Helentine: Lacrimosa

Helentine. Helentine Spelmin. You seem smarter than they are. Guess I won't have to think about changing partners. Good.

Margin of error is decreasing.

You also care about these rankings? They serve no purpose.

My vision is clearer now.

Such an unconventional route. Much faster, though.

They said I could use this, so I did.

Margin of error is decreasing.

You also care about these rankings? They serve no purpose.

My vision is clearer now.

Such an unconventional route. Much faster, though.

They said I could use this, so I did.

Teaming up isn't mandatory for the mission, is it?

...Extra load? I'll give it a try.

Finished. That's my cue to leave.

...You're not blind to it. So why exhaust yourself trying to fit in?

My name's on the military roster, but don't expect me to act like I belong. Babylonia and Spelmin... don't exactly mix.

I've given you my name. As for the rest... stay close, and you'll see. I won't hide anything from you. But even if I were to tell you everything about myself, would you believe it? Would it even mean anything?

While you're on missions… why waste your breath explaining to them? They can understand. They just don't want to.

Making a choice isn't hard... until people put too much weight on both sides of the scale. Then it sways back and forth.

I don't judge by personal preferences. Other people aren't my concern. In return, don't judge me by theirs, either.

Fatigue doesn't only come from missions. Even simple conversations with the wrong people can be draining. Feeling tired is normal. Don't overthink it.

You don't always need a meaningful reason to act. Having no choice is only an excuse. With free will, comes freedom of choice. If it makes you happy, then let's just do it.

We're solving a problem, aren't we? And if it creates new ones? Then we'll solve those too.

Everyone has their own idea of the future. They make promises, hoping for that future. Commandant, have you ever thought about... our future? Will you tell me... your answer?

I'm curious. How do you see me? What kind of person am I, in your eyes? Would you... be willing to talk with me about it? About... "me"?

Poems are too complicated. I prefer to speak plainly. Simply stating whether or not a view is lovely, whether I'm happy or sad, or whether I like you or just find you… tolerable.

I used to believe everything—and everyone—was simple. Thoughts, feelings... all could be said in a few short words. But now... I don't really know how to say what's on my mind anymore.

People see you in so many different ways. I've heard plenty of stories, but none of them help me understand who you truly are. Forget the titles, the honors. I just want to know you. The real you.

When I gaze at the stars from Port Podesta, I always imagine... that's what freedom looks like—vast and boundless, stretching forever. However... even Babylonia drifting in space, can't escape gravity's pull. It's a shame... Although... with you here... that alone.. will be enough.

You're quite strange yourself… to not think I'm strange.

Can you make decisions on behalf of Babylonia? Specifically regarding our cooperation.

You're very sensitive. That's not always a good thing. It means you can reach out and touch pain... and catch the scent of despair.

If you need anything, you can always send word to Spelmin. I will come to your assistance.

Would you like to register with the Spelmin family? Same arrangement as mine with Babylonia's military.

Can I transfer to Gray Raven? That way, I could partner with you on every mission, right?

I can't explain it. One day, out of nowhere, you just seemed... fragile. I began to worry. What if you got hurt? What if you died? But you're not some helpless little thing, and you're not made of glass either. I know it's silly.

I've been writing about you in my journal. You're part of Helentine's life now, and that can't be changed.

Appreciated, but unnecessary. I'd rather buy my own things.

Don't bother. I'd just have to think about returning the favor, and that's exhausting.

Oh, thanks. You can leave it there.

What would you like from me?

I like this.

Is there anything that you want?

A gift... It's been a long time. Thank you. Is there something you'd like me to do in return?

You coming to see me is already a gift. The rest is just extra.

I see that it's no different from the military. Am I expected to be a mascot here too?

Fine by me. Less interaction means less need to interpret and respond.

...Disappeared again. Don't tell me you're only a paper member of Gray Raven, like I am for the military.

Hmm... Ugh... Ahem... Um... Mm!

...We need to sort this out later. Next time you vanish, you're not going without me.

Babylonia works you that hard? They don't expect you to do it all, do they?

You need to rest. Otherwise, the mission won't go well.

Mm... ah, you moved. Nothing. Just confirming you're still breathing.

...Huh?! You're here! Is work over? Can we go now?

The hardest person to fool is yourself. So if you're tired, stop pretending. There's just you and me here. We could run away together right now, and no one would even notice.

Oh... Good day.

What's the plan for today?

Oh, you showed up. I thought they'd assigned me a new partner.

Want some? You were hungry last time, so I brought snacks today.

Last night's call... did I keep you long? Sorry... Nights should be... for resting. But don't worry… the time we lost... we can get it back in the daytime.

Does the Spelmin family name mean anything to you? ...Never mind. I was just curious.

Do you have any plans after work today? There's a place I want to go with you.

You make me feel at ease. That's why I'm here early again.

You're back? Hm? Yes I was upset, but it's fine. You left without saying anything, but there was no danger alert. And so... something more important must've come up. I just waited for you. It was a long time, but you're here now.

Strange way to test me.

...!

Mm... mm... hmm...?

Yes?

Just tell me what you want me to do.

What face would she have made… the old Helentine? You say, just being myself is enough... Truly?

Doesn't have much to do with me, but... looks like you're maxed out on something.

All targets to be cleared, right? I'm going in.

There. Now stay down.

This might sting.

Trapped... in gossamer.

No escape... inside my web.

The time for farewells... has come.

A burial just for you!

Life ends... here!

Slicing through death!

Existence... undone!

I offer you... this final silence!

A dirge... for death itself.

Ignorant lives... Your chapter is ending.

Disabling the pain sensors.

Seems I'll have to end this quickly.

I wanted... to stay longer.

Roger. Moving into position.

Backup request acknowledged.

Targets cleared. Anything else?