OVER ZONE I

Hello. Everyone.

This video was to be sent to you all upon the termination of my life signals.

I've always disliked this term,

but you could think of this as my will.

Anyway...

When we first met, we didn't know each other from Adam. We were completely green about the world.

We fought a lot, laughed, cried, and shared a lot of emotional moments together.

We went through a lot.

We met the Commander and together, we fought to save humanity. People looked up to us.

There were bad times as well. Saying goodbye to friends and family who perished as the world fell apart.

There were many times when you wanted to give up. As did I.

But you must remember one thing.

You all have overcome so much.

You have protected mankind.

You have saved the world.

No matter where you are, whatever happens to you, or whatever you do, nothing will ever change that.

Feel proud. You deserve that much.

...

I...

am so happy to have met you all.

I don't want to leave.

Hehe, I'm starting to ramble. Don't want you to have to keep watching this video forever.

Still... if you are watching this video,

please do me one last favor.

...

Take care of this world.

And survive.

My dearest friends.

...

...

...

...

Has she gone?

... Yes.

Did she say what her name was?

I didn't hear her say anything, and wasn't exactly a convenient time to ask.

Her name tag said "Kate"

There's no way to know for sure if that's her name, though.

Nikke corruption... scary.

Very. It robs you of your own identity.

Not even she could endure it.

...

...

I'm going to pray.

Don't bother.

How many have we sent off?

I understand how you feel, but we're dealing with mass casualties here.

We can't just leave them here unattended.

The silence that accompanies death is all-consuming.

If you keep the dead closer to you than the living, it will claim you as well.

...

Such stubbornness.

Snow White, why don't you dig some graves while we're here?

That's Rapunzel's job.

So your job begins and ends with blasting a hole through their heads, is that it?

Stop.

That's not what she meant.

Is that so? It seems to me that you're quite clear about what each of our professional responsibilities entails.

Rapunzel has always been the one who digs the graves and prays.

It consoles her as much as it does the deceased.

As of right now, that's all she can do.

...

Also,

I'd like you to put a little more thought into

how it must feel to be the one responsible for giving corrupted Nikkes a proper send-off day in, day out.

...

My apologies. My exhaustion got the better of me.

It's okay.

I've got the most bullets. It makes the most sense for me to do it.

No, I will perform this task henceforth. My blade can be swung infinitely.

No. I'll do it.

All I have to do is pull a trigger.

You'd have to swing your sword.

They're... two very different things.

You shouldn't use your sword for something like that anyway.

Your sister would not have wanted that.

Exactly. So I'll take care of it.

... Very well. I apologize.

Dorothy, when was the last raid?

Two days ago.

Things seem to be slowing down. Hard to believe we were once dealing with three waves a day.

It's the natural progression as time passes.

Raptures have less and less incentive to raid this place.

So long as we ride it out for another two months,

mankind will have a fighting chance. If not on the surface, then in the Ark at the very least.

At long last... the end may be in sight.

Took long enough.

We've still got a long way to go, so let's stay frosty all the way to the end.

When all of this is over, we'll be rewarded.

People will call us Goddess of Victory, the saviors of mankind.

We'll live the rest of our lives in luxury, reveling in our well-deserved praise.

... If you say so.

Two months... Time passed so swiftly up until now, yet two months seem like an eternity to mine ears.

So strange, how mine feelings doth change when the end is near.

It doesn't feel real to me either.

At any rate, I'm heading back to my post and continuing my watch.

Already? Don't you want to rest a little?

There are plenty of Nikkes who can fill in for you. Relax for a moment.

No. The only reason we suppressed this raid was that we knew about it in advance.

Nothing bad can come from remaining alert.

...

'Tis most difficult becoming accustomed to the new Snow White.

Yeah, a little.

However...

Mine eyes hath not witnessed many Mind Switches, but... how shall I word it...

'Tis the first time the changes have seemed to be for the better.

I'm just glad she remembers all of us. And she's actually become dependable for once.

To be honest, after Lilith's death...

I didn't know where to turn.

We all were affected by her passing.

... Yeah.

Is she still there? At that place?

Yes. Every time I go to see her, I can't help but be surprised at how... peaceful she looks.

As if she's sleeping.

... Do not go there too often.

Hehe, I know.

Anyway, if we're going to be back in the fray this evening, we probably shouldn't eat anything too heavy, right?

Yes.

But is there any nourishment remaining?

... Not that we've found.

Very well. I shall lend a hand.

Visual confirmation on Raptures, heading into firing range soon.

I am ready.

Same here.

Ready when you are.

We have to protect this place at all costs.

Humanity's future lies in our hands.

Goddess Squad, ready!

Encounter!

Give me a damage report.

No serious damage to the guard post. Only some minor repairs are required.

Some of the other Nikkes have been injured, many of whom are beyond saving.

...

... Darn it.

Our resources are depleting.

Have any Nikkes been corrupted?

None in today's attack.

May the dearly departed rest in peace.

Let's give them a proper burial.

I'll do it.

Are you sure? There... are quite a few of them.

It doesn't matter.

It's all I can do at this point.

... Very well.

I'll keep watch.

I shall make any necessary repairs.

Sounds good. I'll contact the Ark.

...

This isn't good...

Do you wish to contact the Ark?

Affirmative.

Communication open. All recorded messages will be transmitted to the Ark.

However, in the event of poor signal, transmission may fail.

...

This is Dorothy, acting leader of the Goddess Squad. I have assumed this position due to the death of our former leader, Major Lilith.

Our current situation is as follows.

Our mission is to protect those who have been deemed important and escort them from the surface to the massive underground facility known as the Ark.

Operation: Ark Guardian is approximately 72% complete.

There are officially no more humans remaining on the surface.

The Goddess Squad and several mass-produced Nikkes are stationed at temporary outposts situated at the Ark's entrance.

We are to protect the entrance against any future Rapture raids until the Ark is completed and sealed off.

It is expected that we will be required to do this for approximately two months.

However, the situation is becoming dire.

Our resources and troops are both slowly being depleted, and we are becoming physically drained due to the incessant fighting.

We do not expect any form of backup from the Ark.

We will do everything in our power to succeed.

In exchange for this, you must promise us one thing.

Once the city has been sealed, we are to be taken back to the Ark,

where we will be regarded as Goddess of Victory.

Make us feel proud for continuing to fight for humanity.

...

That is all. I will be waiting for your answer.

Any response from the Ark?

Not yet.

It hasn't been that long since everyone settled in there. I'm sure they must be busy.

...

If that is what you think, then so be it.

What is that long face for?

You should hold your head up high.

... I will. Thank you.

...

Why don't we eat something?

That came out of nowhere.

Now's the perfect time to eat and get our energy up.

I agree, but will we be okay without our rations?

Our reserves are enough to last for three months, and we only need to hold out for two. We should be fine.

That is true, but are you not concerned about a worst-case scenario?

No, I'm not.

We will protect this place, and return to the Ark all in one piece.

...

Very well. Let us eat.

I'll notify Snow White and Rapunzel.

We can all eat together.

I'll cook us something.

I didn't know you could cook.

I'm no Lilith, but I can whip up something simple.

It'll at least be better than all this preserved junk, that's for sure.

Sounds good to me.

Be right back.

Thank you, but I must continue standing guard.

It'd be much appreciated if you brought my food here.

I was kind of hoping...

that we could eat together.

I cannot abandon my post. The Raptures could invade at any moment.

If that happens, we'll stop them together.

That would mean the deaths of more people.

...

We must be the first to strike. If we retaliate after an attack, it will already be too late.

Then I'll cook here. That would work, wouldn't it?

...

I don't foresee any problem with that.

I'll tell everyone to gather here, then.

Fine.

...

What are we having?

I haven't decided yet.

I hope it's something delicious.

Hehe.

Hahaha.

Why are you laughing?

Sorry, I was just thinking that you haven't changed all that much after all.

Even after a Mind Switch, you're still the same old Snow White.

Your way of speaking may have changed somewhat, but you're still you.

Is that so?

Hehe, yes.

Anyway, I'll go get Rapunzel.

She should be over by the gravesite.

I figured that's where I'd find her.

I'll be back.

...

Rapunzel.

Hello, Dorothy.

Are you praying?

Yes.

What are you praying for?

I'm praying that everyone here will find peace moving forward.

Then I will pray with you.

You will?

Two is better than one, isn't it?

I appreciate your concern,

but it's okay. This is something I need to do.

Well, when you're done, come down to the guard post.

We're all going to eat together.

Very well. I will pray for 30 more minutes.

Sounds good.

Snow White! Why don't you come down and join us?

No. I'm not moving from my post.

Fine, then I'll bring some up to you.

...

Are those... mashed potatoes I smell?

That's right.

And that beside it... is that cream of mushroom soup? With black pepper sprinkled on top?

What are you frying over there? Is that tempura?

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.

Why don't you must come down already and eat with us?

Yeah, come on! There aren't any Raptures around.

!!

Raptures off in the distance, numbering approximately 4000!

All artillery types! Take cover!

Everyone, get down!

Snow White! Try to get the artillery types!

Roger.

Scarlet! You and I will get closer! We can't do much damage at this distance!

I'll cover you once we get close. You get in there and slash them to pieces.

Understood. Let us proceed.

Rapunzel, take the mass-produced Nikkes and aim for any Raptures that we miss.

Leave it to me.

We're goin' in!

Rapunzel, give me a sitrep.

All mass-produced Nikkes were wiped out except one.

...

The building for our food storage...

was hit as well.

!!

This is not good.

Some of it must be salvageable. We can gather whatever survived the impact.

It was a direct hit by an incendiary device.

...

It's all been burnt to a crisp.

So nothing is left?

...

What misfortune indeed.

It doth seem we shall go hungry for the two months that are to come.

... Hmm?

What is this...?

Seeds?

Who would bring seeds to a place like this? How long did they plan on staying here?

Such piddly sustenance wouldst not even make a dent in my appetite.

It would be an age before these seeds grow.

They are useless.

First things first. We need to gather anything edible.

I will stand guard.

No. Right now, it's more important to...

The only reason we're here right now is that we got the drop on them.

If we had been late to react, there's no telling what would have happened.

...

All right. I trust your judgment.

This is all that's left.

10 protein bars, 2 bags of cookies, and 3 bags of potato chips.

With our numbers, this cannot constitute even two meals.

Speaking of which, whatever befell our alcohol reserves?

Untouched.

Praise the heavens. Not all is lost.

...

I thought this was a densely populated area?

Correct.

Throngs of people gathered here, hoping that there was space in the Ark.

I doth recall a veritable sea of temporary camps.

I'll head over there and poke around. There could be some leftover food.

Perchance, but mine hopes are not high.

Nevertheless, 'tis better than doing nothing. I shall accompany you.

No. I'll be okay by myself.

You stay here with Rapunzel and keep this area secure.

A leader acting alone? You of all people should know how foolish a proposition that is.

Precisely. I'll go with you.

No. I have to do this on my own.

A true leader should always be the one to take the first step into the unknown.

Lilith would have done the same.

I'm going with you. I insist.

Attend to the mass-produced Nikkes.

They fought until the bitter end. Give them a proper send-off. They deserve that much.

I knew coming here would cost them their lives, yet I asked them to come anyway.

I have no right to mourn.

If more than one of us leaves this place, we won't be able to protect ourselves.

... If anything happens, fire off a signal flare.

I will. Don't worry.

Um...

Pinne?

Are you okay?

Wow. You remember my name?

Of course.

It's just that most people do not remember us mass-produced Nikkes by name.

I'm fine.

My comrades fought with all they had.

And we thank you all for it.

I apologize for intruding, but I overheard you say you're heading towards the temporary camp?

Yes. We have to procure more food.

May I go with you? At the very least, I could help you carry whatever we find.

No, that won't be necessary.

It's dangerous. There could be Raptures in hiding.

What difference does it make whether I'm felled by a Rapture or starve to death? I end up the same either way.

...

... I'm sorry. Bad joke.

I just want to be of some help.

Pinne...

That's why we're here, isn't it? To help with mundane tasks.

You don't have to say it like that.

I'm only joking.

You may think I'm overstepping my boundaries by saying this, but are we not comrades-in-arms?

When times get tough, we must work together.

Dorothy...

...

Fine. I suppose I could use your help.

Thank you! I'll do my best.

Look at all these abandoned cars, tents, kitchen items...

Do you think people wanted to live here?

No.

They were holding out for a miracle that would never come.

Only a select few, a fraction of the population, was able to enter the Ark.

Most people weren't so lucky.

So they made these camps near the entrance of the Ark and waited.

Hoping against hope that

there would be more room.

And that never happened?

... No, it didn't.

Other candidates were selected for entry.

So the people who were here...

...

...

If that's true,

why didn't the people here go somewhere else?

There was nowhere else to go.

...

Their hometowns had been destroyed by the Raptures, along with everything else on the planet.

Coming here was their final option.

The Ark seemed so close, yet so far away.

When they realized there was no space for them in paradise, and their last traces of hope had been snuffed out,

they broke.

Will the same thing happen to us?

Not for us, no.

There is a place we can go back to.

... I see.

Well, let's hurry and find some food.

Should we start by searching all the tents?

Yes, but be careful when you open the--

...

Hmm... I don't see anything. I'll move onto the next one.

Does that not bother you?

Of course it does.

Just not as much as it used to. Maybe it's got something to do with whatever job I had as a human.

Do you still have memories of when you were a human?

Nothing specific. More of a general... feeling, I suppose.

That reminds me. Don't the members of Goddess still have all their memories?

... Yes.

Wow! That must be really...

...

... painful.

!!

I feel like there would be some cognitive dissonance. It's like, I'm myself, but different.

If it were me, I'd probably have experienced a Mind Switch by now.

...

That's why I have so much respect for you.

... Thank you.

How about we move onto the next tent?

I'll check what's inside the tents. You can check the surrounding area.

No, I can check as well.

Dorothy, be honest.

You're not familiar with the sight of a human corpse, are you?

...

I'll do it.

We don't want a Goddess doing all the dirty work anyway.

I want to do it. Please.

If you insist.

Thank you.

What is this? Canned food?

Yes. I brought back some that were still in good condition.

Be sure to inspect it before eating it though. Better safe than sorry.

This is the most fruitful bounty you've returned with. More than enough to last us until tomorrow.

Pinne did exceptionally well.

Please, I didn't do all that much.

Anyway, eat up, everyone.

What about you two?

We ate on the way back.

So you choose to transport some material back in your stomach. Most sagacious of you.

Hehe, that was the idea.

I'll divvy this up to everyone. You go ahead and get some rest, Dorothy.

No, I'm fine. I can help.

You say you're fine, but your face says otherwise.

...

Get some rest.

... Fine.

...

Oh my g...?!

Eww... this one looks pretty nasty.

Ah, no wonder! The tent's all ripped, so it's been exposed to the sun.

What... is this?

A person.

But how?

Humans are different from Nikkes.

Once they die and enough time passes, this is what happens to them.

...

... Let's move on to the next tent.

Yes... that might be for the best.

Argh!!

Cough, cough!

Wheeze... Huff!

Nothing today. Same as yesterday.

We haven't found a single scrap for four days now.

There's nothing left back in the camp.

Sorry, but I gathered every last morsel I could find. That place has been picked clean.

...

Has there been any word from the Ark?

No. I'll keep trying.

I see.

Did thou perchance notify them of the destruction of our water tank in the last skirmish?

Yes.

And that our forces have been reduced to a single mass-produced Nikke?

Yes.

That we don't have any electricity?

Yes.

That we are slowly, but surely, dying?

Yes! I included everything in my report.

There are still 5 weeks remaining until the Ark is sealed.

...

I do not say this in hopes of crushing your spirit,

but from the looks of it, I think we...

Stop.

That will not happen.

We're the Goddess Squad.

Mankind's last hope. The Goddess of Victory.

That will never happen. It can't happen.

It's just that our communications haven't gone through yet.

...

You must trust me, Scarlet.

... I'm trying to.

...

I... will go and pray.

You've been doing a lot of that recently.

Because so many have passed on.

I realize that, but sometimes it feels like you act more on behalf of the dead than you do the living.

... The dead might be better right now.

What?

They do not get angry, depressed, or hurt others.

If you ask me, being here right now is worse than death.

What are you saying?!

Do you yearn for the silence that comes with death? Such a yearning is not unreasonable given our current predicament.

I'm leaving.

No, wait. We have to discuss our plans going forward.

Then why aren't you calling Snow White?

Because she is standing guard.

There hasn't been a single attack for five days now.

She's been keeping watch for five days straight. Without any sleep.

For us.

Not for the dead, but for us. The living.

... I too need some time alone.

Then you stand guard.

Keep watch with your staff that couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.

Are you saying that I'm of no help?

...

No. I'm sorry.

Enough. Cease with these squabbles.

If we are to go hungry for a few days, then what of it? We are Nikkes, so we can withstand such... *hick*

??

What is this? *Hick*

Halt! Steady thy hand!

I'm detecting high concentrations of alcohol.

Given our paucity of options for nourishment, I elected to drink instead. 'Tis made of grain and all the same, hehe!

Have you lost your mind?!

Drinking in a situation like this?

I fail to see what is so egregious about it.

I simply imbibed one drink. Merely one.

...

Yikes...

It got really tense in here all of a sudden.

Everyone's tired.

It pains me to see the Goddess Squad fighting like this.

My apologies, but we are not dancing simians sent here to entertain you.

No, but you're a spectacle nonetheless.

Thy tongue doth become loose. Watch thy words.

Me and the other Nikkes have been watching you all this time.

Ever since you first came onto the battlefield.

...

Mankind's last hope. The Goddess of Victory.

Is there any other title more suitable for you than this one?

So you have to keep it together.

Don't fight with one another, and if you do, do it somewhere we can't see.

I'm afraid we don't have the luxury of accommodating such a banal request.

I won't accept that.

Even if you can't, you should at least try.

Thou dares to speak to me in such a manner?!

Every last one of the mass-produced Nikkes volunteered so that we could fight alongside you.

That includes me.

We didn't risk our lives to see our heroes bickering and tearing at each other's throats.

...

You dishonor those who gave their lives by acting like this.

So I'm begging you, please stop.

...

I'm going to rest.

Call me if anything happens.

...

...

...

... We should rest as well.

I pray for their soul's safe return.

May they return to their hometowns in peace.

In the next life, may they be at peace, and live a life without war.

...

Save them.

Save these souls who died in agony. Comfort them.

Care for them and welcome them into your arms.

...

Dorothy?

Why are you up so late? Are you on patrol?

Come, sit beside me.

...

What, this? Fear not, these are not spirits. Merely water.

I was rather parched this evening and wanted to quench my thirst.

Should thou doubt the honesty of my words, then pray take some yourself.

This is a magic elixir that will melt all your worries away.

...

...

Is that you, Dorothy?

Yes, it's me.

Nothing unusual sighted yet.

Go in and rest. I'll stay here.

...

Do you have new orders for me?

I'm sorry, but I cannot abandon my post.

You should speak to Scarlet or Rapunzel.

...

They're both...

??

Nothing. It's nothing.

Is that so?

Would you come down for a moment?

I cannot. I must stand guard.

...

Do you wish to contact the Ark?

Affirmative.

Communication open. All recorded messages will be transmitted to the Ark.

However, in the event of poor signal, transmission may fail.

Goddess Squad to the Ark.

The situation here is hopeless.

We are in desperate need of backup and additional resources.

The likelihood of us being able to successfully protect the entrance of the Ark is dwindling.

Please send the materials I have requested as soon as this message is received.

That is all. Awaiting further correspondence.

Recording complete. Transmitting voice message to Ark.

In the event of a failed transmission, what action would you like to take?

Keep sending it until it goes through.

Command recognition complete. Proceeding to area with superior signal.

...

I need to go see Lilith.

Lilith, it's...

It's not easy being a leader.

You made it look so simple.

You always made the right spur-of-the-moment decisions, and got along with everyone.

...

I didn't know it would be this hard.

What should I do?

How can I get myself out of this hole I'm in?

I know the answer.

Pinne? How did you...

This is Lilith's resting place.

I come here every once in a while.

I never knew her personally, but she is a legend among legends.

As for tonight, I followed you here.

You just said you had the answer. What do you mean?

Dorothy.

You've never once asked for help from anyone else.

...

Is it a pride thing? Or do you just like solving your issues on your own?

Is that... what I've been doing?

Yes.

I had no idea...

You don't trust others.

That's true.

Why is that?

I'm not sure. Doing things yourself is so much faster than asking someone else to do it. And I know for sure it'll get done if I handle it.

I've never liked asking people for help.

So stubborn.

That's right.

You need to learn to ask your colleagues for help.

...

I don't know how.

Then let me teach you.

All you have to do is say a few precious words,

"I need your help."

Does that actually work?

Works like a charm. People don't say it enough.

It's genuine, unambiguous, and makes your intentions clear as can be.

Dorothy, is that you?

Yes.

Nothing out of the ordinary so far.

That's good.

Any orders for me?

Snow White.

Yes?

Have you slept?

No.

Eaten?

No.

Will you come down?

I have to be on the lookout...

I need your help.

...?

Please.

Out with it. What do I need to do?

We need food. We need to get the electricity back on, and we also need drinking water.

We need to repair the equipment that's been damaged, and we need more ammunition.

Okay. I will handle it.

...

I can't get through to the Ark.

Meanwhile, all Rapunzel does is pray, and Scarlet is drinking herself into a stupor.

Lilith is dead, and Red Hood isn't here either.

I am losing hope.

Dorothy.

Yes?

Have you slept?

No.

Eaten?

No.

Eat this, then go get some sleep.

I'll search the perimeter and gather the supplies we need. The lookout can wait.

I'll leave this area to you.

I'll go with you.

If you aren't here, who will be in charge of defenses?

We can't leave it to an alcoholic or someone lost in prayer.

...

You look like death warmed over.

... Do I?

You're our leader. This isn't a good look for you.

Be bold. Be proud.

We've earned that right. You have most of all.

You... really haven't changed.

You have.

Have I?

This is the first time you've ever asked for help.

!!

I don't know whether you honestly are willing to work together with your squadmates,

or you're simply grasping at straws because you're desperate.

... A little bit of both, I'd say.

...

I'll drop in once a day.

Oh, Snow White.

??

Thank you.

No, thank you.

Dorothy.

I haven't seen Snow White around.

Nothing bad happened, right?

She went off to search for anything useful nearby.

Then who is on lookout?

I'm taking over for her.

But...

...

Pinne.

It's like you said.

We're the Goddess of Victory. Mankind's last hope.

We're the Goddess Squad.

We mustn't show any weakness.

If any one of us stumbles, then the others will pick them up.

We must put on a brave front in front of mankind, and in front of everyone else.

In order to do that, we need to be strong.

That means we can't waste all of our time praying or drinking.

You mean...

Yes. Rapunzel and Scarlet have fallen, and I'm going to pick them up.

Will you come with me?

Can I?

Of course.

You saw us stumble, and you were saddened by it.

I need to show you how we get back up.

It's the least I can do for someone who has stood by us for so long.

I want to be someone that you and everyone else can look up to.

Rapunzel.

Give redemption to those who have gone before us. Let them be forever at peace. Let them suffer no pain.

Get up.

May all of us be redeemed.

Rapunzel.

Have mercy on us, and lend us the strength to carry on...

No one will save us.

...

The only one that can save us is us.

We must keep those who are gone in our hearts, and continue to fight for those who are still alive.

But what of those poor souls who died in vain?

Who said their deaths were in vain?

What?

Who says that those who are buried here died for nothing?

This is the first time I've heard such a sentiment.

You may not hear it, but you know it in your heart.

Those who perished do not feel they died a meaningless death.

That I can promise you.

They proudly gave their lives and remained brave until the very end.

No. They cry out in anguish, bemoaning the injustice of it all.

None of them would ever think that, let alone say it.

Having fought alongside them, this much I know.

Then what is it that I'm hearing?

Then what is this voice stricken with such grief, crying out at this injustice?

That's how you feel.

What?

All of these soldiers gave their lives in a battle they never signed up for.

The Ark that we're putting our lives on the line for isn't responding to us.

That's why you're upset.

We have no food or water, the electricity is down, and countless soldiers have died.

We never know when the Raptures will strike at us next. We're on edge day and night.

You're exhausted and want to give up, but your comrades who lifted you up and cheered you on

are no longer here.

That's why you're lost.

... Dorothy.

Just as I miss Lilith, you miss Red Hood.

But they are no longer with us.

Getting yourself killed won't mean you'll get to them again.

You want to hear their voice again, but you can't.

We cannot see or communicate with the dead.

If you say you hear their voices, then you're only lying to yourself.

You're only hearing

what you want to hear.

An illusion of your own creation.

...

Listen to my voice.

I'm asking for your help.

I'm right in front of you, living and breathing, talking to you.

And I'm offering my hand.

I'm hoping that you'll take it, and stand up.

The dead...

can't pull you up.

They can only pull you down.

Dorothy...

Take my hand, one that's living,

and get up.

If we fall, we'll fall together. If we get back up, we'll do it together.

We are the Goddess Squad.

Mankind's last hope. The Goddess of Victory.

I... never thought I...

You've already become one.

You are a symbol of hope. You are a Goddess.

Yeah, you're a beacon of hope to us all.

No one can ever defeat you.

Please, Rapunzel,

don't turn your back on those who are still living.

Get up.

Neither the Commander nor Lilith would have wanted you

to be overcome by death.

...

Rapunzel.

Can you give me a little more time?

I want to say farewell.

Then... I'll get up.

...!!

Thank you, Dorothy.

... Thank you too, Rapunzel.

Hmm?

If it isn't my lovely compatriot, Dorothy.

Did thou finally decide to partake in the imbibing of spirits with me?

Sit, sit. I kept your seat warm.

*Gasp*

...

What are you doing?

Stop.

Why? Starting to sober up?

It will take more than that to get me sober.

I figured as much.

That's because you were never drunk to begin with.

...

... Put that down.

No! Dorothy, what are you doing?

Have some, Pinne.

??

... Huh?

...

This is just water.

... No, it's alcohol.

No it's not.

Yes it is.

Something didn't seem right from the start.

With how hard you've been hitting the sauce, or so you claimed, there's no way that much booze would still be left.

So tell me,

what exactly did you hope to achieve by pretending to act drunk as a skunk?

I... simply desired to feel inebriated.

...

Ahh.

Huh.

Pretty good booze.

...

The best.

Let me pour you a shot.

Let me pour you one too.

...

Hehe, my intoxication has soared to new heights now that I have a drinking buddy.

Hehe, I'm feeling a bit tipsy myself.

Then let us exchange some honest words in this state of inebriation.

Okay. Can I go first? I have something to ask you.

By all means.

Why do you drink?

Hmm...

'Tis a source of solace for me.

I work myself to the bone.

Forsooth, my sister and I spent many a day and many a night in battle, and all that while, I wielded this sword and nothing more.

One fateful day, my sister shuffled off this mortal coil, and bequeathed this sword, the Fleetly Fading, to me.

Then I met you all.

Lilith and Red Hood were exemplary individuals.

You all as well.

It gave me the motivation to take up the sword once more.

I had a renewed sense of purpose. I would help the humans get to the Ark.

I thought that would be the end,

yet here I am, fighting once more.

I just want to rest.

Haven't you had enough rest by now?

I have.

More than enough.

So I'm going to get up

and fight again.

Good.

Dorothy.

??

Why do you fight?

I want to be proud of something.

Mmm.

Is there any honor greater than being the Goddess of Victory?

I want everyone to know of me.

I want to be someone other people look up to and aspire to be.

Is that perchance why thou desires to become a leader?

Yes.

Because I saw what I wanted to be right in front of me.

Someone I wanted to become.

Hmm, let me ruminate on this...

I surmised thou art 20% of what Lilith was.

Hehe, thanks.

Lilith is Lilith, and you are you.

I know.

...

...

Now that we have drunk our fill and spoken much,

let us start moving.

Let's.

... Huh?

What bothers thee?

Over there...

Even in an inhospitable place such as this, life begins anew.

Those are the seeds you threw away.

...!

...

Let's go.

We have a lot to do.

Do you wish to contact the Ark?

Affirmative.

Communication open. All recorded messages will be transmitted to the Ark.

However, in the event of poor signal, transmission may fail.

Goddess Squad to the Ark.

We are 20 days into Operation Ark Guardian.

Relaying status update on temporary guard post.

Nothing further to report. All is well.

We require no additional assistance.

We will repel any and all Rapture attacks until the time when the Ark is sealed.

We do, however, request confirmation of the promise made to us.

Once this is over, we will be taken to the Ark.

Once there, we will assume our rightful place as Goddess of Victory.

We have ensured the survival of mankind, and we request that we be rewarded accordingly.

That is all. Awaiting further correspondence.

Recording complete. Transmitting voice message to Ark.

In the event of a failed transmission, what action would you like to take?

Keep sending it until it goes through.

Command recognition complete. Proceeding to area with superior signal.

...

... Phew.

What is this?

What's all this?

Something I found while searching the area.

Electric wires, bricks, canned food...

There is even alcohol!

THAT'S the first thing you noticed?

'Tis instinct...

What's in this bag?

A deer.

What kind of deer?

Beats me, but I know it's a deer of some kind.

I don't know how to skin it, so I brought it back whole.

Can we not simply tear its limbs asunder and proceed to feast henceforth?

No.

I know how to skin a deer.

You do?

Yeah, I've roasted deer a couple times.

It's not fine dining, but you can do a lot worse.

Oooh! How exciting.

What happened out there, Snow White?

Sorry, I guess deer isn't really your style.

No, not that. I mean, how'd you keep lookout and capture this at the same time? Not that I'm complaining...

Dorothy.

Yes?

From now on, our goal is survival.

Since the Ark has been unresponsive, we should proceed on the assumption that we will be operating without assistance.

We should ensure that the guard post is kept secure at the very least.

Two of us will stay here while the others search the area for anything that will help us survive.

Is that the best course of action?

If we want to live, yes.

We'll secure as much food as possible. In theory, we don't require food in order to survive.

We just have to ensure that we provide the minimum amount of calories required to keep our brains functioning properly.

No thanks, my core provides more than enough power, so I don't have to eat anything.

Mass-produced Nikkes are different from us prototypes, and technically don't require sustenance of any kind. That much is true.

However, as soon as you begin to acknowledge the fact that you don't need to eat...

... that's when the Mind Switch occurs.

Mine own eyes hath witnessed it many times before. 'Tis a most excruciating sight to behold.

So even mass-produced Nikkes have to eat and sleep.

Understood.

When you've got time, you can focus on repairing the guard post and enhancing our equipment.

We won't be needing any blankets to cover up with, or fire. That makes things easier.

So as long as we can scrounge up more food, then we'll be okay?

We can get by on that, right?

No.

We have to do something. We can't just stay here.

...

...

I found some useful routes while searching nearby.

All of us can get a first look at them together, then we can break off into separate paths.

Sounds like a plan.

So we're going to abandon this place?

Yes.

Snow White, how long will it take to confirm all the routes?

Since we'll only be giving them a cursory glance, I'd say half a day.

All right, then let's move out.

Is this really a good idea? What if the Raptures come while no one is here?

Don't worry.

They'd need more than half a day to break through here and get to the Ark.

...

Are you still concerned?

... Yes.

We cannot afford to have a worrywart on our team.

We are simply left with no recourse. We will set off without thee.

Dorothy, you and Pinne stay here. We'll come back tomorrow and fill you in what we find.

All right.

We'll be back.

Enjoy yourselves.

...

... Pinne.

Yes?

You said you know how to skin a deer, didn't you?

Oh, right!

... And that's how you do it. Not too hard, right?

No, it's quite simple. It's just...

I can't do this.

You've got a weaker stomach than I thought. I thought there was nothing a Goddess couldn't do.

Hehe. Even if it's us, we are not invincible.

...

Be honest with me, Pinne.

We're an embarrassment, aren't we?

...

Going on about how we're Goddess of Victory, the saviors of mankind... when all we do is wallow in our own self-pity and misery.

The fact that we've stooped so low in such a short amount of time...

I thought you had overcome greater adversities than this.

We have.

That's because back then there was something to look forward to.

But now, I can't see what's waiting for me up ahead.

The place that we thought would be our paradise has turned its back on us.

Despite that, we continue to lay our lives on the line to protect it.

How is that fair? It's enough to infuriate anyone.

So, for the time being, it's no longer my top priority.

If we want to protect the Ark, then we've got to stay alive, don't we?

That's true.

We will survive.

And with these two feet,

I will walk into the Ark.

I'll walk on a pathway of flowers, with a beaming smile on my face as everyone lavishes me with praise.

I hope you'll be there walking with me, Pinne.

I will.

...?

...!

I know that sound...

... Let's move!

!!

There are so many of them!

That's why there haven't been any attacks recently...

What do we do?! We can't take on so many of them!

Fire the signal flare.

Find some cover, and don't come out.

What about you?!

I'm going to fight.

It's impossible by yourself! We should both hide!

No. Don't ask me why, but I feel like I can do anything right now.

Sit back and watch.

Don't ever forget what you're about to see.

All Clear.

Pinne, did you see? Did you see what I've done?

...

...?

You can come out now, Pinne.

Dorothy...

Haha, well? How'd I do?

Didn't I seem like a true Goddess of... Victory?

Dorothy...

...

Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy.

...

No...

No no no no!

This can't be happening!

Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy.

Snap out of it!

Pinne! Pinne! Can you hear me!?

You can't be corrupted!

I-I'm here! I am...! Go-Goddess...! Goddess of victory...! Mankind's last hope!!

Dorothy...!

!! Pinne!!

Ki-kikikiki-kill...!

Kill m...!

Ah... Ahhhhh...!!

Hu-hurry...! Be-before... i-it's... too... late...!

I-I can't! How can I do that?!

Together...! Fight...! Gl... ory...!

Ugh...!

Argh...!

Paradise...! To... get... her...!

Good...!

Ah...

Ahhhh...

!!

The signal flare!

They couldn't have picked a worse time if they tried!

Let's go!

Dorothy!

Are you all right?!

!!

D-Dorothy!

What you are you doing?! Put the gun down!

That's enough, Dorothy!

Has...

Has anyone seen my bullet?

It won't fire.

I don't have any bullets.

...

Give it back.

... Dorothy.

Give... it back...

Give back... Pinne...

We were... going to... Paradise together...

So... Give... it back...

*Sob*

My... precious... wings...

Ahhh...

Where's Dorothy?

In her room, resting.

Is it not dangerous to leave her alone?

I removed anything she could use to harm herself.

Snow White is also standing outside her door.

... Very well.

There was something that triggered the corruption.

It must have come from the side instead of the front.

So Pinne...

Did thy eyes witness the sheer size of that Rapture? It must have been 5 times our size.

Nevertheless.

Pinne took it down entirely by her own hand.

What an incredible spectacle, no?

Despite the disparity in strength, she took it down single-handedly.

All to protect Dorothy.

*Sigh*

At that moment, she was a true Goddess.

Absolutely.

She was stronger... than any of us.

...

...

...

Pinne...

*Buzz* *Buzz*

...

Voice transmission from Ark.

Would you like to listen?