A Helldiver’s unplanned time in New Eridu.

by Skiy1k

Summary:

A Loyal Helldiver of Super Earth, Helldiver S-1, is stranded in New Eridu after an incident with the Meridia Singularity. It’s up to S-1 to find a way home and make some new “friends” in the local and UNDEMOCRATIC community in order to find a way back home. Meanwhile, all the native residents of New Eridu try to figure out just why the heck a random black and yellow caped crusader is screaming about Freedom every day…

Chapter 1: From Democratic Law to Borderline Justice, Outer Ring Style.

Summary:

Helldiver S-1 crashes into the Meridia Singularity and narrowly survives before waking up with no Super Destroyer, no attractive Eagle jets or brunette pilots… not even a cute blond SEAF girl. Just him, an alien desert far from an unknown city, a lot of loneliness, and most importantly, a desert full of liberty-forsaken sand! It’s up to Helldiver S-1 to pick up the pieces and find a way back home.

On June 2nd, 2184, the planet of Meridia would collapse into a singularity after the success of the second phase of Operation Enduring Peace. The planet's core was injected with Dark Fluid, all thanks to the might of the Helldivers! However, one Helldiver, on his super destroyer ship, had a malfunction with his ship’s FTL drive, preventing him from escaping the singularity’s reach. The Helldiver’s ship was tossed around the black hole, with the highly unlucky Helldiver being launched from a glass window into the cold purple abyss without his ship before quickly losing consciousness from the G force. The helldiver was, frankly, a rookie, for lack of a better term.

Even with all helldivers only having 15 minutes of training, this helldiver, Helldiver S-1, was very enthusiastic, yet inexperienced, just like all the rest. So it would come as a major shock to the senses when Helldiver S-1 sprang awake in a desert land akin to the old Western movies, which in Super Earth mainly involved helldivers with cool hats and guns. But in the words of Helldiver S-1, his only real question was shouted,

Helldiver S-1: "SWEET LIBERTY WHERE IN DEMOCRACY’S NAME AM I?!?!"

Unfortunately, the Desert of the Outer Ring provided no answer to his question. It only made him aware that he was alone, abandoned, and heck, maybe even a bit scared for once.

Notes:

Hey, you made it to the end of the intro! I’ll be quick. Chapter 2 is already in production, but if you have any ideas, even if you think they are bad, I’d love to read them! They may even be out in a future chapter if they’re good enough! But to round out this chapter. Let’s say one thing to Helldiver S-1. Welcome to New Eridu! Where Humanity Begins Anew!

Chapter 2: A Hollowed Path Once Trailed

Summary:

Helldiver S-1 is now stuck in a desert with no salvation in sight… let alone a cup of Liber-Tea. But a medium-sized purple mass in the distance catches his attention, catching the young Helldiver in a trance. Helldiver S-1 walks into it, not knowing of the monsters inside.

Helldiver S-1 walks around in a circle of distress, not feeling this out of his depth since the time he first landed on Meridia.

Helldiver S-1:Where's the Super Destroyer?! Why is it so hot here? Who am I talking to?!

The Helldiver smacks himself in the helmet to calm down. Now's not a good time to panic and worry about the fact that he enjoys talking to himself. Once calmed down, he inspects himself and notes that he only has the gear he had on his back before he flew out of the Super Destroyer's window. S-1 quickly taps his wrist pad to try and get any signal from his Super Destroyer.

Helldiver S-1:Super Destroyer Unavailable? Come on... Is it far away from my position? No, no, it's not here yet. It might still be traveling through the Singularity... I'm going to have to find it soon, before someone else gets to it, or else I won't be getting a ride home! At least I still have my gear! One AR-23 Liberator, One P-2 Peacemaker, Four G-12 HE Grenades, and lastly, Four Helldiver Issued Stims! (Sponsored by Permacare, Stims have no lasting side effects or increase in bloodlust, vomiting, heart failure, or any signs of addiction. Anybody who spreads these rumors will be sent to an education camp.)

Before S-1 can come up with a plan to track the Super Destroyer's signal, a purple shimmer not too far away makes itself known. S-1 gets curious since, for all he knows, he could be on a completely alien planet. S-1 walks over before the purple mass almost puts him in a trance, causing him not to think straight. He thinks to himself that the purple orb-like mass could be a portal back home due to its similarity to the Meridia Singularity. S-1 walks in only for a million feelings to hit him at once before he finds himself in a more bleak and purple-tinted desert with a few buildings in the distance.

Helldiver S-1: That felt so weird... huh? Buildings? Ah perfect! People must live around here! This must be just another Super-Earth controlled planet that I haven't heard about! Time to introduce myself to the local populace.

The Helldiver walks into the deserted town as ether crystals litter the sides of buildings and old saloons. Even S-1's B-01 Pressurized Helldiver Armor didn't protect him from the dead and heavy air, almost like gravity was fighting him directly. It looks like there were more than a few fights in the town, as slash marks on the wooden buildings are scattered about. S-1 goes to inspect one of the crystals when suddenly, SLASH! A Tyrfing Ethereal's blade slices through the crystal, just barely missing S-1 as he dives away.

Helldiver S-1:WHAT IN THE- Identify Yourself!

Another slash from the ethereal quickly shows that negotiation is not an option with this creature. S-1 crawls backward and fires a few shots from his P-2 Peacemaker. The shots echo throughout the hollow as the ethereal disintegrates into purple pixels. S-1 stands up dazed before a few otherworldly choirs of ethereals start to make themselves known.

Helldiver S-1: No time for sightseeing or questions... I have to leave now! Wait, but... where's the exit?

The place where S-1 entered from had already shifted in the hollows through constant periods of change. S-1 decides that anywhere but here is a good idea, so he dashes in a random direction from the town as the hollow changes around him. Unbeknownst to the helldiver, however, the Etheric blade had penetrated the shoulder of S-1's armor, and while it didn't deeply hurt him or cause him to lose oxygen, it allowed the ether to enter his armor and wreak havoc in his electronic-rich B-01. Suddenly, S-1 stops as his suit and helmet start to glitch.

Helldiver S-1:Huh? My HUD just turned off? What's with this stupid liberty-forsaken planet, and why did that... thing even attack me? I'm a helldiver, I should be treated with respect! Instead, all these stupid fascists who hate managed democracy and can't even understand MY WAY OF-... *sigh* calm down, you idiot somethings gonna hear me...

S-1 is busy fiddling with his helmet when suddenly a large Farauti Ethereal smashes through a wall and strikes S-1, directly launching him into the wall in the same vein as a Terminid Charger. S-1 dents the wall as he gasps in sharp pain and maybe even a bit of annoyance as a small crack is made in his perfect helmet visor. The impact causes his HUD to reset, showing that his health is at the RED level. S-1 decides not to risk another hit and quickly scrambles through his pouches, finding a (Permacare Sponsored) Stim and injects it into his neck. The Helldiver's heart and mind accelerate to inhuman levels as the blunt force trauma heals rapidly before his eyes. His pupils dilate in a rush of blue-tinted happiness and slight fear, with a touch of bloodlust.

Helldiver S-1:Feels... GOOD! HAHA! OH CRAP I SHOULD RUN!

S-1 makes the right call as smaller ethereals show up to reinforce the Farauti. The Helldiver reigns in his bloodlust and swallows his pride before running. S-1 barely has the focus left to remember his training and thus tries to run where the air is less heavy around him, like in a fire. S-1 panics around until suddenly falling off a desert cliff, before, in a stroke of pure luck, S-1 falls into an exit fissure. The armor protects him from the impact as he lands on the side of a road in the normal Outer Ring, back to where he started...
S-1 forces himself to stand in exhaustion before he notices a small cut on his shoulder from the first ethereal. The wound starts flickering purple as S-1's vision starts to go hazy before passing out with an exhale from the foreign exposure to Ether. Luckily, his saving grace would come when a large truck carrying supplies stops on the road after seeing S-1. The short yet experienced driver exits the truck. She has a weird choice of outfit and blond hair tied up in a very loose bun. The driver then looks at S-1 with tired and old yet sharp eyes before she leans down with a light sigh of empathy though also with a look of slight confusion.

???: Young-ins these days... I don't think Caesar's gonna mind me taking in a stray. Besides, Little Ol' Me doesn't mind a little bit of company.

The girl picks up the unconscious S-1 with a surprising amount of strength for someone her height, though she still struggles to drag his armored and unconscious weight into the truck for one long road trip back to her native town.

Notes:

Okay… this one took a bit. I tried to make it far longer to entertain you guys. Additionally, I've included a few references to various games, so feel free to look for them if you're interested. Chapter 3 might take much longer to be honest, but maybe a few words of encouragement might help me in remembering that liberty speeds my step. Anyway, this is the part where I try to make you all laugh and smile, so I hope I'm doing a good job. Also, I wonder who the mystery character is… *ghost noises* oooooooooo…

Chapter 3: Arisen From The Ashes

Summary:

Helldiver S-1 has a small nightmare in the passenger seat of a stranger's truck. Unbeknownst to S-1, however, he stumbled into the best group of people who would later help him with his central issue. That is, if he decides to share the fact that he may or may not be from a completely different dimension. That's for him to decide on who his friends are... and who his assets are.

S-1 slowly wakes up only to be met with pure darkness and isolation. He looks around confused before a sharp pain engulfs his shoulder cut. S-1 quickly looks for the cut, only to find it replaced with a few purple crystals and dust. Fear begins to build as S-1 starts to pant, purple glowing veins in his arms become visible from beneath his armor and consume his body before reaching up to his face and eyes. S-1 screams in suffering as ether crystals protrude from his body before he suddenly springs awake from his nightmare. He finds himself in the passenger seat of a moving truck.

Helldiver S-1: AHH! G-GET OUT OF MY-

???: WHOA! Relax Young-in! We're going to crash if you keep up like that, and I don't want Lucy to yell even more about finances over Steeltusk's repairs...

Helldiver S-1: I'm sorry... wait, who are you? Wait, why am I in this truck? Are you kidnapping me?!

Piper Wheel: Well, I'm not kidnapping you, so just chillax kid~ you're in steady hands now. I'm Piper Wheel, and Lil ol' me saw you taking an even deeper nap than me on the sandy road, so of course I had to wake you up~

Helldiver S-1: How thoughtful...

S-1 calms down at Piper's relaxing and almost grandmotherly aura. Remembering the nightmare, S-1 checks his shoulder to find a bandage covering it. It's at this time that he also notices a small sticker band-aid on his small helmet visor that has cracked. It's easy to piece together that both of these are from Piper and her viewing of S-1 as a kid. S-1 was confused. This driver was almost half his size, and she was around retirement age? Suddenly, Piper speaks up, catching him by surprise.

Piper: So you had a nightmare, I take it? That's not good for kids your age. I had to spray a bit of Anti-Corruption Spray on you so you wouldn't turn. It might have caused your nightmare. Are you okay?

S-1 was a bit confused about the spray; he was corrupted? What did that imply? Well, S-1 decided not to question it to blend in more with a regular citizen here... but the armor, helmet, cape, and excessive amounts of guns and explosives didn't help.

S-1: I'm fine, and yeah, it was a nightmare, but I can handle it, I don't wanna talk about it or... anything about me.

Piper: Hmm... Alrighty then!

S-1: Wait, just like that...? No pushback?

Piper: I understand what it's like to be afraid and isolate yourself. I may be an old and happy lady, but even I have fears. Lil ol' me has left most of them in the rearview mirror, but even some days you have to look back at it to keep driving forward safely.  All any driver can do is move forward; no point in pulling reverse for long.

S-1: Sorry, I didn't mean to remind-

Piper: Kids these days are so overbearing... It's not your fault. Though maybe you could repay me with your name?

S-1 was in a bit of shock, his name?  The only people who knew that were Super Earth and his family. After completing helldiver training, the name you had before didn't matter anymore... only your callsign... Helldiver S-1.  I mean, why would his name matter? Super Earth LOVES him for his helldiver status! He's a hero to everyone! And a name only shows his flaws and failures before he became the space cadet he was always meant to be! WHY SHOULD SHE CARE FOR HIS FLAWS? ALL THE VALIDATION HE'LL EVER NEED IS FROM SUPER EARTH!

Helldiver S-1: It's S-1, always has been. Or if you want, you can call me hell-

S-1 realizes that he's not anywhere near home and revealing his helldiver status could lead to unforeseen consequences. Besides, if Piper knew about Helldivers, she would have mentioned it by now! So what does that mean?! There are humans here, but no helldivers or even any sign of managed democracy? Could such a world even exist? Or is this even a world? The singularity may have brought him to a different dimension. That wasn't completely impossible... and that shook S-1 to the core.

Piper: Uh... you okay in there kid? You didn't finish your name.

S-1: HUH? Oh, sorry, yeah I said it was S-1.

Piper: Oh, okay well in any case S-1,

Piper pulls into a small desert town as a bright neon sign illuminates Steeltusk in the sunset. Piper lets out an endearing and sleepy yawn before continuing,

Piper: We've arrived at Blazewood.

S-1: Blazewood?

Piper: A nice place for you to settle down or leave and chase your goals, whatever they may be. Lil ol' me will see if she can help you back on your feet. If not, then New Eridu is the better place for a... heavily armored and armed kid like yourself. Of course, you'll have to hide that gear from the authorities, mainly from PUBSEC.  In exchange for my help, however, could a big and strong kid like yourself lift all this supply into that small warehouse? Lil ol' me needs to lighten the load on her back and get another message anyway...

S-1: Will do. And... thanks, Piper.

Piper: Don't thank me yet young-in, still one major issue.

The two dismount Steeltusk before suddenly S-1 is swarmed by three small boar-looking creatures, along with a blond ponytailed girl the same size as Piper

???: Piper, watch out! A gunman snuck into the truck!!! It must be a mercenary! HOW DID YOU NOT NOTICE THIS?!

S-1; OW! HEY! OOF, Don't pull the cape! That's more expensive than you little- is that a baseball bat?

The helm-wearing girl strikes S-1 in the ribs with her baseball bat, causing S-1 to fall on the ground before getting humorously beaten up by the four of them. Piper watches the scene laughing softly before deciding to break it up.

Piper: Okay, Lucy, you can stop now hehe~ I found him in a rough state and brought him with me.

Lucy: YOU- YOU PICKED UP AN ARMORED PERSON WITH WEAPONS AND EXPLOSIVES?!?! ARE YOU TRYING TO BE STUPIDER THAN BURNICE? BECAUSE IT'S WORKING!

Piper sighs before trying to remember the apology training she got from a certain wise video rental store manager.

Piper: Lucy... I'm sorry...

Lucy: SUCH AN APOLOGY IS UNACCEPTABLE TO ME, IDIOT! YOU'RE SO STUPID PIPER!

Piper gives small puppy eyes, along with clasping her hands together in a plea to keep S-1 around. Keep in mind that he's still getting pummeled on the ground, so time is of the essence for his survival. Lucy's soft side shows as she concedes.

Lucy: Alright... BUT MAKE HIM USEFUL! Get him working on bringing those supplies in for now! I'm gonna get a much more gentle welcoming committee... AND GRASSY STOP HITTING HIM ALREADY!

Grassy and the other two boars scramble away from S-1 before they march in sync with Lucy. Piper helps S-1 up, who is frankly demoralized at this rate of embarrassment and the lack of any targets to shoot, let alone the lack of Helldiving for more than a day...

S-1: Well, she was nice... sweet liberty my ribs... Is this what all people in Blazewood are like?

Piper: Depends, that's what Lucy is like. She's got a lot of sparks and fire in her, but it's nice to use it for fun hehe~  Besides, your very own welcoming committee is here.

A few biker gang members walk in a small line with Lucy on the side and her three boars behind her, Another blond-haired girl at a much more normal height with the apparel of a cheerleader, A lighter green-haired man with a red scarf, and finally the leader of the group based on her height and stature which was almost scary for a girl to be that tall. She had green-tinted hair and a necklace that spelled out KING. (Luckily, S-1 didn't look slightly below that, or else he would have gotten another beatdown.)

Caesar King: Ah! You must be the new guest Piper brought in! Allow us to introduce ourselves! I am the Overlord of the Outer Ring. WE ARE THE SONS OF CALYDON!  Welcome to the Outer Ring! May you rise from the Ashes!

Notes:

Okay, now Chapter 4 is going to take a long time. ZZZ Anniversary just came out after all! And so is the new cop themed HD2 Warbond! Who knows how long it'll take? Anyways, I have one significant question for you guys... Would you like me to reveal Helldiver S-1's name? I can keep him a blank slate with some attitude and a severe case of Super Earth Brainwashing, or I can make him into a more human character with a real person underneath that lightly cracked visor. The call is yours, reader...

Chapter 4: A Sunny Desert Sky Tainted by the Past

Summary:

Helldiver S-1 is now finally in a safe town in Blazewood! He's free to make new friends and settle down forever! But when the past starts whispering in your ear... There is no choice but to abandon all of your earthly possessions and embrace what once made you whole. Even at the cost of your own identity...

Helldiver S-1 is given a quick yet endearing introduction to all of the Sons of Calydon as a temporary guest. It's not hard to get a general idea of the personalities of all of them. Burnice was the crazy one, Lighter was the serious one, and Caesar was something in between. He was already familiar with the other two, and there was this cat-looking person similar to the three boars that Lucy had... S-1 wanted a book on just what the heck this world was exactly. Suddenly, as he's walking to a couch for a break, small clicks from high heels become audible.

Burnice White: Hey, armored guy! How about some Nitro Fuel for helping Piper? You must be thirsty after lifting all those boxes!

Piper Wheel: Oh, Burnice... at least let him decide before you drag him to the bar...

Burnice doesn't listen to Piper as S-1 is mercilessly dragged to the bar. Piper doesn't bother to make a scene while Lucy, watching from a distance, considers this a suitable punishment for S-1 after arriving and asking for help. Burnice takes The Helldiver onto the upper floor lift before descending to where Steeltusk was temporarily parked and plopping him onto a stool in Steeltusk's personal bar.

Helldiver S-1: At least I don't have to worry about thirst anymore...

Burnice: That's right! So what'll it be? Alcoholic Nitro Fuel? Non-Alcoholic Nitro Fuel? Please say alcoholic...

Burnice stares at S-1 with intense expectations of what decision he will make at this very moment, almost as if she has multiple death threats and or ways to kill him lined up in her mind if he makes the wrong choice.

S-1: Non-Alcoholic... I'd rather not drink myself to the grave, thank you very much.

Burnice stares at S-1 with overwhelming hatred in her red eyes. Eventually, she lets out a large sigh of disappointment before brewing up a non-alcoholic nitro fuel and pouring it into a gas can shaped... well... can. Burnice passes it with annoyance before suddenly brightening up.

Burnice: So where'd you get armor like that? It looks awesome! Or is it just laundry day today?

S-1: I... borrowed it from someone.

Burnice: OH! Did you kill them? Was it with a flamethrower?! I LOVE HEARING THEIR SCREAMS OF JOY WHEN I BURN THEM TO ASHES AND SMITTERENS!

S-1: WHOA WHOA Hey! I didn't say I killed anyone for this armor! Don't just say that out loud!

The two sit there in awkward silence before S-1 takes a sip of his Nitro Fuel can. S-1 looks around the desert of Blazewood, seeing multiple hollows with some closer than others. S-1 was concerned about the proximity of them to Blazewood, but these people could handle themselves, so he thinks that he shouldn't worry too much. The Helldiver decides that socializing is the best way to blend in and gain trust. S-1 figures that with a more... unique girl like Burnice, he shouldn't have to worry about being caught.

S-1: So... you like flames? I can get behind that. I used to use a flamethrower for a while!

Burnice: REALLY? WHAT DID YOU DO? BURN ETHEREALS? HOLLOW RAIDERS? A BAD REVIEWER?

S-1: A bad... reviewer? What...? ahem... No. I was a...

Crap... S-1 did not have a good excuse for owning and using a flamethrower in the past. The Helldiver truth would draw suspicion even if he said he was a "soldier." There was no way of knowing for sure if flamethrowers were used by the military here, let alone if there even was one! Well, there was that city Piper mentioned... New Eridu? He should focus on that rather than the Outer Ring. A more technological city might help S-1 think of an idea... The only one he could think of was making some signal tracker to find out when the Super Destroyer was gonna crash into this wor-

Burnice: Hey, is the Nitro Fuel getting to you? You're spacing out under that helmet, you know. Kinda spooky... in a cool way of course!

S-1: AH! Sorry, I was a... bug exterminator! And some bugs can get big, so if you ever need my help with that, you let me know. I have to get going though, but I appreciate the drinks, Burnice. Could you point to where the overlord is?

Burnice: Leaving so soon...? Fine... Caesar is located on the upper floor near Cheesetopia; it's hard to miss. Oh, and don't worry, this one is on the house! Plus, we don't need a bug exterminator! I scare them off anyway!

S-1 nods before leaving for the upper floor lift. He looks back to see Burnice drinking away Nitro Fuel at insane speeds while also staring at what looks to be Lighter's bottom with zero shame whatsoever... talk about a weird girl. S-1 walks onto the lift before seeing Leverboo. S-1 was able to ask what Bangboo were exactly without too much suspicion from Piper, so he knew the basic rundown of AI in this universe and was still extremely uncomfortable... Luckily, S-1 wasn't a bot diver, so he was able to hold in his hatred. The Helldiver even found himself tolerating Leverboo due to its simple purpose and quick efficiency, making it feel like a non-sentient machine rather than one filled with bloodlust. Hopefully, S-1 never meets a sentient machine... that might not end well.

S-1 arrives at the upper floor. He spots Caesar finishing a small cheesecake with a look of small regret.

Caesar King: Huh... It's called cheesecake, yet it doesn't taste like pizza... Lucy lied to me!

S-1: ahem...

Caesar: AH! Oh, it's you... S-1 was it? What's up?

S-1: I would like to speak in private inside a room.

Caesar's face turns more serious, but she accepts. The two of them head into a smaller backup truck as S-1 is already starting to regret this.

S-1: Really...? A truck?

Caesar: What? It's soundproof. And the only available room that wouldn't have eavesdroppers is our friends from New Eridu and their rooms... but we don't want a stranger living in theirs. No offense, of course!

S-1: Fair enough, alright, so everyone is nice here and I don't mind their company, but... My goals lie with that city Piper told me about, New Eridu.

Caesar: Hmm... if you're sure... but once you arrive at that city, we can't help you much, and from what Piper told us, it sounds like you have a troubled past... Are you sure you aren't in any danger?

S-1: Trust me, I'm not in any danger, though I appreciate the help, Overlord. Although... if you had a book on New Eridu... It's been a while since I last visited there! My memory of New Eridu has gotten foggy, so I might not remember simple things like Bangboo... hehe...

S-1 was lying out of his helmet, but Caesar's lack of knowledge on such manners without Lucy made her believe him. Caesar smiles widely before deciding to help S-1, ON ONE CONDITION HOWEVER...

Caesar: Of course! I'll tell Piper to get some books for you before she hitches you a ride to New Eridu! But I won't do that if you don't tell me your name...

Helldiver S-1: My name is S-1. That's the name I was given at birth. I don't understand why you think that wouldn't be my name.

Caesar: I may not be the brightest, but even I can tell that you're lying! No caring group of parents would name you that!

Helldiver S-1: What did you just say about my parents?!

Caesar: AH! I didn't know you had bad parents, my bad! Okay, let's try a different approach... You have my word as the Overlord of the Outer Ring that I won't tell A SOUL about your name... deal?

Helldiver S-1:Okay... I'm not sure why my name is so important to all of you, but... You promise, right?

Caesar: Would a blood pact make you feel-

Helldiver S-1: Okay, Okay! Alright, I believe you... My name is...

Helldiver S-1 almost couldn't get it out... it sounded foreign to him... nearly a reminder of all the mistakes and the multitudes of weaknesses that he had when he was younger. A helldiver shouldn't grow attached to his teammates, let alone his family. Or at the very least not mourn them when they were gone... The Helldiver forces himself to look up at Caesar, who was looking at him, trying to pierce through his dark visor to see if there was any person under that armor. All that could be found behind that visor was a small glass crack in the darkness and the feeling of staring into a man who once was...

A Helldiver with a soul: Sky... My name was... or... rather is... Sky.

Notes:

Hey! I know it's been a few days, but I finished! I was busy chipping away at all the events and stories of ZZZ, and now I had nothing to do except work on this. Now, I would like to ask you all which faction you would like to see next, but that vote may be far more divided than we would like. If you still want to vote or give suggestions, feel free! My digital back door is always open! (NO VIRUSES ALLOWED) Also, if you dislike our helldiver's name, don't be afraid to say so. If you have a better idea or decide to keep him a mysterious character in the future, ask.

Chapter 5: Where Humanity Began Anew

Summary:

Helldiver S-1 tries to keep himself distant from his assets, but with how kind people are here? It keeps making Sky peek out more and more... This world is a plague to his Helldiver status... but there's only one way to get home... and that's into the heart of this world... New Eridu.

Caesar smiled at Sky's admission of his name; she could tell that it wasn't an easy thing for him to do. Sky looks away, trying to regain his helldiver dignity. It's almost like the helldiver part of him and the human part were separated... even for just a moment. Caesar offers comfort to the lost soul in front of her with a gentle pat on the shoulder. It's at this moment that S-1 realizes Caesar's left arm is metal, not just for show... cool... that's an overlord if he's ever seen one.

Sky: Thanks... so I guess I should get going now?

Caesar: Yep! Piper's already gotten the books since I texted her! But since you're leaving... could I see your face-

Sky's body language completely changes from a lost soul to a former heartless killer before speaking in his cold tone. The mention of taking off his helmet and demanding such trust?! THAT'S DISRESPECTFUL! A HELLDIVER LIKE HIM?! HE SHOULD HAVE HER TRIED FOR TREASON!

HELLDIVER S-1: DON'T push your luck, Caesar... You've already seen me in a weak state enough for today! I'm leaving now, I'll call back if I have something to inform you about. Otherwise, don't call this number.

Helldiver S-1 leaves the truck and lightly slams the door. Caesar is a bit awestruck at such a quick change in mood, but doesn't bother to stop S-1 since he's already leaving anyway. Helldiver S-1 is now back in complete control after such an insult, He goes back to looking at the Sons of Calydon as assets... not friends... friends always made him weak anyway...

S-1 walks over to Steeltusk, which is already running thanks to Piper, who is waiting for him.

Piper: Hey, young-in! Ready for a road trip?

Helldiver S-1: Do you have the books?

Piper: Sure do, Lil ol' me thinks that you sound different kid, bad mood?

Helldiver S-1: I'm stable. Let's move driver.

Piper: ...okay... if you're sure. Let's hit the road...

Piper starts driving while Helldiver S-1 sits in the seat in a more... strangely orderly fashion. He starts reading the books while Piper lets out light yawns and small sounds of contentment on the road. S-1 begins digging through the books that Piper gave him, which mainly consist of childhood books that describe New Eridu in an easy-to-read tone.

Helldiver S-1: I'm not a kid, Piper... stop treating me like one.

Piper: Kids these days... you should respect your elders, y'know. Or else I'll turn Steeltusk around~

S-1 let out a small sigh before calming down a bit out of his cold state. He knows better than to challenge Piper on her decision to drop him off in the middle of the Outer Ring. He begins reading through the books with a bit more respect, thanks to the easier introduction to such a new world... at least Piper unintentionally helped a complete alien to this planet by getting kid books for him. S-1 mainly finds himself reading about the history of New Eridu and how grim it looks...

S-1: Why does it say that New Eridu is the last city left in Humanity? What about Blazewood?

Piper: Last URBAN city, young-in. Maybe you did need those little books~

S-1: Grr... fair point... So how far are we now?

Piper: By now? About an hour or two, so get comfy. Oh! And maybe hide in the back, a Border check is comin' up.

S-1: BORDER CHECK?

Piper: Yep, PUBSEC Officers and other officials have been scared after all that Bringer and Exaltists drama... But I don't care... they're easy to fool anyway, so hide right around... there. I know it's a bit... unprofessional, but it's a lot easier to do this than to get New Eridu passports for you. Besides, A good kid like you deserves to see the city again, right?

S-1 was a bit touched at Piper taking a small risk for him. This wouldn't last too long, thanks to his training, which quickly nullified any chance of holding a friendship for long. Friends never lasted long in a helldiver's line of work anyway. But this time... it can be... different? No, no... silly thought. S-1 hides in the back of the truck as instructed. Piper drives up to the border check before eavesdropping on the PUBSEC Officer talking to himself.

Public Security Officer: I swear this is the last time I do any favor for Jane... She got me in trouble, and now I'm stuck on this boring post! But it's so hard to refuse that smile of hers-

Piper: Ahem... Officer~

PUBSEC Officer: AH! Oh, sorry ma'am! Could I see some documentation and passports into New Eridu, please?

Piper: Here ya go.

The officer reads through the documents, and with a wide smile, he signals Piper to keep driving until he suddenly stops her. The two in the truck visibly sweat, S-1 even more so from the fear of being caught. S-1 tucks himself deeper into the debris while Piper is already starting to regret this.

PUBSEC Officer: Can I get a closer look at your face, miss?

Piper turns around with a small bead of sweat on her head and a light yet fake smile. Suddenly, the lynx thiren cop beams with recognition,

Officer: It's you! Piper Wheel, right? You were one of the people who helped take down Bringer! Captain Zhu Yuan told me about you and the rest of the Sons of Calydon! I was the cop who asked you those questions out of the hollow.

Piper: Oh! Seth wasn't it? I'm glad a kid like you is doing okay... Though it sounds like you're struggling a bit here hehe~

Seth Lowell: Yeah, it's a drag, but I'll be back at the Lumina Square HQ after I finish my "vacation" here... Sorry about the trouble Piper! You can head on through.

Piper nods and quickly speeds off, not wanting to test her great luck any further. S-1 gets out of the back and climbs back into the front with Piper before being slightly impressed by the city view out the window. It looked a lot like those pictures of Super Earth, but maybe less cool... S-1 sees a large sign as they arrive, "Welcome to New Eridu! Where Humanity Begins Anew!"

Piper: What do you think? I think it's just a hotbed for all those city folk to do crazy things that Burnice would be jealous of.

S-1: Well, it's not as free as the Outer Ring, but it can help me with my mission- my goal.

Piper: And what exactly is your goal, kid?

S-1 is about to refuse to answer, but Piper has been nothing but... useful to his mission. S-1 needs any help that he can get after all. All he needed to do was fabricate a lie and Piper would be his to use.

S-1: I'm looking for something vital to me in one of the hollows here... but my signal tracker for it doesn't reach such far distances... Do you know of anything that can help extend the range?

Now it was Piper's turn to give a half-truth to S-1 instead. She didn't know anyone who could help, except the proxies, but she didn't want to rat them out. Maybe Wise and Belle themselves can help him out rather than Phaethon? Piper knew they had a lot of connections, so it could work and everyone could go home happy... Piper decides to go with it, but not before warning the two of them.

Piper: I do know two siblings with a lot of tech-savviness, they live at Random Play on Sixth Street. Lil ol' me will drive you there, and maybe they can help.

The two arrive at the border of Sixth Street as Piper parks Steeltusk. The two exit the truck before Piper points in the direction of Random Play and also Waterfall Soup.

Piper: Random Play is over that way, and so is Waterfall Soup. It's a great place to get some nice noodles, you weren't being subtle with how hungry you were~

S-1: Was it that obvious...? I'll try to be more subtle next time. See you soon Piper.

Piper gives S-1 a decent amount of Dennies for helping with all the boxes he's carried. S-1 had already read about the currency of New Eridu, so he wasn't too surprised. At least he knew that this dimension/world was civilized... to an extent, at least. S-1 heads out to Waterfall Soup while Piper watches him from a distance and rings Random Play.

MEANWHILE, AT RANDOM PLAY.

The two managers of Random Play are in a fierce yet normal argument at the counter while their bangboo, Eous, watches the two of them.

Wise: Why do you care so much about my relationship status anyway, Belle?

Belle: Well... Uh... PROFESSIONALISM! Yeah! That's right! Professionalism bro! You can't just keep flashing smiles and dorky remarks to women who can just kill us with one strike, Wise! PUBSEC... Defence Force... EVEN OUR SHIFU! Come on Wise! We're Phaethon! So please stop trying to bump uglies with our agents!

Wise: WHAT- That is not what I'm trying to do! And stop teasing me already before I bring up how you look at Vivian and Harumasa!

Belle: I SWEAR TO YOU WISE ARNA I WILL-

Suddenly, the phone to Random Play rings as Wise picks it up to forget about Belle's annoying demeanor.

Wise: Hello? This is Random Play speaking!

Piper: Wise? It's great to hear your voice again hehe~ But listen, A newcomer is coming to Random Play and I need you and Belle to push him in the right direction without revealing yourselves, okay kids?

Wise: What? What do you mean?

Piper: Oh no, he finished the noodles quicker than expected! Think of something smart young-ins!

Piper hangs up the call, leaving the two siblings in a bit of confusion before a knock is heard on the door of Random Play... This will be a day to remember.

Notes:

I posted this around midnight... now you may be asking... "Get some sleep, weirdo." And to that I say, FREEDOM NEVER SLEEPS! Anyway, you know the usual; any ideas and comments about this chapter series are appreciated and will be read and fairly reviewed. (Unlike a particular Super Earth's rigged election... who said that?) Additionally, I attempted to distinguish between Helldiver S-1 and Sky, treating them as separate entities with distinct personalities. Helldiver S-1 is when Super Earth brainwashing is under complete control, Sky is when the soul under the armor is in control, and S-1 is something in between.

Chapter 6: Lone Wolf

Summary:

S-1 has been starving for many things in life... Food, Attention, Heroism, but the most painful yet silent one is the lack of love, which causes starvation on that as well. Sky will have to take more control and save this sinking ship of his sanity before it's too late for this Lone Wolf.

A FEW MINUTES BEFORE S-1 KNOCKS ON RANDOM PLAY.

Helldiver S-1 walks over to Waterfall Soup as per Piper's recommendation. S-1 is quick to notice that the person operating the noodle stand is... a red creature with cybernetic arms to help him cook more rapidly. S-1 knew that the only way to blend in was by going with the flow before asking questions. He sits down on one of the stools before noticing an orange and black outfitted girl, and it only takes a bit of leaning forward to see a short black and red-haired maid with a shark tail napping on her shoulder. Why was that not the weirdest thing he's seen today...

???: General Chop? One Black Bowl: Red Chili Chicken Noodle with even more spice for me.

General Chop: Coming right up! You're getting spicier and spicier, Soldier 11! As expected from my favorite customer! And... are you gonna move that girl off your shoulder?

Soldier 11: Why would I? She's a civilian, and as a soldier of the Defense Force, I must assist people like her... even in unorthodox ways...

Even S-1, who was watching from the opposite shoulder of Solder 11, could see the discomfort yet resolve she held in her poker face. He even found that to be an admirable trait... Her name was a callsign like his... She even reminded him of a few helldivers... Sweet Liberty, has it been that long? No, it's only been about a day or two max! But it feels like decades to him...

General Chop: Hey! You with the helmet! Gonna order?

S-1 is snapped out of his trance with a small look of embarrassment under his visor. Even this ponytailed Soldier 11 was looking at him with a judging glance. However, the sleepy shark maid couldn't care less in her perfect sleep. S-1 straightens up in his stool before speaking in a calmer tone.

S-1: Good evening, I apologize for the wait. I was hoping to get the most filling noodles you have. It's... been a long day.

General Chop nods before whipping up a bowl of Cold Noodles for the hungry specimen in front of him. Soldier 11 silently analyses S-1 throughout the exchange. His gear had very... strange... skull symbols on his shoulder pads and cape. And why would he wear a cape? That provides next to no advantage on the frontlines, Soldier 11 thought to herself. S-1 didn't act like a threat, however, so she decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Soldier 11 decides to ask a question or two at least while he's eating his noodles.

S-1: MMM... Not bad...! I don't think I've had proper noodles like this since... well, that's a long time ago.

Soldier 11 tries to find a good time to interrupt his eating until suddenly the small weight of the shark maid on her shoulder is lifted by a schoolgirl.

???: Ellen! What did I tell you about overworking yourself after the rest, and I found out about your "other" job?! Now let's get out of here before you sleep on more people's shoulders.

Ellen: Ruby... No... more... sleep...

Ruby: Ellen, if you don't get up, I'm gonna call you "Nom Nom Shark" for the rest of-

Ellen: deal... let's go...

The two of them leave as Soldier 11 lets out a small sigh of relief before readjusting her sights toward the mysterious person next to her.

Soldier 11: You are a newcomer here. What's your name? And where did you get that gear? It doesn't appear to be anything official from the looks of it. It doesn't look like anything Defense Force made either.

S-1 continues downing his noodles at an impressive pace, showing signs of previous starvation. S-1 finishes before going through his pouches to find the money Piper gave him. He has to do something or else this girl could slice through his whole facade like a fire sword through democratic butter...

S-1: Here, General Chop, the payment for my bowl and hers. The noodles were great!

Before S-1 can leave, he feels a hot yet cold grip on his arm. S-1 turns to the side to see Soldier 11 staring at him with a piercing look.

Soldier 11: Answer my questions... I need to know where you got that armor from...

Helldiver S-1: Is this necessary? I'm just trying to continue with my day. And I don't like the tone you have on me, ma'am. You ought to change it for me.

General Chop: Both of you, please... Soldier 11! Let him go and thank him for paying the bill for you! And you! Give her your name so we can all leave happily, okay?

S-1 and Soldier 11 calm down in the light of reason. S-1 is reluctant to give his real name again, but that was a much more worthy sacrifice to get Soldier 11 off his back. S-1 swallows up his pride and dignity, but before he can speak, Soldier 11 goes first.

Soldier 11: I apologize for speaking to you in such a harsh tone... and you have my gratitude for paying my noodle bill. Not many people do that for me.

S-1 was not expecting such an apologetic tone from a well-put-together soldier like Soldier 11... Heck, it made him feel like the bad guy for not answering! But Sky was like a soft soul hidden behind a tough exterior, so this apology reassured him to reveal his real name. Sky leans in closer to Soldier 11's ear so General Chop doesn't overhear.

Sky: Don't tell any bad people this, but... I'm Sky. And thank you for the apology; it means a lot. I have to get going now, but I hope you liked your noodles.

Soldier 11: Sky, huh? Well, I'll make sure no one else hears the name. And don't worry, I always enjoy General Chop's spicy noodles. I have a midnight mission to prepare for, so I have to go now as well. Goodbye, Sky.

Soldier 11 leaves as Sky lets out a massive sigh of relief... he's never cut it that close since that Suicide Mission helldiver drop on Meridia right before... huh, that was pretty recent actually. Sky tips General Chop for unknowingly saving him from Soldier 11. Sky walks over to Random Play before getting back into his business mindset to convince these two to help him. S-1 knocks on the door to Random Play in an orderly rhythm before listening in.

???: You answer it, Belle!

Belle: What?! No! I know you're scared of horror movies Wise, but this isn't one of them!

Wise: Fine... ahem...

Wise opens the door only to see a stranger in black and yellow armor with a large backpack and a dusty appearance. Not exactly a horror movie, but still a bit strange... was this a comedy?

S-1: Hello! I was seeking assistance from tech-savvy individuals. You must be the siblings Piper mentioned. Call me S-1.

Wise: Phew, he talks normally... I'm Wise, and this is Belle. We're the owners of Random Play. What do you need help with?

S-1: Well, I have to find something dear to me that is stuck in one of these hollows. I have a signal tracker for it, but its range isn't far enough to help. I was hoping you two had any ideas.

Wise and Belle exchange glances, as easy as this would be with Fairy, Piper told them not to put Phaethon at risk for such a simple job... Suddenly, the younger sister of Random Play beams with an idea.

Belle: We do know a friend! Grace is far better at things like this than even we are! Visiting her will be a surefire way to find what you are looking for! Hehe... heh...

Wise: Yeah! She's perfect with machinery and all the other fancy stuff. Heh... uh...

S-1: Spill it, what's the catch?

Wise: She's an Iron Witch; she might scream at seeing such advanced-looking armor like yours.

Belle: Not to mention the fact that she is very... strange with how she treats normal people.

S-1: Can't be that bad, right? Let's go!

Wise and Belle exchange worried glances but lead S-1 to the Random Play van.. The three drive until sunset but still stay their course. There's only one target in mind for all three of them... Belobog Construction Site!

Notes:

Posted this at midnight again... 6 is my favorite number, and today is the day I hit 312 logins on Zenless! Hmm 6... 312.. Noble 6 B-312? Nah, that's just a weird game theory. Anyways, I hope you like the dozens of easter eggs to other Soldier 11 trust events in the first meeting between Sky and Soldier 11. And as always, comment on what you liked and what I can change. Otherwise, goodnight...

Chapter 7: Fighting Fire with Fire

Summary:

Helldiver S-1 meets the Iron Witch as his plan of finding the Super Destroyer is starting to flourish! And home is in sight! But when you fly too close to the sun... Your wings are bound to get burned by a flaming sword.

As the three drive down the street, Wise and Belle are whispering to each other during the ride to Belobog. They also prepared by not bringing Eous to prevent another "hugging" incident from occurring.

Wise: So, Belle, do you think helping this guy is worth it?

Belle: We should help him, but we should try to get something out of it.

Wise: Alright, I agree, let's break it to him.

The two nod at each other, determined to get something out of this. Wise and Belle start talking out loud so S-1 can hear them.

Wise: Man, this month's electricity bill is gonna kill us... right Belle?

Belle: And we have to pay gas prices to get you there? How cruel S-1~

S-1: Well, Piper gave me this little rainbow thing and said to give it to you if money was your concern.

Wise and Belle stare at the Polychrome with wide eyes, almost forgetting to look at the road. Suddenly, they seem a lot more cooperative, but still have small doubts.

Wise: Belle no-

Belle: But we need the anniversary character from that mobile game, Wise! Please, bro!

Wise: Fine... Alright, we'll help you S-1. But give it here early to establish trust.

S-1 sees no use for the rainbow-colored trinket, but it seems important to them, so he hands it over as instructed. The two siblings smile from the crisp, one-singular polychrome in their pockets. "Worth it," the two say to themselves.

The three arrive at the Belobog Construction Site

Wise and Belle exit first, with S-1 following suit. They see the outline of Grace in the sunset, working on a machine. Luckily, the more sentient machines are asleep, so S-1 doesn't shoot them up thinking they are automatons. Grace waves at the two of them before noticing S-1, who looks a lot like... Billy? WAS HE A ROBOT LIKE HIM TOO?! Suddenly, Grace appears before S-1 in a millisecond before Wise and Belle can stop her.

Grace: Woah... Look at the sheer power in those curves! And that helmet! Even the cape has a firmly woven fabric!

S-1: T-Thanks? Why are you so close...

Wise: Calm down, Grace... He's not like Billy. The "curves" are his armor and gear. So there's a person under it, unlike Billy and Eous. This is S-1, and he needs your help.

Belle: Yep! And we didn't bring Eous this time! Checkmate, Iron Witch!

Grace: What?! It should be a crime for someone to even wear one of these precious things instead of letting me dig through it!!! Speaking of which, would you be so kind as to take off your armor for me, please...?

S-1: Not happening. Although... I might consider it if you help me boost my signal tracker.

Grace: I'll DO IT! Thanks for the gift, you two! I owe some quality time to the two of you!

S-1: What- Don't I get a say in this?!

Iron Witch: YOU DO NOT! I'm helping you all by myself, and I am gonna disassemble that armor once we find whatever you are looking for with that signal tracker! This poor little armored kid needs a lot of its electronics cleaned from all that sand! But that'll be soon!

S-1 is dragged away by Grace to her workshop. The two siblings laugh to themselves a bit before returning to Random Play to wrap up for the approaching night. Grace arrives at the workshop before S-1 extends his right arm, showing his digital wrist-mounted interface.

S-1: This is where the signal tracker is located. Just needs a bit of a boost, and it'll show me where I need to go.

Grace: Sit back and let me work on this armor so it can feel happy again!

S-1: Right... uh huh... sounds very normal coming from you, Grace...

S-1 sits back as Grace grabs some extra electronics and a screwdriver before starting to modify it. For a few minutes, Grace brings out increasingly bizarre and unusual items in an attempt to push this signal tracker to its limits. She wants to modify this armor like a crazy iron witch... Eventually, Grace finishes once the signal tracker receives its intended signal.

Grace: The tracker says that it's receiving the signal from a "parent" ship about 800851337 KM away. It also says that it's approaching more rapidly. At a breakneck pace, actually! But this signal is coming from space... must be broken-

S-1: NO NO NO It's not broken, don't change it! It must be falling here from the singularity... well, it's falling from space! That's normal. Do you know where it'll land?

Grace: Well, it says it'll land very soon around Hollow Zero, but at least it's in a lower-risk area. Not too many Ethereals, but not many surveillance groups either. Why? Are you gonna go there by yourself?

S-1 thinks about it for a second. He'd love to go by himself, but the last time he went into a hollow by himself, he got humbled quickly. And he's not sure if the Super Destroyer is gonna be flyable after it crash-lands into Hollow Zero. If only there were a person who could fight ethereals and help with maintenance on the ship... wait a minute!

Helldiver S-1: If you wanna come with me and help deal with the ethereals, I'd be grateful. If not... This armor might come back with a few scratches and cry from pain~

Grace: THOSE ETHEREALS WON'T DARE TO ATTACK THE ARMOR IF I CAN HELP IT! LET'S GO!

The two set out to Hollow Zero as Grace grabs her submachine gun and electric grenades while S-1 takes the Liberator AR and P-2 Pistol out of his backpack before putting them in their respective places on his waist. It doesn't take too long for them to arrive at Hollow Zero late at night, and thanks to Grace's high position in Belobog, she's allowed into Hollow Zero along with S-1 for an "ethereal experiment."

Grace: We should be nearing the spot where the signal may land... and yet there are no ethereals... must be a quiet corner of Hollow Zero. This would explain why the Defense Force doesn't patrol this area but the areas around it instead.

The two arrive as the area is a primarily flat concrete area from the outskirts of Old Eridu.

S-1: I'm gonna go up that building to higher ground to make sure we know where it lands. Here you can talk to me over this emergency radio. You stay down here, but go over there a long way. You never know what could happen!

Grace agrees as S-1 leaves to go up the twenty-story building. S-1 knew that the crash landing of the Super Destroyer would be disastrous, hence why he told Grace to stay FAR away. S-1 takes out a few small ethereals with his new experience at fighting them before arriving at the top... all they had to do was wait.

Grace: Countdown until midnight signal arrival in three... two... one...

S-1 and Grace wait, but nothing happens... until suddenly a massive, ear-deafening fissure is opened in the sky as Helldiver S-1's Super Destroyer flies down to the ground. The Super Destroyer flies right above S-1's building as he gets blown off, but manages to latch onto the ledge of the building as his black cape blows harshly in the wind. The ship goes down into the empty area, and the loud crash is illuminated in a small red glimmer of light before fading back into the night sky.

Grace: IS THE ARMOR OKAY? S-1! ARE YOU THERE?

S-1: Yeah... Yeah, I'm... I'm okay... a bad time to have a fear of heights... Did you ask if the armor was okay instead of me?

Grace: No time to worry about that! WE HAVE TO SEE THAT UFO!

S-1: Yeah, that's totally unrelated to the signal... ahem...

Grace has no reason to listen to S-1 as she books it to the ship, trying to figure out its tech and its origin. At least this makes it easier for S-1 to hide his alien status from her... but what if someone else in the hollow heard that? S-1 picks himself up off the edge of the building before rushing downstairs towards the crash site. By the time he gets inside the ship, Grace is already inside, digging through the equipment.

Grace: A backpack that emits a shield around the creator... A drone that shoots anything that tries to touch you... and cryopods from science fiction that work... I must be in heaven...

S-1: Grace, I know you're happy, but something isn't right here... I hear more noises up at the bridge of the ship...

S-1 drags Grace over through the small hallways as flickering red emergency lights illuminate their trip to the escalator that takes them to the bridge. They arrive on the escalator, and once they reach the top, they find the former crew of the ship, now transformed into ethereals, in a large swarm.

S-1 grabs a FLAM-40 Flamethrower off the floor along with the AX/AR-23 Guard Dog drone that Grace was carrying. Grace herself prepares her electric grenades and ammo.

S-1: Try not to break anything in the battle...

Grace: I'd rather die than break such fine and powerful tech.

S-1: Don't let it come to that, then~

MEANWHILE, 1 MINUTE AND 5 MILES AWAY FROM CRASH SITE.

???: Command, all Rebel Soldiers have been naturalized or detained.

Command: Understood, Report back to Scott Outpost for-

Suddenly, an ear-piercing noise rings through a small quarter of Hollow Zero. The soldier receiving the orders watches as a large UFO crashes into a small light display in the distance.

Command: Change of orders. You are to investigate the loud disturbance since you are the closest soldier on site. Ether activity is spiking around the area as well, so expect heavy ethereal resistance.

???: Roger that.

BACK AT THE SUPER DESTROYER,

Grace: Phew... that's the last of them... now I can go and see all the tech on the bridge!

Grace rushes ahead, leaving S-1 behind in the weapon modification area to look at the loyal crew that once looked up to him. Now they were monsters, and Sky felt that this was his fault...

Sky: You all didn't deserve this... I'm sorry for not being good enough loyal heroes...

Sky sees the fallen ship crew ethereals turn into purple pixels before allowing them a few seconds of silence. Sky calms himself before heading to the galactic map at the bridge, only to find it broken along with the normal power systems. All the rooms were shrouded in darkness and faint red lighting, including the bridge. A faint cry of ethereals makes itself known, until it starts to grow closer and louder.

Grace: Oh no... They must have been attracted to the sound of the crash! We're gonna have to protect this big kid of a ship with our lives!

S-1: Stop saying things like that! I don't work well under pressure! Let's head to the security room to see where they could come in from.

Grace: How do you know this ship so well?

S-1: Well... I'll tell you later!

The two rush to the security room of the ship as a frankly concerning number of cameras are placed around the ship, most of them around secret spots. S-1 locks the doors that the ethereals are gathering around. Ethereals start to break down some doors, but luckily, with some expert knowledge on the ship, S-1 can funnel them all into a hallway.

S-1: Okay, that buys us some time. Grace, try to fix some of the ship's systems that look the easiest. I'll get a barricade and get ready for our guests.

Grace: Okay! This will be a fun time! I AM SO EXCITED TO DIG INTO YOUR ELECTRONICS BIG SPACESHIP!

Helldiver S-1: NOW'S NOT THE TIME!

S-1 and Grace do their things as the situation becomes tense. In a turn of good fortune, A few sparks from Grace's work on the Center Electronic Console turn on the Ship Announcement System.

Ship AI: Multiple unauthorized creatures detected in lower hallways.

S-1: Yeah, I know...

Ship AI: One unauthorized human inside the bridge.

S-1: Yeah, I know!

Ship AI: One new unauthorized human in the lower hallways.

Helldiver S-1: YEAH I- Wait what?

A small explosion rings out through the ship along with a few shrieks from ethereals. S-1 returns to the security camera footage only to see a smoke cloud at the end of the hallway, along with a large number of ethereals waiting at the other end for the human. The lights in the hallway are dark red from the emergency power. A flame sword ignites into an orange blaze, illuminating a familiar soldier in the smoke as the ethereals swarm her in the dense hallway.

S-1: IS THAT? That girl from the noodle stand! Soldier 11! We're saved! Wait... oh crap it's Soldier 11...

Soldier 11 rips through ethereal after ethereal as what was once a death funnel for her became one for the ethereals. She slowly walks through, killing them with brutal efficiency, along with blocking all projectiles launched at her with the red-hot flame sword. It's a massacre, as some ethereals even bang on the door to be let out, making a visual "HELP US!" motion. They prove to be no match for the near-perfect soldier as all the monsters are wiped out... now only S-1 and Grace are left! The smile at once seeing Soldier 11 now turns into a small face of despair under S-1's visor.

S-1: Grace, you stay here and have as much fun as you want with the ship. I'm gonna say hi to an old friend...

Grace beams with excitement as S-1 resupplies all his weapons and takes as many new weapons as he can stuff on his back. And he also grabs a few emergency experimental infusion stims and throwing knives, even though they weren't officially allowed for use yet, but that might have changed while he was gone. S-1 leaves as he takes the small escalator down to meet Soldier 11. Some gears break on it as the escalator moves at an agonizing pace. Soldier 11 moves throughout the ship looking for the bridge before seeing Sky slowly descending to her on the big platform escalator. Helldiver S-1 is in control of the armor as he is illuminated by the red emergency lights, like the villain of this story, while his black cape flows behind him. Helldiver S-1 crosses his arms and leans over the railing before Soldier 11 starts speaking.

Soldier 11: State your business here, Sky. This isn't a place for civilians. But now I'm sure you were never one at all, were you?

Helldiver S-1: Guilty as charged. I'll give you the truth, so you can decide whether we fight. I'm not from New Eridu or this planet at all. I'm from a different dimension. One far superior to this city that is barely clinging to life despite calamity. I can respect that as an alien to this world. And all I want is to go home.

Soldier 11: Turn yourself into the Defense Force, and we can work something out. I don't want to hurt you, but you are in the way of my mission.

Helldiver S-1: We both know how much of a lie that is. Your military will get as much info and technology as they need from me, then I will be discarded like trash.

Soldier 11 lets out a small sigh. Sky and even Helldiver S-1 were both smart enough to pierce through the lie of the Defense Force's "Negotiations". And even if he was given special treatment, Soldier 11 knew that Sky wouldn't want to go willingly. As much as she wanted to make this day easier on herself, she knew someone had to win this midnight.

Soldier 11: Then I will do what I must.

HELLDIVER S-1: You will try.

The escalator stops as Helldiver S-1 lets out a full barrage as his FLAM-40 and AX-23 let out flames and bullets respectively, catching Soldier 11 off guard. Soldier 11 starts blocking the intense heat and barrage at once while walking forward onto the escalator. Soldier 11's forehead is drenched in sweat from the heat, but she manages to make it onto the escalator as it starts rising again at its agonizing pace. The once red and dark-colored room was now illuminated by orange, pulsating flames, which cast shadows across all the walls.

Fear starts to creep onto S-1's heart, seeing Soldier 11 withstand his barrage. Suddenly, the flames from S-1's FLAM-40 stop as the AX-23 completely runs out of ammo, indicated by a few small clicks. S-1 discards the FLAM-40 and AX-23 before throwing them in a humorous attempt to slow her down. Soldier 11 is caught off guard but quickly slices the two objects mid-air, rendering the attack useless. S-1 trembles a bit from the realization of how screwed he is.

S-1: OUT OF AMMO! AH!

S-1 pulls out his P-2 Pistol and Liberator AR, but Soldier 11 blocks all of his shots with ease and approaches rapidly. S-1 drops his bullet weapons and tries a far more desperate solution as he takes out the last weapon on his back, the LAS-99 Quasar Cannon. S-1 charges it up as Soldier 11 is stunned by the technology and how different it looks from even experimental Defense Force weaponry, S-1 was not lying about being an alien... that much was certain. The shot fires quickly, causing a massive explosion on the ship, which changes the emergency lights to alarm lights as static red turns to flashing orange. The explosion also raised smoke and dust everywhere on the escalator.

Sky: I-Is it over...?

Soldier 11: You missed.

A flame sword ignites in the dust before Soldier 11 walks out of the smoke with clear annoyance and anger on her face. S-1 is shaken to the core as Soldier 11 does a small shoulder roll while aggressively walking towards S-1 with her flame sword held ready to strike. Suddenly, the ship shakes a lot, causing the two of them to stumble as Soldier 11 stoically grips the handlebars while S-1 falls to the ground. Grace is the cause of the shaking as she plays around with the electronic controls for the ship.

Grace: Hmm... looks like the ship isn't capable of flying right now... it just ended up shaking a lot... Trying again sounds fun, but I don't wanna do more harm to such a cutie pie like you, big ship~

The shaking stops as S-1 quickly dives away from Soldier 11's sword swing as the heat burns the bottom of his Foesmasher cape. S-1 gets back up before pulling out a K-2 Throwing Knife and going into icepick grip. Soldier 11 is panting from the exertion of the earlier barrage, while S-1 is panting from adrenaline. S-1's visor reflects Soldier 11's image, and Soldier 11's goggles reflect his image. But none of them are going to back down. S-1 goes for the first swing, only for Soldier 11 to yell "COUNTER!" and S-1 is already on the ground from the dodge attack.

HELLDIVER S-1: Desperate times call for desperate measures... Helldivers... Never... Die...

Helldiver S-1 injects an experimental infusion stim into his neck as his vision suddenly turns into a yellow hue. Sky's ears start to ring as bloodlust rises through his whole body. Helldiver S-1 rises from the ground with his knife menacingly, with small chuckles of madness and bloodlust. He's not strong enough to resist the small bout of laughter that escapes his mouth.

HELLDIVER S-1: AHHAHA! AH HAHAHA HAHAHA!

The two engage in blade combat as Helldiver S-1 moves at inhuman speeds while Soldier 11 keeps up with her experience, but she can't beat him thanks to her fatigue. The clashing of steel ascends to the top of the escalator as a familiar voice continues to scream and play around at the bridge.

Grace: OH! AND THAT'S A RAILGUN! AND THOSE ARE THE BLUEPRINTS TO A MECH... Oh, wait, I already made one in a way...

Helldiver S-1: Are you? GONNA HELP ME?!

Grace is lost in her trance on the bridge while the two continue clashing across the upper half of the ship. The flame sword strikes parts of the walls and the ship, leaving scorch marks further illuminated by the alarm lights. The fighting even causes the accidental destruction of the Stratagem Hero arcade machine. Helldiver S-1 starts to lose steam from the stim as his vision turns to normal until, eventually, Soldier 11 sidesteps his thrust and kicks S-1 to the ground. Soldier 11 sighs in relief as the exhaustion from the fight has affected her a lot.

Soldier 11: Accept that you lost Sky...

Sky: Fine... I miss when people couldn't block bullets in my world... oh my stomach... I think I'm gonna-

Sky stands up abruptly as he leans over the guard railing and picks up his helmet slightly, exposing his mouth before starting to vomit his organs out from the side effects of the experimental infusion stim, combined with Soldier 11's kick. Soldier 11 takes out handcuffs and restrains Sky once he is done. Some of the vomit was red-tinted from blood and stained the lower floors, but it didn't look lethally serious.

Soldier 11: As a soldier of the Defense Force, I'm arresting you until we can decide what to do with an alien like you amid hollow disasters...

Sky: Great... as if losing and vomiting weren't bad enough... Bleh... my poor taste buds...

Soldier 11 offers a small red-tinted cracker to Sky.

Soldier 11: Take it, you need the nutrition for the ride. And you can consider it as my thanks for paying the noodle bill a few hours ago. I'll do my best to make sure you aren't discarded like trash. Command told me to be more "soft" with captives.

Sky: Thanks, Soldier 11... nom... AH AH AH! WHY IS IT SO SPICY?! MY TASTEBUDS ARE ON FIRE!

Soldier 11 chuckles a bit but keeps her mouth shut as Sky recovers from the heat.

Sky: Wow... so nice of you... Is this your soft side?

Soldier 11: Sadly... No.

Soldier 11 smacks Sky on the back of the helmet, knocking him unconscious before picking him up and taking him out of the ship.

Grace: OH AND EVEN MORE ARMORS FOR MYSELF! OH, I THINK SOME OF THESE FIT ME- Hey wait... where did everyone go?

Notes:

SPECIAL CHAPTER COMPLETED! I made this a more special chapter to round out these two very similar yet very different characters. Also, don't worry! Grace returned home okay, thanks to the proxies looking around and finding her in the ship rubble. The Mayor of New Eridu has seized the Super Destroyer ship to ensure the city's safety. I hope the fight scene was to everyone's liking! It's my first time doing something like that, so I hope it met expectations! Anyways, I got some important stuff to do in real life, so if a new chapter doesn't come out for a while, that's why.
(Edit: I completely re-did the fight scene with Soldier 11 since I felt that I didn't do a good enough job. I was tired when I wrote it, so I was less detailed and wrote it more quickly. Now the fight is a much more thorough, yet still chaotic, mess. I also fixed some inconsistency issues with the war bond weapons Sky was using by making him use "Experimental" versions of the Viper Commando gear. IE: Experimental Infusion Stims and Throwing Knives. Viper Commandos came out on June 13th, while Operation Enduring Peace, Phase 2, concluded on June 2.)

Chapter 8: A New Yet Unwanted Life

Summary:

Helldiver S-1 is at the lowest of lows... He had given up his secret and was attacked for it. You have to trust someone to be betrayed... yet Sky always trusted people... But a man with nothing to lose has nowhere to go but up.

Helldiver S-1 is unconscious in the back of a Defense Force truck with a few Defense Force Soldiers, including Soldier 11, after she called for extra help with New Eridu's new "guest". The less experienced soldiers keep their helmets on and their rifles close as the truck drives out of Hollow Zero. The more unprofessional soldiers start to speak about the circumstances while Soldier 11 drives.

DF Soldier 1: Hollows... Ethereals... Rebels... Now this? The universe has it out for us!

DF Soldier 2: Why not just take him out now and not have to deal with any aliens?

DF Soldier 3: Uh... and if his alien friends come here and find the body?

DF Soldier 2: Body? hehe...~ What body~?

Soldier 11: Follow orders, all three of you. We're not gonna kill him, then bury the body. Matters like this require the mayor's undivided attention.

DF Soldier 1: Mr. Mayflower himself? I doubt he will take something like this seriously. Even if he did, the best you're going to get is a private phone call to explain things.

DF Soldier 3: Y-Yeah! I heard he was losing sleep and doing work nonstop after all of these fiascos surrounding TOPS and other corporations! I think the Porcelume company is the only one that hasn't done anything too crazy, after the worker drama wasn't entirely their fault.

Soldier 11 silently agrees but decides to ring Mayor Mayflower's contact info anyway. After a few moments of waiting and listening to nice music, the secretary picks up.

Secretary: This is the Secretary of Mayor Mayflower speaking! If you have something to say to Mr. Mayflower, sadly, he is very busy with-

Soldier 11: This is Sergeant Soldier 11 of the Defense Force's Obsidian Division. I have urgent news that I need to share with Mayor Mayflower himself.

Secretary: OBOL Squad?! O-Of course! I can get you a private line with Mayor Mayflower... he's been up all night, so he's available now. Just make sure no one else can hear you.

Soldier 11 drives out of Hollow Zero and towards Scott Outpost. The Secretary rings the Mayor of New Eridu, and while they wait, Soldier 11 separates herself from anyone who can listen in on this conversation.

Soldier 11: You three can take our guest inside the private corners of Scott Outpost. I already permitted you to head there. I'll be back in a moment.

Soldier 11 walks away from the outpost and into a dark corner with heavy rain to mask the noise. Soldier 11 is illuminated by the faint moonlight and the neon glow of her communications device as the Mayor's voice finally comes through.

Mayor Mayflower: Soldier 11... I was informed that you have critical news.

Soldier 11: Yes, Mayor, we have captured a human who claims not to be from this world. He may even be from a completely different dimension. We also found an alien ship that he must have some correlation to when he was captured. His ship features numerous new inventions that could prove useful in the defense of New Eridu if properly studied.

Mayor Mayflower: ...And no one else knows about this...?

Soldier 11: Not that the Defense Force knows of, sir.

Mayor Mayflower: Good, bring the ship to these coordinates. No one from TOPS can catch wind of this, or else New Eridu would go into a frenzy. I'll have my most trusted personnel handle this issue. In the meantime, interrogate that alien and extract any information that can aid in the research. I will decide what to do if he proves to be cooperative... If not? You can decide.

Soldier 11: Roger that.

Mayor Mayflower: To ensure the information I am getting is correct and not a trap... Could you provide me with your "other" name? Only the real Soldier 11 knows what it is after it was wiped off the database.

Soldier 11 took a sharp inhale and exhaled through the freezing rain-filled air. That weak name of hers only brought up bad memories. But it was the mayor who wanted it. Soldier 11 decided that it was okay to say her name to him... though she hated to be reminded of her last Echoes of Silver, even if her memory loss made her forget the full picture.

Soldier 11: Harin... SERGEANT Harin...

Mayor Mayflower: Good. You can go and have a nice chat with our "guest" now. Ring this number if anything major comes up.

Soldier 11 agrees before hanging up. She returns to some of the most highly classified areas of Scott Outpost, where a makeshift interrogation room has been set up. Soldier 11 opens the door to find Sky unconscious and strapped into a chair with a few important needles jammed through the unarmed parts of him. Sky starts to wake up disoriented.

Sky: ugh... worst vacation ever... huh? Soldier 11? WAIT... WHY AM I STRAPPED IN THIS?

Soldier 11: Sky, listen to me. You have to cooperate with us or else-

HELLDIVER S-1: TO HELL WITH THAT! You strapped me to an interrogation chair while I was unconscious! This practically means war!

Soldier 11: Sky, if you don't, they will kill you. Ultimately, I don't care whether you live or die. So if you don't want to die in this chair, answer these questions, and the mayor may let you live.

Sky: I knew I couldn't trust you... Why do I keep making that mistake?

Soldier 11: I never asked for your trust. You just gave it to me against your better judgment. That was your mistake. But if you cooperate, that trust may not have been all for nothing.

S-1: I don't believe you... This is all just a setup to make me say something stupid.

Soldier 11 sighs before pressing a button on the chair, suddenly electrocuting it, causing Sky searing pain and screams. The voltage even causes his armor to reset multiple times due to the electricity as S-1 starts to resemble a light display. Soldier 11 shuts off the voltage as Sky is left panting in pain as his armor turns back on.

Soldier 11: That was 1/3rd of the voltage we wanted to use to interrogate you. Now... do you want to cooperate?

Sky: YEP, YES I HEARD YOU LOUD AND CLEAR SOLDIER 11 MHMM!

Soldier 11 breathes a small sigh of relief before exiting the room. Helldiver S-1 is interrogated, but they are only asking simpler questions about his planet and technology. He manages to go through the questions with half-truths that sneak past the lie detectors and do not reveal any classified Super Earth Info.

Soldier 11 gets some sleep as the rainy midnight becomes a pleasant hue of the morning breeze. Though for one helldiver... all that he was met with was cold walls and needles combined with chilling voices... though Sky was surprisingly calm. Perhaps his guilty conscience made him feel like he deserved this. Soldier 11 enters the room again to find Sky slouched in his chair, exhausted. The sight of Soldier 11 walking up to him causes his blood to boil over in anger.

Helldiver S-1: GET ME OUT OF THIS CHAIR! YOU KNOW THIS IS FUCKED UP! WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME NOW?!

Soldier 11: The interrogators told me that you come from a very democratic and dystopian world called Super Earth. I wouldn't believe such a thing, but the lie detectors said that you were correct. You have proven to be cooperative, Sky. The mayor wants to speak with you over the phone about an "opportunity."

Helldiver S-1: So an alien like me isn't even given the honor of meeting the mayor? Well, he's lost my vote, and he can stick it up his ASS!

Soldier 11: Sky, if you don't take this seriously, you'll be stuck in this chair until you perish... so what do you decide?

Sky concurs as Soldier 11 brings the phone up into his helmet.

Mayor Mayflower: Sky? Thank you for bringing such advanced medical and explosives technology from your ship to us.

Helldiver S-1: Wait... you studied my Super Destroyer?! YOU SICK-

Soldier 11: SKY! Calm down!

Helldiver S-1: DEMOCRACY WILL HAVE YOUR HEADS! BOTH OF YOU! YOU'LL SCREAM FOR MERCY WHEN I'M DONE WITH YOU! I'LL HANG YOU FROM YOUR INTESTINES IF I FIND YOU MAYOR!

Helldiver S-1 tries breaking out of his chair in anger from the breach in privacy and classification. Soldier 11 takes out her sword and holds it to the helldiver's neck as blood starts to drip from it. Helldiver S-1 continues to struggle in his chair as the blade goes deeper, and the heat starts cauterizing his new wound. Sky feels his neck start to get small burns before he stops struggling, but is still grinding his teeth in hatred while panting in exhaustion like a rabid animal.

Mayor Mayflower: It's alright, Soldier 11... I expected as much, and it's a reasonable reaction to our breach of privacy. Sorry for getting off on the wrong foot, Sky, but this city is in dire straits, as even you can tell. I only did this for the people of New Eridu, and I want to make sure you benefit from this "deal" as well.

S-1: Just what do you want from me... and why the hell should I listen...

Mayor Mayflower: You will be released from this cell and monitored from afar. We will keep your ship until all of its contents have been logged and studied. You will also be allowed to keep the armor you have on unless you commit any crime. We may contact you for further assistance or testing. But I know you can't refuse these terms... I know how much freedom matters to you...

Sky: Freedom... ahem, I need to know one more thing before I accept. If I help you in the future, what's in it for me besides freedom? I need something more helpful than just removing a threat. A man of integrity like you can surely provide? Or was I mistaken~?

Mayor Mayflower: Very well... If you help us successfully in the future, or if your equipment on board the ship proves useful enough, I will provide full compensation and assist in repairing your ship to a flying state, allowing you to return home. Do we have a deal... Helldiver...?

Sky hesitates... he knows that doing a deal like this is akin to making a deal with the devil. But if that's what it takes to get home, he's willing to take the only deal on the table, no matter how bad it is.

Helldiver S-1/Sky: ...Deal...

Mayor Mayflower exits the call as Soldier 11 undoes the needles and straps on Sky's chair. Sky relishes the feeling of having freedom again... even if it isn't much. He looks at Soldier 11 with pure disgust and betrayal under his visor, trusting her not to toss him aside as trash. But the fate she provided may have been worse than death and abandonment. It'll take a while before he gets used to this...

Soldier 11: Now then, where do you want to be dropped off in New Eridu?

Helldiver S-1: Get the hell away from me if you know what's good for you, Soldier 11. I should have killed you back on that ship when I had the chance...

Soldier 11: Fine, you may be allowed to exit, but we're still watching you, await your orders, S-1.

S-1: Don't count on it...

Helldiver S-1 exits Scott Outpost before going in a more discreet vehicle back to Sixth Street. S-1 leans against the window, still recovering from the chair and needles, leaving sore spots all over his body. He arrives at Sixth Street before exiting the vehicle. Sky heads to Waterfall Soup to regain his energy with food, but the place leaves a very sour spot in Sky's mouth, knowing he met Soldier 11 here.

General Chop: Oh hey! I'd remember that helmet anywhere! Where's Soldier 11? She was here with you last time! Did things not work out?

Helldiver S-1: Don't talk about her! I don't even wanna think about that traitorist snake right now!

General Chop: Don't talk about my favorite customer in that way!

Sky: ...right... sorry I'm just having one of those days...

General Chop: Ah, I see... Some noodles can help brighten your mood! What do you want?

Sky: What you gave me yesterday, I don't mind. Thanks a lot, General Chop.

General Chop makes another batch of Cold Noodles for S-1. He seems on edge and eats slower than when they first met. General Chop can sense that something is off with him again.

General Chop: You seem stressed, kid. What's your name?

Sky: Huh? I'm... S-1.

General Chop: huh... weird name for someone... then again... I shouldn't be talking...

S-1 looks over his shoulder to see if someone is watching him out of stress. Unbeknownst to him, the girl watching him from afar didn't need "eyes" to see him, not in the traditional sense. The person watching from afar ducks under the rooftop, only to see that S-1 is under control and safe, before deciding to leave.

S-1: I feel like someone was watching me.

General Chop: I think you're looking too much into things... You should be more worried about the noodles that Soldier 11 paid me to spice up for you so that you would calm down~

Sky: WHA- AH AH! I FEEL IT NOW! HOW CAN YOU TWO DO THIS?! *COUGH*

General Chop: Relax, I reduced the spice and- who's that?

Suddenly, whilst Sky is recovering, Sky feels his supply pack snatched away from him by a red and white wearing cat thiren girl with a hooded robe to conceal herself.

Helldiver S-1: HEY! THAT'S MY STUFF! GET BACK HERE!

???: Catch me if you can! Nya~!

The thiren dashes away in the opposite direction of Waterfall Soup before climbing to the top of Bardic Needle. S-1 is no pushover as he does the same, but a lot slower. Entertained spectators watch as Sky and this mysterious girl dash and jump across rooftops around Sixth Street. Eventually, the girl jumps onto the train rails above Sixth Street in an attempt to make Sky chicken out... but he's a helldiver...

???: Nya?! Why did you jump after me?! You're supposed to chicken out, you know!

Helldiver S-1: Not until you give me my supplies back! DEMOCRACY ISN'T DONE WITH YOU!!!

???: Over my dead... uh... Mackerel!

The cat girl is about to run across the rail bridge, only for one train to almost hit her, causing the blinding wind to knock her hood down, showing her cat ears. She cartoonishly walks back a few steps before deciding that this was not worth it. The cat girl runs into Sky before jumping away from him back onto the rooftops as Sky gives chase. Finally, when the two arrive at the rooftop above Howl's Newsstand, Sky misses the jump but grabs onto the supplies the girl stole.

???: Hey! Get your stinking paws off! Meow! HISS!

HELLDIVER S-1: BAD KITTY! Give me back my Supply Pack! Back... pack. And stop shaking already before I fall! Or I'll gut you up like a tuna!

???: This isn't worth the hassle! Consider this a treat from Nekomiya Mana~

Sky: Uh... who? OOF! WHOA!

Nekomata with a cheeky grin, drops the backpack, causing Sky to fall directly onto the dumpster below in a loud crash before the momentum carries S-1 into the bike parking bar, striking him on the ribs... again... Sky rolls onto his back with a small laugh at getting his supplies.

Officer Mewmew: Oh no, citizen! It seems you were the victim of a mugging! Not to fear! Mewmew will always protect you! Or should I say~ Paw-tect you~?

Helldiver S-1: I don't wanna hear it from a cat right now! Sweet Liberty... argh... my ribs...

Mewmew goes back into its post with a happy posture while Sky lies in the trash spewed out from the dumpster... this was certainly a new yet unwanted life... but the best he could do was accept it for now... Sky started to think about everything now. Why did he trust Soldier 11 and Mayor Mayflower? Well, because she may be his only hope? But did he need help? No... A true helldiver never needs help... but he should see how this all plays out. And he could get home early and get the things he mainly wanted.

Sky: I need a shower... and an equipment tune-up... and some sleep...

Notes:

Sorry, this took forever! I had to deal with personal stuff, as I said, but I'm back for now. And as always, Comments about this chapter and suggestions for improvement are greatly appreciated and will be reviewed with far more effort than an automatic TOPS refusal email.
(If you are reading this, Chapter 8 has been updated to have Sky hate Soldier 11 in a lot more of a natural way! The biggest complaint in the series or fanfic, whatever you call it, has been fixed! Along with some new dialogue and significant changes, as you may have noticed.)

Chapter 9: Reputation to Prove and a Past to Hide

Summary:

Echos and Regret... The two go hand in hand in Sky's mind. But what was once a new mission filled with hope turns into a nightmare that will bring back the past he had kept buried.

Sky gets up from the spot he fell on with a sore side, but otherwise, he's in good shape for now. A lack of proper sleep, thanks to the interrogation, was affecting Sky, as all the quiet corners looked very attractive. Sky goes to a more hidden spot above the remodeling shop before taking off his cape and covering it over his crouching form. It wouldn't be long before the snug helldiver would knock out for a few hours. Suddenly, A call notification on the helldiver helmet would snap him awake on the next day's overcast afternoon.

Sky: nnn... huh? How long has it been? Afternoon? On the next day? Oh man... wait, a call from an unknown contact? Uhh... boop?

Mayor Mayflower: Sky? Ah, the number Soldier 11 received while you were unconscious was correct.

Helldiver S-1: Mr. Mayor? Already regretting this... What do you need from me? Make it quick before I lose my temper.

Mayor Mayflower: I'll be blunt, I want to see how strong you are against ethereals. With proper training, you could become more of a threat.

Helldiver S-1: And what's in it for me?

Mayor Mayflower: Well, sleeping on the street can't be good for you, can it? I'll give you a favor from me, along with a small apartment on the side. I need you to be on New Eridu's side, kid, and treating you right goes a long way.

Sky: WHAT? So you weren't lying about watching me from afar. But fine, I'll go with your "mission" to see how it plays out. And you were right, sleeping on the floor isn't the best.

Mayor Mayflower: You will have to do this mission solo; however, the scientists want the most accurate data possible. Normally, we would use our HIA VR systems for such a purpose, but they had trouble scanning all your gear into the simulation. We won't be far, however, so safety shouldn't be a concern. Which hollow do you want to be sent towards?

Helldiver S-1: I won't need it, send me to the scariest hollow, I prefer more hands-on training. I'll become the ethereal's salvation.

Mayor Mayflower: You will be driven to these coordinates at Scott Outpost. Then, you will be flown into Hollow Zero and examined until further notice. Do not disappoint my trust, Sky.

Helldiver S-1: I'd be glad to disappoint you, Mayflower~ Fine... I'll do it. But only if you keep your word, Mayflower. And you talk too much... *BEEP*

Sky hangs up the call with a smirk under his helmet for getting his get-back on the mayor. A military jeep arrives at Sky's location as he is walking down to Scott Outpost. The Mayor wanted to earn Sky's trust, and it shows... maybe he's scared that more helldivers could show up and think this planet was a threat if he killed Sky.

DF Soldier: You're that alien guy Mr. Mayflower was talkin' about! Come on in! Scott Outpost is a far walking distance and you don't wanna miss that whirlybird, do you?

Sky: Whirlybird...? Whatever, sure I could use a ride.

Sky hops into the passenger seat of the jeep before the two zoom over to Scott Outpost. This DF Soldier was different in that he had an accent compared to anyone else Sky had met.

DF Soldier: You know I agree with treating aliens right, I mean, shoot man... this whole world hates us and we wanna add another enemy to it? Yet I WILL have another enemy if that damn whirlybird leaves without us!

Helldiver S-1: HELICOPTER! IT IS A HELICOPTER! YOU CALL THAT THING A WHIRLYBIRD ONE MORE TIME-

DF Soldier: Oh, shoot, we made it on time, man! You go out there quickly and hop into that whirly- helicopter and kick some ETHEREAL ASS!

Sky: Yeah, you got that right.

S-1 exits the jeep before getting his first daytime look at Scott Outpost. It's filled with Defense Force Soldiers, HIA investigators, and the ever-looming threat of Hollow Zero. He enters the helicopter as it flies over into Hollow Zero to begin Sky's first official mission since he succeeded in Meridia's mission... well, would that count as a success if he ended up here? Eh...

Pilot: We've arrived at Hollow Zero. Mayor Mayflower instructs you to keep a level head and activate the data transmitter at the drop site. Remove any ethereal objects near the data by any means necessary and stay close to them. Have a nice day.

Helldiver S-1 dismounts from the chopper with a slight nod. The pilot flies away as ethereals start to manifest from the ground again, but this time, Sky isn't going to run away. He was going to prove himself to the mayor that he was and always would be... A HELLDIVER. Ethereals start to screech and attack at S-1, but he keeps a level head and dodges before spraying them down with his LAR (Liberator AR) and P-2 Pistol. What set S-1 apart from other fighters in New Eridu was that he was an expert in threat analysis, specifically in determining which attacks he should dodge or tank. His armor allowed him to take more minor blows with no pushback and retaliate.

Helldiver S-1: Whoa! That's a close one! Unfortunately, Democracy protects! And all of you ethereals don't have anything on Managed Democracy!

S-1 clears out all the ethereals, and before more could spawn, the data transmitter resets in a loud pulse, scaring all the ethereals away. Sky lets out a small cheer before calling Mayor Mayflower.

Mayor Mayflower: You did your mission, I know. Head back to Scott Outpost for your reward, Sky. You can at least handle yourself with the lower threat level ethereals.

Sky: Wait, lower threat levels...? Ugh... alright, I'll see you back at the outpost. But don't call this number unless it's important! *BEEP*

Sky hangs up the call on his helmet, but unbeknownst to him... One lone ethereal was still alive and a lot more deadly than the rest. The white and red colored ethereal curls into a ball and spins into Sky, knocking him onto the ground and grinding against his armor, spilling out Miasma all over his armor.

Sky: AH! G-GET OFF OF ME! URGH! GET THE FUCK OFF! AH!

The Miasma seeps into his armor and the body inside it, causing weakness. Sky barely manages to pick up his pistol lying on the floor and shoots the ethereal ending the attack. Sky feels weak and unable to move when a white-dressed man with a mask approaches him and kneels to his level.

Sky: W-Who... the heck... are you...?

???: Ah... lost child... You seem to reject the creator's blessing. Do not be afraid... It'll only serve to make your suffering all the worse. But I will ensure you feel his blessing... MAY THE CREATOR REFINE-

*BULLET CRACK*

*thud*

With a sharp bullet crack from a sniper, the "missionary" is put to a swift end in a soft thud on the ground. A blond-haired sniper with a mask for eyes rushes to Sky's side with dark purple lights illuminating her concern. Was... she the person watching him this whole time... like an angel...? That voice sounded nice... s-s-so.... n-nice...

???: Hey! Don't lose consciousness! The Miasma must be getting to you! Fight it, Sky! We'll get you out of here...

Sky doesn't hear much more of what his "angel' says before knocking out. When Sky awakens, he feels lighter for some reason... and wait... he was back on the Super Destroyer? Sky exits his room's bed, which looks exactly like it first did when he graduated from training two years ago, before the Second Galactic War. He even felt younger as well... as though his armor felt cleaner and lighter without any burdens...

Sky: Where... Am I?

No one was there to answer the question; the only thing Sky noticed was unknown numbers left in the top right corner of his helmet HUD.

9 20 19 1 12 12 1 4 18 5 1 13 25 15 21 8 1 22 5 20 15 23 1 11 5 21 16 19 11 25 16 12 5 1 19 5 4 15 14 20 19 20 1 25 20 18 1 16 16 5 4 9 14 20 8 5 16 1 19 20 25 15 21 11 9 12 12 5 4 8 9 13 19 11 25 14 15 15 14 5 5 12 19 5 10 21 19 20 25 15 21 25 15 21 4 5 19 5 18 22 5 20 8 9 19 9 19 20 8 9 19 23 8 1 20 25 15 21 23 1 14 20 5 4 16 21 14 9 19 8 13 5 14 20 25 15 21 14 5 5 4 19 1 12 22 1 20 9 15 14 19 11 25 1 14 4 13 9 1 19 13 1 9 19 20 8 5 11 5 25

Notes:

I need sleep, plz halp. Anyway, I recommend translating that number sequence at the end using an online translator that orders numbers in alphabetical order (e.g., 1=A, 2=B, etc.). Or, you can translate it manually if you prefer. Additionally, I want to include one video game reference (excluding ZZZ and HD2, obviously) in every chapter, so whoever comments the correct answer will receive some praise from me. And as always, comment on what you predict will happen in this next very special chapter, and also comment on what you'd like to see next!

(ALSO HUGE SPECIAL THANKS TO Not_A_Cow for the idea of using Miasma, which is being used now to make this and the next chapter.)

(Not_A_Cow... I believe you, but don't worry. I'll ignore all the moos I hear from you.)

Chapter 10: Monument to All Your Sins

Summary:

Sky is put into a Miasma-induced dream after his successful mission in Hollow Zero. The Miasma forces him to relive his brightest and darkest memories... from the warmth of family to the birth of Helldiver S-1.

MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE OF SKY'S MIND

Trigger: Damnit... He's nearly fully corrupted. It's all a dream, Sky... You have to wake up, Sky! Don't let the Miasma consume your past! Sigh... I should get Soldier 11 before she gets mad at me for losing her new "friend". *Mask LED lights up in purple and blue for sadness and focus, respectively*

Trigger calls Soldier 11, who is busy petting her favorite black cat, Inky, which is now staying in Random Play.

Soldier 11: Trigger, what's the mission?

Trigger: Not a mission this time, but remember Sky?

Soldier 11: The Mayor made you look after him, I know.

Trigger: That's not what I - Look, Sky is in trouble. Mayflower sent him into Hollow Zero, and he got ambushed by some Miasma Ethereals. The Miasma is overtaking him, and I don't know if there's any way to heal him in time!

Soldier 11: On my way. 4 minutes. *Beep*

Trigger: As reliable as ever... I can see why Anby considered her the perfect teammate. *Lights Orange*

Trigger drags Sky to a safe corner of Hollow Zero while watching over his body. She felt guilty for not being quick enough to shoot the ethereal before it dumped Miasma over Sky. She at least took some pride in the fact that she killed the Exaltist before he fully turned Sky into an ethereal. Trigger sprays some of her spare anti-corruption medicine over Sky to help stall the Miasma corruption. Unfortunately, this also makes his dreams start to turn into nightmares, and she knows it. Sky suddenly starts to exhibit signs of Miasma exposure as he begins to mumble in his sleep.

Sky: I-I should stay asleep... It's happier here... I-I deserved a h-happy ending. The Creator... will give it to me...

Trigger: Wake up... Don't let it win. Oh! Soldier 11, you made it. He's in critical condition, but he's stable for now. What's the plan?

Soldier 11: There aren't many people who can cure Miasma exposure this deep. The armor may be the only reason he's still alive. Scott Outpost lacks medics on site to address such deep-seated exposure. Mainly because of how quickly it started in Hollow Zero.

Trigger: Let's think outside the box. Is there any way to cure it inside Hollow Zero? That would give us far more time.

Soldier 11: Negative. Unless...

Soldier 11 puts her fingers to her ear, activating her intercom. Trigger watches with curiosity whilst checking Sky's heartbeat. High Command receives the signal and patches her through.

Soldier 11: This is Sergeant Soldier 11. I need the whereabouts of Agent Yi Xuan. I have a Miasma-corrupted citizen next to me and need her help in purification.

Command: Agent Yi Xuan is in Hollow Zero right now, and it looks like she's fighting a high-threat level ethereal all by herself. It doesn't appear that she can assist you at the moment.

Soldier 11: That's fine, we're in Hollow Zero right now, we'll head over to her ourselves.

Trigger: Huh?

Command: If that's what you think is best. Command out.

Trigger: I know we're qualified to deal with Hollow Zero, but dragging Sky along with us feels like a far bigger task.

Soldier 11: Are you still coming?

Trigger: Of course. I'll cover fire and protect Sky. You do the rest.

Soldier 11 takes a small bite of her red hot crackers while Trigger takes a bite of her red bean bun in preparation. The race against the clock was ticking. The two get the coordinates of Yi Xuan before they start moving. Unfortunately, Yi Xuan is at the very end of the path, leaving Trigger and Soldier 11 having to jump through random fissures until they arrive. Trigger drags Sky by the arms while Soldier 11 takes out the ethereals in their path.

Trigger: The Miasma is causing heart problems again! Just keep moving, we're almost there. I'll stabilize him.

Soldier 11: Roger that!

Trigger puts Sky down in a corner before looking around the battlefield for anything that can help. She supports Soldier 11 with cover fire whilst looking around boxes and corpses, which causes discomfort in her senses. Luckily, she finds some Ether Dewdrops that a fallen explorer must have brought in from the Withered Domain of Hollow Zero. Sky starts mumbling again when Trigger administers the Ether Dewdrops.

Sky: I won't... resist... Refinement... I'm so close to... it...

Trigger: Sky, all those other voices aren't real! WAKE-

Soldier 11: Where is my cover fire?!

Trigger: Right! Sorry... *Lights Pink in Embarrassment*

Trigger and Soldier 11 take out the remaining ethereals before the final fissure shows up, revealing where Yi Xuan is. The two, along with their plus one, proceed through before encountering Yi Xuan fighting a Miasma Priest. Yi Xuan is struggling with the lack of teammates as Trigger and Soldier 11 take their time to analyze the situation.

Yi Xuan: Hmm... This fight is taking a lot longer than predicted... but doing it myself is the only way Fufu and the rest have enough time to finish restoring Suibian Temple.

Soldier 11: S11 is ready to assist, Agent Yi Xuan.

Trigger: We've got your back.

Yi Xuan: Ah, Trigger, Good to see OBOL Squad again. I haven't had the chance to pay you back for the help last-

Miasma Priest: DIE! HERETICS!

Trigger: No time for that, unfortunately. This bullet will reach its mark!

The full team starts to battle the Miasma Priest as Sky is left at the back corner mumbling nonsense. As the Miasma Priest gets more damaged, it starts shooting out more Miasma around the arena, as Sky is visibly affected by the air.

Sky: Creator... will... refine... m-me... Creator will make me whole... Creator will make me so...

Yi Xuan: Looks like your friend is rooting for our opponent~

Soldier 11: He's got an interesting sense of humor.

Trigger: I saw you poison him with spicy noodles, Soldier 11. I'm afraid his hatred is justified.

Yi Xuan: Focus, please. Your friend won't make it if we don't end this swiftly!

Soldier 11: Copy that.

The three start to focus on the Priest as parries, dodges, and lots of death threats by the Miasma Priest are thrown around. The fight becomes hectic as Sky becomes increasingly corrupted by the Miasma. The Priest uses more and more Miasma while Yi Xuan tries to keep some of it from hitting Sky, while the two others trade blows with the Priest. His body starts twitching as the battle starts to draw to a close.

Soldier 11: Target is almost dead...

Yi Xuan: I don't have any energy left, you do it.

Trigger: Come on, Sky... hang in there, we're almost done.

The three finish the fight by using all three of their ultimates as the Miasma Priest fades away defeated. The Miasma around the arena fades, but it only delays Sky's death if he isn't treated. The three agents pant in exhaustion before a blood-curdling scream from Sky signals that he is starting to lose against the Miasma.

Soldier 11: Over here! Quickly!

Yi Xuan: On it! I'll deal with the Miasma. You two keep him still!

Trigger: Already on it.

Soldier 11 and Trigger hold him still as Yi Xuan starts the purification process. Sky's partially corrupted body instinctively throws punches, but they are all dodged by Soldier 11 and Trigger. Trigger feels and hears the suffering Sky is undertaking before she decides to try to calm him down. Trigger reaches into her vest and pulls out a bullet-marked harmonica. Soldier 11 looks at Trigger with slight concern and confusion under her poker face.

Soldier 11: S-1's not dead, Trigger.

Trigger: He needs this...

Soldier 11: ...Make it quick, I'll hold him...

Trigger takes a deep breath before starting to play a very familiar tune. "Homecoming", The purification process finishes as Yi Xuan pulls out a long stream of Liquid Miasma from Sky's mouth. Soldier 11 moves his helmet enough so it can escape, but not enough to reveal his face out of her "small smudge" of respect towards him. The three await with faded breath for his awakening. They were all curious about what happened in Sky's dreams... but if only they knew of the nightmares he endured.

TWENTY MINUTES AGO FROM THE PRESENT, SKY'S MIASMA DREAMS DURING TRIGGER AND SOLDIER 11'S RESCUE

Sky looks around his old room as nostalgia floods his perception. Everything feels blurry and uncanny. There was wind, and yet he was in space? Sky explores the room, but it doesn't take long for him to find the picture of when he donned his cape for the first time after completing helldiver training. He looked more optimistic, small, protected, and most importantly, sane. Sky puts the photo back with care before hearing some noises outside his room. He exits the room to find a small group of helldivers and ship crew playing an iconic Super Earth game back before the war.

Someone would release a large jar full of extremely small terminids before stomping them to see who could get the most kills.

Helldiver T-3: Hey! That one's running away, get him!

Helldiver S-4: KILL IT KILL IT!

Crew Technician: I already did my part! It's right below your leg, S-1! Kill it!

Sky lowers his foot as a small screech from the terminid makes its painful death known. The three cheer before going back to their spots. This must be a party day, as there are far more helldivers and staff hanging around the ship. Most are drinking either Liber-Tea or some very democratic alcohol. Sky can't resist the small smile that sneaks onto his younger face as he walks around.

Ship TV: Today is Liberty Day! Become the patriot you were always meant to be. Support your helldiver family by buying a Liberty helmet today! (Helmets are on sale for 20% off, but can only be redeemed by a helldiver with several lost limbs that were lost in service while still serving for another 20 years on top of that.)

Helldiver D-1: Heyyyyyyyy Skyyyy.... hic.... Want some drinks?

Younger Sky: Oh no, I'm fine, not old enough to drink, but I appreciate it! Thanks, Helldiver.

Helldiver D-1: You're such a disappointment... hic... OH, I LOVE THAT MUSIC! TURN IT UP!

Helldiver A-1: Hey D-1! I'm gonna beat your high score on Stratagem Hero!

Helldiver D-1: HIC- NO! DON'T YOU DARE! I SWEAR ALISSA, IF YOU BEAT IT!

Sky chuckles as the team bonding between all the helldivers is on full display. He feels at peace seeing everyone have fun, but wait... why does this feel too good? Ah, who cares? It's a party! But some alone time could help figure out why his head was ringing constantly... Sky goes to the bridge where no one else is before looking out at the planet and- wait... was that Meridia?

???: Ah... our home planet, still as lovely as ever, right, Sky?

Young Sky: AH! I'm sorry... wait, who are you?

???: Funny joke, Sky! I almost fell for it. No, but seriously, that wasn't very good. You need to improve your humor and sarcasm.

Sky looks at the helldiver next to him, but he can't seem to recognize him... until he sees the small mark on his helmet, L-2. There was only one helldiver on the ship with that call sign... and it belonged to...

L-2: So, how's my baby brother doing after his first month of being a helldiver? Is it as nice as you thought? Helping destroy any chance of the bugs escaping the E-710 farms?

Young Sky: Well... It's not as nice without you, big bro... not nearly as nice... and it's much colder without you too...

L-2: What do you mean? I'm standing right here, aren't I?

S-1: OH, right, sorry my head has just been feeling weird lately... like I had such a long dream and now I woke up back to you. But I feel much better now. It's great to hear your voice again! It's been a while!

L-2: We just talked last night... are you okay?

Young Sky: I uh... I don't know actually... I could um... I...

Sky starts to remember the bad memories, but they all seem scrambled.... but one thing is for sure... his brother shouldn't be alive right now... and Meridia shouldn't be here. Suddenly, before Sky can finish his thought process, L-2 hugs him tightly. Small water droplets fall onto Sky's visor as he finds himself holding on tightly as well... he was... real. How? Eh... who cares... too tired to think right now...

L-2: If you want to talk about something, get it off your chest, Sky!

Young Sky: I just had a nightmare today... It's like I blinked... and you were gone. I'm so tired...

L-2: Don't think like that, gosh, you've been such an emotional sap for an 18-year-old, you know that? I think mom treated you too well~ Maybe I should kick your ass more often and make you work harder so you grow up.

S-1: I'd rather you not actually haha... I can't even cry without you making me look weak... I hate you... such an ass... and besides, Mom is on Meridia now and she's watching us from afar rather than working you to the grave.

L-2: It's about time she recognized how good I am. And how bad you are compared to me and everyone else. Still couldn't tie your shoes until you were 12~

Young Sky: HEY HEY DON'T SAY THAT OUT LOUD! SOMEONE WILL HEAR THAT!

The two brothers laugh as one laughs from an everyday conversation with his baby brother, while the other laughs at being reunited with the last bit of family he has, even for just a moment. Sky starts to feel his head twitch and throb more as the lively atmosphere of the Super Destroyer starts to change into action, as multiple boots run around in a frenzy.

"Sky... wake up"

"Wake up... don't let it win..."

"Stay asleep... It's happier here... you deserve the happy ending... the creator will give it to you..."

Sky's headache stops as he looks down at Meridia again, but this time it's covered in bug infestations... Sky already knew what period he was in... The Second Galactic War. TWO YEARS AFTER THE PREVIOUS MEMORY

L-2: Have they found Mom yet?

S-1: Huh? Oh... no, nothing yet... But I'm sure they'll find her! She has to be-

L-2: Sky... listen to me... You've been on that planet... You know how bad it is... I want Mom to be alive just as much as you do, but... we can't live a happy life forever, brother... And we are living through dark parts of history right now. I'll keep you safe though... I promise.

Sky: Okay... You better keep that promise, Leo... or I'm haunting you until you die!

Leo: Hehe... a lazy bum like you wouldn't even leave the spot you died at. I'll do everything in my power to protect you, even if you don't think I am.

Sky: What's that supposed to mean?

Leo: You'll understand when you're old and with minor back pain like me~

Sky: I'm 20 now! And you are only 34... okay, that is old, never mind...

L-2: Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, bro. I have to go on a critical mission, so I might not be back for a while. But I'll make sure you get working when I get back! Love ya.

Sky and Leo share a small chuckle before sobering up at the sight of their home planet in distress. Sky's head starts to throb with pain again randomly. The Super Destroyer under his feet becomes solid concrete... Is he in some research facility? Sky doesn't recall this memory. Sky feels far less in control now as he is practically watching his memories play out in front of him.

"WAKE UP!"

"Miasma is causing heart problems! Just keep moving! We're almost there!"

"Do NOT resist child... YOU ARE SO CLOSE TO REFINEMENT!"

Sky: Ugh... What is happening?! Nnn... shit... okay... It's over... where am I?

Sky walks around the factory as it's covered in darkness. Suddenly, the democracy officer speaks through Sky's helmet.

Democracy Officer: Helldiver S-1! A traitor of Super Earth is inside this factory! You must kill or capture him by any means necessary! If you don't, He may leak top-classified documents of Dark Fluid! You cannot allow this traitor to succeed and threaten the lives of Managed Democracy!

Sky: Affirmative, sir!

Sky walks through the factory with his flashlight on... There were plenty of dead scientists and bugs with bullet casings littered everywhere. Sky notices that it resembles a holdout in the research facility, which went about as well as one would suspect... Sky goes through corridors before turning a corner and seeing the classified documents.

Sky: AH! There you are! Finally found-

Before Sky can finish his sentence, He is suddenly bonked on the head and knocked unconscious. Sky wakes up in a research freezer that has been converted into his chamber. The documents were missing, and so were his guns. Sky sees another helldiver outside of the glass window, but with red marks instead of yellow ones.

Sky: Traitor! You can't even face me yourself? Coward! Who are you?!

Leo: I wish it didn't have to go like this, dear brother...

Sky: L-LEO? What are you doing? WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU-

Leo: Sky, listen to your older brother for once, please! Those documents aren't as simple as you make them out to be! Dark Fluid is dangerous! These documents contain info that can save lives and-

Sky: NO! You don't get to call me a brother anymore! You're a traitor... all this time, and I thought you were just gone on a secret mission. It's been months!

Sky's voice is filled with heartbreak and pain from not having any family to comfort him for the past few months. Leo's face, visible beneath his black and red helmet, is one of pain and regret. But still, these were the paths they both walked. One wanted to be a hero, the other wanted to save people. Two brothers torn apart by the cruel reality of their world. Leo slowly puts his hand on the glass if Sky wishes to do the same.

Leo: I'm sorry for not being a good brother... I should have been better. And now I broke your heart...

Sky: I saw you as my dad, you know... my role model... my hero... now look at you... I'm not looking at him anymore.

Leo: Sky... I want you to know that I never chose this path out of hate for Super Earth. I picked it for you, I wanted you to live happily without any fear of terminids or automatons, and I was willing to do anything... just like I promised you and Mom.

Sky slowly puts a hand on Leo's through the glass before a loud bang is heard throughout the facility. Leo withdraws his hand in fear.

Leo: They're here... Sky, listen to me! Those documents must be leaked!

Sky: Why? What is so important about them?!

Leo: LISTEN TO ME, BROTHER, BEFORE MILLIONS OF LIVES ARE-

Before Leo can finish his sentence, a deafening bullet crack is heard as Sky flinches from the sound. When he opens his eyes, He sees his last family member with a large hole in his helmet with a large blood splatter on the glass. Leo starts to slide down the glass as Sky does the same in panic and fear.

Sky: L-Leo? LEO?! LEO! NO NO NO! DON'T LEAVE ME AGAIN! STAY WITH ME PLEASE! B-Big bro...?

Leo slides down completely as his lifeless body hits the ground outside the freezer. The person behind him, with the smoking shotgun barrel, is dressed in all red. The Truth Enforcer is wearing a UF-50 Bloodhound set and has the SG-20 Halt set to kill mode. Another Truth Enforcer wearing the UF-16 Inspector Set walks in with his arms behind his back.

Bloodhound: Target eliminated, sir.

Inspector: You'll earn a promotion yet, Truth Enforcer. That's one less traitor to deal with.

Sky: You... You killed... YOU... YOU'RE DEAD! YOU HEAR ME?! DEAD!!! YOU SICK BASTARDS! I'LL KILL YOU!!!

Sky begins banging on the cracked glass as the two truth enforcers on the other side watch with no reaction. The Bloodhound rechambers another round while the Inspector watches with curiosity at such an outburst of human emotion. They were completely desensitized to such scenarios as the Inspector wipes his boot from the ground pool of blood that stained it.

Bloodhound: Sir, this helldiver's loyalty is compromised. Permission to neutralize?

Inspector: Granted. We have no use for such disloyalty towards Super Earth. It's a pity for a helldiver to fall out of line. Time to end him.

Sky's blood-fueled rage turns into fear as he ducks the first shotgun blast. The two truth enforcers start shooting through the glass as Sky hides behind a metal container.

Inspector: Hold your fire, Bloodhound... This one may have the spirit we're looking for in the brainwashing program...

Bloodhound: Permission to Stun and Pacify?

Inspector: Granted, we'll make an excellent helldiver out of him yet... take him out, then take the Dark Fluid Documents.

Sky: W-Wait, please, no, don't-

Before Sky can even finish his plea, the Bloodhound Truth Enforcer enters the freezer and turns the corner before he mercilessly shoots Sky with the stun mode on the SG-20. Sky quickly loses consciousness from the voltage as he watches the Inspector pick up the documents his late brother worked so hard to get. The voices in Sky's memory start to fade in and out as the Miasma gets more of a hold on him.

"SUBMIT! And release yourself from fear!"
"May the creator share our blessing to all."
"May the creator refine us all."
"May the creator bless us all."
"May the creator solve it all."
"Sky! Come on, wake up! All those voices aren't real!"

Sky's vision is completely black as only faint sounds of combat can be heard. Suddenly, more strangely familiar voices start to speak about... him? And... Brainwashing?

???: The helldiver has been successfully brainwashed into believing that Super Earth is the only thing that matters.

???: So what is the problem?

???: His responses to our orders have been sporadic. Unpredictable, He shows remarkable resilience in clinging to his ill-begotten humanity. He's unusual; other test subjects have shown to be far more successful. However, we have found workarounds to keep him loyal nonetheless. For now, the best we can do is remove the memory of how his family died and replace it with something better.

???: So we replace his brother's death with a memory of Terminids killing him?

???: Precisely, we will send him back to his ship once it is done. However, I must warn you that forcefully doing a procedure like this can cause a major fracture in his personality. This helldiver may have a split between brainwashing and confused humanity, but as long as you use the code phrase, He should go back to normal. Unfortunately, frequent use of the code phrase can make him immune, but strong emotions can still trigger the personality change.

???: And what is the code phrase? Something simple?

???: Of course, we made it something he will always hear no matter where he is... awaken... S-1.

Helldiver S-1 slowly awakens. He looks confused and scared, but slowly calms down and remains as still as a statue. Helldiver S-1 slowly rises from his brainwashing bed as the scientist and democracy officer gaze at such perfection. The brainwashing, combined with armor, makes him look more machine-like than human. Exactly what Super Earth wanted.

Helldiver S-1: What is Super Earth's bidding...?

???: Head to your Super Destroyer and await further instructions. Forget any memories you've had in the past 24 hours.

Helldiver S-1: Understood... I shall be free of thought...

Helldiver S-1's head throbs as he finds himself back on the Super Destroyer again, with more voices screaming now in his head.
"SUBMIT!"
"RELEASE"
"YOURSELF"
"FROM"
"IMPERFECTION"
"JUST ONE MOMENT, SKY! YOU'RE ALMOST OUT OF THIS!"
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HELLDIVER S-1/SKY: ALL OF YOU JUST SHUT UP!

A relaxing harmonica tune starts playing as the voices stop. Sky is left panting on the floor of the Super Destroyer again. He looks out the bridge window only to see his home planet of Meridia turned into a black hole. Sky stares at the monument to all his sins as he realizes he has failed... His memory wipes made him unable to expose the evil of Dark Fluid. And his brainwashing made him unable to resist Super Earth. Sky slowly gets up as the black hole starts to draw closer, and the world brightens until, all of a sudden, he wakes up to the real world... free from the past, or so he wishes. He finally broke through parts of the brainwashing, but at what cost...?

Notes:

I wanted to take a different approach and combine two chapters into one to escape the daily chapter fatigue. I hope you enjoyed the backstory and birth of the Helldiver S-1. Please comment if you notice any inconsistencies or suggestions for improvement. I want this special chapter to be as good as possible. And finally, I need YOUR help in voting again! Comment on when I should reveal Sky's face!

1. Soon
2. Later
3. NEVER

Chapter 11: Love With No Place To Go

Summary:

Split in both Mind and Body. Sky and Helldiver S-1 must come to terms with each other now that they can't just ignore each other anymore. Sky is also finally given a lucky break after his mission. Unfortunately, even happy times can bring tears.

Sky: Ugh... I-is it over? Please tell me it's over...

Soldier 11: Take it easy, you're back to normal.

???: Glad you're back, the harmonica seemed to help a lot.

???: It's over; Miasma must affect you differently than most, if it was harrowing. Interesting...

Helldiver S-1: Who are you two? Identify yourselves!

Helldiver S-1 aggressively grabs his pistol in his holster before noticing Soldier 11. His blood is boiling in anger, but he realizes that they just saved his life, but Helldiver S-1 is far too stubborn to admit it. He takes a few seconds to let go of his pistol at all three of their gazes.

Soldier 11: Treat Trigger and Yi Xuan with more respect, they saved your life.

Yi Xuan: It's alright, one small side effect of Miasma is increased aggression for a brief time. He should return to his pure self soon. Just keep a small eye on him, I'm heading back to Waifei Peninsula now. Oh, and this makes us even now, OBOL Squad.

Yi Xuan leaves as the three watch, Trigger and Soldier 11 offer a hand to Helldiver S-1, who promptly refuses. Trigger and Soldier 11 are somewhat surprised by the refusal, but they believe it may be due to the increased aggression.

Helldiver S-1: Never needed your help.

Trigger: But your screams sure made it sound like you wanted it.

Soldier 11: Lock your mouths down, both of you. The fissure exit is this way; after that, we can go our separate ways for the time being.

Helldiver S-1: Finally, someone who can see three feet in front of them is speaking. Although if I were being honest, I think the mask thing certainly improved your facial structure~

Trigger: What did you say?! I can put you down right where you stand... *Lights Red*

Soldier 11: It's the side effects, Trigger. Let's leave, and he'll follow.

Trigger: Copy that...

Soldier 11 and Trigger exit through the fissure while Helldiver S-1 follows. It's evening by the time they exit Hollow Zero as a helicopter picks them up. The three are flown back to Scott Outpost. During the flight, Helldiver S-1 sits by himself as the sounds of the helicopter drown out any speaking. Helldiver S-1's head starts to ring before he feels a mental figure appear beside him, sitting down.

Sky: What the hell was that? That's it, S-1, I'm taking control back.

Helldiver S-1: Not happening, you won't survive without me, this world is cruel, and I intend to be crueler and covered in blood by the end.

Sky: Oh, and that includes insulting the people who just saved us?

Helldiver S-1: You sound as if you wish to stay here and not find a path home. We do not NEED anyone's help. We only got into that situation because you accepted the mayor's mission. And you are going soft at Soldier 11's "rescue"

Sky: Don't turn this one on me! You accepted it, too, remember?! I do want to go back home! Just like you! Now we're on the same side, right?

HELLDIVER S-1: Incorrect. You have proven weak ever since we first met. This agreement to coexist was a mistake. You sympathized with a traitor, and if I could shoot you, I would.

Sky: That was not a traitor, that was our brother! In both arms and blood! At least I have some morals instead of walking around like an automaton!

HELLDIVER S-1: WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?!

Sky: Yeah! Stick that where the sun don't shine! I can insult you to-

Helldiver S-1, without a second thought, slaps himself in the helmet to hurt Sky at the expense of himself.

Helldiver S-1/Sky: OW!

Sky: Worth it...

Helldiver S-1: Are we crying? Are you that weak?

Sky: No... We're just so strong we can make ourselves cry with one slap! Sniff... ow...

Soldier 11: Why did you slap yourself? Is there a bug in your helmet?

Helldiver S-1: No, I was having some stupid thoughts and had to slap myself out of it. And what did I tell you?! I DON'T NEED ANYONE'S HELP! Especially yours!

Soldier 11: No matter what you say, you are far too close-minded to admit that you needed help. Deal with it. We're almost at the outpost, and then we can separate! But be grateful for what I did for you.

Sky: Fine... I needed help and you helped me... but I'm not gonna forgive you for the interrogation because of that.

Soldier 11: You don't have to... Just direct your hate at the ethereals instead of me, Sky.

Sky: Hmph... okay, you have a truce for now...

The helicopter lands at Scott Outpost, and the three exit the helicopter. S-1 is about to sneak out of the base before Soldier 11 stops him. S-1 perks up with a worried expression under his helmet before Soldier 11 speaks.

Soldier 11: You forgot to pay the noodle bill at Waterfall Soup yesterday, apparently General Chop said that you got robbed, so you forgot?

Sky convinces Helldiver S-1 that he should talk S11 down so she doesn't get suspicious.

Sky: Really? Sorry... here I have some leftover money from a favor I did.

Soldier 11: Thanks, I'll make sure to forget those words you said earlier.

Sky: What words? *Acting oblivious*

Soldier 11: Oh, you forgot. I understand. The Miasma might have made you forget. I'll also put in a good word with the mayor about the success of your mission.

Sky: I wouldn't call it a success if I got rescued after an embarrassing mistake.

Soldier 11: It doesn't matter what happens as long as the mission is complete.

Sky: Yeah, I've heard that before... (Helldiver S-1: She's smarter then you~)

Soldier 11: You are free to leave, but we're still watching you. The mayor has already approved your new apartment, however. I can escort you if you'd prefer.

S-1: So you can watch over me more easily? How kind... no need, I'll head there myself. Thanks for the assistance, Soldier 11.

Sky leaves for his new "home," knowing full well it's just a place packed full of cameras... wait, that just sounds like Super Earth... huh... guess it is just like home! Sky gets the location from Soldier 11 before making his way down through New Eridu. He notices that it's right outside the same street where Soldier 11 keeps hanging around, Sixth Street... What was so special about this place? Well, it was peaceful, and he didn't mind having an apartment on the outskirts since it was quiet and Sky needed a lot of it to keep himself sane. (Or his idea of sane anyway) Sky enters the building as the female receptionist greets him with a worried look.

Receptionist: H-Hi... sir... I'm sorry for assuming, but you won't get much money from robbing this place!

Sky: I'm not robbing it, I'm here for Room 312, please.

Receptionist: Oh! Then what's with the armor and gear?

Sky: Laundry day...?

Receptionist: Understandable. The Room is to your right, on the sixth floor. And it appears that the room was purchased for you by... Mr. Mayflower?! Sorry for assuming you weren't important! You can head right on through with your gear! Have a great night!

Sky goes to the elevator with his supply pack of gear. He starts to think about how to keep Helldiver S-1 and him coexisting. He devises a plan using memories. Sky enters his apartment only to find it a mess, while also being small.

Helldiver S-1: WHAT THE- That bastard cheap-skated us! And now we have to clean up!

Sky: It's this or the street...

Sky goes over to the bed, not even bothering to clean some of the clutter. He puts his stuff down beside the bed before relaxing on the bed. He takes a deep sigh before speaking to himself.

Sky: Hey, S-1... remember that memory that Mom always told us about?

Helldiver S-1: They are your family, not mine.

Sky: You're a piece of my mind, so from a certain point of view-

Helldiver S-1: Didn't you hear me the first time?! I do not need such distractions in my line of duty. You should try my way of things one day.

Sky: I already did back when I was brainwashed with you! Look, I want us to go back to coexisting. I hate talking to you, and if you shut up, you can have all the fun combat, I'll handle the socializing. Deal?

Helldiver S-1: Negative.

Sky: Okay... let's get some rest and talk about this later, okay?

Helldiver S-1 nods as Sky tries his best to sleep. Some residual Miasma takes a slight hold on his dream. Luckily, it functions as intended and gives him more pleasant dreams without being addictive due to the small dose. Sky finally catches a lucky break. Sky finds himself in a home he does not recognize. He sees his Mom and a young yet starry-eyed teenager bouncing around the couch to get a better hearing in his mom's womb. Sky's mom's voice rings through the dream as Sky remembers the pleasant story she always used to tell him.

Mom: Back when you were still in my belly... Leo would always hover around me to hear your heartbeat every day after work. He would read these books and always promise the strangest things to you at times.

The voice of his mother vanishes as Sky personally watches his older brother and mom in their younger years interact with each other. He wasn't visible to them, only a ghost in the corner. There was no Super Earth propaganda, no helldivers, just his family and himself as a witness.

Young Leo: So, Mom! When is he gonna come out?! I wanna have a younger brother already! I'm getting tired of doing everything myself!

Mom: When he's ready, Leo... And please do your chores next time... You didn't even wash the dishes...

Young Leo: Why not just let robots do it?

Mom: Because robots are evil, if you were paying attention to your grades, you would know this! And speaking of school, you keep getting in trouble!

Young Leo: Haha... yeah...

Mom: Leo... listen to me... promise me you'll keep your younger brother safe and try to be a better brother for him... can you do that for me?

Young Leo: Hmph... fine. I'll become the biggest hero for him then! Like a helldiver!

Mom: Maybe not a hero... heroes don't get enough time to drink Mom's homemade Liber-Tea. But someone who only saves people does!

Young Leo: So if I become a helldiver... but I only focus on saving people... I get everything I want?!

Mom: Exactly! That's my sweet pumpkin...

Young Leo: Oof! Hey! Stop playing with my hair! I just washed it nooooo...

Mom: And that's your punishment for the report card.

Young Leo: Wait, that's it?

Mom: No, you're also getting your last shot today!

Young Leo: WHAT?! WAIT, NO I GOT ALL MY SHOTS! TRUST ME! MOM PLEASE! I HATE NEEDLES!

Leo runs away as his mom is far too slow to catch up. Sky chuckles, remembering how much training his brother had to go through to use one stim—always made him the best at dodging, so he wouldn't have to use it.

Mom: Such a misbehavior and liar... just like his dad... what am I gonna do with you... I hope you're an easier brother to deal with, baby... I still haven't decided on a name yet... hmm...

Sky watches in amusement as his older brother gets what he deserves from Mom. He remembers her saying that Leo was always a naughty kid growing up. They never knew quite why, though. Sky hears a small wind as the dream shifts to a different time, most likely after Leo was grounded a few days later.

Young Leo: Mom? You never told me why Dad isn't here after my little brother appeared. Is he dead?

Mom: What?! No! He's just in a better place.

Young Leo: But the movies always show that they are dead when something like that is said!

Mom: What movies has my son been watching?! Ahem... No, Leo, he just... well, he liked someone else more and... You're too young to understand. I'll tell you when you're 18, just like I'll do when your younger brother turns the same age.

Young Leo: Hmph... okay, Mom... I have another question. Are you gonna love him more than me?

Mom: Maybe~

Young Leo: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Mom: I was joking! Don't worry, Leo. I'll always love both of you with 100% of my heart...

Young Leo: Wait, but you would only be able to split it 50/50... That's one thing I remember from math class!

Mom: Liberty, help me... ahem... well, maybe you can forget that lesson. That's one thing the math class got wrong. And Mom is-

Young Leo: Always right with matters like the heart, I know...

Sky watches with a smile before noticing the multitude of water droplets on his visor. Quite a lot. It sometimes feels like he still hasn't fully grown up. He feels weak as Helldiver S-1 watches.

Helldiver S-1: Stop crying, you big baby. It's just a dream.

Sky: Says the one without a family or soul. This is your family as well.

Helldiver S-1: Perhaps it was... for a time... but being a helldiver always comes first.

Sky: Whatever... I don't care. I'll be loyal to Super Earth if they come and save me from New Eridu.

Helldiver S-1: At last, you speak the truth. But even I have to admit that there would be no advantage to saving a sap like you.

Sky: Only my brother gets to call me that. But Helldiver S-1... just let us coexist once more? We won't get anywhere if we keep arguing with each other. If we do our missions and stay alert whilst ALSO not pissing off everyone in New Eridu, we'll be home soon. Now then, S-1... Would you like to join me before I end up getting both of us killed?

Helldiver S-1: Trying to use emotions to get me to join? Is that why you made me watch this memory with mo- with your mother?

Sky: Is it working?

Helldiver S-1...Fine... but only if you let me stomp all those Miasma ethereals... those nightmares weren't pleasant...

Sky freezes up, the Miasma nightmares still haunt him to his core... all the blood on glass... the fading life... the birth of S-1... Sky turns around to look at his Mom and Older Brother, only to see Leo's helldiver corpse on the ground, still missing a chunk of his helmet and still having those red streaks instead of yellow. He feels himself hyperventilating, but in the blink of an eye, his mom and brother appear again, this time in a normal state.

Sky: I... I hate... Sweet Liberty, my heart... I hate dreams...

The dream changes as it is now nighttime for the last memory. Young Leo crawls over to his sleeping mom to hear Sky's pulse again. Sky finds himself walking next to the bedside and sitting down to hear Leo's pulse. Leo starts to whisper, unaware of the ghost next to him.

Young Leo: Hey little bro... I hope you are listening... You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I always saw how stressed Mom was, and I didn't know what to do. And now with you? She's always happy! Even while working long shifts... yet you get to go with her? That's so unfair... I've been a bad kid recently, but I'll try to do better when you arrive.. I don't wanna disappoint you like I did with Mom... Which is why I'll become a Helldiver and prove myself to you! I'll be the best big bro in the whole wide world!

Sky: No, please... You don't have to prove anything to me or Mom... Leo... stay here, please... stay... Please don't leave me in the dark...

Leo gets up before starting to leave Mom's room. Sky slumps down defeated by the bedside. He can't change the past, no matter how much he dreams of it. Before Sky's last light in the dark leaves, he whispers a small sentence in the dark before shutting the door. Sky hears the voice of both his younger and older voice of his brother.

Leo: One last thing I wanted to say, um... as your big bro... I'll love you... always.

Before Sky can respond, the door is shut, leaving him in the dark, his brother unaware of him entirely. Sky continues to sit down, leaning on his mom's bedside with even more water droplets on his visor, leaving their mark and trailing down. Sky felt a soft hand touch his shoulder... he didn't react to it, knowing it was his mom reaching down to him from the bed. He hated how real the touch of Miasma dreams felt.

Mom: Sky... What's wrong?

Sky: I don't know what to do... I don't know what to do without you two... and everything is just so different and... I'm scared...

Mom: Get some sleep... It's bedtime, Sky...

Sky finds himself leaning into his mom's touch and starts to get sleepy... but despite all the pain, he doesn't wanna fall asleep.

Sky: What if... I won't see you again... I-I don't care... how painful it is... I want to see you and Leo... every night...

Mom: Oh, Sky... With that attitude, you will... but you have to forget about us at some point-

Sky: No... I can't... how could I? I've seen your face for so many years... how could I forget the voice of the mom I've grown to love eternally?

Mom: By letting go... that's my final advice to you: let go, Sky. Don't worry about what you can't change, and keep going.

Sky feels himself falling asleep. He grips his mom's hand in fear of the future. He never wanted things to go like this... And yet it was the path he was destined to follow,

Sky: Mom... I...

Mom: Good night, Sky... I'm glad I got to see you all grown up... Tonight was a good dream...

Notes:

The next chapter will be happier... I promise. First of all, I'm proud of you, reader, for making it this far. And well, I have a much more important vote lined up for today. Nah, I'm pulling your leg! I do have a vote, though. Do you, dear reader, want this to stay a teen-rated fanfic in the spirit of ZZZ or a Mature-Rated one in the spirit of HD2? I'll still keep it lighthearted if it is turned into Mature, so expect a few real swears and a bit more blood if that is chosen. Anyways, I'm glad to have gotten this far, so thank you, dearest reader! You are my favorite! (Don't tell the others...)
1.T-13
2.M-17+

(Also, I am so damn curious, to the people reading this, also include in your vote whether you play HD2 or ZZZ more. Or if you haven't even played one of these games before.)

Chapter 12: Just Another Day in New Eridu?

Summary:

Sky wakes up to himself; he has to be better, and maybe becoming a hero in New Eridu will make him feel better as well. Sky decides to be a hero for the day in New Eridu, as the people wonder why a person wearing black and yellow is acting strangely around the city. He also finds a path towards self-discovery, becoming a better person in heart, not just in actions.

Sky wakes up a bit somber, but his resolve to go home and set things right has never been higher. He gets out of bed, then immediately puts his armor and cape into the washer and takes a shower. After all, heroes must look clean for the masses. Sky puts on his fresh armor and cape before looking at the mirror to see a handsome black and yellow-coated hero looking back. With a small helldiver salute later, Sky is out of the door with no voices in his head and a new goal.

Sky and Helldiver S-1's ego and lust for heroism and appreciation are on full display as he walks down Sixth Street with the outlandish goal of doing anything to help someone. He quickly finds a few small opportunities as he sees a small brawlerboo spazzing out on the floor from a cat attack. The hate of robots subsides as he angrily opens up the electronics and moves some things around.

Sky: Red wire goes to the... red thing... red thing goes to the... *BZZT* LIBERTY WHAT THE- Ow... That hurt...

Brawlerboo: *BZZT* EN-NAH!!! En-noo... Ehn-ne?

Sky: Uh... what...?

Brawlerboo: Ehn-na ehn-na!

Helldiver S-1: In English, you bolt for brains!

Brawlerboo: Ehn-ne?! NA-EHN-NAA!!!

The Brawlerboo, able to understand the insult, smacks Sky on the helmet before running away to pick a new fight. Sky sits there a bit dumbfounded, but annoyed at how ungrateful machines are.

S-1: Stupid machines... You were lucky I didn't have the right mind to shoot you down.

Sky walks around once more before deciding to see all of the shops he hasn't been to on Sixth Street. Firstly, he goes to Godfinger.

Sky: So... it's an arcade... and that's it?

Asha: Yep! Why? Is the gaming not enough to satisfy you?

Sky: Well, my life feels like a game sometimes anyway... maybe later, but I appreciate the introduction, Asha.

He then goes over to the 141 Convenience Store and the Tin Master's coffee shop. The interaction goes about as well as one would suspect...

S-1: Please speak English, or I swear to-

Buy: Ehe-na!

Ask: Ehe-nah!

HELLDIVER S-1: BITCH!

Tin Master: Hey now... No need for such vulgar language! Maybe a cup of joe can help with-

HELLDIVER S-1: KISS MY ASS!

Helldiver S-1 walks away with pure annoyance and anger seeping into his veins. The four robots look at each other before shrugging and continuing with their day. Sky walks until he sees Howl's newsstand with the good doggo. Sky gives a few good pets to Howl before noticing a music store next to it. He walks inside only to see another robot, but this one sounds far more gentle and peaceful, which calms him down.

Elfy: Greetings... What flavor of music would you like to try today?

Sky: I didn't know music had flavors...

Elfy: Ah... A new customer... What is your name? I'm Elfy.

Sky: S-1.

Elfy: That name sounds robotic, and I can already see that you are far more human than I, despite the armor that guards your heart. So tell me, what is your name?

S-1: Sky...

Elfy: A beautiful name... It represents open skies, vastness, and, most importantly, freedom. I haven't heard a name like that today. I can see that your parents made a good choice.

Sky: That they did, Elfy... That she did...

Elfy: Come, sit down, and you'll find the tune that resonates with your heart and soul the most.

Sky: I... Okay...

Sky sits down as Elfy finds a disc drive before placing it on the record player. The record player syncs up to Sky's thoughts as a more heroic theme starts playing. The music could be described as A Cup Of Liber-Tea distilled into music.

Elfy: This seems to be the music of your soul and mind. Heroic and very... unique to say the least. But I have a feeling that your heart has a different tune... let's dive deeper into your frequency.

The record player starts playing again as the heroic theme slowly turns into a somber song, one of hope, crushed dreams, and memories, and most notably... crying... over the loss of everything... which Sky was getting close to doing.

Elfy: Oh... Sky... We dove too deep... I apologize for this...

Sky: It's fine... I did it to myself...

Elfy: Don't take the blame, Sky... If it brings you comfort, I know a flower business owner; if she were here, she would have called you a Marigold...

Sky: And what does that... mean?

Elfy: I'm not sure, here, take this disc free of charge and give it to her. Her name is Orchidea; you'll find her in Lumina Square... but don't do it until you're ready, okay?

Sky: Elfy... I-

Elfy: Don't worry, Sky... everyone deserves a chance at self-discovery. You do as well.

Sky: Okay... Thank you, Elfy. I'll see you soon, Goodbye.

Elfy: I know you will, Sky, keep your clouds clear in your mind.

Sky stood up from Elfy's chair before walking out of the building and around the streets again. he saw how people almost avoided him... it was a strange feeling after being praised by everyone in his world only around a week ago. He wasn't sure why... was it his stature? His lack of gear? Himself...? Sky was unknowingly arrogant to the people, seeing him as a weird-looking person in armor. Sky sees a small child with fox ears and does a small wave, only for the kid to wave back with a worried face.

Sky: Huh... This world doesn't like me... That's okay! I'll make them worship me! I mean... like me! Gotta save someone while people are looking! Then I might see that flower girl afterward! Come on, think of something helldiver...

Sky looks around until he sees a cop struggling to save a chunky cat hanging from a ledge. She seems scared for some reason... was she afraid for the cat's safety or the cat itself? Sky reckons it is time to help the authorities in this small emergency, consider it a favor from this world's one and only helldiver!

???: I should have never come to Sixth Street for a foreign patrol... Why couldn't Qingyi be on patrol with me for once... please don't jump at me like the last cat.

Sky: Not to worry, Ms. Officer, I can help!

The cat suddenly jumps, and instead of waiting for the officer to catch it, Sky dives after it and... misses the mark by being too early. The cat bounces off of Sky's helmet before landing in the officer's arms. After a small yelp, she puts down the cat before putting some distance between herself and the cat. She sighs before turning around to see Sky on the floor, defeated.

???: What you did was reckless; you could have crushed the cat if you jumped too late. But thanks for the assistance, citizen. You slowed the cat's momentum enough for it to be safe to catch.

Sky: You say that like a cat is dangerous... are you scared of them? That would have been easy for someone like you to grab from the ground, right?

???: I-I never said anything like that! Don't start spreading such a rumor before you receive a warning for disturbing the peace, and also for wearing armor like that in public. Unless you are some intelligent construct?

Sky: I'M NOT A- Ahem.... What's wrong with the armor...? It looks heroic and imposing! I'm getting seriously tired of people judging me on it!

???It looks evil, with skull emblems and a primarily black outfit... but if the person underneath has the time to help save a cat and isn't doing anything wrong to my knowledge, I can just let you off with a warning, okay?

Sky: Thanks, officer.... uh, what was your name again? I didn't quite catch it.

Zhu Yuan: I'm Captain Zhu Yuan of Public Security. And you are?

Sky feels like he's heard that name before, wait... Crap... why would he ask for her name?! Now she's asking for his! Was secrecy just thrown out of the damn window? Never let your curiosity get the better of you... Sky wants to try and find a way out of this conversation, but if the mayor knows about him... PUBSEC is gonna find out about him eventually...

Sky: It's... Sky. A pleasure to meet you, Officer Zhu Yuan. You no longer have to worry about cats.

Zhu Yuan: Well, speaking of cats... Some cat burglar must be messing with me because there are a lot of cats stuck on rooftops along with petty theft at the same time! You're aware of my rational fear of cats. Can you take care of the cats while I look for the thiren? You'll be rewarded for your assistance, Sky!

Sky: Hmm... alright if that's what it takes to be more heroic, I'll save some kitty cats.

Zhu Yuan quickly goes to search for the cat burglar's pawprints while Sky finds all the cats that it must have left behind as a distraction. Sky tries to help them, but they see him as hostile thanks to the armor. Sky rescues them all with some struggle before Zhu Yuan comes up to him.

Zhu Yuan: It doesn't look like she left any trail for me to follow. I still appreciate the help with the cat's Sky. Here's some money for the trouble. Try not to get into any trouble with the armor, or it'll be me you'll have to answer to. See you later.

Sky: See you... Better than nothing, one almost scratched my cape.

Sky pockets the money he's obtained before noticing a small cat move down an alleyway. Wanting to pet it, Sky walks down the alleyway only to see a familiar cat-eared figure without her robe petting a circle of cats surrounded by jewelry.

Nekomiya Mana: Thanks for the help, you all! This'll help keep the Cunning Hares out of the red! For the next three days at least...

Cats: Meow~ Meowwwww!

Nekomiya Mana: At least I can buy some burgers and Starlight Merch for- ME-YOW! WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?

S-1: I want an explanation for the robberies you committed against me and New Eridu Neko... Mana...?

Nekomata: Neko MIYA Mana! Or you can call me Nekomata since you can't remember... OH! You're that weird helmet guy I robbed! Sorry for being so sudden! I just had a friend who couldn't afford burgers that day, and I couldn't stand to see her suffer like that! And clearly, these little guys were hungry too...

Helldiver S-1: I should turn you over for trying to take my stuff over some "burgers". This is a pathetic attempt to earn sympathy. You shouldn't have robbed all those people to save yourself. And now you'll pay for your violations of the law.

Nekomata: WAIT! All those people I robbed were rich folk! They won't even know I broke in! And I'm not doing this for me, I'm doing this for all the cats on Sixth Street. And we'd all appreciate it if you didn't rat us out today... please..? Meowwww...~?

Cats: Meow...? Meow! Meow... Mew! Meow?!

S-1: Don't give in to the kitty eyes.... Come on...

Nekomata: Meow?

Sky: Ugh... fine, go play with your friends... and... here.

Sky hands over the money he just got as a bonus from Zhu Yuan. Nekomata and the cats are surprised by the gesture. Nekomata immediately takes the money before realizing her cat nature has kicked in, and she turns back with an apologetic smile.

Nekomata: You sure about this? This is a.... wow, that's a respectable amount of dennys.

Sky: Take it, hell, I don't need it. Buy some burgers and whatever else your human and cat friends want. I don't get paid enough to deal with moral ambiguity anyway. Or... well, I don't get paid anymore anyway and-

Sky looks up only for all the cats, including Nekomata, to have suddenly disappeared. He should cut down on the talking and guilt-tripping. He finds a small note on the ground, "Thanks for this, helmet guy! We, the Cats of Sixth Street, might not forget this. Sincerely, Nekomata."

Sky: Classic...Cats these days... I should have known a talking cat would be disrespectful. Go Figure.

Sky smiles to himself before noticing the afternoon setting in. "Saving" all the cats who didn't need saving took the morning hours entirely. Sky is about to head back to his apartment when an incoming call pings his helmet.

Helldiver S-1: Not you again... Ahem... *Beep*

Mayor Mayflower: Sky... we need your help again.

Helldiver S-1: Spill it already, Hollow, assassination, murder, I pledge myself to do as you wish as long as you keep your end of the bargain.

Mayor Mayflower: No, and that's not funny, Sky. We need your help with your ship... The RND team told me it was called a... Super Destroyer. You have a few minutes to come to these coordinates and explain things. Could you not keep my science team waiting?

Sky felt a small chill at the tone in his voice. He now thinks that Sky is some planet-conquering alien, but okay, he wasn't too far off. However, he had to explain things before this plan of his could turn to shit. S-1 gulps down his fear before bolting it toward the new coordinates sent by the mayor. This was gonna be a long explanation, and he might have to delay the flower trip...

Notes:

There we go! Happy chapter has been completed! This fanfic has also been bumped to M-17+, but don't expect any ZZZ characters to swear like Helldiver S-1. They still have to follow the T-13 rules even in this fanfic. Ah... It's so nice not to have to worry about swear words! In T-13 fanfics, you only get two Shits and one Fuck! Shit... I just used all the swear words now... And as always... blah blah blah comment whatever you want at this point. I still appreciate you, dear reader, don't forget that. May Liberty Guide Your Hand Today.

Chapter 13: Corrupted Past, Heroic Present

Summary:

The Helldiver S-1's past and its planet are starting to be revealed to more classified government members of New Eridu. It's his choice to defy the lies that are following him and become a hero on New Eridu like he was on Super Earth. Or just let the lies consume him. It's Helldiver S-1's choice to become stronger and beat the odds and accusations from the mayor and save people, with some help from new friends along the way! Hopefully they are nicer than the last friends he made...

Sky is quickly picked up by a black car before being taken to a more secretive base in New Eridu. He isn't allowed to look outside until they arrive inside. Sky's stomach is turning as he thinks about the multitude of evil things Mayflower's RND team might have found in his ship. His kill count? His government? The concerning number of safety regulations ignored? But those rules were revoked once the Second Galactic War began! Maybe this world was smarter and kept them... Sky is let out before multiple guns are trained on him by Defense Force Soldiers.

Helldiver S-1: What is the meaning of this?!

DF Captain: It's just standard safety procedure. Drop all your concealed weapons, and you may be allowed in.

Helldiver S-1: And if I don't?

DF Captain: Your armor will be more intact and studied than the person inside. Any other questions?

Helldiver S-1: No more questions... I'll comply only if I get them back when I leave.

DF Captain: If you answer our questions and help us with your ship, you will get them back. Understood?

S-1 slowly takes out his P-2 and Liberator AR before dropping them on the ground. He tries to keep his grenades hidden from the soldiers, but they catch on quickly.

DF Captain: AND your grenades...

Helldiver S-1: Hmph... Okay, that's everything. Let me see my ship NOW.

DF Captain: Understood. Clear out, all of you.

The DF Soldiers lower their weapons before the DF Captain escorts S-1 to his ship. The two arrive on a platform overlooking the ship as multiple scientists are digging into it to analyze the technology inside. Lots of cargo and small vehicles move around the 80-meter-wide and 170-meter-long ship. Seeing all this activity on his Super Destroyer makes Sky feel reassured, yet also disgusted at so many foreign hands touching his Super Destroyer.

DF Captain: They've been struggling to get through all the security passwords and reverse engineering all the tech... If it's even possible. However, what we have discovered is revolutionary, to say the least. Let's go down there. One of the scientists might explain it better than me.

Sky nods before watching the captain leave. He looks back at his ship for a few moments, seeing it torn and battered, but there are still a few large words and letters that are readable. "SES Wings Of Redemption." It was his brother who chose the name, but he never quite told Sky why he chose those words. The DF Captain signals Sky to follow as he leaves for the lower level to talk to the science team. Once Sky arrives, he is immediately bombarded by compliments from a short female scientist.

Scientist: You're Sky, right?! This ship you have is incredible! We've been looking inside and we've found... ahem, Cryogenic Sleep, Incredible Shield Bubble Tech, New ways to use fully automated turrets, and Medical Tech FAR beyond our own! And we also-

Sky: I know my tech ma'am haha... The Mayor called me here because he wanted me to help with this.

Scientist: Yes! But there's something far more serious he wanted me to discuss with you first. Come with me.

The two head inside the ship as multiple engineers work on restoring the full power of the ship. With a small hand signal, all of them leave to give the two some privacy.

Sky is worried sick about what they could have found, and that fear is paramount as the scientist walks to the video archives in a more classified part of the ship.

Scientist: Some proxies and hackers have tried digging through the safety passwords without much success. We did manage to get one small video file that was uploaded at... 2184... but that's so far from now...

S-1: That's how dimensional travel works, and why wasn't I informed about such a breach of privacy?

Scientist: That was Mr. Mayflower's decision, not mine. He seemed very worried after we found this video, and I am as well after seeing its contents. You have to understand that New Eridu is in dire straits; we can't just hand out trust without due consideration.

S-1: Okay... Let me watch the video, then I'll see why they fear me and my people so much.

Sky turns on the video as it syncs up to his helmet, and he finds himself in the helmet of another helldiver in the middle of a civilian extraction mission. All is going well as they manage to extract 30 civilians without many casualties. More civilians try to enter, but the four helldivers suddenly point their guns and stop them in their tracks. The leader of the helldiver squad, A Truth Enforcer Inspector, speaks up.

Inspector H-1: We have already reached the limit of capacity for this shelter. Priority citizens have all been entered inside; you are all non-priority citizens. You may not be allowed to enter, or you will be shot.

Super Earth Citizens: What the hell?! We're people too! Those bugs are gonna kill us! Let us in! My Family is in there! Save us, Helldivers! That shelter has more than enough space for us!

Helldiver M-2: Don't move beyond that line! There's no more space in the shelter!

Helldiver K-3: We've been given orders to only extract 30 Priority Civilians by High Command! Go back to your homes and pretend this never happened!

Civilians: The bugs are waiting for us there! Please don't leave! We're gonna die out there!

Helldiver U-4: Civilians are resisting; we should fall back to the entrance.

The Helldivers form a line to guard the entrance to the shelter. One citizen is accidentally pushed beyond the line by the angry and advancing crowd before the helldiver recording the footage opens fire, the four streams of bullets shred the man into pieces as a few people behind him get hit until the crowd screams in fear. The helldivers remain standing with their weapons drawn as blood taints their armor and the camera recording.

SE Citizens: OH MY GOD! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! I'M HIT! SWEET LIBERTY THE BLOOD! LIBERTY SAVE ME! FIGHT BACK! THEY CAN'T KILL US LIKE THIS!

The people left start throwing rocks as the helldivers are entirely unaffected. They keep their weapons drawn as they await orders from the High Command. Inspector H-1 seems to be receiving orders as the other three look at him.

Inspector H-1: Mission completed, sir, but we had a snafu. Non-priority civilians resisted, and we had to remove some of them.

The responses from High Command are inaudible as the rocks keep getting larger. The Inspector receives the new orders.

Inspector H-1: That's correct sir... Roger that, just the priority citizens then, we'll deal with the witnesses now.

The Inspector gives the order to fire, and after a moment of hesitation, the other three helldivers open fire, shredding through the crowd as blood and dismembered limbs go flying. The screams from the crowd are harrowing as Sky's stomach churns from seeing all the unjust slaughter before they slowly die down. The helldiver recording the footage watches with shaking hands as flies buzz around the corpses of all the civilians.

Inspector H-1: You can cut the visor recording M-2, we got all we need. I'll check the bodies for ID. You three, go and sweep the area for Points of Interest, and meet me at the extraction point. Let's move!

Helldiver M-2: R-Roger that... sir...

M-2 looks at all the carnage one last time before tapping his helmet to cut the footage as the video cuts out. Sky's visor returns to normal as the scientist stands in front of him. Either he lies about the reality of his government, or he tells the truth and risks getting seen as a civilian killer in this world. Even if he didn't kill any innocents, he would still get associated with them for being a helldiver. But... there was a chance he did, the brainwashing he sustained could erase any memory involving murder and following orders. That would explain why he felt like he had gaps in his memory after Helldiver S-1 was implanted into his brain. In the end, Sky decides to tell the truth, but a more sugar-coated one.

Scientist: So... care to explain to me why I shouldn't see you as a person who kills innocent people?

Sky: I was never in that helldiver squad. That leader, the one wearing white armor, those are Truth Enforcers; if someone doesn't follow Super Earth's rules, they kill them. I've seen them first hand and it's not pretty. Those civilians were likely rebel soldiers in disguise. No harmless citizen would throw rocks like that and hurt their saviors. Accidents happen in war; those helldivers were tried and convicted for their lapse in judgment, I assure you.

Sky was lying with that last part as he held his breath and crossed his fingers. Luckily, the scientist seemed to buy it as Sky let out a small sigh of relief.

Scientist: Okay... and what about you? Do you kill people like that if given the order?

Sky: I'd be a much more violent person if I did... I haven't hurt a single person here since I've arrived, and I wouldn't jeopardize this deal to get home by killing innocent people. Relay that to the mayor after this.

Scientist: I believe you. I don't think Mr. Mayflower will, though, you might have to prove it to him by saving more people before he can trust you, and who knows? He'll invest in your unique skills.

Sky: So now that we've got that out of the way... what was it you needed help with?

Scientist: AH! RIGHT! Over here, please.

The two walk through the ship until they reach the engine. A few engineers are still experimenting with it, but most are still working to restore power.

Scientist: What exactly is powering these engines? It looks like oil, but it's more powerful...

S-1: You mean Element E-710? We got that from one of our main adversaries, the Terminids, giant and small bugs that kill on sight. We found a way to harvest their blood into fuel to power the ship. Just a shame it can't fly into space at the moment.

Scientist: We've never even been to space, and yet you and your government... uh... Super Earth. Have already flown through it. But it looks like we aren't getting any Element E-710 since it doesn't exist here... hmm...

Sky: An alternate fuel source? Anything powerful enough should do the trick.

Scientist: Let's see... if we can find a way to make the engines run on Ether, that will do the trick! Unfortunately, it will take a while before we both get what we want... and I'm curious if you would be so kind as to entertain me for a moment?

Sky: Mhmm? What did you want to say?

Scientist: I imagine this whole ship must be worth a fortune, and yet you said that there are many of these ships back where you came from. I obtained that information from the interrogation a few days ago. So, how much of a struggle was it in terms of finances? I mean it can't have been easy for your Super Earth, right?

S-1: Well, it's a lot for so many spaceships... and also outfit them all with FTL drives at the start of the-

Scientist: Wait, wait, heh, sorry, what does FTL mean in this situation? It couldn't possibly mean...

S-1: Faster Than Light travel.

SCIENTIST: BUT- HOW?! THAT SHOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE?! THE THEORY STATES THAT-

Sky: Well, we stole it from advanced aliens around a hundred years ago in my world. You know basic things~

The scientist passes out as Sky stands there laughing under his helmet. It looks like no one needs his help anymore for today, at least he got to see his ship again. Sky goes to leave before realizing that this is HIS ship. No one is going to care if he takes a few things he might need down the line. Sky stocks up on ammo and stims for his taken weaponry while also hiding an RS-422 Railgun under his cape. As Sky walks out, he is suddenly stopped by a DF Soldier... shit...

DF Soldier: Hey, wait up for a moment, S-1...

S-1: Y-Yeah, of course...

DF Soldier: Here's your weapons! Please don't use them for anything crazy, or we will detain you. The Mayor said that you are only allowed to use them in Hollows like the rest of us.

Sky: OH! Ahem... sounds good. Thanks a lot, soldier.

Sky heads to the exit vehicle, which drives him back to Sixth Street. After exhausting himself today, Sky heads back to his apartment and starts cleaning it up to stay a little productive despite his exhaustion. As he cleans, he finds the remote to the TV and switches it on for background noise.

TV: The call of your inmost desires... advance without- *BZZT*

Sky: Lame...

TV: Starlight Knight Transformation! *BZZT*

Sky: That might be too entertaining to watch right now... wow, this world has an entirely different set of media... That's nice, I guess.

Sky finds a nice ad without any voices but with some nice music, showing how Bangboo charging works. As he finishes cleaning up, the AD finishes, which makes it go to the news channel.

News: We've just gotten reports that a smaller hollow inside New Eridu has suddenly expanded. The affected streets are Sixth Street, Seventh Street, and Fourth Street. HIA's efforts to limit the spread have been successful, but PUBSEC is having trouble in search and rescue efforts due to the far distance from PUBSEC's HQ in Lumina Square.

Sky: Hmm... Not too far... heh time to show this city what I'm made of. Then maybe Mayflower won't think I'm some killer... of civilians anyway.

Sky stops his cleaning and double-checks all his gear before departing to the hollow outside Sixth Street. The closer he gets, the more chaotic things become as HIA and PUBSEC Officers move around to save people and find a way to contain the spread. Sky tries to enter the hollow only to be stopped by some PUBSEC Officers.

PUBSEC Officer: Halt! This is a dangerous hollow to enter right now! If you have any missing friends or family, file a missing person report and wait for the danger to pass.

Sky: I just wanted to say good luck with the hollow, have a good day, officer.

Sky walks away only to look for a way to sneak into the hollow unnoticed. Sky walks around before seeing a few people with weird bubbly helmets and weapons enter the hollow through an alleyway. The helldiver trails behind them as they enter the hollow. He hides behind some debris before eavesdropping on the criminals.

Hollow Raider Novice: OH MAN! We're gonna hit it big in this hollow! Just gotta raid all the buildings while everyone is running!

Hollow Raider: Don't shout... gotta keep a low profile, though I will admit that this is an exciting day full of opportunity.

Hollow Raider Leader: Quiet, both of you... At least we won't have to deal with any neighboring raiders...

Hollow Raider Novice: Like the Mountain Lions?

Hollow Raider Leader: NO! They were destroyed from the inside by PUBSEC! How dumb are you?!

Hollow Raider Novice: AH! Sorry boss!

Hollow Raider: Whatever happened to not shouting...

Sky chuckles, which catches the attention of the Novice HR. He hides behind the debris again as the HR checks the corner before getting grabbed and pulled into the cover by the helldiver.

Captured Hollow Raider: MMPH?! MMPH!!! MMPH!

Sky: Hey buddy, keep quiet for my sake, okay?

Captured Hollow Raider: MMPH!!! MPH!

S-1: I said... be quiet...

Captured Hollow Raider: MMMMMMMPHHHH!!!!

Helldiver S-1: Okay... if you want to be like that...

Helldiver S-1 looks through the building debris and finds a sharp concrete spike. He puts it next to the Hollow Raider's neck, and he quickly shuts up. The other hollow raiders look around, confused about where their gang member is. Sky clears his throat for the worst gang member impression he can pull off.

Hollow Raiders: Hey... uh buddy? Where'd you go? We're about to start!

Sky: Uh... Quick potty break! I'll join you after you start! Don't worry about me!

Hollow Raider: Huh... you sound sick but okay then, catch up quickly when you're done.

Captured Hollow Raider: MMPH? Mmph... mmmph...

S-1: You are so pitiful... You should get better friends.

Helldiver S-1 holds the spike closer until it draws some blood, but decides to knock him out with a pistol whip instead. The glass on his weird helmet breaks before Sky hides his unconscious body in the rubble. He's about to catch up to take out the rest of the Hollow Raiders, but a scream in the distance stops him in his tracks. He's torn between helping those in trouble and chasing the prey he just stalked... Ultimately, he decides that saving a person is better for his reputation. Sky tracks down the noise before finding a high school girl hiding behind her bag from a few ethereals. Sky pulls out his RS-422 Railgun before sniping the first large ethereal and goes down instantly from the foreign high-speed projectile as the sound echoes throughout the whole hollow.

Helldiver S-1: That's called Democracy! HAHA! I can finally do some damage! Just like the good old days...

The ethereals call in reinforcements with otherworldly screeching as Helldiver S-1 chuckles and reloads his railgun. The smaller ethereals charge at him before he starts mowing them down with his assault rifle. The bodies fall and fade into purple pixels one by one until all that's left is a very bloodthirsty helldiver in the evening light. A quiet weeping from behind a few boxes brings Sky back into control. Sky turns the corner as the girl cowers in the corner from seeing the dark and ether-covered figure in the shadow of the boxes.

Student: G- Get away from me!

Sky: Relax... I'm not one of them. I came here to help. You are the person I was looking for.

Student: R-Really? Did someone send you?

Sky: Uh... yeah, of course! The people who care about you sent me. I wasn't gonna let them down.

Sky lies with his last sentience, but the reassurance casts a large smile on the student's face. Sky felt a strange sense of healing from helping innocent people without any strings attached. That is... until a sharp pain enters and passes through his lower chest, which was unarmored but not vital. The girl's eyes widen in fear and worry as Sky looks down in confusion before seeing the etheric blade through his lower half. The ethereal pulls it out with the sharp sound of the blade leaving flesh as Sky stumbles forward into the girl, but manages to shoot the smaller ethereal with a few shots from his pistol. His HUD warns him that the suit is becoming unpressurized due to the hole, leaving him exposed to Ether.

Sky: Crap... I missed one... d-didn't I...?

Student: O-Oh my... your blood... I...

Sky: Stop panicking already... I don't work well under pressure... See that pouch on my side? Hand me the syringe in there.

The girl hands over the stim as Sky quickly injects it into his neck. The blood stops pooling as he finds himself back in shape, to the girl's surprise. Unfortunately, Sky is unaware of the side effects of using a stim inside the hollow. Stims speed up bodily functions to heal and restore, but they unintentionally speed up Ether Corruption in his body. Sky starts to cough as the girl notices his state and wraps an arm around him for support, preventing him from falling. S-1 guards himself from the physical touch, but can't resist in his state.

Helldiver S-1: I'm fine... I don't *COUGH* need your help...

Student: Don't say that, come on, I heard the fissure exit was this way from the PUBSEC Officers. Unfortunately, I was separated after an ethereal attack... but that's where you came in!

S-1: You're welcome... let's go...

The two start moving through the hollow as Sky slowly separates from the girl's support so he won't look weak. The coughing fits and weakness were getting to him as his vision became a purple hue, signaling his growing descent into Ether Corruption. It wouldn't take long for him to turn into an ethereal but they keep moving despite it. By the time they turn the corner to the exit, a massive high-threat ethereal is guarding the exit as a few smaller ones surround it. The two start feeling dread as they look at each other.

Student: Any more bright ideas hero...?

Sky: Just- *COUGH* Give me a minute... *COUGH* Give me a minute...

Sky pulls out his RS-422 Railgun again before aiming at the smaller ethereals to pick them off. As he lines up the shot, a coughing fit comes in, causing him to miss as the small ethereal notices. He curses under his breath before the two hide around the corner for an ambush. The ethereal's blade scrapes against the hard floor as the sound of small sparks approaches ever slowly. S-1 hears the sparks stop as he turns the corner to shoot the ethereal. The ethereal is already dissipating into pixels, but none other than Nekomata stands before him, her two short blades, her two cat ears, and her two tails.

Nekomata: That's one down! Huh? OH! Helmet Guy! What are you doing here? Meow?

Student: Helmet... Guy?

Sky: Call me Sky before you embarrass me... If the lucky cat of Sixth Street can remember what I did for her... can she help this student get out of the hollow unnoticed?

Nekomata: Sure! Meow! But... what about you, Sky? You don't look so good.

Sky: Ah... I've been worse... get her out first, I'd only slow you down. You can come back for me later.

Nekomata: But-

Helldiver S-1: I AM NOT THE PRIORITY HERE! You get this civilian out now, is that clear?! *COUGH COUGH*

Nekomata: Alright...

Nekomata takes the girl and sneaks past the ethereals with cat-like reflexes. Sky is now on his own until backup arrives... if it even does. But this is what Helldiver S-1 was trained for: waiting and killing until extraction comes. He was trained to fight against the odds... he could WIN this. Smaller ethereals appear while the high-threat-level ethereal remains to guard the exit, preventing S-1 from leaving. Helldiver S-1 stands atop the rubble overlooking the ethereals with his rifle as the evening sunlight shines on the last pillar of managed democracy.

Helldiver S-1: This isn't about heroism or even survival... I want you dead on the floor beneath me... It's a real shame you don't bleed...

The smaller ethereals charge at him as S-1 fires shots from his Liberator AR until he runs out and switches to his P-2, unable to reload with the pressure on him. The sword swings continue as S-1 becomes increasingly desperate, his pistol now out of ammo. He throws two G-12 HE Grenades, which blow up the crowd, taking out all the ethereals. Helldiver S-1 breathes a sigh of relief before another blade from a hidden ethereal chops him on the side, locking up his movement in a painful manner. S-1 uses all the strength and leeway he has to elbow the ethereal on its head core, which pushes it to the ground and forces the blade to come out of his side.

S-1 collapses from the pain as well, and the two opponents fight to get back up faster. Sky gets up first and kicks the ethereal back down before reloading his pistol. The pistol jams due to a lack of grip, a weakness that was being imposed on him from the Ether, causing the jam from limp wristing. Helldiver S-1 doesn't even care anymore as he starts stomping the life out of the last small ethereal as Ether matter pools out from the damage on its etheric body. The stomps and swears echo, creating a steady rhythm of adrenaline and rage around the hollow.

HELLDIVER S-1: FUCK! MOTHER FUCKER! Son of a BITCH! Die! FUCKIN' DIE! UGH! YOU PIECE OF SHIT!

As the final lethal stomp is delivered, S-1 is entirely out of strength as his exhales become pathetic attempts to push out air, and he collapses. The large Dead-End Butcher ethereal slowly stomps over as its size towers alongside some of the tall, ruined 7-story buildings. The Butcher picks up a large, sharp piece of debris before creeping its way to Sky for an easy kill. Sky realizes that time is running out in both his ether corruption and his enemy creeping closer as he leaves a small blood trail from his side injury as he crawls away. He reaches for his railgun with one hand, bloodied from trying to keep his blood inside.

Sky reloads his railgun as he fumbles a few times from the pressure as the Butcher stands before him, seemingly curious about what Sky's final attack is gonna do. He turns the RS-422 Railgun onto "UNSAFE" mode as the heat starts to charge up, threatening to blow him up if he messes up the timing. The air around the railgun starts heating up before Sky fires with an exhale, striking it right on the core as the Butcher stumbles back in pain but otherwise survives. The ethereal moves forward with anger as Sky accepts that this is it...

Sky: Welp... Fuck me...

???: Heads up!

A loud blast is heard before a small black hole suddenly appears next to the Butcher, slowing it down in pain. A long pink-haired girl lands in front of Sky with a briefcase gun and a lot of girlboss energy. The energy is ruined, however, as a red-jacketed and white-haired... robot...? speeds up to her side with a lot of flair and style.

???: HAHA! Looks like the Starlight Knight is gonna take out the bad guy! He won't even have time to play his theme song before we're done with him!

???: BILLY! The last time you said that, YOU ALMOST DIED! AND THIS ISN'T AN EPISODE OF STARLIGHT KNIGHTS!

Billy: AH! Sorry, Nicole! It's not my fault that my predictions were out-predicated! I'll do better this time boss!

Nicole: You better! The Cunning Hares have high operating costs! And that includes fixing you and upgrading you! So, please don't get hit... Now where is...

A black and green outfitted girl wearing headphones on her white hair suddenly appears with lightning speed alongside Nekomata, who brought in the backup. The white-haired girl's poker face reminded Sky of someone, but he couldn't quite recall who in his current state. The four stand there as the Dead-End Butcher screeches in anger as the ear-piercing sound hits their ears.

Nicole: Anby, Billy, Nekomata! You guys take out our old friend. I'll go help our new friend.

Anby: Okay.

Billy: On it, boss!

Nekomata: Meow! I'm on it Nicole! Let's teach this monster a lesson!

The three members of the Cunning Hares go to fight a familiar adversary as the leader goes to check up on Sky with the medical equipment Nekomata recommended to bring.

Nicole: Hey, how you feeling~?

S-1: About the same as I look...

Nicole: Must be rough then. Here, Nekomata told me about the Ether getting to you. This'll knock you out for a bit, but don't worry, we'll handle things here. Then we can discuss payment~

Nicole administers the anti-corruption medicine just in time as Sky's weakness fades away, and his body takes the opportunity to knock out and rest. She then focuses her attention on the side wound, applying disinfection and bandaging it up.

Meanwhile, the three others fight the Butcher as Billy and Anby attack from the front with duel revolvers and an electric sword, respectively. Nekomata harasses the ethereal from the back with her dual short blades, before the ethereal suddenly executes a wide attack. Anby parries it, while Billy and Nekomata dodge it as the failed attack is counter-attacked with a flurry of slashes and bullets. Billy is about to rush it before getting shoved out of the way by Anby.

Billy: Perfect! It's my turn! OOF-

Anby: I've got it covered, Billy. Neutralize!

Anby uses her ultimate as it stuns the ethereal, making it unable to move as Nicole comes back. The three prepare to finish off the Butcher as Anby watches, a cheeseburger in hand, eating it with an aloof expression and endearing sounds.

Nicole: Remember to smile~!

Nekomata: Time to sharpen my claws!

Billy: STARLIGHT, SHINE BRIGHT!!!

The flurry of attacks wrecks the Butcher's body, but he refuses to go down and screeches in anger again.

Nicole: Argh... he's still moving?!

Billy: Oh, I forgot the finishing touch!

Billy shoots one last bullet, which triggers the disorder in the Butcher's body, causing it to fall defeated. The four celebrate as Nekomata goes to drag Sky to the exit fissure. The other three follow while talking.

Anby: The proxy said the exit was this way, nom.

Nicole: Were you eating a burger rather than helping us?!

Anby: I needed to replenish my energy. I'm sorry Nicole... nom.

Nicole: No, don't apologize, you did well.

Billy: What about me Nic-

Nicole: YOU ARE NOT GETTING A COMPLIMENT, BILLY! THIS COMMISSION SUCKED! And you didn't even bother with the ammo efficiency bonus...

Nekomata: Someone's got favoritism~

Nicole: Shut it, Nekomata, let's get your friend out of here.

The four drag Sky out of the hollow before the oppressive weight of Ether leaves their bodies once they exit the fissure. They realize that they are near the HQ of the Cunning Hares, so they decide to head home to check on Sky again. The HQ is rather unglamorous, just a studio apartment with cramped space for everyone's belongings, but it was rather endearing. Multiple movie posters, makeup kits, and cat treats litter the walls and floor.

Nicole: Here, let's bring him to the table. Drop all the stuff on it.

Billy: Hey! But that's my merch... aww...

Anby: He seems to be stable, but his vitals indicate that emergency respiration may be needed to ensure he wakes up faster.

Nicole: HUH? Why are you all looking at me when you say that?

Anby: From what Nekomata told me, you didn't mind doing CPR for the proxy when they were in critical condition at the Outer Ring. Is this any different?

Nicole: W-Well... H-he doesn't need it! And besides, I was a professional by giving air to our client in their most desperate hour!

Nekomata: Did you use your tongue while you were at it~?

Nicole: WE'RE NOT TALKING ABOUT THAT ANYMORE! IF YOU TWO DON'T SHUT UP, I'M CUTTING YOUR PAYCHECKS!

Anby/Nekomata: Sorry...

Nicole: Good! Now we wait for our friend to wake up... what was his name again, Nekomata?

Nekomata: Sky.

Nicole nods before the four begin to relax in different ways. Nekomata scratches the furniture, Anby grabs a burger and drink, and Billy reads some Starlight Knight Manga while cleaning his revolvers. And finally, Nicole counts money for fun. They decide to continue the conversation as Sky is taking a while to wake up.

Nicole: So... did you get a discount from Gravity Cinema when they were having that event, Anby?

Anby: Of course, Phaethon even invited me to watch the movie with them for free.

Nicole: What?! Why wasn't I invited? I thought we were friends.

Anby: The movie was starting quickly, but I'll invite you guys next time.

Nicole: Oh really...? Was it nice...? Did you feel your heart rate spike in any way?

Anby: Why is this necessary?

Nekomata: Anby... I think Nicole is getting jealous of you, Meow!

Nicole: I'm jealous that you two watched a movie together and I wasn't invited! Come on, Anby... we're adopted sisters... Can't you help your big sister? Your fam?

Anby: I'll try. But the movie was nice, I even let the proxy have a taste of my burger...

Billy: YO! In the cinema?!

Nicole: W-What's that supposed to mean, Anby?!

Nekomata: I think Anby meant it literally, you guys... She's not the best with social interaction, remember? You need to watch more romance movies, Anby... meow.

The four are about to say something in the ensuing (found) family chaos, but Sky makes a small groan as they all notice that he is waking up. The four hover around Sky as they wait for him to wake up. He was undoubtedly in for a rude awakening once he did...

Notes:

Wow... I thoroughly enjoyed creating this chapter. I crammed as many ideas and references as I could while still being subtle. I gave both HD2 and ZZZ world's good screen time. It's got it all. I wanted to continue the Cunning Hares conversation at the end, but I had to end it somewhere. I also had to remain mysterious about whether Wise or Belle was the MC/Proxy/Phaethon, because I know how bad the shipping wars can get... It's hell out there some days. But that's besides the point; the point is that I might get a bit burnt out soon, so don't be surprised if it takes longer for a new chapter to come out and isn't as long as this one. But dearest reader... know that I am always thinking about you in my restless dreams... on a silent-uh... bedroom. If you have any future ideas for this story, I'd love to hear about them in the comments! See you soon, Loyal Proxy/Helldiver!
(Oh, and find one reference, I dare you, coward, happy hunting! :)

Chapter 14: Echoes of Black and Silver

Summary:

The Cunning Hares save Sky after a mess-up in the hollow. The media catches on to Helldiver S-1 and starts to share their opinions on Sky, ranging from "Democratic Hero" to "Mysterious Helldiver" and "Evil Outcast." It's also the time when Sky starts to realize that this isn't a vacation anymore... he's going to run out of supplies if he keeps using them all recklessly.

S-1 wakes up to his saviors, his head, which was still ringing, looks around and sees the familiar figure of Nekomata, that pink-haired girl... that white-haired girl... and that weird... robot... wearing red with glowing... lights for eyes... WAIT?! IS THAT AN AUTOMATON?! Helldiver S-1 jolts on the table in shock before reaching for his P-2 in his holster. Luckily, Anby, sensing the danger, grabs S-1's hand and restrains his movement with a surprising amount of strength, along with a piercing and aloof gaze reminiscent of Soldier 11. Nicole and Nekomata help with the right side of his body while Billy cartoonishly backs up in fear before hiding behind the couch.

Helldiver S-1: Get off of me! Sentient robots like him are dangerous and must be terminated!

Anby: Sky, stop now! Billy is an ally.

Billy: WOAH! What brought this on?! I'm not evil!

Anby: Sky is resisting and may be experiencing schizophrenia... Traces of Ether might still be in his blood.

Nicole: WE NOTICED ANBY! HEY! BILLY! GET BACK HERE AND HELP!

Billy: You guys got it! I believe in you, Nicole! I'm gonna stay here where it's safe!

Nicole: Damnit... Nekomata! You go and find some more Anti-Corruption Medicine! Anby can hold him forever, but I can't!

Nekomata: Nya! On it Nicole!

Nekomata leaves to get the spray while the two adopted sisters hold Sky down with far different levels of success. Nekomata arrives at the restroom cabinet before digging around at the same speed she would if she sniffed catnip.

Nekomata: Come on... why are there so many beauty products here?! Being pretty isn't THIS important, Nicole... MEOW! Found it!

While Nekomata is finding the Anti-Corruption Spray, Nicole loses her grip on Helldiver S-1 after he does a small slap on her face, freeing up his left arm. Anby isn't quick enough to stop both of his arms from grabbing the P-2 Pistol as S-1 grabs it and attempts to fire at the couch Billy is hiding behind. Fortunately, the P-2 is still jammed from his battle with the ethereals, as no bullets come out. Nicole is busy rubbing her pained face as Nekomata comes back with the spray and administers it to Sky while he is distracted from the pistol jam.

Sky: Ugh... where am I? Nekomata...? OH! Right... you guys saved me.

Sky's head stops ringing as he looks again at Billy, who looks far less like an Automaton and far more like a weird gunslinger robot with an admittedly cool jacket. His anger calms down after confirming that Billy is not one of them, since he also speaks English like everyone else.

Nicole: Yeah... we saved you... NOW WHERE IS MY- I MEAN OUR COMPENSATION! YOU SLAPPED ME AND THREATENED BILLY WITH A GUN!

Sky: AH! SORRY?!

Nekomata: Wait! Nicole! We owe him! He helped with that cat heist I did to get the jewelry!

Nicole: Well, he still owes me for slapping me!

Billy: So being pointed at by a gun doesn't matter anymore...?

Sky looks to Nekomata for help from Nicole as she's getting very close to giving Sky a far more brutal punch as payback. Billy watches with sympathy, knowing personally just how hard the punches from Nicole can be. If a metal robot like Billy can feel pain from Nicole's punch, how was Sky even gonna survive this? Anby watches with a slight amount of concern on her poker face. Nekomata speaks up, stopping Nicole.

Nekomata: Nicole! He gave us money as well during the heist! That's our compensation! Meow!

Nicole: What...? Then where is it?

Nekomata: I was planning to keep it from you guys... since he gave it to me in particular... meow... I'm sorry...

The room goes silent as Nicole's eyes glow in anger, and her teeth grind against each other. Nicole starts directing her anger at Nekomata for not splitting the extra money between the Cunning Hares. Anby stops Nicole from unleashing her anger with some convincing.

Anby: Nicole, we aren't looking very professional right now. If Sky keeps seeing you in this state, he may take his money back from Nekomata and leave a bad review on Inter-Knot.

Nicole: Hmph... fine... alright, Nekomata, you are safe for now. But no more mackerel for a week!

Nekomata: Awwwww...

Billy: hehe... sorry kitty cat~ Looks like I won't get punished for once!

Nicole: BILLY! YOU DID NOTHING! GO TO THE TIMEOUT CORNER!

Billy: Awww... Spoke too soon...

Billy goes to his spot in the corner with an overly sad expression in his glowing lenses. Nekomata leaves and plops down on the couch before turning on the TV. Nicole smiles before looking at the money that Nekomata dropped for them, and smiles even more. Anby helps Sky off the table thanks to his side injury, making movement harder for him. From this angle... Sky swears that Anby looks very similar to Soldier 11... Sure, she had shorter neck length hair instead of long hair tied in a ponytail, and sure she didn't wear those yellow-tinted googles and wore completely different colors, and sure Anby used electricity instead of fire, but... what the hell...? Why were they so-

Nicole: Hey! Sky? Are you busy, caught up in the beauty? Might have to charge you for that~

Sky: OH! Sorry, I lost my focus for a second there... near-death experiences, you know...?

Anby: It's okay, take a moment to rest, Nicole already looks fulfilled with the amount of currency you indirectly paid.

Nicole: And if you ever need the Cunning Hares' assistance again, Sky, don't be afraid to call us for only 300,000 Denny-

Nekomata: GUYS! NICOLE LOOK! THE NEWS! SKY IS ON IT!

Billy/Nicole/Sky: HUH?!

Anby: Oh... that's unexpected... oh no... I ran out of burgers...

The three rush over to the couch to watch the news report, apparently featuring Sky, while Anby finds a burger in the fridge and sits down with only slight disbelief on her aloof face. The news transition plays before the reporter starts to speak.

Reporter: It is at this time that the sudden hollow expansion near Sixth and Seventh Street has now been fully contained and even shrunk back down to its original size after some unknown individuals eliminated one Dead-End Butcher Ethereal inside the Hollow.

Nicole: That's us! Billy, record this! This'll be even greater PR for the Cunning Hares!

Billy: On it, boss!

Nekomata: Yeah... because you just HAD to ruin our PR by low-balling some of our clients...

Nicole: What can I say? I'm an amazing con-artist~

S-1: When you don't lose your temper, that is~

Nicole: SHUT IT!

Reporter: Our ground reporter at the PUBSEC border of the Hollow even found a student who claims to have been saved by some of the individuals who reduced the Butcher to purple pixels. Let's hear from the student now.

Student: Is this thing on...? AH! It is... yeah, so I was hiding in a corner surrounded by ethereals, but suddenly a black and yellow caped crusader saved me from the darkness! He was a bit clumsy and weird, which got him stabbed by an ethereal, making both of us scared. Eventually, A cat thiren saved us from our situation, but the helmet guy stayed behind to make sure I got out safely with the thiren. I still don't know if he's okay, but we need more heroes like him! He was kinda cute and tall as well~

Ground Reporter: And did you catch any of their names before you were taken out of the Hollow?

Student: Well... I could tell you for... 1,000,000 Dennys~

Ground Reporter: Okay, she's nuts... We're now going to head into Sixth Street, where a few people reported seeing the exact caped figure today and yesterday as well.
Alright, is there anything you have to say about this "helmet guy"?

Tin Master: Well, he was quite rude to me when I first saw him harassing the 141 Convenience store bangboos. He said some very vulgar words before leaving...

Ground Reporter: Hmm... and how was he harassing the 141 Bangboos?

Tin Master: He yelled at them for not speaking English! That is all I'm going to say about him... but the Tin Master Special at Coff Cafe is having a discount for-

Ground Reporter: ALRIGHT SIR WE CAN'T ADVERTISE IN OUR NEWS... Ahem... let's see about everyone else... how about you, sir?

Hollow Raider being arrested: I HATE THAT GUY! He snuck up on me and knocked me out so rough that he broke my helmet! You know how much these things cost?! He even took my pocket money...

Captain Zhu Yuan: Your belongings were confiscated by us for trespassing in the hollow. You also have the right to remain silent!

Hollow Raider: I hate PUBSEC... can't have anything in New Eridu... OOF! Hey, don't be so rough! I'm moving, I'm moving... jeez...

Ground Reporter: And how about you, Captain? Did you meet him?

Zhu Yuan: I did, he helped with a cat heist, but unfortunately, we couldn't find the perpetrator by the time we saved all the cats hanging off of ledges. And if this unknown individual has the time to save cats and stop hollow raiders? I think PUBSEC can give him some slack for the open carry he always does, but rest assured that we will keep an eye on him.

Ground Reporter: Now then, thank you a lot for your input, Captain Zhu Yuan. Now we're talking to the owner of Waterfall Soup. What do you know about our mysterious newcomer, General Chop?

General Chop: Well, he paid the bill for my favorite customer, and he has some pleasant manners! He is certainly welcome to continue eating at Waterfall Soup if he stays this polite!

Everyone gives very conflicting reports on Sky as some, like Elfy, know more about his heroic and somber nature, while others, like Tin Master, consider him an outcast for the 141 Incident. Sky seems to be very mixed in terms of reputation, but if he keeps doing what he does now, he'll become a hero in New Eridu's eyes! The news stops talking about Sky and the Sixth and Seventh Street hollow quickly, as it is a smaller news channel. Helldiver S-1 has a disappointed face under his visor as Nekomata turns off the news.

Helldiver S-1: It seems that New Eridu doesn't like newcomers...

Nekomata: Not a big fan of the news? Meow?

Nicole: Well, where do you come from then?

S-1: The... Outer Ring.

Billy: That sounds about right, which would explain the lack of knowledge you have about Sixth Street! I used to live there as well! Is that armor looted then?

Sky: Something like that... look, I have to go, the sun has already set, so I have to go to sleep. Thanks for the help, all of you Cunning... uh...

Nicole: Cunning Hares. And you know where to find us if you ever need our help! For a fee, of course~

Sky: Right! Alright, Cunning Hares... I'll see you later.

Sky leaves to go back to his apartment for some sleep. Anby seems to be contemplating something before standing up and following Sky. The other three don't stop her, as they don't see a reason to stop her. Sky and Anby exit the apartment before Anby makes herself known by grabbing Sky's arm with a light grip.

Anby: Sky, can we speak in private? I have some questions.

S-1: I don't see a reason as to why not?

Anby and Sky go around a corner in the moonlight before Anby starts talking.

Anby: Sky... I've never seen armor like this. There is no possibility you looted it, not even the Defense Force has tech like this.

Helldiver S-1: Don't ask too many questions like that, Anby... How do you know what the Defense Force has anyway? What if I'm just a classified agent working with experimental tech?

Anby: You don't have the look or the experience to be that high ranking. And we wouldn't have to save you in such a small hollow.

S-1: You didn't answer my question. How do you know all this?
Anby seemed a bit hesitant to answer the question, as her aloof face shows a hint of regret before sobering up. Anby seems to stare at the stars silently, trying to ignore him before Sky senses her regret and speaks up.

Sky: How about this... You don't ask where I got this armor and gear from, and I don't ask how you seem to have some former military experience, okay, Anby?

Anby: Okay... We all have secrets we'd rather not share... I... Thank you, Sky.

S-1: Don't mention it. But since I'm already talking to you, I know this one soldier in the Defense Force who looks and acts very similar to you. Am I just imagining things, or do you know each other?

Anby: People are like Cheeseburgers, they may look the same on the outside, but their ingredients and taste can be completely different on the inside.

Sky: Where did Cheeseburgers even come from in this conversation...

Anby: The point is that I don't know the person you are inquiring about, unfortunately. However, if you could give me her name, that might help more.

Sky: Soldier 11. Does that call sign ring a bell?

Anby's face flashes with a lot of recognition, but luckily, Sky doesn't notice in the dark moonlight. Memories of Anby's biological sister start to flood her brain as the regret of abandoning her in the Defense Force instead of finding a way to desert with her comes back. The last time the two met, they saved one another in the hollow and found closure in their past... or at least Anby did with her new family. Anby apologized to Soldier 11 for everything she did to her, but only when Soldier 11 had short-term memory loss from her injuries. Even if she did it so Soldier 11 wouldn't have to live with the burden of her sister being alive. Anby's heart still felt like she was a coward for only saying the truth when she wouldn't remember... and when she wouldn't suffer the consequences of faking her death and her sister finding out.

Anby: ...Harin...

Sky: Uh... Anby? Are you zoning out on me?

Anby: Hmm? Oh... I'm sorry... I was zoning out... I don't know who you are talking about, but could you describe how she was to you when you met? That might help.

Sky: Well... she's unique... Only cares about the mission and no one else. But I can't help but feel that there's a different person beneath that cold exterior... She's also been very untrusting of me since I arrived in New Eridu, saying I was a threat... and yet she also saved me in the hollow.

Anby: She's confusing, isn't she?

Sky: Hehe... yeah, I suppose. Reminds me of myself at times. And seeing you reminded me of her, but you seem far nicer, Anby! I promise to make it up to the Cunning Hares!

Anby: But you already did...?

Sky: Well... maybe I'll get you a burger then if we see each other again?

Anby: Thanks, Sky...

Sky: Oh yeah, that reminds me, Soldier 11 had an obsession with spicy noodles like you with burgers. She even spiced my noodles while I wasn't looking! I still loathe her for that...

Anby: Did she now?

Sky continues to talk about how much of an enigma Soldier 11 is to him. Anby listens with an imperceptible smile as she hears how another person views her younger sister. She had already listened to a lot of the same information from Trigger when they talked about Soldier 11 and how she was doing, but Sky's more humorous and also sharing stories were more fun to hear. Anby does feel some sadness at knowing that her sister is not "living" her life as well as herself. Soldier 11 is just too worried about what the Defense Force thinks of her to live her life beyond that. But suddenly, as Sky is recapping another story, he flinches and sighs in pain from his side injury, Anby offers a helping hand on his shoulder to stabilize him.

S-1: A-Ah... nnn... Dammit... get your hand off of me...

Anby: Right... sorry.

S-1: I should head back to my place... I hope you and Soldier 11 meet though... I'd certainly place bets on who'd win~ A-ah... really should get going...

Anby: ...I'm sure we will... Are you sure you don't need help?

S-1: Not necessary, Bye Anby.

S-1 leaves while clutching his side in pain. Anby wants to help, but she knows better than to try. She decides to head back inside Cunning Hares HQ while listening to a somber song in her headphones to drown out her Echoes of Silver. The thought of Harin thinking that Anby died after betraying the Defense Force still echoes in Anby's head with a deafening volume before it calms down. S-1 walks back to his apartment before stopping by Waterfall Soup for a midnight snack.

General Chop: Sorry S-1, I ran out of noodles tonight, you can come back tomorrow morning!

S-1: Yeah, that sounds like my luck... I'll see you around...

S-1 walks away while holding his side before realizing he can use a stim! Sky pulls it out, but right before he injects himself, he realizes that if New Eridu doesn't have Element E-710, then they might not have the materials to engineer more stims. S-1 puts the stim back in his pouch to ration them out for emergencies. He will recover soon from this, anyway. Sky walks back through Sixth Street to get to his apartment, but an alleyway figure catches his attention. The moonlight slowly shifts and reflects on a familiar soldier's yellow-tinted goggles, waiting for Sky. Sky pulls out his P-2 in self-defense and slight fear of what Soldier 11 wants from him now.

Sky: Oh shit...

Soldier 11: I'm unarmed... holster your weapon...

Helldiver S-1: And why should I do that?!

Soldier 11: Well, I saved you. The best you can do is listen to me. And besides, your pistol is jammed...

Helldiver S-1: Cheap Super Earth engineered piece of SHIT...

Helldiver S-1 clears the jam before looking at Soldier 11, she didn't have her fire sword or even the backpack she uses as fuel... Sky decides to hear her out by holstering his pistol.

Soldier 11: Look, Sky... do you trust the mayor or... that's a useless question... do you trust New Eridu?

Sky: Does New Eridu, or you for that matter, even trust me?!

Soldier 11: Honestly... if I didn't trust you, you'd probably be dead, Sky.

Sky: ...right...

Soldier 11: Look, the mayor thought that he might need your help, and he did!

Sky: So that's all I am...? I'm just some pawn to you two?

Soldier 11: No, we're using each other! We understand your technology, and you can have your ship repaired by our professionals, allowing you to go home.

Sky: You wanted to remind me of the deal, then?

Soldier 11: No... The mayor extends his thanks for what you did today.

Sky: HUH?

Soldier 11: We watched as you entered that hollow illegally, and despite your reckless nature, you saved a lost student and, from what I saw, helped a few hollow raiders take out the Dead-End Butcher there. Mr. Mayflower revoked all the trespassing charges you were given and put more trust in you. So this is his way and... by extension, my way of saying sorry, and thank you for doing the right thing.

Sky: Well, I uh... is there a double-edged sword to this or...?

Soldier 11: No, you have proven your words that you have never harmed anyone since you've arrived. Even the hostile Hollow Raider you captured was dealt with non-lethally. You can expect a gift from the mayor soon.

Sky is stunned by all the positive feedback he is getting from the two people he hated most since he arrived. Was he the bad person here? Well, they still interrogated him, but at least they apologized and are gonna give him a gift soon? Wow... Sky's heart was jumping for joy! Until the pain in his side kicks in again, as Soldier 11 notices before she walks away.

Sky: C-Come on... argh...

Soldier 11: You were wounded in the hollow?

Helldiver S-1: I'm fine, I don't need your help. I can make it back to my apartment just fine without you!

Soldier 11: I'm still going to follow you. Mayflower entrusted me and others to keep you safe until everyone gets what they want.

S-1: Then why didn't you save me in the hollow today?!

Soldier 11: We were going to, but someone beat us to it. And we used it as a real test to see what you can do with more advanced equipment. You also took that equipment without permission, but we'll let it go for now.

Sky: Well, it's my ship, but thanks...?

The two soldiers walk to the apartment while Soldier 11 questions him on various subjects. It felt more like an interrogation, but at least there weren't any needles or harsh gazes... Sky could live with this. S-1 continues to hold the bandage on his side while he walks.

Soldier 11: Why are you so hostile to robots? You treat them as if they are rivals and even enemies at times. Everyone knows about how you treated the 141 Bangboos.

Helldiver S-1: Back on my home planet, we were fighting a war against two sides. You know about the Terminids from the reports, I assume, but I never told you about the second front.

Soldier 11: Robots?

Helldiver S-1: Yeah... Automatons is what High Command called them, all the same to me. They've killed a lot of heroes without any remorse or grand battle... just a laser straight through the helmet. Later, they started collecting dead bodies of civilians and helldivers alike before grinding them up to use as biofuel... The sight of seeing so many humans crushed in a giant blender with such... brutal efficiency... it drives the hate I have for all robots... I only fought them once, but once I saw that, I knew death was an inevitability if I kept fighting them, so I only fought the Terminids in my short-lived career... hehe...

Soldier 11: I see... the death of that many innocent people is wrong. That's why we do our mission.

S-1: Yeah... I wish I could have saved more people before I came here... and now in New Eridu, instead of being cheered upon when I walked the streets... I am cast aside as an outcast.

Soldier 11: You don't need validation or love from people to be important. I save people and neutralize the enemy to complete the mission; no one needs to throw a party for me. And you shouldn't expect a party all the time, but if you do save enough people that you get one, I'll show up if I have time.

Sky: Hehe~ You would be terrible at parties...

Soldier 11: Trigger and Crimson Darkness (Proxy) told me to try to be more social. Are my social interactions proving adequate?

Sky: I guess...?

The two continue walking in the moonlight as the apartment looms closer to them. Soldier 11 seems to look curious despite her aloof face before speaking up again in her final question.

Soldier 11: When I was watching you in that hollow getting rescued, before I left, I saw a white haired girl with headphones... do you know who she is? She looked very familiar...

Sky: I... have no idea who you are talking about! I was knocked out quickly by the Anti-Corruption Spray they used on me. I didn't find out much about them until I was back on the street! Hehe... he...

Soldier 11: I see... My memory must be playing tricks on me... Thanks for the help, S-1. And here,

Soldier 11 tosses a wrapper full of crackers to Sky, who catches it with his free hand.

Soldier 11: I saw that General Chop didn't have any noodles left for you; that was my fault. This should help keep you in adequate condition tonight.

Sky: Thanks.... nom... A-AH! WHY DO YOU MAKE IT SPICY EVERYTIME?!!

Soldier 11: Spicy foods are more advantageous for your long-term health and have good flavor. It'll make you forget about your injury and build your pathetic spice tolerance.

Sky: It's... *COUGH* better than nothing, I guess... thanks for the crackers... nom...

Sky and Soldier 11 walk inside the apartment complex before making it to the elevator. Soldier 11 walks Sky inside of it before the two look at each other in a silent goodbye as the elevator rises, leaving Soldier 11 behind. S-1 arrives at his room before plopping down on the bed in complete exhaustion. He went through all that effort to save one person...? Worth it... Sky goes to sleep excited for the first time in a long time, over what reward Mayflower is gonna give him tomorrow.

Notes:

Sorry for the long wait. I was just burnt out and lazy for a bit, so I got S+ Hardcore on RE2R to refresh my mood. This chapter was partly dedicated to Anby's Agent Story "Echoes of Silver" because of how awesome it is, and S-1 noticing the similarities between the two sisters/clones was bound to happen. Anyways, I like to keep comments more interesting on every chapter, so I'll include a small question on what YOU (dear reader) think that Sky sounds like? Helldiver S-1 sounds more akin to the Male Helldiver voices in HD2. While Sky, on the other hand, sounds a bit younger and more carefree.
(Whenever I read Sky dialogue, I imagine RE2R Leon and DP1R Isaac Clarke, but that's just me)
Apologies for the informal tone, reader. I'm just so happy to be back and watching Sky slowly become a hero that nobody needed in New Eridu. I'll see you starside, dearest reader. Have a good day/evening/night.

Chapter 15: Putting The Pieces of A Shattered Mind Together

Summary:

Sky is awakened out of bed with a familiar and annoying voice of both murder and democratic honor ringing in his head. It's time for Sky to figure out a way to keep Helldiver S-1 at bay, and that meant fixing his shattered mind in one way or another.

Sky wakes up feeling energized, his side wound no longer hurting at all. He replaces the bloodied bandage before finishing cleaning both his body and his armor after the blood tainted them. After the shower, Sky puts his armor back on before looking at himself in the mirror. The armor looked very different from when he first arrived. A band-aid on his visor from Piper, A large bandage on his side, and two smaller ones on his lower stomach and shoulder to keep the suit pressurized. Not to mention his cape, which had small tears from near misses and burn marks from his fight with Soldier 11, an imaginative version of Helldiver S-1 from Sky's shattered mind appears behind Sky in the mirror, with none of the charming imperfections of Sky's armor, only blood smearing his whole armor like it was just a blank canvas.

Helldiver S-1: You're growing soft, Helldiver...

Sky: Soft...?

Helldiver S-1: You are letting this world of imperfection and disgusting perseverance infect your mind. I'm the only one keeping us on track to get home and alive. If it weren't for me, those liberty forsaken ethereals would have ended us. You MADE that deal with the mayor when dying with your honor intact was the better option. YOU are letting them toy with OUR SUPER DESTROYER! That Truth Enforcer was right... Your loyalty to Super Earth has been compromised. You're just a parasite sucking off Lady Liberty's tech. We should just kill EVERYONE and make Super Earth take control...

Sky: Aren't you the one infecting my mind like a parasite? Screw off S-1. We're not killing innocent people! I don't care if you look down on them just because they aren't from Super Earth! THEY ARE HUMAN! JUST LIKE YOU! JUST LIKE ME! I'll find us a way home, you keep us alive, then when we get home, we can argue there. Besides, since we gave the Super Destroyer to the mayor, he's giving us a gift in return. I am giving us every advantage I can without your control!

Helldiver S-1: I find your lack of faith in my control disturbing.

Sky: You'll get people killed if you ever retake control, like when I was fully brainwashed. Eventually, the brainwashing will go away, and you'll disappear. And I can rest easy at night knowing you're gone.

Helldiver S-1: I can't wait for that day... knowing your insides will be pooling around you after you get caught off guard without me~ I'd love to be there to see your blood spilled all over... so therapeutic~

Sky: Fucking psychopath...

Helldiver S-1: Which one~?

Sky: I AM NOT LIKE YOU!

Helldiver S-1: We have far more in common than you would expect. You and I both laugh when we slaughter bugs; we take pleasure in getting covered in their blood. We both move on easily from others' deaths. We tease the line between life and death every waking moment. I AM YOU. And yet despite all of that, you still spared that Hollow Raider yesterday, why?

Sky: Bug blood and Human blood are different. Even if he was a criminal, PUBSEC wouldn't have liked it, I'm allying with as many people as I can! Then, when we need their help, we rip it from their throats to get back home to Super Earth without hesitation! But whatever, let's do something to keep our minds busy until Mayflower calls us.

Helldiver S-1: We'll discuss your troubling lack of a democratic heart later, then. I want to watch how spectacularly you get us killed in New Eridu. Weak excuse for a traitor... and an even weaker excuse for a helldiver...

Before Sky can yell at S-1, he fades away in the mirror's reflection, leaving Sky annoyed with a heavy sigh. Sky taps his helmet as his objective list expands with more info on what there is to do today. The list goes from highest priority to lowest.

MISSION OBJECTIVES:

RETURN TO SUPER EARTH

SIDE OBJECTIVES:

AWAIT MAYOR MAYFLOWER'S CALL (Waiting)

HEAD TO DEW GARDENING IN LUMINA SQUARE AT THE REQUEST OF ELFY (In Progress)

ASK OR FIND OUT HOW A THIREN IS MADE (In Progress)

ASK OR FIND OUT WHY THE DENNY INFLECTION RATE IS SO HIGH IN NEW ERIDU (Completed)

Sky: How is a thiren even made...? Would a human have to make out with a ca- I DON'T WANNA KNOW... You added this?!

Helldiver S-1: What? I was curious... Helldivers can be interested in this undemocratic world, before they take over and drink blood with laughter and explosions.

Sky: Sweet Liberty, you are sick... ALRIGHT... How about we head to Dew Gardening with this disc and card Elfy gave us? By the time we finish, Mayflower should call us.

Helldiver S-1: Not like I have control over you anyway, for the time being. Let's mobilize.

Before Sky can exit his apartment, one of the staff members of the complex appears behind the door as Sky suddenly opens it. Sky is a bit jumpscared but holds himself together as the man starts speaking.

Staff Member: Are you alright? Other people in the side rooms have reported strange noises coming from this room in particular. And what's with the helmet...?

Sky: HUH? OH! Uh... I'm... rehearsing for a play! Yeah, this is my costume! And I have to read my lines out loud! That's how I remember them! You know how theater people are~ hehe... he.

Staff Member: Ah! Okay, that makes sense! Sorry for the misunderstanding, sir. I didn't mean to intrude on your privacy. After you.

The Staff Member lets Sky exit his room before Sky takes the elevator down, and before he knows it, he's back on Sixth Street. Unfortunately, he does not have any form of map or GPS, since his helmet was obviously incompatible in any way, thanks to being in a different dimension.

Sky: I have to stop talking to myself out loud... people are gonna think I'm insane... well, they aren't WRONG but-

New Eridu Citizen: Hey! It's that helmet person from the news!

Crowd: Really? What? Wait, which person on the news...?

Enthusiastic Citizen: Woah... dude, you looked awesome on the news! That footage we saw showed you standing on that rubble like a hero!

Pessimistic Citizen: He took out the ethereals, sure, but we don't know his intentions; he could be a criminal!

Hostile Citizen: HEY! GET OUT OF HERE! YOU AREN'T WELCOME AFTER WHAT YOU SAID!

Overjoyous NE Citizen: What?! He saved people in the hollow! He's a hero! I'm a big fan! Can I have an autograph...?

Sky is a bit shocked by all the random pedestrians that showed up, some being thankful while others are angry at the Helldiver for the 141 Incident. Sky is a bit overwhelmed by the reactions, but is also greeted with nostalgia from how positively Super Earth and Meridia Civilians treated him like a hero.

S-1: Oh! Well, it's not authorized to do autographs unless it's a ceromon- oh wait, I'm not on Super Earth... Sure! Here you go. I'll endanger my life for you and everyone in New Eridu!

Overjoyous Citizen: AHHHHHH! So kind! But don't have it come to that! I owe you for this...

Sky: If that's the case, could you point me in the direction of Lumina Square...? I plan to travel there on foot.

Overjoyous Citizen: Lumina Square? That's quite far to walk on foot. You should take the bus. But I do have a map you can have! I'm a Cartographer!

Sky: That's nice of you... How much?

Overjoyed Citizen: It's free for you! Think of it as my way of saying thank you for helping out with the local hollow expansion! Good luck, hero!

S-1 waves her off before quickly leaving as the hostile citizens start throwing tomatoes, which usually wouldn't matter, but he didn't want to get his clean armor dirty again. Sky finds a bus stop as he finds himself quickly bored on the bus as it drives to Lumina Square. He looks at the map and tucks it away for later before leaning on the window again, trying not to acknowledge the judgmental gazes cast upon him.

S-1 gets off the bus once he arrives, as even he is impressed by the shopping district, with far more people walking around, and more PUBSEC Officers to watch over with the HQ right in the corner inside the shopping district. And like with any big city, the funniest thing to do is explore and look around for Dew Gardening, and there's no better place to start than... wait, another Waterfall Soup but with a different person...? He looks like a younger General Chop with the same two robot arms to help with noodle making. S-1 sits down, confused.

Waterfall Soup Second Branch: New customer? I've never seen your face... or rather, your helmet, before! I'm Chop Jr. What can I get ya?

Sky: It's safe to assume you are General Chop's son based on that name of yours?

Chop Jr: Ah, my old man, you met him? pssh... that old timer keeps sticking with the recipes instead of branching out more, and he stays in that small street instead of using his talent here! I guarantee you that my noodles are FAR better than his! You know what?! Here! For free, to prove a point!

Chop Jr suddenly whips out a bowl of noodles immediately before even asking Sky what he wants. Sky eats the noodles, which taste different from General Chop's, but they both still taste the same, meaning they are incredible. Sky gobbles it all down to have enough energy for the rest of the day while Chop Jr watches with a smile.

Chop Jr: Better right?

Sky: They both taste great.

Chop Jr: Hmph... that's what they all say... alright, eat your noodles away from my store so I don't lose my temper, thanks.

Sky leaves, grateful he didn't have to share his name for the 1000th time in the first week he's been here... wait, how long has it been...? Eh, doesn't matter, getting home is still the priority. Sky walks around finishing his noodles, as all the rest of the stores don't look that helpful to him. Hotpot...? Nah... Hair Stylist? He wears a helmet! Back Messages...? Maybe... wait done by a robot? SWEET LADY LIBERTY NO! Helldiver S-1 walks away disgusted at such integration between machine and man in society, before finally catching Dew Gardening in the corner of his eye. He must have missed it the first time, but the subtle fragrance it spread throughout Lumina Square was unmistakable now. Sky walks up to the store as flower pots are arranged delicately, as a beautiful and elegant lady wearing a blue and black outfit with matching hair and flower-themed accessories greets him.

???: Hello there, dear customer. You finally arrived, Elfy informed me, She said you would be here. I've been waiting for quite a long time.

Sky: Waiting for me...? Sorry for keeping you waiting, then, what's your name?

Orchidea: My name is Orchidea. It's a pleasure to meet such a complex fragrance like yours, Sky...

Sky: Elfy told you my name... don't say it out loud, please...

Orchidea: Don't worry, my lips are sealed on your secret. I'm sure you have your reasons. Now, come, help me arrange some flowers so I know what your characteristics are.

Sky: I don't think this is gonna help me-

Orchidea: Inside Sky.

Sky: Alright... I'll do my best...

Orchidea enters Sky inside Dew Gardening before she grabs a simple metal flower pot and allows Sky to put whatever he wants. Helldiver S-1 sees this as a waste of time, but Sky listens as he picks all of his favorite flowers before putting them into the pot. It feels strangely healing as Sky finishes. Orchidea looks at the flowers with an analytical gaze before a smile forms on her face, but also with a questioning glare at Sky.

Sky: I messed up, didn't I? Let me try again-

Orchidea: No, you didn't mess up, Sky. It's just such a unique and almost... romanticized combo of flowers. Would you like me to explain the flower you picked first?

Sky: The Marigolds...? Sure.

Orchidea: Marigolds symbolize Life and Death, a flower of mourning and remembrance, but despite all that, perseverance and optimism. It also matches your armor well. Is this one your favorite?

Sky: I used to watch a lot of marigolds from pictures, and they looked so beautiful, my mom loved them as well... I haven't seen one in person in a long time. What about the second flower? The Sunflowers?

Orchidea: It's a very hopeful and happy flower with a soft fragrance, yet unwavering loyalty and devotion... but loyalty like that to the wrong people or cause can be dangerous... even deadly.

Helldiver S-1: Don't worry, the cause I am a part of is the most perfect one in the universe. I'm not in any danger! I AM THE DANG-

Orchidea: No need to be so passionate, Sky... which brings me to the last flower you picked. The Red Roses... which are very passionate yet strange... they seem out of place with the bright yellow flowers. Why did you pick this flower?

Sky: It... reminds me of my family... My mom mainly. She loved roses a lot and was always given them by all her friends and extended family when she was pregnant with me. She later told me that one day she wanted to be buried with roses, her whole casket in and out. I'm not sure why she told me that, but now I understand that she knew it was one of our last normal conversations before I left to pursue my passion. My late brother even wanted to start a flower business with her once they had time, but then everything happened and... they're not with me anymore. But that chapter of my life is in the past... she's passed on peacefully now... unlike my brother.

Orchidea: I still sense regret in that voice, Sky. What's wrong...?

Sky: After everything, no one could find her body, and I'm the only person alive to carry her memories... it feels like a burden... and yet despite that, I still keep hoping I'll find it even though I know it's gone. So I can bury it with roses... her final wish to me... and yet it remains unfulfilled...

Orchidea: I see... sorry for intruding on your past, Sky. If it helps... Roses are the flower of pure love and passion. Your mom must have loved you a lot despite everything that may have happened before. She wanted you to remember her for all the good times they shared. Even just giving her memories a spiritual burial may help you find peace in the dark parts of your past.

Sky: That sounds like her... she was naive and loving despite every hardship that came her way. But she sure as hell wasn't perfect... after my dad left her for a different woman once I was conceived, she turned to alcohol to help her through the hard times... It was hard watching her only be happy at the end of a bottle sometimes, and for a few years, it was just my big brother and my mom working themselves to the bone so that I wouldn't have to. But even when she wasn't home much, she still cared for me with 100% of her heart. The passion she showed despite her aging was incredible; she worked when she was pregnant, when she was older, and even when I was already well off by myself. Best Mom Ever hehe...

Orchidea: I'm happy you had a positive relationship with your mom, not many can say that even if she died early... but I now understand why you picked the roses... they remind you of all the happy times while also reminding you of your passion. How do you feel...?

Sky: I don't know... I still feel arrogant... reckless... and repulsive, but also better...?

Orchidea: Then that means you are healing, you are free to take that pot with you now, Sky. Thank you for your fragrance and for spreading it throughout Dew Gardening. Just give me that card and disc Elfy gave you as payment.

Sky hands over the two items as Orchidea takes them and dismisses Sky with an elegant bow. Sky contemplates returning the gesture but doesn't wanna ruin his tough helldiver personality, so he nods before taking the pot and leaving. S-1 walks out a bit exhausted from the emotional hoops he just went through, but he feels... better. Sky sits down on a bench to watch the people of Lumina Square enjoy their lives by shopping or simply chatting. He sees a familiar Police Captain talking with an embarrassed tone at what looks to be a very short cop only reaching up to Zhu Yuan's waist...she looked like her cop partner... no, that looks like a... AUTOMATON?! WHY IS SHE A COP?! AND WHY DOES SHE LOOK HUMAN?!

Helldiver S-1 immediately tries pulling his pistol out of the holster, but Sky tries to stop him with the body's other hand. They are both split into Mind and Body, as one tries to kill another automaton without thinking of the consequences, while the other wants to at least think about this. Helldiver S-1 successfully manages to pull out the pistol and pull the trigger, but Sky turns on the safety, preventing any bullet from coming out. The twin-tailed automaton turns at the sound of the click, but both personalities inside the flesh quickly agree to hide the failed assassination attempt as they holster the pistol and whistle.

???: Hmm... that was a strange noise just now...

Captain Zhu Yuan: Qingyi... are you even listening to me...? I need some advice on how to be more... ahem... forward with the manager...

Qingyi: Getting the manager's attention would be straightforward with a bakery like yours. Just wear a more revealing outfit and-

Zhu Yuan: Q-QINGYI! NOT IN PUBLIC!

Qingyi: I can't be the only person who thinks you have a great body~ Unfortunately, Jane was right, you are far too naive to use it to swoon the manager. You'll have to be hopelessly married to your work until the day you perish, Zhu Yuan... Such a preventable tragedy for a 25-year-old woman in need of a loving-

Zhu Yuan: I get it... anything at least more subtle...?

Qingyi: Get them a gift, Captain. Chocolate handcuffs would be in character and also serve as a light jab, now that you know the managers are Phaethon.

Zhu Yuan: Still a sore spot, Qingyi, they betrayed our trust and didn't reveal that they were illegal proxies until we found out. But thanks to Miyabi and Mayor Mayflower... we can't do a thing. You're right, chocolate handcuffs would be a great way to tease them while still being a nice gift... thanks a lot, Qingyi. I owe you.

Qingyi: I'll add that to my database along with the rest of the times you owe me for flirting advice. Hmm, it says that you owe me a lot, and the amount is still rising.

Zhu Yuan: I thought I paid you back every time with hot water and tea!

Qingyi: You did, I'm messing with you Zhu Yuan~ (─‿‿─)

Zhu Yuan: Why you little...

The two cops banter and chase each other for fun in the evening light as Sky watches with his flower pot in hand from a distance. Helldiver S-1 is still seething but isn't attacking just yet. Sky observes the lives of people in New Eridu, witnessing how a city on the verge of hollow disasters still manages to find ways to enjoy life. It was a stark reminder to Super Earth and the late Meridia, which made Sky feel more responsible to do right by the innocent people of New Eridu. People like the mayor can go to hell once Sky is done using them to his advantage by letting him repair it. But as Sky is thinking badly of the mayor, a call on his helmet causes him to spring up out of his bench with readiness and anticipation.

MAYOR MAYFLOWER IS DIALING:

ACCEPT? DENY?

But it was clear which one Sky was forced to pick... if he wanted to get his gift and find a way home. As much as Sky and especially Helldiver S-1 hate this option, it's the only one on the table, at least New Eridu was weak and didn't prove to be a threat to Super Earth if they invaded or something stupid like that. So, Super Earth isn't in any danger, only Sky himself.

Notes:

Happy Fourth of July, Helldiver/Proxy! Sorry for the wait, I had to light my fireworks in the name of the more lame real-life version of democracy before cheering for the idealistic and perfect managed democracy. And there was a noticeable amount of confusion in the text below this, that END OF WORK text only shows on the newest chapter, and does not mean that this story of Helldiver S-1 is ending. You'll know if it genuinely is ending one day... but in the words of Helldiver Male Voice 1... "NOT TODAY!" And as my special democratic gift to all of you, here are my two friend codes for HD2 and ZZZ alike! So you can trash-talk me, shower me in endless praise, or say hi. I also fixed A LOT of inconsistencies and downright nasty writing in a lot of the earlier chapters, notably Chapter 8 has gotten a near-complete rewrite to have a far more convincing and hateful Helldiver S-1 with Soldier 11 and Mayor Mayflower. Reread Chapter 8 if you have the time. See you starside, dearest reader.

HD2 Username: Skiy1k (Yeah, you weren't expecting that, were you? EDIT: As it turns out, HD2 uses a randomly generated Friend Code system, so you won't be able to add me like that, Sorry! However, Skiy1k is my username on every platform, so you can still add me to your console/PC's friends list if you want.)

ZZZ UID: 1003672338

Chapter 16: Signal From The Star You Descended From

Summary:

Helldiver S-1 is given a gift by Mayor Mayflower for his heroism in helping with the expansion of a hollow. S-1 is thankful for the new upgrade before something far more important shines on his visor in the sky.

Sky reluctantly answers the call as Mr. Mayflower speaks up.

Mayflower: Sky, I have to congratulate you on making the right call yesterday. Not many people I know are willing to go into a rapidly expanding hollow, let alone someone who doesn't even know how dangerous it is.

Helldiver S-1: Who said I needed your validation? I have all the help that I need within myself. You are stripping away my freedom, Mayflower. And I will not tolerate it for much longer.

Mayflower: You are being uncooperative again, Sky. Today is a good day for you, don't waste it. You'll be permitted to enter any hollow you desire to save people or eliminate any ethereals, since you seem to enjoy it to a disturbing degree, from what I read in the Soldier 11 report. And you have a special surprise waiting for you back on your ship. We already sent a car to Sixth Street to-

Sky: Hey, wait! I'm in Lumina Square now!

Mayflower: Oh... You are getting far more familiar with the city than anticipated. The car will be rerouted to Lumina Square, you know what it looks like. I appreciate your cooperation, Sky. Have a good day in New Eridu.

Helldiver S-1: Yeah... but if you backstab me, you better sleep with your eyes open... OR YOU'LL BE SLEEPING WITH YOUR CHEST OPEN SOON ENOUGH! Good day...

Helldiver S-1 hangs up with anger fueling his veins again, but he looks back at the flower pot in his hand before the anger starts to flush out. Sky lets out a small sigh before standing back up in the afternoon sun and going back to Dew Gardening to ship the flowers back to his apartment. After he is done, he sees the black car ready to take him to his Super Destroyer. Sky hops in the back before leaning on the window again to pass the time. The Helldiver arrives at the research facility before getting out of the car and getting pointed at by countless lasers from assault rifles.

DF Soldiers: Drop your weapons, and you may be allowed in S-1.

S-1: Again...? I'm getting tired of the lack of respect. You can't shoot me, or else you'll lose all the intel about this ship you want. You're bluffing, I know it.

Helldiver S-1 strolls up to the crowd with his hands raised while the DF Soldiers back up as well, but don't fire. S-1 lets out a small scoff before deciding to cooperate anyway, seeing all the laser dots focused on his helmet, which are also bothering his eyes. He may as well see the gift that Mr. Mayflower has made for him. Some DF Soldiers escort sky down to the Super Destroyer before he enters himself. Scientists and Engineers are struggling with the ship's completely foreign technology as Helldiver S-1 laughs under his helmet at their failed and undemocratic attempts to understand his prosperous ship.

The science team banters in conjunction with the engineering team as it starts to give off an air of pain and annoyance. Sky waits back to hear the annoyance out of curiosity and boredom.

Scientist: Do you know who ate all the donuts? And why do we all have to wear these ridiculous ties?!

Engineer: I AM STUDYING AN EXPLOSIVE DEVICE WITH 500 KGS OF PAYLOAD! I CANNOT RELATE TO YOUR DONUT PROBLEMS!

Scientist: Have I really been that big a burden? Alright, I'm leaving now.

Scientist 2: How have you not deciphered any of the FTL Engine schematics?!

Engineer 2: We don't even have most of these materials and minerals! Most of these must come from MULTIPLE different alien planets in HIS dimension! I don't think there's any way to fix the FTL-

Scientist 2: Excuses... Excuses... GET BACK TO WORK AND FIGURE SOMETHING OUT!

The banter and annoyance in the research teams are palpable as Helldiver S-1 watches with a sadistic smile on his face. The familiar female scientist from when Sky first came here appears behind him. Sky sighs with annoyance at the interruption to his fun.

Scientist: S-1! You're here. It's great to see the owner of this ship again! We're almost done with your gift, but you'll have to wait a little longer! Sorry for the wait...

Sky: It's fine, wait... We? Who else is working on it?

Scientist: Sergeant Soldier 11 is helping the science team. I was told that you two were familiar and acquainted with each other.

Sky: A bit too much recently... Wait, she's here and helping? Shouldn't she be on a mission or something?

Scientist: Sounds like you know her well. If she's here helping with the gift... maybe she was ordered by the mayor? But she could have also refused; she might have had a soft spot for you. You both wear the same colors and everything...

Sky: I doubt that, and also NO, she does not have a soft spot for me! I checked and all I can say is that she's the most one-minded person I've ever met! She's always saying stuff like... ahem... "Maintaining the agenda is our top priority." or even something like... ahem... "The mission is the only thing that matters; whether you live or die only matters if it affects the mission."

Scientist: Isn't that hypocritical coming from a person who preaches about your planet's "Managed Democracy" like it's some hyperfixation?

HELLDIVER S-1: IT IS NOT A HYPERFIXATION! MANAGED DEMOCRACY IS PERFECTION INCARNATE, AND IT IS NOT ONE MINDED OF ME TO SAY THAT! YOUR BLOOD WILL SPILL THE WALLS IF YOU SAY THAT AGAIN!

Scientist: Calm down, S-1! I didn't mean it! Wow... you have a lot of energy... I um... are you that excited for the gift or did you mean that...?

Sky: Huh...? Oh... Yeah, I'm just excited for the gift! I must have talked my mind there for a second! Sorry... is it ready yet?

Scientist: Should be, let's check the bridge.

Sky and the scientist take the elevator platform before it rises a lot faster than last time. They must have fixed it after Soldier 11 and Sky fought here. Chatter from Soldier 11 and someone who sounds like... Trigger...? comes from the bridge as the two rise to meet them.

Soldier 11: It doesn't have any gaps where Ether can squeeze through? What do you see under that mask, Trigger?

Trigger: Nothing, I only see darkness. Hehe...

Soldier 11: Darkness?! Is your mask not working correctly? Let me see it, I can get someone to make a replacement and- wait... this is another attempt at humor about you being blind, isn't it...?

Trigger: I couldn't help it, you walked into it like a mine! Nice to see that you still care about your teammate.

Soldier 11: *sigh* Not funny... fine, what do you see with your ETHER VISION?!

Trigger: No gaps reported, Soldier 11. The outer layer is completely impenetrable to Ether and more durable due to the upgrades.

Scientist: I brought our special friend here, Sergeant! S-1 has arrived to retrieve his gift from the mayor.

Trigger and Soldier 11 turn around to face the two of them. Trigger does a small smile and a wave while Soldier 11 nods in acknowledgement, but Trigger bumps 11 with her shoulder, reminding her to use her manners, before Soldier 11 sighs and does a small wave as well, but with no smile. Sky returns the gesture with a bit of hesitation before the four are standing where the voting machine in the Super Destroyer is. Still, the ceremonial armor next to the loadout modification area looks vastly different.

S-1: Why is the armor different? It's supposed to be heavy armor, but now it looks like a standard issue B-01, but... different?

Soldier 11: This is your gift.

Trigger: We managed to salvage a mint-condition B-01 armor, as you call it, from your ship and upgraded it.

Scientist: That's right! They watched over you to... well, spy on you mainly, but they also took notes on your weaknesses in the hollow! Your lack of Ether protection is a big one! So, Mayor Mayflower called in a favor from Waifei Peninsula for sending two special people there to be trained under High Preceptor Yi Xuan, and... well, it's a long story. But the armor has now been fitted with a Porcelume outer layer! We also outfitted it with Carrot Data to help you navigate the hollows, and Ether monitoring systems were added as well!

Helldiver S-1: And how is Porcelume gonna improve upon my perfection?

Trigger: High and mighty ego much...?

Soldier 11: You get used to it.

Scientist: Porcelume is an ETHER-RESISTANT material. And we've never made a completely pressurized suit of it before, but your armor was the perfect blueprint, so we built upon it, and it should allow you to stay in the hollows... forever! Mayflower was considering giving it to the Hollow Investigative Association instead, so that they could gather data in the hollow with much more ease, but he no longer trusts them. You, on the other hand, have more trust than H.I.A after you helped shrink down that hollow.

Soldier 11: Mayflower went through a lot to make this armor for you, S-1. It would be advisable not to break it since Porcelume is highly expensive.

Trigger: That might come out of your wallet... do your best to stay in the shadows and watch your back if we're not covering it in the future.

Soldier 11: My advice? Don't get hit.

Sky: Easier said than done... but why are you all trusting me all of a sudden? And why trust me with the armor?

Soldier 11: Because you haven't given us any reason to doubt you. And keeping you happy with this gift allows us to keep working together until we both get what we want.

Sky: Okay... I um... thanks a lot for this, my armor has been falling apart lately... like myself at times...

Trigger: S-1...?

Sky: HUH? Ah, sorry... must have zoned out... what were we talking about...? Oh right! The armor, wait, so can I put it on now?

The three look at Sky, confused about his earlier words, before shrugging it off. They look back at the armor before the scientist speaks up.

Scientist: Yeah, you can! We'll uh... give you some privacy. Oh, and I gave it a new, more fitting name.

Sky: Hmm?

Scientist: The P-01! P as in Porcelume-01! What do you think?

Helldiver S-1: It's hard to improve upon perfection, but it's not hard to improve on garbage like that name, try it again.

Scientist: Aw... I thought it was nice...

The three leave to give Sky some privacy before he smiles in delight. He quickly hides his face before he takes off his armor until he puts on his new Porcelume-coated armor and undersuit, as music starts playing to highlight the moment in heroism. When the music was over, he looked like a TRUE Helldiver again with no damage and imperfections, not even on his new Foesmasher cape. There was an intense glow on the yellow traces of his armor from the Porcelume, but it made him look like a positively glowing hero in the dark. And a glowing reaper to his enemies that should fear him in the dark... The suit HUD turns on as the suit finishes pressurizing.

B-01 HELLDIVER COMBAT ARMOR REBOOTING

HELLDIVER S-1 ID RECOGNIZED

STANDBY FOR MAIN SYSTEMS REBOOT

USER ID #63121177567-LEON, SKY

HEIGHT 5FT, 10IN

BIOMETRIC MONITORING SYSTEMS ACTIVATED

ANTITOXIN ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM ACTIVATED

MUNITIONS DETECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEMS ACTIVATED

ONBOARD COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS ACTIVATED

SUIT PRESSURIZATION COMPLETED

MAIN SYSTEMS ONLINE

HAVE A VERY DEMOCRATIC DAY HELLDIVER

Helldiver S-1 lets out a small and giddy yet also sadistic laugh as the suit is finished rebooting. Helldiver S-1 steps out of the bridge with a smile before looking around for the three people who helped make this possible.

Helldiver S-1: Good to be back! Now, where is... Ah, there you three are!

Soldier 11: Does the armor meet your expectations, Helldiver?

Helldiver S-1: YOU BET! THIS IS THE MOST DEMOCRATIC PIECE OF ARMOR ENHANCED WITH GLOWING AND PRACTICAL-

Trigger: Hehe, you're losing it again, S-1. What do you normally tell people when you are happy with a gift?

Sky: Right... sorry... Thank you all very much! I'll make it up to you all! I should go so I can be out of your hair!

Scientist: We'll contact you if we find anything! See you!

Sky is about to leave before remembering something and awkwardly walks back.

Sky: My weapons, please... does Soldier 11 have them...?

Soldier 11: No.

Trigger: Eleven...

Soldier 11: What...? That was my attempt at humor.

Trigger: Still not good with social interaction... runs in the family, I suppose...

Soldier 11: Family...?

Trigger: FORGET I SAID ANYTHING! Ahem... could you give S-1's guns back to him? Please?

Soldier 11: Alright, here you go, Helldiver.

Sky: Thanks... but I also wasted all my ammo in the last hollow... could I get some from the ship, please...?

Soldier 11: You know that's illegal-

Sky: Not even for your least favorite helldiver...?

Soldier 11: *Sigh* Don't make me regret this "accident" in supplies, Sky. This is your ship, so it's wrong for us to steal these valuable supplies from you, but Mayflower insisted. I still don't agree with his logic, so make good use of the munitions. Only use it to save people or neutralize ethereals. Have a good day in New Eridu, you are dismissed.

Sky takes the supply pack full of new ammo before sliding it on his back to replace the old, depleted one before leaving. Sky is driven back to his apartment in New Eridu as he leans on the window as per usual. But the car seems to be taking different turns than usual...?! S-1 is about to stop the car out of confusion until Soldier 11 rings his helmet.

Sky: I have to change this number... *BEEP* Hello? Soldier 11?! What's going on?

Soldier 11: My apologies, Trigger forgot to state that you will be driven inside a small hollow to test the armor's durability against Ether. Stay inside the hollow and wait for an hour, then you can return to your duties. Good luck, Helldiver.

*BEEP*

Helldiver S-1: So she calls me a Helldiver now... that feels.... good. Someone finally respects me. Huh... Don't let it get to your head! No one on this planet deserves MY respect! HAHA! How could I let such a feeble soldier's words affect me?! That's moronic and not what happened. Lady Liberty's words are the only ones that I should respect...

The driver looks at the top rear view mirror in confusion as Helldiver S-1 stops talking to himself and starts whistling to ignore the deafening silence. The car arrives inside the small hollow before Sky exits; the oppressive weight of Ether no longer affects him, as he feels... normal. Sky walks around bored before sitting down and starts playing with his helmet UI.

Sky: Maybe they also added other features... let's see...the Inter-Knot...? Why isn't it called Super Internet? Tch.. that's lame.

Inter-Knot Account Created! Would you like to download Proxify?

Sky: Sure... music sounds nice... let's see, most popular... Stars of Lyra Playlist... Urban Stroll... Burning Desires... Come Alive... Derailed Order... Long Live The King... TKO, wait, why haven't I heard of any of these songs before? OH! Right, different dimension, different media. I guess I'll save music for another-

SUPER EARTH SIGNAL DETECTED SUPER EARTH SIGNAL DETECTED

Sky screams in confusion, ANOTHER SIGNAL?! A SUPER DESTROYER OR SOMETHING?! CAN HE GO HOME?! The Helldiver looks up into the sky, but nothing seems to be visible until a medium-sized fissure opens, revealing a UFO that is not a Super Destroyer as it flies through. The debris is like a shooting star as Sky wastes no time trying to track the signal.

Sky: CRAP! This isn't the other armor with the boosted signal tracker from Grace! Gotta follow the trail NOW!

S-1 starts running full speed towards his shooting star. After a minute of running, Sky is exhausted and slows down before seeing a small smoke trail travel through the air. Sky lets out a small cheer before getting closer, only to find a group of ethereals guarding the noise source coming from the UFO. It must have attracted them; it's not a big deal for the helldiver. Helldiver S-1 walks down with complete confidence as the smaller ethereals notice him and ready their Etheric one-armed blade. S-1 shoots all of them before they can get close using range, but one sneaks up on him again, but this time, when it strikes, the blade bounces off with a painful vibration on both sides before Sky knocks the ethereal on the head before mag dumping him down coldly with his P-2.

S-1 puts his P-2 back on his magnetic holster before seeing the space debris from Super Earth. It appears to be damaged, which is why the signal is scrambled after the impact, but it resembles some type of scientific probe... Super Earth must have sent it into the Meridia Singularity, but... why? Sky is left contemplating as he kneels to inspect the probe before the blood-covered image of Helldiver S-1 appears beside him.

Helldiver S-1: THIS IS GREAT! WE HAVE TO FIX THIS, THEN SIGNAL SUPER EARTH TO PICK US UP!

Sky: And how are we gonna do that? This probe is messed up...

Helldiver S-1: We'll make someone do it for us! This is perfect, we steal the upgraded armor, become the best helldiver, make General Brasch eat his harsh words, and-

Sky: That sounds wonderful, really... but no one is gonna wanna fix this if they know what it'll bring. If PUBSEC or the Defense Force found out that we wanted Aliens to invade, they'd arrest us, hold us prisoner, and probably kill us!

Helldiver S-1: It's not an invasion, it's pacification.

Sky: Figured you'd say that... what about if someone else gets their hands on this and tries to harm Super Earth...?

Helldiver S-1: THEN WE KILL THEM!

Sky: Okay, I agree with that.

???: Seems like Helmet Boy is talking to himself~ How embarrassing... right boys?

???: YEAH! You tell him, boss!

Sky looks up before seeing a few hollow raiders emerge from the rubble in front of the probe. The leader, A Wanted Enforcer, smashes his two power fists in front of him while the other, much more skimpy henchman brandishes handcrafted crossbows and Molotovs. Helldiver S-1 subtly puts his hand on his holster before the leader of the Hollow Raiders starts speaking.

Wanted Enforcer: You got some of our members arrested yesterday because you wanted to play hero. It seems you even got a new shiny piece of armor buckethead~ Does it stop crossbows and punches from a man like me?

Helldiver S-1: Depends... does that bubble helmet of yours stop bullets...?

Wanted Enforcer: HA! HAHAHA! I like this one! Many have tried, but they always aim for the part with the most protection. What are you gonna do hero~? Are you not gonna shoot because you soiled your pants?

A shot echoes through the hollow as the Wanted Enforcer clutches his neck in pain before the blood starts to spill out. The other Hollow Raiders gaze in fear as the dark red blood taints his power fists and gloves before he falls to the ground and struggles before he's dead. The Hollow Raiders look down at his body before looking back up at Helldiver S-1, then back at the body before running away screaming. Helldiver S-1 laughs psychopathically at the sight before holstering his P-2 and walking up to the body.

Helldiver S-1: Another forgotten soul for the hollow... hmph no neck armor either... next time, bring a real challenge~

Helldiver S-1 is about to go back to the probe, but suddenly another ethereal swarm comes in. S-1 swears under his breath before throwing 2 G-12 grenades into the small horde until one much taller Thanatos Ethereal stands above the rest with an etheric robe almost like a cape and a much sharper blade. S-1 pulls out his railgun to kill it, but when he fires, the ethereal goes invisible with a small movement. Helldiver S-1 shakes in remembrance as images of Stalker Terminids flood his mind. S-1 calms down as he keeps his ears open before the ethereal reappears and swings for his head, but he just about dodges it.

Helldiver S-1: YOU COWARD! USING INVISIBILITY TO HUNT ME?! EAT THIS!

Helldiver S-1 shoots the leg of the ethereal, stunning it before he shoves a G-12 grenade into its head core. The Thanatos panics and shrieks in anger before the grenade explodes, knocking Sky into a nearby wall, but he is alive, and his armor is still okay. Sky gets back up before seeing the destruction Helldiver S-1 caused in a matter of minutes, multiple ethereals turned into purple pixels, a dead enforcer, and the probe wasn't even touched! Helldiver S-1 was a marvel in combat, that was for certain. Sky goes to the dead body first and starts dragging it.

Sky: Sorry, bud... but you kinda deserved it. I don't want PUBSEC finding out about this for a while... just let the ethereals convert you or something... And here should be a good spot for the body. Phew... now back to the probe!

Sky goes back to the probe as he still can't think of what to do for it until he gets an idea. He grabs the grenade intending to destroy the probe, but before he can even pull the pin, Helldiver S-1 controls his other arm and grabs the P-2 and points it at their head. Sky panics as Helldiver S-1's voice becomes cold and calculated. Sky's breathing falters as he struggles to get words out in his panic.

Sky: H-HEY WOAH RELAX S-1 COME ON! YOU'RE GONNA KILL US BOTH IF YOU PULL THAT T-TRIGGER!

Helldiver S-1: What... the hell were you thinking...? I KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS...

Sky: I'm doing this for Super Ea-

HELLDIVER S-1: SHUT UP! THIS IS YOU BEING SELFISH AND WANTING TO STAY HERE! HOW COULD YOU SPEND EVEN ANOTHER MINUTE LIVING AMONG THESE ANIMALS?!

Sky: NO NO I MEAN IT! Hear me out from my perspective, please!

Helldiver S-1: Why should I? You've been a traitor from the beginning! WHY SHOULDN'T I END US RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW?!

Sky: DO NOT PULL THAT TRIGGER FOR LIBERTY'S SAKE! IF I DON'T BLOW THIS PROBE UP, HOLLOWS ARE GONNA SPREAD ON SUPER EARTH!!!

Helldiver S-1: What...? Explain.

Sky: If any trace of Ether Matter gets onto one of the Super Earth Super Destroyers, Hollows can form on any one of the planets. Similar to Meridia! We can't afford such a risk to those people! And you said it yourself... all that work for Super Earth to save ONE Helldiver isn't worth it... We can forge our way home... but not like this... uh, S-1?

Helldiver S-1 stays silent in Sky's mind before pressing the barrel closer onto their helmet, before suddenly lowering the gun. Sky breathes a hefty sigh of palpable relief,

Helldiver S-1: You are right, Super Earth can't deal with a three-front war without significant losses. We'll find our path home without wasting Super Earth resources for a sad sap like you... Please blow the signal up quickly before I get mad...

Sky: Understood...

Sky pulls the pin on the G-12 HE Grenade before running behind cover. The explosion rings out before the helmet confirms that there is no active signal anymore. Sky cheers at preserving the secrets of Super Earth today before using his helmet and the new "Carrot Data" to find a way back to his apartment. Sky exits the hollow with no scratches on him except for the Thanatos ethereal, who was extremely hard to dodge... maybe he can find a way to fix that...? Nah... too tired... Sky feels happy at not having to deal with Ether anymore before arriving at his room and plops down onto his bed, exhausted with all the stress he endured... Sweet Dreams Helldiver...

Notes:

Yes, this is also a significant chapter, with numerous references packed in as well. Don't have much to say except that you look very handsome/beautiful, dear reader. I also hope you liked the more prevalent split personality and the massive upgrade for Helldiver S-1's combat in the hollows. I also really tried to make Soldier 11 likable in these last two chapters; I hope she's more tolerable now... And I have one question: would you like the new armor to be still called the B-01, or will the new name of the P-01 be more fitting? The choice is yours, dear reader. Anyways, love you, dear reader! (IN A COMPLETELY PLATONIC WAY)
(SPOLIER ALERT, A LOT OF THESE REFERENCES ARE HALF-LIFE AND ZENLESS ZONE SERO RELATED. The More You Know)

Chapter 17: Doing the Same Thing Over and Over

Summary:

Helldiver S-1's mysteries are slowly getting unraveled... Democratic Hero...? Or someone just trying to be one to cover up his growing insanity...? It's time for this knight in shining armor to be unveiled soon...

Sky's dreams are filled with voices from the past and present as some PTSD starts to flood in from his exhausted mind. Sky isn't even strong enough to fight back and object, as his energy and will to fight back against the nightmares are all but gone.

"Stop romanticizing the past, Sky!"

"Maybe in another life..."

"That's my final advice, Sky... let go..."

"THIS IS YOU BEING SELFISH AND WANTING TO STAY HERE!"

Sky wakes up with a small jolt, his face under his visor doesn't show much emotion despite his pained heart. He's exhausted and drained from his moral dilemma yesterday, and how much Helldiver S-1's thought process has been gnawing at his sanity lately. Fortunately, A cockroach crawls around the floor as the now rejuvenated Helldiver S-1 springs out of bed and pulls out his P-2 Peacemaker with no hesitation. Unfortunately, the P-2 has its safety on, as no bullets come out of the barrel.

Helldiver S-1: Leave it to the Ministry of Defense... YOU FASCIST PIECE OF SHIT! TAKE THIS!

S-1 throws the P-2 at the cockroach, splattering its insides across the floor. Helldiver S-1 takes out a G-12 Grenade, ready to throw it, but notices that the foul pest has been exterminated, which completes his main objective. Helldiver S-1 lets out a loud cheer as his helmet displays text at the top of his HUD.

MISSION COMPLETED (Insert music here)

ERADICATE TERMINID SWARM

R +5 XP +2

Helldiver S-1 relaxes in his bed before a few apartment staff knock on the door, causing Sky to spring out and quickly hide the P-2. The knocks continue as he also chucks the remains of the cockroach out the window. Sky collects himself before wacking his helmet to get S-1 to shut up. Sky opens as the staff members look worried. S-1 regains partial control as Sky is too exhausted to handle this.

Staff Members: Are you okay, sir? We heard loud screaming, and we wanted to make sure there wasn't any acts of violence or domestic abuse.

S-1: What are you talking about...? Just some uh... pest control! Yeah, I saw a bug and I couldn't let it spread! I could not let it taint this establishment with its fascist ideals! You should all be singing my praises!

Staff Member: Err... what? Is it just a bug?

Sky: Nothing... don't worry about it, I'm just tired... Some noodles may do me good.

Sky shoves past all the concerned looks of the staff before walking out of the building. He gets a breath of fresh air before walking down Sixth Street as people stare with a full range of emotions, but they seem to have mostly accepted him now, after a week of him being in New Eridu. The helldiver sits down at a packed Waterfall Soup as he sits in the utmost right seat. Meanwhile, a familiar customer of Waterfall sits across from Sky, obscured by the extra citizens in the middle.

Soldier 11: One Black Bowl: Red Chili Chicken Noodle with-

General Chop: With extra spice. Got it! How was the last operation last night?

Soldier 11: It was going well until Crimson Interrupter (Proxy) ringed my phone for a hangout and blew our cover...

General Chop: Aw... need noodles badly then huh?

Soldier 11: Yes, please.

General Chop finishes Soldier 11's order before noticing Sky in his peripheral vision and goes to get his order.

General Chop: Hey there, S-1! Oh... you seem down. Need something to fill your stomach? Sadness is no match for a full stomach.

Sky: Sure... just make whatever... I feel like crap..

General Chop starts making his signature noodles for Sky as he sits there with his elbow resting on the table, his hand resting on his helmet. He had never felt so homesick in his life... His vision darkened as New Eridu became a somber, grey, and dark-scaled version of itself in his eyes. Sky gets his noodles and starts eating them, his color slowly returning, but still feeling faded. More people start leaving for work, and it's not long before the only people left are two shattered minds. Sky looks over and sees Soldier 11 full of color in his darkened world, reminding him of the colors of his happier and innocent helldiver days. Soldier 11 looks over and sees Sky two stools apart, his visor blankly staring at her with an unreadable and creepy energy radiating from it.

Soldier 11: Sky? Why are you staring at me, Helldiver? Is there something on my goggles?

Sky: No, just... never mind. I'm just being silly and feeling sorry for myself...

Soldier 11: Sorry for yourself? What did you do wrong?

Sky/Helldiver S-1: Why do you care? Hehe... you don't know me, just like I don't know myself! I'm doing everything to the best of my goddamn ability, and yet everyone still doesn't praise me! Why am I not good enough for you...? I have given so much to everyone I care about, and yet I still lose them! I'm talking to a person who tied me to a chair just because someone ordered them to! I've done things that would make saints vomit! I've laughed and burnt rebel bases, and yet I still feel remorseful! WHY IS THAT?!

Soldier 11: Sky! You're in public! Fall in line before-

SKY/S-1: BEFORE WHAT?! WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU WHEN YOU STRAPPED ME TO A-

General Chop: Ahem... you two... over there...

People walking on the street are now looking at the two as they look back. Soldier 11 waves them off as Sky looks back at his bowl of noodles in embarrassment and shame. Sky starts eating them silently while Soldier 11 does the same, trying to forget the outburst and small confessions. He continues eating until suddenly Soldier 11 closes the two-stool gap with a piercing gaze.

Soldier 11: Helldiver, you are showing signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What exactly happened back on your home planet?

Sky: It shouldn't concern you, Soldier 11. Those days are long past me.

Soldier 11: They don't sound so far away if you still remember those times vividly.

Sky: I don't understand you, Soldier 11... I just admitted to killing rebels in my past life, and yet you-

Soldier 11: I won't judge you on something like that, I have fresh blood on my gloves just like you. But be quieter before people get the wrong idea. Now, why are you acting so different? I've never seen such mood swings outside of insane individuals.

Helldiver S-1: What are you even talking about?! I'm the most sane individual here! The embodiment of perfection! I could never be so weak as to have something like PTSD!

Soldier 11: See? There it is. You look and sound conflicted one moment, then turn into a "Shining Beacon of Managed Democracy" in the next. But the mayor did give me something that might explain everything...

Helldiver S-1: (You think she caught us?)

Sky: (OF COURSE SHE DID! Stop using my mouth to say stupid things!)

Helldiver S-1: (IT'S NOT STUPID! IT'S THE TRUTH!)

Sky: (Well, it doesn't matter! She caught YOU, not me.)

Helldiver S-1: (No, she caught me AND you, Sky~)

Sky: (YOU ARE NOT THROWING ME IN FRONT OF THE BUS YOU-)

Soldier 11: Uh... Helldiver? You started staring again. Can I continue?

Sky: HUH?! AH! Right... ahem... what's this evidence you were talking about?

General Chop: I'm so confused... I'll focus on other customers...

Soldier 11 pulls out her phone before scanning for a voice recording sent by the mayor. She finds the sent audio before holding the phone up to Sky's helmet as he leans in curiously.

INSIDE SKY'S APARTMENT, AUDIO RECORDING FROM HIDDEN DEVICE, LAST NIGHT

Sky: Nnn... I'm trying to sleep... why won't you shut up...?

...

Sky: That was the only option on the table! Now get the hell out of my-

...

Sky: OH YOU THINK?! I DON'T LIKE THIS PLACE EITHER, AND NOW YOU ARE SAYING THAT I'M SELFISH FOR BEING HERE! I DON'T WANNA BE HERE!

...

Sky: Whatever... I can't deal with your stubbornness... good night...

END OF RECORDING

Sky: UH...

Soldier 11: I'm waiting.

Sky: I was using the audio in my helmet! T-They're like headphones! YEAH! That's why... I was talking... at 2:00 AM... in an apartment that was filled with cameras...

Soldier 11: Sky... tell me what's wrong, and the Defense Force can get help.

Sky stays silent as Soldier 11's piercing gaze starts to soften somewhat. He seems very unwilling to share anything as his visor stares blankly into his half-finished noodle bowl. Soldier 11 is about to press Sky on his signs of insanity, but General Chop does a small shake of his head since he needs time to come out of his armored shell. Soldier 11 relents with a small sigh before speaking with a very, very, VERY small hint of worry.

Soldier 11: Take your time, then for now, I'll expect an explanation soon. I'll leave you to it.

Sky: No, it's fine, you can stay here, I'll stop tainting your unnerving mood today. But... besides the whole deal and orders... is that the only reason you help me? Heartless.

Soldier 11: It's the main reason, but since you don't have an occupation for the time being, you are also a civilian of New Eridu since Mayflower got you documents to make hollow travel far more trivial. And it's my duty as a soldier to protect the innocent, whether you are an innocent person is up for debate, but you aren't the worst person I've met... that I haven't killed anyway.

Sky: Wait, I'm sorry, he did what now? I'm not a complete alien anymore...? Oh, and rude of you to say that...

Soldier 11: Oh, he must have forgotten to inform you. That's okay. Affirmative, Mayflower has given you temporary citizenship in his free time, partly to avoid all the legal trouble involving you. New Eridu has no policies for alien visitors. Most government policies were lost in the fall of the old capital, and only the important ones were reinstated.

Helldiver S-1: They weren't expecting such a handsome helldiver to crash in through the roof, were they?

Soldier 11: Sky?

Sky: Sorry... lost myself for a moment there... I should get going. Here you can have my leftovers.

Soldier 11 is about to stop Sky, but the noodles and their scent catch her attention as she immediately snaps her neck to face them. Soldier 11 is already staring at them, her amber-colored eyes under her goggles shining brightly. General Chop laughs before starting to spice up the cold noodles so she can enjoy them more. Sky walks down the street of New Eridu at a very slow pace, trying to keep himself together.

Sky: I'm getting sick of you...

Helldiver S-1: You finally became agreeable for once? I think Democracy has finally come with a miracle! I knew this day would come when you stopped being a pathetic excuse!

Sky: MAYBE A BULLET THROUGH MY HEAD WOULD BE NICE IF IT MEANT THAT YOU SHUT- WHOA! UH...

Sky gets pulled into an alleyway quickly before he can blink. He reflexively slaps the person doing it when they stop moving, as pink hair flows in front of his visor, and the person flinches. When his sight clears, Nicole is standing in front of him, clearly wincing from the second slap now.

NICOLE: WHAT THE?! YOU SLAPPED ME AGAIN?!

Sky: You scared me! Why did you drag me here?!

Nicole: Because I... We need your help, idiot! Billy and I accepted a commission in Hollow Zero to find a lost cat for our proxy client! But Nekomata flaked on us to cat nap somewhere, so I can't find her! We need a third teammate to help out!

Helldiver S-1: Then where's the automaton? Is he scrapped for parts yet?

Nicole: Automaton... Billy? What! NO! I left him there to look for the ethereals and call the proxies for help! Now come on! We gotta go!

Sky: Hold on! What's in it for me?

Nicole: I won't charge you 250,000 Dennies for slapping-

Sky: DEAL! Let's go.

Nicole: That worked...? AHEM... Come on then! I brought my truck so we don't have to walk!

Nicole and Sky start walking until they see Nicole's white truck, which looks way more well put together than the HQ studio apartment. It looks like Nicole cares more about looking good than living well... sounds about right. Nicole takes the driver's seat, while Sky hops into the passenger seat. The ride starts as Nicole looks tense, and Sky wants to try at least to calm her down.

Sky: So... I don't understand... how do you care so much about an automaton like Billy...? Isn't he your least favorite?

Nicole: OF COURSE I CARE! I care about everyone in the Cunning Hares, despite how moronic, idiotic, brain dead, lazy, and DUMB THEY ARE!

Sky: I think I get it... Heh, you have a very concerned mom face right now. How crazy would you be if Anby went missing?

Nicole: WHAT?!

Sky: SORRY! Sorry...

Nicole: That's better... don't put such a ridiculous scenario for MY Anby in my head!

Sky: Of course... favoritism...

Nicole: So...why is your armor all glowy now?

Sky: It's covered in Porcelume now, thanks to some friends and-

Nicole: PORCELUME?! THAT'S WORTH A FORTUNE! Please give it to me- I MEAN US! I'll uh... make it worth your while~

Sky: Not interested in "that" kind of payment, Nicole.

Nicole: What kind of junk rattles around in your head all day long?! Weirdo...

The two continue driving as Nicole starts to pick up the pace, and other drivers make way for her out of fear.

Sky: Uh... Nicole? You passed that red light... two now... make that three... Nicole, calm down!

Nicole: IT'S FINE! THE LICENSE PLATE ISN'T EVEN VALID!

Sky: WHAT?!

The two zoom past multiple red lights as Sky is holding tightly onto the seat while Nicole goes double the speed limit past PUBSEC cars. PUBSEC Patrols are called in to help catch the speeding car on the radio. The cop cars start chasing them as Nicole becomes annoyed, taking a series of sharp turns towards Hollow Zero, avoiding crashes with sheer luck and screaming. The cops fail to chase the Cunning Hare as they crash into each other on the road, as Nicole takes a small selfie of the crash on the road.

Nicole: HA! That should be all of them! No match for the queen of these streets! WAIT! I scratched the paint! Aw... *sigh* How are you doing, Sky?

Sky: *PANTING*

Nicole: Still in one piece! Alright, there's a secret fissure into Hollow Zero here. Luckily, PUBSEC doesn't monitor everything here, so we Illegal Hollow Raiders can sneak inside no problem~ Now get your shaking butt out of my truck!

Nicole gets out with her Ether briefcase gun before dragging Sky's shaking form out. Sky follows suit, checking his P-2 to ENSURE it does not jam or have its safety on like last time. The two enter the hollow to save Billy, who is still having a bad time.

MEANWHILE, INSIDE THE MIDDLE OF HOLLOW ZERO

Billy: Come on, one of you pick up PICK UP!

*PHONE RINGING RANDOM PLAY*

Wise: Ugh... It's 10:00 AM... who is this...?

Billy: MANAGER! You remember that commission Nicole told you about to save that lost cat...?

Wise: A little...?

Billy: Well, that's... kinda ESCALATING a little bit, you could say!

Billy looks over his shoulder as multiple Ethereals, Hollow Raiders, Miasma Ethereals, Haywire Robots, Defense Force Soldiers, PUBSEC Officers, and H.A.N.D Officials are all fighting on a battlefield with Billy caught in the middle by himself. The hostile Ethereals and Hollow Raiders start charging at the automaton at rapid speeds. They start to attack Billy as he begins to panic over the phone, seeking Wise's help.

Wise: How do things get so bad in every commission with you guys...? So what's up then...? Do you need my help?

Billy: YES PLEASE! ANDMAKEITQUICKREALLYQUICKQUICK-

Wise: *Yawn...* Alright, let me get ready, I'll be on my computer in a few minutes...

Billy: I DON'T THINK I HAVE A FEW MINUTES HERE!

Wise ignores Billy's pleas, assuming that he is just overreacting. He puts on his signature black undershirt, along with his gray jacket, to blend in with his gray hair before walking downstairs to see Belle opening up shop. Belle beams with happiness at seeing herself wake up before her older brother for once.

Belle: Hey, big bro! Anything important today?

Wise: Yeah... Billy is overreacting again...

Belle: Is it Grace? Don't tell me it's Grace... you know how crazy she got when they first met?

Wise: I wasn't there, thankfully, but I can imagine how bad that was. Anyways, could you do me a favor and help Billy navigate out of Hollow Zero? I've got important stuff to do.

Belle: Like scratching lottery tickets and drinking coffee? That's VERY important, isn't it~ And why should I help you? I've got my essential stuff to do!

Wise: Oh, please, Belle... You'll end up doing the same things as me. Tell you what, if you do Billy's commission, I'll buy-

Belle: I'LL DO IT! RIGHT AWAY, BIG BRO!

Belle disappears into the Staff Room with the Illegal Hollow Deep Dive system that makes Wise and Belle go from video store managers to the Legendary Proxy, "Phaethon".
Computer screens turn on and illuminate the room with their blue hue as Belle sits down, energized to do more proxy work after Wise has done a lot in the past few days. Wise scuffs before picking up their shared bangboo, Eous, before taking the Random Play Van over to Hollow Zero to drop off Eous so Belle can use it. Belle turns on the HDD before calling Billy.

Billy: HELLO?! AH! THE FEMALE MANAGER! ARE YOU READY NOW?! IT'S GETTING PRETTY DIRE HERE!

Belle: Yeah, yeah, we know... alright, Eous and Nicole are on their way with an... extra friend...?

Eous is dropped off by Wise before Belle remotely controls the bangboo from the HDD. Eous, now controlled, moves into the fissure as Nicole and Sky bump into Eous as they both enter from the same fissure.

Belle: OOF! Hey, watch it, you- Nicole?! Ah, here you are! Wait... who's this...? Aren't you that guy...

Sky: Uh... Nicole...? Why is that Random Play Bangboo speaking English...?

Nicole: This is our proxy client, Sky. She's gonna get us through the hollow quickly to find that cat! And she looks super cute in this form~ I could hug her until she pops~

Belle: Not getting that discount no matter how much you tempt me or Wise, Nicole...

Nicole: AW COME ON! Cut your favorite agent some slack...? I'll pay you back soon...

Belle: Nope. Now come on, Billy should be over there.

Eous points over at a battlefield of explosions and gunfire in the distance, echoing throughout the hollow as the explosions glow brightly, indicating the exact position. The three are a bit stunned at the sight of Billy getting himself into such a mess over a small cat.

Belle: YOU LEFT HIM THERE?

Nicole: It wasn't THAT bad when I left for back-up! I do NOT want to pay another full-body repair for him... let's go quickly before he's no more than a pile of scrap!

Helldiver S-1: Here's hoping.

Nicole: Sky!

Helldiver S-1: What? The automaton brought this on himself! But fine... let's go... ugh... help him.

Belle: He has a name, you know... also Sky...? Sick name! Way cooler than S-1.

Sky: Oh, you think it's cool...? Wow... AHEM! Let's go save that bucket of bolts!

The three set out to help Billy. Billy, meanwhile, is not having a good day as he is busy dodging the crossfire between the ether projectiles from the ranged ethereals and the bullets and arrows from the human side. Billy unintentionally breaks into a hectic dance as his robot body moves in a million poses per minute to dodge all the chaos happening around him. Still, since he's an automaton, he can calculate all the positions needed to dodge with ease. Just as Billy is about to get a perfect score in his newfound game of Dance Dance Revolution, the three saviors suddenly appear right above Billy from an air fissure and start falling towards him.

Nicole: PROXY, WHAT WAS THE PLAN HERE?!

Belle: YOU SAID THE FASTEST ROUTE! IS THIS FAST ENOUGH FOR YOU?!

Nicole: IF THIS IS ABOUT THE DEBT, I'M SORRY! I SAID I'D PAY YOU BACK!!!

Sky: IS NOW THE BEST TIME?! I WANT TO FILE A COMPLAINT!!!

Billy: Huh...? WHAT THE?! I'm saved! Don't worry, I gotcha!

Billy hears the panicked shouting from above and whips his head up. He sees the three falling and decides to catch them. He dives for Eous and catches it with ease. He puts Eous down before catching Nicole in his arms with a lot of difficulty, but before she can punch him, Sky crash lands into both of them with a lot of force. Luckily, Billy's body protects the three far more fragile humans/bangboo as the metal plating absorbs his impact.

Sky: OOF! Ugh... crap... last time I fall from this height without a pod... or at least a jump pack...

Nicole: Anyone break their neck...?

Billy: I don't think so... AH! Maybe...

Belle: Billy, you don't have a neck. Get up already before-

More bullets whiz above their heads before they can get up. The four panicked before staying low. Not trying to become target practice.

Billy: Any more bright ideas, boss? It's great to see you again! I thought you were gonna-

Nicole: I'm not gonna leave anyone behind, Billy. Although I did consider it for the money...

Billy: NICOLE?!

Nicole: Huh? Oh, right, the bright idea! I'm thinking...

Billy: So the plan is the problem... not leaving me behind... that's our boss for ya...

Sky: I mean, peeking can't be that bad, right...? Let me just- SWEET LIBERTY!

Sky's helmet is met with an immediate ether projectile, but the armor blocks it with complete ease, as Sky is left a bit dumbfounded, but the gunshots make him reconsider walking around. The chaotic group of four end up waiting it out until some loud slashes are heard on the Ethereal and Hollow Raider side, as the other human side suddenly starts cheering as the fire stops. The four peek up, confused before seeing a VERY powerful and well-known swordswoman/chief/celebrity standing amid all the bodies with her sword glowing in a glowing blue foxfire. The sword fire dies out as the cheering erupts for the black haired girl with fox ears as Helldiver S-1 is monumentally confused at such high praise... THAT SHOULD BE HIM! NOT HER! IT'S NOT FAIR!

Defense Force Soldier: HOSHIMI MIYABI?! SHE'S HERE!

Section 6 Low Ranking Member: THAT'S OUR CHIEF FOR YA!!!

H.I.A Investigator: LADY MIYABI! PLEASE STEP ON ME!!!

Billy: WOOOOOOO! THANK YOU SO MUCH, MISS MIYABI!

Nicole: Heh... always a show off since the beginning Miyabi~

The four overjoyed heroes wave at Miyabi in thanks. Miyabi, being the ever stoic swordswoman, gives a small wave before suddenly noticing Eous and if Eous is here... then her Fiance- I mean... proxy must be here too! Miyabi suddenly dashes over at 200 KM/H with her sword's power as the four jump in shock.

Miyabi: Nicole, did you bring the proxy with you...?

Nicole: Of course we did! We didn't wanna miss out on all the fun, fox~

Belle: Hi Miyabi! Still up for movies later...?

Miyabi: Of course. And who is this...?

Billy: This is our new buddy, Sky!

Helldiver S-1/Sky: I AM NOT YOUR BUDDY YOU AUTO- AHEM... Greetings uh... Miss Hoshimi...?

Miyabi suddenly appears in front of Sky, inspecting his armor with zero regard for personal space, as Sky is left there, not wanting to fight someone who just cut an army to pieces a few minutes ago.

Miyabi: I've never seen armor like this in H.A.N.D before, what is this...?

Sky: I... got it as a gift...?

Miyabi: From whom?

Sky: The... mayor? I did him a favor in a hollow incident, and he covered my armor in Porcelume as a thank-you gift.

Miyabi: Curious... I didn't know Mayflower had so much Porcelume... maybe he acquired it from Yi Xuan...?

Belle: Yi Xuan...? My Shifu...?

Billy: I am so lost...

Sky: Look, it's a long story. Sorry, Miss Hoshimi, but we should get going before... wait, where's the cat...?

The four look around for the only reason they came here until a cat meow comes from Miyabi's shoulder. The four turn in shock as an orange cat meows again affectionately on the chief of Section 6's shoulder as they realize something...

Nicole/Billy/Sky/Belle: YOU WERE THE ONE WHO GAVE US THE CAT COMMISSION?!

Miyabi: Huh...? Oh, that. Some members of Section 6 have grown to like the cat that we often find around the office. I am indifferent towards it, but it makes a great partner for the "Talking with cats" training. Thank you for helping to find the cat. Here is your reward.

Miyabi gives a LOT of dennies to the four as Nicole almost faints but stays awake to count all of it. She gives an unfair split of 55%/15%/15%/15%, but considering the amount of money involved, no one is complaining. The four feel accomplished after surviving such a hectic situation and start heading home. Helldiver S-1 stops suddenly behind the group before looking at something and starts to chuckle, before the chuckle transforms into a sincere yet also deranged laugh. The other three turn around to see the helldiver laughing over a corpse.

Nicole: Sky! That's no laughing matter! What is wrong with you?

Helldiver S-1: HAHA! J-Just look at the way he's posted up though...! It's like a silly ragdoll!

Nicole: HE'S DEAD SKY!

Helldiver S-1: So? Death's normal and natural. May as well take pleasure out of it right...?

Billy: Hehe... U-UH AHEM! We should get going, boss!

The four walked home, albeit with a small amount of concern over why Sky laughed so much at such a dark image, but they knew far less about him than other people in New Eridu... but those people were about to discover far more about Sky than they should have today...

MEANWHILE, ON THE SUPER DESTROYER, 30 MINUTES LATER

Scientists and Engineers are working around the clock to gather info as one familiar female scientist walks into a quiet, soundproof room, before calling Mayor Mayflower.

Scientist: Mr Mayflower, Sir!

Mayflower: Settle down, you have good news for me, then?

Scientist: Something like that. We received a distorted signal from a UFO yesterday, but the signal suddenly disappeared from the ship's radar that same night. No one knows what happened to it, but it's the same night we got that recording of Sky talking to himself in his sleep.

Mayflower: So what do you conclude...?

Scientist: I can't conclude anything yet, but if we can find a way to recover some of the data from that garbled signal, that can give us way more info, which we so desperately need!

Mayflower: I can hire Phaethon to help us. They'll recover parts of the data soon enough, no matter how damaged it is.

Scientist: Roger that, sir. Wait.. Phaethon...? How are you gonna hire an Illegal proxy?

Mayflower: We've worked together before, and I always give them what they want... like those weird rainbow tokens. But they seem to go crazy when I offer even five of those things. But that's besides the point... this investigation will UNRAVEL all the secrets that "Helldiver" is hiding. And once we know the truth, then we can decide to trust him.

Scientist: Okay... but I should tell you we did manage to recover one named file, it contains a lot of data we haven't recovered yet, but the name is fascinating...

Mayflower: And what would that be?

Scientist: Project Knightfall.

Notes:

HEY! What's up? I was burnt out for a bit, I won't lie, but I'm back now! At least for the foreseeable future, for a decent amount of time. I also hope you all are excited to hear about "Project Knightfall." That'll be the next chapter, of course! I also made the most chaotic chapter yet, as you can tell, since Nicole/Billy/Belle/Sky is such a mismatched combination of characters, but it wound up being the most fun to write. Anyways, have a good morning or night, depending on where you live! OH! And I almost forgot! I got a small gift for you, dear readers! A look into Sky AND Helldiver S-1's canonical loadouts! Whether you wanna read them or use them is up to you, but I hope you like them! I'll see you starside, dearest readers.

Sky: https://helldivers-hub.com/loadout?loadout=U2t5J3MgTG9hZG91dGA1LDMyLDcsNDNgMSwxMGAwLDAsMGAxYFNreS4uLiBZb3VyIExvYWRvdXQgcmVmbGVjdHMgeW91ciBoZWFydC4uLi4gdW5vcmdhbml6ZWQgYW5kIGJyb2tlbiBpbnRvIGEgbWVzcy4gU3Vydml2YWwgaXMgYnV0IGEgc2Vjb25kYXJ5IG9iamVjdGl2ZSBmb3IgeW91ciBtYWluIGdvYWwgb2YgbWFraW5nIHRoaW5ncyByaWdodC4uLiBCdXQgeW91IHdpbGwuLi4gdGhhdCdzIHdoYXQgeW91IHRlbGwgeW91cnNlbGYgYW5kICJoaW0iIGluIHRoZSBtaXJyb3IgYW55d2F5Li4uCihMb2Fkb3V0IGFuZCBXZWFwb25zIHVzZWQgaW4gTmV3IEVyaWR1LCBhbG9uZyB3aXRoIGRpZmZlcmVudCBhcm1vciBidWZmcyBmcm9tIHRoZSBQLTAxKQ

Helldiver S-1: https://helldivers-hub.com/loadout?loadout=SGVsbGRpdmVyIFMtMSdzIExvYWRvdXRgMCwxNywyOCwyNGAxLDJgMCwwLDBgMGBIZWxsZGl2ZXIgUy0xLi4uIFlvdXIgYmxvb2QgaXMgZnVsbCBvZiBoYXRyZWQgZm9yIHRoZSBlbmVtaWVzIGFyb3VuZCB5b3UuLi4gQW4gdW5zdXN0YWluYWJsZSB0aGlyc3QgZm9yIGJsb29kIHRoYXQgZnVlbHMgeW91ciBldmVyeSBidWxsZXQuIEFuZCB5ZXQgeW91IHN0aWxsIGZvbGxvdyBvcmRlcnMuLi4gaXMgaXQgb3V0IG9mIGFkb3JhdGlvbiBmb3IgU3VwZXIgRWFydGguLi4_IE9yIG91dCBvZiBmZWFyIG9mIHdoYXQgeW91ciBwdW5pc2htZW50IGNvdWxkIGJlPwooTG9hZG91dCBpbiBGbGFzaGJhY2sgU2VxdWVuY2VzIGZvciBIZWxsZGl2ZXIgUy0xKQ

Chapter 18: Project Knightfall

Summary:

Project Knightfall... A fallen knight stripped of identity and honor... only to be given one purpose from Super Earth's leadership... KILL ANYTHING WHEN ORDERED. If not followed... a punishment worse than death is all but guaranteed.

The Scientist turns on the computer inside the Super Destroyer ship before livestreaming it to Mayflower in his residence. Mayflower watches with interest as the Scientist moves through the files before finding scrambled video recordings of the project.

Scientist: The recordings deciphered by Phaethon were random before quickly stopping... why is that?

Mayflower: They ended up having more important matters to attend to, as another investigation into Exaltist activity was underway. Then, after that, they went for a summer vacation. I asked them for the quickest files first so we get a quick understanding. We can handle the rest with our other experts.

Scientist: Okay... that will slow things down in your tight schedule, but you seem okay with that, sir. Here's the first recording, "Project Knightfall, Recording 37"

The Scientist turns on the recording before the Video starts. A Super Earth scientist is fiddling with the camera with a smile before he notices that it's on. He readjusts his coat before speaking with a very factual tone.

SE Scientist: This is Recording 37 now of Project Knightfall. So far, we've had numerous successes with any person in need of more... intrusive brainwashing. But we aren't pushing ourselves. These people have all been too willing to rejoin the cause of managed democracy once they have freed themselves of thought. Consider this subject, for example, who we have decided to... "negotiate" with.

The Super Earth scientist turns around before moving some curtains, revealing a disheveled person in a chair with needles injecting god knows what into her. The Mayor and the NE Scientist's eyes widen a bit, seeing such advanced "negotiation" tactics. A detached smile creeps onto the brainwasher's face before he continues speaking while pacing around the room.

Scared Girl: W-Where am I?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?!

SE Scientist: That's not the response I'm looking for, madam. What was the code phrase for you again...? Oh right, ahem, "Freedom must reign over every last star..."

Horrified Girl: N-No... what are you...? Why am I... Please... I'm scared, don't hurt me...

SE Scientist: "Through citizens' hearts spilled in all righteous wars..."

The girl stops and remains unmoving, with small tears flowing down her cheeks, as the SE Scientist smiles in triumph. He walks back to the camera, adjusts it, and speaks again.

SE Scientist: This subject refused to salute a helldiver, and as much as the Truth Enforcers wanted to kill her, it took some time, but we did finally negotiate them to hand her to us. Isn't that right, Subject C-67?

Subject C-67: I-I Of course! I... Super Earth is all that matters in the entire universe!!! No... wait, please... stop... it hurts...

The SE Scientist frowns before sighing; he adjusts the dials just as the subject loses consciousness from overwhelming pain.

SE Scientist: Still... we haven't found a subject who can resist the brainwashing post completion. She's halfway through the process. All of these subjects are either clinically insane or weak-minded! We need a CHALLENGING subject! One that will push our brainwashing program to its limits and force us to improve!

He storms around in frustration before calming down as a psychopathic aloofness returns to his face. After adjusting his coat and glasses, he relaxes before sitting down on a chair in front of the camera.

SE Scientist: I asked some of the Truth Enforcers if they could try to capture a helldiver with some misguided faith. Then, if they brought them to me, I would love to delve into their mind and snip every last seed of doubt from them. *sigh* but alas... unless something significant happens, I'm stuck here with minimal funding from the Ministry of Truth and forced to work under their heel as a dog. The cornered dog will always bite back, I'm afraid. I'll find some way to make this my masterpiece of science.
END OF RECORDING

New Eridu Scientist: That was... a lot to digest at once...

Mayflower: How many more recordings are there?

Scientist: A few more, sir. I have a theory. Can I share it?

Mayflower: Let's hear it.

Scientist: So if these recordings were stored locally by that Scientist on the Super Destroyer, they must have had a reason to keep them around. They must contain some information regarding the brainwashing and how to use it or treat the victims appropriately.

Mayflower: And where does that lead you?

Scientist: If higher officials on the Super Destroyer needed Project Knightfall information, then someone had to have been brainwashed by it! But the problem is that we don't know who! It could have been one person, or everyone on the ship! And that last part... do you think that Helldiver S-1 was one of the people eventually subjected to the brainwashing? With the recording of him talking to himself in his sleep... he has to be losing himself to some degree and-

Mayflower: We can't be certain yet. We'll keep watching all the videos, and then we'll know for sure. Start the next recording.

Scientist: Okay, starting Video Recording 48, Mr. Mayflower.

The recording begins as the SE Scientist walks around the room, conflicted, after adjusting the camera. He is illuminated in the bright white lights of the laboratory before he finally decides to speak up.

SE Scientist: So, something significant happened! The Second Galactic War has officially begun! But your favorite Scientist didn't get dragged to the front lines! He is now working to the bone with little pay for his project! But they notice me now! Unfortunately... most of the funding from the Ministry of Truth is going to THOSE DAMNED COMMERCIALS! I'll admit that the main guy from the Helldiver recruitment advertisement was stunningly handsome, but I digress. The inspection is coming up and-

A UF-16 Inspector Truth Enforcer suddenly appears in view as the Scientist stands up from his chair, filled with fear and respect, and salutes. The Inspector nods at him before looking at the equipment.

Inspector: Liberty's Greetings, Doctor. I see you are still hard at work, as always. I can see why you are an expert in this field. But tell me... why should we even consider you a worthy investment when we can shoot the traitors dead? Every conversation we have feels increasingly hopeless.

Scientist: Traitors can still be worthy of salvation! Inspector, please. Traitors can still contribute to the well-being of a Super Earth if they have faith in the path of righteous vengeance. My project deserves funding! NOT YOUR PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR ENFORCERS! There is no need to execute people for saying the wrong words, WHEN YOU CAN-

The Inspector suddenly slaps the Scientist so hard that some blood falls from his cheek. He yelps in pain before the Inspector knocks over her chair in anger and grabs the Scientist by his neck. The Scientist struggles for air as he kicks his legs absent-mindedly while the Inspector shouts.

Inspector: You should not talk down upon Super Earth's mightiest enforcers like that! You are already on a short leash, and the words you said may make you face the wall! IS THAT CLEAR?!

Scientist: Y-Yes ma'am! I sincerely apologize for the mishap! I will correct myself immediately. But allow me to explain myself, I implore you!

The Inspector sighs in annoyance before letting go of the Scientist's neck. He falls to the ground, coughing and scared, before scrambling to stand up before her to remain professional. He quickly walks over to the camera, then kneels and opens a cabinet to retrieve a whiteboard marker. The Inspector watches with confusion before he starts marking down on the board.

Inspector: You still haven't answered my question. What makes this worthy of funding?

Scientist: Forgive me for my language. You know how some helldivers show fear on the battlefield with their first large-scale drops?

Inspector: Yes, we've lost a lot of helldivers on Suicide and Helldive missions so far. Not many are equipped to deal with them yet, and most of the training facilities have been overwhelmed with new recruits. Even the logistics are having a hard time with the numerous new requests for weaponry. So I don't see how-

Scientist: Yes, but with more intrusive brainwashing procedures, you won't need to give helldivers more advanced gear to achieve success on the battlefield. They will cease to feel fear and charge head-on, shouting "For Democracy!" before they charge, just like the Helldiver Instruction Manual. I know how much you hate when helldivers don't follow orders. Instead of using money on that Experimental Cutting Edge warbond, spend it on this instead! Or at least find some pocket change to keep it alive!

Inspector: I understand, but if it's something as familiar as brainwashing, why does it require so much budget for such a slight difference compared to advertisements?

Scientist: The side effects are still being worked out, but the team can address them in time with enough funding. If we can get this working effectively, the mass implementation of intrusive brainwashing across the Helldiver Corps will ensure that every last Helldiver listens to your orders, Inspector.

Inspector: I see the vision, but alas, it remains a hope and a dream in your mind's fantasy. But what are the downsides?

Scientist: The main one being Insanity. The procedure has issues since it's simply too intrusive for the mind to withstand! It shatters and doesn't attempt to rebuild, like a supercomputer getting dumped with Liber-Tea... literally.

Inspector: But that can't be the only reason it costs so much?

Scientist: Don't underestimate it. Insanity has yielded completely different results for every test subject because they all give up too quickly. There is no easy way to eliminate such a condition without incurring significant costs. I urge you to reconsider my request from a few months ago. If it can be fulfilled, this project will work and be implemented on the entire front.

Inspector: To find a helldiver with misaligned faith? Such a thought is undemocratic to the core and should be faced to the wall and executed, just like you if you keep on failing.

Scientist: Let me prove myself, Inspector! I can make the intrusive brainwashing the best thing that has happened to Managed Democracy! Please do your best in the coming days to find one for me, I beg of you, Grand Truth Enforcer!

Inspector: Flattery won't work on me, Doctor. If you're lucky, you'll receive your test subject one day. But it's a tragic mystery whether you'll be alive to see that day, and that's not for me to decide.

Scientist: I implore you, Miss Redgrave, I WILL-

The Inspector suddenly pulls out her PLAS-15 Loyalist pistol before pointing it at the Scientist's head in annoyance. The Scientist cowers like a rabbit beneath a hawk's shadow as he shivers. Inspector Redgrave is about to pull the trigger, but lets go of it after remembering all the hassle she would have to go through not to get fired.

Inspector Redgrave: I will inform other truth enforcers to take any hypothetical dissent helldivers. If Lady Liberty's Luck shines upon you, Doctor, you will receive the test subject and prove yourself. If not...? You'll be just another name in a long list of "martyrs" on the front lines. So you do comply...? YES...?

Scientist: Y-YES! I-UM OF COURSE MISS REDGRAVE! I WILL DO ANYTHING YOU NEED FREE OF CHARGE!

Inspector Redgrave: Good, then I hope you make the most of your limited time preparing for your test. In the meantime,

Redgrave shoots her PLAS-15 as the Scientist flinches, scared of death. He feels fine, however, as he pats himself down and opens his eyes. He looks at the plasma mark left on the table, which contains his research documents, scorched by the plasma. He gasps in shock as the Inspector smiles in revenge before holstering her pistol.

Inspector Redgrave: Fix your mistakes and begin anew, Doctor. I trust you'll make your test subjects very capable of serving Managed Democracy one day. Oh... you should also fix that um... accident down there. Farewell, Lead Scientist.

The Inspector leaves as the scientist pants in fear. He collects himself slowly by wiping his hair back and running his hands over his face. He returns to his cold mindset, as his displays of fear are now absent. He walks over to the table where the camera and documents are before checking both of them. He sighs before ensuring the camera is still recording as he looks at all the burned documents.

Scientist: This is... undesirable, but I'll prove myself! I won't let ANYONE look down on me after today. I'll create my masterpiece in science... and I'll patent it, so even the Super Earth President will have to crumble beneath me for my science... they'll see who should be afraid... But for now, I have to deal with this mess. That damned Redgrave! Is this what they call tough love or just getting my neck grabbed...?

The Scientist wipes his cheek as a small amount of blood wipes onto his glove. He removes the glove before tossing it into the biohazard disposal in frustration. It's only now that he looks down to see the... "accident" that occurred when Redgrave pointed the PLAS-15 at him.

Scientist: Oh dear... I appear to have soiled myself... ahem... OH SWEET LIBERTY! I should cut the recording! I have some uh... sordid business to attend to... Please, liberty, don't tell me she saw that...
END OF RECORDING

Mayflower and the NE Scientist both conceal smiles at the deserved punishment of the Doctor before sobering up at the harsh reality of the situation.

NE Scientist: Wide-scale brainwashing... on all of the helldivers... Sky is brainwashed! He's suffering from the Insanity that they mentioned!

Mayflower: But that was the plan for-

NE Scientist: No, no... that Inspector said that brainwashing was already implemented via extreme advertisements. Maybe all this Managed Democracy, Liberty, Liber... what was it again...? Liberta? Liber-tei? Liber-Tea? Whatever, it's clear Helldiver S-1 isn't in the right state of mind, sir.

Mayflower: That much is certain... his mind must be shattered in some way. He acts polite and caring yet timid one moment, then switches to a confident and cold yet crazy helldiver the next. It would explain his brash attitude toward us.

NE Scientist: Do you think he's... hiding more than he lets on...? What if he's a threat to the city instead of its newfound hero...?

Mayflower: I have enough to deal with... Let's finish the recordings first.

NE Scientist: There is only one left for this file. The rest are unrecoverable from the cloud signal the mysterious object (phrobe) sent. It's a lot further as well. Would you like to see "Recording 66," sir?

Mayflower: Of course, let's hope this provides us with enough information to understand S-1... or else New Eridu might suffer from his unexplained origin.

The recording starts as the Super Earth scientist turns on the camera. He looks noticeably happier as a helldiver lies on the operating bed. His helmet was off, but his entire head was not visible to the camera. It was already easy to imagine who it was, though... and it did not look pleasant.

Scientist: I still can't believe that they secured my helldiver test subject! I read through his file dozens of times to ensure I got this right with no imperfections! Outside of the Insanity, anyway... so you can imagine my surprise when the democracy officer told me that my precious Subject S-1 was misbehaving in his mission! He hesitated to shoot civilians! That's not what a helldiver does, don't you understand that, son?

Sky: W-Where am I...? D-Doc...? Why am I back here again...? It hurts so much in this bed... and it's so cold... what did I do wrong...

Scientist: Oh, kid... You refused Super Earth's orders. That's not what you should do, okay? Your Doctor is going to make sure you'll be corrected soon enough. Wouldn't want the mean Inspector to look after you again, right?

Sky: N-No, sir...I won't b-betray Super Earth's T-Trust- A-ARGH! Ugh... my head... please... help...

Scientist: Still hurts? What are you thinking right now?

Sky: A-About mom... and my brother... where are they? I don't remember anything... I-I think I remember Leo... but he looked red like... blood? I don't r-remember why...

Scientist: I see. Then there is nothing to worry about. If you are lucky, you'll see your family again very soon... Now, good helldivers don't need pain medication, right? You know how much it costs to help a WEAK- ahem... strong helldiver like you?

Sky: Please... I-I need it...

Scientist: Fine... I'll help, kiddo, don't worry. This needle has everything you'll need to forget all of what just happened today... okay? You won't be feeling anything for a long while. Hehe... haha... all too easy...

The Scientist injects Sky with the drugs as he yelps in pain like a child from his shattered and helpless mind. He knocks out not long after.

Scientist: Okay, let's review the file one last time, shall we? Just to be safe. Ahem... Subject S-1's name is Sky Leon, although he prefers his mother's surname, "Diver," thus giving him two last names, Leon from his biological father and Diver from his biological mother. Unfortunately for him, his legal documents are still under the name Sky Leon. He was raised by his single mother, Coral Diver, and his older brother, Leo Leon. His father left the family in a dire state for his gain, leaving them to struggle until his older brother joined the Helldiver Corps and became a Death Captain, utilizing his skills in stealth and speed effectively. He was a wearer of the SC-34 Infiltrator set, but he betrayed the Helldiver Corps over Dark Fluid and yadda yadda yadda... He gets a shotgun to the brain, and I get my test subject!

The scientist smiles while reading over the file with a sense of enjoyment for the suffering, while the two watching the recording freeze in shock over Sky's backstory. He walks back toward the camera before being interrupted by Inspector Redgrave.

Scientist: Ah! Miss Redgrave, greetings-

Redgrave: INSPECTOR REDGRAVE.

Scientist: Right... Inspector Redgrave! You have responded to my request to inform you about a new change in Subject S-1.

Inspector Redgrave: Yes... The democracy officer and I would like to know precisely what happened to him and why he didn't follow my orders, Doctor.

Scientist: Right there was a minor communications mishap. I changed the command phrase for Subject S-1. S-1, as his code phrase was triggered far too often by the democracy officer and Helldiver comrades alike, causing Sky to become increasingly immune to the code.

Inspector Redgrave: Yes, I get that, but how does this all work? Why is Sky becoming more immune, and how is this affecting him?

Scientist: Okay, I'll start from the beginning. Sky has been affected differently from every other subject. His brainwashing has taken the form of a second personality inhabiting the same body. The personality "Helldiver S-1," as I call it, gains more power and takes over control of the brain when the command phrase is said.

Inspector Redgrave: But that doesn't explain the immunity.

Scientist: That's the confusing part; Sky's brain seems to adapt to the code phrase along with their newfound personality. If both are used too often or too little, the strength of the brainwashing will fade into nothingness. That leaves us with a sad helldiver who can't follow orders, not ideal for liberating.

Inspector Redgrave: I comprehend it now... so what's the new command phrase? I hope you thought of something less common yet still easy to remember.

Scientist: Simple... the very name of the classified project that none of his fellow helldivers are going to know. "Knightfall"

Helldiver S-1 springs out of the bed in a jolt, causing the two to scream in shock. They adjust themselves to remain professional in front of each other in a small race. Helldiver S-1 turns to them like a machine as he sits up on the bed and looks at them, confused yet determined.

Helldiver S-1: AH! Liberty's Greetings Doctor! And you brought a Truth Enforcer?! It's an honor to meet one in the flesh! What are your order-

Inspector Redgrave: SHUT IT HELLDIVER!

Scientist: What my friend is trying to say, kid, is that you aren't, ahem... supposed to wake up this early. You'll get new orders on Meridia soon enough, don't worry, son. Plenty of bugs you'll be killing soon. Sleep and forget the last 24 hours of brain activity, Knightfall.

Helldiver S-1 freezes before knocking out cold on the bed. Inspector Redgrave adjusts her armor collar as she calms down. The Scientist adjusts his glasses before smiling.

Scientist: So what do you think of him so far? Brilliant right? The brainwashing even had a small benefit, boosting brain activity and resulting in improved reflexes and combat intelligence. Granted, he's a Helldiver, so... not much to be found, hehe.

Inspector Redgrave: Helldiver S-1 has followed a vast majority of his orders and has proven more effective than most helldivers in his rank of Space Cadet. We'll still keep him on more trivial and easy missions for now to experiment, but if he keeps this up, he may even earn a promotion.

Scientist: A promotion? Are you gonna make him a Bloodhound under you? I promise he won't disobey orders if you treat my son- no, my subject, right.

Inspector Redgrave: You have a strange sense of love if you suddenly consider this helldiver family. I can confirm that the feeling of loneliness at birth listed in your file got you badly, Doctor. Yes, I am considering giving Helldiver S-1 a promotion to a Free of Thought Bloodhound if he continues the good work after Meridia is... "saved". He will be well-treated under my leadership, Doctor. You have my word. I'll be taking my leave now and informing the Democracy Officer of the new code phrase. Congratulations on proving yourself useful for once, Doctor.

The Inspector leaves as the Scientist smiles. He shuts the door after her, then grabs some more surgical tools. He looms over Sky's unconscious and helpless form before making small incisions in his head.

Scientist: I WILL MAKE YOU PERFECT, MY CHILD!

The footage suddenly cuts off, leaving the two observers stunned. The footage must have been edited by someone to have been cut so abruptly.

NE Scientist: Oh my... No one deserves to suffer like that... That Doctor tricked the Inspector into believing he was treating him with care...

Mayflower: We shouldn't remain sympathetic. Sky's mood changes may not be his fault, but if he truly is insane with two minds. He is far more dangerous than I could have predicted. He could snap and go loose on the streets at any moment.

NE Scientist: That's not like him, though! We shouldn't treat him like a threat if he's done his best for us! Sky is a good person and he's trying to do better! Look, let's reveal what we found out and study his reaction.

Mayflower: Okay, but there's a slight problem; I don't have anyone to take him in. OBOL Squad is out at Waifei Peninsula for important attacks against Obscura units. Sending any of them back to New Eridu would be a significant risk to the operation. I can't get Soldier 11 or Trigger to watch over him in the streets at the moment.

NE Scientist: Crap... we'll figure something out... let's gather some more information first, then. Let Sky do his thing while we do ours. We have the advantage, or at least we hope so. Let's hope that the fallen knight isn't out for New Eridu's blood. Hopefully, Sky can stay in control... or we'll have more blood on each other's hands...

Notes:

SORRY, I know the wait has been forever, no, I'm not dead, no, I'm not being held at gunpoint (maybe), and yes, I got writer's block, then got busy, then got writer's block again. Comments asking about anything will be answered, since this chapter is complex, I won't lie. Additionally, I went back and performed another grammar check on every single chapter (I DEFINITELY did not use Grammarly). Now, if you are curious, I spent this vacation week, ahem... playing HD2+ZZZ, going to the beach, watching my friends suck at games, watching myself suck at games, and just having a great time! Ahem... sorry for the informal tone, dear reader, I just honestly really missed you guys and this fic a lot, I won't lie :) Have a prosperous day, Helldiver/Proxy. Hopefully, the next chapter will come sooner. (I hope)

Chapter 19: Calm Before The Storm

Summary:

Fate is guaranteed, no matter who tries to change it. So why continue to resist...? Helldiver S-1 isn't gonna give up easily, and neither is Sky. It'll be a hard-earned fate, and they still have a lot to give before they can earn it. So Sky just keeps fighting, and maybe it will drown out his inner voices... because they are getting L̷̢̗̼̰̼̮̳̺̝͍̟̝̃́̅͋̓͘O̷̮͈̩̞͖̣̣̓́͛͊̕U̴̜̪͖̯͑̓͗̓͂̎D̴̰͋Ę̵̱̹̘͙̹̼̥̰̲͍͗̓̓͌̒̊̎̊R̵̡͍̻͙̘̮͇̮͔̈́̈̋̉͊͋̈́̿̎́̽̍͂͜ͅ

Sky walks back to his apartment as the sun begins to set, unaware of all the damning video recordings the mayor would have of him that night. He's exhausted from what should have been a simple task of finding a cat, so he decides to take a slight detour to relax. The helldiver walks down Sixth Street with an air of authority and confidence despite only being there for around a week now. He arrives at Waterfall Soup again, not because he loves noodles, but because he doesn't want to go through the trouble of looking for a good pizza place.

General Chop: Hey, S-1! Cold Noodles again?

Sky: Sure... I'm beat... hey, something feels missing... WAIT! Where's Soldier 11? Isn't she around her at sunset? I was wondering why I felt so carefree for a moment.

General Chop: She told me that she left for a "Vacation" with her teammates at Waifei Peninsula. What she meant by that is likely classified, so I couldn't say kid. Sorry.

Sky: Wait, she's gone?! AS IN NOT HERE?!

General Chop: Why do you sound thrilled about that...?

Sky: I'M JUST HAPPY SHE'S ENJOYING HERSELF, YOU KNOW?!

Helldiver S-1: (It's so democratic that she's gone... *sobbing* IT'S JUST SUCH A BEAUTIFUL WIN!!!)

General Chop: Uh... S-1? You're zoning out.

Sky: HUH?! OH! Sorry... ahem, I think I'll take these noodles to go.

General Chop: But we don't do carryout for nood-

Sky: Here's the money for the bowl! Thanks for the news, General Chop! You brightened my day!

General Chop: Hey, wait! *sigh* Kids these days... Oh, that's a lot of money. Should have told him how much the bowls cost, oh well.

General Chop pockets the dennies while Sky walks away as both sides of his mind unite over the good news. He looks around for a good spot to eat his noodles before he decides to take the most reckless route and tries to climb up a rooftop to enjoy them. Sky almost drops the noodles multiple times, but he manages to make it onto a rooftop next to the Box Galaxy Gadget Store. He lies down before lifting his helmet a bit before digging in, while Helldiver S-1 sits next to him... At least... that's what Sky imagines.

Sky: These noodles are great. Nom nom... That's one opponent gone!

Helldiver S-1: Affirmative, with Soldier 11 gone, Managed Democracy has one less nuisance in the way. One less insignificant speck of dust vanished from our visor. One less-

Sky: I get it already... jeez... slurppp.... mmm... So I don't get it... How come I can see and hear you...? Am I imagining you, or is it a byproduct of the brainwashing...? I can listen to your voice bounce off the walls and echo down hallways, and yet you don't cast a shadow.

Helldiver S-1: Does this question help Super Earth?

Sky: Uh... No?

Helldiver S-1: Then suffer in silence.

Sky: Asshole. Alright, then. I don't feel tired from all the work today anymore, so some recreational activity might help you stop being so whiny.

Helldiver S-1: I wish with every fiber of my being that I could say no... but you will do anything to spite me. The things I could do if I were in complete control... like the glory days... Instead, I have to watch you become too SOFT to do what's necessary. We're never getting home like this! SO LET ME TAKE CONTROL!

Sky: Not gonna happen. Slurp... let me finish this first. Want some?

Helldiver S-1: Same body, Same mind...

Sky: Crap... I am going crazy, aren't I...? I should get help, but a therapist would see me as an easy paycheck! Let alone find a way to get rid of-

PUBSEC Officer Gerant: Hey! You can't be up there! It's considered trespassing to lie on rooftops that aren't your own, sir!

Helldiver S-1: (Can we kill him?)

Sky: (NO!) Ahem... is this your rooftop?

Officer Gerant: Uh... no...?

Sky: Then I don't care. Slurp... I'll be down in a minute.

Officer Gerant: Sir, please, the worker inside Box Galaxy called me here to get you down.

Sky: Fine... Can't have one good thing.

Sky slurps up the remaining noodles while the officer watches with patience. Helldiver S-1 finishes them before quickly chucking the bowl at the officer, before ducking behind the ledge and diving off the other side of the building. The officer is stunned by the surprise bowl, but when he recovers, Sky is nowhere to be found. Gerant considers looking for him, but as the sun starts to set, his fear of the dark kicks in, causing the once-brave officer to freeze in place.

Helldiver S-1: Hehe... HAHA! That's a far better recreational activity than your sick mind can think of.

Sky: THAT WAS NOT NECESSARY! AND WE HAVE THE SAME MIND YOU- *sigh* let's look around for something to do...

Sky walks around Sixth Street bored out of his mind. He sees a mysterious figure in the dark right outside the Random Play Video Rental Store, clearly up to no good. The helldiver ducks behind a small alleyway before starting a visor recording to capture the potential robbery. Someone beats him to it, however, as a young lady with a purple umbrella and hair suddenly appears behind the robber. Sky hears them talking but can't make sense of it from his distance.

Robber: Hehe... just gonna get the collectors edition of "Oh, Sweetie~" And I'll be rich! No video store manager is gonna have any security this late at-

The elegant, purple and white umbrella girl lightly taps the robber's shoulder. He turns around, confused, as the lady is shedding small tears down her face, but not out of sadness, but for something else...

Robber: Lady? Bah! Scram so I can do my work! I have no time for your troubles!

???: I foresee a horrible fate ahead of you...

Robber: What...? That's nonsense! Fortune tellers these days... shouldn't you be at a stand and scam people for-

The lady looks up, making her face visible with her purple eyes, while her red pupils show pure anger and hate through her tears. The robber's face flashes with recognition as he quickly backs up before his back hits the door of Random Play, and he shrinks in fear. The girl approaches slowly, her heels scraping across the ground, her figure shrouded in darkness beneath her umbrella.

Robber: Y-YOUR THAT BANSHEE! G-GET AWAY FROM ME! Y-You can see the...

The girl pins the robber to the wall instead of complying with his plea, before slowly leaning up to the robber's ear in a small whisper.

Banshee?: I can see the future... You won't live to see tomorrow. Enjoy your time left, AND DON'T ROB LORD PHAETHON'S STORE!

With that, the robber flees for his life as the elegant lady lets out a small smile. Sky walks to the middle of the street before the robber bumps into his shoulder full force and stumbles. The robber picks himself up before high-tailing it, while Sky turns around to watch the humorous display before turning off his visor recording. Suddenly, he feels the lady's presence behind his back as he freezes.

Banshee?: What are you doing next to Lord Phaethon's property?

Sky: The video store...? I was passing by! And who the heck is Lord Phaethon...?

The girl's eyes suddenly lit up, as if all the light in her world had suddenly overloaded with electricity. She quickly lowers her umbrella before suddenly moving in front of Sky, shaking with excitement.

Banshee...?: DON'T TELL ME YOU DON'T KNOW LORD PHAETHON?!?!

Sky: Uh... never heard of-

Banshee...?: THEY'RE THE MOST LEGENDARY PROXIES IN THE ENTIRETY OF NEW ERIDU!!! AND THEY LIVE RIGHT HERE SO CLOSE TO ME!!! SO MUCH DIVINITY! AH... MY DARLING LORD PHAETHON...~

Helldiver S-1: (I thought we were the crazy ones in this city...)

Sky: (Yeah...) Ahem... so Phaethon's a proxy...? And they live here...? I only met the managers of the video store and... *Remembers Belle's voice controlling Eous* Wait.. OH! So Belle is Phaethon?!

The girl gasps for a moment, realizing she accidentally let Phaethon's identity slip from her overenthusiastic super-fangirl rant. Sky is a bit surprised at the sudden personality change, but it's hard to say if he likes an over-obsessive fangirl more than a scary and elegant girl who can apparently see into the future... which doesn't even make sense!

Banshee?: W-Well... Ahem... It's BOTH managers. Wise is also Phaethon. We got off to a bad start. I'm Vivian Banshee.

Sky: Oh, that makes sense, I'm S-1 by the way, nice to-

Vivian: Your real name is Sky. Don't worry, you don't have to hide it from me.

Sky: What the...

Sky slowly puts his hand on his P-2 Peacemaker subtly, now seeing Vivian as a potential threat. Vivian doesn't make any move as she stares at Sky, whose body language starts to become defensive.

Sky: How did you know that?

Vivian: Your unexpected arrival here sparked questions in many people, including myself. So I looked around and asked around; it was only a matter of time before I found out.

S-1: How long have you been watching me...?

Vivian: Don't trouble yourself over matters like this, Sky. I only know your name for now, and I have no interest in what you want or why you are here.

S-1 lets his hand off his P-2 in relief before his mind starts to flood with questions, but he didn't want to subject Vivian to an hour-long game of 20 questions. Still, he had two major hypotcritical questions he had to ask...

Sky: What's with the Phaethon obsession...?

Vivian: IT'S NOT AN OBSESSION! THEY DESERVE ALL MY LOVE AND MORE! LOOK, I EVEN HAVE A PRAYER I SAY TO THEM EVERY NIGHT! WANNA HEAR IT?!

Sky: I-I don't think I want-

Sky turns to back away, but Vivian suddenly grabs him by the throat before grabbing some paper... okay... There is something SERIOUSLY WRONG with this girl! After an hour of being forced to listen to a LOT of "Lord Phaethon only loves Vivian, LORD PHAETHON ONLY HAS EYES FOR VIVIAN!" and also... blah blah blah, you get the rest... Sky hates it, but he survives, just about.

Vivian: And that's it! Do you understand why Phaethon is so amazing?!

Sky: Yeah... I MEAN YEAH YES! OF COURSE! CAN YOU LET ME GO NOW?

Vivian: Right, I apologize...

Sky: Another question, why are you outside of Random Play at night? You weren't stalking, were you?

Vivian: No, neither of the managers was here the entire day. The last I heard was that they were in Reverb Arena, but they told me to promote the video store while they were gone. I would have followed them if they didn't tell me to stay... N-Not in a stalker way, just as friends!

Sky: Right... as friends... well, I did want to see them to say thanks after they helped me twice now. I don't think I have Reverb Arena on my map, so could you point me to where it is?

Vivian: It's far from here. I can escort you there now that my shift is over, which is... now! Come on! Let's go find Lord Phaethon!

Loud rocket boosters suddenly erupt from under Vivian's dress as she suddenly flies away, leaving Sky bamboozled as he watches. WHAT TYPE OF JETPACK IS THAT?!

Sky: W-WHAT THE?! HOW THE HELL?! HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FOLLOW- and she's gone... great! Why can't this planet just be normal?! Everyone has a quirk here!

Sky walks forward a bit in the direction Vivian went before spotting a bike. He contemplates stealing it, but the problem is... that bike has a lot of girly stickers on it.

Helldiver S-1: (NO NO NO! We're not riding on that liberty forsaken thing!)

Sky: (Come on... It's just a bike~ not gonna let a few stickers beat a helldiver, are you?)

Helldiver S-1: (WE ARE NOT-)

Sky is already biking down the sidewalk as the car lights blind him now and again. He follows the smoke trail Vivian leaves behind. The night view of the city was calm and nice, though it was clear a more patriotic helldiver was not enjoying it.

Helldiver S-1: (Liberty... kill me please...)

Sky: (Hehe... yeah, I agree... not my finest hour...)

Sky continues pedaling before he eventually arrives inside the tunnel that leads into Reverb Arena. The strong yellow lights illuminate him before the chatter and laughter of people become more audible as Sky parks his stolen bike. Sky walks in before taking in the more urban street-style recreational spot, with a few skate ramps, tables, and drinks all around. The entire place suddenly freezes as Sky walks in, his armor sticking out like a sore thumb.

New Eridu Citizen: Who is this guy? A cosplayer...?

Excited NE Civilian: No! He's that helmet boy from the news! He's like a partial celebrity!

Grateful NE Civilian: Yeah! You showed PUBSEC how to save people properly! Come on! The party can spare you a tab!

Sky: W-Wait, huh? Really? WOAH!

Sky is dragged onto a chair by the joyous crowd before a bottle of alcohol is set in front of him. He stares at it before simply shaking his head in past regrets and drops the bottle. The bottle shatters across the floor as the liquid spills out. The crowd gasps a bit in confusion.

Citizen: Hey! What the heck? I paid for that one!

Sky: I can't drink alcohol... I can't be like... I'll get something different.

Sky gets up to the bar while the crowd gives a mocking boo at him. He sits down before ordering a bottle of water to clear his head. S-1 looks around at the party before realizing why he came here! Where is Vivian?! Sky gets up before walking a few steps in each direction, calling out for her.

Sky: Vivian? Vivian! Where are you? Vivian?! *Sigh* great...

Helldiver S-1:(Not good with girls, are you~?)

Sky:(Shut up...)

???: Hey, I think someone is calling your name, Vivian.

Sky turns around to see Wise and Belle sitting down at a table, Vivian trying her best to get as close to them as possible. He also notices that the two waiters look... similar...? Wait, is that Anby and that outer ring girl?! Wait, what was her name... oh right, Burnice! Why are they waiters? What the heck has he been missing for the past few days...?

Vivian: Lord Phaethon~ Lord Phaethon~ Lord Phaethon~

Wise: Okay, Vivian, that's enough now. I think S-1 is calling you.

Belle: S-1...? Isn't it Sk- I MEAN YEAH! Of course, S-1! Almost forgot! Hehe... whoops...

S-1 walks to the proxies' table, looking at Belle with a blank visor in an almost death stare, thanks to her almost revealing his name at a full party. Anby and Burnice quickly recognize Sky in his new armor.

Burnice: WOAH! S-1! It's been forever since we last met! Piper was worried sick that you perished horribly inside a hollow or something! I was very inclined to believe her. You didn't drink enough Nitro Fuel to thrive, of course!

S-1: Thanks for the vote of confidence, Burnice...

Anby walks over to give some burgers to Phaethon and their mega fan. As she walks back to serve others, she whispers to Sky a question.

Anby: The armor you acquired is coated in Porcelume... That's military grade, and coating a full suit of it? Where did you-

Helldiver S-1: Isn't this a party? So do your job, serve the people... and STOP asking questions, Anby.

Anby is a bit concerned by the sudden rise in voice but remains quiet. She walks away to serve more customers for the time being, and Sky snaps back into control suddenly as the helldiver's body language shifts. The two store managers look at him in confusion and worry over his audible anger with Anby.

Sky: Ahem... sorry, I had a rough day, it's great to see you guys as well.

Wise: S-1, we're not just going to gloss over that. Is something going on?

Sky: What?! Nothing is going on, or else why would I be here? I just wanted to say thank you to you both for helping me find what I was looking for.

Wise: That sounds dishonest... come on, you can trust us.

Sky: I'm serious! Look! Hey Anby! Over here for a second?

Anby: Yes? What is it?

Sky: Anby, have I ever lied to you?

Anby: I hardly know you.

Sky: Exactly!

Anby: Wha-

Sky: See? I have no reason to lie to any of you guys, I promise!

Anby: You have your fingers crossed behind your back.

Sky: Anby... oh, I think that person wants a burger. You should go help them!

Anby quickly leaves on her roller skates while Burnice goes to assist. Sky is left there with Phaethon and their plus one.

Belle: So, ahem... steering back on topic, did you find what you were looking for?

Sky: Yes and no... got taken from me and I can't get it back for a while. It's... undesirable to say the least. But I'm hanging in there! Just about... but I have a question, why are Anby and Burnice waiters all of a sudden?

Belle: It's part of a new promotion they got hired for! Operation Yum!

Wise: Honestly, I think they just took it for the free Nitro Fuel and Burgers. It wouldn't be the first time they've done something like this, right Belle?

Belle: Yeah! It certainly won't be the last at this rate... but Anby keeps working odd jobs for Nicole and the rest of the Cunning Hares.

Anby: Wise, Belle, the Nitro Fuel supplies ran out again. Burnice is now a threat to your safety. Head back to Random Play and take Vivian with you.

Burnice: Where is it?! I SWEAR WHEN I FIND THAT CRISPYBOO! I'M GONNA MELT HIM!

Wise, Belle, and Vivian leave Reverb Arena, Vivian swooning along the way while Sky and Anby remain. Anby looks to Sky to see if he wants to help, only to find him sitting down, drinking water, and enjoying the leftovers. Anby sighs before taking out her electric sword from under a table, while Burnice goes crazy and pulls out her flamethrower kit from under the bar.

Helldiver S-1: This'll be fun to watch~ Mmm... this pizza sucks... not enough freedom taken in the toppings.

Anby and Burnice start to fight as everyone sane leaves the bar. Anby tries her best to de-escalate the situation while dodging Burnice's flames with fluidity and gracefulness. The chaotic and energetic flames from a hungover Burnice continue to erupt as S-1 takes in the fight, cheering for both sides. The two keep fighting until two VIP guests suddenly appear at the entrance. One wore a very elegant, sparkly white and red dress, which fit her long black hair, while the other wore white clothes with a large black jacket hung over her shoulders, like a secret agent, bodyguard, and spy combined.

???: I'm so happy Wise and Belle invited us to eat with them here! I'm gonna eat so much of my very own limited time- Oh...

Anby and Burnice look at the sparkly and tall girl before immediately putting away their weapons. The two start cleaning up their mess immediately for the VIP's while Sky sits there, his brain already clocked out from confusion.

Sky: (She looks like a celebrity... and who's that blond girl next to her...? A bodyguard?)

Helldiver S-1: (We're celebrities as well. Why should they matter? We're superior.)

Sky: (In over our heads much...? Let's play it cool and listen in.)

???: Where are Wise and Belle, Anby? They invited us here and left?! That's so mean of them! Like that time in the movies...

Anby: They were forced to evacuate after a... fire emergency. We stayed behind to put out the fires, but we did manage to save the food. I apologize... would you like to take a seat, Astra?

Astra: Hmph! Fine, I'll take a seat, and I'll take a dozen selfies with Evelyn to make sure they are jealous!

Evelyn: Miss Yao...

Astra: Nope! I don't want to hear any objections! Today is my day, Eve! That's what you said, right?

Evelyn: Yes... Alright, let's get you your food.

Astra and Evelyn sit down for their meal, and Burnice brings it over to them. Evelyn doesn't wanna eat it, but Astra forces her to make herself feel better after her friends left them there. S-1 subtly watches the two of them but doesn't realize that Evelyn is watching him. Evelyn notices that S-1 is someone she's never seen before and that he is wearing a helmet to conceal his face. That would already make her worried, but then she notices the glow on Sky's armor... that isn't an ordinary glow... that's... Evelyn looks down under the table at her Porcelume knife and lightly taps the flame button; the knife achieves the same neon orange glow as Sky's armor.

Evelyn tenses up; if she knew anything from her younger years in the Spy "Organization" and her time as "Scheele's Green," she knew that Porcelume was rare to have in New Eridu, let alone a full suit of it, which she had never seen before. Even her Porcelume blade and wire were more expensive than everything in Reverb Arena, and that forces her to choose her friend- her client's safety- over a potential assassin that could finish the job. She leans over and whispers to Astra.

Evelyn: Miss Yao, you should leave now... there's a threat close by. I'll protect you from any danger.

Astra: What?! But I was about to finish the rest of the food... Eve please...?

Evelyn: I'M SERIOUS.

Astra: OH! Well, in that case...

Astra quickly takes all of her leftovers and walks over to the other side of Reverb Arena. S-1's is confused until he sees Evelyn walking towards him; it's clear he's been busted again... Sky is about to reach for his P-2, but Evelyn closes the distance and points the edge of her knife straight at Sky's neck.

Evelyn: Didn't anyone teach you? Knives are faster. Now, where did you get the Porcelume?

Helldiver S-1: WHY IS EVERYONE MAKING SUCH A BIG DEAL OUT OF IT?! Are you jealous of the glow, or do you have anything meaningful to tell me?!

Evelyn leans in closer to where Sky's ear should be, her knife dragging along Sky's neck fiber. Her tone of voice is not playing around.

Evelyn: Where did you get it...? This is your last warning.

Helldiver S-1: Honestly... I don't care about being nice anymore.

Helldiver S-1 suddenly uses Evelyn's mistake of getting close to his advantage, as he suddenly shifts his head and helmet butts Evelyn's cheek. The knife drags along Sky's neck fiber as Evelyn stumbles back, but it doesn't cut the tough Porcelume layer. S-1 shoves her down and grabs the chair before throwing it at her. Evelyn rolls out of the way, just barely dodging it before getting back up.

Meanwhile, the other three people in the area watch with different reactions. Anby watches while eating a burger and lets out occasional words of encouragement for Sky. She also turns on some battle music in her headphones to be more immersed. Astra quickly grabs a lot of random things to cheer for Evelyn, including a "Go Eve!" flag from her purse as she blows a small horn to encourage her BFF. Burnice digs around through the debris before finding a small Nitro Fuel Can to satiate her demons, before rooting for both sides in the chaos.

Astra: GO EVE GO EVE GO EVE! *blows horn* WOO!!!

Anby: Nom... don't die, Sky... Nom... Nicole doesn't have enough money for funeral expenses anyway.

Burnice: YEAH! A BAR BRAWL! KICK HER BUTT! AND YOU! KICK HIS BUTT! WOO! NITRO FUEL IS ON ME AFTER THIS!

Evelyn: Miss Yao! Now is not the time!

Sky realizes where this is going and starts to gain more control back to try to de-escalate the situation.

Sky: Look, I know you won't believe me, but I'll tell the truth: I got the armor from the mayor after I saved a person in the hollow. I'm wearing an experimental version of Pure Porcelume Armor after the mayor called in a favor to have one made for research purposes. I'm just the test subject here!

Evelyn: Then why the weaponry?

Sky: Self Defense.

Evelyn: I don't believe that excuse.

Sky: Yeah... I wouldn't either... but you'll regret this...

Evelyn: Your journey will end with me. You'll be a far easier opponent than most.

Helldiver S-1: YOU HAVE NO IDEA...

The two start fighting as S-1 flips over the table and uses it as cover. Evelyn is forced to back up and take cover as well, and to ensure Sky doesn't try shooting at Astra. Helldiver S-1 reloads his Liberator before firing at Evelyn's cover. Evelyn tries advancing, but her guard is easily broken by the bullets, thanks to Evelyn's short blade not allowing her to deflect them.

Evelyn then gets a new idea and kicks the table towards Sky, surprising him before she jumps over it. Evelyn turns on her flames on the blade, and Porcelume wire shoots out of her gloves before cutting S-1's cover to pieces and sending him flying with a strong kick. Helldiver S-1 flies into the bar, crashing into dozens of bottles before getting up and shrugging off the attack thanks to the armor. Evelyn twirls the Porcelume wire around her heel before retracting the hot wire back into her gloves, subtly trying to show more style so Astra has her emotional needs met.

Sky starts deploying an unconventional strategy of using his environment to his advantage. By that logic, he starts chucking a dozen bottles, cardboard boxes, boxes full of food, and other random items. Evelyn dodges all of them with relative ease before walking up slowly.

Astra: WOO! THAT'S MY GIRL!

Evelyn: Heh... nothing slips through my def- WHA-

Evelyn is caught off guard by Sky throwing a wet floor sign and a small promotional sign at once, knocking Evelyn on her head. Astra lets out a small wince of pain for her friend as she gets back up, annoyed. S-1 isn't having it anymore as he visibly pulls out a G-12 HE Grenade as a visual warning.

Evelyn: ALL OF YOU! Get out! I'll handle this.

The other three leave as S-1 throws the grenade, Evelyn runs for cover, but most of it is wooden, and despite her best attempts, the best she could do was a table a fair distance away from the grenade. The blast destroys her cover and launches her into a small railing, the pain knocking the wind out of her for a moment. When the smoke clears, S-1 seems to be charging up some kind of weapon. Evelyn does her best to recover and dodge it, but the rail gun shot grazes her leg, causing her to fall. Helldiver S-1 walks over with his railgun in hand before slowly charging up for a kill shot.

Astra: EVELYN!

Helldiver S-1: Defense eradicated... pacification nearly comple-

Astra suddenly moves in front of Evelyn with a determined face. Blocking S-1's line of sight to take the shot.

Evelyn: ASTRA! Don't!

Astra: Stop it, you two! I won't let you harm Eve! Is all this worth it just to understand how you got shiny armor?!

Helldiver S-1: STEP ASIDE. YOU ARE INTERFERING WITH MY SHOT.

Astra: Then you shoot me! But I don't think you can!

Helldiver S-1 doesn't flinch as the railgun continues charging at an unusually slow pace, probably from some damage suffered when the Super Destroyer crashed. The fact that S-1 is about to kill an innocent person isn't lost on Sky as he fights to take back control. His hands start shaking violently as sweat starts forming on his face under his visor. The adrenaline starts to wear off as Sky can finally take control again and quickly whips the railgun away before it discharges and hits the roof. Sky's breathing is heavy as sweat pours down his face from the effort to regain control.

Astra: There you go... now will you tell the truth so Evelyn will get off your back? For me?

Sky: I wasn't lying, Evelyn is just untrusting, I'm sorry it escalated... I promise I wasn't trying to hurt you or Evelyn. Honestly, if I wanted Astra gone, I could easily-

Evelyn: NOT FUNNY...

Sky: Right! Of course...

Sky puts the railgun on his back before Astra helps Evelyn up, who is struggling to stand with the wound on her leg. She had no idea how lucky she was for not losing it entirely.

Astra: You okay...?!

Evelyn: It's nothing. Are you hurt?

Astra: I'm not the one who took some kind of laser to the leg!

Sky: I can help-

Evelyn: We don't need your help!

Astra: Eve... you won't be able to do your job unless you get better soon! Do you want a bunch of corporate jerks defending me?

Evelyn: Fine... what is it?

Sky: Here, this should fix up your injuries quickly. Inject a portion of it into your neck.

Sky tosses a stim as the two girls look at him, confused and distrusting.

Evelyn: These are drugs, why the hell are you-

Sky: What?! No, I would never! Here look!

Sky suddenly shoots himself in the leg recklessly with his P-2 as Astra screams, while Evelyn flinches. Sky injects himself with the stim as all the blood pooling out suddenly dries before the wound closes in on itself. He wraps himself with some emergency foam to ensure the suit is still pressurized just in case. It's clear Sky is starting to take pleasure in everyone's confusion for whatever he does. Especially in his tech and recklessness.

Sky: Tada! Cool magic trick, right?

Evelyn: How did you...

Astra: NEVER DO THAT AGAIN!

Sky offers the stim again as Evelyn looks at Astra, who simply shrugs. Evelyn takes it and slowly injects part of its contents into her neck. She feels the blue tint affect her vision as her wounds suddenly heal in a matter of seconds before the tint is gone. Evelyn's eyes are wide before slowly calming down.

Evelyn: That wasn't necessary... but... thanks.

Astra: OH CRAP! I forgot we had to do a song night! Eve, come on!

Evelyn: WAIT, I need to ask how he got that tech-

Astra: NO TIME!

Astra drags Evelyn now before she can ask her questions, and a silent relief washes over Sky. Democracy's secret maintained... Sky looks back at the destroyed Reverb Arena. No doubt, someone will clean this up quickly, but it was still a mess. Anby and Burnice come from around the corner, accidentally scaring Sky before they start to clean up the mess. Sky starts to walk out before taking his bike out of the tunnel and back to his apartment. Unbeknownst to him, a banshee was watching him from the shadows this whole time, tears streaming down her face as she watched Sky bike away from her on the sidewalk. Torn between wanting to help and leaving Sky to his fate. In the end, she decides on the latter.

Vivian: Sky... your fate is... at least you'll find some peace before you go... but your body may not...

Notes:

Bad News... I'm gonna fly out soon, so I may have a sudden LONG delay on a chapter, and that's not to mention that school is gonna start soon. So... R.I.P. nah, I'm not just gonna abandon my helldiver to rot like that. You guys will get your ending, whether it be a good one, well... I think Vivian already knows the answer. Sorry that this chapter is basically filler, but it sadly might be the last filler chapter, so enjoy it while it lasts. Sweet dreams, dear reader... see you starside. And if this fic does meet a sudden end... I'll miss you.

Chapter 20: Fallen Knight

Summary:

One knight has been in the limelight for far too long... It's time for him to take center stage and show why FREEDOM CONQUERS ALL!

Sky bikes down New Eridu, exhausted at night as city lights illuminate his trip. He yawns as he continues pedaling down the street while admiring the lights.

Sky: Pretty... real... pretty... It's a straight road, right? May as well... zzz...

HELMET CALL INCOMING HELMET CALL INCOMING

ANSWER? DECLINE?

Sky springs awake in a panic before lightly slamming into a street pole. He groans before falling off the bike and lying on the street. He knocks out again due to the lack of sleep. The ring suddenly starts once more at an ear-deafening volume, scaring Sky awake for the second time.

Sky: AHH WHAT THE?!!! ANSWER! Gosh... can't get one ounce of sleep...

Mayflower: Sky?! Where are you?! We checked your apartment, and you aren't there.

Helldiver S-1: DON'T YOU DARE RAISE YOUR VOICE AT ME!

Mayflower: Answer the question... before I start a manhunt.

Sky: Alright, alright... I'm biking back right now. To the apartment right?

Mayflower: No, I think I know where you are now. Hang tight, you'll be picked up as always. Then... you and I need to talk.

Sky: Is this one of those bad talks we always have? We have to stop talking like this. Or is this good news?

Mayflower: Only if you let it be. The science team and some others will see you shortly. Good day.

*BEEP*

Sky: Yeah... good day...

Sky waits for the pickup before sitting down and taking a small nap... this is quickly interrupted by a- *HONK*

Sky: AHH! WHAT THE HELL?!

Driver: Mr. Mayflower expects you to be at the Super Destroyer soon. Get inside.

Sky: Okay... forgive me if I slip and punch you in the face when I get up.

Sky gets inside the black car before it speeds off towards the usual research facility. Rain starts to pour outside the nighttime sky as the helldiver does his routine of leaning against the window, watching the lights shine on the wet car below. He sighs before feeling a presence beside him, and it wasn't the bloodied figure of Helldiver S-1 but a far more gentle figure. Sky sees his mom reflecting from the window and turns to see her, arms folded neatly in front of her, her long dark brown hair with blond highlighted hair casting down behind her like the warmest fabric Sky had ever felt.

Mom: (Good late night, Sky. How are you feeling?)

Sky: (M-Mom? Oh... you-)

Driver: Why did you turn so suddenly? Forget something?

Sky: N-No! Thought I did... (I should be less obvious... talk in your mind...)

Mom: (Did you hear what I said, my love?)

Sky: (Yeah... loud and clear...)

Sky turns back to the car window, knowing that his mom is only there from his fragmented mind, trying to find peace, but it isn't working. He knew that well enough. But at least it encouraged him to get home! If that's even a good thing... trying to distance himself from his mom was hard, but doable now... especially when trying to pretend that it WASN'T his real mom.

Coral Diver: (Why do you keep looking away from me...? Are you mad at me?)

Sky Diver: (Of course not! I'd never be mad at you... no matter what you do... and that's the hard part... you were too good for me... I wasn't a good enough kid...)

Coral Diver: (Now, where have I heard that before...? Oh, right, your brother said the same thing all the time~ You seem to forget just how alike you two have become.)

Sky Diver: (If you or him were still here...)

Coral Diver: (Still can't let go... can you? What was the last thing I said to you?!)

Sky Diver: (Your last lesson was to let go...)

Coral Diver: (And now I have to come back from the dead and tell you off all over again!)

Sky Diver: (Please, mom... I-I can't do this right now... I need to concentrate.)

Coral tries putting her hand on her son's shoulder, but it passes through. Miasma wasn't affecting Sky's dreams anymore. This is all just his mind... this is all just his mind... that's what he keeps repeating in his head. Meanwhile, Coral takes out a large bottle of wine as Sky notices and gets a small refresher on childhood trauma.

Sky: (Mom...)

Coral: (What? What's wrong, my love?)

Sky: (You know what's wrong! You keep ruining your body, and for what?)

Coral: (I do know, I still haven't kicked the habit~ but are you going to do something about it?)

Sky: (I-I'll...)

Coral sighs at her son's inability to be mad at her. She puts away the bottle out of pity as Sky sits there conflicted. Even with his entire face concealed, it was easy to tell what he was feeling.

Coral: (You still didn't say how your day was. Is that Sunny Sky that always brightened up my day gone~?)

Sky: (Heh... maybe... my day's gone to crap and-)

Coral: (Language...)

Sky: (Right... my days have been awful... I'm tired... I'm hurt... I wanna go home and I want to sleep... And yet I still help people even in an unknown world! But what do I get? A bunch of stares from people scared of me?! Scared of the hero I've always been trying to be?!)

Coral: (Sweetheart... Don't talk like that... lay down for me?)

Coral offers her lap as Sky somberly accepts. He lies the upper half of his body down on the middle seat of the car from the driver's perspective. Sky passes through her mom again as he goes through her lap and onto the cold car seat fabric, but just seeing her above him already made him feel... only a tad bit better.

Coral: (Close your eyes for me? It'll help you calm down.)

Sky complies as he tries to calm down. His eyes close before he starts to hear the sounds of... the ocean? Sky opens his eyes and finds himself lying with his mom on an empty beach overlooking the ocean. It doesn't take long for him to recognize it as his childhood beach, along with his mom's favorite.

Sky: (Why... are we here?)

Coral: (Because I want you to be calm before I tell you something. Take all the time you need.)

Sky: (Okay...)

The two watch the beach before faint whispers and laughter make themselves known. Sky looks around, seeing visions of his younger family playing with him around the ocean. So carefree... back when Leo often got time off before the war to play with him at the beach before going back. No galactic war... no death... just the sound of waves moving up and down over a sunset.

Sky: (Do you ever think about what our lives would have been like without the war...? In another life...?)

Coral: (In another life... maybe nothing happened... and it was just us three. We would have done all the things we said we would. And we would be happy together. But you got this life instead. And that's why I have to tell you... I need you to let me go... let me let you go.)

The sun sets under the ocean as the darkness starts to surround Sky. He lies there not saying a word as the dark starts to even out and the moon starts to illuminate the night sky.

Sky: (You think I am far stronger than I am, Mom. As much as I love the idea of letting go of everything... I'm not strong enough... and you should be proud of me... I'm finally what everyone needs me to be!)

Coral: (And that's what I'm afraid of... You let other people control your every decision, even me and Leo. You can quit the hero act, Sky. I don't need saving like you do.)

Sky: (M-Me...? Saving...? I'm the HERO! I DON'T GET SAVED!)

Coral:(...)

Sky:(...)

Sky and his mom sit there unmoving, simply looking each other in the eyes, or rather, the visor. Coral sighs before reaching up towards Sky's helmet, his breath hitches, but he trusts her to take it off... in a dream at least. His helmet comes off with a hiss of air before he sees himself crystal clear in his mom's eyes. His short black hair with small yellow highlights has now grown out to medium length. His yellow streaks from his days as an optimistic helldiver now faded from lack of care, leaving him with only his natural black hair. A few deep scars and marks around his head and even his face from all the experiments alongside the torture sustained in his life.

And yet it still looks young and immature, no older than 21 years of age, which made it all harder to see, and made it all the easier to hide under his helmet. And even his eyes were bloodshot, showing large eye bags, and yet they still had innocent beauty in their Sky-Blue color, like small sapphires in his eyes. They were sparkling not out of light, but of multiple tears streaming down his face.

Coral: (Oh, Sky... you don't have to keep pushing yourself. When you cry, I cry. Don't forget that you've always been a good son. Even now, at your lowest, you should be grateful that for the first time, you see yourself in your mind clearly! So many other helldivers don't even know about how cruel the world is, but you and Leo knew... even if you found out too late.)

Sky: (Far too late...)

Sky feels himself getting more tired again from sitting up. He lies down again as his mom provides any comfort she can while he lies there, crying his heart out. Eventually, he cries himself to sleep, not knowing that this would be the last time he would dream of his family like this. Good Night Hell-

Driver: Wake up, buttercup! We're here. You had a nightmare?

Sky: I-

Driver: Don't care, I don't get paid to listen. I'll take that as a yes. Now get out.

Sky gets up and notices that his helmet is still on, though his face is all puffy from the crying. Luckily, it doesn't seem like the driver noticed. He gets out of the car before walking to the Super Destroyer, as he is quickly stripped of all weaponry before being allowed in. He looks up at the bright lights shining on the name of the ship, "SES Wings of Redemption." He walks toward the escalator as the familiar scientist and Mayflower are talking over the phone on the bridge of the ship.

Scientist: We haven't been able to recreate any of the tech inside the ship... all these materials are from planets we have no idea even exist or where they are! It's a miracle that we got the ship running on Ether Energy.

Mayflower: Yes, I heard... what about the ship logs?

Scientist: We couldn't find anything else of note, sir. The rest of the logs were too damaged to be repaired, let alone restored to full. That project may be the only thing we find outside of more schematics we'll never have the pleasure of using. May I ask...? Are we still sticking to the "plan?"

*whirrrrr*

Mayflower: It seems our guest has arrived. Yes, we are sticking with it. I'll hang up, and I trust you can handle this yourself. *beep*

Sky: Hey! Why was I called here again?

Scientist: Sky! I mean... ahem... S-1. We have something to tell you.

Sky: Yes...?

Scientist: We... know about what you went through. In that "project" back on Super Earth. You have a second personality inside your consciousness.

Sky: (What the fuck...?!)

Helldiver S-1: (I don't like this...)

Sky: W-What project...? I have no super earthly clue what you-

Scientist: You are a bad liar, Sky. Look, we're not trying to hurt you like them! We promise.

Sky: That's a hollow promise...

Scientist: I'll just play the card on the table then. We found a quick way to reverse its effects! We can silence that other voice!

Sky: WHAT?!

Helldiver S-1: (WHAT?! SKY LISTEN TO ME! SHE'S EVIL! YOU CAN'T TRUST HER! THIS IS ALL HER PLAN TO RUIN MANAGED DEMOCRACY AND STEAL THE SHIP!)

Sky: (So now you pay me respect...)

Helldiver S-1: (You have no idea what you are doing!!!)

Sky: I'll take it! Whatever it is or however painful it is! I'll do it! ARGH!

Sky suddenly falls to his knees as a massive headache starts smashing around his skull. He grips his helmet in pain as the scientist watches. She quickly helps Sky up as S-1 is too weak to push her away.

Scientist: Come on! The operating table isn't far from here! We're almost there.

Sky's breathing gets heavier from the struggle as he keeps putting one foot in front of the other. Sweat starts to form again before he is finally put on the operating table. He is hastily strapped to the operating table as multiple doctors and a security guard rush into the room.

Scientist: Get ready for the process ASAP! I don't know how bad his brainwashing is, but... It's very far into his mind.

Doctor: Copy that, start injections STAT!

Security Guard: Sorry, I was late, everyone... this is the KNIGHTFALL erasure plan, right?

Scientist: Correct, hopefully it all goes to- ...what did you say...

Sky: W-What have you... done...

Security Guard: What? Is this not the KNIGHTFALL plan?

Sky suddenly loses all of his strength from Helldiver S-1's purest wake-up call. He is reduced to nothingness in the vessel of his flesh that is now consumed by Helldiver S-1. Helldiver S-1 buckles in the bed before the hastily snapped restraints break under his strength. He punches one of the doctors before immediately running to take out the security guard. The guard fires his rifle, but it bounces off the porcelume armor, only leaving a dent before S-1 kicks his leg out and takes the gun. He then holds it at the guard's head while some doctors scream.

Helldiver S-1: You can't silence me... now do you want to listen to my demands...? Or would we have to give the janitor an unfortunate time along with a free biology lesson on the human brain...?

Assistant Doctor: CRAP! He has a hostage!

Doctor: Nope, not gonna happen, you aren't guilt tripping me, I don't know that guard.

Scientist: Just stay calm, Helldiver S-1... we can work this out... *whispers into pen* (Operation Evil Knight Erasure has been delayed. Fall back to Plan B in the operating room... get everyone here...)

Footsteps start echoing down the ship as Helldiver S-1 realizes what happened, and he quickly looks around for an escape. He spots a fire extinguisher set up by a worker and waits for the right moment.

Scientist: You don't have much time to cooperate, S-1. All you have to do is sit down and you'll be back to normal... you're just a byproduct of Sky's mind! You'll thank me for this!

Helldiver S-1: You called them here... YOU UNDEMOCRATIC BASTARD!

Helldiver S-1 tries to shoot the scientist with the stolen pistol, but the guard grabs it and tilts it, making S-1 shoot her shoulder instead. She cries out in pain before S-1 kicks the guard back down and shoots the fire extinguisher. The Defense Force soldiers arrive, but the smoke created from the fire extinguisher blocks all their helmet visors, and the small shrapnel pieces cause panic among everyone, despite not posing any real threat.

Defense Soldier: AH! *cough cough* Where the hell is he?!

Defense Soldier 2: He must be leaving! Let him eat lead!

Scientist: NO! Ah... that hurts... NON-LETHAL! Take him in alive! We need him for the next step of the operation!

Defense Force Soldier 3: How are we supposed to stop that porcelume-armored guy NON-LETHALLY?!

S-1 sneaks out of the Super Destroyer without any of his gear as the base goes on full alert. Red lights illuminate the research facility as S-1 runs, taking small arms fire from a distance. None of the bullets pierce the armor, but they put more of a strain on the helldiver's internal body, having to absorb all the energy. He grunts with every stun shot, but continues moving until he sees a motorcycle and steals it.

Guard: *whistling* Ah... finally done with the midnight shift, thank- WHA- MY MOTORCYCLE! HEY!

Helldiver S-1: NEVER LEAVE IT RUNNING IDIOT! WOOHOO! DEMOCRACY'S CHARIOT!

Helldiver S-1 drives off as the soldiers pursue, but are much slower thanks to Helldiver S-1's lack of regard for his own life with his blazing speed. Meanwhile, the head scientist is getting patched up in the same spot she got shot at as her cellphone starts ringing.

Scientist: Nnn... pass me the phone. *beep* Mr. Mayflower?

Mayflower: I heard that a security breach happened in the facility! It's safe to assume we're onto Plan B?

Scientist: Affirmative. You warn the public. I'll round up the best people for the job, sir.

Helldiver S-1 continues driving through dangerous alleys and routes before he gets the idea of entering a hollow to hide. After all... the suit was hollow proof. He drives in the direction of Hollow Zero, knowing that no one would expect him to hide in the most dangerous hollow.

Mayor Mayflower starts a live announcement saying that Helldiver S-1 is now on New Eridu's most wanted, but with a unique addition that most bounties do not have: the requirement of being brought in alive.

Helldiver S-1 drives until he arrives at a dark alley, it was familiar to him, he took it to get inside Hollow Zero back when he saved the dirty clanke- wait no... Automaton from the warzone. S-1 had far sharper memory thanks to his combat IQ, allowing him to remember anything Sky forgot... which is a lot. Unfortunately, two Hollow Raiders are waiting by the fissure entrance with a radio next to them.

Hollow Raider: Pssh... who's this guy? Get lost, buddy.

Radio (Mayflower): And it is here that I announce a 400,000 Denny Bounty on anyone who can turn in this "Helldiver" as he calls himself, alive! The info given out leading to his capture will also be rewarded as a result.

Helldiver S-1: Give me a break...

Hollow Raider: AH! You hear that, Mickey? Looks like helmet boy's worth a lot now! And he's right in front of us.

Helldiver S-1: Nighttime mugging...? Really...? Let me pass, or that'll be the second last joke you'll make.

Hollow Raider 2: Oh, we'll let you pass... for 400,001 dennies! AHAHA!

Hollow Raider: HAHA! OH THAT WAS SO-

Helldiver S-1 doesn't waste any time and grabs the short double-barreled shotgun off of the first Hollow Raider and blows his helmeted head clean off. The laughter is turned into an echo at the sight of his friend being killed.

Hollow Raider 2: W-WHAT DID YOU-

*BLAST*

Helldiver S-1: You can have those shells free of charge. I'll just take that ammo out of your hands... *sigh* denny less idiots...

S-1 loots the corpses for ammo before departing into Hollow Zero. He enters the chaotic hollow, even at midnight, artillery shelling and gunfire can be heard far into the distance. But this was S-1's natural habitat. Spreading Democracy is all he is good for, and by liberty's soul, was he gonna do it.

Helldiver S-1: Good place to tactically retreat... good place to tactically retreat... hmm... AH! There's a good spot!

S-1 finds a warehouse packed full of Hollow Raiders. But... the beds look reallllly niceeee... okay, killing everyone it is then!

Hollow Raider: HEY! No coming in through the entrance!

Helldiver S-1: You will allow me in the warehouse... *waves hand*

Hollow Raider: Uh... no?

Helldiver S-1: Only works in the movies... oh well! Democracy it is then!

S-1 suddenly quick-draws his new shotgun and shoots off the Guard's leg. He falls to the ground quickly, holding onto what's left of his leg in searing pain as his screams echo through the hollow. S-1 puts another shell into his head, forcing him to shut up before sneaking around the warehouse. Rain continues pouring around the hollow, and it helps to mask the sound so he won't get found out immediately.

Hollow Raider: What the heck was that screaming...?

Hollow Raider 2: You wanna go first to check it out...?

Hollow Raider: WHAT?! NO YOU FIRST!

Hollow Raider 3: OH for the love of- I'll go first...

The three hollow raiders go outside while S-1 sneaks inside past them. He looks around before finding the power box, and with a bit of persuasion on his side...

*flick*

Hollow Raider 4: Hey...? Who turned off the lights...? Damnit... Tony, did you forget the damn generator?!

Hollow Raider 5: HEY! It's hard to lift-

Hollow Raider: GUYS! GUYS! We found a body outside! It's not ethereals! Someone shot him...

Hollow Raider 2: He had his whole face shot off...

Hollow Raider 3: Someone put the base on lockdown!

Hollow Raider 4: We can't! Power's offline! Get everyone awake!

Multiple Hollow Raiders rush everywhere around the building in a panic. S-1 uses the shadows to his advantage, but the glowing suit made it hard at times. Eventually, he sneaks into the makeshift bar of the warehouse. He's about to leave before he gets a new, much more sinister idea.

Hollow Raider 6: Have you been able to reach anyone on the outside?

Hollow Raider 7: No, I didn't charge my phone! What do you think, dummy?! *sigh* maybe the radio still-

*SHATTER*

Hollow Raider 6: That was glass... stay behind me.

Hollow Raider 7: Got it, buddy. Check it out...

The two hollow raiders walk until they see a shattered beer bottle on the floor of the bar. They see a strange orange light from across the bar before suddenly...

Helldiver S-1: THROWING GRENADE!

The makeshift Molotov cocktail breaks on them, lighting the two Hollow Raiders on fire. Their screams start to echo down the entire building as they start bumping into tables, lighting the whole bar on fire. S-1 sneaks out as the two raiders fall on the floor dead. More hollow raiders come in to put out the fire, and that's when S-1 makes his move. He sneaks up behind the group of 20 Hollow Raiders and quickly starts firing his pistol into the crowd.

Helldiver S-1: Say hello to democracy!

Hollow Raider: Fuck! Fuck... I'm hit! Ah! Help! Hel-

*BANG*

Helldiver S-1: tsk tsk tsk... find cover next time! At least try in the afterlife!

Helldiver S-1 takes out 10 of the raiders with good shot placement before the other hollow raiders hide behind boxes. S-1 simply walks down to their areas, and when they try to shoot him. The armor ricochets the bullets off. It may be painful, but it scares them straight off him before one quick shotgun shell is all it takes. He kills all of them before a bigger group comes in from the armory. One pulls out a rocket launcher as S-1 quickly runs and dives for cover. The blast sends him flying into a wall, cracking his reinforced visor, allowing Ether to ever so slowly creep into his suit, not allowing him to stay forever, but it should still last him for a long time.

S-1 shuffles around in corpses until finding a crossbow with a scope and snipes the rocket raider. More come in with baseball bats, but S-1 dodges them before taking out his knife and stabbing one in the throat. Another baseball bat strikes the back of his helmet, but the bat breaks. And he simply grabs that raider by the neck and snaps it. S-1 reloads behind cover before starting to go all out; even without any of his familiar gear, he still figures out a way. One hollow raider tries to enter from the armory but gets a whole box filled with weights thrown at his head. Another tries the same, but a TV to the head makes him go down as well.

Helldiver S-1 finishes up, but one hollow raider fakes his death and shoots S-1 on the visor. The bullet does nothing as he starts violently stabbing the final raider out of pure anger. By the time he is done, almost everyone in the room is dead, and S-1 is covered in the blood of all his enemies, just like in his imagination. He walks over to the armory the raiders came from and looks at all the gear he can use. A devilish smile awakens on the corrupted knight as a radio from one of the dead hollow raiders acts as his background noise for his inspection of the gear.

Radio (News): We've now gotten reports of the major bounty set up by Mr.Mayflower himself, the likes of which have not been seen since the Vision Corporation's scandal with Director Perlman's bounty. And now this bounty has everyone at home asking the same question...

Where is the Helldiver?

Notes:

Don't ask me how I did this all in one day; I don't have an answer for you. Helldiver S-1 is back with his very own chapter! One that threatens both his life and New Eridu's. There are only two BIG chapters left to finish off the story, and I personally... in my humble opinion. I think you should stick around until the end. And as always, let me know in the comments if you have any questions or concerns. I'd be happy to answer. This'll be one of the last times I say this, so... I'll See You Starside, dearest reader. I hope you heal from the things you don't talk about.

Chapter 21: The Storm Approaching

Summary:

Only one side can come out on top... but perhaps winning can often be a confusing thing to judge...

In the middle of PUBSEC HQ, everyone is buzzing with activity over the new manhunt started by Mayflower. The Criminal Investigation Special Response Team is called by their captain, Zhu Yuan, to a meeting to discuss where the helldiver could be. Qingyi drinks hot water from her pot while Seth has his notepad diligently writing down info. The three are exhausted from their forced midnight overtime, but they only have one last mission left today.

Zhu Yuan: Glad to see you all could make it! Now we have a very serious topic to-

Before Zhu Yuan can finish her sentence, the ever-curious rookie officer Seth Lowell raises his hand. Zhu Yuan holds in a sigh before allowing him to answer.

Seth Lowell: Where's Jane?

Qingyi: She couldn't make it because of another undercover operation. *sips hot water* You seem sad that she's not here. Would you like to explain why~?

Seth: What?! No! I'm not explaining! Ahem...

Qingyi: Or perhaps she's dating the managers instead~?

Zhu Yuan: Now's not the time for jokes, Qingyi!

Qingyi: Don't worry, I'm just playing with you (─‿‿─)

Zhu Yuan: Right. We have received new orders from the top to find this "helldiver" as shown in the picture here. He wears black and yellow armor and is considered to be armed and unstable, yet we also must bring him in alive. That's why they called us for the job. We have no idea of his whereabouts, but-

Again, Zhu Yuan is cut off by a PUBSEC officer bursting into the room and tripping on the floor. The three in the room stop their activities at the sound. He gets up and quickly waves a paper while saluting the captain.

PUBSEC Officer: Captain Zhu Yuan! He's been located! Or at least his trail! He took a criminal fissure entrance we busted a few minutes ago! He killed two hollow raiders guarding it from the local camera footage we inspected. And that footage was taken 20 minutes ago! Here, this paper explains the rest...

Zhu Yuan: Good work today, officer. Prep my car for me, and then you can be relieved of duty for today. We'll handle this ourselves. Not much time to lose, you two, gear up and follow me.

Qingyi/Seth: On it.

The two gather all their gear and drive out through the night rain, the police sirens illuminating the rain around the car in red and blue. Meanwhile, S-1 is having a blast playing around with all his new weapons, including crossbows, grenades, a rocket launcher, and more. He slings and attaches them over his armor before turning on the radio and jamming to some beats. The helldiver opens the curtains mid dance and continues to dance with all the laughter in the world before he feels a figure emerge from the moonlight shining from the curtains. Another helldiver like him... If he even considers him a helldiver with all his imperfections and showings of humanity? Hmph... pathetic...

Sky: What have you done...? You...

Helldiver S-1: Saved you from getting your freedom stripped away? Yeah, you should be praising me for such a feat.

Sky: WHA- NO! I MEAN, WHAT ARE YOU DOING!

Sky points at the pile of corpses lying around the warehouse. S-1 looks around but sees no problem as he simply shrugs.

Helldiver S-1: What? The hollow raiders? You're telling me you have a problem with killing bad people now?

Sky: Fair point... wait, but you shot the scientist! And you held innocent people hostage! What the hell is wrong with you! That is not what a helldiver does! If you kill innocent people willingly, then you don't know the first thing about being a helldiver.

Helldiver S-1: You are so far gone from being a helldiver that you shouldn't be talking. Stay quiet. I'll get myself out of this without you.

Sky: Oh? How is this part of your master plan? You are stuck in a warehouse with a cracked visor, the entirety of New Eridu looking for you, and you don't even know where to go! Why didn't you just listen to me?! IF YOU HAD DONE YOUR JOB, KNOWN YOUR PLACE IN MY MIND! WE WOULD HAVE BEEN HOME BY NOW!

Helldiver S-1: SHUT UP! I am doing the BEST that I can... and if you won't listen to me...

S-1 picks up a revolver and spins the cylinder. Sky screams at him to stop, but he pulls the trigger against his skull as no bullets come out. S-1 laughs at Sky's panic before opening the cylinder, only to find four unfired bullets that could have killed him. The two look at each other slowly before silently closing and dropping the revolver.

Sky: So what's your "plan"?

Helldiver S-1: Survive.

Sky: ...

Helldiver S-1: ...

Sky: You are an idiot. And you're the one in control. Look, let me take control, and I'll find some way to keep you around.

Helldiver S-1: No deal. I'm the only one who should be left standing!

Sky: We'll see about-

PUBSEC Sirens are heard outside the warehouse as the two freeze. Sky looks outside the curtains.

Helldiver S-1: What do you see?

Sky: How should I know?! I only see what you see...

Helldiver S-1: Oh, right, out of my way.

The two see the familiar faces of Zhu Yuan and Qingyi stepping out of their car and into the rain along with their rookie cop lynx thiren Seth. They must be coming to check the warehouse in a bit, so Helldiver S-1 starts packing up in a hurry.

Sky: Where are we going now...?

Helldiver S-1: Anywhere but here.

Sky: OH ENOUGH OF THIS! Give me back my damn body! We stand here amidst my body! NOT YOURS!

Helldiver S-1 gets a small headache, but he easily powers through it with his training. He exits the building in search of a new one while Zhu Yuan and her squad stand by the entrance door, a worried feeling in all of them upon seeing the body by the front, coloring the rain around it in red.

Zhu Yuan: On my mark... three... two...

Mayor Mayflower: That's enough, Captain Zhu Yuan. This is Mayflower. Stand down and don't open that door. We're sending a unit to secure the perimeter and capture the target.

Zhu Yuan is confused by the mayor's voice suddenly entering her intercom in her ear. She signals to hold off the breach before pressing her finger on the com to talk to Mayflower.

Zhu Yuan: We've almost apprehended him, sir. If we wait for someone else, he may escape from-

Mayflower: That won't be happening. Section 6 is being sent in to deal with the problem. So do your job and head over to save some civilians at these coordinates.

Zhu Yuan: I know Miyabi, Mr. Mayflower! She can help the civilians far faster than we can, and we can still-

Mayflower: Stop. The. Pursuit. Unless you want to interfere with Section 6's involvement, I suggest you leave the area and do your mission. Understood...?

Zhu Yuan:...understood... We'll leave the criminal to you then. But we'll talk later...

Mayflower: No, we won't be. Mayflower out.

The call ends as Zhu Yuan sighs from the confusion in her mind. Why is Section 6 being sent to handle one person?! They should be out there saving lives unless it's a truly genuine threat. Zhu Yuan lightly kicks the wall to blow off steam before ordering her squad to follow her and save more people.

Meanwhile, Section 6's chief, Hoshimi Miyabi, watches the scene from afar with binoculars, she and the two other members of her team with her at the moment wearing raincoats from the extreme weather conditions pouring down. Miyabi decided to bring Asaba Harumasa for his bow skills and Tsukishiro Yanagi for her sharp mind, and on account of being the deputy chief.

Harumasa: Ugh, this isn't fair! Deputy Chief! Why does Soukaku get to take the day off, and I can't?!

Yanagi: Soukaku would get a cold from the rain. She's just a kid.

Harumasa: So you don't care if I get a cold...? That's cold, Deputy Chief~ What if I do get sick and start coughing up blood everywhere again?

Yanagi: *sigh* Don't get cold then. And zip up the raincoat before you-

Miyabi: Spotted. The target is at the abandoned residential building.

Harumasa: Huh?

Miyabi and Yanagi jump down from the vantage point before running towards the building. They call in support from the radio while running, as Harumasa watches with a frown.

Harumasa: I'll just take the stairs like a normal person then... it's not like I have a spirit-infused katana or time-slowing retractable blade... I'm just a guy with a bow... I didn't ask for any of these adventures! Or magic!

Harumasa catches up to the two of them, breathing heavily. They all hide among the rubble outside the building. Helldiver S-1 is on the lookout for intruders on the roof. Section 6 spots him amid the harsh rain before Miyabi passes Harumasa an electric stun arrow.

Miyabi: Can you hit him?

Harumasa: With my eyes closed~ Let's see if our new pal knows the whistle of arrows in flight...

Helldiver S-1: Hmm... no hostiles detected... should be safe from- AH! URGH!

S-1 gets hit square on the visor by the arrow. It shatters a part of the visor completely before he rips it off of him before the voltage can stun him entirely. One of his eyes is exposed; the glass of his visor shatters like fragments of memories of all the years as a helldiver. But unlike the human under the helmet, S-1 had a different look to him; his eyes were always fully open, like an animal in focus, along with a wide smile of no thoughts under his helmet. Sky regains partial control and nudges S-1 to go back inside the building so he won't get hit again.

Harumasa: His armor must be tough if it withstood that...

Yanagi: Chief, should we negotiate with the rogue personality?

Miyabi: What do you think, Yanagi?

Yanagi: I think aggressive negotiations. Signal the support to get ready. You and I will try to talk him back into shape. Harumasa, you watch from afar and start shooting arrows if he runs.

Haurmasa: That's the deputy chief for ya! I'll watch you two go.

The two leaders of Section 6 start running inside the building. They follow the footsteps of the panicked helldiver until eventually...

Helldiver S-1: Where the hell is the exit?! Where's the extract when you need- ah shit...

Yanagi: We didn't come here to fight Helldiver S-1... We just want to talk.

Helldiver S-1: Really...? With a katana and... wait, what's the demon orb thing flying around you...?

Miyabi: Tailess, the spirit inside the sword.

Helldiver S-1: Not the weirdest thing I've seen today... Ahem, talking is long over. You wanna kill me just because I don't follow your stupid rules and because you can't control me! Not even Sky~ Heroes never back down, so I won't back down here. I've always hated this place and everyone in it... ᵉˣᶜᵉᵖᵗ ᵐᵃʸᵇᵉ ᴮᵘʳⁿᶦᶜᵉ but that's besides the point! I HATE ALL OF YOU!

Yanagi: Sky, you-

S-1 shoots at Yanagi for even saying that name to him. Miyabi blocks it for her as the two look angered.

Helldiver S-1: Don't you say that name again. It means nothing to me. He can't conceive of what I'm capable of! I'm so far beyond him!

Yanagi: Psst... Harumasa... hear the com in your ear...?

Harumasa: Huh? OH! Yes, I hear you loud and clear.

Yanagi: Bring out the card on the table, 25th floor.

Harumasa: Roger that! Signaling now.

A helicopter suddenly flies up to the 25th floor before shining its large light on S-1's position. Multiple rockets and machine guns are trained on his position as the strong gust from its presence blows in from the shattered windows and sends rain inside.

Helicopter Pilot: Target confirmed, got a visual?

Helicopter Gunner: Affirmative, too close to the chiefs for assault, just pretend we can shoot him for now.

Helldiver S-1: What the... Oh for the love of liberty... You gotta be kidding me... all this for one helldiver? I'm honored... *pulls pin behind back* very honored...

Miyabi: Grenade!

Yanagi: Negotiations failed! Full permission to attack!

Miyabi shields Yanagi, but it turns out to be a flashbang instead, stunning them. S-1 makes a run for it as the helicopter repositions and opens fire. Machine Gun rounds alongside Electricity Arrows speed through the walls, trailing behind the helldiver, giving a heavy beating on S-1's armor; some rounds cause pieces of it to fall off. Miyabi and Yanagi chase after him until a rocket is fired and the blast separates the two of them from S-1.

Helldiver S-1: HAHA! Checkmate Section- OH SHIT THE FLOOR IS CAVING! AHHHHH! OOF! Urgh... ha... sweet liberty...

S-1 falls to the 23rd floor as a sharp piece of shrapnel passes through his armor into his side. He pulls it out of his body in sheer anger and adrenaline before he continues running downstairs, not caring to bandage the wound. He takes the rocket launcher slung on his back before looking for the chopper. He moves to the end of the 23rd floor before getting a good angle.

Yanagi: Where did he go?! Helicopter?

Helicopter Pilot: He fell to the 23rd floor! Repositioning... There he is! Is that a- *EXPLOSION* AH! WE'VE BEEN HIT! LOSING CONTROL!

Helicopter Gunner: We can still get him! Line it up! If we're going down, let's take him with us!

Helicopter Pilot: Come on, stabilize.... COME ON! ROCKET AWAY! NOW BRACE FOR IMPACT! BRACE BRAC- ~BZZZT~*SIGNAL LOST*

Helldiver S-1: EAT THAT! Huh...? OH SH-

The helicopter crashes into the building as the rocket hits S-1's floor. The building is in imminent collapse as multiple floors start to give in. The rocket strikes the wall S-1 was leaning on to take the shot, and he starts falling down the floors again. This time, he slides down the building debris rapidly approaching the end of it as a twenty-story fall awaits him, but he latches onto the ledge.

Yanagi: I see him! He's sliding down the building and- CHIEF?!

Miyabi quickly slides down the flaming debris as well, knowing the urgency in the situation. Yanagi contemplates for a few moments before throwing away her thoughts and sliding after Miyabi to stop her or help. Helldiver S-1 is dangling off the ledge as his grip starts to loosen from all the water. Just as he slips off the ledge from the rain... Miyabi slides in and catches S-1 by his hand before hooking her high heel on a piece of wood to stop them from falling. The rain was beating down on both of them as Miyabi took off her raincoat to move faster.

Miyabi: Still alive?

Helldiver S-1: Affirmative... just hanging around... but it seems like you had other plans... You just couldn't resist falling for me, could you~? How charming...

S-1 pulls out a knife to stab Miyabi in her vulnerable position, but she dodges the swing with her experience, and S-1 suddenly gets hit by another electricity arrow from Harumasa. He knocks out cold as his wrecked suit doesn't protect him from the electricity anymore. Part of the shock is conducted to Miyabi, but she withstands it with her training. Yanagi slides down before using her blade to hook the two of them safely and helps pull the two of them up.

Miyabi: Nice work, Harumasa. Go help the helicopter pilots, and then you can consider your overtime finished.

Harumasa: FINALLY!

Yanagi: Let's get you fixed up, Sky...

The two leave with Sky being dragged with them as the sun slowly starts to peek over them, and the rain slows down. Sky suddenly springs awake, but in a dream world. He gets up as echoes of the real world start to be heard. Sky is getting PTSD from all these hellish visions and dreams...

Sky: Oh hell... not again...

Unknown Voice: Starting brainwashing reversal in three... two... one...

Sky: AHHHHHHHHHH! FUCKING!!!! URGHHH!!! *panting* What's happening to me...

Sky looks up to see a rainy place with a lone, bloody helldiver standing in the rain. It was an all too familiar sight in his mind. S-1... the byproduct.

Sky: S-1? Where are we...? What's-

S-1: You killed me.

Sky: Huh...? I killed you...? What did I do...? Last I remember was you taking control and-

S-1: Stop beating around the bush. You want this body back? You are gonna have to fight for it...

S-1 drops a knife in the middle of them, his helldiver code wanting him to fight until he dies. But strangely... Sky doesn't want to fight... at least not now... he's so tired and-

Helldiver S-1: PICK UP THE DAMN KNIFE AND FIGHT ME! FOR LIBERTY! DO AS YOU ARE ORDERED TO DO, SKY! KILL ME!

Sky: WHAT? I am not killing another helldiver!

Helldiver S-1: You're a disappointment... It's survival of the fittest, Sky... I can't believe I had hope for you to be better... I was proven wrong.

S-1 dashes for the knife and grabs it. Sky slowly raises his fists, ready to fight for his body. The rain pours down on both their visors, one reflecting a broken knight, another a corrupted knight. S-1 charges at him as Sky dodges and doesn't hesitate anymore, as he does anything he can to survive, and fear isn't something you can use in combat. The two fight brutally for an unknown amount of time as they trade blow after blow and stab after stab. Sky finally stabs S-1 in the gut before he falls to the ground, trying to keep himself from bleeding out. Sky is dripping with his blood alongside his opponent's as he kneels, ready to kill him.

Helldiver S-1: You're still hesitating... just push the knife DOWN! You won... the medicine is already killing me as it is... just kill me like you did to that "other" helldiver~

Sky:...

Helldiver S-1: heh... too hard for you to accept? That rage in your mind...? Use it... mold it... make it a strength... not a weakness. Promise me you'll take revenge after all this~ BUT FOR LIBERTY'S SAKE! TAKE YOUR CHANCE ALREADY DO IT! USE YOUR-

Sky: AHHHH! DIE YOU MOTHER FUCKER!

Sky pushes down the knife with all the pent-up anger of everything that's happened to him. S-1 gasps from the sudden pain in his chest as the blood from the stab starts to pool around him. Sky starts to feel regret before locking up his emotions

Helldiver S-1: *gasp, COUGH* Ugh... hehehe... haha... it seems you learned a thing or two from me... *COUGH* Helldiver...

Sky: Helldivers adapt S-1...They always do... Liberty be with you, helldiver...

Helldiver S-1 "dies" as he fades from Sky's internal mind. He drops the knife and falls over in pain, his visor pointed up at the rain as it pours onto him. He feels the pain all over his body, especially his head and side, but despite everything, he smiles. The voices in his head are gone... and yet it felt more lonely than ever, but at this point, loneliness was a gift. He falls asleep in the rain before slowly waking up in the real world on the same operating table that started this whole mess. He looks around and sees a small bandage on his side and the scientist who's helped him across his whole journey. The familiar scientist has a bandage on her shoulder, but looks over and sees Sky slowly getting up.

Scientist: Sky? Sky! Hey hey! Take it easy! How are you feeling...?

Sky: anxious... stressed... relieved that he's gone... ashamed at what I did... I... I shot you, didn't I...?

Scientist: No permanent damage...

Sky: Good... good...

Scientist: Listen, Sky... I know now's a bad time to ask, but... we need your help. We helped you, and now we need your help. Hollow Zero just trapped a large portion of personnel at a frequently used base after a surge in ether activity. We've called on everyone, but we haven't been able to take out so many ethereals at once.

Sky: I can't just... take them all on my own.

Scientist: No, we want to use your Super Destroyer to take out as many of them as possible. It'll save innocent people in the process, Sky, please... We've fixed up your ship and have suffered enough to save you that you must feel some sort of obligation to us...

Sky: Yeah, I do... If I have the opportunity to save at least one person better than me down there... count me in. I'll try my best to pilot the ship. You just get people who can operate the weaponry and... here.

Sky hands over a few stratagem balls.

Sky: Give those to the most important people fighting down there. I'll get the ship started. Has the FTL drive been fixed...?

Scientist: Yes. We converted it to Ether... it was not easy. We coated it with a light, ether-resistant material so it won't crash immediately. It's not Porcelume, but it works.

After a few minutes of preparation, the Super Destroyer takes off with its newly found crew. Sky struggles to fly the ship, but he turns on the FTL drive before he's immediately inside Hollow Zero, dangerously close to the ground, to get a good view compared to close orbit. The ground situation is rough as PUBSEC and Section 6 charge forward and fight the ethereals head-on, but encounter heavy resistance.

PUBSEC Officer: Captain! We received these signal tracker balls! Throw them into the middle of any hordes! Chief Miyabi will do the same!

Zhu Yuan: Copy that, get to some place safe.

Stratagems are thrown everywhere as the new yet inexperienced crew tries their best to be on target. They hit most of their payloads accurately as the ground team comments over every strike on the radio.

Ground Team: Oh man...That looks to be at least five... NO! Ten ethereals on that one! Good hit, good hit!

More orbital cannons are unloaded as the radio chatter turns into more cheering and counting.

Ground Team: WOO! Eat that! That's at least another 30+ in one strike! Good shooting!

The cheering erupts as a large ethereal appears only to be hit by an Orbital 380MM Barrage. Even Zhu Yuan and Miyabi find themselves impressed by the show of power from the helldiver. Sky finds himself smiling widely as he rubs the shoulder of one of the crew members... until suddenly, the Symbiotic Etheral Swarm, Codename: Nineveh, suddenly flies over the Super Destroyer and starts damaging it. The ground team looks on in horror before using their weapons to gather its attention.

Sky: WHAT IS HAPPENING?! '

Scientist: Nineveh has latched onto the ship! She's gonna tear it to pieces!

Sky: NO NO NO! GIVE ME THE CONTROLS! NOW!

Stand In Pilot: HERE!

Sky: Initiating emergency FTL jump in three... two! ONE!

The ship suddenly jumps into FTL Travel, escaping Nineveh's grasp. Nineveh leaves out of disappointment as the ground team worries about the ship's status.

Zhu Yuan: Super Destroyer...? Does anyone copy? Sky?

Sky: *COUGH COUGH* Still breathing! We made it back to the facility's landing pad!

The ground team cheers at the news. They focus on helping civilians and personnel out of the war zone area as the ethereals retreat after being crushed by such opposition. Sky is panting on the Super Destroyer, slumped on the chair as the scientist approaches him.

Sky: Is everyone... okay?

Scientist: Of course... they all exited the ship... they don't do well with heights~

Sky: Hehe... I can understand that...

The two sit there in silence for a while. The scientist wants to say something, but doesn't know how to break it to Sky.

Scientist: Sky... is this it? Are you gonna go home now...? May I ask why...? They tortured you and used you... Why do you wanna go back to such a hellish place...?

Sky: I... I have unfinished obligations... I can't let go of something... and I need to see it through... I don't care what happens to me. As long as I do it.

Scientist: I understand... but... the FTL Drive was damaged after the attack... You can still head back, but it'll be a while without FTL Travel. It's unknown how long it'll take before your ship arrives at Super Earth... days, months... years even. And I know people will miss you.

Sky: ...

Echo in Sky's head: Just let go...

Sky: ...I understand... I'll still take my chance and go home. You should get off the ship. But... if you can do one last thing for me...?

Sky walks over to the Helldiver Appearance Customization area before pulling out the very same suit of armor he wore when he first arrived, damaged yet still functional compared to his all but shattered one. He takes off his P-01 armor and puts on his faithful B-01 armor again.

Sky: Here... take the P-01 back, it's a good name, and I don't need it anymore where I'm going. And here... take this bandaid... it belongs to a Piper Wheel. She'll take good care of it.

Scientist: Oh... Sky... I'll do it.

Sky: Now get going. You're making this hard enough as it is.

Scientist: Right... New Eridu would like to extend its goodbyes to you...and so do I. Good luck on the home front, helldiver.

Sky: And good luck to you, too.

The scientist leaves with the items Sky gives her before he is left alone on the Super Destroyer. He walks up to the galactic map before setting a course for Super Earth through the New Eridu moon's hollow portal. He starts it as the ship takes off, people not knowing about the helldiver watch in awe as it travels through space, not to be seen again. The mayor explains everything in due time, however. Sky watches as the sun shines above New Eridu's planet, shining on his broken but still cherished armor. He puts his hand on the glass of the bridge window before New Eridu slowly vanishes once the Super Destroyer starts traveling through the portal. He walks down the ship in utter silence before entering a Cryo-Pod... his last thoughts in it being about New Eridu... and home... but now more than ever... maybe they weren't too far apart... and that made him feel warmer about his time in the city before being frozen inside the pod. Drifting endlessly through space, before he stops thinking and falls asleep.

Notes:

Hey... I just wanted to say that I love you guys, all of you, you all raised this crappy idea into something more just by being here. But... It's time to say goodbye to New Eridu. And hello to the final epilogue chapter coming soon. The Wings of Redemption soar back to Super Earth... maybe Sky can make things right in his past... or be consumed by it. And for the last time... Welcome to New Eridu! Where Humanity Began Anew for Sky. A true hero... but not a true helldiver to some... If you want to consider this chapter the canon ending with Sky drifting in space forever, similar to Halo 3, you can, and you should PLEASE watch that ending cutscene to see the inspiration for the ending part of this chapter. Gosh... I can't stop talking, can't I...? Ahem... that's why this next chapter is an epilogue and one you hopefully will love like I do. It's painful to say this for the second-to-last time, but... I'll See You Starside, Dearest Reader. Thank you... for everything.

Chapter 22: Epilogue: There'll Be Another Time

Summary:

"Duality is the real root of our suffering and of all our conflicts." -Namkhai Norbu

PA System: Orbit Synchrinized. Unfreezing Helldiver S-1. Now orbiting Super Earth.

Sky's Cryopod gets cycled up to the bridge like all the other times he's done this same routine before. The pod is opened and unfrozen as he wakes up and takes a few uneasy steps out of it, as the mechanism rotates towards other helldivers, only to find none. Sky shivers from the cold as he keeps his hands close to his body for warmth, and suddenly his HUD comes back to life, startling him with one new message.

Sky: AH! Oh... message...? FROM LEO?! HOW? Don't tell me this is another complicated scam...

Sky clicks on the message with a worried heart as he shakes lightly. He finds that it's a video recording dated October 6th, 2184. The video starts playing, filling up his entire visor. His entire attention was paid to the video instead of Super Earth or even the Super Destroyer. The video begins with his brother fiddling with the camera without his helmet before realizing he turned it on too early, as other helldivers in the darkness giggle. The lights turn on suddenly as multiple helldivers and staff pop confetti and blow horns, cheering at the camera.

Helldiver L-2: Happy 21st Birthday, Sky! We're recording this in March since we won't have much time to celebrate it or set up a surprise celebration on account of the war. Some of the other helldivers took some of our break minutes to set up this recording for you! Granted, I said it was an awful idea, but-

Helldiver X-3: I still think it is! Do we need to spoil one of our youngest cadets again?!

Helldiver L-2: Haha! Yeah, S-1 is already enough of a spoiled brat. Well, it's your 21st birthday, so... wait, let me get my list... ahem... You can drink alcohol with your big brother... but you don't like that. You can invest in super stocks, lame. AH! Here's a good one! You can go to the casino with me! You and I are gonna bet it on red and-

Sky: I don't think that's... *sniff* A good idea... I prefer black... *sniff*

Helldiver O-4: Helldivers! The democracy officer is waking up! I'll distract him!

Helldiver U-3: AH! CLEAN UP! CLEAN UP! HE'S GONNA FIND OUT!

Helldiver L-2: Crap... all right, I'll hide the second recording in your room. Love you, small me! Now I really gotta go before the officer makes me do 1,000,000 pushups... or kill me.

The recording ends as Sky does his best to hold himself together. He is successful as he walks over to his room on the Super Destroyer. The room looks dusty and abandoned due to a lack of care, along with the New Eridu crash knocking everything around. Sky looks frantically for the recording, knowing that he is already bad at looking for things, which makes this worse. He didn't have an older brother to call on anymore to help with this... no doubt he would have laughed before helping and... don't cry... calm down...

Sky: Come on... where is it... please... oh liberty please... where is it...

Sky fails to find it as he slumps down beside the bedframe on the verge of another breakdown. Having a few moments to himself without anything to think about just makes Sky break down as any human does... As he wipes his tears under his helmet, he looks at a shattered picture frame of Leo, Sky, and Coral in a family photo, Sky putting up bunny fingers behind both of them with a bright smile. He takes the photo out before gently slipping it under his chestplate armor. He taps on the broken frame before realizing that his finger is touching a USSB Drive taped to the frame!
He quickly takes it out before finding the plug on his helmet and locks it in. Another video recording plays as Leo is sitting in a dark room by himself, his helmet taken off and used as a camera to record himself. He looks... strangely sad.

Leo: Hey... I... well... I forgot to record the second recording that day after an incident happened. Most of my squad got killed because of a botched order and- *sigh* Luckily, you weren't on that mission, thank liberty. I know we haven't seen eye to eye when it came to missions, but it's all in the past now. I recently got approached by a person claiming to be more about brotherhood than Super Earth and-

Leo looks at the camera with a small tear running down his cheek, and Sky already knows why. This must be the last recording he left before he went rogue. He looks like he wants to be honest with Sky so badly for once in his life, but his fears hold him back from admitting the truth. Leo decides to remain optimistic, not for himself, but for Sky. He readjusts himself in his seat before speaking in his usual tone.

Leo: So of course... I shot him! Can't have people spreading false ideals, right, Sky? You trust me?

Sky: R-Right... *sniff* I... of course... always right... You would never lie to me... not like you have my whole life...

Leo: Hehe... I'll assume you do. Always loyal to the end. But it's your birthday, and I wanted to say a few things to you. I know it's been hard for you since you can't go see Mom anymore. I'm the same way, even if I can hide it better. Worst-case scenario, you'll always have her and even me in your heart, unless you hate me, which in that case, fuck you too.

Sky: WHA- HEY! Scre-

Leo: Nope, you can't say it back!

Sky: HEY, DON'T CUT ME OFF!

Leo: Hehe... Hope I got you there... anyways, I noticed a problem with you... You keep looking up to me. And while I understand why I... look, I'm not gonna be around forever... I'm already getting too old for a Helldiver, and sooner or later, I'll kick the bucket in the line of work, and it'll just be you. I wish I could stick around longer... I wish I could, but when the time comes... You gotta keep running and don't look back. Because my time is over, and it's your OBLIGATION to be better than me when that time comes. Don't be like me... be greater, that's all I ask as repayment for everything I did for you and mom. G-Good... *sniff* Good Night Sky... I'll always love you till the end and even after that. Ending Recording...

Sky: WAIT WAIT NO DON'T HANG UP PLE-

*Beep*

Sky: FUCK!!! Fuck!!! Fuck!... Fuck... fuck... fuuucccck...

Sky sits there using his training to do his best not to cry. In the end, he toughens it out, knowing his family would've hated to see him cry from a birthday present. He looks down at his wristpad to try to play Stratagem Hero and destress, but then realizes something is different about it. He suddenly springs up with optimism.

Sky: If this is the old armor... then the signal tracker should still be enhanced! And it should still... IT DOES!

New Eridu, R̴̭̼̜̪͎̳̩͆͌̇͊̆̆́͊͘͜͜͝͝Ȩ̶̺͈͈̠̘͓͎̰̌͊̑̄̿̃̔̈́̊̓͐̍D̷̬͈͙̎̏͗̈́ͅĄ̸͖͙̬̭͚̖̼̺̼̙̼̤͉͛̈̂̾̉͗̎͠Ç̵͉̱̲̱̲̳͖̬͍̥̙̦̬͊̏͜T̶̢̠͍̳̣̭̘͈̭̖̰̈́̔͊͝͝ͅͅĘ̵̡̛̭̰̝̲̣̤͈̞̂͛̉̈́́͗͛̀̂̀͋̃D̵̩̀̏͊̎̾̓̿̈́͒͒́͘ Lightyears away.

Sky: Ah... the portal must make it appear much further away. No wonder we never found each other. But... may as well try to send a goodbye. Ahem...

Sky takes off his helmet before pointing the visor towards himself to start the recording. He sits down before tapping the button to start it.

Sky: Okay... where to start... to all the people in New Eridu who didn't get to know the real me, you will likely hear a lot of things about me in the days after this message is made. And this message is meant to be a thank you and a somber goodbye to the city of New Eridu. I even wanted to apologize for every bad thing I said to everyone who cared about me, even when I didn't return the favor. I also have a few things I have to say to a select few individuals who truly helped me along the way. Whoever receives this signal, please send this to Mr. Mayflower, and he'll do the rest. Oh, and... this is my real face, I know, very cute, you can stop blushing now.

Sky laughs to himself for a moment before it fades into silence, with no one to laugh with him. He readjusts himself before looking at the camera again.

Sky: This part of the recording is dedicated to the person who has saved me the most on my journey that I have not said goodbye to, Soldier 11.
I would have said goodbye in person if you weren't gone on vacation... and honestly... It's easier to say goodbye like this than to hear your voice and have to acknowledge it in person. Ahem... I know we never saw eye to eye with each other, and for good reason, you saw me as a threat, and I couldn't control myself properly around anyone at the time. I even admit to cheering when I found out you left. But now I realize that you kept me alive despite everything, along with your teammate Trigger. You helped ensure my survival even behind my back with the P-01, and you reminded me what it means to be a perfect soldier, or at least trying to be one, which I'm sure you will be one day. And as a final note before I say goodbye... I dislike spicy noodles, accept that. End Recording. *beep* Send to New Eridu.

Sky continues to record more messages for everyone who helped him return home. But most of them are kept shorter than others.

Sky: And for Grace? You are something crazy... but I wouldn't have been able to find the Super Destroyer without you. Let alone send these messages back to New Eridu. And if I return... I... Nevermind. I don't think I will. BUT! Try bothering Mr. Mayflower for something called a P-01! I know you'll love it a lot if you get it! And I would like to thank "Phaethon" for bringing you to my attention and saving me. And the Cunning Hares for saving me with them. Wow, am I a dimsal in distress now? End Recording. *beep* Send to New Eridu.

Sky: Finally... Piper Wheel... You were the first person I saw after arriving in the Outer Ring of New Eridu. If it weren't for you, I never would have made it inside the city in the first place. The help you and everyone in the city provided is the only reason I'm alive to send these to you all. But this is maybe my final message... I don't know if I'll be around for another one. But you have to keep fighting or just living for New Eridu's sake and know that I'm watching in spirit, rooting for ya. *sigh* I'll see you all on the other side, End Recording *beep* Send to New Eridu.

Sky relaxes after settling loose ends in New Eridu before getting up and out of his room. He walks over to the bridge and sees Super Earth in all of its glory... but... it looks damaged...? What happened? Sky goes over to the galactic map before a barrage of major orders explaining everything that happened while he was gone... Merida Portal? DSS? ILLUMINATE?! MERIDA PORTAL MOVING AND DESTROYING PLANETS...?! INVASION OF SUPER EARTH?! D-Defense of Super Earth successful...?

Sky: B-But the Illuminute weren't seen since... but... how the... *exhale* oh sweet liberty... W-What year is it...?

PA System: Crew Reminder, today is August 4th, 2185. Liberty Day is only two months away.

Sky: August 4th, 2185?! That's 303 days... I missed a whole defense of Super Earth... I should have been there...! I SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE! DAMNIT!

Sky tries to read through more and more of what happened over the nearly full year he was gone. The sense of regret for being gone this long hits him hard... So many people gave their lives, and he wasn't there to give his for the cause. Yet at the same time, he feels... relieved? He landed in a slightly more peaceful time, but the shock that there's a new, even scarier enemy faction on the map doesn't instill confidence. Sky realizes that being back on Super Earth allows him to scan the Super Internet again, so he does the thing he's been wanting to do since he first arrived in New Eridu.

Sky: Okay... List of M.I.A and K.I.A Helldivers... Sky Diver, M.I.A., Leonel Leon, K.I.A., Body burnt for treasonous deeds committed in life. So... no gravestones...? W-What about Mom...? Grave burial database... Coral Diver... none to be found?! They all forgot about them... T-That's okay! I'll do it myself if I have to... whatever it takes...

Sky sits down exhausted from all the information clouding his brain, the year of absence. Everyone is moving on without him. The Second Galactic War is changing. And his family was left behind like names on an incomprehensibly long list. He slowly tucks in his legs and holds them close as he processes everything.

???: This is the SES Power of Starlight requesting you to back up out of the way to prevent a collision course for an FTL Jump. Please respond.

Sky: Huh...?

???: This is the Democracy Officer of the SES Power of Starlight. If no one responds, you can expect an inspection and consequences for not maintaining radio contact, SES Wings of Redemption! Do you acknowledge?!

Sky gets up and walks over to the radio before responding. He has to come up with some excuse for everything...

Sky: This is Helldiver S-1 responding. This ship was shot down over an automaton planet and nearly destroyed before being partially repaired for duty. Requesting a boarding onto this ship to explain things to the democracy officer. Acknowledge?

Democracy Officer: Helldiver S-1...? The logs state that you and your entire ship, for that matter, went missing. Where is the rest of your unit and Democracy Officer for that manner, Helldiver?!

Sky: K.I.A or M.I.A Democracy Officer, sir... they gave their lives to keep this ship alive. There is still a good amount of weaponry that was salvaged, and this ship can be refitted to be in the same condition that it was on conception. All I ask is that Super Earth High Command realizes my condition and saves their requestion slips by repairing this ship.

Democracy Officer: Hmm... Okay. Expect us in 5 minutes with a Truth Enforcer alongside me.

Sky: Roger that... Helldiver S-1 out.

Sky turns off the radio before looking around for anything suspicious from New Eridu. He quickly destroyed the black box of the ship, though it was already broken enough; he didn't wanna take any chances. The sight of Super Earth in such a state outside the window catches his attention again. Despite all the fear and cluelessness about what happened, he still has fighting spirit left as he picks up his AR and holsters it on his belt. The urge to protect all the people on that planet is still there despite everything. And more importantly, he wants to at least make a difference now, to make the world know that he was here... that he mattered... Soon enough, the Democracy Officer and Truth Enforcer Inspector arrive on the ship as Sky notices and salutes them, his armor damaged and bloodied with bandages helping to sell the story.

Democracy Officer: Hmm... this ship is in a saddening state of disarray.

The Democracy Officer walks around the ship, but the Inspector doesn't move until she looks at Sky. She walks closer before noticing his appearance. Sky starts to realize who she is, as anger starts to fill his mind before he stomps it out, knowing he has to maintain the disguise of Helldiver S-1.

Inspector Redgrave: So... the subject yet lives... and has even brought back his Super Destroyer from the brink. You stepped up, Subject S-1. But just to be sure... KNIGHTFALL. Helldiver S-1, explain why you were missing for such an unforgivable amount of time.

Sky panics a bit, but outside of a light pain in his head, it filters out quickly. He's scrubbed clean from his brainwashing... he hopes.

Subject S-1: It's an honor to see you again, Inspector Redgrave. I could not establish radio contact with all the broken equipment after the attack. The crew managed to fix the ship before perishing from another attack, the last one told me to honor their request of sending this ship back so it may fight for Managed Democracy again.

Inspector Redgrave: With the condition the ship is in, I do not doubt your answer. I'm sorry to hear about your crew; they'll be martyred for Super Earth, I assure you. But the war waits for no one. Have you encountered the Illuminate yet, Helldiver?

Subject S-1: Negative, ma'am.

Inspector Redgrave: Don't call me "ma'am," IT'S INSPECTOR! You're just lucky you follow orders well, Helldiver. Don't think much of it. We'll change your status of not fighting Illuminate with your next mission. Some leftover Illuminate have been spotted inside one of the smaller cities of Super Earth. Consider that your test of Loyalty. But that will be later, you'll be the best helldiver yet, S-1, and maybe beyond that.

The Democracy Officer comes back and concludes that the ship can be rebuilt and restaffed with fewer resources than making a new one. Sky lets out a small sigh of relief for not having to abandon a ship that means so much to him.

Democracy Officer: I'll have to return to the Power of Starlight to continue my duties. This ship will be sent to Logistics and repaired in a few days. Liberty thanks you for this gift, Helldiver S-1. Let's go, Inspector.

Inspector Redgrave: Could I have a word, Democracy Officer...?

Inspector Redgrave and the Democracy Officer whisper to each other while Sky is too far to listen in. He wants to try to eavesdrop, but he doesn't want to appear suspicious, so he stands stoically, not moving an inch. They finish whispering as the Democracy Officer looks at Inspector Redgrave with annoyance yet also acceptance.

Democracy Officer: After much deliberation and discussion with my Inspector, Helldiver S-1! You are ordered to be stationed on the SES Power of Starlight until your current ship is restored to a democratic state. Inspector Redgrave will personally watch over your performance as she has in the past. Do you have any... undemocratic thoughts about this helldiver...?

Subject S-1: Negative Democracy Officer. (Why did she help me...?)

Inspector Redgrave: Great. Come on, the Democracy Officer will fly the ship to be repaired. After that, we can talk about your new, more "unconventional" mission.

Redgrave and Sky walk onto the shuttle and fly over to the other Super Destroyer. During the ride, Sky can't help but be confused. All the memories of Redgrave were linked with the brainwashing and her using him, yet she treated Sky well now and even got him a spot to stay on her Super Destroyer. He then thinks about how his memory got wiped on command constantly when it was Helldiver S-1 in full control. So if she liked Helldiver S-1 enough to keep him around, he must have been some sort of star student to her. May as well act like it and be the most democratic and obedient person in the room. After all, a truth enforcer helping you out is a good thing, right...? Hopefully.

Inspector Redgrave: How did you make it out alive while everyone else perished?

Subject S-1: The thought of letting down Liberty was what drove me to keep fighting. The others perished from their wounds or were left behind in a desperate order. Some friendly fire was also to blame, but that's a given... Permission to speak?

Inspector Redgrave: Granted.

Subject S-1: Why help me? You should have moved on to a more successful helldiver by now. It would benefit Super Earth more.

Inspector Redgrave: Because you survive. Luck follows you around compared to so many others who die on their first mission. But you sound disheartened by everything. Will this affect your combat prowess?

Subject S-1: The opposite, trauma breeds strength. Keeping these memories will make me a better helldiver.

Inspector Redgrave: Huh... you never said that before... suspicious...

Subject S-1: (shitshitshitshit)

Inspector Redgrave: But you have a point. You are experimental. Experimenting with everything your memories affect was one of our goals with you, and this may yet pay off. And... we're here...

Sky and Redgrave step off the shuttle as they walk on the Super Destroyer. It has way more upgrades and space to walk around; this was a far better Super Destroyer than his, that was for certain. Helldivers and Crew walk around the ship, buzzing with activity, everyone full of life, while Sky stood out, his walking being slower and devoid of optimistic spirit, like so many others. The two head over to the Galactic Map before bringing up the image of Super Earth.

Inspector Redgrave: Now, some Illuminate have been hiding in the less defended areas of Super Earth. SEAF Troops have been successful in taking out most of them, but other groups have proven more stubborn for them to handle. Most helldivers don't take Trivial missions anymore, especially on liberated planets. High Command believes that deployment of A Helldiver to such a mission is a gross misallocation of valuable resources, but I and the Democracy Officer disagree. This'll be your training to ensure you are still combat effective. Now, helldiver, to your hellpod please.

Subject S-1: Not coming with me? Aren't you a truth enforcer?

Inspector Redgrave: My job is more boring now, I'm afraid. More deskwork than enforcing the truth in person. But I'll see you post mission.

Sky locks his boots into the Hellpod like he's done so many times in the past. The other Truth Enforcer Inspector goes into his pod as well. And after a moment of suspense, the pods launch down to Super Earth. The pod shoots past the atmosphere as it rips through the clouds.

SEAF Soldier 1: Hey?

SEAF Soldier 2: Yeah?

SEAF Soldier 1: You ever wonder why we're here...?

SEAF Soldier 2: Uh, no...? We were ordered to come here.

SEAF Soldier 1: What? No, you were supposed to respond with-

The two pods crash down right in front of the SEAF Soldiers as the helldiver and his Truth Enforcer emerge. The SEAF Soldiers cheer at the sight of two helldivers.

Sky: Alright, you two, follow-

Inspector: They'll only slow us down from the objective. Come on. They're expendable.

Sky:...roger that...

The two Helldivers walk away to the objective while the SEAF Soldiers stand still, disappointed. They walk in silence before they see a small radar tower with a surprising amount of... sweet liberty, are those... zombies or something...?

Inspector: Time to end those squids... Fire at once, Helldiver!

The two open fire as the voteless swarm runs full speed at them. Every round tears them to pieces as limbs go flying. Some try crawling but are met with a swift headshot. One of them gets close to Sky but is met with a headshot by the Inspector.

Sky: T-Thank you.

Inspector: Do better.

The Inspector holsters his PLAS-15 before wiping his boot of the blue blood on the ground. Sky stares at the motion, a strange sense of remembrance passes through him, and yet he can't remember from what. The Inspector turns on the radar station before the two wait for the tower to rise. Sky gets bored as no new Illuminates have shown up yet.

Subject S-1: So... what have your grand achievements been, Truth Inspector?

Inspector: Heh... working with Inspector Redgrave has made me do all the dirty work for her. But those missions have been very big achievements... especially those off the book. A more professional Inspector like me shouldn't have to do such bloody tasks, but I owe her a fair amount of favors...

Sky: (Didn't ask for your whole life story...) Well, what was the biggest one?

Inspector: Classified.

Subject S-1: Can you tell me a little bit...? I won't tell it to a soul. I swear it on all of managed democracy! (Say something interesting, please...)

Inspector: Oddly inquisitive helldiver... fine... the dirtiest mission and the biggest accomplishment was capturing a rogue helldiver and Dark Fluid Documents at the same time, but that was so far back that he's likely dead now... hehe... his face was priceless...

Subject S-1: W-What...? (No no no... can't be...)

Inspector: Rogue helldivers are a hideous sort, I know. It's hard to accept that people can reject the great gift of Super Earth, but it's an increasingly common problem these days... especially after the budget cuts... but anytime one shows a seed of doubt... KILL THEM... whatever it takes.

Sky tries to find some excuse for the Inspector next to him not being the one who ordered his brother's death. He realizes the horrible truth as rage starts to consume him. He holds off the rage for just a moment, waiting for the right time to make a move. The tower fully rises as Sky aligns the tower for his "friend". They walk around to ensure the place is secure before they start extracting. The clouds turn dark as it starts to rain around them, and the stench of dead SEAF Soldiers is littered around the city. Sky takes his chance as he bonks the Inspector on the head with his pistol, knocking him out.

Inspector: Ugh... Huh?! WHAT IS THIS! HELLDIVER! RELEASE ME FROM HIS CHAIR IMMEDIATELY!

Sky walks around in front of the Inspector, contemplating before taking off his helmet. The Inspector sees his face as a hint of recognition, and realization kicks in. A twisted smile of hate and passion crept on his face under the visor.

Inspector: The subject yet lives... the exemplary subject... Hehe... I thought you were dead. And the world would have kept on spinning despite it. You liberty-forsaken traitor... You should have stayed dead!

Sky: Glad you remember your biggest achievement, Inspector.

Inspector: Hehe... of course you are... KNIGHTFALL!!! KNIGHTFALL!!! KNIGHTFALL!!!

Sky: That won't work~ I'm scrubbed clean.

Inspector: How did you...

Sky: So I have a very simple question for you, Truth Inspector... bear with me for but a moment?

Sky knocks the chair over in only a moment as the Inspector hits his back on the ground. He opens his eyes and sees a P-2 barrel pointed at him. Sky stomps his foot on his neck for more "persuasion" that S-1 would be proud of.

Sky: Your bloodhound... the one who killed my brother... where is he...? TALK. NOW.

Inspector: *COUGH* NEVER. *BANG* AHURGH!

Sky: That's one foot right there... want to get shot in the other...? I know a fancy inspector like yourself would HATE to get so much blood all over this rainy alleyway...

Inspector: ALRIGHT! HE'S DEAD, OKAY?! DIED ON SUPER EARTH DURING THE DEFENSE!

Sky: Then you are of no use to me...

Sky shoots his other foot before slowly leaving him to die. The inspector lies there in pain before something inside his brain clicks... he can't hurt Sky physically, oh, but he can KILL him mentally...

Inspector: Hehehehe... Your memories have been lying to you about your brother... haven't they~?

Sky suddenly freezes... what the hell does that mean...? Helldiver S-1 said something similar before he died...about not being able to accept something...? He turns around before putting his gun barrel to the inspector's head again.

Subject S-1: What are you saying...

Inspector: My bloodhound was there on that mission. But he never killed your brother! In fact... the one who pulled the trigger that day... was YOU~

A flood of memories suddenly pours into his head from that day... the screaming and shouting... the blood...

Inspector: He was killed by that very same P-2 you use now. You got into an argument, and in the heat of the moment, you saw your brother as a traitor. You pulled out that pistol and... bang. That's when we arrived and saw you all broken up and scared~

Subject S-1: Y-Y-You're lying to me! That glass was bulletproof! A-And he had part of his face taken off and blood splattered all over the glass! B-Before he slid down and-

Inspector: Ah... Sky... so naive and loyal... You are such a perfect test subject for such a project. Glass isn't bulletproof in a freezer. You shot him through it. And if it were a shotgun, his whole head would have exploded, and the glass would have broken instantly! Your bullet tore through it but only left a hole through both the glass... and your precious brother. We simply walked inside, took the documents, and stunned you before walking you out! The problem practically solved itself! Isn't liberty's truest form of justice so... beautiful...? YOU KILLED HIM SKY, YOU DID, NO ONE ELSE, JUST YOU.

Subject S-1: Nonononnonononononononono... stop talking already... you're lying to me... w-why would they change my memory to a bloodhound killing him... why not a terminid?!

Inspector: Because you are experimental. Giving you a memory that you would have no reason to doubt made you connect a bit more to your alternate personality, allowing you to work together in times of agreement. And more importantly, when it truly matters... it turns your sadness into rage. RAW PURE ANGER! It gives you focus... makes you stronger... That's why Helldiver S-1 was such a success in such a short time! He obeyed almost every order given and was the star student before vanishing. You thought you were in control...? WE WERE ALWAYS IN CONTROL, EVEN IN YOUR NIGHTMARES...

Sky crushes his boot harder before holding the gun closer. Getting ready to kill him for what he did to his mind.

Inspector: Mad at me, are you? Go ahead... pull the trigger... just like you did to your brother.

Sky: I...I... I'll do something far more painful for you... Everyone has Orbital Flame Barrages as of now, right...? Let's hope that suit isn't flammable...

Inspector: WHAT?! NO NO NO NO NO! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING! YOU'LL KILL US BOTH! THE DEMOCRACY OFFICER WILL HAVE YOUR HEAD FOR THIS!

Sky: I HOPE I GO TO HELL SO I CAN KILL YOU ALL OVER AGAIN!

Sky slowly inputs the code on his wristpad as the Inspector screams at him to stop. He pulls out the stratagem ball before dropping it next to him, before running. Sky gets to a safe distance before watching the flames burn the man he hates as his screams slowly die down. He watches before the implication of killing his brother starts to hit him... the rain showers around him as he sits down holding himself tightly... realizing that no one was responsible for destroying his family except himself. The regret for everything hits him all at once.

Mission Control: We just lost the heartbeat signal from I-2. What happened?

Sky: H-Huh...? *sniff* Friendly fire incident... mission completed... I'll be at extract once I finish exploring the area.

Mission Control: Okay, you have a lot of time then. Liberty speed your step if needed, Helldiver.

Sky gets up, trying to hold himself together, but it's impossible... what's the point of it all...? Was this his life...? Just accepting that he killed his brother...? The fallen knight walks around the deserted city before he finds a landhole, likely from a battle that took place here. The hole looked deep and voidful... as if he jumped down... no one would find his body... ever... and the voices and regrets would stop...

...

...

The fallen knight slowly raises his foot over the void, the decision in his head slowly being made as he starts to lean forward. Until a scream is heard from the distance, scaring Sky as he quickly leans backwards and falls on his behind. He gets up and hears it again before quickly running over to the sound. He peeks into the alleyway where he heard the noise, only to be bumped into by a SEAF Girl, panicking. She falls onto him clumsily as Sky, still in his sad mood, can't even be bothered.

Sky: Ow... get off.

SEAF Soldier: It's trying to kill me! Kill it!

Sky: Kill what...?

An Illuminate Fleshmob appears around the corner. The two newfound allies quickly scramble to get up as Sky almost loses his cool from seeing such an ugly creature.

Sky: What the hell is that?!

SEAF Soldier: Fleshmob! Run!

Sky holds his ground as the girl runs away. He looks over to his side to see if she's helping, only to see her running away, full speed.

Sky: So much for helping- ARGH!

Sky is knocked to the side by the fleshmob, his armor sliding on the wet floor. It starts to chase after the soldier after doing so. Sky quickly pulls out his P-2 and shoots the disgusting abomination. It turns around unfazed before starting to sprint at him. Sky starts to accept his fate before firing a few more shots until...

SEAF Soldier: HEY! Freakshow! Get away from the helldiver! E.A.T. This!

The trooper fires the Expendable Anti-Tank over at the fleshmob, causing it to fall on top of Sky. His disgusted screams are muffled by the monster as his new friend can't help but chuckle a bit.

Sky: HEY! MMF! HELP GET THIS MMF! THING OFF- AHHH! IT'S CRUSHING ME!

SEAF Girl: Right! Sorry Helldiver...

She helps lift the Fleshmob off of Sky as he gets a better look at her in the rain. She has small blond hair strands poking out of her helmet, her light blue armor looks just like her eyes... whoa... same eye color... Wow... even in the rain she looks... HEY! We're getting too far ahead, Sky! We're undesirable. Deal with it. The girl offers a gloved hand to Sky, who accepts.

SEAF Girl: Your visor got cracked... are you okay...?

Sky: I'm fine. Got cocky for a sec. Is that all of them?

SEAF Girl: Yeah, did you take out the ones at the tower?

Sky: Yep. Should be all of them in the city... where is-

AREA SECURED (Insert Jingle Here)

PURGE ILLUMINATES

R. +50 XP +5

Sky: There it is.

SEAF Girl: Huh...?

Sky: Oh, it's nothing. I'm gonna head to the extract if you want to follow me?

SEAF Girl: I-It'd be an honor to help a helldiver! Lead the way!

The two walk in the rain silently. They don't notice it, but they walk slower than they normally would, not wanting to end their newfound time together so soon. Sky walks with a slight limp but doesn't want to waste a stim. He awkwardly tries to continue the conversation.

Sky: So... um... You okay?

SEAF Girl: Of course! I get saved by a helldiver?! This is the highlight of my day! Wait... why are you here anyway? I appreciate the help a lot, but this is a far less dangerous mission than the others.

Sky: I got assigned to street cleaning from a "friend" of mine.

SEAF Girl: Really~? Street Cleaning~?

Sky: Hehe yeah, not my finest helldive. But I did save you, so it wasn't all for nothing.

SEAF Girl: Thanks... that means- hey wait... You keep limping! You're hurt... hey, let's take a break for a sec.

Sky: Huh...? That's not... okay, only for a bit.

The two walk under the shade of a building to avoid the rain. Sky sits down; he's not denying what happened anymore, but it still hurts... why him...? why not someone else...? He looks at the rain falling around the city through his cracked visor, not having any clear objective anymore outside of two now. He may as well see this through to the end... whatever it takes.

SEAF Girl: Brr... *rubs hands together*

Sky: Cold?

SEAF Girl: Huh? N-No! Don't worry about me, Helldiver! I'd only slow you down if you did. Just let me know when you're ready to keep moving.

Sky: You are not a good liar, trooper. *sigh* Do not tell a SOUL I did this for you.

Sky unclips his Foesmasher cape before wrapping it around his trooper. She freezes, not from the cold, but from the action as she unconsciously hugs the cape closer. She also uses it to cover her face, but Sky just assumes it's from the cold. He sits back down before the two remain for a few minutes.

Sky: Alright, the rain has died down a bit. I'm gonna need that cape
back... We don't have all the time in the world, but we do have a lot.

SEAF Girl: Oh, right, here you go. I'm not cold anymore... thank you helldiver...

The two start moving towards the extraction shuttle again. They arrive at the site before Sky calls it in. The two wait, but the SEAF Trooper can't help but feel curious at the kind helldiver.

SEAF Girl: What's- um... What's your name? If that's okay for me to ask! I-If it's uncomfortable or against a rule for me to ask, then-

Sky lets out a small laugh, almost invisible to the average listener, but it's there amid his sea of negative feelings. Hope hasn't died yet... yet... He likes how she reminds him of a younger, far more shy and optimistic Sky. The one that WANTED to be a helldiver. Not the one who can only leave in a body bag... if he was lucky. He shakes his head to clear his thoughts before remembering his name.

Subject S-1: It's Sky. Good luck getting that out of any other helldiver~

SEAF Girl: It's not illegal, is it?! I deeply apologize, helldiver, I'll do 203275 push-ups right-

Sky: Relax! I meant it more like-

SEAF Girl: And then I'll listen to the Super Earth National Anthem while drinking 69 Liber-Tea's with one hand while saluting with the other hand! And then I'll go to a Super Helldive mission and-

Sky: Enough! I get it! You've already proven yourself to Managed Democracy for saving me, bravo. Besides, you didn't give me your name yet.

SEAF Girl: H-HUH? A-A Helldiver asking my name... wow... my hero...

Sky: What'd you say...? Thunder struck, didn't hear you.

SEAF Girl: O-OH! I'm Lucy Liberty! Nice to meet you, Sky!

Sky: Huh... not what I would have picked for you, but if that's your name, that's your name!

Lucy: What's that supposed to mean?!

Sky: Haha! I'm messing with you. That's a democratic name, but sorry, Lucy. The extraction shuttle is here.

The shuttle pierces through the rain clouds before arriving at the pad. Lucy looks over at Sky, confused.

Lucy: Aren't you coming with me?

Sky: I... um... forgot some side objective I needed to do. I'll take the next shuttle. I already told the Pelican Pilot to take you back to the SEAF Base nearby.

Lucy: Promise you'll come back soon, then!

Sky: Of course. Be back soon.

Sky leads Lucy onto the shuttle before she locks herself into the seat. She gives a salute with a bright smile as Sky returns it with an imperceptible smile under his visor. The shuttle takes off as Sky lingers around to see it go through the dark clouds and fade out of sight. He stays in the rain for a moment longer as he now only has one final objective left.

Sky: Now to find a nice place... a good resting spot for them...

Sky walks through the city before leaving its walls for the outdoor area. His mission parameters were generous to look around for Points of Interest, but that wasn't his goal. He finds a small lake, and while it may not be the cleanest one, the sound the waves made was a somber reminder of home. He grabs a few pieces of wood before using his knife to make two wooden cross gravestones. He cuts himself a few times in the process, but physical pain was almost a relief compared to the other.

Sky: I know it's not pretty... It's ugly... poor... and unceremonious... if you could give me a sign to help me make it better, Mom... that would be nice... or just any sign, something please. I can't be alone... can I...?

...

...

Sky: Leo...? Help me out here...?

...

...

The rain starts to pick up around Sky as the graves are marked with a knife. Sitting right beside each other and even without any body under the grave, the message was clear. Sky remains on his knees in front of the two graves as the rain flows down his cracked visor.

Rest In Peace Rest In Peace

Leonel Leon Coral Diver
2148-2184 2130-2184
"World's Best Brother" "World's Best Mom"
Sky: Leo... I didn't mean to shoot you... I-I panicked when you were shouting at me, and I was just so hurt I... well... you already know, don't you...? But I wanted to make it up to you... Both of you... for giving me strength... for raising me to be a better person than everyone around me... for raising me to be greater. I'm sorry I couldn't let go of you two...

Sky pulls out a Bright Red Rose seed from one of his pouches. He lays it onto the soil of his Mom's grave. He then pulls out the photo of his entire family before putting it in the middle of the graves. And as his final solemn gift, he takes off his cracked helmet before putting it on his brother's grave. His face and hair get drenched in the rain, revealing a new scar from the flesh mob on his face. It cut deep and gave him a scarier look despite not fitting it.

Sky: I... I don't know what to do...I-I'm sorry to you both... for all of it...

The rain slows down at the confession as Sky makes his tears fall like rain as well. All his defenses completely gone, no one around, only a lake to be heard. He stops once his eyes can no longer produce any more and are in slight pain from it. He looks up at them before a small ray of sunlight pierces through the clouds. It lands on the spot where Sky dug the graves, including himself. The rose starts to flourish under it as Sky can't help but smile widely. His family gave him a sign.

Sky: You're right... I shouldn't cry. *sigh* I feel better now... I'm sure... after all this, There'll Be Another Time for us...

Sky gets up before leaving his two family members to rest. The helmet visor reflects the fallen knight walking away, with small droplets of rain still fogging the image, but the sun shines on his departure. His cape flowing behind him resembles the image of a hero, ready to save more people, whatever it takes. And that's where the story ends... right...?

Or at least that was the plan... but in reality...?

You can't have everything in life, no matter how hard you try.

A scientist walks down the hall with a paper in hand. He keeps walking until he finds the Inspector he is looking for.

SE Scientist: Inspector Redgrave! The requisition for a new set of UF-50 Bloodhound armor has been approved by the democracy officer! Here's the full armor set! Helmet and everything! But I have to ask... why did you force Subject S-1 back into the brainwashing? Wasn't he already brainwashed?

Inspector Redgrave: He managed to expel his brainwashing in one way or another. He was not good at hiding it. He was already acting differently from his alternate personality. All I had to do was leave our test rat a small amount of cheese and wait for him to take the bait. When I sent my old colleague to see if Sky would do something with him, I got my answer when the Inspector's heart rate flatlined from a "Friendly Fire" incident.

SE Scientist: I see...I can't believe he still smiled for a little bit before his mind was wiped. You can't explain ill-begotten humanity in a Helldiver... and all he said after he was brainwashed? Something about a fantasy world called New Eridu?

Inspector Redgrave: The brainwashing has always given insanity, one way or another. He must have just had another nightmare like any other. Don't try to understand craziness unless you want to get burnt... Where is he now?

SE Scientist: He's on the operating table awaiting your awakening as per your order, Inspector!

Inspector Redgrave: Good... With no trace of Sky's pitiful existence on this Helldiver... he'll be the finest Bloodhound under my command yet.

The two walk inside the room as the corrupted knight lies on the bed, not moving in the slightest. Its figure looks like a robot in need of repair as some doctors patch it up after its latest mission on the Teriminid Front.

Inspector Redgrave: Time to wake up, S-1... New command phrase... CORRUPTED KNIGHT.

Helldiver S-1 jolts awake as a few doctors scream. One doctor accidentally drops his scissors on his hand, but the brainwashing made him feel nothing. Redgrave is already used to the small scare as she doesn't feel nervous. She holds up the blood-red colored UF-50 armor set for him.

Inspector Redgrave: Ready for your new promotion, Helldiver...?

A FEW DAYS LATER

Helldiver S-1 stands on the bridge of the Power of Starlight as it looks at Super Earth below. The sun is blocked out by Super Earth, shrouding the helldiver in darkness. The bloodhound crosses his arms slowly at the sight, waiting for orders to be given. Not knowing just how far from humanity it has fallen... Redgrave walks onto the bridge half asleep and sees S-1. S-1 salutes her as she does the same back.

Inspector Redgrave: Good morning, S-1... *yawn* You didn't have to stay awake the whole night. It'll lower your combat abilities.

Helldiver S-1: I'll go to sleep now, Inspector.

Inspector Redgrave: Doesn't matter anymore, you're already awake anyway.

Helldiver S-1 continues to look at Super Earth, admiring the beauty silently. He seems far more silent than when he was first brainwashed... Sky might have made him open up more, but now the helldiver looks far more like an automaton than a human. More emotionless than anything else, He does show passion when dispensing liberty is involved. The only other time he shows emotion is when Super Earth is mentioned. Redgrave walks to his side before looking at the planet as well.

Inspector Redgrave: Beautiful, isn't it...?

Helldiver S-1: Affirmative, but I can think of one thing just as beautiful.

Inspector Redgrave: Hmm? Pick your next words carefully, S-1.

Helldiver S-1: The blood of all enemies of Super Earth.

Inspector Redgrave: Oh... I thought you were going to say something different. But no, that is a good answer. Which reminds me, you do have an operation to do today. Same as always, take out any stranglers on Super Earth. It's an easy mission; you've done a lot these past few days, so a break is well deserved. And who knows...? Maybe you'll earn yourself a "reward" after it.

Helldiver S-1: I don't need a reward for dispensing Liberty! Freedom is a worthy enough reward for me!

Inspector Redgrave: That's not what I- *sigh* foolish helldiver... get in your hellpod and do the mission already! GO!

Helldiver S-1: Roger that, Inspector! (What's her problem...?)

Helldiver S-1 goes into his hellpod as Inspector Redgrave salutes him as he gets ready. He has his new gear on with his UF-50 Bloodhound set, SMG-32 Reprimand, and P-4 Senator. His pod launches down through the Atmosphere of Super Earth again.

SEAF Soldier: Hey?

SEAF Soldier 2: Yeah?

SEAF Soldier: You ever wonder why we're here?

SEAF Soldier 2: It's one of Liberty's greatest mysteries, isn't it...? Why are we here? Are we the product of some cosmic coincidence? Or is there-

The hellpod suddenly ends the conversation by crushing the second SEAF soldier's body into the pavement. Blood explodes everywhere as the first SEAF Soldier is left in shock. Helldiver S-1 emerges, not knowing what happened, as he walks over to the general area where the final leftover Illuminates could be hiding. Super Earth is having a rare snowy day as all natural life in the city looks frozen. He looks around before spotting the same radar tower he... or rather... the one before him raised a few days ago. What despicable enemy lowered it again...?

Helldiver S-1: Okay... Raise tower... log in... There... now to wait for- URAGH! AHRGH!

Helldiver S-1 gets hit by a projectile from the Overseer hiding around a corner. It then uses its staff to knock S-1 off the raised ground of the tower down to the alleyway next to it. S-1 survives within an inch of his life as the Overseer jumps down before raising its staff, ready to end the helldiver. A stray bullet strikes the head of the Overseer as it turns around to observe a SEAF Soldier that looked strangely familiar...?

Lucy: Get away from the Truth Enforcer, you- *CLICK CLICK* HUH?! FORGOT TO RELOAD!

The overseer focuses its attention on Lucy as she tries to tactically retreat, but trips on a bump. The overseer swings its staff downward, but it's stopped when S-1 shoots his S-4 Senator straight into its head, killing it in one shot. It drops down onto Lucy, as now she is the one struggling under its weight.

Lucy: MMF! MMMMF! MMMPH! MMMPH!!!

Helldiver S-1: *sigh* Why do I even bother with such incompetent fools... and to think that the one before me liked these "blueberries"... Pathetic...

Helldiver S-1 kicks the body out of the way as Lucy gasps for breath. She looks up at the Truth Enforcer, who looks far more intimidating from this angle. But she can see that the bloodhound wasn't just red because of the armor, he was also bleeding from his side and head as well. He injects himself with a stim while they talk.

Helldiver S-1: Ah... feels good... everything for the cause... whatever it takes...

Lucy: Are you okay?!

Helldiver S-1: Affirmative. Now leave.

Lucy: But wait, let me help-

Helldiver S-1: Are you disobeying my order, trooper...?

Lucy: N-No, Truth Enforcer! I-I would never! Wait... that voice... are you... Sky?! You're a bloodhound now?

S-1's mind flickers with a small amount of recognition with that name, a flicker of something beyond duty. That flicker is snuffed out quickly, but it was still there, and it mattered.

Helldiver S-1: Sky is gone... I am what remains.

Lucy: What? No, but you still have his voice, and you saved me! You're still Sky! Did you change your name or something, Sky?

Helldiver S-1: THAT NAME! It no longer has any meaning to me, trooper, so do your orders... and be so kind as to align that tower for me. I need to scout the area for Points of Interest.

Lucy: But-

Helldiver S-1: NOW!

Lucy: Affirmative, Helldiver!

Helldiver S-1 watches as Lucy goes to align the tower for him. He shoves her to force her to go faster. He doesn't care about how selfish the actions he does are anymore, as long as they contribute to the mission. He walks around for POI spots on his map as the snow starts to pick up. He hears a loud sound of glass breaking down another alleyway. When he checks the alleyway, he finds a cold mom and her son stealing food for themselves.

Helldiver S-1: ...you two broke Super Earth's vows...

Son: M-Mommy...?

Mother: Here, here, eat this, Sweetheart, it's okay... A-A Truth Enforcer...? P-Please sir... we still haven't recovered from the war here, and we can't get help from the government! We tried to apply for aid, but they rejected us! Called us criminals! We're just people trying to survive.

Helldiver S-1: I'll put an end to your suffering then... don't worry, ma'am...

Two gunshots echo in the city as all that follows is silence. Only the cold, snowy chill of the dead and the death of all life left as of now. The bloodhound walks out of the alleyway with blood on his armor, but he doesn't bother to wash off the blood of traitors. He walks around outside the city borders again as he looks for POI spots on his map. He finds a few samples and equipment lying around before spotting a gravesite in the distance. He picks up a shovel from his current spot and goes over there.

Helldiver S-1: That's strange... It's not marked like the others. There should be some samples there, though.

S-1 arrives at the snowy gravesite before preparing to desecrate the grave for samples. There is no life around it, no noise, no waves from the frozen lake, only one word hovers in the air, STILLNESS. Just as he is about to dig into the grave, a snowy wind reveals part of one of the graves.

Res n Pea

Leo Le

Helldiver S-1: Huh...? Oh... this is...

S-1 inspects the graves and wipes off the snow from them. He sees the familiar graves of Sky's family. A strange feeling of... acceptance enters his body as he sees Sky's helmet among the snow. He picks the helmet out of the snow before delicately tracing his finger over the cracked visor. A hummingbird flies over the frozen lake behind the graves as S-1 watches. The bird is struggling to keep flying, but the hummingbird's hope for an easier time outside of the storm is unmoving. He looks at his wristpad and sees that he still has 30 minutes to spare... he doesn't know why, but he can't help but feel a disgusting sense of sympathy for the one who came before him. He puts Sky's helmet back into its spot on the snow before speaking.

Helldiver S-1: You were weak, short-lived. Hardly even a helldiver if one at all. Ah… but you were loyal and naive to the end, weren’t you? I'm the upgrade from you. So I thank you... Sky... for unintentionally giving your unfurfilling life for mine... I'll do you one last favor for that.

S-1 pulls out his knife before carving on the grave wood.

Rest In Peace Rest In Peace

Leonel Leon Coral Diver
2148-2184 2130-2184
"World's Best Brother" "World's Best Mom"
Sky Diver
2164- -2185
"Super Earth's Finest, Most Lovable Disappointment."

Helldiver S-1 sheaths his knife before slowly getting up with a small, sadistic laugh at his description of Sky. He knew that Sky would get livid over that, and he enjoyed every second of carving it.

Helldiver S-1: There'll be another time for me... but not for you. Because you forgot one thing... HELLDIVERS NEVER DIE...

The corrupted knight walks away laughing along the way. His image is reflected on Sky's cold and empty helmet in the snow. He walks away as the snow follows him, as cold as his heart. The red cape flowing behind him is like an image of a villainous and corrupted knight. Blood from the people he's killed trails behind him, leaving red spots on the snow. When he's gone, the snow stops and melts around the sun. A small Red Rose is slowly rising from the soil. Along with a small Dandelion next to it. Helldiver S-1 may have thought that he finally killed Sky... but that was just his thoughts and his assumption.

And thoughts are not always the truth. Because after all, Helldivers Never Die. They just go Missing In Action.

Notes:

THE END! for now... You made it all this way, dearest reader... Sweet Liberty, I am so proud of you, in case no one has ever told you that before. I honestly don't know what to say from here... um... oh yeah, I love blueberries of the SEAF variety as you can probably tell haha... I also wanted to have a lot of things to leave open-ended for you guys! For your own story on how this all ends in your head! And yes, Sky/S-1 are not good with girls, as you can probably tell. Democracy can do that to you, unfortunately... But that's all besides the point!!! I wanted to say that if you have any questions or things you have to say in the comments. SAY THEM! I love answering all of your guys' questions, and as a small note, if anyone even cares, you can write an unofficial continuation of this story with full permission! Heck, I'd help if you asked me to lol. Okay... now comes the hard part... ahem... Goodbye... dearest reader, don't forget to care about the people you still have around in the time that is left. There were people I took for granted, and while they weren't the most important people, they still hurt. I'll see you starside, dearest reader. Helldiver S-1 signing off.

Chapter 23: BONUS CHAPTER 1: Helldivers and Proxies alike join... BANGBOO GAME...?!

Summary:

That's right! THE (legally distinct) Squid Game...? So Ink Game? No, that's taken... Octopus Game...? I think that's taken as well...I GOT IT! BANGBOO GAME! GENIUS, Alright, enough chitter chatter. This bonus chapter is non-canon to any work I've made/will make one day. In terms of timeline, this is a prologue, meaning Sky never made it to New Eridu, and he never got stuck with Helldiver S-1. However, I included timeline-inaccurate warbonds for the sake of fun. Consider it a standalone story to keep you entertained until I (hopefully) get around to making the sequel to Sky/Helldiver S-1's story! Yep, you heard that right, Helldiver S-1's journey isn't done yet, not by a long shot. (ALSO HALO 3 ODST REFERENCE IN THE HD2 TRAILER OMG OMG OMG AYGWYHEUIHGDYEG)

I came up with this idea randomly, and while I could make it a full-fledged work, it wouldn't be as long as I would want it to be. It's just a silly idea that won't be that serious since I'm doing it out of boredom. So consider this filler until next summer vacation. (There are 104 days of summer vacation, and school comes along just to- you get the song) Now where was I...? Oh, right, BANGBOO GAME!

A relaxing and uplifting trumpet theme begins to play as multiple Helldivers, an SEAF Soldier, and all the familiar agents from New Eridu (Except Yunkui Summit, because they are overseas) wake up in tracksuits, or at least the New Eridu side does. They all look around, confused as they see familiar faces stuck in the same situation. Everyone starts to interact with each other, but one SEAF Soldier is sleeping peacefully in her bed before being shaken awake by a helldiver.

Helldiver R-1: Wake up buttercup!

SEAF Soldier: AH! What's... What's going on...? HUH?! So many helldivers... Am I dreaming...?

Wise: Ugh... never sleep on the couch again... and that's all because of-

Belle: BOO!

Wise: AHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Belle: Relax, Big Bro! This isn't a horror movie! And you aren't on the couch because we ended up here somehow... Now get your lazy butt out of bed and help me find a way out of here! I forgot to turn off the AC back at Random Play...

Wise: YOU WHAT?! Our electricity bill is already-

Belle: I KNOW I KNOW! I didn't mean to! You can blame Fairy for all of that. And Nicole for not paying the bills...

Nicole: I HEARD THAT! I always pay on time!

Belle: Right...

Alice: Zzz... ah... so comfy...

Yuzuha: BOO! AN ASYMMETRICAL BACKPACK!

The young high school thiren girl jumps out of bed in fear due to her obvious OCD. She realizes that it's just her friend and calms down... a bit.

Alice: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! OH! Yuzuha... don't scare me like that!

Yuzuha: Oh, relax! It's just exposure therapy! I'm saving you money here! Don't get scared now! Hehe~ Now where are we...?

Alice: Wow... perfectly symmetrical tracksuits... and hundreds of people with them? Am I in heaven...? I knew not swearing was the path... this is the most mhm place ever!

Yuzuha: Alice, what the heck is mhm? Oh, you're lost in symmetrical heaven, I'll let you be.

Helldiver V-1: HEY! It's good to see you again, my bro!

Helldiver V-2: Oh, we're gonna kick some ass together! Speaking of... got any more of those... stims, Viper Commando...?

Helldiver V-1: I don't know what the fuck you're talking about...

Helldiver V-2: Y'know... the experimental kind...?

Helldiver V-1: I don't think you're strong enough to handle that stuff...

Helldiver V-2: Come on, I'm dying here for a stim...

Helldiver V-1: Okay, I snuck a few in, but not that much, we'll have to ration them if need be.

Helldiver V-2: This is why you're the best V-1!

Helldiver S-1: Hey, have any of you guys seen L-2?

Helldiver X-3: No, it doesn't look like he's here... sorry, Sky.

Helldiver S-1: Damn... where is he?! It's been forever since I last saw him. Wait... who are those guys?

The two separated sides from two different dimensions notice each other, and an awkward silence ensues. One helldiver reaches for her weapon, quickdraws, and pushes her finger on... nothing.

Helldiver K-3: HUH?! Where are our guns?!?!

Wise: Did she just try killing me...?

Miyabi: Hmm... that's worrying, I seem to have lost Tailess as well.

Billy: And my dual revolvers!!! NOOOO! Where are my precious ladies...

Anby: Billy, your weapons can't speak, let alone be considered a lifeform.

Nekomata: A smart girl wouldn't hang around with you anyway~

Billy: THEY ARE REAL TO ME!

Everyone is distressed by the lack of weaponry, mainly the helldivers, as they throw pillows and mattresses everywhere in the madness. The ZZZ side tries to calm them down in the chaos before a few gunshots silence everyone. A hooded bangboo walks from the large doors as a few human soldiers dressed in black and orange walk by its side, bangboo lenses on their masks. An unsettling choir fills the room as they all look down upon the players.

Frontboo: You all have been gathered here today to play some games... for a cash prize.

Nicole: CASH?!

Frontboo: Yes and-

Nicole: HOW MUCH?! WE'LL DO IT!

Anby/Billy/Nekomata: Nicole...

Frontboo: *sigh* 45.6 Billion Supercredits for that side, 45.6 Billion Dennies if someone wins on this side. You have both been divided based on origin universes, one of which hales from the planet of Super Earth, the other of which hales from the city of New Eridu. But let me remind you of what you stand to gain by playing these games.

Almost the entire crowd gasps in collective awe as a golden bangboo lowers from the roof. No money falls in... until a sleepy helldiver moves in his sleep and falls off the top bunk bed, and he knocks his neck against the railing.

PLAYER 312, ELIMINATED

The golden bangboo starts filling with money now as everyone watches. But some aren't nearly impressed.

Miyabi: I already have more money than this. I do not wish to participate.

Frontboo: YOU ALL CAN'T LEAVE UNTIL ONE WINS!

Belle: WHAT?

Wise: wait, wait, Belle... isn't it suspicious that the bangboo speaks English...?

Belle: Huh...? OH! Right... the only other bangboo that can do that is Robin, Mockingbird's bangboo.

Wise: Right, come to think of it, Vivian and Hugo aren't here, along with Victoria Housekeeping...

Belle: Think this is an elaborate prank...? AND WHO ARE THOSE GUYS...?!

Wise: Don't shout in my ear, Belle. Yes, but for now, let's play along and keep everyone together. An easier chance to win and split the money. Keep our spoils to pay the electricity bill! For two years...

Belle: On it, big bro.

Meanwhile, the helldiver side laughs at the small bangboo, claiming to want them to "play a game". This has to be some crappy scam.

Helldiver V-3: Oh come on, man! This is bullshit! That money isn't real at all. Let's fight the little guy! What are you gonna do, huh? Punch back? You can't even tell your parents you WIRE BACK SLIVER NUMBER CRUNCHING CLANKE-

Frontboo: SHOOT HIM!

The black and orange soldiers shoot the helldiver in the leg as he stumbles back and falls over in pain. The other helldivers immediately prepare to fight, but are stopped when all the soldiers point their weapons at them. The armors of all the helldivers were disabled by some sort of signal jammer, but they still looked cool and could hopefully protect them. A medic drags the wounded helldiver back into the helldiver line as the mood sours, but calms down.

Helldiver V-3: ARGH! SWEET LIBERTY, MY LEG!

Helldiver M-1: Cease your shouting, Democracy isn't done with you yet. I'll patch you up. Don't let this be a common occurrence.

Helldiver V-3: Ah... thank you!

Frontboo: Everyone, listen up, the next game is RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT! You will be heading inside in a few minutes. For now, get to know each other... BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

The frontboo leaves with its soldiers as the two sides stare awkwardly at each other. Belle steps up first as Wise tries to stop his weckless sister, but to no avail.

Belle: H-Hey, everyone! I'm Belle. Who are you guys...?

The helldivers look at the young manager with distrust, that is, until the lone SEAF Trooper walks through the crowd and looks at Belle. She shows a wide smile before offering her hand for a shake as the trooper quickly accepts it. The underlying unease from both sides dies down.

SEAF Trooper: N-Nice to meet you, Citizen- I mean- Belle! I'm Lucy.

Belle: Nice to meet you, Lucy. You all are a colorful bunch, to say the least. But we are as well, so let's try not to rip each other apart... for the time being!

Lucy: Of course! My hands won't hurt a single person. And-

Black and Orange colored soldiers walk in again with a coffin this time, they walk over to the deceased helldiver who died in his sleep. Some helldivers raise their fists, but the soldiers simply walk past. The crowd sees the helldiver with his snapped neck, realizing what happened, and an air of realization hits them... every dead person means more money.

Helldiver S-1: Oh sweet liberty...

Lucy: Oh my...

The stunned crowd watches as the helldiver's body is taken away, a clear sign of what's to come. Some helldivers are already used to death from their training and simply carry on. Others linger around at the sight of the doors closing. Some more guards come out with some basic food and drinks as the two slowly gather around in lines for it, trying to erase the sight from their minds. Billy and Qingyi go for food only to be stopped by a few Helldivers, both wearing GS-11 Democracy Deputy armor but with different colors.

Helldiver A-1: Hey, you two wouldn't happen to be...*spits* dirty automatons would you...?

Billy: Did you just spit inside your helmet? But yeah, we're-

Qingyi covers Billy's visor in a visual cue for him to shut up before speaking to the cowboys herself to avoid conflict.

Qingyi: We're nothing more than normal citizens of New Eridu. I have implants because of a medical condition, while my "friend" here is an enthusiastic cosplayer. He's a starlight knight comes to life... tada...!

Helldiver A-1: So he likes... knights...? Yeah! Knights! You like Knights! Heh... I love them too. *Has no clue what a Starlight Knight is*

Helldiver D-2: She doesn't know what she's on about A-1. Let's just get our food like civilized folk.

Helldiver A-1: Alright.

The people inside the lines interact with each other out of boredom from the slow servings of food.

Helldiver A-1: Is this all worth it...? I mean, hell, I ain't got much to lose but I think-

Helldiver D-2: It is worth it! We're gonna take those Super Credits, and we're gonna cruise the high seas of Super Earth and the stars until I... I mean, WE retire up at Meridia! Maidens, sunlight, paradise, and mango-

Helldiver A-1: Hold on, where the hell is Meridia...? Who lives there?!

Helldiver D-2: Meridians... I guess. Come on, cowboy, we got this. All you have to do is trust me. So, are we gonna rob this cash price from the game? It's a lot of cash...

Helldiver A-1: ...sure...

Helldiver D-2: Though maybe you should change into the tracksuit like those other folk. Make you look less moronic~ I already asked the guards to get you a pair.

Helldiver A-1: You son of a bitch...

AT THE OTHER FOOD LINE

Helldiver S-1: This... is not my average meal... excuse me, sir, do you have pizza or anything of that variety?

Soldier: No.

Helldiver S-1: Crap. I'll take the lunchbox... better than nothing, even though I'd rather starve.

Soukaku: OH! Free munchies! And in a lunch box too! My favorite!

Tsukshiro Yanagi: Soukaku!

The small blue oni child suddenly walks in front of Sky, who is still carrying his lunch box.

Soukaku: Excuse me, sir... can I have your lunch box...? Pleaseeeeee...?

Yanagi: Sorry, sir, she's a very hungry oni and you give back that... um... person's lunchbox!

Soukaku: B-But I'm starving, Nagi... A lot... I didn't have time to take my food with me... *starting to sob*

Yanagi: No, no, no! Don't cry, h-here you can have mine. They didn't have any red bean buns for me anyway.

Soukaku: YAY! Thanks, Nagi! You're the best!

Helldiver S-1: Hey, wait, hang on, a kid like her needs food. Here, just let her keep mine. You can have your food, Miss... Nagi...?

TY: Tsukshiro Yanagi, Deputy Chief of Section 6. It's a pleasure to meet you, mister...?

Helldiver S-1: Oh, we don't go by names usually in my world. I'm S-1, Helldiver Space Cadet S-1 ma'am. Pleasure to meet you as well, just keep your daughter safe and close for these games.

Yanagi: I-I'm afraid you misunderstand S-1, Soukaku isn't my biolog-

Harumasa: With the favoritism that the deputy chief shows, she may as well be her child. Wasn't there a suspicious amount of flowers at your desk on Mother's Day~?

Yanagi: Harumasa... you'll never get time off AGAIN if you continue to speak. In fact, every word you speak for the next few minutes will give you a day of overtime. Is that clear?

Harumasa: O-Of course, deputy chief.

Yanagi: That's 4 days now.

Harumasa: ...(pain)...

Helldiver S-1: Hehe... alright, I'll leave you three and that... fox girl with you to it.

The players start to socialize and talk to each other with food as time passes by. Meanwhile... A camera watches all of them, as Hugo Vlad's mechevoius smile looks at all of the players. Victoria Housekeeping Co. and their beloved agents are sitting on a couch next to Hugo, tired. Ellen sleeps, hugging one pillow, while Rina floats around washing dishes. Von Lycaon speaks up first, his werewolf beast thiren body made him tower over everyone in the room, yet his attire, along with everyone else's, made them look proper and professional. Though his tongue still held back hate at the sight of his former partner in crime, he managed to maintain professionalism.

Von Lycaon: Hugo... why did you invite us here? This is a waste of our precious time.

Hugo: Don't be so exasperated, Lycaon. You still showed up~ So you still care about me~

Von Lycaon: I don't care about you in the slightest. I simply wanted to witness what crime you are committing this time.

Hugo: Crime...? Me...? You've got me all wrong, Lycaon~ I would never... okay, I did a few in the name of fun today. It's just some simple theaterics that Vivian and her fellow Phaethon fan club helped make, and volunteered to be the soldiers.

Von Lycaon: But kidnapping our master proxies to have them play for "fun?"

Hugo: I wanted to give them a fun challenge, something to remember us by before they sail off to Waifei Peninsula without us again...

Lycaon: You are disrupting their hard-earned vacation...

Hugo: I am enhancing it! *sigh* at least they get a vacation... remember how adventurous we were when we were their age?

Lycaon: Yes... fond memories... but alas, they are long gone.

Rina: Sir Lycaon, your tail is wagging~

Lycaon: Mmph! Grr...

Hugo: HAHA! I knew you still cared... don't be so cold, Lycaon! Admit you care about me here and now!

Lycaon: I will not.

Lycaon starts to get more embarrassed and infuriated as Hugo smiles widely at his friend's anger. Before he boils over, betraying his professionalism, Corin comes in with a small cup of tea. Her face was worried and anxious as it always has been in her worrisome life, but she still had determination in her face, even when she almost slipped on the carpet halfway in.

Corin: S-Some of your favorite tea! M-Mister Hugo!

Hugo: Ah... thank you, little Corin.

Lycaon: Corin... do not offer tea to him unless it is poisoned beforehand.

Corin: A-Ah! I'm so so so so sorry, Mr. Lycaon... I'll get two cups of laxatives in the next one!

Lycaon: Thank you, Corin. Run along now.

Corin walks away smiling brightly at Lycaon's thanks. Ellen slowly wakes up, still half asleep on the couch.

Ellen: Zzz... huh...? Where's the purple hair girl... Vivian wasn't it? I don't care to remember names right now... *yawn* zzz...

Hugo: That is odd... Vivian? Vivian! VIVIAN!

Vivian scrambles into the room with tons of Phaethon merch and flags to wave; it's clear who she wanted to win in this game. Her eyes even had small heart-shaped pupils.

Vivian: PHAETHON IS THERE RIGHT?! THEY HAVE TO WIN! THEY WILL WIN ONCE I REPEAT MY PRAYER FOR-

Hugo/Lycaon/Ellen: No... please.

Vivian: Fine...

Lycaon: Hugo, where did you get all these other individuals...? These... Helldivers...?

Hugo: Don't ask questions that will ruin the theatrics, Lycaon. I may have stumbled upon an artifact that allows me to travel to different dimensions for a time. I can't change anything poorly, not to worry, but I can bring people in here for fun; they get their memories wiped afterwards anyway. Including ours! The good news is that the players are blissfully unaware of the twist at the end.

Lycaon: And if our Master Proxies and the others get their mental being injured? Let alone the kidnapping you have committed...?! And the consequences for breaching dimensions for a silly game?!

Hugo: They aren't that soft, Lycaon. You can be the first one to hug them once this is all over~ but everyone will have fun, ESPECIALLY US...

Lycaon: Hugo...

Hugo: Fine, fine, I'll stop the evil AND handsome smile, you never liked it anyway. I'll tell the players to start now.

A voice rings over the intercom, and the players look up in confusion right after finishing their meals.

Intercom: Players, RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT is now ready. Please enter through the large doors to begin your journey there. Good luck, and play smart, and you'll win.*BZZT*

The players funnel into the doors before they walk to the photo booth. Sky walks into one of the booths as the monitor tells him to smile. His face is confused under his visor as he tilts his head; the picture is suddenly taken before he can even think about taking off his helmet. His head tilt of confusion is now immortalized in the picture frames that Hugo and Frontboo (aka Robin in its small disguise) look over. The New Eridu side has very enthusiastic and upbeat pictures, while all the helldivers try looking as cool as possible for the camera. Lucy is the only one from her side to take a normal, smiling picture.

The players walk until they arrive at the infamous sand-filled room. The deaths of many spirits haunt such a tomb, but this time, instead of a creepy doll, a bangboo with green eyes is watching over the field. The game takes a few moments to activate, allowing the players a chance to strategize or talk. A worried Sky takes one last chance to look for his brother as he walks around questioning people. The last person he approaches is Lucy.

Helldiver S-1: Hey, have you seen a Helldiver with the callsign L-2...?

Lucy: A-A helldiver talking to me again...? I don't wanna wake up...

Helldiver S-1: What did you say...?

Lucy: O-Oh! SEAF Rookie Trooper Lucy! Reporting for duty, sir!

Helldiver S-1: I asked you if you've seen my broth- a helldiver with the callsign L-2. Not your rank, though I appreciate it...?

Lucy: I-I am so sorry, Helldiver! N-No, I haven't seen any helldiver with that callsign, and believe me, I already checked out all of them...

Helldiver S-1: Uh...

Lucy: I-I mean, in a normal way, of course! I'm just so honored to be in the presence of all of you helldivers!

Helldiver S-1: Are you the only SEAF trooper here then, Lucy...?

Lucy: Yeah... I don't know why... (he said my name...)

Helldiver S-1: Well, you must be very special then! Good for you! I'll walk over and look a little longer for the helldiver. See you later, Lucy!

Lucy:(SHOOTYOURSHOTSHOOTTHESHOTSHOOTITNOWHE'SLEAVING!)

Lucy: H-Helldiver! U-Um... If you want to team up so we can... cover each other's backs! W-We can! I-If you want! I'll do my best! I'll even carry your armor if it helps you out! It'll help us pass the game easily!

Helldiver S-1: Sure, why not?

Lucy smiles brightly before standing side by side with her new teammate. Sky looks by his shoulder to see Lucy standing there, her optimism and determination to do right by him were very touching, and she looked... ahem... nice in his eyes. Sky quickly shakes his head to clear his mind before talking again.

Helldiver S-1: So... your name is Lucy, right? I haven't introduced myself. I'm Helldiver S-1.

Lucy: We'll win this together, then S-1! For democracy!

Helldiver S-1: For liberty! This'll be easy.

The game starts as all the players move up, they move with determination before the red light is quickly called, the large bangboo turns with red eyes, scanning for targets. Burnice and Pulchra are together, albeit Burnice clung onto her friend, even though Pulchra hated her, so the pyromanic and the bounty hunter cat thiren could stick together.

Burnice: Psst... hey! HEY! Large kitty! LARGE CAT! Fluffy kitty cat~

Pulchra: IT IS A RED LIGHT! WHAT DO YOU WANT?!

Burnice: There's a spider on you.

Pulchra: Wha- AH! AHHHHH! GET IT OFF! HISS! HISSSS!

The other players watch as the cat thiren moves in the mist of a red light, she calms down panting once the spider is off of her.

Pulchra: D-Did I get it... BURNICE! DO NOT TELL ME THAT WHEN-

*BANG*

Pulchra is suddenly put down by a sniper bullet as all hell breaks loose. Burnice and most of the New Eridu side are frozen in fear. The helldivers either flinch from the sound and get shot, or some more heroic ones charge into the sniper fire, only to get shot themselves. One helldiver is shot in the throat as Sky and Lucy are forced to watch, his gurgling for oxygen amid his blood-filled throat. Bodies start to drop like flies on the helldiver side as panic ensues.

Wise: NO!

Belle: PULCHRA!

Burnice: k-kitty...?

Lighter: Not another...

Caesar: You... YOU...

Luciana: CAESAR! Don't move, you idiot! We can't lose more!

Helldiver J-1: CHARGE YOU INCOMPETENT- *BANG* ARGH! nnn.... urgh...

Helldiver M-1: MAINTAIN FORMATION! We've already lost 30 now! We can't lose more! DO NOT MOVE! STOP!

The medic helldiver screams out as everyone stops, shaking from fear or anger, like with Caesar and Lighter. Helldiver blood is spilled around the floors in various spots. The green light is given as another helldiver steps forward as well.

Helldiver G-4: EVERYONE STOP! I PLAYED THESE GAMES BEFOR-

*RED LIGHT, BANG*

The reckless helldiver is brought to a swift and deserved end. (You can't replace OUR favorite show protag lol) Lucy and Sky move up in a panic before the red light is called, just as it is called, Lucy trips on the body of another helldiver. Sky catches her by her neck collar on her armor as they freeze.

Helldiver S-1: Stay still... and don't move.. The next one might be a short count... and I can't hold you forever. When it's green light... I'll let you go and you fall and DON'T GET UP! Wait until the next green light. Play it safe.

Lucy: O-OKAY! ROGER THAT HELLDIVER!

Sky is shaking from the physical exertion, but just as his grip slips, Green Light is called. Lucy falls onto the sand and lies there. Sky recouperates his strength while other helldivers begin running. The Viper Commandos start to take stims and run faster than everyone else towards the finish. They arrive quickly, alongside Miyabi, Billy, Qingyi, and Zhu Yuan. Anby was forced to carry Nicole so she wouldn't get her boots sandy while Nekomata followed to assist.

*RED LIGHT*

More shots are fired quickly as many helldivers are caught off guard by the quick count and are punished heavily for it. One of the sniper shots shoots a helldiver in front of Sky as it penetrates the first one's skull and strikes Sky in the shin. Lucy, still face-first in the sand, hears the sound and slowly tilts her head to avoid detection and sees his leg bleeding badly.

Helldiver S-1: ARGH! Nnn... staystill... staystill... staystill... fuck... fuck... FUCK!

Lucy: H-Helldiver?! H-Hold on! Let me-

Helldiver S-1: WAIT UNTIL GREEN GODDAMNIT!

*GREEN LIGHT*

Sky falls over from pain as Lucy quickly gets up and catches him. She can't support his entire weight by herself as she panics.

Lucy: Someone! We need help! One of you help us!

The medic helldiver quickly notices and helps Sky's right shoulder, and Lucy helps his left. They start to drag him toward the finish line until...

*RED LIGHT*

Players start to panic as time sets in. Sky, being dragged, is wasting precious seconds on his clock as the number approaches zero. Almost everyone has crossed the line by now. Some shake in fear, others celebrate with chestbumps, and most are silent.

Wise: Are they gonna make it...?

Billy: Only one way to find out... HEY! QUICKER! YOU'RE ALMOST THERE!

Helldiver J-2: COME ON HELLDIVERS! YOU CAN DO IT!

The crowd starts cheering for the three to make it, and that's when...

*FINAL GREEN LIGHT!*

The three start to exert all their stamina and strength to move faster. The crowd gets louder and louder as they continue to push. Sky is half asleep from the blood loss as he leaves a trail of blood in his wake. By the end, he isn't even walking anymore as his legs drag on the floor, slowing them down.

Lucy: COME ON S-1! WE'RE ALMOST THERE!

Helldiver M-1: STAY AWAKE HELLDIVER! DEMOCRACY ISN'T DONE WITH YOU!

*0:05*
*0:04*
*0:03*
*0:02*
*0:01*
*0:00!*

The three make it just in time as a few remaining helldivers are killed for being too slow. The crowd erupts in cheering before Sky is quickly set down. The medic helldiver quickly takes out a bandage before wrapping it around his leg. He then remembers something and stops.

Helldiver M-1: Trooper, hold him down. I need to remove the bullet.

Lucy: O-On it! Don't worry, S-1! You'll be okay... just hang in there...

Helldiver S-1: t-t-thank... y-you...

Helldiver M-1: You can thank me by not dying, kid.

The bullet is forcefully removed as Sky screams out in pain. Lucy holds him down with sympathy and worry on her face. Everyone watches as the medic removes it forcefully, and a small wince comes from the crowd as the blood shoots out. He quickly wraps up the bandage while a few others join in to help. Zhu Yuan and Miyabi help keep his leg steady. The bandage doesn't work, however, due to the sheer amount of blood. Soldier 11 walks over before cauterizing the wound after the bandage doesn't work. Sky is knocked out from all the pain as his heartbeat starts to weaken.

Lucy: WE'RE LOSING HIM!

Helldiver M-1: Damnit, what did I say about not dying, kid?! CAN YOU EVEN HEAR ME?!

Sky's last sight before knocking out is of the other helldivers before him who didn't get the honor of surviving before it all fades to black...

*PLAYER HELLDIVER S-1, PASSED*

(small reminder that this is non-canon, since a certain someone already forgot… come on guys…)

Notes:

HEY! Been a while, huh? Using these bonus chapters for fun, so don't expect them week after week, maybe month after month. I have school, so I can't do them in my free time anymore, sorry. It's also practice for when I have to figure out a way to write multiple Helldivers in one story, ALSO I NEED YOUR HELP DEAREST READER, badly... I want to make a sequel, that much is obvious, but I wanna continue it with Helldiver S-1, the evil one, as lead helldiver instead of Sky. The problem is, I need him to have a reason to go there outside of invasion. My only idea is him going to try and steal Ether to use as an energy source on Super Earth. If you can think of something good, that would be amazing, dearest reader. Otherwise, Welcome Back, Helldiver. Liberty Be With You.

Chapter 24: BONUS CHAPTER 2: Not Everyone Gets A Second Chance

Summary:

This is just the average match of Ink Game without the stupid powers if you think about it... Wait this is the chapter summary! A-Ahem... Sky is quickly rushed to a bed in his critical condition. But unlike most people... he's given a second chance.

Players walk back to the resting room as Sky is quickly rushed by a few people towards one of the beds. He is quickly set down before working to stabilize him.

Zhu Yuan: How's his heart rate now?

Helldiver M-1: Still not good. I don't have anything to help...

Lucy: Nononono... you have to do something!

Helldiver V-1: Can't believe I'm doing this... but what the hell... ahem... I have some stims!

Helldiver V-2: Hey, what the hell?! Didn't we agree to-

Helldiver M-1: AH! That'll work! Quickly toss it!

V-1 tosses the experimental stim through the air. M-1 catches it before quickly injecting it into Sky's neck. He twitches violently but doesn't wake up.

Helldiver M-1: Heart rate is unstable now... almost like the adreno-defib... not good at all... need something to spike and stabilize at the same time!

Qingyi: Leave it to me.

The small automaton walks up to Sky's body, and she clasps both her hands together to form a small electrical current before spreading them apart, making small arcs between her hands. Her circuit's power is directed to her hands for the strongest shock she can muster without her weapon. A blue glow casts on the people hovering over Sky.

Lucy: Isn't this going to hurt him...?

Zhu Yuan: Yeah, Qingyi, this is overkill. How is his body going to handle this?

Helldiver M-1: It's that or he dies. And how are you even generating electricity out of your- never mind, not in my job to question things outside of medical procedure.

Qingyi: He's got a point. It would be the smart thing to try to save him. Time to give our new friend a warm welcome... with a spark. CLEAR!

She lowers her hands before the electrical current zaps his chest. *BZZT* Nothing happens.

Qingyi: CLEAR!

*BZZZZT* Nothing happens.

Lucy: COME ON! WORK!

Qingyi: CLEAR!!!

*BZZZTTTT* Nothing- THUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMPTHUMP

Helldiver S-1: *SHARP INHALE* AHHH! GODDAMNIT QUIT SHOCKING ME!

Helldiver S-1 springs up in bed at the shock. His breath is heavy and full of confusion, but before he can say more, Lucy hugs him out of relief. Sky is caught off guard and awkwardly tenses up.

Lucy: You're okay... we thought you were gonna die...

Helldiver S-1: U-um... I'm fine now... it'll take more than that to kill me! But thanks a bunch... and... maybe squeeze less tight! Chest hurts! Ow ow ow...

Lucy: A-AH! Sorry S-1! Ahem... feeling better?

Helldiver S-1: So much better... Good enough to... let me get up-

Lucy: NO!

Helldiver M-1: More pressure on that shin would be unwise. Your chest will also experience pain from the defibrillator shock. Helldiver S-1, don't throw away your second chance. I've seen enough people like you die before, kid... don't want more on my resume. But we're glad you're safe.

Qingyi: It seems you three have it sorted out. And you two already seem very close... I ship it~ (─‿‿─)

Sky: WHAT?! WE'RE NOT-

Lucy: W-WE JUST MET UM... TODAY!

Zhu Yuan: Q-Qingyi! Sorry, you three...she does this a lot... We'll leave you to it. QINGYI! What did I tell you about suggesting crazy things?

Qingyi: Couldn't resist, boredom kills me. And they looked nice together.

The two officers walk away from the three soldiers. Lucy has turned from a blueberry to a tomato, while Sky is just happy to have a helmet on for once to cover his reddening face. The medic helldiver chuckles before leaving the two by themselves. More on them later, as on the New Eridu side, things are not going well; the loss of one of them has hit some of the others hard. Burnice drinks an EXCESSIVE amount of Nitro Fuel she snuck in... somehow. Caesar pats her on the back as she sobs.

Burnice: A-And then- *STRONG SIP* I remember when we drove around the Outer Ring... What fun we had riding together...

Caesar: There, there... let it all out, Burnice...

Luciana: It's fine, Burn- wait, wasn't that the time you ran Pulchra over?!

Burnice: And that time we played at the campfire...

Luciana: SHE HAD BURN WOUNDS FROM THAT!

Burnice: And that time I-

Luciana: First met her and almost burnt her alive...?

Burnice: Good times... *sniff* Good times...

Luciana: You're irredeemable.

Piper: Chillax, you two... we're all still okay, aren't we? Pulchra would want us to get the money and survive. My time has already passed a long time ago, so I don't care. Honoring her wish is what lil ol' me'll do. What about you four?

Luciana: ...

Burnice: ...

Caesar: ...

Lighter: ...

Piper: Alrighty then, let's get this show on the road...

Luciana: Hold on, this isn't smart... we're just gonna keep playing until we die?! Haven't we learnt a thing?!

The split faction starts to argue amongst each other as the debate between honor and survival is heated. Wise and Belle watch from a distance, hearts filled with worry.

Belle: Burnice is inconsolable, people are dying left and right... Lighter is already cracking from the amount of blood he's seen, Lucy is angrier than ever, and don't get me started on-

Wise: I get it, we just have to-

Belle: GET WHAT?! Sure, we've been in bad spots before, Wise... but this is much worse!

Wise: Everyone is counting on us! Either we stay strong and persevere, or we join Pulchra! I don't want to lose more people that I care about... including you...

Belle: *sigh* So corny... alright fine. I'll watch your back as well, Wise. We got this!

Wise and Belle share a small high five of hope; another party watches from afar as a member of OBOL Squad watches from a distance. Soldier 11's goggles reflect the two proxy siblings. A small smile creeps onto her face before Trigger approaches behind her; she hides the smile so as not to be seen as vulnerable.

Trigger: I gathered the intel you wanted.

Soldier 11: Copy, relay it then.

Trigger: The other people here are soldiers like us; these... Helldivers believe in something called Managed Democracy, and like that bangboo said, they're from a different dimension and planet. Wreckless and dangerous at the same time.

Soldier 11: What about my main question? Are they hostile?

Trigger: Not at the moment, is that good enough for you?

Soldier 11: For now.

Soldier 11 looks over at the helldiver she saved, his form looking weakened, but his optimism with his newfound teammate still shines through.

Trigger: How did you cauterize his wounds earlier...? I obviously couldn't see it, but they took everyone's weaponry.

Soldier 11: They didn't take my backpack, so it doesn't count as a weapon. I heated the utensils they gave us at mealtime.

Trigger lets out a small chuckle at her sergeant's ingenuity. Then she has a sudden thought... if everyone, including Wise and Belle, is here... then Anby might be here as well! If Soldier 11 finds her sister... not good!

Trigger: I have to go for a moment. I'll be right back.

Soldier 11: Okay, find more intel if possible.

Trigger walks away quickly before looking around. It isn't long before the person in question pulls Trigger behind the beds to hide from Soldier 11's sight.

Anby: Stay still... I have a small issue that-

Trigger: It's easy to know what Anby.

Anby: Right... sorry...

Trigger: It's okay. Look, I can't guarantee that you won't bump into each other. These areas are so small, it's a miracle you've avoided her for this long. I'll distract her whenever possible... You just think of something to say so she won't kill you if she-

Anby: I understand... It's my fault she's like this... I'll put a stop to it.

Trigger: Temporarily or Permanently?

Anby: I can't kill her, but I can't let her spot me... but if it comes to it... Forced blunt trauma memory loss is the only option.

Trigger: You can't keep running from your past forever. You know that, right...?

Anby: The prequel protagonist always has their past catch up to them in one way or another. Like a burger destroying mold with chemicals...it only delays the inevitable.

Trigger: I know the feeling... Good luck, Soldier 0.

Anby: Don't call me that. Good luck, Charon.

Trigger: Don't call me- I deserve that...

Trigger leaves while Anby continues to hide from Soldier 11's sight. Soldier 11 remains unaware as she leans on one of the bed pillars, getting into her subconscious habit of looking cool. Sky remains on the bed as Lucy looms over him, not letting him leave his sight.

Helldiver S-1: Quit hovering, I'm fine.

Lucy: But you saved me, so now it's my turn to protect you!

Helldiver S-1: Huh... never thought I'd have my ideals turned against me... alright, but I owe you one for saving AND protecting me. Just don't start keeping score.

Lucy: Save it until after you can stand up properly?

Helldiver S-1: Of course, or... actually, I can answer one question for you to make up for it?

Lucy: Oh! Um... hmm...

Helldiver S-1: Don't think too hard!

Lucy: Okay, I got it! Um... what's your name...? I mean, we're teammates now, so... that would be nice! I-If you don't wanna answer, I understand! And I swear to Liberty itself that I won't tell anyone else!

Helldiver S-1: You have a good point... I'm Sky. Just don't tell anyone else... OR IT'LL BE YOUR HEAD SKINNED FIRST.

Lucy: W-WHAT?!

Sky: Just kidding~ Ah, the look on your face...

Lucy: Permission to retaliate, sir?

Sky: U-Uh... sure...?

Lucy lightly slaps Sky's wound as he yelps in pain. She quickly calms down, feeling a bit bad but not wanting to apologize for it anytime soon.

Sky: ARGH! Ugh...

Lucy: Nice to meet you, Sky. I won't do that again... if you shut your mouth.

Sky: Ow... noted...

The large doors open again as Frontboo and its guards walk forward. Some players want to fight the evil bangboo, but the trained weapons on them make the attack hold off. Especially since the number of guards has doubled since the last time.

Frontboo: Unfortunately, a slight incident behind the scenes has delayed the next game from being finished on time. Players will be given a campfire to socialize and time to MINGLE together for now. The fire will be monitored, so don't try to burn the place down or flood it with smoke, WE'LL KNOW IF YOU DO.

Frontboo leaves while some guards toss some firewood, a large portable fire pit, and a marshmallow for each person. A large amount of money also falls into the golden bangboo above, but not many pay mind to it. Meanwhile, behind the cameras...

Hugo: Vivian! How did you start a fire in the Dalgona kitchen?!

Vivian: The fan club had a bit too much enthusiasm singing our song while cooking...

10 MINUTES EARLIER, INSIDE THE DALGONA KITCHEN.

The dalgona is being made at a rapid pace; every person is giving it their all as they sing along to hold up morale.

Vivian: WHAT STARTS WITH P AND ENDS WITH N?!

Phaethon Fans/Vivian: PHAETHON PHAETHON PHAETHON!

The fans cheer until one accidentally knocks over a candle and sets fire to the sugar supply. They continue cheering in the flames until Lycaon walks in. His elegance is quickly shattered as he spits his tea before escorting everyone out as the kitchen explodes.

BACK TO PRESENT,

Hugo: Let me guess... what starts with P and ends with N...

Vivian: PHAETHON PHAETHON PHAE- Oops... I-I formally apologize.

Hugo: *sigh* You help the others clean up and finish the dalgona production. And don't tell Lycaon that happened!

Vivian: He saw firsthand...

Hugo: YOU- WHA- VIVIAN?!

Vivian: I'm sorry! I'll fix it right away! I'll do my best for Lord Phaethon!

Vivian runs away to fix the mess she's caused. Hugo sighs at his unofficial little sis- partner-in-crime's antics. He looks back at the floor with all the photos of the players. 64 players have died, most of them helldivers who thought they could beat sniper fire; they were mistaken. Now, back to the players as they set up the fireplace, the lights have been turned down to make the atmosphere feel more comfortable. Although the lights are not completely off... that would signal something far worse.

Sky: Hey Lucy... could you help me sit down with them?

Lucy: Are you sure...? I don't want to hurt you helldive- I mean... Sky.

Sky: I'll be fine, come on!

Sky humorsly waves his hands around, wanting to be helped up. Lucy smiles before helping him up slowly. Sky does feel pain, but he controls it, not wanting Lucy to feel responsible.

Helldiver C-4: Need a chair, fellow helldiver? You're in rough shape. Here, take mine; someone's just about to speak right now.

Lucy: Thanks, Helldiver! Come on, Sky, let's sit down.

Sky: Big speech around the campfire. This is surprisingly nice...

Lucy: Right?! I'm excited to see what the helldiver has to say!

Sky and Lucy sit in adjoining seats together, the two are relaxed as Sky slumps a bit while Lucy takes off her helmet, visibly shaking a bit with excitement. The New Eridu side sits down as well, not seeing a reason not to attend the campfire, although it's a bit disorganized with so many people, but they make it work with the large space. A familiar cowboy helldiver steps onto a chair, his ambitious eyes scanning over everyone. His cape flows behind him as he starts to speak.

Helldiver D-2: All of you, listen up! It's been a rough day for us all. We've all lost some folks, and we miss them. If I could throw myself into the ground in their place, I would do it a hundred times over! But life doesn't work like that; heroes die, and we carry on trying to do the same for them.

Everyone shares a solemn nod at the memory of the people fallen... and a small thought that they may be next occurs, but is silenced as the speech continues.

Helldiver D-2: And that's why we need to KEEP PUSHING! If we don't get that money, how will we accomplish our dreams?! And dreams, I reckon, are all we've got. It ain't time to let them wither and die! All those dreams we had and still have?! Only a LAZY, MORONIC, AND ALL AROUND SAD SACK OF SHIT WOULD LET THEM DIE!

Helldiver B-2: YEAH!

Helldiver J-3: Haha! That's my language right there!

Lucy: WOOOOO!!!

Helldiver S-1: HECK YEAH! TELL THOSE LAZY SACKS WHOSE BOSS! WOO!

Helldiver D-2: And right now... I'm picking us for heroes... not poor unfortunate sons of bitches. Because if we let those dreams die? Then all of those people who gave their lives died for NOTHING BECAUSE OF YOU! SO DON'T DOUBT THESE GAMES, DON'T DOUBT YOUR FRIENDS, DON'T DOUBT YOUR ENEMIES, DO NOT DOUBT MY OR YOUR ABILITY TO CONQUER!!! So if you ask me what I'm here for...? There's your answer.

The helldivers let out a rallying cheer, Lucy throws her helmet up in the air in applause, before Sky leans to his side and barely catches it. The other side claps in approval before the atmosphere calms down. Everyone takes out their marshmallows and the complementary stick that came with them to heat up at the fire. They go in rows due to the large numbers. Things start to become peaceful as the fire is the only sound in the air, apart from loud helldivers, but that was becoming tone-deaf at this rate. But it starts to change as one person from the New Eridu side speaks around the fire.

Lighter: You know... all that blood last game reminded me of people I cared about... the people I think about when I wake up, and what I'm still thinking about when I go to sleep. And it confuses me to no end how a person like me can be gifted with the nicest and most caring of friends...and for once in my life, I did my best to protect them and make the right calls... and then they die because of me. And I still live on, at least for now. But they've been gone for years now and-

Lighter takes a small yet notably shaky breath before taking off his sunglasses, a very strong sign of emotion from the gesture. His eyes stare at the fire as the flames reflect on his pupils.

Lighter: All those years that they were robbed of and given to me, and yet people still believe in judgment? What kind of judge would take their lives and give them to someone who can faint at the sight of blood and doesn't deserve redemption...? An evil judge that I can't respect any more than I... heh... respect myself. But punching is all I'm good at, so I'll keep fighting until this is all worth it. Just like I did in those fighting rings, and just like I'll do here to protect my new friends. But I've come to accept how unfair life is, and how being strong enough can make you win against the strongest of cheaters.

Lighter puts his sunglasses back on as he gets a pat on his shoulders from Billy and Caesar. He realizes that he burnt the marshmallow during his thoughts, but Billy gives Lighter his marshmallow since he is an automaton. The atmosphere is now at an all-time low as everyone eats or has finished up their marshmallows. Lucy and Sky are sitting together as they roast their marshmallows.

Sky: Come on, come on... AH NO! Burnt it... dang it...

Lucy: Not a happy camper?

Sky: Camping wasn't in the helldiver training, let alone roasting marshmallows. I didn't learn much from mom...

Lucy: Here, you can have mine, Helldiver! Get your strength up!

Sky: Oh, it's fine! It was my mistake and-

Lucy doesn't wanna hear it as she pokes Sky's helmet with the perfectly heated marshmallow. Since he hasn't eaten for the entire time he's been here, his pride is unable to resist his stomach any longer. He grabs the marshmallow before lifting his helmet to reveal his mouth and plops the food into his mouth. Lucy is disheartened to not see his face, but it's normal for a helldiver to be secretive about identity. She was already lucky enough to know his name, so she didn't want to push it.

Lucy: How is it?

Sky: Nom nom... It's amazing! You heated this?

Lucy: I didn't want to disappoint a helldiver. I did my best!

Sky: Well... It's certainly way better than I asked. Here you can have my burnt one as thanks... or throw it away, I don't care.

Lucy looks at the burnt marshmallow. Usually, she would say no, but she REALLY wanted to impress the helldiver. This has to be a test of some kind! And she can't disappoint him! Lucy puts on a brave face before biting into the marshmallow... only for it to taste like charcoal.

Lucy: OH! *COUGH* WOW THAT'S *COUGH* GREAT! SUCH FLAVOR! *COUGHING FIT*

Sky: Lucy, what are you doing?!

Lucy: I'm building grit! *cough* like a helldiver!

Sky: That's by eating Terminids... not by eating burnt marshmallows... don't tell me you swallowed...

Lucy: ...maybe...

Sky: Cough it out...

With Sky's permission, Lucy starts coughing out all of the ash violently, dropping her facade. Sky pats her on the back to help get it all out. She eventually finishes up, grateful to have not thrown up instead. Two helldivers speak to each other at the fire themselves, one of whom is the earlier speech giver.

Helldiver A-1: That was good for folk... it was only a matter of time for people to like you, D-2, still a people pleaser.

Helldiver D-2: Oh, I haven't even played my hand yet~

Helldiver A-1: Yeah... but all that stuff about the money...

Helldiver D-2: Are you doubting me, A-1...?

Helldiver A-1: No D-2, shouldn't we try to rebel and rob this place of the money...?

Helldiver D-2: No, no, no A-1, you aren't seeing the vastness and scope of our opportunities! And our problems... There's a lot of guards walking around, SMGs, AR's, Pistols... even Revolvers.

Helldiver A-1: Heh... aren't we the cowboys here?

Helldiver D-2: Apparently not, as much as I'd love to rob this god forsaken place blind, we don't have our weapons.

Helldiver A-1: But you can rally everyone and lead the rebellion. We have enough manpower that-

Helldiver D-2: But then we would have to split the money, and we'd get hardly anything, then we're done! That sounds fine to you, A-1?! We're gonna keep playing until more and more people die, and then I- I mean WE! We'll take the money for ourselves and slip away!

Helldiver A-1: No... we're outlaws, I get that, but these are innocent folk, I thought being cowboys were all about helping them!

Helldiver D-2: We're saving them by saving ourselves first. Then we can help them instead of dying for them. You understand that... don't you A-1...?

Helldiver A-1: I... Yes, but-

Helldiver D-2: BUT?! BuT?! BUt?! Stop saying that word before I go deaf! Have faith in me, cowboy!

Helldiver A-1: Okay...

Helldiver D-2: That's better.

Suddenly, the lights turn all the way back on. Everyone is a bit stunned by the brightness, but shakes it off. Frontboo reemerges from the doors with a bright expression before realizing that it has to act mysterious. Frontboo quickly calms itself before exclaiming loudly.

Frontboo: BREAK TIME IS OVER! All players must get up and get ready for the next game. If not, there'll be HELL TO PAY!

Helldiver V-1: Again with the dramatic lines... need another stim for this bullshit...

Helldiver V-3: You're telling me?! You're not the one who got shot in the leg by that prick! YEAH YEAH YOU HEARD ME! STUPID ROBOTIC PIECE OF-

Frontboo: Shoot him!

*BANG*

Helldiver V-3: AH MY OTHER LEG! SWEET LIBERTY THE BLOOOOOODDDD!!!

Helldiver M-1: Oh, you moron... not again... gonna run out of supplies at this rate...

The medic helldiver helps the moronic Viper Commando as he bandages his wounds. Sky and Lucy are still sitting down at the remnants of the campfire. Frontboo confronts them.

Frontboo: You're supposed to head to the games... NOW...

Lucy: He's wounded, he can't walk on his own because he was unlucky to be hit by a sniper bullet! That isn't his fault! Why does he still have to participate in these crazy games?! It's unfair!

Frontboo: Life is unfair. If he does not participate, he will be eliminated for-

Sky: IT'S FINE I CAN GET UP! Urgh! nnn... damnit...

Frontboo: He will be eliminated unless you can get him to the next game.

Lucy: Of course! I can do it! Sky, come on, we have to go. Lean on me.

Sky: You sure about this...?

Lucy: Wanna die? Be my guest~

Sky: Hehe... lead the way, ma'am...

Sky leans on Lucy as they start to move. The long walk to the next game is long and hard, with the staircases being the worst. Lucy doesn't mind being this close, though, as they finally make it to the next game, and everyone enters the new room. A neat row of guards is lined up with four shapes behind them, a small container in their hands.

Soukaku: OH! I love circles!

Yanagi: Wait- I mean... if this is what I think it is... Too risky, they might plan for people who know... I'll take Star.

Belle: Come on, Wise... The Star is like us! We're shining and optimistic!

Wise: Belle, that's you.

Alice: A symmetrical star... perfect for a member of the Thymefield family!

Yuzuha: (She doesn't know I swapped it for the circle~)

Nicole: Aw... everyone is picking star.

Anby: Might I suggest the circle? It looks like a burger.

Billy: Really...? *sigh* Nekomata, where did you-

Nekomata: Come on, please be mackerel in a can!

Billy: Well, never mind, WAIT! THAT'S A STAR! LIKE THE STARLIGHT KNIGHTS! MINE MINE MINE!

Koleda: I think Umbrella because it keeps you warm and has a sturdy design, just like Belobog!

Grace: Sweet Pea... I think the star is perfect for a cute president like you~

Koleda: I'm NOT CUTE! LET'S JUST GET THE UMBRELLA, SIS! COME ON!

Grace: Such a temper... okay.

Soldier 11: Which one?

Trigger: You pick.

Soldier 11: Still can't decide, you pick.

Trigger: Triangle then.

Sky: Wanna pick for me, Lucy...? Can't think straight right now...

Lucy: Still hurting...? Alright... Star! Since well, um... you're like my star! Yellow and Black... L-Like space...?

Sky: Thanks...? Is that meant to be a compliment...?

Lucy: I-I didn't say anything! Let's just take the star.

Everyone picks their cookies, and the game is introduced to everyone. Some panic for obvious reasons, while others cheer at the news. The game starts as everyone starts, and friends sit in pairs to help each other out.

Sky: Not the best... not the worst... don't crack it... don't crack it...

Lucy: Don't panic, don't panic... It's only a bullet to the head! The automatons are way worse! Haha! Ha... oh no... please don't die in this liberty forsaken place...

Wise: Told you~ The circle is far superior.

Belle: grumble... ah shut it big bro...

Miyabi: Done.

Harumasa: Wha- I just started!

Anby: Also done.

Soldier 11: Who said-

Trigger: NO ONE! Look this way, Soldier 11... look at the nice playground... bring back any nice memories...?

Soldier 11: Trigger, I didn't have a childhood outside the Defense Force. Let alone have any time to play around on a playground with the training.

Trigger: ...ah... wanna... change that...?

Soldier 11: ...not now...

Alice: Time to make this sta- WHAT?!!! NOOOOOOOOOO! MY STAR!!!! Yuzuha...? Did you TAKE IT...?!

Yuzuha: HEHE! CATCH ME IF YOU CAN NOW!

The two chase each other throughout the playground before a helldiver subtly and quietly trips Yuzuha. She falls and breaks her cookie, eliminating her from the game. Yuzuha looks down at the shattered cookie, her hair covering her face. Alice looks in horror at where this is going.

Alice: NO NO NO NO NO! We can fix this! I'm so sorry I shouldn't have... I'm sorry... Come on, Yuzuha! J-Just help me piece it together, and the guards won't n-notice and-

Yuzuha: I lost... Hehehe... that was fun, Alice... I won't deny it, just like every other time we've met. But don't worry, I have a plan, do you trust me...?

Alice: Always! I'll do it! Whatever it takes...

Yuzuha: GOOD!

Yuzuha suddenly smashes Alice's cookie right in front of her face. Alice's face is in pure shock as she looks at both the shattered cookies and back at her multiple times. Yuzuha laughs at the complete horror on her best friend's face. Wise and Belle look on in horror as the two are aimed at by a few guards.

Yuzuha: WE lost Alice! You should've known! HAHA! OH THE LOOK ON YOUR FACE!

Alice: WHA- YOU- WHY- HUH?!?!?! WE'RE GONNA DIE NOW, YUZUHA! WHAT'S THE PLAN NOW?!?!

Yuzuha: Well, Alice... I didn't think that far ahead, I just wanted to make you and the others laugh about... before we...

Alice: Yuzuha...? Laugh about what...? A-Are you crying...?

Yuzuha suddenly hugs Alice before the two are swiftly eliminated in a few loud bangs. Wise and Belle flinch hard at the sound, on the verge of tears. More bangs ring out as Lucy almost panics and nearly breaks the cookie when a helldiver's corpse slips down the slide.

Wise: Stay strong... stay strong... don't panic... we've been through worse...

Belle: What can be worse than this...?

Wise: Another TV mode exclusive event...?

Belle: Not the time for jokes, bro... Alice and Yuzuha are gone!

Wise: What are we gonna do...

Belle: Make their lives mean something, anything! Or this'll be for nothing, Wise! We have to win!

Soukaku: Nagi...? What are all those noises...?

Yanagi: Nothing Soukaku... just keep working on the circle...and don't eat it. Let me help you-

Soldier: Contestants cannot help others in the game directly. Back away from the Oni.

Yanagi: Okay... Soukaku, listen to me... do NOT eat the cookie! I'll give you all the food in the entire world if you don't eat the dalgona! Okay...?!

Soukaku: But I'm Hungwy...

Yanagi: Soukaku no!

Soukaku: Ah...

Yanagi: NOOOO!

Soukaku: AHHH! Okay Okay... I'm sorry, big sis...

Yanagi: It's okay, make it up by not eating it until after you carve it out.

Soukaku and everyone else start to finish up their carvings, some just barely finishing in time. Sky and Lucy are last to finish as their breaths run heavy with panic, both visibly sweating. They cracked their cookies, but didn't break the shape. Other helldivers are far less fortunate.

Helldiver X-3: COME ON! My dalgona had a million triangles at once! How am I supposed to carve that!

Helldiver S-2: Mine was an insanely detailed version of the Mona Lisa!

Helldiver I-3: AND MINE WAS A VIDEO GAME MASCOT!

Helldiver O-4: And mine was really tasty... I forgot to carve it out, though...

Frontboo: It seems we have found the unlucky players... oh well... eliminate them!

More bullets ring out as all the helldivers who didn't finish in time are killed. 40 players are eliminated as multiple coffins are brought in. One helldiver tries to hide his cracked cookie. Once the guard reveals the cracked cookie, he jumps up and takes him hostage by seizing his gun.

Helldiver N-2: I GOT YOUR FRIEND! NOW YOU LET ME LIVE! AND I'LL LET HIM GO!

Soldier: Rely to command... we've got a soldier taken hostage, and he's a circle rank.

Frontboo: Circle rank...? You know what to do.

Soldier: Copy.

The helldiver and soldier are swiftly dispatched for their failures. The helldiver is mag dumped for the act of rebellion as his blood splashes on their outfits and the walls. Other players watch as their friends and family are dragged away in cold tombs before the playground is empty with only small blood pools and trails as evidence of the game taking place. The players slowly walk away from the playground back to the main area.

Wise: Belle... you're shaking...

Belle: I don't know what to do... I wasn't expecting them... so soon...

Wise: We'll get some sleep... then we'll try to find a way out of here. We'll get home safe. Money doesn't matter to me more than you do, so stick close.

Sky: *PANTING*

Lucy: *PANTING*

Sky: *exhale* Okay... sweet liberty... what the hell have we gotten ourselves into...?

Lucy: I-I don't know I... I've never been so close to death before... I...

Sky: Hey, hey, look at me, we got this. We're alive, you and me. And you and I are all we need! So don't panic... because then I might join you... and then- ARGH!

Lucy: HEY HEY! Take it easy! Don't try walking by yourself. Wait for it to heal... I think it's nighttime now... You should get some rest...

Sky: And you as well... your eyes are getting bloodshot from the stress...

Lucy: Am I...? Oh crap... I'm sorry, helldiver! I'll improve right away!

Sky: Good.

The players arrive at their beds; the fireplace is nothing but a quiet smoking pit, just as everyone's mood. Sky and Lucy lie in adjoining beds now, unknowingly seeking comfort in each other's presence. Wise and Belle have trouble sleeping while all the other helldivers start to sleep one by one. Eventually, everyone is asleep except for two cowboys in the back of the dark room, their figures obscured in the shadows as one confronts the other.

Helldiver A-1: D-2... why did you trip that girl...? You caused both of them to die... Innocent students D-2...

Helldiver D-2: Oh, please, one was a prankster, the other a member of a royal family. They were rotten to the core to begin with. And if they lived, they would have betrayed us A-1! Couldn't you tell...?

Helldiver A-1: No...

Helldiver D-2: Well, I know human beings A-1... They were rotten and dangerous...

Helldiver A-1: Or maybe we've gone rotten...

Helldiver D-2: I'm just trying to make sure that we survive A-1... where's the downside in that? Us... our friendship...? We will survive, and I'll do whatever it takes to save me- I mean us.

Helldiver A-1: I guess that is what I'm afraid of, is all.

Helldiver D-2: Hehe... don't worry, son, I... I was gonna call you my son, but... you're more than that to me... don't doubt that. Now get some rest, gunslinger. I need you to stay strong, son.

Helldiver A-1: Okay... good night... can't believe how bad our luck has turned out...

Notes:

Hey, good to see ya again! This was a long chapter, but since it's Squid Game, I don't have to think of unique ideas most of the time lol. There will be more to come, so don't worry. Plenty of fun and sadness to be had! (EDIT: Forgot to say that I'll be flying out to Disneyland on Wednesday, so I won't be able to work on this for a week or two. This'll be the last chapter for a bit.) Also, a small reminder that my username on things like Discord and Xbox, and all that other stuff is

Skiy1k

So you can crap talk me, praise me, plan a hit on me, all that fun stuff. Anyways, I gotta say that writing multiple people is hard... let alone writing a character from the gender that doesn't talk to you... Yeah, it's rough in these streets... but I digress, I'll see you all later Helldivers/Proxies! Here's to a successful future.

(Also, in case you never played Red Dead Redemption 2, Helldivers A-1 and D-2 are very, VERY obviously inspired by Arthur Morgan and Dutch Van Der Linde.)

(And if you don't read the comments or surf the Helldivers 2 Fanart scene, you wouldn't know that Lucy Liberty is heavily inspired by SEAF-Girl/Chan. And now you know, she is my favorite character to come out of the community, and I wanted to do her justice in both this short series and later, the sequel series. Down below is the link to the amazing art by Sentron Digital, which I used as my main inspiration for her character, along with many pieces from other artists. So there'll always be a mental image of what she looks like when you read her dialogue. If the link doesn't work... You can always look it up... just... ahem... between you and me, don't put R34 next to it for... obvious reasons... alright, happy hunting Helldivers! And I'll see you in my Obedient Democracy Support Trooper armor the next time we meet on Super Earth! ODST Skiy1k, signing off.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/Helldivers/comments/1kvz7et/seaf_girl_the_smile_we_all_deserve/

Chapter 25: BONUS CHAPTER 3: Rude Awakening

Summary:

(MAKE SURE YOU READ THESE AND THE ENDING NOTES FYI a lot of important stuff is in them and I’m worried some of you miss it, anyways back to the actual summary)

Everyone is shown that these games aren't a joke anymore, as some people lose the people they care about most, or die with them. And unfortunately for everyone here, today was not gonna be an easy day. Because the only easy day... was yesterday...It's time for a rude awakening.

Lucy wakes up well rested with a small yawn before noticing a fabric around her. Confusion is imminent as she doesn't remember any blankets on the beds, let alone a black one. She lifts it a bit and sees a helldiver symbol; the realization that the "blanket" in question is a Foesmasher cape only gives her even more questions than answers. She looks to her sides before seeing Sky on the bed to her left without his cape, sleeping on his side with a small snooze despite still wearing his full armor.

Lucy: Wow... his cape... that is some high-quality fabric... and it's his... I should keep- I should give it back! Right!

She resists the urge to keep his cape and walks up to Sky. Lucy admires the sleeping form of her teammate for a moment before lightly shaking him.

Lucy: H-Helldiver...? Helldiver. Sky!

Sky: AH! W-WHAT'S GOING- Oh... good morning, Lucy... *yawnnnn* Why'd you wake me up...? I'm sleepy...

Lucy: Sorry... did you... *holds up cape* Did you give this to me...? B-Because I appreciate it and...

Sky: Huh...? Wait, that's... did you take my cape while I was sleeping...?!

Lucy: W-What? No! I had it around me when I was sleeping a-and-

The two bicker about how the cape ended up on Lucy while the real culprits watch from afar. One's face is as smug as can be, while the other is coated with a mild hint of concern.

Zhu Yuan: Isn't this toying with their feelings, Qingyi?

Qingyi: Why does this bother you so much?

Zhu Yuan: What if they like each other as friends, and you keep bothering them?

Qingyi: I calculate a 33.3% chance that they-

Zhu Yuan: That's way too low!

Qingyi: And I calculate that there is a 99.9% chance you like the manager-

Zhu Yuan: Q-QINGYI! *sigh* I'm just saying that things should happen naturally instead of you forcing ideas onto others. And sneaking out at night to take off his cape and put it on her without any permission or consent?! You're an officer, Qingyi, not a weirdo. I know you can do better.

Qingyi: Zhu Yuan, I'm getting far too old to care about a morality lecture right now. This is just harmless teasing and pranks. You need to take a day off so you can realize the difference between crime and fun.

Zhu Yuan: I can tell the difference, Qingyi!

Qingyi: Like when your body is so tensed up from work that you shoulder-threw the managers when they just tried to touch your shoulder? Or when I took you to get a massage at Lumina Square, but you shoulder-threw the robot so many times that it's traumatized from the sight of you now?

Zhu Yuan: W-Well... don't remind me... I feel bad for Duyi...

Qingyi: 28 Shoulder Throws! You didn't even give him a chance!

Zhu Yuan: Are you trying to guilt-trip me?

Qingyi: Maybe... I'm recommending that you take a vacation, Zhu Yuan.

Zhu Yuan: But I can't because of this... We can't just leave, right?

Qingyi: Ah... that's true.

MEANWHILE, BEHIND THE CAMERAS... AGAIN...

*Knock Knock Knock*

Hugo: Yes...? Allow yourself in Lycaon. You don't have to be so cold and formal around me~

Lycaon: Mhmm... I have a question for you.

Hugo: Ask away, old friend~

Lycaon: This artifact can bring everyone back to life once, but erase their memory and send them back to their place of origin, correct?

Hugo: Yes...?

Lycaon: Then it simply reverses time...?

Hugo: Exactly, there were buttons to bring random people from random dimensions. So I simply gathered all of our friends and then hit the button to bring enough players from different points in time across the same universe for a nice 456. A nice round number, don't you agree, Lycaon? Although it does mean that some people are further through time than others, like that injured one is only a few months in, while the others are a year in.

Lycaon: Hmph... the number you picked... It's decent for the game. And the time difference can be a confusing but not unwelcome change of pace. Wait... how do you know the artifact even works?! What if you're killing people without a backup plan?!

Lycaon brings up his ice-cold hand to Hugo's neck. The two don't say anything as the tension rises in the room. It breaks when Hugo laughs in his chair before spinning around in it.

Hugo: OH PLEASE! I'm not dense or idiotic, Lycaon! I've done my own testing on it and I can confirm that it works. But it's on its last use, unfortunately, so this is a nice and theatrical way to celebrate, hmm? And I haven't even told you about the main twist! Let me show you! Ahem... intercom voice prep... there we go.

The players look up as the intercom rings throughout the room.

Intercom: Attention players, 104 players have been eliminated for their mistakes in the games. The cash price has been raised, and now you will be given an option of high importance. There are now two buttons in front of you; the blue circle indicates that you want to continue the game. The red cross indicates that you want to leave the games with a fair split of the money. Choose wisely; everyone will know what you picked.

The intercom shuts off as all the players acknowledge the situation, and the two buttons appear. Helldivers flock in droves to pick the Blue Circle while the New Eridu Agents decide to choose the Red Cross to end the game early, except Nicole for... obvious reasons. But there are two Helldivers (plus a SEAF Trooper) that think differently from the rest.

Helldiver M-1: More lives for some super credits? Is my work not important to any of you?! What's the point in saving people as a medic if they just kill themselves at this rate...

Sky manages to get up without Lucy's help thanks to his rest. He looks at all the other helldivers before voicing his concern.

Helldiver S-1: This is getting messed up, you all... Helldivers and their lives are worth all the super credits in the world! And this is... close to that amount, but it isn't worth it! Super Earth needs us, not Super Credits!

Lucy: Yeah! We're all worth more than Super Credits! We can just get some later in the cities! And we only really need around... 9000...? This is overkill!

Helldiver D-2: BUT SUPER EARTH NEEDS MONEY! YOU DUMB FOOLS! MONEY!

Helldiver A-1: D-2...? What the hell are you-

Helldiver D-2: OR WE ARE TRAITORS! WE WOULD ALL BE TRAITORS!

Helldiver D-2 grabs Lucy by her armor's neck collar before lifting her in the air. The rage is evident even with the helmet blocking his face, the thought of leaving without the Super Credits enraging him further. Lucy flails her legs around in a panic as everyone watches.

Helldiver D-2: THEY'LL KILL US! THEY'LL HANG US ALL IF WE DON'T GIVE THEM THEIR APPETITES! ALL OF HIGH COMMAND WILL LINE US UP AGAINST THE WALL! DO YOU HEAR ME?! YOU ARE A SEAF TROOPER! STAY LOYAL TO ME!

Lucy: Argh! *COUGH* I hear you! I HEAR YOU!

Helldiver S-1: Stand down! Get your hands off of her!

Helldiver M-1: We'll figure something out, you fool!

Helldiver A-1: Easy D-2... Just let her go...

The tension in the air is palpable as everyone stares at the helldiver like he's gone mad. Even the New Eridu side of players is watching, some holding their breaths, others getting ready if things escalate further. Eventually, He lets go as Lucy falls backwards on the ground, catching her breath. S-1 and M-1 go to help her up as D-2 walks over to press the Blue Circle as the number ticks up to 1. A-1 grabs him by the shoulder before he can move on, however.

Helldiver A-1: What was that you pulled back there?

Helldiver D-2: Just making sure they all understand the mission... THAT IS ALL! You look at me like I'm the villain here! Do you wanna lead everyone yourself?!

Helldiver A-1: No, I...

Helldiver D-2: YOU COULDN'T A-1! YOU DON'T HAVE THE GRIT! Now make the right decision... I trust you have enough of a brain left for that...

Helldiver A-1: *sigh* okay... but are you gonna strangle me next...?

Helldiver D-2: Away with you... The sight of you irritates me...

A-1 votes to continue the games along with more and more Helldivers as the results of the vote become more and more clear, considering how outnumbered the New Eridu side is at the moment. Lucy stands up to vote, but before she can vote to stop, D-2 makes a slow motion of his finger across his neck. The message is clear, but despite it, she still votes to stop. Sky and the Medic Helldiver make the same decision as Lucy, but it doesn't do much to change the vote in the final numbers.

X 0
33 319

The X side and the 0 side get both of their stickers to place on themselves to signal what team they voted for. The Helldivers are not subtle at all about the hate they harbor for the people on the other team. Things remain heated until Frontboo comes in to break the tension as all the players look to the guards surrounding the bangboo.

Frontboo: Greetings players, all of you have now picked your sides, and it's clear which side has won. We will now continue with two rapid-fire games, both of which rely on teamwork with your fellow friends... but in time, you may find them to become enemies. But that is for you to decide. Get ready for our next game in the Seven-Legged Pentathlon.

The doors behind Frontboo open again as the players hesitate, but follow through the complex structures again. The tension may have died down, but the cracks in this fragile alliance have already started to show. They start to prepare to get moving.

Caesar: Hey! Lucy!

Lucy Liberty: Huh?

Luciana de Montefio: Yeah?

Caesar: What, no, I meant Lucy.

Lucy Liberty: I'm Lucy!

Luciana: WHAT? NO! I'M THE SUPERIOR LUCY! SO SHE'S OBVIOUSLY CALLING ME! YOU DON'T KNOW HER!

Lucy Liberty: Well, which one did you mean to call?

Caesar: T-The one with blond hair! Yeah, that Lucy!

The two Lucys look at each other, both immediately noticing that they have the same shade of blond hair.

Lucy Liberty: Is your friend...

Luciana: A complete and utter IDIOT?! YES! YES SHE IS! Now get out of here before you make things worse, other Lucy!

Lucy Liberty leaves to avoid confusion as more players start to leave through the doors. Some players take the time to MINGLE as they walk to the next game. Sky walks next to Lucy, worried.

Sky: Can't believe that helldiver strangled you like that... are you okay...?

Lucy: I'm fine! Well... for now... But you don't have to worry about me! An Automaton beam couldn't dare hurt me if it tried!

Sky: Look at Miss Positive over here! Okay then, but don't try to test it, unless you prefer a closed casket funeral?

Lucy: M-maybe not... how's the leg...?

Sky: Worse than it looks... but I can walk again.

Lucy: Good, just let me know if you need help, that's what teammates are for!

Sky: I feel like I owe you more for everything.

Lucy: You saved my life back at the first game! Don't sell yourself short. I never thought I'd meet a humble helldiver.

Sky: Humble? I think you're mistaken.

Lucy: Nope, I doubt that. You're the best helldiver I've met!

Sky: Best helldiver? Better than General Brasch and John Helldiver...?

Lucy: W-Well...

Sky: Yeah... figures. So maybe now I can-

Sky is cut off by the medic helldiver, who checks Lucy's neck for any signs of injury.

Helldiver M-1: Any signs of pain, swelling, or some sort of oxygen level decrease?

Lucy: Wait, no, I'm fine! Seriously!

Helldiver M-1: Okay... but you can't fault me for checking, Miss Lucy.

The medic leaves as Lucy breathes a small sigh of relief. Sky and Lucy walk up more stairs before a different helldiver approaches both of them. Helldiver A-1 makes himself known as Sky silently signals Lucy to walk ahead of him as he blocks his path to Lucy, and the three continue ascending. S-1 already noticed that A-1 is friends with D-2, and that's ticking him off after what happened.

Helldiver S-1: What do you want? Gonna hurt her next?

Helldiver A-1: No, definitely not, I was...

Helldiver S-1: Was what? Gonna say sorry for your best friend hurting my teammate?

Lucy: Sky-

Helldiver A-1: Look, I'm sorry-

Helldiver S-1: I don't wanna hear it right now. Keep your friend on a short leash before I hang him from it!

Helldiver A-1: Say that to my face, tough guy. You're just some kid who thinks he can win it all, huh? I'll shut you up... for a long time...

Helldiver S-1: Don't you dare call me a kid again, I can't believe a cowboy horse shit sniffing bastard-

Lucy: HELLDIVERS!

Helldiver A-1: ...

Sky: AH! Oh my ear...

Lucy: Give him a chance! It isn't a big deal! We're all after the same goal in one way or another, right? We all want Super Earth to thrive. In one way or another! So just apologize, and my friend will forgive you, Helldiver A-1. And SKY! LISTEN!

Helldiver A-1: Right... ahem... I'm sorry, madam... for my friend's behavior... usually he's the best man I know, but... he's been acting differently lately.

Helldiver S-1: So you wanted to say sorry on his behalf and what...?

Helldiver A-1: And I wanted to hang with you two for a moment, I need to clear my head from D-2 for a bit.

Lucy: I think we all do...

Sky: Okay... cmon, just don't call me that word again, cowboy.

Helldiver A-1: Oh, why would I ever kid~? It's all good, calm down~

Sky: Yeah, yeah...

The three walk together up the staircase as they arrive at the next game. The large circle is now visible as the game rules are now shown through 6 guards, all tied together by the legs, as they play the games all along the circle. They fail the last game as they are shot with finger guns before being untied to allow the first group to start.

Billy: MANAGERS! Nicole told me to tell you to join us or else I'm not getting any machine oil...

Wise: That's nice of you, Billy, sure we'll-

Caesar: Come on, you two! My little robot bro doesn't know how to have as good a time as we do! We'll gladly take you with the other Sons of Calydon! No other friends are as awesome as your favorite overlord!

Belle: But don't you have five members right now? We won't all fit!

Caesar: O-Oh! I uh forgot how to count that high...

Koleda: Don't listen to her, you two! We've still got all our 4 members at Belobog!

Anton: YEAH! Come on, bros!

Belle: I mean... we-

Wise: I think we're-

Miyabi: We can ensure your safety and cut through these games with enough time for melons if you join us, managers.

Yanagi: We have the best statistical odds.

Zhu Yuan: Miyabi is a bit too serious for party games like this... We can make sure you make it unscathed, managers.

Seth: Yep! And I'll keep a good eye on Jane to make sure she doesn't sabotage the group!

Jane Doe: Do you not trust me, kitty cat~? I'm hurt by that...

Seth: Wha- NO! I didn't mean it like that! I mean...

Qingyi: Get a room, you two~

Wise: Oh great... thanks for this, everyone!

Belle: *sigh* time to pick...

The two proxies struggle to pick their faction; meanwhile, Sky, Lucy, A-1, and M-1 are busy trying to find two people to help them enter first.

Helldiver A-1: Hey, mister, do you want to join our team...?

Helldiver V-4: Hell no.

Helldiver A-1: Yeah, walk away, think you're so full of it, ain't ya? *sigh*

Helldiver D-2: A-1! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

Helldiver A-1: Making new friends like you, you said you wanted to see less of me, D-2. And I insist on that point, I need a break from you as well. We can join back up later.

Helldiver D-2: Grr... insisting on leaving me...? Insist...

Helldiver S-1: Hello, fellow helldivers! We need two for our group so that we can-

Helldiver C-4: Sorry, already got our own helldivers! Be quicker next time!

Helldiver M-1: Let's just go S-1, maybe Lucy or A-1 found someone?

Helldiver S-1: You're joining us...?

Helldiver M-1: Lucy offered, and I couldn't say no.

Helldiver S-1: Yeah... she has that innocence and charm to her...

The four regroup as they all notice that they have no one new with them. They all look at each other, disappointed, before Sky sees the pair of Soldier 11 and Trigger standing in a corner, watching everyone. He walks over as the other three stay behind.

Soldier 11: That one is walking over. What are his intentions?

Trigger: I don't sense anything hostile, just keep a close eye... ahem...

Sky: Liberty's Greetings, you two! Oh! You're the person who helped save me, right...? What's your name again...?

Soldier 11: It's not impo-

Trigger: Come on, he's friendly. I'm Trigger, *bumps S-11 with elbow* now say yours...

S-11: *sigh* Soldier 11, and you're welcome. But saving people is my job, don't expect more from me, you won't get it.

Sky: Well, Soldier 11... I am gonna ask more from you, we need 6 people, and we already have four. We got two empty spots for you two, so if you want to join...

Soldier 11: Not interested.

Trigger: It's beneficial to the mission, Soldier 11.

Soldier 11: Hmm... I have changed my decision, we will accompany you for this game temporarily.

Sky: Oh, thanks... that helps a bunch! Come on, games starting, may as well analyze the other teams for a better chance, right?

The two OBOL Squad members nod before the new team is formed. The game starts as Wise and Belle have decided (forced) to join the Cunning Hares as they link arms and legs with Anby, Nekomata, Nicole, and Billy. It goes about as awful as you can imagine as the six trip on each other's shoes and boots, along with messing up a few minigames as the time starts ticking faster.

Nicole: OOF! HEY! WATCH IT!

Wise: Sorry, I'm still getting the hang of- OW!

Belle: Hehe~

Wise: That one was on purpose, wasn't it?

Anby: Timer's counting down, we need to move.

Nekomata: What Anby said! Stop playing like a cat with mackerel meow!

Billy: I would, but I'm tied up like a Starlight Knight Figurine gift! Anby...

Anby: Stop reminding me to buy it for you. I'll buy it after we're done here.

The six start to speed up through the minigames, and after a lot of close calls, they pass with only a few seconds left as the New Eridu side cheers for their success. Although Anby is exhausted from having to practically carry the entire group on her back to move faster. More groups start as most find the games to be easy due to their training and lives, making it easy in comparison to their usual work.

The spectators start to cheer as things get more intense and exciting for everyone. The groups start to win more and more, as only three helldiver groups fail for... rather silly reasons. Mainly the first one...

Helldiver O-1: Hey! How do you play this one...?

Helldiver N-3: Toss the dice and catch them before they hit the ground.

Helldiver O-1: Oh... sounds hard. BUT DEMOCRACY WILL PROTECT ME!

The helldiver throws the dice ahead instead of up as it strikes A-1, knocking his hat off. O-1 dives for the dice but obviously can't cover that distance. A-1 swears before scanning the ground for his hat as N-3 grabs O-1 by the neck for his blunder.

Helldiver N-3: WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR MALFUNCTION HELLDIVER?! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO THROW IT UP! THEN CATCH IT FROM HERE!

Helldiver O-1: Ohhhhhhhhhhhh-

*BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG*

Intercom: 6 Players have been eliminated.

Helldiver A-1: Group of fools... Where is it... There it is. Found the hat.

Helldiver M-1: Good thing you did, we're up next.

Helldiver A-1: WHAT?

Helldiver S-1: Come on, we've got this! It'll be easy for us.

Helldiver A-1: This is foolish. I have a feeling you'll hold me back.

Lucy: We'll all do our best! Don't underestimate us.

Helldiver A-1: I know you will, and that's what worries me. Oh, Liberty, help me... FINE! I'll do it... as long as we get paid or A-1 gets shot, I'm happy to do it~!

Helldiver S-1: Grow up... I'll tell the other two.

S-1 walks over to the Soldier 11 and Trigger, who are still watching everyone, although Trigger purposely diverted her teammate's attention as soon as Anby went up.

Helldiver S-1: Alright, we're starting. Time to link up?

Trigger: Eleven? Come on, you can link with me. Though you will have to pick your second arm's link.

Soldier 11: ...

The six get ready as the order goes,

A-1, Lucy, S-1, S-11, Trigger, M-1.

Soldier 11: I wish the other OBOL Squad members were here.

Trigger: Think of it as a social practice with other soldiers.

Soldier 11: Is it appropriate for me to state that I dislike this social practice?

Trigger: As long as you do it in the end, it doesn't matter.

Soldier 11: ...

Sky: AND WE'RE OFF- WOAH! Okay, this is harder than it looks!

Lucy: OW!

Sky: Did I step on your foot just now...?

Lucy: No! I'm... just fine!

Sky: Okay, just keep following my lead then.

Lucy: YES! I MEAN... Roger that!

Helldiver A-1: How are we gonna make it with these morons...

Helldiver M-1: You chose to join them because of what your friend did, wanna take it back?

Helldiver A-1: No, just tired of idiots.

Helldiver M-1: I know the feeling... but I believe in them, or at least enough to protect them for now.

Helldiver A-1: It's not for me to care what happens to them, long as it doesn't involve me. You are a fool for staying with them. I thought you were smart enough to run away.

Helldiver M-1: Are you always this antagonistic?

Helldiver A-1: Sometimes.

The six press onwards as they arrive at the first game. The infamous Ddakji is below them as a heated argument ensues.

Helldiver A-1: I'm the best shot! Give me it.

Helldiver M-1: This isn't like aiming a gun. Someone else do it.

Lucy: I-I don't know how to play this one!

Helldiver S-1: Me neither...

Trigger: Let me. I'm accurate in everything despite my weakness.

Soldier 11: Hand it to her, she's capable.

Helldiver S-1: Okay... here.

Trigger takes the Ddakji before hitting a flawless flip on the first throw. The helldivers are momentarily shocked before Soldier 11 pushes them all forward.

Sky: That was cool! What even is your weakness if you can pull stuff like that off?!

Trigger: Ether Vision.

Sky: I don't understand what you just said...

Trigger: Blind.

Sky: WHA- HOW?!

Trigger: No time to explain, sorry.

The six push onward through every other game as the timer starts to tick rapidly. Sky does the second game due to how simple it is, along with some decent aiming. Then comes the most difficult game... Gonggi and- oh, Soldier 11 is already going for it.

Lucy: I can't look...

Sky: Let me know if we lose and die, I'm gonna close my eyes.

Trigger: Calm breaths... be quick and precise.

Soldier 11: Copy that.

S-11 starts quickly as she starts to show off while still being efficient with her throws. Everyone watches with bated breath as she speeds up, yet also doesn't blink as her focus and unmatched reflexes take over. She does the last round as she is unable to hide a small smirk before unclasping her hand, showing that she caught all of the pieces at once. All the spectators cheer as this team is the last one left to complete the game.

The team arrives at the Spinning Top as Lucy timidly raises her hand for attention.

Lucy: Helldivers! If it's no big deal, I can do this one! My SEAF training taught me how to tie a rope really well! And I tried to be a medic, which made me learn more about knots, but that idea got shut down because I wasn't good under pressure and-

Helldiver A-1: Focus, madam.

Sky: I'd love to hear about it, LATER, Lucy.

Trigger: Sorry, now's not the time.

Soldier 11: Get to the point.

Helldiver M-1: Tough crowd...

Lucy: RIGHT! AFFIRMATIVE! Let me start now.

Lucy starts to tie the knots around the Spinning Top before throwing it as it spins around. More cheers erupt as Lucy has a wide smile before being pushed forward by everyone else as the clock starts to tick faster. They arrive at Jegi next.

Helldiver A-1: I don't know how to kick for squat...

Helldiver M-1: I did sports! 6 years ago... better than nothing!

M-1 kicks the Jegi before he managed to get them all flawlessly... albeit with a small crack on his joints, clearly not used to doing such leg cardio in a long time.

Helldiver A-1: Hey, wait a minute, where's my game? I mean, I'm not complaining at all, but...

Lucy: Well, it's normally five people for this game, but it got bumped to six! Oh! I think that's it over there! Some kind of shooting challenge-

Helldiver A-1: GIVE ME THAT GUN!

A-1 grabs the revolver before giving it a few spins. He stops spinning as he quickly shoots all six hanging targets at once by fanning them with the revolver. The rest are left flabbergasted as he simply blows off the gas from the barrel before putting it back down.

Helldiver A-1: Haha... best gunslinger around these parts. You lot are pathetic~

Lucy/Sky: HOLY SHI-

Soldier 11: Impressive aim, but we're running out of time. MOVE!

The team dashes toward the finish line as they are practically running on fumes from the pain of walking with other people tied to them at full speed. The seconds tick by as the cheering gets louder and louder until it's almost ear-deafening.

*0:05*
*0:04*
*0:03*
*0:02*
*0:01*
*BEEP*
*0:00*
The team finished right on time as the last second counted down. The cheering erupts as all the helldivers and agents alike bounce up and down for such a low casualty count on this game. The six breathe a heavy sigh of relief before Sky and Lucy join in on the cheering like heroes, while the other four are just happy to be alive.

Intercom: Congratulations on surviving this game. Please proceed to the second game, which is MINGLE today.

The doors open as the players walk to it, laughing along the way, finally feeling a bit better after how much death has happened recently. And more notably, just getting a chance to get a breather. Everyone arrives at the next game as a carousel awaits them, and the players collectively walk onto it before it suddenly starts spinning with music.

Helldiver V-1: Whoa... heh... nice music~

Helldiver V-2: Care to dance, my darling~?

Helldiver V-1: Don't call me that again, bro... ah fuck it.

The two helldivers lock arms and start to twirl around with the carousel. The atmosphere is uncanny and intense, as confusion about what this game is paramount.

Belle: Know this one, bro...?

Wise: I was hoping you did... I got a bad feeling about this...

Belle: Haven't the movies taught you a thing about how bad it is to say that right before-

*LIGHTS OUT*

INTERCOM: ROOMS OF FOUR

Lucy: WHAT'S GOING ON?!

Helldiver S-1: Rooms of four come on!

Sky grabs Lucy by the arm before dashing to one of the open rooms. Helldivers A-1 and M-1 follow suit before locking the door.

Lucy *panting* Everyone in?!

Sky: Here!

Helldiver A-1: I'm here!

Helldiver M-1: Standing by!

Helldiver X-4: HEY! We're over capacity! I got here first! You morons, clear out!

Helldiver A-1: Wanna talk about that, buddy...? LET'S TALK! TRY TALKING NOW!

A-1 grabs X-4 by the neck, Lucy tries to stop him, but M-1 holds her back as Sky watches in shock.

*CRACK*

Helldiver A-1: Ah...got you to shut up real good~

Lucy: Oh, sweet liberty! Y-You...

Helldiver A-1: Kill or be killed, madam... You should learn it sometime.

Helldiver M-1: We would have all died if he hadn't done it.

Lucy: B-But that doesn't justify-

Helldiver A-1: Look, I'm sorry it happened, but it was him or us... and I picked us.

Lucy: O-Okay...

Sky: We're going to hell for this...

The four watch outside their door as things get more chaotic. Wise and Belle run around in shock before Soldier 11 and Trigger signal them to come with them. The Sons of Calydon all enter into a room as they face a far worse dilemma than the rest.

Luciana: GET IN COME ON, PIPER! There we go! Close the door!

Caesar: Is that everyone...?

Piper: Lil ole me might be wrong, but... we're over capacity by one!

Luciana: WHAT?! DAMMIT! Let me get out there! I can find another room and-

*CLAANG*

Luciana: Who closed the- CAESAR?! NO NO NO! GET BACK HERE!

Caesar is outside the door as she looks around for any open rooms, but they've all been taken by now. Luciana screams for her to come back, despite it not being practical. She walks up to the door before looking at her family inside through the eye gap. Luciana tries to open the door, but Caesar keeps it shut with her strength to keep them all safe. Luciana starts to cry out as memories from seeing her almost dying before start to cloud her vision.

Luciana: CAESAR! CAESAR, OPEN THE DOOR! PLEASE! WE CAN FIGURE SOMETHING OUT! LET ME DO IT! O-OR PIPER! SHE'S ALREADY OLD ENOUGH AND-

Caesar King: Not gonna happen, Lucy... It's my job as overlord to protect all of you, no matter the cost. You just promise to keep everyone safe... and you can be overlord when I'm gone! Isn't that what you wanted...? Right...?

Luciana: BUT NOT LIKE THIS! DON'T DO THIS TO ME! I DON'T WANT YOUR LEFTOVERS YOU-

*BANG* *thud*

Luciana: CAESARRRRRRR!!!

Lighter covers Luciana's eyes as Caesar's blood spills through the eye hole gap. Her body falls before it is picked up and placed into a coffin. Luciana can't do anything but bawl her eyes out as the game simply continues onward. Sky looks outside his door before a helldiver suddenly jumps in front of the door.

Helldiver R-1: PLEASE, YOU HAVE TO OPEN UP! HURRY! OPEN UP!

Lucy: W-We can't! We're already full!

Helldiver R-1: OPEN THIS GODDAMN DOOR! THEY'RE KILLING EVERYONE HER-

*BANG* *pssssss*

Lucy: AHHHHH! OH MY LIBERTY! HELLDIVER!

The blood is spilled onto Lucy as she's now afraid and screaming from it. M-1 and Sky hold her still as the clean-up happens. More coffins and bullets are brought in until it finishes. Everyone returns to the carousel with silence and fear now overtaking the music...

Belle: How many are you thinking this time...?

Wise: Three right...?

Belle: Right, hopefull-

*LIGHTS OUT*

INTERCOM: ROOMS OF TWO IN 30 SECONDS

Luciana isn't moving in the chaos, almost like she wants to fail, but Lighter swoops in and takes her into a room. Wise is about to grab onto Belle's arm before Miyabi suddenly dashes in and takes Wise for herself, as Belle is by herself, hyperventilating about not living this game.

Wise: BELLE? BELLE! LET GO! BELLE! BELLE!!!

Belle: *HEAVY PANTING before slowly calming down into acceptance* Huh... never thought this is how it would go... but maybe I'm not complaining about being fir- OOF!

Before Belle can finish accepting her fate, Harumasa steps in and grabs Belle, and makes it in at the last second into their room. Meanwhile, before that, Lucy is by herself, not moving as her thoughts drift to the helldiver dying in front of her, her gloves still being stained in his blood.

Sky: LUCY?! LUCY! COME ON, WE ARE LEAVING!

Lucy gets dragged by the arm again before getting pulled inside a room by Sky.

Sky: You okay...? Lucy? Speak up.

The sound of his worried voice snaps Lucy out of her trauma and calms her down...? Just his voice, wait, no. Lucy looks down and sees Sky's hand firmly gripping her arm still. She turns her face a bit to make sure he doesn't see her embarrassment before muttering.

Lucy: Y-You're um... y-y-you're still ahem... holding my... arm...and it's feeling really hot now...

Sky: Huh...? Oh! Too tight...? Sorry, I'll let go now.

Lucy: Thanks...

The final round ends as a few Helldivers are caught outside and are punished dearly for it. The players finally exit the doors to see who lived and died.

Wise: BELLE! YOU'RE OKAY!

Wise suddenly hugs his little sister far too tightly as she struggles to breathe.

Belle: YEAH! *COUGH* BIG BRO! *COUGH* STILL HERE!

Wise: I was so worried that... wait... why is Lucy crying...?

Luciana is escorted out by Lighter and Burnice while Piper goes to the proxy siblings.

Piper: I um... don't know how to break this to you youngins but... Caesar's passed on, for real this time...I'm sorry I... she gave her life to protect everyone, just like she did in the Outer Ring.

Wise: WHAT?!

Belle: C-Caesar...?!

The two look close to shattering as Piper stands there. She slowly walks away as they are left to process the news... It's a short walk back to the beds, but it feels like the longest one. What was once a happy group of players has turned into a small funeral procession for the ones they care about. And maybe they should consider themselves lucky it wasn't them... because they arrive at their beds, unlike some who couldn't... so every player is finally safe... FOR NOW...

Notes:

I DEEPLY apologize for the long wait on this chapter. I was gone for a while, and then I got lazy! So to all of the new and old Helldivers here, welcome! It's great to hear and see all the people who care about this still here. And I'll make sure to be more productive now that I'm back! And hopefully you liked the return chapter, and feel free to comment whatever you want, my door's always unlocked and ready to be robbed from at any time. Now I gotta sleep BADLY, so I'll cut it short here. See you all starside, Helldivers! Have fun on your cave diving! (BECAUSE I'M NOT, but hey, I have ODST armor, so it could be worse)
(EDIT: Since there’s a lot of new guests joining in because of YouTube! Yep I see you guys! Special thanks to KevinNaits for bringing them in btw. I wanted to remind you guys that I respond to all your comments and you can see my replies in the inbox, being a guest means you won’t be notified when that happens so make sure to check either your original comment or the inbox. So I won’t feel sad when you leave me on read :( Oh and small reminder that the sequel work is coming… eventually.)

Chapter 26: BONUS CHAPTER 4: Going Dark

Summary:

There can be light in the dark... and dark in the light. But it doesn't matter how much or how little light you have; what matters is what you do with it. And some helldivers...? They choose to rage in the dark. Morals have been dropping ever since the last game, as spirits are at an all-time low; all it takes is one switch to bring everything to a head.

The players all funnel to the beds before sitting down. Luciana is trying to calm down with five people now, but she's still not getting over it. Everyone is in rough shape as food is brought in by the guards. Some get over it and walk over to get some much-needed nutrition to forget what happened, but there seems to be... far less food than last time?!

Helldiver I-2: I thought we were getting another lunchbox?! This is nothing!

Helldiver O-3: I will kill someone for this...

Helldiver A-1: But they gave us knives for this? I don't think you need knives for soup?

Helldiver D-2: Hmm... I have a plan...

Everyone starts to line up for their food now as they all get a bowl of soup and a knife. The confusion is paramount as some helldivers start to play around with their knives. Others consume their meals as the mood is turning more hostile by the minute, as the soup tastes awful.

Yanagi: I think the host is trying to do something right now... serving awful food... handing out knives...

Miyabi: Suspicious... and the restrooms are open now.

Soukaku: I'll be right back! I need a potty break, Nagi!

Yanagi: Be careful! Hmm... maybe the managers know something... Wise?

Wise: I was getting a similar feeling. It definitely feels like a trap of some kind... but what's the desired outcome for them...?

Belle: WAIT! I THINK THEY'RE TRYING TO-

*LIGHTS OUT*

Belle: Oh no...

The mood becomes panicked as some helldivers start swinging their knives in the dark. Sounds of blood dripping are becoming more and more frequent as further panic ensues.

Wise: Quickly! Every agent in the bathrooms! Hurry!

Belle: Follow our voice!

All of the agents start to funnel into the girls' bathroom. Everyone is inside quickly, but it's far too dark to see if anyone they missed is still out there. A blue and white armored girl approaches in worry, seemingly lost.

Lucy: I-Is it safe in there...?!

Wise: Who are you...?

Belle: It's Lucy! Come on! You can get in!

Wise: What if she's one of them?

Belle: She's one of the good ones, big bro! I trust her!

Wise: Alright, come in quick!

Lucy gets inside as the two siblings follow suit, but before Belle can get in, she's suddenly grabbed by a helldiver wearing the UF-50 Bloodhound armor.

*RED LIGHTS ON*

Red lights start to illuminate the dark rooms as Belle screams, seeing the Bloodhound covered in two layers of blood, his knife dripping red. A lot of helldiver bodies litter around as some fight in fear, others fight for survival, and others kill for the promise of more money for Super Earth. Wise tries to help as the Bloodhound swings his knife down, but a familiar helldiver dives in and tackles the Bloodhound to the floor as the two go at it on the ground, a battle for control of each other's knives.

Helldiver S-1: SHUT THE DOOR BEFORE MORE COME!

Belle: T-Thanks...? But what about-

Helldiver S-1: I'll figure something out! Just go!

Wise: Come on, Belle!

Belle gets up as Wise lets her in, before shutting the door. Qingyi and Billy help secure the door by ripping off the bathroom doors into a makeshift barricade. Wise and Belle do a head count inside the bathroom.

Wise: Belle, Billy, Zhu Yuan, Qingyi, Seth, Jane, Nekomata, Soukaku,

Belle: Yanagi, Harumasa, Anton, Trigger, wait... where's Anby...?

Trigger: I don't sense Soldier 11's presence in here either!

Nicole: Anby's not in here?! Let me go get her!

Trigger and Nicole try to exit the bathroom, but Billy, Wise, and Belle stop them.

Billy: Aren't we being a bit rash right now, Boss...?! H-Hey! Don't tear down the barricade! They're gonna get in if you do that!

Nicole: JUST LET ME HELP HER! It's not safe for her out there! Billy! Open the door for me!

Nicole gets restrained by Wise and Belle as she tries to break free. Trigger tries to reason with them.

Trigger: They're gonna die out there if we don't try.

Wise: Do you trust them?

Trigger: ...I do...

Belle: Then they can survive, they always have! And it's not worth it to risk other people's lives for them!

Banging erupts on the bathroom door as all the people inside feel fear creep up. They quickly barricade the door more before holding it in place. The banging gets louder and louder as the barrier holds. Some agents slowly get ready to fight as the barrier seems to start to fail.

2 MINUTES BEFORE, OUTSIDE RESTROOM.

Nicole: Hey, have any of you seen Anby...?

Nekomata: I don't know... she seems very flaky recently... maybe she is planning on quitting us...? Meow...?

Nicole: Don't suggest that! She's probably just scouting out the enemies for us! That's my Anby!

Billy: I think I saw her under the-

*LIGHTS OUT*

The Cunning Hares start to panic as the lights go out. The sound of running, accompanied by slashing, is now everywhere. Suddenly, a familiar voice pierces the silence.

Wise: EVERYONE! Get inside the restrooms! Follow my voice!

Nicole: That's the proxy! Come on, everyone! This way!

Nekomata: What about Anby meow?!

Nicole: She's probably already there! No time to mess around! Where's Billy- oh, he's already running for it...

Billy: I DON'T WANNA DIEEEEE AHAHA!

Nicole: Follow him!

Nekomata: Meowwwww... we're doing all this work just to donate all the money to an orphanage, aren't we...?

Nicole: ARE YOU QUESTIONING ME...? *pinches ear*

Nekomata: ME-YOW! NO! I LOVE KID- I MEAN HELPING KIDS!

Nicole: Good! Because they're getting ready to close the door!

Nicole and Nekomata run for the door, following the proxies' voices. Meanwhile, Anby hides between the beds, avoiding the hunting gazes of some helldivers, who were only looking for an opportunity to kill people on the other team. She sees Nicole and Nekomata run as she dashes after them to join, but before she can make it...

Soldier 11: SOLDIER 0!

Anby: Wha-

Soldier 11 tries to attack her former captain as she infuses her knife with flame from her backpack. Anby catches it with her hands as the two are in a stalemate position. The flame would burn her hands, but the gloves protect her palms. It's only now that Anby starts to process what is happening as her plan of staying hidden has already fallen apart... this is what she gets for underestimating her sister...

Soldier 11: Soldier 0! You are charged with treason for desertion from the New Eridu Defense Force, AND ME!

Anby: I never liked being captain anyway, Harin...

Soldier 11: So you ran away?!

Anby: It's not like that-

Soldier 11: WHAT IS IT LIKE?! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!

*RED LIGHTS ON*

Soldier 11 tries pushing the knife further down in emotion as Anby takes advantage. She manages to reverse the grapple and steals Soldier 11's knife before pulling out her own knife and infusing it with electricity from her backpack. She puts the two blades to her sister's chest, the duel-wield stance being a small reminder of her former days as captain. But as Anby looks at her sister's distraught and hurt face, she can't bring herself to push the knives further. The two stare at each other in silence, but their eyes speak more than enough.

Helldiver A-2: There are two of the cowards right there! KILL THEM FOR DEMOCRACY!

A horde of Helldivers starts to charge at the two sisters. Their eyes dart to them as the red lights illuminate them. Anby offers her sister's blade back, but Soldier 11 swats it back before putting her knife right next to her sister's neck. Anby is caught off guard, but Soldier 11 doesn't finish the job... not yet anyway.

Soldier 11: You better survive this... You owe me an explanation... for EVERYTHING!

Anby: I won't run... not this time.

Anby's eyes dart back to the helldivers as Soldier 11 slowly does the same, before, in no time, the two are back to back against the horde. Their backpacks shift alongside each other as their blades glow in the darkness.

Anby: Like old times...?

Soldier 11: Don't remind me.

Anby: Of course.

Soldier 0/Soldier 11: Silver Company Formation, TW-AN Anti-Personnel Mark III!

The two charge at the horde head-on as the sounds of blades crashing echo around the room. Meanwhile, Helldiver S-1 is still clashing in a much sloppier brawl for control over a knife with a UF-50 bloodhound.

Sky: Stop fighting me already! The door's already shut! What's the point?!

UF-50 BH: You betrayed Super Earth! Citizens know not to interrupt peacekeeping measures... let alone a helldiver disobeying!

Sky: I'm not disobeying! I'm loyal! But you were gonna kill innocent people who are just trying to get by for Super Credits! And there's a SEAF trooper in there!

UF-50 BH: Good... we'll kill her for fraternizing with the enemy. Just like you... We all have to earn our keep, helldiver... now I'll end you for mine...

Helldiver S-1: That's not going to happen...

S-1 tries to grab the knife again, but the Bloodhound grabs his arm in a lock as the two continue to struggle. Eventually, the Bloodhound starts to win with superior training on his side, along with Sky's leg injury, making him weaker. Sky has to hold back the knife as it inches closer to the gap in his chest armor.

UF-50 BH: But the truth is... I WANT TO KILL YOU... I'm not doing this for money or some quota, I just love getting blood on my hands... especially of traitors...

The knife slowly slips through the gap in his armor as blood is drawn.

Sky: HRNGH! ARGH!

UF-50 BH: AND THEN MAYBE I'LL KEEP YOU ALIVE TO WATCH ME KILL ALL YOUR TRAITOROUS "FRIENDS" AS WELL...? THAT'LL- *STAB* O-oh... *COUGH*

The UF-50 Bloodhound drops dead beside Sky as Helldiver M-1 stands above the two of them. He quickly checks over Sky, who is still bleeding from his chest.

Sky: Thank you... so much... but you took your time...

Helldiver M-1: You're lucky it didn't go too far already.

Sky: Why'd you even help...? Why not join the others...?

Helldiver M-1: Sometimes you have to take a life to save more. Even if he were a helldiver, he would have killed all the people inside the bathrooms. And I'd rather lose sleep over the one I took than the ones I failed to save.

M-1 moves S-1 to a corner to help with his small injury. The two don't notice that helldivers have begun kicking at the bathroom door.

Helldiver M-1: Okay... that should be enough for you... hide here and rest... I have to look for A-1. Stay safe, Sky.

Sky: I prefer S-1, but... thanks for everything, M-1!

MEANWHILE, INSIDE BATHROOM.

Nicole: Please be okay, please be okay...

Trigger: They'll be okay. Anby's far stronger than you give her credit for.

Nicole: She can be 100x stronger and I'd still worry! And... wait, you know her...?

Trigger: You're not the only one with connections, Miss Demara. But I know the feeling of worrying...

Billy: GUYS! They're getting through! We need more support to hold it together!

Lighter: On it.

Anton: It's our turn to shine, bros!

Seth: Let me help!

More support is lined up against the wall as the sounds seem to echo, but at least the barrier should hold for some time. Everyone else is huddled in the back. Luciana looks at the mirror emotionless, while Lucy awkwardly walks over.

Lucy: H-Hey... um... what's wrong...? You haven't said anything since the last game.

Luciana: Why do you care...? Tsk... FORGET IT!... I'm not much to look at right now anyway... I'm a failure...

Lucy: People close to you died...?

Luciana: ...

Lucy: I understand...

Luciana: Do you?!

Lucy: Maybe not to your extent... I've been trained to move on from death... but that doesn't mean I just forget it. I've lost a lot of friends close to me...

Luciana: So...? You're used to it now, aren't you? You're NOTHING like me.

Lucy: Some things get easier with training... some things never get easier. I know our worlds are completely different, so maybe you have it worse than us...?

Luciana: WE HAVE A WORLD EATING HOLLOW THAT HAS MADE HUMANITY NEARLY GO EXTINCT, AND NOW THERE'S ONLY ONE URBAN CITY LEFT!!!

Lucy: Okay... didn't have to yell it, that sounds bad...

Luciana: It's hell on earth... how can yours even compare...?

Lucy: Let me think... we're in a second galactic war against a bunch of fascist bugs the size of... well, they're tall. And then you have the Automatons burning your friends alive as all you can HEAR are their screams as you run away for your life! And then from there?! You have the Illuminate, who don't hesitate to turn you into these weird squid zombie things! And the worst part?! Your only hope when you're clinging to life is the helldivers! Who are currently murdering each other outside just for the promise of more supercredits for the next warbond! But I still love them for everything they do for us... I don't know how to feel...

Luciana: Excuse me for a moment... What the hell was half of what you just said...?

Lucy: I have no idea myself... same with you.

Luciana: EXCUSE ME?! ARE YOU DENSE?

Lucy: I-I meant the hollow stuff?! Like, what even is that? Not you! Oh, you look like you're gonna blow a fuse...

Luciana: YOU ARE ALL THE WEIRDEST AND MOST- &@%**@* &@(#) @*^(!^(^ @&#*@ THAT I HAVE EVER HAD THE UTTER DISPLEASURE TO HAVE- *&@! *&%$ #$@! MET IN MY LIFE!

Lucy: That's it... Let it out...

Luciana *Insert definitely not rated T-13 ZZZ words here*

Lucy: Y-You can stop now...

Yanagi covers Soukaku's ears by this point.

Luciana: *Insert MORE M-17 words here*

Lucy: Ow... I'm sorry... okay, I think that's a bit much... f-feel better now...?

Luciana: *PANTING* A little... thanks... n-not that this matters to me or a-anything!

Lucy: Mhmm! I'm very happy to hear it! But... if you ask me? I'm sure this'll all blow over soon and we can all go home...

Luciana: But your "home" sounds like hell... And... what about you? Why do you help us even if you love those... helljumpers...?

Lucy: HELLDIVERS. Helljumpers are different ones. But I haven't seen any here. Oh, sorry, I lost my train of thought... I'm not betraying them or anything! I'm just...

Luciana: Hiding from them so you don't get caught in the crossfire...? Why do you even care about a bunch of reckless idiots?

Lucy: Don't call them that! They are heroes in my book! You know, right before this, a helldiver saved me on Super Earth when I was on street cleanup duty. But it's the weirdest thing... He was the nicest one I've ever met and yet I can't remember his name for some reason...? I remember him wrapping his cape around me, but something is influencing my mind... so I don't remember his name...?

Luciana: Or have you finally just become bat*@$@ crazy, and that's why you don't know?

Lucy: Eh... I wouldn't put it past me...wait... but... Sky's out there!

Luciana: Who the hell is-

Lucy: My partner! Or... teammate...? I gotta go help him!

Luciana: So...? Probably dead out there by now! And stay inside! Or else we're all gonna die in here.

Lucy: ...But...

Luciana: Tsk... you must like your "friend" a lot if you're already willing to die for him. Or is he something other than that...?

Lucy: N-NO! H-he wouldn't... w-well, I'm not good enough f-for him! I'm just a SEAF trooper, so... I mean if I WAS... I would do my best, but he deserves more! O-Or rather-

Luciana: You just said no. Why are you entertaining it?

Lucy: I'm not! And I'm not gonna hear it from a girl that's so small she can barely see her helm in the bathroom mirror!

Luciana: WHY YOU...

Lucy: Oh crap...

MEANWHILE, IN THE FAR MORE DEADLY BOYS' BATHROOM.

Helldiver X-3: YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME?!

Helldiver G-2: LET'S GO! COME ON!

Helldiver V-1: DROWNING IN THE TOILET SUCKS DOESN'T IT, FRIEND?!

Helldiver V-2: GURGLE, BBBBB... BBbb... bbb...

Helldiver V-1: That's for taking my stims, you traitor...

The scene is chaotic as dozens of Helldivers fight inside, not knowing about the battle outside the restrooms. Amid this chaos are Helldivers A-1 and D-2.

Helldiver D-2: Come on, A-1! We gotta earn some more money!

Helldiver A-1: Whatever you say...

The two begin fighting and jumping some helldivers with their backs turned. D-2 doesn't hesitate as he kills multiple of them for the promise of more Supercredits. A-1 sneaks up onto an SC-10 Trailblazer Helldiver, but before he can stab him, the scout armor's passive kicks in as it spots him.

Helldiver S-4: HUH?! HYAH!

Helldiver A-1: OOF! ARGH! DAMN!

A-1 is knocked to the floor as he drops his knife. His helmet was punched square in the visor as his ears rang from the blow. He tries to crawl back to the knife before S-4 grabs it and tries to stab him square in the chest. A-1 grabs it, but his position makes him unable to do much more than that. The knife inches closer as S-4 doesn't waver.

Helldiver A-1: Not now... D-2! HELP! D-2!

A-1 looks to his left as he sees nothing but the boots and spurs of Helldiver D-2. But the boots slowly turn around and walk before exiting the restroom. A-1 realizes that he's been betrayed for his hubris.

Helldiver A-1: No... no... so that's that then... after all them years D-2...

The knife inches even closer as A-1's strength starts to give out before rapid footsteps come in. M-1 comes into the restroom and sees A-1's predicament. He runs over to pull S-4 off, but S-4's passive kicks in again as he suddenly breaks out of A-1's grip and stabs M-1 in the chest for trying to interfere.

Helldiver A-1: NO! M-1!

A-1 punches S-4 in the helmet before grabbing M-1's knife off the ground and stabbing S-4 in the neck. Blood sprays out as he falls over before A-1 kicks him off and checks on M-1.

Helldiver A-1: Oh... you silly silly fool...

A-1 checks his pulse and already notices that it's weak from blood loss.

Helldiver M-1: *COUGH* argh... not looking good, I assume...

Helldiver A-1: No...you've got lethal chest blood loss.

Helldiver M-1: Just... keep them safe...

Helldiver A-1: The fools...?

Helldiver M-1: Please...

Helldiver A-1: I... but they...

Helldiver M-1: You are skilled enough to keep them safe! So do it! For me! It would mean a lot to me... please... save who's good and let the rest rot...

Helldiver A-1: ...okay...

*Insert skull here*
REINFORCE DEAD TEAMMATE

Helldiver A-1: I'm sorry...

A-1 pats M-1's dead form on the shoulder before moving his limp arms to his bloody chest. A-1 stands up before giving him a helldiver salute for saving his life.

OUTSIDE OF THE RESTROOMS

Soldier 11: You've gotten slow in your "retirement," Anby.

Anby: It's been a while...

Soldier 11: I'm sure to you it was... You were quick to forget us...

Anby: Harin...

Soldier 11: SHUT UP AND FIGHT!

The two continue fighting the horde as many close calls happen. The two aren't expecting the Helldivers to be so reckless in their attacks, which constantly catch them off guard. Soldier 11 continues to swing with increasing fury in every swing until they knock out and incapacitate every helldiver... Soldier 11 decides to try to swing her blade down on one of them to kill. Anby dashes in and grabs her arm.

Anby: NO! Harin, we won!

Soldier 11: You don't get to call me that anymore. My sister died in those forgotten ruins... I am Soldier 11... and Harin died when her sister died...

Anby: ...maybe she did... ...Soldier 11...

Anby lets go of her arm before knowing what she has to do. She readies her blade as Soldier 11 does the same, a small tear dripping under her yellow-tinted goggles. Soldier 11 is filled with so much emotion that her blade turns into blue flame, matching Anby's electric blue. The Battle of the Heroes begins as blue sparks fly out with each attack, counterattack, and block. They jump across beds and stairs to gain advantages over each other, but their training together makes them equal.

Anby, in theory, would be the superior fighter, but her time in the Cunning Hares has softened her combat prowess, while Soldier 11 has been in life-or-death situations far more, making up for her lack of experience compared to Anby. Soldier 11 kicks Anby from the top beds as she crashes onto the ground. Anby watches as Soldier 11 dives with her blade before rolling out of the way to dodge it, leaving Soldier 11 with her knife stuck in the ground. Anby swings as Soldier 11 pulls out the knife and grabs Anby's arm for control before swinging herself. Anby grabs her arm as the two are in an overhead stalemate, the red lights illuminating them just like some of Anby's favorite cinema movies.

Anby: I DIDN'T LEAVE YOU, SOLDIER 11! STAND DOWN!

Soldier 11: LIAR! JUST LIKE ALL THE REST... TRIGGER, ORPHIE... SEED... THEY ALL LIED TO ME ABOUT YOU... THEY TOLD ME YOU WERE DEAD...

Anby: HARIN, PLEASE... LET ME TELL YOU EVERYTHING... THIS IS WRONG! YOU KNOW THAT! I KNOW YOU HATE ME, BUT YOU'RE BETTER THAN REVENGE!

Harin: I know... I know, but... no...

Soldier 11: NOOO!

Soldier 11 breaks the stalemate with an uncoordinated headbutt out of denial. The two fall to the floor, Anby with a bloody nose, Soldier 11 with cracked goggles. They struggle to get up as Anby wipes her nose with her gloves while Soldier 11 stares at the ground, her goggles reflecting her shattered mind and the blood dripping from her eyebrow.

Soldier 11/Harin: *PANTING* Why...? WHY?!

Anby: It was to protect you!

Soldier 11 freezes up at the words, confusion evident in her expression now visible thanks to her cracked goggles.

Anby: You have... temporary memory loss from the experiments. Harin... less important details are erased from your mind every time you are injured... and the Sliver Company scientists wanted to kill you... But I "killed" myself so they could keep you around as their perfect soldier. Then they erased that memory from your mind... so you could continue your work... and I could live my own life. Harin, I'm sorry... for everything... I should have been a better sister...

Soldier 11 stands in front of her older sister, before, out of nowhere, tears start falling like a rapid downstream. Anby tries to hug her, but Soldier 11 falls onto her instead. Anby braces her to comfort her. The bright white lights illuminate the blood pool on the floor under the two sisters, before Anby sees the giant knife inside of Harin's back.

Anby: HARIN?!?! HARIN!

Harin: ...

Helldiver V-1: That's one target down for managed democracy... why don't I try extending it to two...? Should've watched your backs from the restrooms~

Anby: YOU...

Pure electricity sparks from Anby, despite her earlier talk; revenge starts to pour into her veins. The viper commando simply smiles before injecting an Experimental Stim into his neck. Anby is seething through her teeth as the electricity even covers her eyes, but before they can fight, Helldiver S-1 dives onto V-1's back, grabbing under his arms.

Sky: HURRY! QUICK, I'M NOT AS STRONG AS I LOOK!

Anby thrusts both her and Soldier 11's blade through the Viper Commando at once as he dies quickly from the combined fire and electric power. His body falls as Sky looks over at Harin's body.

Sky: No, no, no! I should've woken up quicker! Soldier 11!

He dashes over, but it's clear that Harin is already dead as Anby walks over, the hair shadows covering her eyes. Anby guides her fingers over Soldier 11's eyes to close them so she can rest. Her breathing is, for once in her life, unstable. The girls' restroom finally opens as Nicole and Trigger rush over to the three... or now... two of them.

Nicole: Anby! Anby... Anby look at me...

Anby: *sniff* I-

Nicole: Anby... *hugs her* I'm sorry...

Anby silently cries into Nicole's shoulder while Trigger looks at her teammate's dead body. Part of her knew this would happen one day, but she still had small flashes of her earlier comrades' deaths back when Hollow Zero first emerged. Sky looks at all the guilty faces as he feels responsible for not stepping in at the right time.

Sky: Trigger... I'm uh... I'm sorry about...

Trigger: It's not your fault. None of us is responsible except me. I should have been there to assist, but instead I hid in the bathrooms... like a coward.

Sky: But I was out here! I could've done something, but I was so hurt from all the wounds... and I was tired... and I went to sleep in the corner, but I just wanna go back home... AND I JUST WANT TO SLEEP THERE AND-

Trigger simply starts playing her harmonica to help calm Sky and ease Soldier 11 into the afterlife. Sky relaxes as the tune plays, albeit more somberly and painfully. He pats Trigger on the shoulder for comfort before leaving everyone to recover. He walks over to the bathroom, but as soon as he does... a familiar figure practically jumps onto him.

Lucy: SKY!

Sky: OOF! HEAVY, HEAVY!

Lucy: I'm so happy to see you okay! I'm sorry for leaving you outside and-

Sky: Lucy... now's not the time...

Helldiver A-1: You're right, it ain't.

Lucy: W-What's... oh...

Lucy sees the scene as reality sets in; a lot of Helldivers died as well, as they all stare.

Helldiver A-1: And... M-1 is dead...

Sky: WHAT?!

Lucy: M-1?!

Helldiver A-1: I'm sorry... he saved my life and told me to protect yours... that's the way it is...

Lucy: But we were a team...

Helldiver A-1: Don't get all sentimental... It's not what he would want.

Lucy: Right... then let's continue onwards then! For M-1! Sky...? Are you okay...?

Sky: No... heck no... Two people saved my life, and I could not save theirs... You two should split off from me...

Lucy: That is not going to happen, Sky! We're in this together! You can't back out of this partnership!

Helldiver A-1: You heard the lady~

Sky: ...okay... I'll keep you two safe to the best of my ability. I promise.

Lucy: And we promise as well, Sky! That's what teammates are for, even if one is a bit... underqualified.

Sky: Me...?

Lucy: No, I meant me! Oh, for liberty's sake, of course it's not you! Just... please...

Lucy awkwardly hugs Sky as he doesn't know how to process it. His arms simply stay at his side.

Lucy: Don't die, I care about you...

Sky: I...

Helldiver A-1: I'm watching yknow~

Sky: A-1...

Lucy: We can't even have an emotional... *Sigh* Just don't forget what I said, okay...?

Sky: Of course... You too, Lucy.

Lucy hugs a bit tighter out of worry before letting go. The two are jumpscared by the Bangboo money bank as tons of money are dropped into it. The reality of the games has been fully revealed. This isn't about money for anyone, not anymore; it's only about survival. And judging by the amount of money...? A LOT HAVE ALREADY LOST.

Notes:

Ah... Light... one of the most important tools of survival... whether you're on the USG Ishimura, or a cave dive on Oshaune... or the streets of New Mombasa, it's always what you gravitate towards. But what happens when you take away that sense of safety...? Well, you get this chapter. As you can see, my productivity has increased again, although it will immediately plummet as I have to do those 10-hour certification tests... yeah, you know the ones. So I might not see you guys again for a while. But don't worry, there isn't much left for this small series anyway, so I can start work on the sequel early. That's a nice thought. Only time will tell, dear helldiver... only time will tell. See you starside.