...
the sun was rising….
varakiel was waking up on the bed…
Varakiel: *yawn* what hour is it….
Varakiel then turns to see the clock and sees that there's 10 empty cans of beer on the desk…..and a pair of panties…and a bra.
Varakiel: wait i recognize that bra size...(uh oh)
Varakiel the turns at looks below on the other side of his bed….a nude anis was there.
Varakiel: (so it wasn't a dream…) anis, wake up is time to work.
anis: hmmmm just 5 more minutes rapi…..rapi?
Anis suddenly stands up.
Anis:...
Anis then looks under the sheet covering her.
Anis: ah! It wasn't a dream.
Varakiel: Good morning anis.
Anis:.....*Sigh* good morning…varakiel.
Anis looks at varakiel with a sweet smile.
Varakiel: I think it is time to wake up. It seems we sleep for an extra hour.
Anis: wait…what time is it!?
Varakiel: is 9pm.
Anis: !!
*knock knock*
Rapi: commander, are you awake? Have you seen anis? She didn't come back to her bed yesterday.
*click*
Rapi then goes inside and sees anis and varakiel naked together in the bed.
Rapi:....forgive my impertinence.
rapi then turns around and leaves.
Anis: eekkk!! commander this is bad! rapi saw us!
Varakiel: hm? is there a problem?
as varakiel says that he stands up and dresses up, and collects anis clothes and gives it back to her.
Anis: There's a lot of problems! rapi clearly likes you as well! The same goes for neon!
Varakiel: I know.
Anis: you know!?
Varakiel: Mhm, I am not that dense you know? I've been aware since it started, but I can't accept their feelings yet.
Anis:...wait yet?
Varakiel: Mhm, I barely know anything about the three of you, with all this work we haven't been able to know each other.
Anis:...w-what about me then?
anis says shily while looking down.
Varakiel: well , yesterday date made me realize things about you, the things you like, the things you hate, a bit of your past, hell we even had sex yesterday, If i didn't accept your feelings because of that, i would be worse than the average commander because I abused your trust like that.
Anis:...you know people have a friends relationship and still have sex right?
Varakiel: I am not that kind of guy, I take full responsibility for my actions….listen anis.
Varakiel sits on the bed and pats to his side for Anis to sit.
Anis:.....
anis then sits beside varakiel.
Varakiel: To me sex isn't just pleasure, to me sex is where the people I love show me their true face, they show me their weaknesses, their insecurities, we both let ourselves be vulnerable, there's no lies, just true feelings.
Anis:....if you put it like that….
Varakiel: Sorry if I sound strict but that's how I am.
Anis: no, i think that makes you…..really….uhh i don't know how to put it.
Varakiel: cool? awesome? reliable?
*snap*
Anis snapped her fingers.
Anis:...genuine. you always tell us the truth and you don't hide anything from us, i mean you lied about being from this world, but who would believe such a thing when you just recently met. *sigh*
Anis then stands up and goes to the bathroom.
Anis: no peeking, alright?
Varakiel: alright.
Anis says that but she left the door half open for varakiel to see.
Varakiel: (mustang is actually a pervert isn't?) *sigh* what a tease….
Varakiel then goes to his kitchen and begins to make breakfast
...
later that day….
*knock knock*
Rapi: commander. May I come in?
Varakiel: Go ahead.
*click* *thud*
Rapi: We require necessities for some facilities in the outpost, with our current inventory we can't handle enough cleaning supplies, such as brooms and mops among other things…i recommend we restock out inventory soon.
Varakiel: okay.
Rapi: Is there a store you typically use? If so, release the funds to me. I can go there on your behalf.
Varakiel: let me go with you
rapi: what? ah, i see, if you're worried about me pocketing some of the funds, i can give you the receipt.
Varakiel flicks her forehead.
Varakiel: dumby, i know you would never do such a thing you're the one i trust the most in the outpost.
Rapi: …..i see i am sorry. Then why?
Varakiel: we ran out of money already, i need to go to make some more through exchange in the ark,
Rapi:....excuse me? What about the operation to look for snow white? Perhaps there is an error in the central government's computing system. If that's the case, you can go and personally submit your operation report certificate. I know it's a hassle, but I'll come with you.
Varakiel:....well….you see…i don't know how to make those….
Rapi:...right, amnesia…
Varakiel: sorry rapi.
Rapi: is okay commander, you might be strong in the field but knowledge is still a problem for you, even more when we don't have time to explain things to you.
Varakiel: you're really a Saint rapi!
varakiel gives rapi a small hug.
Rapi: a-all right then, let's get started from the basics of operation reports, i'll show you how to write them, just tell me if i have all the details right. I will also ask a few questions while I write them.
Varakiel: Alright, thanks for your help as always rapi.
Rapi: of course commander.
Rapi then teaches varakiel how to write operation reports.
….
30 minutes later.
*clack* *click clack clack* *clack*
The clacking of the keyboard is the only sound that fills Varakiel's office.
Varakiel: I see…I must say rapi, you're really good at this.
Rapi: Thanks, I have a lot of experience in this area.
Varakiel: Let me guess, your previous commanders forced you to do it.
Rapi: That is correct.
Varakiel: doesn't that count as negligence?
Rapi: Well it is the job of the commander to give orders to nikkes. the previous commanders ordered me to fill all the paperwork. I followed the order. Thus, I do not feel either side was neglecting their duties.
Varakiel: so they never asked you out as a favor just orders huh *sigh*
Rapi: yes, orders are the link between a commander and a nikke. nikkes follow human orders. it is our nature to do so. in particular, orders issued by a commander are to be obeyed without question. regardless of what that order may be…..or that's what i used to believe with all commanders.
rapi stops for a second to look at varakiel.
Varakiel: But still any order? there's no barrier?
Rapi: yep, that is of no importance. once an order is issued, all that matters is that it is followed through….but there is one other thing. the act of keeping the commander safe is as important as following the order. a commander cannot be put in harm's way, no matter what. this is also of paramount importance. as a precaution, nikkes have emergency response items, such as AED and hemostatic agents, built inside us. the safety of the commander is our top priority. if a commander is injured or dies due to an oversight on a nikke's part, that nikke will be punished accordingly. the only exception is when a commander chooses to take their own life.
Varakiel: So that's why your previous commander incident was never mentioned again….wait…rapi turn around…i need to confirm something.
Rapi: *nod*
Rapi then turns around without questioning…
Varakiel then touches rapi's head.
Rapi: a headpat? why fro-
rapi notices a serious expression of varakiel face.
Varakiel: This is weird….
Rapi: What is it? Is there something wrong with me?
Varakiel: is not you, is inside you…somehow you were affected by vapaus…..
Rapi:.....that's impossible.
Varakiel:.....no it seems they hit you with it a long time ago, after your last memory wiped without you noticing….
Rapi:....how did you noticed?
Varakiel: I remembered that time on modernia explosion, you weren't worried because you knew that i could handle it, but still that explosion was lethal, so your nanomachines should have tried to protect me at that moment, but they didn't…..this is bad.
Rapi: why is that so?
Varakiel: rapi, you can die now, the ark can't rebuild you anymore.
Rapi:...does that matter?
Varakiel: of course it does, i care about it, all of you are my family now, even i know out there you can die without warning…let me think of a way to reactivate the nanomachines, or at least a way for you to not die unless is a heretic encounter.
Rapi:.....if it worries you that much, why not ask Andersen to reintroduce the nanomachines back?
Varakiel:....that could work…i can say chatterbox did something to them, good idea rapi…so we're we? ah yes, your previous commander.
Rapi: right, it seems the central government ruled that they died of their own volition. Thankfully, Anis and I were able to avoid any punishment…..the reports are finished. please confirm.
Varakiel: reads the reports written by rapi.
Varakiel: mhm….
They are clear and concise.
Varakiel: But don't you think it depicts me as a bit way too…heroic?
Rapi: the success of any operation depends on the commander. their leadership. their virtue. commander, from all the commanders i have served with, you're the one who cares the most about not only about our lives, but also that the operation can be completed without issue, the incident on the power plant was my fault, if i followed orders like you said the damage could have been minimal, also you must know in this world nikkes aren't exactly…..seen in a good light, report must be written in this way, or else they will not be accepted.
Varakiel: So that's how it is….so what's next?
Rapi: *nod* Now that the forms are complete, let's go submit them. We must go to the Ark's central government's office.
Varakiel: Let's go then.
Rapi: mhm, follow me commander.
...
Rapi and varakiel then goes to the central government's office.
Rapi: the office is right up ahead. That's where you can submit the completed forms.
Varakiel: alright then….here.
Varakiel hands a bag of cookies to rapi.
Varakiel: eat these while you wait.
Rapi:.....commander i am not a child...
Regardless, rapi accepts them and begins to eat them…
Varakiel then goes inside the office.
....
Varakiel: (is quite noisy in here)
the majority of the sound comes from people who are shouting. they are dressed in the same military uniform as varakiel has. the people sitting behind the counters are all either quiet, or smiling awkwardly. varakiel then get on the line and waits.
Varakiel: (so this all the bunch of idiots that are leaving nikkes to die for their own gains…pathetic, all of them look like your typical entitled rich kid.)
Varakiel can hear a commander talking to the staff in front of him.
Commander: Hey, what is this? the amount doesn't make sense! I just came back from the surface! Do you realize how many close calls I had up there?
Clerk: the salary you have been given is accurate.
Commander: This is insane! I risk my neck and all I get is chump change!
Clerk: this is the designated payment for all basic transport operations.
Commander: basic transport my foot! I lost two nikkes, and I…!
Clerk: commander. whether an incident does or does not occur during an operation is entirely dependent on your own capabilities as a commander. Please understand that there is nothing more we can do for you in this situation.
Commander: That's easy for you to say, sitting there safe and sound behind your nice desk! you've never even been up to the surface! I…
Clerk: Next. What can I help you with?
Commander: Hey! Are you ignoring me!?
Clerk: Do I have to call security?
Commander: !!
Clerk: Next.
the commander leaves the building in a huff.
Varakiel: *sigh*...
Varakiel sits on the empty seat in front of the clerk.
Clerk: What can I help you with?
Varakiel: I want to submit my operation reports.
Clerk: very well. hand them to me, please.
Varakiel hands the reports to the employee.
the employee's gaze shifts back and forth between the monitor and the forms as they type away on the keyboard. Suddenly the employee freezes, then gives a cordial smile.
Clerk: Nice to meet you, commander varakiel. It's an honor to finally meet the person behind all the rumors. the veracity of your op report has been confirmed. would you like your salary deposited directly to your bankbook, or would you like a voucher?
Varakiel: bankbook,
Clerk: *nod*...the deposit has been completed. Could you please confirm?
Varakiel:.....
there is a new entry on varakiel bank account, and the amount…
Varakiel: *nod* Everything seems alright.
Clerk: *nod* Please continue your efforts on behalf of humanity.
Varakiel stands up and leaves.
...
outside the office. varakiel notices the other commanders.´many of them are crouched down in front of the office building, or staring at the wall sighing.
Rapi: commander is it all taken care of?
Varakiel: mhm, yes.
Rapi: Then let's go and purchase the necessities we talked about.
Varakiel: alright let's go
Varakiel and rapi then walk side by side to the shopping mall….
Varakiel: rapi.
Rapi: what is it commander?
Varakiel:....
Varakiel points at a part of his mouth.
Rapi: ah…..
rapi then cleans the crumbs of the cookies that she ate.
Varakiel: hahaha.
Rapi:....*giggle*
.....
Rapi and varakiel then arrives to the shopping mall.
Varakiel: say rapi, are all commanders like that?
Rapi:...the majority of them, yes.
Rapi knows what varakiel means.
Rapi: Most of us are led to believe that commanders are elite figures who have undergone a proper education in the military academy, and that they are heroes who work with nikkes to recapture the surface. however, as you know that couldn't be further from the truth. their so-called 'proper education' doesn't even last a year. It's not nearly enough time to learn all there is to know about the ark, nikkes, and raptures. Instead, during their time at the military academy, commanders are essentially brainwashed. they're told they are the ones who will save humanity, and nikkes are merely tools meant to serve commanders and mankind itself. This is the narrative they drill into their minds. I'm sure you know about all this by now.
Varakiel: *nod* just how things got this bad.
Rapi: as a result, the mortality rate amongst commanders is staggering. they are thrown into operations without proper preparation. This, along with their lack of empathy for the nikkes under their command, often leads to disaster and most crucially…commanders do not receive pay if they fail to complete an operation. there is no concept of hourly, weekly, monthly, or annual salaries. you are paid upon successful completion of an operation, or not at all. The salary also depends on the difficulty of the operation. you risk your life going up to the surface, where you carry out operations, and get paid based on your performance. in a way….it's just like being a mercenary. and that's where we start seeing some internal conflict. Those who go through the military academy are led to believe they are above the rest of society. They are full of confidence, and have no doubt that they are truly the one who will save humanity. but soon after, they are faced with reality. Once they realize they've been risking their lives for pennies, they take out their frustrations on the staff. It's a rude awakening. Some commanders find themselves unable to cope, and resort to extreme measures.
Varakiel:....do the citizens know about this?
Rapi: just a few people know about it, that's because the ark continues to venerate the commanders. As a result, the competition for entry into the military academy remains fierce.
Varakiel: humanity really has resorted to living in a pile of lies after lies, ignoring the truth, pathetic.
Rapi:...even so they don't allow the reality of the situation to be exposed to the world. This way, the people will continue to idolize their "heroes." they'll even dream of becoming one themselves….i think that is enough, should we go to the shop?
Varakiel: Yeah, let's leave the depressing stuff aside. Did you make a list?
Rapi: Yes, here is it commander.
rapi hands varakiel a note.
Varakiel: alright, on another note, all of you have your necessities covered completely right?
Rapi: Yes commander, we have enough to not worry for a year.
Varakiel: Alright, then let's go.
soon after.
Varakiel: Alright this should be all.
Varakiel says as he carries several bags in his hands.
Rapi: So shall we go back?
Varakiel:....
Varakiel notices some sort of gift shop in the distance.
Varakiel: Let's take a look around, here let me save everything.
Varakiel then saves everything on his inventory while nobody is looking at them.
Rapi: I must say, magic is very convenient.
Varakiel: right? magic is awesome, let's go.
….
*beep*
rapi and varakiel then go inside the shop
Clerk: welcome…hm?
the shop assistant glares intently at rapi and varakiel for a while.
Clerk:...what can I help you with?
Varakiel: We came to buy a gift.
Clerk: a gift?
Varakiel: mhm.
Clerk:....for whom?
Varakiel: (ah i see she is one of those) my girlfriend~.
Rapi:....hmph.
rapi then remembers the scene from this morning and blushes a little.
Clerk: ah i see i am sorry for asking sir, i thought you wanted a gift for a nikke. So what would you like?
Varakiel: I would like a necklace.
Clerk: alright!....then what about these…
Rapi remains still in the entrance to the shop waiting for varakiel.
Varakiel: I will take this one.
Varakiel points at a necklace with the effigy of the goddess nikke.
Clerk: Very well, let me pack it for you sir.
.....
Varakiel and rapi were walking outside.
Varakiel: say rapi, are you often treated like that?
Rapi: So you noticed….not always…but, often enough, for them nikkes are just weapons, we are not human. However, we still have a sense of self. that rubs a lot of people the wrong way.
Varakiel: even though you're the one risking your lives…
Rapi: life..life only has value when it belongs to the living, they say we are not living beings, therefore, we have no lives to risk.
Varakiel: And what do you think?
Rapi:.....i used to believe that myself before, but after you came…..i've changed, i do believe that i am a living being….but if i were to say that in public, things would get worse.
Varakiel: As long as you believe that, don't care about those clowns, back at home there's people like you, let's fight for our future, then we will save their sorry asses and they will thank us in the end.
Rapi:.....don't worry i don't care that much about it either….as long you live commander i can keep on going….
Varakiel: Tell me, why did you believe that before?
Rapi:....i used to believe that it didn't matter how i felt, that i was only speaking the truth…
Varakiel: You know….i am hungry. How about some food?
Rapi:...sure, food certainly doesn't discriminate between humans and nikkes.
.....
Varakiel and rapi then step into a luxury restaurant.
Rapi: commander….weren't we on our way to buy food?
Varakiel: yeah.
Rapi: This is a restaurant. you can purchase food here, but..it won't stay good for very long.
Varakiel: I am hungry, what about you, rapi? Are you hungry?
Rapi:....yes, i'm hungry as well.
Varakiel: well then let's eat here
Rapi:...okay.
….
40 minutes later.
Varakiel: This place's atmosphere is nice…
Rapi: yes, it's very relaxing, and the chef seems quite talented.
Varakiel: How'd you find the meal?
Rapi: it was lovely….if we don't make comparisons with you…
Varakiel: *chuckle* is okay, next time we can order whatever your favorite food is.
Rapi:...i don't really have a favorite food. I eat pretty much anything.
Varakiel:.....that means your favorite food isn't something you can normally get, hm…
Rapi:....i'm sorry i didn't mean to make things awkward. I just wanted to illustrate how strong my mental fortitude is in that regard.
Varakiel: mental fortitude?
Rapi: yes. Theoretically, nikkes do not need to consume food. We are powered by the core within our bodies. The core is capable of generating its own power, and as long as there is no major damage, it can be used without any active input on our part. We do not need to consume food for energy.
Varakiel: So it's all for your mental health?
Rapi: yes, it all has to do with the mind. With the exception of the brain, nikkes are composed entirely of artificial materials. we are…entirely human. but in terms of our appearance, we are a perfect copy of a human being, down to our internal structure. Because of that, most nikkes use their bodies just as humans do. There are pros and cons to this. It allows us to blend and interact with the rest of society. However, some may experience a mental breakdown when they become aware that their body is not human. We look identical to humans and act just like them, so when they tell us we are not human, it causes a kind of panic to us.
Varakiel: Can this panic occur with someone with, let's call it nikke phobia, a concept that shouldn't exist in the first place…
Rapi: *exhale* no, cursing or physical violence only results in a slight emotional agitation. unpleasant thoughts, feelings of anger, things of that nature. it only becomes serious upon negation of our primary mechanisms. Food is a prime example. the moment you realize that you don't have to eat anymore…you instantly become acutely aware that your body is not human. This results in a sort of cognitive dissonance. your mental state is negatively impacted. The degree of this impact differs from nikke to nikke. There are some who need to eat three meals a day in order to feel a sense of stability. Then there are others like me, who are able to get by eating once every few days….well i used to be like that.
Varakiel: Too bad, but I am not removing my policy of three meals a day, hehe.
Rapi: anis and neon would kill me if you did that because of me….also the same goes for sleep and hygiene. We don't feel tired if we don't sleep, and we do not smell even if we do not wash. However, if we don't sleep and wash, then we become aware. This extends to more than just daily habits. In the early days, the liquid catalysts in our bodies were green. However, whenever we were injured, the sight of green blood spilling from our wounds would result in cognitive dissonance. In later models, they switched to red. eyeballs with ultra-precise cameras implanted, missiles embedded in the abdomen, and booster-mounted legs. Yes , they were superior in terms of performance, but they were all discarded due to the users being unable to process them mentally. This is the reason why most nikkes use handheld firearms along with other assistive equipment.
Varakiel: what a bunch of clowns, they tried to rush the victory and wasted a ton of materials, they lost earth due to their own stupidity and incompetence and now wanted to go the easy route without thinking of the consequences, now we are more far away to get back the surface that ever, what a joke, i have to ask what happens when the pressure is too great?
Rapi:....A mind switch.
Varakiel: mind switch?
Rapi: yes, simply put, the personality changes. I don't know the details…once the brain determines it can no longer deal with the cognitive dissonances, it undergoes a radical change. On rare occasions, the new personality that emerges is perfectly fine. Most of the time however, they go insane.
Varakiel:....
Rapi: nikkes that experience a mind switch are referred to as irregulars. as most irregulars have destructive tendencies, and are usually terminated.
*rumble rumble rumble*
Rapi: an earthquake? there shouldn't be one this soon
Varakiel: *exhales* just what the hell they think a life is.
then the earthquake stops…
Rapi: Was that your doing, commander?
Varakiel:....yes.
Rapi:.....
rapi was in shock, the length of varakiel power was more greater than she thought
Varakiel: Tell me, at least they tried to fix their stupid mistakes?
Rapi: I don't know if "fix" is the proper term to describe it…but, the process can be reverted through a reboot.
Varakiel: so cleaning the memories completely…..i guess that has is good uses i guess…
Rapi:...however.
Varakiel: (are you fucking….)
Rapi: the success rate is low. when one becomes irregular, their brain is physically broken. I've heard there is a brainwashing technique that makes the brain a total blank slate. but i've never heard of any cases where it was actually used…because of all this…the central government places a high importance on maintaining nikke's mental health. A nikke can become a massive liability if they become irregular.
Varakiel: at least they care about something…as long is a benefit for them and just them, *sigh* Just tell me if I ever do something that hurts any of you.
Rapi: Of course commander, well we can start with you charging directly to raptures.
Varakiel: You know why I do it rapi.
Rapi: yeah i know too…*chuckle*
Varakiel: *chuckle* I didn't knew you liked to make fun of people.
Rapi: I saw the chance and I took it…..still, I'm glad to hear that. we have been here far too long, should we get going?
Varakiel: sure.
Varakiel pays the bill and leaves rapi
...
varakiel and rapi were walking together in the dark street.
Rapi: commander. I think you may have gone overboard with the shopping….
rapi says as she takes a look at all the receipts
Rapi: Next time, I recommend that you only purchase what you need.
Varakiel: trust me, i know we are going to need this,
Rapi:....but a video game console?
Varakiel: that for all of you to play, I am going to refurbish the hall in the dormitory.
Rapi: refurbish?
Varakiel: mhm it will be a meeting point and recreative center for nikkes.
Rapi: I see, in that case it is good then.
Varakiel: mhm then let's pig out, you and me. Let's have a nice food coma together.
Rapi:...okay….i'll help you with the cooking. let's go.
Varakiel: Sounds like a plan~!
Varakiel and rapi then go back to the outpost smiling together.
...
back in the dormitory.
Anis: woah, now that's what i call a meal!
Neon: sooo good.
Anis: yeah, the commander skills are really the best, i do not want to go to any other restaurant anymore!
Neon: preach!
Varakiel: haha, so rapi how was it?
Rapi: I enjoyed it very much. Thank you.
Varakiel: mhm.
Anis:....well, then. so, what do we need to do now?
Varakiel: hm? What do you mean?
Anis: you've treated us so well, there must be something you want. What should we do?
Varakiel: muahahaha you discovered me anis, the two of you are working tonight.
Neon: what are we doing?
Varakiel: you are going to refurbish the hall in the dormitory
Varakiel then takes out everything he bought in the ark.
Varakiel: use all that you want, surprise me.
Anis: hooooo! this is gonna be good! Let's go neon!
Neon: so much stuff to put in there let's go anis!
Like two children getting new toys, the two of them carry all the stuff and go to the hall.
varakiel and rapi are left in the room.
rapi was chatting with someone on her phone.
Varakiel: hmm….i guess i'll go now…
Rapi: commander, wait. Can I speak with you for a moment?
Varakiel: sure.
Varakiel and rapi go to his room.
...
Rapi: What did you think about today?
Varakiel: It was very fun, yeah.
Rapi:...i was talking about "that" conversation i had with you…it was very much intentional on my part. i wanted you to know just how different nikkes are from what they're made out to be.
Varakiel: sneaky, then?
Rapi: I wanted to tell you the truth. all of it.
Varakiel: Why is that so?
Rapi: the mortality rate amongst commanders may be high…but much of that is because they simply throw their lives away. they're blinded by the idea that they're the heroes who will save humanity. The same goes for nikkes. they feel like they're untouchable, an immortal army fighting on behalf of all mankind. none of them consider the inherent danger of it all. so, I merely wanted to remind you of this. I've seen too many commanders allow their vanity and their delusions to lead them to their own death. i…don't want you to go away.
Varakiel: why?
Rapi: you're different. different from any other commander or human being that has touched this world. That's why I hope you will stay alive.
Varakiel: I see, so are you saying that I should resign from being a commander?
Rapi: I don't know. Some part of me does feel that way, but then I also want you to stay here with us. That is why I am telling you the truth.
Varakiel: Then I won't go anywhere without any of you.
Rapi:...really?
Varakiel: Mhm, whenever i go it will be with you, and so i hope you can do the same, when all this war is over, i want you to visit my world, i know you'll love it.
Rapi: That would be….awesome, i don't know why but i believe that you're telling the truth about your world.
Varakiel: Then what do you want me to do, rapi?
Rapi:...i hope you can keep this road that you're building, it is totally different from what i have seen in my life, and i am sure it will work. and we will be able to do what we want. I want to see it commander, where all of this will lead us. what changes you will bring in this world, and amongst all that change, so long as you remain true to yourself…so long as you continue viewing the world and people in it the way you do now…then i, we, will remain together by your side, until the very end.
rapi shows a genuine and shining smile, full of happiness.
Varakiel: Okay, but I can't do this alone, I hope we all can end this road together.
Rapi: yeah, together….let's take care of each other….varakiel.
Varakiel: mhm rapi.
...
after talking for about 30 minutes.
Rapi: then commander i'll see you tomorrow.
Varakiel: Wait, before you go.
Varakiel hands rapi a small gift box.
Rapi:.....
Varakiel: Here, rapi is for you.
Rapi:...didn't you say it was for your girlfriend? isn't that…a-anis?
Varakiel: anis already has a necklace, this one's for you…..i know your feelings for me rapi, and i know you can't admit them right now, not while this war goes on, but don't worry.
Varakiel then puts the box on rapi's hands.
Varakiel: no matter how much it passes, i will be waiting for you to open up, we are in this together, alright?
Rapi: yes….varakiel.
rapi then gives a hug to varakiel.
Varakiel:....hehe.
and varakiel hugs her back.