Robella/Profile

Robella

Story

Profile

Quotes

"I can't sleep yet, I still have work to do..."

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Journals

Record 1

Her original name is RO635; the very first third-generation Doll, and a prized creation of Professor Persica.

She once fought side by side with the Commander, having taken part in many of the battles against Paradeus 10 years ago. She set herself apart with her great achievements, and served as one of the witnesses of the final fate of "that woman".

When the Commander left Griffin, the AR Team lost the shining beacon that lit their way forward. With M4A1 and M16A1 once again being missing during this perilous time, they were bereft of anyone whom they could rally behind. The AR Team thus desperately required a leader who could weather them through this storm. Naturally, the first thing Robella did was take leadership of the rest of the AR Team, and with Kalina's help, they left Griffin together, forming an independent PMC of their own.

It was not that they did not wish to pursue the Commander, but the Agreement meant that they were forced to operate independently. Despite this, they never once questioned the Commander's decision; if it had been up to them, they would have made the same choice.

"Someday, our paths shall cross once more. We'll tread upon the road together, and continue fighting for our shared goals once more."

Robella firmly held that belief within her heart.

Record 2

Robella has many reasons why she enjoys tokusatsu works. For instance, she holds great appreciation for the heroic protagonists who star in such works and their staunch devotion to protecting others whilst vanquishing evildoers. The visual presentation of such works and special effects are also an important part of it; the kaiju, fancy transformations, exciting fight scenes and so on impart awe into their beholders. Robella is also drawn to the imaginative scenarios presented in these shows; her heart had been won over by the varied monsters, powers, futuristic gadgets and other setting details of the medium.

But in truth, those concepts are by no means exclusive to tokusatsu movies. Films of other genres are perfectly capable of presenting such elements too. The utmost truth of why Robella is so in love with tokusatsu shows is for one reason and one reason only—because they're cool.

Indeed, unlike the self that she usually presents to others, Robella is madly in love with the unique characterization and showiness in tokusatsu media, be it the transformation sequences which others wave off as "ridiculous", the "unnecessary" pre-battle banter, or even the "seemingly pointless" multi-stage battle forms the characters take...

She hides this passion of hers deep within her heart, and only ever shows it when she has to. These "childish" fantasies are one of the few solaces she can afford for herself, who must be constantly calm and centered.

Record 3

As the leader of the AR Team, Robella must put up with an extraordinary amount of stress. While the only remaining members are Soppo and AR-15, Robella cannot partake in her daily life with them whilst keeping in her role as an impersonal leader.

After leaving Griffin, Soppo and AR-15 kept trying to find the missing M4A1 and M16A1, and while Robella was also worried about their friends who had vanished after their last battle, she also had to take into consideration how they would continue surviving in the chaotic world they found themselves in.

Robella was not only the team's leader, but also the legal representative of their newly founded PMC. Thus, she had to take on many commissions in order to keep it running and to acquire the funds required for their operations. Under normal circumstances, Soppo and AR-15 would help her in completing these commissions, at least until they found new "clues" pertaining to M4A1's whereabouts.

When that would happen, Soppo and AR-15 would drop everything they were doing to follow those leads, leaving Robella to clean up the mess by herself.

However, Robella did not complain about this. After all, she would have gone with them to search for her friends if she could, not because it was an imperative programmed into her base layer, but out of genuine friendship.

That said, there were simply far too many things for her to consider.

Record 4

Robella had been rolled out 10 years ago, when third-generation Dolls only existed on paper. Even after those self-proclaimed "third-generation Dolls" began to take part in various conflicts, Robella still drew much curiosity from her new friends as the very first of her kind.

"Hey Robella, Robella! Can you fly?"

"No..."

"Hey Robella, Robella! Can you shoot laser beams from your eyes?"

"I can't do that either..."

"Hey Robella, Robella! Can you move things with telekinesis? Maybe bend spoons with your mind?"

"I can bend them with my hands..."

Robella found herself rather at a loss for how to deal with all these imaginative questions from curious onlookers.

Logically speaking, even those new friends of hers who never worked at Griffin ought to have seen third-generation Dolls before. Yet, for some reason, such a misunderstanding had come up... Hmm, maybe it's precisely because they've seen other third-generation Dolls?

Still, as the original third-generation Doll, Robella did not possess any special abilities. The only thing that set her apart from other Dolls was her completely blank base layer.

However, that explanation did not seem like it would satisfy all those who sought their curiosity sated.

And so, in order not to disappoint all the hopeful eyes upon her, Robella began training to bend spoons with telekinesis.

Record 5

Robella HATES Dinergates.

That's obviously because once upon a time, she was stuck in a Dinergate body due to injuries. The experience has left a lifelong trauma in her heart, and seeing Dinergates twitching on the ground after being taken out makes her wince in unconscious sympathy.

Every Doll who had once served with Griffin knows this, and after Robella boarded the Elmo, everyone aboard soon learned about it too. Out of kindness, they did not go out of their way to inquire about it but instead took the initiative to get any Dinergates out of Robella's way during missions without bringing up the subject.

Robella can even tell two seemingly identical Dinergates apart in moments, discerning the differences in their appearances and performance specifications down to the most minute parameters. With a single glance, she can tell what mission profiles any given Dinergate is most suitable for and the types of terrain it can traverse.

Eventually, someone asked Robella why she had gained so much insight into Dinergates despite her utter loathing of them. Her embarrassed answer was:

"That's because... I find myself unconsciously wondering what would happen if I were stuck inside a Dinergate again..."

Clearly, the shadow that experience cast upon her heart will follow her for a long time yet.

Record 6

n the past, the person who filled Groza's current position on my staff, that is to say, my adjutant, was Robella.

Now that Robella was back with me, a somewhat awkward set of circumstances had arisen—On the one hand, Robella was an old friend of mine; we'd been through tough times and overcome great difficulties together.

But on the other hand, I'd been working with Groza for ten-odd years. From a certain point of view, that was over five times as long as the time I'd spent with Robella. There was also no question that Groza understood the situation aboard the Elmo better too.

As such, the working relationship between the two of them had turned particularly peculiar.

"Miss Robella," Groza's usual decisiveness was replaced with an uncommon caution. "What do you think about the arrangements for the upcoming mission?"

"Ah... well, I have no problems abiding by them. What do you think, Groza?" Robella seemed to have noticed Groza's wariness and was at a bit of a loss for how to respond.

—Scenes like this had occurred more than once in the ops room.

Perhaps it was to avoid situations like this and also to make her stance clear, but Robella began cutting down heavily on her visits to the ops room and avoided raising her own opinions. She had not come here in order to create division and dissent within the group, and she considered her silence an appropriate price to pay to avoid such an eventuality.

And that was also the reason why I now stood in front of Robella's room.

"RO... uh, I mean, Robella, are you in?" I said as I knocked on her door.

"I'm here. Please come in, Commander." I saw Robella caring for her weapon in her room. Upon seeing me enter, she smiled, something I hadn't seen in a long time. "Still not used to the new name?"

"I've called you RO for so long that it'll take a while to get used to calling you Robella." I smiled sheepishly, then found a chair and sat down. "Not going back to the ops room?"

"...I think I'll pass," Robella said with a shake of her head. For a moment, I glimpsed a hint of forlorn dejection in her eyes. "My position is a little... sensitive, and I'm afraid that it might interfere with the work there."

I fell silent for a while, then sighed. "I'm sorry I couldn't take you with me back then."

"No, you don't have to apologize!" Robella put down her weapon and turned to me. Her gaze was firm and certain. "We all understand what you had to go through... After all, if even we didn't understand you, then who could?"

"Robella..." For a moment, I was at a loss for words.

"I'm very grateful to Miss Groza," Robella smiled with a hint of relief. "She took good care of you when I, Dandelion, Kalina, and Leva weren't around, didn't she?"

"Even if I'm not physically by your side, I'm happy enough just being able to help you out in some way." She blinked, then gave me a smile that was as warm as the rising sun. "Well, I do feel a little lonely, but being able to see you again after so long is enough for me."

"And besides, I can keep myself busy with my own affairs. I'm not trying to brag here, but I'm my own boss now~" She said, with a rare cheekiness in her grin. It was as though she was back to the RO635 from back then, brimming with both life and vigor.

"...Ah, you've done very well, Robella... I'm glad to see you all again too." I nodded as well, and smiled from the bottom of my heart.

While we'd both changed a lot and our circumstances were different now, the one thing that had remained the same was the trust and the bond between us.

Record 7

One night, I was passing through the lounge when I saw Robella lying on a couch, seemingly napping. She was curled up like a tired kitten and it tugged on my heartstrings.

While Dolls don't catch colds (probably), I had the feeling that sleeping exposed on the couch was probably none too comfortable for her and I made to carry her back to her room.

She was sound asleep and didn't react even when I scooped her into my arms. It would seem she had upgraded her frame, because her synthetic skin felt softer to the touch and had a warmth to it that was indistinguishable from a human's.

I soon reached Robella's room and entered. It was clean and relatively unadorned apart from some tokusatsu figures on her desk and bedside table, which was very much in keeping with Robella's personality.

I helped take off Robella's boots and gently laid her on her bed. After pulling the covers over her, I made to leave.

Robella picked this moment to moan in her sleep all of a sudden.

"Urgh... aaah..."

"Robella?" Panic crept into my heart. While there was ample evidence that Dolls could dream, there was still a very real possibility that there might be a problem with her neural cloud. "Robella? Are you alright, Robella?"

"M... M4!"

And then, I heard a familiar name from Robella's lips.

I froze up, and then Robella's eyes snapped open.

"C-Commander...?"

"...You were having a nightmare, Robella." I bent down and took her hand in mine. "Are you okay?"

"I..." Robella's voice trailed off. "I, I dreamt of M4 again, Commander."

"I know." I reached out and gently stroked her hair, hoping to console her a little. "It's not wrong to miss her."

"In my dream... I couldn't catch up with her no matter what I did." Robella's grip on my hand relaxed a little. "I ran with all my might, but she got further and further away, until I lost sight of her..."

I didn't speak, only watched Robella quietly as that gentle yet determined face came to the forefront of my mind as well.

"...Don't let your mind wander. The fact that you're dreaming of her is probably a sign that M4's still watching us from somewhere." I shook my head. It felt like I was saying it for my benefit as much as hers.

"You talk like she went to heaven."

Robella sniggered, and then she closed her eyes.

"Could you stay with me for just a little bit more?"

"Yeah, no problem."

I pulled a chair over and sat by the head of her bed, her hand in mine. As I looked down at her face, peaceful at last, I couldn't help but smile.

I waited until she finally fell asleep before I left.

Record 8

"Commander, want to bake a cake with me?"

"Hm?"

Before I even realized what was going on, Robella had already dragged me to the kitchen.

...In truth, I thought I knew what brought this on. It was probably because a cake ended up being a critical clue in the toku series episode we had just watched, which piqued Robella's interest, but I hadn't expected her to get so carried away.

To be frank, neither Robella nor I was the cooking type, and as I looked at the various ingredients and utensils in front of me, I had my doubts about actually following through on this.

"Relax, Commander," Robella chuckled as she pointed at a recipe book. "All we have to do is stick to the instructions and everything will be fine!"

"Okay then..." I said, and gathered up my resolve. Everything should be okay if we followed the recipe...

...And as it turned out, I had been far too naive. What ensued could be charitably described as a "kitchen nightmare".

I did as Robella said and mixed the flour, sugar, butter, and other ingredients together, then used a mixer to churn them up. However, I'd never used anything like that before and accidentally sprayed the flour everywhere, including onto Robella's face.

"Sorry, sorry..." I frantically tried to clean the flour off but accidentally dabbed her nose with cream instead. Now she looked like a cat.

"Hahaha..." Robella couldn't help but laugh at my messy, flour-coated face.

I couldn't help but join in her merry laughter.

"Commander?" Robella tilted her head in confusion as she watched me space out.

"Ahem... I... er... Well, Robella, you... look kind of cute." I couldn't stop the words from coming out, but there was a hint of good humor in them.

She froze for a moment. Her once-pale face instantly turned bright red as she lowered her head in mild panic and tried to wipe the cream off without meeting my gaze.

After much effort, the cake batter was finally done. Next came the baking, and I carefully poured the batter into the tray before loading it into the oven. Robella set the temperature and time, but we only truly relaxed when we took the cake out of the oven.

"And now... the final step!" Robella picked up a piping bag filled with cream. "Time to decorate the cake!"

"Awesome!" I picked up a piping bag too, eager to put it to use. "So, what are you going to put on it?"

"Hm..." Robella mused. "What do you think, Commander?"

I remember the toku series episode we just watched and laughed. "Let's go with the face of Mysterious Warrior N!"

We finished our artistic culinary endeavor and then sat back to taste this "hard-earned" cake. My somewhat abstract interpretation of the Mysterious Warrior's features meant that the cake wouldn't be winning any awards for looks, but it tasted surprisingly good.

"Robella, you're really good at this," I said, meaning every word.

"It was all thanks to this recipe," Robella smiled humbly." And besides, this cake wouldn't have been anything special without your help, Commander."

"Special? How so?"

"What I wanted to try wasn't baking the cake itself, but the experience of making one with you."

"I hope that we can do this more often in the future, watching tokusatsu shows together, making cakes together, chatting about meaningless things together, that sort of thing."

Robella winked at me.

"What do you think, Commander?"

"...I think I'd like that too."

Our eyes met, and we smiled.

Just like Robella said, this somewhat deformed cake that I made with her would probably become one of my most precious memories.

Memories

Pixelated Feelings 1

(—Beep.)

(For some inexplicable reason, my heart sinks the moment my terminal rings.)

Commander
Don’t tell me...

(I open the terminal, but a text filled with foreboding does not greet my eyes.)

(—Soppo is used to sending voice messages so I typically convert her audio to text without much thought.)

Soppo
Ah—! Commander! My Berserk Unicorn Charger Type III evolved! Help me catch it if you see it!

(...)

(Leaving aside exactly what a Berserk Unicorn is, it doesn’t sound like good news.)

(Today was one of those rare days when I’m not being slammed with work, so I decided to go have a chat with Robella and Soppo. It has been a long time since we last had the opportunity.)

(But now, it seems like I might have to rethink my plans.)

Commander
Should I go help Soppo first?

(As I ponder this question, I hear a series of hurried footsteps approaching rapidly, accompanied by the crisp sound of parts clanking and metal screeching on the metal floorboards. Just then, a familiar voice calls out to me.)

Robella
Commander!! Catch it!!

(I turn to look at the source of the voice. A headless mini-robot is speedily scuttling sideways down the corridor, like a crab.)

(Behind it is Robella, hot on its mechanical heels with her megaphone in hand.)

Robella
Berserk Unicorn Charger Type III!! Hold it right there!!

Commander

...

Isn’t that the thing Soppo was talking about?

(As the mini-robot reaches me, I stick my foot out at the right time to trip it, and then I grab it by the leg.)

Robella
Commander, look out!

(Immediately after that, the mini-robot promptly jettisons its legs and continues rolling forward, slightly slower than before.)

Robella
Looks like I’ll have to—

(Robella crouches down, then springs through the air, leaping in front of the mini-robot and blocking its path.)

(I instantly realize Robella’s plan and get myself into position behind the mini-robot.)

(With nowhere else to run, the mini-robot flees into the room to my left.)

(After steadily corralling it, we manage to jointly subdue the mini-robot.)

(When I look up, I find that the surroundings are very familiar.)

Commander
—So we chased it into your room.

Robella

Well, we couldn’t let it keep running around unchecked, and it would have been bad if it had hurt you by accident.

Therefore, herding it into my room and subduing it there was the best course of action.

Commander
That said, your room’s a mess now.

Robella

No biggie, I don’t mind tidying up my room.

And besides, things like these have happened more than once when going on missions with Soppo.

So this is nothing worth worrying about, Commander.

(Just as she finishes speaking, Robella notices that I’ve started clearing away the junk on the ground.)

Robella
Ah, of course, I’m very happy to have you help me out. Still, are you really not busy right now, Commander?

Commander
It’s fine. I was actually planning to look you up today.

Robella
W-what?

(A look of surprise appears on Robella’s hitherto-calm face.)

Commander
I say, you’re still the same Robella as always.

(I don’t answer Robella’s question, only handing the organized collection of toku series tapes to her.)

Robella
Ah... um, yeah, my preferences definitely haven’t changed, yes.

Commander
I’m glad I can see the Robella I know so well even after we’ve been separated for so long.

Robella
You too, Commander. You haven’t changed much.

Commander
How so, may I ask?

Robella
Like, say, when you helped capture the Berserk Unicorn Charger Type III just now?

(I can’t help but wonder exactly what kind of mental image they have of me.)

Commander
Should I take that as a form of praise?

Robella

Eh? No, I wasn’t making fun of you.

I just wanted to say... I’m very happy to see someone familiar like you again.

That, and the fact that you allowed us to stay here and have our own rooms aboard the Elmo.

Commander
Are things going well at NOMFA?

Robella
Actually, Director Kryuger has quietly allowed us to be stationed on the Elmo due to the current circumstances.

(Robella pauses, then looks at me.)

(I don’t say anything, only smile and encourage her to continue.)

Robella

So you need not worry.

However, we’re still under NOMFA, at least on paper, so we’ll need to head out to complete certain missions from time to time.

(Robella’s voice is as calm as ever, but I can hear undercurrents of uneasiness in it.)

Commander
I understand.

(Robella and I clean up her room as we chat. Before we know it, the junk-strewn room has steadily cleared up.)

Commander
What’s this?

A carefully preserved picture frame suddenly catches my eye.)

(While the room is still a little messy due to the prior chaos, the absolutely spotless frame is a clear sign that Robella deeply cherishes it.)

(I pick up the picture frame, and faces both familiar and foreign come into view—)

Commander
M4...

(This is a group picture I’ve never seen before.)

(Robella, Soppo, ST AR-15, M16A1, and M4A1 are there, all dressed up from their AR Team days, huddled close together, with smiles on their faces that I haven’t seen in a long time.

Commander

This picture...

You took one together?

(I’m quite surprised by this. To my knowledge, they’ve never had a chance to take a photograph together.)

(Robella hesitates for a moment. She seems a little torn over how to answer or explain this spectacle.)

(In the end, she simply shakes her head.)

Robella
No, it’s not... it isn’t a picture we took together. It’s... a gift from M4.

(I study the picture again, not quite sure what to make of it.)

Commander
A gift? So you’ve made contact with one another after the incident?

Robella

...Soppo and I have been searching for M4 all this time.

However, we can’t initiate contact with M4, and we’ve never truly seen her either.

Still, we can’t deny that M4 has always been with us.

This photo is the proof of that. It’s a precious gift from M4.

(The contradiction in her statement only confuses me more.)

(However, the answer feels almost within reach as I look at the picture in my hands.)

Communications Terminal
Beep—

(Just as I’m about to inquire further, an untimely ringtone interrupts my train of thought. After checking my terminal, I find that it’s not coming from mine.)

Robella
Kalina?

(Robella picks up quickly.)

Kalina
Is this a good time?

Robella
Yes, I’m with the Commander.

Kalina
...Alright.

Robella
Want to say something to him?

(Robella looks away from the terminal at me.)

Kalina

...It’s okay, I just wanted to have a quick word with you.

We’ve got an urgent mission here. I need to borrow you and Soppo to help out.

(Robella looks at me again and gives me a questioning look.)

(After seeing me nod, she replies to Kalina on the other side of the line.)

Robella
No problem. Leave it to us.

Kalina
I’ll send you the location and the mission info. Make sure you check it.

(After that, Kalina hangs up.)

Commander
Go on, then. Go prepare for the mission.

Robella
Sorry about that, Commander.

Commander

It’s not like you can quickly explain it anyway, I understand.

But you’ll tell me everything when you get back, right?

(Robella appears to relax a little.)

Robella
Yes. I promise. I’ll tell you everything when I get back.

(I put the picture frame back in its original position and pat Robella on the shoulder, hoping that she can relax a little. After all, going into a mission with something weighing on her mind isn’t a good thing.)

Commander
Sally forth, with the wind in your sails.

Pixelated Feelings 2

(Now that the day’s work is over, I’m about to head over to the lounge for a cuppa. However, right as I exit the ops room, I run into a Doll I haven’t seen in several days.)

Robella
Commander? Are you done with the day’s work?

Commander
Why are you asking that too...

(After all, several workaholic Dolls had just badgered me with that question, so there was no way I could give any kind of positive response to it.)

Robella
Ah, no, it just came to mind because I saw that you were about to leave the ops room...

Commander
Think of this as an intermission of sorts. What about you? Just finished a mission on your end?

Robella
Yes, so I wanted to report to you.

Commander
Where’s Soppo?

Robella

...She’s still in the repair bay, but Mayling said it won’t take much longer.

She said she’d come find you on her own, so she’ll probably track you down afterwards.

(It sounds like just another ordinary mission, but for some reason, Robella seems really tied up in knots about something.)

Commander
Did Soppo cause trouble again?

(I attempt to probe Robella, and sure enough, I see her composure wavering.)

Commander
Look, I’m going to sit down for a drink. Want to join me for a cup of coffee in the lounge?

Robella

No, it’s okay!

Soppo was a good girl this time around... I was the one who endangered her again...

Commander
Wait... “again”?

Robella
Er, no... it’s nothing!

(My instincts tell me that perhaps this is related to that picture from earlier.)

(As the thought crosses my mind, my urge to get a drink fades away.)

Commander
Have a seat, Robella. Let’s talk.

(I sit down on the ops room sofa first, and Robella takes a seat opposite me.)

Robella
Still... don’t you think bringing this up now is a little sudden?

Commander
Does this have anything to do with that picture?

Robella
Um... To some extent, yes.

Commander
Then there’s no problem. After all, we promised to discuss everything after you came back.

(Robella thinks. Then she takes a deep breath and speaks.

Robella

There’s a special region in my neural cloud that probably isn’t a common thing for normal Dolls.

It was originally blank, but now I’ve placed a lot of things in there.

And... I asked Persica to install a projector plugin for it. If you’re interested, I can show it to you next time, Commander.

Commander
I’d like to see it now.

(My interest instantly maxes out.)

Robella
Eh? Now... I... my heart’s not ready for that yet...

Commander
What a shame. So, what did you put in there?

Robella

I have a habit of storing data that moves me there in a concrete form.

Initially, I was hoping to use that to help me get closer to the human mindset.

But as more data accumulated there, it began to severely affect my judgement.

Commander
You might not be used to it, but that’s definitely brought you closer to the human mode of thinking.

Robella
Are humans so easily changed?

(Robella shakes her head. This seems to be bothering her.)

Robella

At first, the things I put in there were all related to the AR Team, but after I encountered more humans, the data in there became more and more complex.

As a result, I—who had always placed my friends and finding M4 as my top priority—made a mistake for the first time.

(She falls silent.)

Robella
I didn’t go with her.

(Lost in her memories, Robella droops her head.)

(After going silent for a while, she seems to have recovered enough to continue speaking.)

Robella

Back then, Soppo and I were obsessed with finding M4.

After going through a lot of hardship, we found our one and only clue—

We picked up M4’s signal, and despite how weak it was, Soppo wanted us to go after it.

But... but because of various reasons... I... I didn’t go with her.

(Robella pauses again. Her brows furrow in agony as she tries to get her emotions under control.)

Robella

Soppo got tired of waiting for me and went after the signal by herself.

As I thought, all we found was a shoulder-mounted signal transmitter. Soppo didn’t want to abandon it since it was related to M4, and so she took the risk of installing it on her frame.

That was when the nightmare started—

And I mean that literally.

Commander
Did it have an effect on Soppo?

(Robella nods.)

Robella

After that, Soppo’s neural cloud began developing abnormalities. She was haunted by strange dreams at all hours of the day and night, and she couldn’t escape them.

Her neural cloud activity was still high even when she was sleeping, and I could hear her talking to the people in her dreams.

Everyone in the AR Team was in those dreams... M4, M16, ST AR-15, and me...

And the dreams didn’t end when she woke up. She lived while seeing all those things we couldn’t.

As for me, despite being outside of those dreams, I could meld into those dreamscapes and even speak normally with her.

Commander
That sounds just like...

Robella

Yes, it’s exactly like what you’re thinking, Commander. During that time, Soppo couldn’t tell her dreams from reality...

And it was all because of me... It was all my fault.

(Robella’s voice trembles, and I can see her hands balling up into fists.)

Commander
Don’t say that.

Robella

If I had gone along with her that day... she wouldn’t have ended up like that.

Why didn’t I go with her that day? I don’t understand, I don’t know what happened to me...

I was still thinking about M4; I never once gave up on looking for M4, and I was still filled with my sense of responsibility as the AR Team’s leader.

I thought that I’d be the same as always, denying the results of a rational calculation to continue the search for my friends.

But now... I can’t stop myself from abiding by rational decisions. It’s like I’ve backslid.

(Robella rises from where she’s sitting and takes a couple of steps back before turning away from me.)

(Perhaps she just doesn’t want me to see the change in her expression, but no matter how hard she tries to control it, the slight shifts in her trembling voice betray her internal guilt and regret.)

Robella

It was my fault.

After that, I wanted to delete that neural space countless times...

(Seeing her back makes my heart ache a little.)

Commander
Robella, you said that region was meant to make you more human.

(I stand up as well and walk over to Robella before lightly patting her head.)

Robella
...

(Her body trembles in response to that action.)

(A warm softness fills my palm. My guess is that thinking about all those things just now has caused her frame temperature to rise.)

Commander
And now, you know that becoming more like a human being means you have more human flaws.

Robella

I—I’m sorry, Commander... I got too worked up and misspoke... Please forget what I said...

This is all in the past for Soppo and me, so you don’t have to... I’ll be fine...

(However, Robella’s tone tells me that she is anything but fine.)

Commander
I understand what you’re trying to say. Not a moment has gone by over the past ten years when I haven’t been worried about all of you.

(I take another step forward, going around and past Robella until I am standing in front of her.)

(She lowers her head. Her bangs obscure her face and her expression.)

Commander

At the very least, you’re not fighting solo anymore. If you need anything, go ahead and ask me.

Also, Robella, I understand how you feel right now. So you can place your complete faith in me. There is no need to hide anything—

Like so.

(I gently brush her bangs aside in the hopes of seeing her face.)

Robella

...

C-Commander! D-don’t look at me like that!

(However, Robella seems even more flustered after raising her head.)

Commander

See, your face says it all.

I know you’ve done a lot for the AR Team, and you’ve even placed yourself in harm’s way to protect your friends. And for that, you’ve earned everyone’s support and understanding.

Still, I’m hoping that from now on, you can be a little more selfish... At least, when you’re in front of me.

I hope that you’ll put your feelings first, and take better care of yourself.

Robella
Commander...

(Robella looks at me, and she doesn’t say anything for several seconds. Finally, she smiles for the first time I’ve seen all day.)

(It’s much more relaxed than before, like a weight’s been lifted off her shoulders.)

(Although I didn’t manage to ask about the picture, I don’t want to drag Robella back into the quagmire of emotions after finally getting her to smile again.)

(Let’s just leave things at this for today.)

Robella

I’m very happy to hear you say that, Commander.

In that case... will you continue to listen to me talk about these things in the future?

Commander

Anytime.

In that case, when can you show me the stuff you’ve stored in that neural space of yours?

Robella

Of course, anytime is—

...

(I don’t know what Robella saw, but she freezes just as she was getting all excited about showing me the contents of that neural space.)

Commander
What’s wrong?

Robella

Ah, um, I think there’s been a malfunction today, and there’s a problem with the projection...

So, uh, next time... We’ll have to leave the projection stuff for next time!

Commander
I’ll be looking forward to it.

Pixelated Feelings 3

(Soppo is gawking all around her at the busy flea market. She seems to be looking for something interesting.)

Soppo
Wow! That looks neat!

(With that, Soppo scampers off into the crowd, leaving Robella and me behind.)

(We came across a flea market in a nearby settlement. Soppo happened to be free, and so she dragged me and Robella along to explore it together.)

(However, Robella doesn’t seem to be enjoying this outing as much as Soppo is.)

(After Soppo runs off, Robella looks even more uneasy than before.)

Commander
What’s wrong? I don’t think you’ve been to many places like this. Want to buy a souvenir?

(I gesture with a flick of my chin to a stall selling movie merchandise. Sure enough, Robella’s attention is drawn to the items on display, which greatly alleviates her awkwardness.)

Underground Broker
Oh wow, you’ve got a good eye! These pendants are very popular!

(As Robella picks up a pair of items from the stall, the underground broker who runs it immediately begins his spiel.)

Underground Broker

This pair of pendants were made as a set, they’re perfect for you and your friend to wear together!

This is our last pair, and not to toot my own horn here, but it’s the only one you’ll find among all the surrounding stalls!

(After noticing me standing beside Robella, the broker turns up the high-pressure sales tactics.)

(Robella hesitates and studies the paired pendants she’s holding—)

(The pendants are shaped like two halves of a broken coin. With the halves fitting neatly together, the assembled coin clearly depicts an eagle.)

Commander
Why not buy it if you like it?

(Robella shakes her head and reluctantly moves to put the pendants back on the stall counter.)

Commander
We’ll take them, thanks.

(I reach out to stop Robella before whipping around to the broker and putting down the money for the pendants.)

Underground Broker
One set of “Shattered Coin-nexion”, sold! Thanks for your business!

Robella
Commander—!

Commander
Just think of it as a gift to celebrate our reunion. I know it’s a little late, but it’s okay as long as you like it.

(I ignore the shocked look on Robella’s face and stuff the pendants into her hands.)

Robella

I... I like them a lot.

But... the pendants actually have a special meaning...

(Her voice trails off to the point where I’m having trouble making out what she’s saying.)

Commander
Oh? What meaning?

Robella

Erm... it’s, er, it’s kind of memorable. Would you like to watch the show with me, Commander?

But... the difference is, I won’t let the not-so-good parts happen between us.

Therefore, I’ll take your hand and never let go again, Commander.

(Her voice is barely audible at the end, but the sincerity in it is beyond question.)

(Under the setting sun, the corners of her mouth curl up into a smile that she can’t hide no matter what she does. The crimson light of sunset shines on her lustrous cheeks, highlighting the joy in her heart.)

(Everything up till now has been worth it for this moment.)

Commander
...Ahem.

Robella

Huh? Ah... a-ahem!

In any case, I’m very grateful, Commander!

(After thanking me again, Robella and I continue exploring the flea market. She’s much less reserved now and seems quite a bit more relaxed.)

Robella
Commander, shall we look at this stall next?

(Robella points to a stall for couple activities.)

Robella
There’s a prize if you win, and it looks pretty good...

Commander
Sure, if you’d like.

(It’s not often that Robella takes the initiative to request something, so I agree without much thought.)

Robella
Yup. So, would you like to...

???
Heeeeeyyyyy—!!

(Suddenly, Robella is interrupted by a lively shout. Soppo emerges from the crowd, clutching a double armload of “trophies” as she runs up to Robella and me.)

Soppo
Whoa! You two are acting really weird!

Robella
W-what do you mean, “acting weird”?! What about you? Where did you go just now?

Soppo

I was exploring the flea market! You guys were waaaay too slow! I already got tons of loot!

If only the rest of the AR Team were here too. Come look, there are five of these adapters here, just enough for all of us!

(A hint of sadness flashes through Robella’s eyes as she hears what Soppo said.)

(However, she covers it up quickly enough and takes Soppo’s spoils from her.)

Soppo
Robella, do you want the prize from this stall?

Robella
Yup.

Soppo

Then let me help you out.

All the games at these stalls are easy-peasy for me!

Robella
Huh? Ah, but, but I wanted to...

(Robella directs a pleading look at me.)

Commander
Go ahead.

(I nod and smile encouragingly at her.)

Soppo

See! Even the Commander agrees! Let’s gogogogo!

Honestly, you’re usually so decisive. Why are you dragging your feet so much today?

(And so, Soppo pulls Robella over to the stall for couple activities, where an “intense” battle takes place. Despite a few thrills and scares along the way, they finally end up with the prize Robella wanted.)

Soppo
Commander, come look! We got a full clear! Today’s haul was a great success!

(After redeeming the prizes she won, Soppo hops and skips over to me. There is a model Dinergate perched on her head, purchased from some unknown stall.)

(Soppo smugly shows off her loot, then runs off again. Then, she looks back and checks to see if Robella and I are following her.)

(Meanwhile, Robella seems visibly more relaxed after Soppo’s ruckus.)

Commander
This is good.

Robella
Hm? Did you say something?

(After recalling the melancholy on Robella’s face, I decide to be a little more indirect about my answer.)

Commander
Soppo doesn’t seem to be affected by that nightmare anymore.

Robella
Yeah... After all, the dreams that were bothering Soppo, as well as M4 and all of us from the dreams all vanished afterwards.

Commander
When did they disappear?

Robella

When Soppo’s condition was getting worse, Persica ran a full diagnostic on her.

But in truth... There’s a limit to what a diagnostic can do, and the signal was still affecting Soppo even through the diagnostic, so Persica couldn’t remove the transmitter either.

In the end, we had to reboot Soppo, and I had to help out in Level 2 as well.

After that, though, Soppo awoke from that dream.

(Robella smiles thinly.)

Robella

I remember the first thing she did after waking up. She grabbed my hand tightly and said—

Let’s keep looking for M4 and M16 and make your dream come true, RO.

Commander

Hm...

Still, from what you said, it seems like you didn’t do anything to her, just rebooted her systems.

Robella

Yes, but that was only on the surface.

When we did a post-startup diagnostic on her, we found that Soppo’s base layer logic had been changed.

Her prime directives to follow and protect M4 were gone.

Commander

Say what?

How could directives like that be erased?

Robella

See, you think it’s weird too, right? But that’s what happened.

That said, if it turns out that signal really was connected to M4, it would all make sense.

Commander
So you’re saying—

(I recall my conversation with Robella from earlier.)

Robella

...Soppo and I have been searching for M4 all this time.

However, we can’t initiate contact with M4, and we’ve never truly seen her either.

Still, we can’t deny that M4 has always been with us.

This photo is the proof of that. It’s a precious gift from M4.

(The contradiction in her statement only confuses me more.)

(However, the answer feels almost within reach as I look at the picture in my hands.)

Commander

...I get it now.

Perhaps it’s like what you heard, and that signal was connected to M4 all along.

And the transmitter that Soppo put in herself was a kind of “medium” that was in contact with M4.

(M4 used this medium to ask Soppo a question without ever revealing herself, and Soppo’s answer was—)

(She chose reality.)

(And so, M4 removed Soppo’s restrictions.)

(In fact, that would also explain the other unexplainable thing—)

(I think back on that picture, and then look straight at Robella.

Commander

M4 saw Soppo’s choice, and freed her.

In that case, what about you?

Robella

I’m no longer influenced by that matter either.

At the very least, it’s not negatively affecting me.

Commander

Did you make contact with that medium when running the diagnostic on Soppo and rebooting her?

Let me be straightforward here—Does that picture have anything to do with this incident?

Robella

...Yes.

The full explanation is a little complex, but it looks like you’ve already guessed it, Commander.

While Soppo was undergoing her diagnostic, I was making plans to delete the things in that special neural space.

Commander
Is it because you thought they would affect your judgement?

Robella

After seeing everything Soppo went through, I couldn’t... I couldn’t allow myself to keep it with a clear conscience.

And so, I decided to make a change and delete everything apart from stuff related to the AR Team.

Commander
Did it work?

(Robella shakes her head.)

Robella

I tried deleting it many times, but none of them succeeded.

At first, I thought it was just a malfunction. After considering that I had made contact with that signal as well, I performed a self-diagnostic.

Then, I discovered that picture in my neural cloud.

(A picture that should not have existed, describing things that never happened.)

(Robella, Soppo, ST AR-15, M16A1, and M4A1 are there, huddled up close together. The smiles on their faces seem a little distant and unfamiliar for them.)

Commander

Perhaps, M4 didn’t just set Soppo free, but she was trying to free you too.

After all, looking back now, only M4 could do something like this.

Robella

The thought did come to mind before, which was why I stayed with Soppo, bid ST AR-15 goodbye, and started helping NOMFA with their work.

But as I did this, I felt myself growing further and further away from M4...

Commander
Don’t think that way, Robella.

(Robella looks so forlorn that I can’t help reaching out to take her hand.)

(However fleeting my reassurance might be, I still want to give her a shoulder to lean on when she’s filled with a depression like what I’m seeing now.)

Commander
You’re still looking for your friends from the AR Team, even without a command binding you, isn’t that right?

Robella
Of course! M4 is still our precious friend, whether or not she lifted the restrictions on us.

Commander

That’s because the feelings between you are nothing like a command. They can only exist between one friend and another.

M4 didn’t leave that picture behind as a specter to haunt you. On the contrary, it symbolizes her hope for the team to reunite.

(Robella squeezes my hand without saying a thing.)

Robella

I understand, Commander.

I guessed as much too. Or rather, I calculated that result.

But perhaps that neural space truly changed me, and my guilt has been keeping me from selfishly forgiving myself all this time.

(She lowers her head, looking down at the memento in her hand. She seems to be thinking about something.)

Robella
In particular... that feeling’s gotten stronger after reuniting with you. Is it really okay to keep going on with you like this, Commander?

Commander
And why not?

(I squeeze Robella’s hand and lead her forward.)

Commander
We’re going to lose Soppo if we don’t hurry up.

(Soppo’s come to a stop a short distance ahead. She looks back and waves at us; apparently, she’s urging us to hurry up.)

(Robella’s steps are still hesitant, but she’s already begun moving forward, and she’s now standing by my side.)

Soppo

I totally agree, Commander!

While finding my favorite friends from the AR Team is important, living like this, Robella’s dream, and my favorite Commander are important too!

(Soppo’s yelling at us from a distance.)

Robella
Don’t you have too many “favorites” there?

(Soppo’s nose twitches and then she grins cheekily.)

Soppo

It can’t be helped! You’re all my favorites, after all!

I heard everything you said, so don’t leave me out.

(Soppo isn’t walking ahead of us anymore. This time, she returns to us.)

(She puts one arm around Robella, one arm around me, and the three of us head back.)

Commander
Can you show me that picture again next time?

Robella
Yup, of course!

Commander
Also, I’d like to see the rest of the stuff in that little space of yours, like you promised.

Robella
Eh? I... Commander, you still remember that... Please forget it!

Pixelated Feelings 4

Commander
Finished at last...

(With the day’s work finally over, I limber up my tired body and prepare to leave the ops room.)

(Just as I’m about to grab a cuppa at the lounge, I am confronted at the door by an unexpected Doll.)

Robella
C-Commander, you’re finished with work.

Commander

Is it me, or does this feel a little familiar?

Were you waiting for me?

(Upon closer inspection, Robella seems to be spooked by something. Try as she might, she can’t hide her panic.)

Robella
Er, I DID have something to tell you... but...

Commander
You must have been waiting for a long time. Want to join me for a drink in the lounge?

Robella
N-no, it’s alright! It’s nothing, really!

(So is there something or nothing?)

(Robella’s disjointed words are starting to confuse me.)

Robella
I didn’t expect you to suddenly pop out! Thanks for your hard work! I’ll be going now!

(As I watch Robella scamper off, I shake my head, then look at the ops room behind me.)

(Did I get in the way of her using the ops room?)

(I head back inside, having thought of other things I have to do. I fill my glass with crushed ice, then open a bottle of mild whiskey.)

Commander
Dandelion, you’re there, right?

Dandelion

Yes? Is it my turn to drink with you now that Robella’s fled?

Even though there’s a long line of Dolls waiting for you to ask them out?

Commander

Quit making fun of me, I just wanted to discuss Robella with you.

You saw her just now, didn’t you? She’s acting weird, and I’m worried.

Dandelion

Stop pretending you don’t know anything. You know it all, don’t you?

Or are you saying you’re scared, Lord Commander? Scared to respond to Robella?

(Sigh) Don’t tell me you’re hoping for me to lend you a hand.

Commander

It’s true that I was hoping for you to help, but if I’m not wrong, there’s someone who knows Robella better than you, wouldn’t you agree?

All I want is for her to know this.

Dandelion

What, I’m a speaking tube now?

Hehe... You’re not the only ones who have a hard time contacting her. She ignores me most of the time, you know.

Therefore, even if she does know about this, she probably won’t help you. It’s hard to tell.

Commander
If she wasn’t willing to help, she wouldn’t have freed Robella and Soppo.

(The whiskey in the glass has been diluted by the melting ice. I sip it and relax against the back of my chair.)

(Then, I open the comm interface, find Robella, and begin drafting up a message to her.)

Commander
Didn’t you say you were going to show me that special neural space? I’m interested in seeing it. When can I see it?

Dandelion

Wow, so you’re really worried about Robella? You do realize that’s only going to make things worse for her, right?

Those words are enough to plague her with doubts for a full year.

Commander
Is it?

(I pay it no heed. After seeing that my message has been read, I move on to the next one.)

Commander
Oh yes, want to look at that picture with me?

Dandelion

Not bad, Commander, you’ve grown. I can’t believe how sadistic you’ve become.

Robella isn’t as cold or emotionless as she looks, you know. That’s only going to throw her neural cloud further into chaos.

Commander

That’s not my intention. I’m simply concerned about her.

However, I’ve already said what I wanted to say. Are you planning to join me for a drink afterwards?

Dandelion
You’re asking even though you already know the answer. Still you’d better drink less. Otherwise Robella will have gotten over her issues only to find nothing waiting for her on the other side.

(Soon, the light from the Dinergate dims, and it feels as though I’m the only one left in the room.)

(I pick up my glass, see that both messages have been read, and then I settle in for a hopefully not too long wait.)

(—Beepbeepbeep.)

It’s 2 a.m. at night, and my communicator’s alert wakes me up right on time.

(I bring up the comm interface and see Robella’s reply.)

(—”Please open the door, Commander.”)

(I open the door to my room and see Robella’s face there, looking somewhat nervous.)

Robella
C-Commander, your shirt—

(I look where she’s looking and realize that I haven’t buttoned up my shirt yet.)

Commander
Sorry about that.

(I quickly tidy myself up.)

Commander
So you just asked me to “open up”—What if I was in the ops room?

Robella
The ops room... I already checked there, that’s why I came to your room.

Commander
...Alright, what’s wrong now?

Robella
It’s my neural cloud, something that shouldn’t be there showed up again.

(This is surprising. The sleepiness from being woken up blows away like mist in the wind.)

Robella

Just now, I fell asleep as I was thinking about your words.

No, you probably can’t call it sleep. I was conscious enough to realize I was in a dream.

In my dream, there was a blurry but warm figure leading me around and looking through all the newly added items. Finally, we stopped in front of something that shouldn’t have existed—

It was a picture of you and me. There was a blossoming white flower beside it, and below the flower was a letter.

Commander
What did it say?

Robella

I picked up the letter, eager to read it, but when I did, I found that it was blank.

However, the warmth of the letter made me think of M4’s warmth...

And a sense of being encouraged by someone.

(I realize that this is M4 helping Robella. After learning everything, she chose to help Robella once again.)

Commander

Well, now you know that it’s not just selfishly forgiving yourself.

Or rather... M4 never blamed you in the first place.

Robella

...I understand.

So... are you willing to view my collection with me?

Commander
I’ve always been willing.

Robella
Alright, I’ll turn on the projector now—

Commander
Hehe, fixed so soon?

(I tease Robella to try and lighten the mood, but instead, she instantly blushes bright red.)

Robella
Actually... no, Commander, p-please take a look yourself.

Commander
What, not going to give me a tour?

(I’m surprised, but I soon realize why she was blushing—)

(After the initial row of items is a collection of the AR Team’s effects.)

(However, everything behind those—from little items I never paid attention to before, to gifts I gave her, even my favorite food and drink—everything there is all related to me.)

(In fact, I see an entire wall of pictures dedicated to me in there.)

Commander
Ohh...

(Given the circumstances, despite my facility with teasing Robella, I can’t bring myself to say anything to lighten the mood.)

(Or no, perhaps the mood doesn’t need any lightening after all.)

Robella

Commander, I’m sorry for filling this place up with so many things about you, but I often unconsciously...

Before I realized it, you began to take up more and more of my neural cloud.

You were kind to me, even though I’m like this, and you even understood all the things I wanted to say but couldn’t.

Although there are so many things I haven’t finished doing or haven’t done well, I can’t stop myself from hoping that I can travel with you again.

And so this little corner of my neural cloud is growing beyond my control, so please... please...

Commander
Let me guess—”Please forget you ever saw this?”

(I can sense that Robella is more nervous than she has ever been in her life. While she’s still standing in front of me, she’s looking away from me with her eyes closed.)

(But that’s the reason why I won’t let her hide her feelings by suppressing them, let alone allow her to run away from them.)

Commander
...This isn’t something as simple as forgetting by deleting data, you know.

(I gently pat her head, then slowly pull her face back so she’s looking at me.)

Commander

I understand everything.

I will continue going forward with you, and I believe that one day, we will all be together again.

(After that, I take Robella’s hand, and we view the last of the pictures. It’s the one that’s the most distinctive in her neural cloud. I’ve seen it before in her room, but seeing it in her neural cloud hits differently.)

(Robella, Soppo, ST AR-15, M16A1, and M4A1 are there, huddled close together, with smiles on their faces that I haven’t seen in a long time.)

(We both believe this is a future that will come to pass soon.)

Robella
Um, Commander, I’ve... I’ve made up my mind.

(Robella relaxes her hands, then thrusts her fingers between mine and squeezes tight, so our hands are meshed tightly.)

Robella
I’ll be in your care for all the days to come, Commander.

Focused On You

(I’ve just finished the latest Dispatch Room assignments, but just as I’m about to reach for the report, Robella enters the ops room.)

Robella
Commander... has Soppo told you anything recently?

(I take the coffee she hands me and begin paging through the documents.)

Commander
Why? Did she see you do something that troubles your conscience?

Robella

O—of course not! Still, it’s good that she wasn’t saying anything inappropriate.

Commander, I’ve organized your documents already. Would you like to get an early rest today?

Naturally, I’ve also cleaned up the lounge area, and if you’d like, I can show you the latest cocktail that I learned to mix.

Do you have any other difficulties I could help with? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure I take care of it for you.

(Upon hearing that my upcoming work has already been dealt with, I raise my head and look at Robella.)

Commander
No, there’s nothing. After all, you’ve helped solve plenty of problems for me.

(As Robella’s time on the Elmo grows, her omnicompetence and problem-solving determination have helped me greatly.)

(But at this moment, Robella seems slightly disappointed to hear me say that.)

Commander
Still, when I think about it, there’s a “small problem” that might need handling.

Robella
Then you can relax and leave it to me.

(I yawn and stretch.)

Commander
I’ve been feeling a little too exhausted lately. Do you have any ideas on how to deal with it?

(Robella cups her chin and looks to be thinking intently. Then, her face goes bright red, and she walks up to me, as though she’s made up her mind to go through with some great effort.)

Robella
Well, this is my first time doing this... so I don’t know if it’ll be effective.

(She reaches out and scoops me into her tender embrace.)

Commander
...

Robella
Does this help?

Commander
You do realize someone is watching, right?

Robella
Eh? W-what?

(Robella forces herself to stay calm and looks around, but she doesn’t let go of me.)

Commander

I was just kidding. Still, I was a little surprised.

Since when were you the kind to do something like this?

Robella

Ah, that’s because you were too tired... so... Didn’t you like stuff like this a lot in the past?

Why aren’t you saying anything? Am I really not suited for this after all?

I—I’m sorry, Commander!

(My silence makes her overthink things. Feeling uneasy, Robella prepares to let go.)

Commander
Well, it’s not that this doesn’t suit you...

(I stand up and hug Robella back. Her tense body slowly relaxes.)

(She tries reaching out to pat my head. With the air so relaxed, I can’t help but think about what happened earlier today—)

Commander
Oh yes, I think Soppo DID mention something about you.

Robella
Uwah!

Commander
She said you were preparing... a surprise or something?

Robella
Ohhhh, that Soppo! She told you everything—!

Private Meeting Logs

Robella

Wake up, Commander! Our world is under invasion!

This isn't the time to be standing around and doing nothing... The streets are on fire and kids are crying.

Well, ready to save the world with me?

I knew you'd believe me. Come on, let's meet the new storm head-on.

A Hero's Tale I

Commander
Robella, you were saying something about the world being under attack? Is it from one of the toku shows you were watching recently?

Robella

Pretty much, it's a line from the opening theme of a toku show I've been really into lately.

The show is great and the song is really catchy, so I ended up making it a catchphrase of mine for reporting sudden emergencies.

Commander
I see. So, did you look me up because there was a sudden emergency?

Robella

Not really... Actually, I just wanted to watch a show with you, Commander.

It's just that there were people around outside and, uh, telling you the actual reason was kind of difficult, so I thought of doing it this way.

(Robella sighs and begins twirling a lock of her hair around her index finger.)

Robella

You've been working really hard recently and I've been heading out for NOMFA missions all the time lately, so there haven't been many opportunities for us to be alone together.

Since we both happen to have today off, I was thinking of spending it with you... That's okay, right?

Commander
Well, if it's what you want, then I'm glad to oblige, Robella.

Robella
That's great. In that case... we'll start with that show I was recommending you.

(Robella and I sit together and watch the show. The story is compelling and the protagonist has a very charming personality.)

(When it ends, I glance to the side and look at Robella. Her eyes have filled up with tears at some point.)

Robella

Mmm... the MC is just so awesome. Even after facing so much despair and setbacks, he kept getting back up again after being knocked down.

He truly deserves to be the King named Rebellion! I want to be a hero like him too!

Commander
Yup, that was a good show. The fight scenes, special effects and story were all top notch.

Robella
Yeah, his super move was really cool too!

(Robella suddenly jumps onto her bed and strikes the protagonist's trademark pose.)

Robella
Super Move! Slicing Flash… Uwaaaaahhhhh!

Commander
Careful!

(I reach out to pull Robella into my arms. Fortunately, I make it before she loses her balance and falls off the bed.)

Robella
Y-you saved me again, Commander... You're just like a hero, always lending me a hand when I'm in danger.

Commander
I'm just glad you're not hurt. Still, calling me a hero is a bit much... I just kept you from falling down.

Robella

No, that's not what I meant… I'm trying to say that you've always reminded me of a hero, Commander.

No matter what anyone might say, in my heart, you'll always be my...

Commander
...Robella?

Robella
Aaaahhhhh, it, it's nothing! C-Commander, let's move on to the next episode!

A Hero's Tale II

Why are you still standing up? What part of this dull and boring world deserves to be saved?

Robella

It's nothing complicated. I'm doing this because I choose to.

After all, a hero can't run away when the going gets tough. Transform!

(Robella strikes a pose and then happily tackle hugs me.)

Robella

I've always wanted to act out that scene and today I finally got the chance to do it!

Thank you so much for indulging me, my dear Commander!

Commander
Oh, it was nothing… However, could you ease up a little? I'm having a hard time breathing...

(It is only then that RO realizes our current state. Embarrassed, she loosens her grip, but she's still draped all over me.)

Robella
I, uh, I'm sorry. Heroes mess up too when they get excited... Oh yeah, that one's from "Passer-By Rider" Episode 53.

Commander
You really do love toku shows, Robella, from as far back as I can remember.

Robella

Yup. Heroes make you feel like you can entrust everything to them. I've admired them for a long time and I've always wanted to be like them.

As a result, I've watched many toku shows and copied their famous catchphrases while working towards meeting the standard of being a hero.

Commander
Famous catchphrases?

Robella

Yup. For example, this line left a deep impression on me...

"What kind of expression is that? Those eyes... What are those tears?! Do you think you can protect the world and your beloved by crying?"

Hearing that feels like it would cut through your confusion like a ray of light. It's a really powerful statement.

Granted, it's perfectly natural to cry when you're in pain or in danger, but tears alone won't save you. Only you can save yourself.

Commander

That's true. I think I'm starting to see why you admire heroes so much now.

Being a hero is the childhood dream of every human, but that wish slowly fades away as we grow older and in the end we become dull adults.

Robella

While that does seem to be the case for many people, I don't think you're like that, Commander.

Whether in Griffin or on the Elmo, you've always walked the path of becoming a hero.

(Robella slowly lifts up my hand. Her eyes are filled with trust, just as they have always been.)

Robella
You're as cool as the heroes in my heart. When I see you, I remember why I set out on that path in the first place.

Commander
Hehe, I hardly ever hear you say things like that, Robella.

Robella
I... uh, I was just influenced by the mood and ended up saying what I was thinking.

Commander
Is that like what you said just now, about how heroes can't run when the going gets tough?

Robella

Yup! I'll face myself... and like a hero, I won't run away when danger strikes.

I've always thought you were a hero, Commander... but ten years ago, after you left me, I made another decision.

Last time, I told you I wanted to back up a hero, right? The truth is, that’s not all I want... In the end, I want to be a hero in my own right.

Not the main character that everyone looks toward, and not the star of a tragedy who bears all the suffering by herself.

I want... I want to become your exclusive hero.

Just like how I always admired you and was proud of following you... I wanted you to be proud of me too.

I want to protect your smile, Commander.

Did you know, Commander? To me, tokusatsu shows aren't just for amusement. They're a form of learning for our shared future.

A Hero's Tale III

Commander
Robella, the two of them look very similar. What's the difference between them?

(In between episodes, I notice a couple of Blu-rays on the table. I pick one up while asking Robella about them.)

Robella

They're both from the same show. However, this one is the 10th year anniversary version, with 20 minutes worth of easter eggs and outtakes, so I ended up buying it for my collection.

The one over here is the one I usually watch, and the one in the cabinet is the collector's edition for display... So in total I have three copies of it to show my dedication.

Commander
That's Robella for you. I'm in awe of how devoted you are to tokusatsu shows.

Robella

Aw, it's just an ordinary passion... I support it because I like it. It's just to make me happy.

Given what you've been doing so far... do you not dream of being a hero, just like me?

Commander

...It's not as exaggerated as you say. However, I do desire a peaceful world.

If possible, I'd like there to be no wars in this world.

Robella

Isn't that what a hero always does?

You might not have realized it, but you just said something really cool.

Commander
Is that so... However, I think being a hero of justice is very difficult.

Robella
...Why do you say that?

(As I look at Robella, who doesn't quite seem to get it, I smile and pat her head.)

Commander

The more you learn of this world, the more you realize how blurry the boundaries of justice are.

Sometimes, people are forced to make cruel choices... That's why I said that it's hard to be a hero who upholds and defends justice.

What I'm doing now is right, but I wonder how far this determination of mine can go...

Or if what I'm doing is just treading water.

(Robella doesn't answer and only leans in closer to me.)

Robella

The hands of the clock only ever advance.

While they might look like they're just turning in place, they're still marching forward, step by step, toward the future.

...Yeah, while I might like toku shows, I know that their message is just a wish.

The real world is filled with greed and it's much more complex than what the shows portray.

Even so, I still choose to believe that justice exists, and that it's worth fighting for.

So if one day you find yourself at a loss for what to do next, I'll wake you up with my fists!

Commander
...I see. Be gentle, okay?

Robella

Heh, you're being funny again. After all... this is you we're talking about, Commander, so I don't need to worry at all, right?

I've been watching you all this time, you know. I remember every movement, every expression, every little reaction you made.

That's why I know, better than anyone else... While someone like that... I mean, while someone like you can be as confused or worried as anyone else, you'll manage to pull yourself together and overcome your difficulties in the end.

As for me... I'll be the one waiting there for you.

Commander
Hehehe, I get what you mean now. Alright, if it really does come to that, I hope you'll break me out of my confusion.

Robella
Yup. Just leave it to me.

A Hero's Tale IV

Robella
That's terrible... Why does the hero have to fight alone...

(Robella watches the protagonist whose body is covered in wounds, and she unconsciously tightens her grip on my sleeve.)

Commander

He struggles up because behind him are all the people he's fighting for.

But facing the enemy alone was a decision he reached after thinking long and hard.

The hero can't protect everyone, but he doesn't want to see the people behind him get hurt or die. That's why he's fighting alone.

Robella

...Do you think what he's doing is right, Commander? Do you think heroes should be alone?

They say the path of a hero is a lonely one, but this... this is just too much...

Commander
I don't know how to answer this question. But for the hero, this is probably the best choice he can make.

Robella
When you made that decision back then... were you in a similar state of mind?

(She knows I can't answer that question, so she simply snuggles closer to me.)

Robella
I don't think heroes should be alone, and I don't want them to be. People like them, who fight for the happiness of others, should be able to receive happiness in turn.

Commander

But this world isn't fair. Not everyone can be a hero, and not all heroes get happy endings.

Very often, people don't fight for any lofty cause or ideal, but they take on the world just to protect the ones who are important to them.

Robella

...Yeah, I get that. In the past, I was always the one that you protected and rescued.

You and the others in the AR Team would always lend me a helping hand when I was in danger.

...But I don't always want to be the one who gets rescued. Commander, I want to be a hero's companion.

When the hero's in trouble, I want to fight by his side. When he fails, I want to suffer with him.

I want us to cry together, laugh together, lean against each other, and watch my favorite toku shows together.

Commander, that's the dream I want to protect.

(Robella leans her head on my shoulder and grabs my hand.)

Robella
After all, you've got a whole world to take on. What would you do without a partner like me?

Commander
You're right. Thank you, Robella.

Robella
...You don't have to be so formal about it. I might sound all righteous and stuff, but there's actually an element of selfishness in there.

Commander
Selfishness...?

Robella

Yes... I can proudly stay with you forever, because I'm someone who backs heroes up.

Don't let my appearance fool you, I'm actually a very gentle girl. I'm sure I'd be the best match for you.

Commander
Haha, gentle doesn't sound like a good description for a hero's partner. You sound more like the female lead.

Robella
In, in any case, you get what I mean! Quit it! Quit sniggering! I swear I'll do my Ultra Robella Kick on you!

Tea Time

Robella
Commander, even a hero who saves the world needs to rest too~

About Evil

Commander
You've worked hard recently, Robella.

Robella

It's a necessary sacrifice to protect this world.

As long as evil exists, I will fight it with all my might.

Commander
You sure are full of motivation.

About the Future

Commander
Robella, do you have any plans for the future?

Robella

The future, hm... Well, after meeting you again, all my past plans will have to be changed.

Now that I'm by your side, I don't need to fear what the future holds.

Let us go forward together, Commander. I will take hold of the future that belongs to us.

About Scary Things

Commander
Is it true that you're not a fan of Dinergates?

Robella

Aiiieeeee?! How did you learn that?

Well, it's true, I guess. I don't like Dinergates. But I'm not scared of them in battle!

If I can wipe them out fast enough, I won't have to look at them!

About Collecting Cards

Commander
If I'm not wrong, you used to collect cards from this series, right?

Robella

Wow—Commander, where did you get this one from?!

It's out of print now, you can't find it anywhere outside, and the few copies on sale are really expensive...

Did you go out of your way to get this for me? Thank you so much, I love it!

About Movies

Commander
The brokers sent a shipment over. It contains some stuff for you.

Robella
Hmm... I wonder if it has what I'm looking for.

Commander
There are several old videotapes on the list. I'm guessing those are for you?

Robella
That's right. Want to watch a movie with me?