back to the cave and get our stuff first.
Sure! Sounds good!
Hehe, it's finally happening!
Levi.
Yeah?
You seem awfully happy that we can go together.
Of course!
Do you have any idea
how much I've wanted this?
Well, I'm happy that you're happy.
Hehe... you're gonna make me blush.
...
Siren.
Ooh?
I'll find all of your friends for you.
You've done so much for me, and it's time I repay the favor.
Hehe.
Hey, what are you laughing at? Do you not believe me?
No, I'm just very happy, that's all.
*Rumble*
What was that?
*Rumbbbbble*
With a resounding roar, the ground begins to shake.
Uh-Ahhhh!
Ooh-Ooh uh!
Is it an earthquake?!
It's coming from the forest.
What's over there?
*Booom*
With another massive tremor,
something erupts from beyond the forest.
Wh-what is that?!
13. MUDFISH: 13
79 linesGluttony?
A giant Rapture that used to guard the Lift.
First I've heard of it.
Is it similar to a Tyrant-Class?
If we're going by classifications, technically yes, but in reality it's incomparably stronger.
It's a true force of nature.
Sounds pretty formidable.
It is.
It exists solely to carry out the commands which have been issued to it.
It cannot be reasoned with, and it cannot be stopped.
So what was the command that it's been given?
To consume everything in its path.
What do you mean by "everything"?
Exactly what it sounds like. Nikkes, Raptures, large-scale weapons, entire structures, the terrain itself. It swallows everything indiscriminately.
So we're part of that thing's diet as well?
... Yeah.
What happens if you get eaten?
I don't know. No one has lived to tell the tale.
!!
So if that thing gets us, we're done for?
Most likely, yes.
What's it doing here anyway?
There must have been something that piqued its appetite.
What could that be?
Apparently, Gluttony is drawn to large energy sources.
Maybe it was enticed by the energy that was released when you enlarged the bubble.
Wait, when was that?
!!
Hold on, do you mean that time when you were teaching me?
Get out of here, Levi.
What do you mean?
I'm most likely the one that Gluttony is after.
The only way we'll get it to give up the chase is if we get to the sea.
So go. Head towards the water.
When you get there, just imagine your body being wrapped in bubbles, and go right in.
You'll be able to ride the current and drift away. You can still escape with your life.
But what about you?
I'll distract Gluttony and make my escape later.
No matter what happens, I can't let it go after you.
Absolutely not! I'm not going alone!
You said we'd go together.
You promised that if I took down a Rapture, that we'd stick together.
... I'm sorry.
I can help you! We can fight this thing together!
... Levi.
What else do I need to do to prove myself to you?
What do I need to do for you to let me stay with you?
It's not about you proving yourself.
Then what is it?!
Is it that I'm weak? You don't need me, is that it?
I'm just a useless half-wit, aren't I?
I know that.
I know you want to keep me safe.
And I also know I'm being stubborn right now.
But you know what?
I want to protect you as well.
I don't want to be left alone again!
I want to stay with you.
I don't want to be inside that cave all alone again.
I don't want to live like that anymore!
No, I'm not scared.
Really?
Really!
Didn't you say you trusted me? So start trusting me!
If you really believe in me,
then let's fight together!
Have faith in me! Believe that I'll be able to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with you.
...!
... All right.
I believe in you.
I can see how confident you are.
Let's fight together.
Let's defeat Gluttony together... and find our friends.
All right!
14. MUDFISH: 14
76 linesGo for it.
Ah ooh uh!
As Little Mermaid reaches out her hand,
a giant bubble begins to grow in the middle of the beach.
...
One hour ago.
Let me make sure I've got the plan straight:
You create a giant bubble on the beach.
Gluttony will sense the energy, and come to the shore.
Ooh!
When it opens its mouth to swallow the bubble,
you'll quickly transform the bubble into pillars,
and jam them inside so Gluttony can't close its mouth.
Ah ooh!
That's when I come in, and use the black liquid to strike the core, which is inside its mouth.
Mhmm.
And if, at any point, the plan doesn't seem to be working,
I gather as much black liquid as possible, shove it into that ugly S.O.B.'s mouth, and hightail it to the sea before it's finished digesting.
Right.
And if all else fails, we go and throw ourselves into the sea, regardless of whether it's chasing us or not.
Are we sure the core is inside its mouth?
But you said you've never dealt with this thing before.
So how are we sure?
*Sigh*... I guess we don't have much choice, do we? You seem pretty confident, in any case.
Fine, let's give it a shot.
Back to the present.
I don't know why I agreed to this.
Are you sure we can pull this off?
You're not nervous, are you?
N-no, of course not!
Not one bit!
I... I was just going over the plan in my mind.
R-right... Everything'll work out. Of course.
Whew... Fine! Whatever happens, happens!
All right.
Levi and Little Mermaid hide behind a large boulder near the shore.
*Rummmmmble*
The ground shakes violently.
It's moving!
!!
That was fast.
A colossal being begins to approach from afar, resembling a moving mountain.
*Rummmmmble*
...
Levi swallows dryly, her nerves on edge.
*Boom*!
With a resounding tremor, the goliath suddenly disappears.
Huh?
It... disappeared?
What the heck? Where did that hulking thing go?
Below!
What?
Little Mermaid quickly grabs Levi and leaps backward.
*Craaack*!
In the spot where they were only milliseconds before,
an immense mouth erupts from underneath.
Wh-what is that?!
It's Gluttony!
That's Gluttony?
I'm supposed to take down that thing?
Levi, let's start the plan!
O-okay!
Encounter!
15. MUDFISH: 15
154 lines*Shrrrrieek*!
Gluttony heads toward the bubble and opens its mouth.
Hyah!
As Little Mermaid reaches out her hand,
*Cracccck*!
the bubble shapeshifts into two massive pillars which shoot up and force Gluttony's mouth wide open.
Success!
!!
Levi, I can see the core! It's deep inside its throat!
You can?
Yeah! I can see something red and round! Abe was right!
O-okay!
Levi stands behind Little Mermaid.
Core... core... where's the core...
Levi peers into Gluttony's gaping maw.
I've got to find that core...
A sea of serrated teeth, sharp enough to tear Leviathan to shreds.
Behind them, a pitch-black throat which could swallow her whole.
Amongst this terrifying spectacle, she can make out the glare of a red light.
*Crrrrrack*
Gluttony begins to close its mouth again.
*Gasp*!
I-I've got to hurry!
Fear courses through Levi.
*Crack* *Craaack*
Levi... Hurry up...
Damn, there's no time!
...
An overwhelming sense of fear threatens to paralyze Levi.
!!
Levi?
C'mon, you can do this...
Levi lifts up her hand and gestures towards Gluttony.
*Shake shake shake*
M-my hand is shaking...
N-no. I can do it.
I... I can...
What should I do?
I'm sorry, Siren. I can't do it.
I'm scared.
I've got to hurry and tell her I'm not up to it.
At the very least, I need to shove as much black liquid into its mouth as I can.
But I'm terrified. I can't move.
What should I do?
I said I would do it.
If I back out now, Siren will be disappointed.
What if she ends up hating me for it?
She'll find out she doesn't need dead weight like me around,
and she'll leave me alone
in that dark cave, all alone.
Levi, are you okay?
!!
I-if you can't do it... then get in the water, quick!
I-I'm sorry! I'll do it!
*Crunch*!
Siren!
*Thump*
Gluttony closes its mouth.
!!
*Squelch*
The bubble is shattered, remnants scattering all over.
Siren!
*Rummmmmble*
Gluttony slowly turns...
!!
And directly faces Levi.
N...
N-no...
Don't!
Don't come near!
*Creak*
Gluttony opens its mouth.
Stay away!
Levi turns away and runs.
Ahhhhhh!!!
She runs and runs,
her eyes clamped shut as she desperately sprints forward.
She doesn't give herself a moment to look back.
It feels as if the ground beneath her is collapsing, but Levi barely registers it.
Her entire being is fixated on escaping from this terrifying creature,
not being engulfed by that pitiless mouth.
Her main desire is to survive.
After running for who knows how long, Levi stops and gasps for breath.
Her lungs feel like they are about to burst. She finally opens her eyes.
*Gasp*... *Gasp*...!
A collapsed building comes into view.
?
What is this?
There aren't any buildings even remotely close to the cave...
Everything around her is silent.
No signs of life can be felt.
Glu-Gluttony...!
She looks back.
!!
There's no sight of Gluttony, the beach, or anything.
Wh-what... How did I get here?
*Splash*
Huh?
The ground is covered in black liquid.
Black liquid? Why...
Levi reaches towards the black liquid.
*Swoosh*
!!
Her hand is sucked inside the liquid.
?!
Levi stumbles backward.
How the... why did my hand...
A sudden feeling rises within Levi.
For some reason she can't fully understand, she feels that she could venture through the black liquid unimpeded.
Was I running through this black liquid that entire time? Is that how I got here?
Leviathan looks back in the direction she thinks the beach is in.
... No way.
Did I really just do that?
No...
I'm capable of so much...
and yet I let Siren get eaten by that thing?
No.
... No, no, no!
I shouldn't be able to do something like this!
If I can do this, then why did Siren...
I hesitated, and got her killed.
I had this kind of power the entire time, and still I faltered.
And Siren paid for it with her life!
She trusted me, and I betrayed her!
No...
No no no...
Nooooo!
Levi drops to the ground and curls into a ball.
She looks at her reflection in the black liquid.
You're a traitor...
Levi strikes at the reflection in front of her.
Nothing but a traitor!
She slams a clenched fist into the ground, nearly hard enough to shatter her hand.
Traitor, traitor, traitor, traitor!
She strikes the ground again and again.
Aaaaaaahhhhhh!
No matter how many strikes she gives, the reflection of the detestable traitor before her refuses to disappear.
*Sob*....
I'm sorry...
I'm so sorry!
It's my fault.
*Sob*... I'm sorry...
No matter how many times she apologizes, Siren's voice is nowhere to be heard.
I messed up everything...
*Sob*... Siren... Siren!
No matter how many tears she sheds,
it doesn't change the fact that she betrayed Siren.
MUDFISH: END
16. MUDFISH: EPILOGUE
30 linesPresent time. On the surface.
Coo?
Coo!
Mihara follows Yuni's gaze.
Hmm...
The color of the ground here is different.
This is a serious swathe of land.
I'd reckon it's nearly the size of a skyscraper.
I don't think we know of anything that exists at that size.
Mihara touches the ground.
With a degree of caution, Mihara presses down on the ground.
Cooo?
Hm...
Either something passed not far below the surface,
or something emerged from underground.
Grave Digger burrows deep underground, so it wouldn't leave any traces like this.
I've never heard of a subterranean Rapture either, at least not one this size.
Hehe, maybe we're dealing with an oversized mole.
Coo?
The only explanation I can come up with is that it's some type of Rapture we're not familiar with.
Coo!