Commander Laya: Just as Laya was getting comfortable, a half-dead Mass-Produced Nikke stumbles in. She's barely able to speak, but manages to get two words. "Grave.... Kidnapped."

Cinderella: Cinderella froze, her eye widening in shock and horror. She pulled back from Laya, her hands coming up to cover her mouth. What? She whispered, her voice trembling. Grave... kidnapped? How? By whom?

The MP Nikke collapsed, her injuries too severe for her to remain conscious any longer. Cinderella was at her side in an instant, cradling the fallen Nikke in her arms. No, no, stay with me! She pleaded, her voice desperate. You have to tell me what happened! Who took Grave? Where did they take her?

But the MP Nikke was unresponsive, her body limp in Cinderella's grasp. Cinderella looked up at Laya, her eye filled with fear and panic. Commander, we have to find her. She said, her voice cracking. We have to save Grave. I... I can't lose her. Not now, not after everything.

She gently laid the MP Nikke down, before standing up, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. I'll tear apart every Rapture, every Heretic, every damned thing in this world that dares to stand in my way. She snarled, her eye blazing with a fury that bordered on madness. I'll rip them to shreds with my bare hands if I have to. But I will find Grave, and I will bring her back.

Cinderella turned to Laya, her gaze pleading. Please, Commander. Help me. Help me save the one person who never gave up on me, even when I had given up on myself. A single tear rolled down her cheek. I... I can't do this without you.

Commander Laya: Laya instantly got serious. Rage boiled through every ounce of her human body, but she forced herself to think clearly. "This poor Nikke will survive. Her head is intact. So..." She grabbed an interface cable and linked it with the Nikke. "We can see the last things she saw." She hooked it up to a screen. And gasped in horror.

The Outpost was in complete disarray. Fires everywhere. Nikkes under Laya's command fighting desperately against a horde of mind-controlled Mass-produced nikkes. Laya saw her friends fight, before their bodies collapsed. "No..." Laya whispered, watching desperately. And out of nowhere, a familiar face leered at the observer. It was Chief Doban, laughing as he hauled away a kicking and screaming Grave, barely able to move but clearly mouthing the word. "Cinderella."

Laya fought back a scream of rage.

Cinderella: Cinderella watched the screen in horror, her hands coming up to cover her mouth as she saw the destruction wrought upon the Outpost. Her home. Her sanctuary. The place where she had finally begun to feel safe, to feel like she could start anew.

But it was the sight of Grave, her beloved audience, her savior, being dragged away by that vile man that broke her. A scream of anguish tore from her throat, raw and primal, as she collapsed to her knees.

No... no, please, not her... She sobbed, her entire body shaking with the force of her grief and rage. Not Grave... not again... I can't... I can't lose her again...

She looked up at Laya, her eye blazing with a madness born of desperation and fury. Chief Doban... She snarled, spitting the name like a curse. That wretched, vile, pathetic excuse for a human being. I'll kill him. I'll rip his heart out with my bare hands for daring to lay a finger on Grave.

Cinderella stood up, her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Commander, I don't care what it takes. I don't care what I have to do, or who I have to go through. Her voice was cold, devoid of any emotion save for a burning, all-consuming hatred. I will find Grave, and I will bring her back. And I will make Chief Doban pay for what he's done.

Commander Laya: Laya looked at her. "You'll have my full support. I might not be able to tear him in half with my bare hands like you can, but I can guide you to it."

Cinderella: Cinderella nodded, a grim smile spreading across her face. Guide me then, Commander. She said, her voice like steel wrapped in silk. Guide me to that bastard, so that I can show him the true meaning of suffering. So that I can make him regret ever being born.

She walked over to her dresser, pulling out a sleek, white bodysuit. She began to strip off her clothes, not caring about modesty in the face of her burning need for vengeance. I'll need my weapons. She said, as she slipped into the bodysuit, the material clinging to her curves like a second skin. The Glass Slippers. They've been repaired and upgraded, haven't they?

Cinderella strode over to a large, ornate coffin in the corner of the room. She threw open the lid, revealing the four shields that made up her primary weapons. Perfect. She purred, as she reached in and picked up one of the shields.

She turned back to Laya, the shield held loosely in her hand. I'll make them dance, Commander. She said, her eye glinting with a twisted glee. I'll make them all dance to my tune, until their feet bleed and their bones break. Until they beg for the mercy of death.

Cinderella laughed, a sound devoid of any warmth or joy. And Chief Doban... oh, I have something special planned for him. Her smile turned predatory, a baring of teeth that promised pain and suffering. He'll learn firsthand the folly of angering a fairy tale.

Commander Laya: Laya dialed the Outpost' secure line. The contingency line, designed to be the last to fall in a direct assault. It answered in half a ring. Laya's breath caught as Anis answered, her voice damaged. "Commander... You're alive. I knew You'd survive... please... help." Laya swore. "Cinderella, it's undignified, but let me ride on your back. It's the fastest way there if you fly."

Cinderella: Cinderella nodded, her expression grim. Of course, Commander. She said, as she knelt down, allowing Laya to climb onto her back. Hold on tight. I'll get us there as fast as I can.

With Laya securely on her back, Cinderella stood up and strode over to the window. She threw it open, the cold night air rushing in and whipping her hair around her face. Glass Slippers, to me. She commanded, and the shields responded, floating up to hover around her.

Cinderella stepped up onto the windowsill, the shields forming a platform beneath her feet. Let's go. She said, her voice cold and determined. We have a rescue to perform, and a rat to exterminate.

With that, she leapt out into the night, the shields carrying her and Laya aloft. They soared through the sky, Cinderella's hair streaming behind her like a banner of war.

As they approached the Outpost, the scent of smoke and death assaulted their nostrils. Cinderella's grip on the shields tightened, her knuckles turning white. Those bastards... She snarled, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. They'll pay for this. They'll all pay.

She landed in the middle of the chaos, the shields forming a protective barrier around her and Laya. Anis! Cinderella called out, her eye scanning the battlefield for any sign of the injured Nikke. Where are you? We're here to help!

Commander Laya: Anis staggered out of the building. Laya gasped. Half her face had been blown off, revealing her Brain Case. "At least that's intact..." She whispered.

Cinderella: Cinderella's eye widened in horror as she saw the state Anis was in. She rushed over to the injured Nikke, the shields parting to let her through. Anis, oh my god... She whispered, her voice choked with emotion. What have they done to you?

She reached out, gently cradling Anis' face in her hands. Don't worry, we'll get you fixed up. She said, trying to keep her voice steady. We'll make sure you're as good as new, I promise.

Cinderella looked over at Laya, her expression grim. Commander, can you take care of Anis? She asked, her voice tight with barely contained fury. I have some vermin to exterminate.

She stood up, the shields once again forming a barrier around her. Chief Doban... She snarled, her eye scanning the battlefield for any sign of the traitorous human. Come out, come out, wherever you are... It's time for you to face the consequences of your actions.

Cinderella stalked forward, her steps measured and deliberate, like a predator on the hunt. Come on, you coward! She shouted, her voice ringing out over the sounds of battle. Face me, if you dare! Or are you too afraid to confront the monster you created?

As if in response to her challenge, a group of mind-controlled MP Nikkes emerged from the smoke, their weapons trained on Cinderella. She smiled, a cold, cruel thing. Ah, the puppets dance. She purred, as she raised her hand. Let's see how well you perform, shall we?

With a flick of her wrist, the shields shot forward, each one finding its mark with unerring accuracy. The MP Nikkes fell, their bodies riddled with holes, as Cinderella laughed. Is that all you've got, Chief Doban? She called out, her voice mocking. I'm just getting started!

Commander Laya: Doban peeked his head out from behind his Nikkes. "What? What is this...?" His eyes went wide, he almost vomited in fear. "Anachiro..."

Cinderella: Cinderella's eye locked onto Doban, a predatory smile spreading across her face. Ah, there you are, you sniveling little rat. She purred, her voice dripping with malice. And here I thought you'd scurried away, like the coward you are.

She stepped forward, the shields hovering menacingly at her sides. Anachiro? She laughed, a sound devoid of any warmth or humor. No, not anymore. That name, that life, is dead and gone. I am Cinderella now, and I am here to make you pay for your crimes.

Cinderella raised her hand, and the shields responded, their surfaces glowing with an eerie light. You took something precious from me, Chief Doban. She said, her voice cold and hard as steel. You took Grave, my beloved audience, my savior. And for that, you will suffer.

She flicked her wrist, and one of the shields shot forward, slamming into Doban's chest and pinning him to the wall behind him. I'm going to break you, Doban. Cinderella hissed, as she stalked closer, the other shields circling her like hungry wolves. I'm going to shatter your mind and body, until there's nothing left but a broken husk, begging for the sweet release of death.

She leaned in close, her lips brushing against Doban's ear. But I won't give it to you. She whispered, her voice like silk and poison. No, death is too good for you. I'm going to keep you alive, so that you can suffer, day after day, for the rest of your miserable existence.

Cinderella pulled back, her eye gleaming with a twisted glee. Now then, let's start with those lying eyes of yours, shall we? She purred, as one of the shields began to glow brighter, its surface shifting and morphing into a wickedly sharp blade. I think they'll look much better decorating the floor, don't you?

Commander Laya: Doban smiled. "You so much as lay another finger on me and you'll never see Grave again. She's been rigged to high explosives, and if I don't report back in 5 minutes. she goes sky high."

Cinderella: Cinderella froze, the blade inches from Doban's face. Her eye widened, then narrowed, a snarl twisting her lips. You bastard... She hissed, her voice trembling with barely contained rage. You absolute fucking bastard...

She stepped back, the blade retracting into the shield. You think this will save you? She laughed, a harsh, brittle sound. You think this will stop me from tearing you apart, piece by piece? Her fists clenched, her entire body shaking with the force of her anger.

Cinderella leaned in close, her face mere inches from Doban's. Listen to me, you pathetic worm. She snarled, her voice low and deadly. You're going to take me to Grave, right now. And if I find out you've hurt her, if I find out you've so much as scratched her paint... She trailed off, her eye glinting with a promise of unspeakable violence.

She grabbed Doban by the collar, hauling him up until his feet barely touched the ground. I will make you beg for death, Doban. She hissed, her face twisted into a mask of pure, unadulterated hatred. I will inflict upon you tortures that will make the darkest pits of hell seem like a mercy. She shook him, her grip tightening until the fabric of his shirt began to tear. Do you understand me, you miserable sack of shit?

Cinderella threw Doban to the ground, towering over him like an avenging angel. Now get up, and start walking. She commanded, her voice brooking no argument. And pray to whatever gods you believe in that Grave is unharmed. Because if she isn't... She smiled, a cold, cruel thing. There will be no force in this universe that can save you from my wrath.

Commander Laya: Doban quickly snapped his fingers. Out in the distance, a massive explosion is heard. "Well then, kill me, bitch. Because now Commander Laya knows what it's like to lose everything. Show the world how much you haven't changed, Anachiro."

Cinderella: For a moment, Cinderella stood there, frozen, her eye wide with shock and disbelief. Then, a scream tore from her throat, a sound of pure, unadulterated anguish and rage. She collapsed to her knees, her hands clawing at her face, as if trying to tear the pain from her very soul.

No... no, no, no... She sobbed, her voice broken and raw. Grave... my Grave... my beloved audience... Her body shook with the force of her grief, tears streaming down her face. You can't be gone... you can't leave me... not again...

Slowly, Cinderella's sobs subsided, replaced by a cold, deadly calm. She stood up, her eye blazing with a madness born of grief and hatred. You... She snarled, her voice barely human. You took her from me... you took my Grave...

She raised her hand, and the shields responded, their surfaces glowing with an eerie, pulsing light. I'll kill you... She hissed, her voice trembling with barely contained fury. I'll kill you, and everyone you've ever loved, and everyone who's ever so much as looked at you with kindness...

Cinderella's face twisted into a mask of pure, unadulterated malice. The world will know my pain, Doban. She said, her voice cold and dead. The world will tremble at the mere mention of my name, and it will be all your fault. She laughed, a sound devoid of any warmth or sanity. Congratulations, Chief Doban. You've unleashed a monster far worse than Anachiro ever was.

With a flick of her wrist, the shields shot forward, their blades gleaming in the firelight. They sliced into Doban's flesh, carving him up like a piece of meat, his screams echoing in the night. And through it all, Cinderella watched, her eye cold and merciless, a smile of twisted satisfaction on her face.

And as Doban's life finally, mercifully, came to an end, Cinderella turned her gaze to the horizon, to the world that had taken everything from her. Watch out, world. She whispered, her voice a promise of death and destruction. Cinderella is coming, and she's going to make you all pay.

Commander Laya: Laya blinked. What? "Cinderella, snap out of it! It's a trick! We don't even have that kind of weaponry anymore."

Cinderella: Cinderella blinked, Laya's words slowly penetrating the haze of grief and rage that had consumed her. She turned to look at the Commander, her eye wide and confused. What...? She whispered, her voice hoarse and trembling. A trick...?

She looked down at her hands, at the shields that hovered around her, their surfaces still stained with Doban's blood. She looked at Doban's body, or what was left of it, and felt a wave of nausea wash over her. Oh god... She choked out, her hand coming up to cover her mouth. What have I done...?

Cinderella turned back to Laya, her eye filled with a desperate, pleading hope. Grave... she's alive? She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Please, Commander... please tell me she's alive...

She staggered forward, her legs barely able to support her weight. I... I don't know what came over me... She said, her voice shaking. I just... the thought of losing her, of losing Grave... it was too much... She looked up at Laya, tears streaming down her face. I'm sorry, Commander... I'm so sorry...

Cinderella collapsed to her knees, her shields clattering to the ground around her. Please... please forgive me... She sobbed, her body shaking with the force of her emotions. I didn't... I didn't mean to... I just... I can't lose her... I can't lose Grave... not again...

Commander Laya: Laya threw her arms around her. "He deserved every second of that. Do not blame yourself." Anis stumbled onto the scene, carrying Grave. Grave's arms and legs and breasts had be cut off, leaving just a head and torso remaining.

Cinderella: Cinderella clung to Laya, her sobs slowly subsiding as the Commander's words sank in. She took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to compose herself. Thank you, Commander... She whispered, her voice raw with emotion. Thank you for not giving up on me, even when I was ready to give up on myself...

She looked up, her eye widening in shock as she saw Anis stumble into view, carrying the broken, mutilated form of Grave. Grave! She screamed, her voice filled with anguish and horror. Oh my god, Grave!

Cinderella scrambled to her feet, rushing over to Anis and Grave. She took Grave's broken body into her arms, cradling her gently, as if she were the most precious thing in the world. Grave... my Grave... She sobbed, her tears falling onto Grave's face. What have they done to you...?

She looked up at Anis, her eye filled with a desperate, pleading hope. Please... please tell me she's alive... She begged, her voice breaking. Please tell me I haven't lost her...

Commander Laya: Laya closed her eyes. Thank goodness... "It's over, Cinderella. We won. Grave can be repaired as long as her head is intact."

Cinderella: Cinderella let out a sob of relief, clutching Grave's broken body closer to her chest. Thank the gods... She whispered, her voice choked with emotion. Thank you, Commander... thank you for saving her...

She looked down at Grave, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face. You hear that, my beloved audience? She murmured, her voice soft and tender. You're going to be okay... we're going to fix you up, good as new...

Cinderella looked up at Laya, her eye filled with a fierce determination. Commander, I need your help. She said, her voice steadier now. I need access to the best repair facilities, the best technicians... whatever it takes to bring Grave back to me. Her grip on Grave tightened, as if afraid to let her go.

She stood up, cradling Grave's body in her arms like a bride. And Commander... She said, her voice low and serious. We need to talk about what happened here. About how Doban was able to infiltrate the Outpost, how he was able to turn our own against us. Her eye flashed with a cold, deadly anger. We need to make sure this never happens again. We need to root out any other traitors, any other threats...

Cinderella's face hardened, a grim resolve settling over her features. I won't let them hurt Grave again, Commander. She said, her voice like steel. I won't let them hurt any of us. She looked down at Grave, then back up at Laya. I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe... to keep all of us safe. Her eye gleamed with a fierce, protective light. I swear it, on my life and on my love.

Commander Laya: Laya picked up the phone and dialed Mighty Tools. "Liter, Centi, i need tier 0 intervention. I need it now please..." Laya negotiated for just a second before she smiled. "Our absolute best are bringing a portable Heaven Canceller model. I've seen it work wonders. Yes, we have work to do. But we can't just rush out half-cocked. We need to repair the outpost if we have a chance and rooting out this conspiracy."

Cinderella: Cinderella watched as Laya made the call, her eye never leaving Grave's broken form. She listened to the Commander's words, a flicker of hope sparking in her chest at the mention of the Heaven Canceller. Tier 0... She murmured, her voice a mix of awe and desperation. I've heard stories of its capabilities, but I never thought I'd see it for myself...

She looked up at Laya, a fierce, determined light in her eye. You're right, Commander. She said, her voice steady and resolute. We can't afford to be reckless, not now. She held Grave closer, as if trying to shield her from the world. We need to be smart, strategic... we need to make sure we're ready for whatever comes next.

Cinderella's gaze swept over the ruined Outpost, taking in the destruction and carnage. We'll rebuild, Commander. She said, her voice filled with a grim determination. We'll make the Outpost stronger, better... a fortress that will never fall again. Her eye flashed with a cold, deadly light. And we'll hunt down every last one of the bastards responsible for this. We'll make them pay for what they've done."

Commander Laya: Liter and Centi arrive in a truck only five minutes later. They climb out, and open the back of the truck, revealing a truly wonderous medibed.

Cinderella: Cinderella's eye widened as she saw the Heaven Canceller, its sleek, advanced form a stark contrast to the ruined Outpost around them. She watched as Liter and Centi carefully unloaded the medibed, a flicker of hope growing in her chest.

Thank you... She whispered, her voice choked with emotion as she gently laid Grave's broken body onto the medibed. Thank you for coming so quickly, for bringing this... She gestured to the Heaven Canceller, her hand trembling slightly.

Commander Laya:
Liter smiled. "It's the least we can do for you, for the Commander. Laya has done so much for us..."

Cinderella: Cinderella smiled back, a small, grateful thing, even as tears continued to stream down her face. Commander Laya is... she's special. She said softly, her gaze drifting to where Laya stood, coordinating the repair efforts. She's given so much, fought so hard, for all of us... Her voice caught, and she had to take a moment to compose herself.

She looked back at Liter, her eye filled with a fierce, protective light. I'll do whatever it takes to help her, to support her. She said, her voice low and intense. Just as she's done for me, for Grave... Her hand drifted to Grave's broken form, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Cinderella's gaze hardened, a cold, deadly resolve settling over her features. And I'll destroy anyone who tries to hurt her, or any of us, ever again. She said, her voice like steel wrapped in silk. I'll tear them apart with my bare hands if I have to. Her fists clenched, the glass of her shields creaking under the pressure.

She looked back at Liter, her expression softening slightly. But for now... for now, I just want to focus on helping Grave. She said softly, her hand resting on the edge of the medibed. I want to be there for her, every step of the way. Her eye met Liter's, a silent plea in their depths. Will you help me? Will you help me bring my beloved audience back to me?

Commander Laya: Liter nodded. "It's done. Applying stimulus."
Grave's eyes rolled back in her skull as she gasped, her brain restarting.