-2: 75
An hour of walking around the city. Another of checking various facilities, talking with Nikkes, and making subtle inquiries.
After all of that, Dorothy sat at a trendy bar in the Outpost, sipping on a bloody mary.
Apparently, it was Commander Hoopa's favorite drink. And it was made with fresh produce and ingredients as well, grown by genetic engineering.
"...This is ridiculous."
Dorothy couldn't help but admit it.
The Outpost was Eden but better. Not only that, but it had the gall to be so close to the Ark as well. Almost as if it was declaring war against the last bastion of humanity.
"Pft." Dorothy shook her head. "...I guess he really is Commander's son."
Only a young man with her commander's blood could be this audacious.
The Ark was a stone's throw away. There was an elevator leading straight down into it onsite.
If the people there knew the Outpost was like this... if humanity saw a place this safe...
'...Is he planning a war against the Ark?'
Dorothy couldn't help but wonder about that.
Because to her eyes, this was a complete substitution for the Ark. No, an upgrade.
Fresh food, no Raptures within a twenty kilometer radius as far as she could see. Even the Raptures who were nearby kept a wide berth, as if some invisible forcefield was repelling them... which there very well may be.
Clearly, the Ark didn't know about this. If they did, the Central Government would never let him off...
'Unless they have no choice?'
Dorothy sipped on her cocktail, lost in thought.
If her commander was to be trusted, then this 'Commander Hoopa...'
And what a silly name that was. Honestly, Hoopa?
Commander had better hope Lilith never found out what her son was named...
But in any case.
If the commander's son was as capable as he and Lilith both were... and from what Dorothy had heard, it appeared that he WAS.
Then the Central Government would never just leave him be unless they had no way of controlling him.
...And considering that her commander admitted to erasing all but one member of the V.T.C. upper management single-handedly, that was likely.
"How funny." Dorothy let out a soft chuckle. "History has an interesting way of repeating itself."
Lilith was the first human to successfully be turned to a Nikke and paved the way for others to follow, leading to the Goddess Squad.
And here was her son, the first human to fight properly alongside Nikke with power armor, showing that commanders could do more than just sit back and shout orders.
Not that HER commander ever just 'sat back.' No, that reckless guy ran all over the battlefield to the extent that he was attacked by the first prototype heretic and almost killed at Operation Ark Guardian...
Dorothy smiled.
'It must run in the family then.'
From what she'd heard, that Hoopa was just as ridiculous, running all over with a SWORD of all things. Cutting Raptures down with a blade and deliberately NOT using a gun...
'Scarlet would love him. No, the others would as well.'
Dorothy wanted to meet him... but it seemed her timing was off. Commander Hoopa had just returned to the Ark, and it might be a while until he returned.
For now though...
'I suppose a break is nice.'
Dorothy hadn't realized it until now.
But just being here, another person. Someone who didn't garner attention or had expectations...
Just her.
Another face in the crowd...
Being able to be like this was welcome. And something she had desperately needed, even if she didn't want to admit it.
So-
"Wow. It IS you, Snooty. What brings you all the way here?"
A voice that still replayed in her dreams. One that haunted Dorothy the most when thinking about those distant halcyon days.
Dorothy's hands trembled slightly. She quickly set her glass down before she could spill anything and then looked up.
That wild crimson mane. The carefree smile. Those golden eyes that always seemed so disrespectful and up to no good...
"...Red... Hood?"
Red Hood gave a salute, pressing two fingers against her forehead. "Long time no see, Snooty. Still got a stick up your butt?"
"ExCUSE me?!"
Red Hood laughed.
===
The monthly meeting for the Pioneers, or rather, the former members of the Goddess Squad.
At an old run-down building in a city close to the northern research facility, Snow White set out dinner for her companions while she waited.
As she did, two other guests had shown up as well.
Ludmilla, a Nikke with curly platinum blonde hair tucked beneath a white furry cap... Wearing matching white clothes to her hat, she sipped on a cup of tea. "I do thank you for inviting Alice and I to this gathering, Miss Snow."
Alice, a Nikke with a pink latex suit, white twin-tails tinged just the slightest pink, and matching headphones with bunny ears attached to them...
Sitting next to the Nikke with platinum blonde hair, she nodded and said, "Yes! Thank you for inviting us, Miss Snow! It's not often the Queen and I get to leave Wonderland!"
Snow White smiled. "Well. You've worked pretty hard at retrieving our fallen comrades, Ludmilla. It's the least I could do. Besides." She nodded to Alice. "Having her around is like having a personal heater."
Alice giggled. "Yay! I'm happy! My warmth is helping to spread all the joy!"
Ludmilla smiled. "That's right, Alice. You're doing wonderfully." She looked over at Snow White and said, "But I take it this isn't just a casual invite?"
"That's right." Snow White nodded. "There's something I wanted to ask you, but since it's time for our monthly meeting anyway, I just invited you."
Not long after, the door opened and a voice called out. "Tis I. Like the northern winds drifting and ever so fleeting... I, Scarlet, have arrived upon the scene."
Alice looked over and gasped. "Wow! You talk so fancy!"
Scarlet adjusted her hat, shifting it to her back. Then she looked at Alice and smiled. "Ah, new friends, I see? Or guests?" She looked at Snow White.
Snow White nodded and said, "Guests."
Shortly after that, the door opened again and a priestess with golden hair entered. "Sorry for being late! I was saying some last rites for the ones that Ludmilla couldn't save..."
Rapunzel entered and then smiled at Ludmilla. "But I'm glad you two are here! It's always so much livelier with others around."
Ludmilla smiled back. "No. Thank you for sending the sleeping princesses off into Elysium."
Alice looked a bit sad at that. But then she smiled and nodded. "Yes, Miss Priestess! Thank you for letting the sleeping princesses rest forever..."
Rapunzel let out a kind smile. "It's my duty, so there's no need for thanks."
Alice's smile brightened and she said, "You're nice, Miss Priestess!"
Scarlet looked over at Snow White and the rations she prepared... which were an abundance of grilled fish. "My. You seem to be continuously having good luck with food these past few meetings, Snow."
Snow White turned a few fish over, letting them cook on the open flame in a makeshift firepit. Then she said, "Must be since things are going well recently."
Rapunzel sat down and cozied up by the fire and said, "Have they now, Snow?"
"Mmhm. The Raptures aren't attacking as often. I'm not sure why, but it's been useful." Snow White nodded to Ludmilla and Alice, saying, "I've been able to help them retrieve quite a few Nikkes because of that."
Ludmilla smiled. "Yes. Miss Snow here has been a great help for us retrieving more of the Sleeping Beauties. Although." She furrowed her brow. "...Since she HAS been helping, we have noticed something recently."
Alice nodded, looking genuinely upset. "The Raptures have been treating the princesses like Jabberwocky! Everyone we've found has had their head taken!"
Scarlet paused. "...What? Just like-"
"Just like Lilith, yes." Snow White's eyes narrowed. "...I don't know why. But this isn't good."
Rapunzel pursed her lips. "...Should we ask Dorothy? She's in Eden, right? They should know more?"
Scarlet frowned. "Or perhaps we should contact that Commander you met? Our Commander's supposed son?"
"That's part of what I wanted to talk with you all about." Snow White frowned. "If Nikkes are being killed and their brains taken... as well as the fact that Raptures are acting strange recently. Something big is happening. And probably soon."
Ludmilla raised her hand. "I don't mean to interrupt. But if this is true... why not just message them? Those people you're discussing? I cannot, as electronics have a habit of breaking around me, but..."
Snow White paused. Then she said, "...That's true." Snow White looked at the others and said, "...Red Hood is alive. And apparently, Commander is too. Should we... call him?"
Rapunzel's eyes widened. "That's... We CAN, can't we? Do you think his number changed?"
Scarlet shook her head. "Considering that Dorothy was able to be contacted by Red Hood and the Commander..."
Snow White nodded and then pulled out her phone. "Let's test it." She opened her contacts. Then she pressed a number she hadn't called in decades.
Rapunzel and Scarlet waited with bated breaths.
One ring.
Two.
And on the third...
*Well, this certainly saves me time.*
A bright and chipper, albeit aged, male voice. One that made Snow White's breath hitch from nostalgia and unexpected yearning.
*Long time no see... or I guess talk? How've you been, Snow? I got your memo from my kid. Don't worry. I still remember. My Goddesses of Victory... our fight isn't over. And this old man's got some new spunk to him.*
"...Commander." Snow White's voice was quiet.
Just hearing him again... Even if he sounded older. Even though time had changed him a bit...
Snow White brushed her eyes, wiping away unexpected tears. Then she put the phone on speaker.
Andersen's voice echoed over the phone. "Are you crying? Knowing you, I bet you are. Don't worthy, Dorothy cried too. To think, the day would come when I hear a noble lady like that burst into tears... the things you experience when you live long enough."
Rapunzel gasped when she heard his voice. "Commander?! It's really you?" She covered her mouth, tears welling up as well.
Scarlet let out a low chuckle and said, "Forsooth, our fearless commander DOES still live."
"Is that Scarlet? My, time does change people. You sound much calmer than you used to be. But I suppose it would be odd if any of us remained the same since then. The only one still the same from that time would be Red Hood."
Snow White froze. "...Red Hood?"
"Hm? Ah, yes. I'm on my way to meet her right now. My son is apparantly a genius who can perform miracles like they're never running out of style. If you'd like, I could send you all the coordinates to meet up? Just for old time's sake, of course. And then we can talk more about taking another run at that Queen."
Snow White focused after hearing Andersen's last words. "Commander."
"What is it, Snow."
"About that. The Queen... Ah." Snow looked at Ludmilla. "Not you."
Ludmilla nodded. "I'm aware. Please proceed."
Andersen's voice echoed. "Is that Ludmilla? How convenient. Mustang was just talking about how you and Alice are due for some proper maintenance. If you're all together, why not come in one group?"
Alice giggled and said, "Mister Deputy Chief! Hi! But Alice thinks that we can't leave the sleeping princesses alone, can we?"
"Oh, that's true. Hm... then you two stay back for a bit. I'll tell my son about you. It's surprising though. You must have just missed each other last time."
Snow White paused. "...Commander. What son are you talking about?"
"What? Didn't you know? Lilith and I have a son. He's the commander you ran into last time, Snow."
Rapunzel gasped.
Scarlet's eyes widened.
Snow White froze. But then she processed what exactly Andersen said. And after that, she said, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU AND LILITH HAVE A SON?! AND THAT I MET HIM?! AND THAT I DIDN'T KNOW?!"
Andersen chuckled. "Yep. That's the reaction I wanted. Man, if I could only see your faces..."
===
[Goddess Squad Group Chat (New)]
Red Hood: Alright guys~ Made a new chat for us.
Snow White: WHAT IS GOING ON?!
Dorothy: Ugh... don't bring it up.
Red Hood: Snooty's just mad I caught her crying.
Dorothy: I did NOT cry! ...It was the alcohol.
Rapunzel: Praise the lord for this miracle... T_T
Andersen: Come on, girls. No need to cry just because this old man's still kicking.
Scarlet: Commander... you underestimate the impact you have upon our hearts. Forsooth, after we believed you departed from this plane...
Andersen: Wow, that's weird to hear. I haven't been around anyone who talked like that for years now.
Dorothy: Wait. Commander? I thought you were recovering or whatever. Was that a lie?
Andersen: Nope. I'm already up to par. In fact, I could go for an eagle right now.
Rapunzel: XD
Red Hood: Commander, that was terrible!
Snow White: @_@
Red Hood: There's the Snow I remember.
Snow White: I think I understand what you were feeling, Dorothy...
Dorothy: Now you get it, huh? The emotional damage is ridiculous...
Andersen: Speaking of emotional damage... Dorothy. I heard from Red Hood that you're at the Outpost? Get ready.
Dorothy: Get ready for what?
Andersen: For the hug of your life. I'm on my way to your location.
Dorothy: What?! No. Stop! You can't be serious!
Red Hood: Sorry guys! Gotta catch Snooty! She just ran off! XD
Snow White: Commander. Are you seriously okay? No, what do you mean up to par. Aren't you an old man by now...?
Andersen: Ouch. I'll have you know that while I'm a bit wrinkly, I'm still a dashing single man.
Andersen: Technically, single father.
Rapunzel: How did you manage that, Commander? Even with life support systems, shouldn't you be over a hundred by now...?
Andersen: It's the blood, obviously. And I'm sure that V.T.C. pumped me full of all sorts of things to keep me alive. Couldn't have their precious Vapaus provider drop dead on them.
Snow White: So it WAS that after all...
Andersen: Yep. Lots to catch up on. Anyway, sent you girls the location of the Outpost. Let me know when you swing by.
Snow White: Will do, Commander. We're on our way.
Snow White: ...Commander?
Andersen: Sorry. Just stepped out of the elevator and into the Outpost. And this might be a weird question. But Scarlet. Do you have a sister?
Scarlet: ...Once upon a time, this one did have an elder sister, yes.
Andersen: Is this her?
Andersen: [scarlet_sis.png]
Scarlet: !!!
Scarlet: It... cannot be.
Scarlet: No. It is.
Scarlet: ...Rose?
Andersen: Oh, I'll ask.
Snow White: Commander, wait! Let's talk this out.
Snow White: Commander?
Andersen: Well. It seems my son IS a genius miracle worker. Rose says hello, Scarlet. And that even if you won the last fight, she still holds the record of wins.
Scarlet: That insufferable...!
Rapunzel: XD Scarlet's acting tough, but she's sobbing right now.
Scarlet: Silence!
Snow White: ...I forgot how chaotic you were, Commander...
Andersen: Hoo boy. If you think I'm bad, you should see what my son's up to. According to the Nikkes around here, he's got a rotating cast of four Nikke in his bed, can scare Raptures off by just looking at them, and doesn't fear Heretics.
Andersen: The scary thing is, I'm not sure if any of that's an exaggeration or not.
Snow White: ...
Rapunzel: F-Four Nikke... I-Is there room for a fifth?
Andersen: ...Rapunzel?
Scarlet: Hah... That one's personality shifted quite a bit due to Red Hood's parting gift.
Red Hood: Hey! How was I supposed to know that she was a repressed woman of culture?
Rapunzel: Red Hood! We should discuss notes! I found more works of art since we've last talked!
Red Hood: Really? Bet!
Andersen: Oh god. Lilith would kill me for letting Rapunzel get tainted by Red Hood's lewd nature...
Red Hood: You say that, Boss. But your kid's worse, you know? I overheard a lot of what he's done to his gals from a friend of ours here...
Snow White: Can we PLEASE keep this chat family friendly...?
Red Hood: What are you talking about, Snow? You aren't a kid anymore, right?
Snow White: Still!
Andersen: Alright. I think I see Dorothy. We'll talk later. Love you girls. Be good while I'm not with you.
===
Dorothy stared at the man in front of her.
He was the same, but different from the commander in her memories. The lines of time had etched themselves on his face. His hair was thinner and graying. And it seemed that stress had led him to skip shaving, leaving him with a grizzled look.
But...
"...You look like a mess, Commander."
...It was still him.
Andersen laughed and took off his glasses. Staring at Dorothy, he said, "You don't look much better, Dorothy."
A small park in the center of the Outpost with a statue depicting 'the Goddess of Victory.'
As for who that Goddess was... although it was exaggerated, anyone could tell that it was Liliweiss.
Lilith.
Andersen looked up at the statue and chuckled. "It's funny. I'm sure my kid didn't know he was ours when he built this. Or repaired the Outpost. But here it is. Just like us." He looked at Dorothy. Then he looked at Red Hood, leaning against a wall nearby and texting the Goddess Squad group chat.
Dorothy walked up to Andersen and reached her hand up to rub his chin. "...Lilith would hate this." She lowered her hand and said, "She always said you looked better cleanshaven."
Andersen laughed. "I would. But if I did that, I think I'd look too much like my son. It might get confusing. Besides." He smiled and rubbed his chin. "I've gotten attached to this look. I think it suits me, after all I've been through."
Dorothy let out a sad smile. "...I suppose we've all been through a lot, haven't we, Commander?"
Andersen gently placed his hand on Dorothy's head. "Yep. But we're still alive and kicking, aren't we?"
Dorothy scoffed and swatted Andersen's head away. "I'm no child, Commander."
"Well, I've always seen you girls as my daughters. So to me, you are."
Dorothy's breath hitched. Then she looked away, her eyes tearing up. "...That's not fair."
Andersen smiled and said, "Come on. Apparently, my kid's got some fast transportation set up, so the others should be here pretty soon. In the meantime, why don't you catch me up on what you've been up to. I heard you tried making a paradise for Nikke and Humans, right?"
"Well..."