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Helen/Profile
| Helen | Story | Profile | Quotes |
"I can't sleep yet, I still have work to do..."
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Record 1
A high-end elite Doll formerly from Griffin that used the codename DP-12. Due to Helen's extensive experience in a variety of companies prior to joining Griffin, she possessed interpersonal insight and social acumen far exceeding that of an average Doll. Thus, she would often serve as a mediator and a listening ear back in Griffin, providing guidance to Dolls who had lost their way both on and off the battlefield.
Yet beneath her composed and reliable exterior lies an unexpectedly mischievous and headstrong nature. She delights in playing harmless pranks on her companions—a ghost story told vividly deep into the night, or a surprise for the Commander waiting just around the corner... Her companions aboard the Elmo were always caught off guard by Helen's sudden tricks due to how trusted she was in daily life.
During the turbulent days surrounding Griffin's disbandment, Helen, driven by a yearning for stability, chose to comply with the arrangements of management alongside her bosom friend Dushevnaya, and they were ultimately reassigned to Mangi Security.
She displayed exceptional capability amidst the chaos, consistently bringing order to messy situations. Helen did not resent combat, nor did she relish it. To her, combat was simply a means to an end, a necessary action taken to protect normalcy. The everyday moments were what she cherished—casual chats with companions at the dinner table, or a folk tale shared on a quiet afternoon.
Although Helen appeared capable of everything and always able to offer reliable counsel, she rarely revealed her innermost thoughts. She is like a thick, warm book—only those closest and most trusted may turn its pages, and discover, beneath her calm exterior, a deep yearning for "home" and "belonging".
Now, having returned to the Commander's side, Helen has vowed to safeguard their new home together.
"Helen shall provide you total protection—from body to soul, Commander."
Record 2
Helen could often be spotted in the Elmo's lounge, sometimes with a thick paperback book in her hands, or sometimes reading through swathes of paranormal material on a terminal. To Helen, the stories passed down by humanity through generations of oral history made for the most interesting way to understand the human "heart".
"...Within certain ancient, abandoned theatres or bell towers... there lurked mutant ELIDs named 'Phantom Echoes'. They had no physical form, and their only goal in existence was to collect human... and Doll voices—joyful laughter, sorrowful sobs, and furious roars... perhaps even sweet whispers between lovers."
On an afternoon drizzled with the pitter-patter of rain, Helen was sharing a recently discovered ghost story with the Dolls. Her voice was steady and gentle, yet it possessed a sort of unique magnetism that imbued the eerie, quiet ambience of the story with unsettling vividness.
"Did they... only collect voices?" Suomi subconsciously started hugging the cushion in her arms even more tightly.
"At first, yes." Helen nodded, as if recounting a part of a true story. "But when they finished collecting every kind of sound that humans and Dolls could make, they began to desire sounds that did not exist. They would lure in lost travelers with imitated music that sounded like a broken, distorted music box piece. If you hear them... do NOT respond."
"Hmph! I'm not going to be spooked by some scaremongering story!" Papasha puffed out her chest in confidence, putting up a brave front, yet her body betrayed her words as she quietly shifted closer to Suomi.
Just then, shortly after Papasha finished her sentence, an ethereal, slightly off-key music box tune began to drift softly into their ears from some corner of the lounge. The two little Dolls instantly froze in place, their faces pale with horror. Helen watched their reactions, a nearly imperceptible smile starting to appear on her face. She silently crept behind the two Dolls, then whispered softly into their ears.
"Shhhh... They're here to collect your voices..." as Helen softly traced an ice-cold fingertip across the back of their necks.
"Kyaaaaaaaa—!" The two Dolls screamed as loudly as a blaring alarm and blasted out of the lounge like launched torpedoes.
"Eh? Why did Papasha and Suomi run away?" Vepley walked up to Helen with Mr. Pizza in her arms. Mr. Pizza was emitting the eerie piece of music that everyone heard.
"I wanted to show them the new accompaniment I installed in Mr. Pizza! What do you think? Doesn't it feel retro?"
Helen smiled as she closed her book. She turned to Dushevnaya, who was still gazing at her with a tinge of curiosity in her eyes, and added an alternative ending in a soft voice.
"Yet the legend does mention something else—if you can tell them an unforgettable story, then in return, they will serve as your most loyal guardians forevermore."
Record 3
Helen's cooking skills were renowned even back during her time at Griffin, and she excelled at creating heartwarming homecooked food from a limited variety of ingredients. Although the dishes may seem mundane and lack showy flair, their rustic, authentic taste was enough to soothe the weariness of the heart.
"Dushevnaya, be gentler with the stirring, or the meringue will collapse." In the kitchen, Helen was patiently guiding the flustered and confused Dushevnaya through cake-making steps.
Unlike the inexperienced Dushevnaya, Helen moved with seasoned grace. From ingredient mixing to heat control, she completed every procedure with perfect timing and measurement.
"Uwah! Smells like chiffon cake!" No sweet scent like this was capable of escaping Sabrina's nose. She followed the aroma to the source, put on an apron with practiced efficiency, and casually "secured" her "helper's reward" in advance.
Helen enjoyed preparing food for her companions. Food was the most straightforward way to bridge connections between different people, which is why she carefully remembered everyone's preferences: some had a sweet tooth, while others were spotted enjoying a cup of slightly bitter black tea... Helen felt genuine happiness when she saw everyone savor her dishes with satisfied smiles on their faces.
"Alright, time for an afternoon tea." Helen smiled warmly at her contented audience before turning to prepare the next meal.
"Next up is... preparing the Commander's dinner." As for the Commander's preferences... she knew them inside out, of course.
"...Helen, let me help too. Centaureissi never lets me enter the kitchen... I... It's not like I'm trying to prepare dinner for that moron or whatever, okay?" Makiatto put on an apron with flushed cheeks, then stood obediently beside Helen like a primary school student waiting for a teacher's instructions.
"...Of course you can~"
"Looks like we'll have to trouble the Commander to wait for dinner a bit longer tonight," Helen silently thought to herself.
Record 4
To Helen, combing her companions' hair was an important ritual distinct from other pastimes. Dushevnaya's frame underwent multiple changes during her time in Griffin. Yet, Helen styled Dushevnaya's hair nearly every day whenever they were together.
She brought this habit aboard the Elmo. Surprisingly, the number of "clients" seeking her services seemed to grow steadily.
"Wow! Helen, you're so good at this!" Lenna exclaimed, sitting before the mirror as her lively twintails were re-combed into a cute, intricate style.
"It's mostly because Lenna has such lovely hair—it's perfect for this style." Helen replied with a gentle smile, securing the final hair tie on one of the braids.
"Hehe, and it feels so soft and comfy to lean against Helen... It's the complete opposite with Leva... all stiff and hard..."
"Hm? What did you say?" Leva, who had been quietly reading nearby, lifted her head with a smile and allowed her "kind" gaze to lock onto Lenna.
"N-nothing at all!" Lenna waved her hands frantically, then quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, Leva! You should try a new hairstyle too! It'll look great on you!"
"I won't... it's unnecessary." Leva was somewhat hesitant to the idea.
"Aw, come on, just try it for a while!" Lenna pressed on and shoved Leva into the chair without waiting for her response. Leva tensed her body on instinct, but when Helen's warm, steady hands gently stroked her long hair, she couldn't help but relax her furrowed brow a little.
Helen relished moments like this. By braiding the hair of numerous companions with distinct personalities, she could take a glimpse into their hidden sides through such intimate interactions. A faint smile appeared on Helen's lips at the thought—she then recalled the time she taught the Commander how to braid his hair, and how clumsy yet earnest he looked in his attempts to learn.
"Huh? Helen, why did you suddenly start smiling?" Lenna asked curiously.
"It's nothing, I was just reminiscing about teaching people how to braid hair. Hey Lenna, would you like to learn? You could braid Leva's hair whenever you want if you do!"
"Eh? I want to learn! I do!" Lenna bounced her way to Leva.
"Helen, don't..." Leva wanted to protest, but Lenna's passion and enthusiasm completely overwhelmed her.
Helen gave a demonstration while patiently explaining how to make nicer braids. After much hard work on Lenna's end, Leva's new hairstyle was finally complete.
"Ta-dah! What do you think, Leva?" Lenna beamed, eager for praise at Leva's side.
"...Why did you give me two hair buns?"
Helen watched the pair of boisterously bickering yet completely in-sync sisters in the mirror, her smile growing ever more tender.
"I wonder if the Commander's skills have improved?" Helen silently scheduled a surprise visit to check on that in the next few days.
Female Commander version:
To Helen, combing her companions' hair was an important ritual distinct from other pastimes. Dushevnaya's frame underwent multiple changes during her time in Griffin. Yet, Helen styled Dushevnaya's hair nearly every day whenever they were together.
She brought this habit aboard the Elmo. Surprisingly, the number of "clients" seeking her services seemed to grow steadily.
"Wow! Helen, you're so good at this!" Lenna exclaimed, sitting before the mirror as her lively twintails were re-combed into a cute, intricate style.
"It's mostly because Lenna has such lovely hair—it's perfect for this style." Helen replied with a gentle smile, securing the final hair tie on one of the braids.
"Hehe, and it feels so soft and comfy to lean against Helen... It's the complete opposite with Leva... all stiff and hard..."
"Hm? What did you say?" Leva, who had been quietly reading nearby, lifted her head with a smile and allowed her "kind" gaze to lock onto Lenna.
"N-nothing at all!" Lenna waved her hands frantically, then quickly changed the subject.
"By the way, Leva! You should try a new hairstyle too! It'll look great on you!"
"I won't... it's unnecessary." Leva was somewhat hesitant to the idea.
"Aw, come on, just try it for a while!" Lenna pressed on and shoved Leva into the chair without waiting for her response. Leva tensed her body on instinct, but when Helen's warm, steady hands gently stroked her long hair, she couldn't help but relax her furrowed brow a little.
Helen relished moments like this. By braiding the hair of numerous companions with distinct personalities, she could take a glimpse into their hidden sides through such intimate interactions. A faint smile appeared on Helen's lips at the thought—she then recalled the time she taught the Commander how to braid her hair, and how clumsy yet earnest she looked in her attempts to learn.
"Huh? Helen, why did you suddenly start smiling?" Lenna asked curiously.
"It's nothing, I was just reminiscing about teaching people how to braid hair. Hey Lenna, would you like to learn? You could braid Leva's hair whenever you want if you do!"
"Eh? I want to learn! I do!" Lenna bounced her way to Leva.
"Helen, don't..." Leva wanted to protest, but Lenna's passion and enthusiasm completely overwhelmed her.
Helen gave a demonstration while patiently explaining how to make nicer braids. After much hard work on Lenna's end, Leva's new hairstyle was finally complete.
"Ta-dah! What do you think, Leva?" Lenna beamed, eager for praise at Leva's side.
"...Why did you give me two hair buns?"
Helen watched the pair of boisterously bickering yet completely in-sync sisters in the mirror, her smile growing ever more tender.
"I wonder if the Commander's skills have improved?" Helen silently scheduled a surprise visit to check on that in the next few days.
Record 5
Helen had a niche hobby that was an open secret: photography with an old film camera.
Rather than capturing intense combat, she preferred to focus her lens on ordinary, warm moments that occurred on the Elmo every day. Her shots captured mostly candid scenes: a cat-type Doll napping in the afternoon sun, boisterous roughhousing in the lounge, a side profile of Shen "I love work" Mayling, hard at work in the maintenance room...
"Why not take pictures of cooler stuff?" asked Dushevnaya.
"Like explosions! The triumphant return of heroes! A baddie-busting flying kick!" Dushevnaya's arms crisscrossed, forming a cool-looking transformation pose. Robella must have filled her brain with tokusatsu...
"Because these moments are more easily forgotten than all those grand spectacles. That's why... I cherish them more."
Helen answered in a soft tone as she carefully wiped her camera lens, "Combat is written into reports, merit is carved into medals, but if we don't record our times spent in laughter and peace, they might disappear quickly from the collective memory as the days go by." To Helen, every photo served as continued proof that daily life goes on.
A "CLANG" interrupted their conversation. Mayling had collapsed face-first onto a table in the lounge, unconscious, with half a cookie still clutched in her hand.
"Miss Mayling!?" cried Suomi, who had just accompanied Mayling out of the maintenance room.
"Hmm... Is it overwork, or intentional poisoning...?" quipped Nikketa, nodding thoughtfully as she began her investigation.
"Hold on! The Master Healer is probably still breathing! Is there a Priest around—?" Dushevnaya rushed over in a panic.
Centaureissi heard the commotion and hurried over, scanned the scene, then locked on to the only possible suspect at once. "Did you enter the kitchen again, Makiatto?"
"W-Wha— I, I did enter the kitchen." said Makiatto, her face flushed with embarrassment. She then explained herself as if she was admitting a sin: "I just wanted to make some snacks for that stupid idiot... and it looked so good! There shouldn't be any issues!"
"Wait a minute! Why is the Commander lying down under the sofa here while holding the same cookie?! He... he's foaming at the mouth! Colphne! Come quick!"
Helen observed the chaotic scene as it unfolded, her eyes smiling tenderly.
She raised her camera, then captured this precious moment with a crisp click of the shutter button.
"Heheh." She laughed to herself in a hushed tone. "Yet another ordinary day worth remembering for eternity."
Record 6
I was having a meal in the lounge together with Helen and Dushevnaya after a joint mission. Dushevnaya gestured wildly, recounting how she heroically "punished evil" during the mission, completely oblivious to the specks of ketchup at the corners of her mouth.
"...And then I sensed guidance from destiny! Robella's ultimate skill came to mind—The Hero's Flying Kick!"
"Yes, yes, be sure to eat your food before it gets cold, alright?" Helen smiled in resignation, her voice full of doting affection. She took out a piece of tissue, leaned forward, then gently wiped the ketchup from Dushevnaya's face. "You still eat like a child despite your 'age'."
"Heroes aren't children at all!" Dushevnaya protested with her cheeks somewhat reddened, but she sat tight and allowed Helen to wipe her clean like an obedient child.
Suomi passed by with her food tray, and she couldn't help but smile and say, "You two are so close."
Dushevnaya nodded proudly. "Yeah! Helen and I have a great relationship, just like Suomi and our Supreme Leader!"
Suomi tilted her head. "Hmm... My sister and I? I think there's a bit of a difference though. Dushevnaya, you don't feel like Miss Helen's little sister. You're more like.... uh.... her daughter, I guess?"
Dushevnaya's face was instantly turned scarlet by the comment. "D-daughter?! We're companions on a journey together! Comrades in arms fighting alongside each other!"
"Ah, I'm so sorry, Dushevnaya!" Suomi apologized with haste, then frantically scrambled away with her tray.
"Not the first occurrence of this misunderstanding, I presume." I teased as I sat beside the pouting Dushevnaya.
"Uuuu... Helen keeps taking care of me as if I was a child!" grumbled Dushevnaya. Yet, there was no hint of reproach in her eyes.
"Haha, is it really that much of a big deal, Dushevnaya? We've always relied on each other, isn't that so?" Helen smiled as she gently ruffled Dushevnaya's hair.
"By the way, Commander." Helen suddenly turned her gaze to me, a flash of cunning mischief lighting up those familiar eyes.
"I remember that you promised to take a picture with us."
Dushevnaya's attention was successfully diverted thanks to Helen's help. She stared at me wide-eyed, waiting for my response.
"Alright, sure. But when?" I swallowed the last bite of food from my plate.
"In a few days or so. When that happens, we'd love it if you wore the outfit that we prepared for the photo."
"Sure." I wiped my mouth with a napkin.
"Hold still, Commander."
My hands paused as Helen's face drew near. She leaned in close, then gently wiped away the crumbs lingering at the corner of my mouth with a piece of tissue.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed, I looked up to find Dushevnaya propping up her chin with her hand, with a "so that's how it is" expression written on her face.
"...So that's what my expression looked like earlier."
"Going back to the topic..." Helen tilted her head slightly, while the corners of her mouth curled up cryptically. "...People always seem to misunderstand my relationship with Dushevnaya. Yet..." She paused deliberately, then leaned in closer and lowered her voice, her warm breath caressing my ears.
"If you feel jealous, I wouldn't mind... taking care of you in the same way."
Record 7
A rare field operation managed to wreak havoc on my uniform.
"Wait, Commander... your clothes."
"Ah, there's a tear." I looked at the obvious rip on my cuff and sighed. "No way out of it... I'll ask Mayling to order a new one later."
Helen walked up to me, carefully examined the tear, then reached for my body with her fingertips, as if she was taking my measurements.
"Hey, that tickles, Helen..."
"Please leave the mending of this uniform to me, Commander."
"Hmm? You can sew?"
Helen nodded with confidence, then told me to pick up my clothes from her room in three days.
Three days later, I arrived at Helen's room as planned.
"I'm coming in, Helen." I pushed open the door to Helen's room at the appointed time.
"Welcome, Commander. You're as punctual as ever."
I scanned the room for the familiar piece of clothing.
"Sorry for the trouble, Helen. Have you mended my uniform?"
"Yes, of course."
Helen pulled out the neatly folded uniform from the wardrobe, then grabbed the uniform's shoulders before spreading it out. A pleasant, clean scent washed over us. The tear was gone without a trace, as if it never existed, but even the rest of the uniform looked newer than before I passed it to Helen.
"You probably don't think much about protecting your clothing from the passage of time, so I gave the fabric a bit of treatment as an extra."
"Thanks. You're a big help." I expressed my sincere gratitude. "Alright then, I'll just..."
"Could you take off your jacket?"
"...Huh?"
I doubted my own ears for a moment.
"Sorry for the bad phrasing." Helen lowered her head slightly, apologizing for what she just said. "What I really meant was, I'm hoping that you could change to your uniform here, so that I can check if there's anything I still need to fix."
"Oh..." I nodded, took my uniform from her hands, then slipped it on without much struggle.
Although I managed it due to my undershirt being relatively thin, the uniform did fit me much better. In fact, it felt more comfortable than it did before the mend.
"Mmm-hmm. Absolutely perfect as expected, Helen! And now, I shall..."
"Could you take it off again?"
"No, no, no, I've put it on already, why am I taking it off aga—"
Helen had placed another set of clothing before me at some point.
"To be honest, not only did I fix your uniform, I took the chance to design and make several other outfits for you..."
The clothing placed before me was a form-fitting jacket, its material type and fashion style worlds apart from the uniform I was wearing.
"This is a new kind of 'surprise' to me..." I complied, taking off my uniform to try on the new one. It wasn't long before I had tried on several different outfits, each with a distinct style.
"How are you feeling?" Helen walked up next to me and began to carefully adjust my collar and cuffs.
"Pretty good. Thank you, Helen."
"Heheh... I'm glad you like them." Helen gave me a smile before turning to fetch yet another outfit. "Dushevnaya really wanted you to wear this. We made it a long time ago... I'm hoping that you could try it out, if that's possible at all."
"Dushevnaya? Is it some kind of hero's cape?" I joked as I received the outfit.
"Nope. The girl got hooked on watching tokusatsu shows with Robella lately."
I looked down at my hands. They were covered in something furry. I fell into silence.
"What... is this?"
"An outfit resembling a tokusatsu monster, perhaps? I don't really understand it either, but Dushevnaya kept telling me about how cute this monster was... heheh."
"I won't be able to wear this outside... I should probably take it off now."
"Commander—!!"
I was about to take it off when the door got flung open. Dushevnaya flew into my embrace with the movement and energy of a pouncing cat.
"Oh! Oh! Oh! Helen didn't lie to me! It's really H*nejiro!! You look just like it, Commander...!" Dushevnaya excitedly stroked my furry outfit all over. I looked to Helen for help, only to see her smiling as she fetched a maid outfit right out of nowhere yet again... Judging by the size, it would probably fit me perfectly.
"Th... there's no need to continue for today, right, Helen?"
"Don't be a stranger, Commander." Her smile deepened. "I think you won't be leaving this room so quickly today."
Record 8
After wrapping up work on my final document late at night, I passed by the lounge and saw Helen sitting by herself. She was quietly adding new photos to her album. I walked in, hoping to just say goodnight to her, when a photo slipped out from the album as she flipped through it. It was a photo of me, Helen, and Dushevnaya together.
I helped Helen pick it up and gave it back to her.
"Thanks, Commander," she said with a gentle smile.
"Sorting photos?" I asked, pointing at the album in her hands.
Helen nodded, allowing me to look through it with her. The album contained tons of old photos from our time in Griffin, each familiar face evoking countless old memories. As the pages turned, more and more photos of our companions aboard the Elmo appeared, and with it, the resulting hilarious scenes of them chasing and roughhousing each other accompanied by numerous heartwarming moments.
There were two empty slots on the last page. Helen smiled as she retrieved a photo from her breast pocket—clearly a cherished photo as she always kept it on her body.
The photo depicted Dushevnaya, looking unusually shy and awkward. Helen stood next to me, with her usual stance and demeanor. As for what I was doing... I was wearing that cartoon monster costume. I couldn't help but give a wry smile as I thought back to that day.
"Who even came up with the idea for me to wear such a costume?"
"Hmm? But you chose to wear it yourself."
"...You guys limited my options to two outfits... It was either that costume or the cat-eared maid outfit."
I shook my head in resignation, then pointed to the other slot.
"Why is there a missing photo here?"
A rare silence took over Helen. She lowered her head slightly, seemingly embarrassed.
"Photo... together..." Helen said something at a nearly imperceptibly low volume.
"What? I didn't manage to catch that." I leaned in closer on instinct.
"I... I don't have a photo of... just the two of us yet..." Helen lifted her head, her eyes mere inches away.
Helen, usually so composed and in control over the flow of conversation, now had a rare mix of shyness and candor that managed to make my cheeks heat up.
"Oh... Oh. That's true."
"..." Helen gazed at me in silence.
The air in the room simmered, yet I still didn't understand... Why would something as trivial as a photo together make Helen so shy and embarrassed?
"Wh... why don't we take one together right now?" I decided to break the silence first, seizing this rare chance to take control of the conversation.
"Really, Commander?" Helen lifted her head, her glistening eyes instantly brimmed with excitement.
"Yeah, of course! Let's do it! A picture together!" I closed my eyes and nodded. It was a rare chance to play the role of a dependable Commander towards Helen, so I was feeling a surge of satisfaction.
"That's great... please wait a moment!"
Helen sifted through her front pockets, and then we stood, shoulder-to-shoulder, in front of that old film camera of hers.
"Helen..."
"What's wrong, Commander?"
"I did agree to take a picture with you."
"Yes, thank you so much~"
"But why... did you put that cat-ear headband on my head?"
I pointed at the cat ears that Helen placed on my head without asking. My energy seemed to drain a little at that moment.
"Hmm? Didn't you imply earlier that you regretted only having a photo in the monster costume? Which is why you wanted a picture together while wearing the cat-ear headband as well?"
Helen clapped her hands, as if something just clicked into place.
"Could it be... that you wanted the full maid outfit? I'm so sorry, Centaureissi said..."
"Not at all! I don't want to wear this either!"
I tried to take it off, but Helen caught my wrist mid-motion. The distance between us was closed instantly. She was absurdly strong—I couldn't break free for a moment.
"It's no good to break a promise, you know?" Helen whispered softly into my ears, with a smile that could be felt just from her voice alone.
"I, I..."
"Shh, time to take a picture, Commander."
Helen pinned my hands together with one arm while wrapping around my waist with another, pulling me into her embrace.
Click. The shutter sound marked Helen outmaneuvering me yet again.
"Haha, how cute, Commander."
"...Come on, please delete it."
"No way~ I'll treasure it for eternity."
Helen gently placed the new photo into its permanent residence.
The photo depicted me, wearing cat ears and an utterly defeated expression. Next to me was Helen, winking mischievously at the camera.
I sighed softly, hoping that this photo would never be seen by anyone else.
Memories
Momentary Rest 1
(I move the final document out of my sight, then slump into the backrest of my chair, fatigued.)
"I... can't seem to finish them at all..."
(The long work hours leave my brain numb and drained, yet several red dots still flash on my screen, indicating unfinished tasks.)
(If only someone dependable could come over to help me right now...)
(I hear a few light knocks on the door just as the thought flashed across my mind.)
(Knock-knock-knock...)
"Please come in."
(The door slides open in response. I lift my weary eyelids and look towards the door. A familiar blue silhouette steps in quietly, accompanied by a faint fragrance.)
(It's Helen.)
(Like a ray of moonlight, her quiet presence brightens the hollow ops room. That familiar gentle smile crosses her face as she offers a cup of warm milk.)
"Good evening, Commander. I've brought you a cup of warm milk."
(I give Helen a knowing nod as a greeting, then find my gaze involuntarily drifting back to the documents displayed on my terminal.)
"Are you not going to rest yet?"
"I helped you finish some of your documents in the past few days, so if there is more to do, feel free to hand them over to me..."
"Thanks for the hard work, Helen."
"Still, I'll go to bed in just a little bit, so feel free to sign off fir..."
(Thunk!)
(A light thunk interrupts me mid-sentence.)
(Helen places the milk-filled cup on the table with a small amount of force, as a display of her clear objection.)
(I gaze up at Helen again in surprise. Her smile remains gentle as it always is, but I feel just that slight tinge of concealed displeasure on her brow.)
"...Helen?"
(At a loss for how to respond, I could only mutter her name hesitantly.)
"Commander..."
(Her voice is as gentle as her smile, yet it carries an unmistakable firmness.)
"I remember... you promised to go to sleep 9, 19, and 32 hours ago... isn't that right?"
"Uh... but I'm not done with all the... okay, just let me finish reading this..."
"No—way!"
(Helen's refusal is adamant. Her tone is not castigatory, yet it still carries a sense of nonnegotiable insistence.)
"Wait... don't take away the terminal! I'm not done with reading that—"
"Be a good boy, okay?"
(Helen strides up to my side and lifts me from the chair. Then, she pushes my back to a corner of the ops room before pressing on my shoulders, making me sit down on the sofa.)
(The soft cushioning of the sofa catches all of my theft. It feels as if it took all the weight of my shoulders too.)
"Helen, I know that rest is important, but an underground broker gave me a quote and..."
"Shh..."
(A cool finger presses upon my lips, carrying with it Helen's unique scent. Every unuttered excuse in my brain is instantly smothered.)
"The only thing that you have to do right now, is rest."
"Leave everything else to me, okay?"
(Helen retrieves the warm milk from the table, then gently brings it to my lips.)
"Please have a sip, Commander."
"I... I'll hold the cup myself..."
"No way~"
(My attempt to reach for the cup is gently pushed away by Helen's other hand.)
(Facing her gaze that allows no argument, I gulp down what I was about to say. I lean toward the cup obediently and start sipping slowly.)
"Warm milk slides down my throat. The perfect temperature warms and comforts my gullet all the way to my stomach.)
"What a good boy. Would you like another reward?"
"Thanks, Helen. I'm feeling much better... so..."
(Before I can even finish my sentence, a pair of cool hands encircle my neck and apply slight pressure, shutting down my attempt to stand.)
"If I let you go now... You'd definitely slip away like a little kitten and go back to work.
(A sliver of a smile can be heard from her voice.)
(She saw through my plans. As usual.)
"Nah... I'm going to bed. I swear."
"Heheh... Commander... Your tricks might work on the other Dolls, but they'll never work on me, you know?"
"Come on, let me go just this once... Urk..."
(Helen's fingertips gently trace my collarbones before climbing up my neck, pressing on my stiffened pressure points just right.)
(She uses just the right amount of pressure to precisely relieve all my stress from my tensed muscles.)
"How does this feel? Is the pressure okay?"
"Feels great. But... I'm afraid I'm imposing on you too much..."
"Commander... you're being too polite with me again."
(She shifts her hands up to my temples slowly as if to interrupt my pleasantries, then starts to massage my aching temples with the flats of her fingertips.)
(The repetitive motions somehow manage to refresh my groggy mind.)
"...Don't say such things anymore, okay?"
"I want to help you shoulder your burdens."
(She leans in slightly, her warm breath caressing and tickling my ear.)
"And if you want me to do more..."
(She pauses, then deepens her voice into a suggestive whisper.)
"...I'm willing to keep you company every night."
"Helen..."
(A wave of warmth washes over me as I gaze into her limpid eyes, mere inches away.)
"Thanks for the offer, but there's no need... I'd be going against my own conscience if I pushed off more of my work on you..."
"..."
(Helen falls into a rare silence, her fingertips inadvertently starting to apply more pressure.)
"H... Helen...?"
(Helen gives me a somewhat defeated look, then sits beside me to ease my body flat on the sofa.)
"Okay, I'll stop with the pranks."
(She adjusts my fringe a tidy bit, then lays her palm over my forehead—her actions as gentle as if she were coaxing a child to sleep.)
"I just want you to rest, at least for a while."
"I used to read picture books to Dushevnaya to help her fall asleep. Why don't I tell you a story too?"
"Have you ever heard of the petrel's story, Commander?"
"Petrel...? You mean one of those seabirds?"
(I find my consciousness slowly drifting away under Helen's caresses, both our voices growing increasingly muffled.)
"That's right..."
(Helen's voice becomes distant and gentle, as soothing as a lullaby.)
"Once upon a time, a young petrel lived among the boundless seas."
"Born amidst storms, it found joy in waltzing between thunder and lightning, yet it still yearned... for a nest in which it could enjoy a moment of peaceful slumber."
"Its companions never understood the seagulls who built nests on the coast, deeming them timid and weak, birds who clung to comfort and safety."
"But to this particular petrel, a harbor of refuge and rest was beyond precious."
"..."
"...Commander?"
(I feel a warm hand caress my face in my drowsiness.)
(A fleeting fragrance follows, and along with it the slight tickle of a hair strand across my nose.)
(As the nearing sense of warmth vanished just as quickly as it arrived, I return to the tranquil serenity of dreams.)
"Commander... you really are just as defenseless as you were ten years ago..."
(The light of dawn pours through the windows of the ops room, falling upon my face.)
(I rise from the sofa slowly, piecing together my hazy memory under the warm sunlight.)
"I slept too deeply..."
(I rub my eyes and look around.)
"Helen?"
(The ops room is empty. That familiar blue silhouette is long gone.)
(I approach my once disorderly desk, finding it meticulously tidied. As for my terminal, most of the tedious documents and external correspondence have been marked "processed".)
(A sticky note lies quietly on one corner of the table, bearing graceful, familiar handwriting:)
("I helped myself to a photo of your cute sleeping face~ Make sure you keep getting proper rest, or the rest of the Elmo will get to enjoy this photo as well~" —Helen)
(Scratching my head, I reminisce about the soft, comforting feeling of warmth that I felt in my sleep last night. As I give my nearly cleared task list another look, an indescribable feeling wells up inside me.)
"...It feels as though I experienced a magical night straight out of "The Crane's Return of the Favor"."
(I put down the sticky note and walk out of the ops room. Warmed by sunlight streaming through the windows, I stretch lazily, ready to savor the brief respite that my "crane" brought me.)
Momentary Rest 2
"This is the last one... hit send... and done!"
(My fingertips give the terminal keyboard a final tap. With that done, I breathe out a sigh of relief as I flex my stiff neck.)
(Thanks to Helen and the others on the Elmo helping me, I managed to finish all my piled-up work within a relatively sound time frame. The long-awaited relief felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.)
(I slump against my chair, my glazed-over eyes wandering towards the doorway.)
(Helen kept helping me with my work ever since that night, finishing much of my workload. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen her around for a few days.)
"Hmm? What's this...?"
(A thin book lies next to the drawer at the foot of my desk, drawing my attention.)
(I pick it up offhandedly. A petrel, soaring above the sea, is depicted on the cover in simple yet elegant strokes.)
"When did I get such a book...?"
(I open it, puzzled. The title page bears the name of the book: "The Home of the Stormy Petrel")
(As I browse through the subsequent pages, a number of familiar lines come into view.)
"The petrel who yearned to build a nest, at last grew weary amid its endless flight..."
"Was this... the story that Helen read me that night?"
"...The petrel who yearned to build a nest, at last grew weary amid its endless flight."
"Once in the aftermath of a storm, the petrel spotted a tiny little sandpiper inside a wave-dampened rock crevice. Nestled within a makeshift nest of kelp and feathers, it was enjoying a moment of slumber."
"Such tranquility and serenity was something that the petrel had never experienced before."
"And that was how the petrel decided that it, too, wanted to build itself a "perfect" nest."
"..."
"...Probably one of Helen's books. She probably left it behind during one of her previous visits here."
(I check Helen's schedule, finding that she is currently in her room.)
"Well then... I suppose I'll pay her a visit."
(Goal number one is to return what she misplaced. Goal number two is to give her some well-deserved thanks for all the care and support she gave me over the past few days.)
(I pick up the book and prepare to leave. An idea flashes across my mind, prompting me to hurriedly return to my room to retrieve something to bring with me.)
"...I hope she'll like this gift of mine."
(Knock-knock-knock.)
(I knock on Helen's door. It opens rather quickly, revealing Helen's somewhat surprised pretty face.)
"Oh my. It's the Commander. What can I do for you~?"
"Helen, I..."
"Wouldn't it be strange to discuss at the door? We're not in a rush, and it's rare for you to visit... wouldn't you like to come in?"
(She shifts to the side of the door, inviting me into her room.)
(A warm, clean fragrance similar to that on Helen greets me as soon as I step in.)
(Her room is incredibly clean and tidy. Though a mere dorm room aboard the Elmo, Helen adorned it with a wide array of soft-looking textiles and tasteful trinkets, transforming it into an exceptionally cozy abode.)
"What prompted you to look for me, Commander? Did you remember something?"
"You've provided me so much care and support lately..."
"Which is why I'm here to thank you today..."
(Helen closes the door, then slowly paces towards me, finally coming to a halt when our faces are a hair's breadth away.)
(Tilting her head at a slight angle, a mischievous smile flickers across her face. The moment proceeds to infuse the gentle glimmer of her eyes with a touch of sultriness.)
"Oh? So you're here to thank me..."
"And you deliberately picked a day when I'm present in my room."
"Did you... want to continue from where we left off that night?"
(The tip of her finger traces across my chest as she speaks. Then, it moves down the center of my chest, imparting an indeterminate, suggestive teasing...)
"I am under your command, and now, it's just you and me in this room..."
"I'm fine with it, you know?"
(My face grows warm. I promptly reach into my pocket for my item, successfully capitalizing on this opportunity to take a half-step back—I manage to create some distance.)
(I quickly take out the small, laminated flower bookmark from my pocket.)
"You've been a tremendous help lately, be it in work or daily life... so..."
(It's an ordinary bookmark—just a thin, laminated plastic card, yet the content held within the plastic coat is quite unusual.)
"A pressed flower...?"
(The bookmark contains a small, blue iris flower, pressed between plastic laminate.)
(The little blot of blue comes alive when Helen moves it under a light source.)
"Where did you find this, Commander? You didn't seem like the type to craft intricate gifts like these."
"I spotted it the last time I ordered from an underground broker. Recalling that you tend to read physical books from time to time, I thought you might find it useful and bought it."
"Oh, right. On the topic of books... I found this storybook and wondered if it was yours."
"A storybook...? Ah, I did lose a book of fables that I've been reading. I thought I must've dropped it somewhere during one of our emergency missions."
(I take out "The Home of the Stormy Petrel" from inside my clothes.)
"This one? I felt that the contents were really similar to the story you told me that night..."
(Helen looks over the book cover. An almost imperceptible ripple of emotion flits across her eyes.)
"Indeed, this is the book. Looks like you remembered the story, Commander."
"Have you... finished it?"
"Hmm? I haven't. I just flipped through the first few pages to confirm the contents. Is there anything special towards the end?"
"It's nothing but a normal fable. Thanks for going out of your way to return it to me."
(My ears listen to her voice while my eyes observe the book's cover.)
(The book's binding shows signs of age, yet it is carefully enclosed in a transparent, protective cover. The edges have been smoothed and flattened, a clear indication that the owner cherishes it.)
"Is there... really nothing that you wanted me to notice from the book?"
(I flip the pages on instinct.)
(A hint of nervousness flashes across Helen's face as I open the book. She extends her hands with a smile, as if she wants to take the book back.)
"Not really, this is just one of those common fables."
(My focus is on trying to find some sort of clue within the book, but I do manage to lift it up on reflex, successfully avoiding her hands just in time.)
"Ah..."
(For a second our arms seem to crisscross, our movements intertwining not-so-gracefully. The book awkwardly flies out from my hands in a wobbly arc. Startled, I scramble to catch it before it hits the ground.)
"I... I'll get it..."
"Be careful—!"
(My attempt to stride forward is spoiled by my failure to watch my footing—I quickly lose my balance. Helen rushes to adjust her posture mid-action, trying to position her hands to support me as I start to fall.)
(Klunk.)
(Thus, the book miserable falls to the floor next to us.)
(As for Helen and I, we are locked into a rather compromising position right next to it.)
(With her back pressed against the door and both of my palms on it, I have inadvertently trapped her between myself and the door, our faces mere inches apart.)
"...Commander."
(The temperature in the room seems to rise sharply. Her face, always so often at ease, is now brushed with a rosy color, her long lashes fluttering in the sweltering heat. To my surprise, she slowly closes her eyes.)
"Helen..."
(I can feel her hot breath draw closer, and closer...)
(BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!)
(My combat terminal's alarm crashes through the romantic mood at the moment most inopportune, instantly shattering the build-up.)
"Heheh, terrible timing, Commander."
(Helen lightly chuckles, the previous glazed-over look disappearing from her eyes when she opens them again.)
(I quickly stand up straight and silence the beeping combat terminal. I bend down to pick up the book from the floor.)
"Huh...?"
(A small line of text rests upon a blank page, written in that graceful, familiar handwriting.)
(Can the petrel, born amidst storms, really build a home that remains stable for a lifetime?)
"Helen, what's this...?"
(She quickly plucks the book from my hands, carefully tucking the blue flower bookmark I just gave her between the pages. The book is then closed with great care.)
"Just some notes and thoughts I jotted down while reading it."
"But Helen, you kept mentioning the concept of "home" back then..."
"The terminal still needs your attention, Commander. Go handle that emergency—I'll be heading out on a mission in a short while as well."
"..."
(Helen still wears her usual, composed smile as she gently escorts me out of her dorm room. Yet, I know that what she wrote... may very well be the sentiment she often ponders.)
Momentary Rest 3
(I stare at the message that I sent in the terminal's chat window, waiting for a reply that has yet to come.)
(My watch indicates 15 minutes left till the agreed-upon time.)
(After tidying myself up a bit before leaving, I arrive early at the meeting spot that I chose for us.)
(As I watch the dimming horizon in the far distance, my mind wanders back a few days ago.)
"Helen, are you free at the moment? I'd like to discuss that book with you..."
(I find Helen reading in the lounge and make an attempt to bring up the sentence she wrote in the book.)
I'm not sure what I can actually help her with, but I can at least hear her thoughts out.)
"Commander, I'm about to undergo a maintenance check at Mayling's..."
"I'll go with you..."
"Tempting offer as it is, I'll pass for now. Why not get some rest while you can, Commander? Health comes first."
(Helen closes her book, gives me a little bow, then leaves the lounge.)
"..."
"Helen... Helen!"
(Helen is passing by the ops room. I call out to her loudly and hurry after her.)
"Hmm? What's wrong, Commander?"
"Erm... I was wondering if you're free right now. I wanted to talk to you about..."
"My apologies, Commander. I'm on my way to leave for a mission right now."
"This won't take long... Besides, didn't you get a maintenance check earlier? Are you really going to head out for a mission right after that?"
"Yeah. Everything seems to be in the green. I'll just be doing some simple scouting missions with Dushevnaya, so please don't worry too much."
"Um... Dushevnaya is already waiting for me, so could you wait until I come back, if it's not too urgent?"
"...Sure."
(Helen bids me goodbye with her ever-perfect smile, then turns to walk away.)
"...Is Helen avoiding me?"
(I spot Dushevnaya returning from the mission, but Helen is nowhere to be seen.)
"Welcome back, Dushevnaya."
"The requiem for this world has sounded! The demon lords of the abyss have wept beneath my blade!"
"The hero Dushevnaya—treads through thorn and bone, returning to answer your call, Commander!"
(Dushevnaya strikes a cool-looking pose as she delivers her usual chuunibyou declarations.)
"Hats off to you, Dushevnaya. Where's Helen?"
(Dushevnaya does not seem to understand why I asked.)
"Helen said that she's headed for the next theater of operations. She decided to not return to the stronghold in order to save time."
"Have you not felt the call of the void, Commander?"
"Oh... are you referring to my terminal?"
(I take it out to check Helen's status. Indeed, she made sure to keep her status updated—she headed off to take care of the next task ASAP.)
"I knew it. Helen was intentionally avoiding me..."
(Dushevnaya tilts her head, seemingly unable to understand why I reacted that way.)
"Commander and Helen...? Did something happen that made her avoid you?"
(I scratch my head, at a loss over what to say.)
"Not really... it's just that... I wanted to have a chat with Helen, but she doesn't seem to want that... At least that's what it looks like to me."
"Mmmm... Helen doesn't want to talk to you? How is that possible? Lately, Helen has been telling me late at night, that she wants to go on a date with the Commander..."
(Dushevnaya seems to realize that she just spilled the beans mid-sentence—she clasps her palms over her mouth.)
"Dushevnaya... what else did Helen say?"
"Ah! A revelation from the divine! I feel the tug of destiny!!"
"I hear the call of the Great Healer through the veil of mist! I shall now take my leave, Commander!"
"You don't even have your comms terminal open..."
(I shake my head at Dushevnaya, who just disappeared from my sight. Making up my mind, I pull out my terminal, open Helen's page, and send her a message—)
(I check the time. Just one minute left until the appointed hour.)
(I take out my terminal once again, to check that my message still lies quietly at the bottom of the chat window.)
("Tonight at 7 p.m. I'll be waiting for you at the Elmo's corridor. Just you and me. —Commander")
(Tick. A familiar voice, carrying a hint of a sigh, called out from behind me the moment the clock hand reached 7 p.m.)
"Who would have thought that after all these years, you've also finally learned how to make trouble for others."
(I turn around, Helen stands right behind me, her face adorned with a resigned yet forgiving smile.)
"The look on your face says "What am I even going to do about you"."
"It's not like I'd actually decline an invitation from you. You know that."
"Shall we take a walk?"
(I extend my hand, and she places her hand on top of mine in turn.)
(The Elmo has been parked in a relatively quiet patch of the Yellow Zone for the past few days. We did go through the effort to remove all local threats, but distant, indistinct howls from unknown ELIDs do pierce through the silence every now and then, infusing our quiet nights with occasional unease.)
(This rather unnerving scene now takes on a different mood, thanks to the reassuring scent right next to me.)
(Helen is holding my hand, her softness a welcome presence against my palm. We walk side by side, neither of us breaking the silence. Only the rustle of footsteps and the sound of distant wind grace our ears.)
"Commander, have you heard of the horror... sorry, I meant folk tale regarding the Thoad?"
"When did Thoads become part of folklore...?"
"It's pretty interesting, actually. Honestly, I'm even willing to dub it a masterpiece of the postmodern fantasy thriller genre."
"...Is this really the story that you want to tell me right now?"
"Heheh, I had no idea that you were afraid of ghost stories, Commander."
"I mean, what kind of story is that even going to be...? How can anyone even manage to add an element of horror to those Thoads...?"
(Helen has crept up to me at some point. She teasingly blows a cold puff of air down my neck before I can even finish my sentence.)
"?!"
"Oh? Is your neck that sensitive, or are you actually scared of Thoads?"
"Spare me..."
(I tuck my neck between my shoulders. The hushes, quiet mood has been completely swept away by her antics.)
(Helen has always been able to control the flow of a conversation, just like that.)
"I'm getting kind of tired... How about you, Helen?"
"Heheh, I'm sure you know that Dolls like me don't get tired just by walking a few steps like this."
"Still..."
(She looks around, her gaze sweeping across the withered land and the barely visible stars up above.)
"The scenery here is wonderful. You did a great job picking this place, Commander~"
"Is there anything that I can even hide from you at this point...?"
"I'm going to dedicate my whole life to serving you, after all."
"So I'm looking forward to knowing everything about you."
(Helen leads me to a stone slab. The slab is wide, yet she still sits right next to me.)
(An evening breeze gently washes over us, carrying with it dust unique to the Yellow Zone. The distant howls of ELIDs gradually fade away. I look upwards, where sparse moonlight and dimmed stars adorn the deep-dark canopy of the sky.)
"Helen, I think you know what I want to talk to you about..."
"I know that you are strong and independent... but if there's anything troubling you, you are always welcome to talk to me about it."
"I met Dushevnaya when she returned to the Elmo that day. She said..."
(Helen leans her head against my shoulder, thus cutting off my train of thought.)
"...You're still such a worrywart, even after a decade has passed."
"You didn't have to worry about me."
"So..."
"Commander..."
"Do you remember... the time we spent in Griffin?"
"...Of course. Not a single memory of it has ever slipped my mind."
"Dushevnaya and I spent a long time searching for your whereabouts when you left Griffin..."
"I know. Back then, I..."
(I feel a shake of her head from my shoulder.)
"You don't have to explain yourself. I've never doubted or blamed you for a second, not for a moment since you left till now."
"Now then... I hope you'll consider my following thoughts... as a long-overdue secret conversation between us."
(Now a mere whisper, Helen's voice grows soft, her words as wispy as the gentle evening breeze.)
"Our reunion... the fact that we could recover some of Dushevnaya's memories... All this feels like a dream to me."
"I'm so glad that she was able to find some new friends. Yet... her missing memories feel like traps hidden beneath soft meadows... I'm worried that she might stumble and fall once more."
"And of course, I... have the same worries about you. I worry that you might one day find yourself trapped in inescapable danger again, and that I might not be there for you... just like what happened in Lviv."
"I promised you that I would tread with caution in the future. Besides, we have a lot more people aboard the Elmo right now..."
(Helen falls silent for a moment before leaning into my shoulder even more. A soft sigh escapes her lips.)
"Speaking of which, I didn't manage to tell you the full story of the petrel, right?"
"Yeah... what happened after?"
"The petrel followed what the seagulls did: it built a nest of soft kelp atop a warm beach."
"But when it rested upon its new nest, the petrel found that the gentle sunlight and soothing sea breeze only served to make it feel restless. This wasn't the world that it knew, and thus it could not sleep."
"So it imitated the birds of the cliffs, making a nest of soil and stone in a wind-sheltered rock cave."
"But the deathly silence and darkness within felt suffocating. The lack of shrieking wind only made it more alert."
"So in the end, the petrel gave up and returned to the stormy seas where it belonged."
"What happened after?"
"The petrel never found rest, drifting eternally among the storms, until it was drained of all its strength..."
(Helen's voice grows softer and softer, until it is barely audible in the evening breeze. The silky strands of hair that lie upon my chest seem to droop with her voice, as though they were also weighed down by melancholy.)
"I've always longed for a safe haven that we both feel a sense of belonging to... a safe place for us to share a moment of restful slumber, even amidst raging storms... But..."
"...I have been away from you for long, yet I, DP-12, remained eternally yours. But when I think about what happened to Griffin, and what we face as the Elmo's crew...... I keep wondering how long this "dream" of mine will last."
"..."
(Helen's words pierce my heart like a needle. What I came up with to comfort Helen now felt hollow and powerless in the face of her confession.)
(This is, perhaps, my first time seeing a vulnerable side to Helen, who always seemed so capable, independent, and in control of the situation.)
"Helen... I..."
(Wanting to embrace Helen, I make an attempt to hug her. But it only results in me lifting my arm a little before slowly setting it down again.)
"Heheh... I really do feel much better after letting it all out..."
(Helen seemed to notice. Or did she? She simply straightens back up from leaning against me, returning to the somewhat-playful tone of voice she usually uses.)
"I only get to talk about this with Dushevnaya, but I still have to do it in a roundabout way, even with her. I don't want to cause that girl any distress, after all..."
"That's why I'm glad to have you around. I know that you're already trying your hardest out here, so there's really no need to take everything I said to heart."
(Helen stands up, offering me her hand.)
"It's getting colder. Shall we go home, Commander?"
(We return to the Elmo together. Greyish-white "snow" starts drifting down from the sky not long after, settling to the ground and covering the footprints that we've left behind.)
Momentary Rest 4
Daybreak Seagaze
Private Meeting Logs
Commander, are you interested in therapy?
I once worked at a sanatorium, and the staff there told me about therapy techniques.
Recently, I've been meaning to go study them properly for you, Commander.
But I might need some funds to buy the relevant video courses and equipment.
Thank you, Commander. Once I master these therapy techniques, I'll make sure you're completely relaxed.Healing Technique I
How has work been for you lately, Commander?
Not bad. We've got more people on the Elmo and we can handle more missions as a result.
Hm... Sounds like things have been going very well for you then, Commander.
I wouldn't exactly say that. More people means more bills, and it also means a lot of miscellaneous things to handle, which drain my energy.
I see... it must be hard for you then, Commander.
...It feels like you're speaking differently from how you normally do. It's like you're copying my emotional state.
When I said things weren't bad, you said everything was going well, but when I said the bills were pailing up, you immediately switched to sounding sad.Hehe~ Well done, Commander. That was very perceptive.
It's called "feeling reflection", a speech technique used during therapy.
Simply put, it requires the therapist to actively express emotions during conversation on behalf of the other party to relieve their stress.So... you're relieving my stress?
Yes, of course. After all, you need to remain focused when working, Commander.
Meanwhile, "feeling reflection" should help you relax from a tensed state more quickly once your work is over.It seems like it's working.
How wonderful. Would you like me to continue helping you with this "feeling reflection"?
Feel free to tell me anything that's bothering you, or if there's anything you're looking forward to.Let me think. Speaking of wishes, I think the Counter is offering a new beverage.
That one tastes great~ I've tried it before, I'm sure you'll like it, Commander.
Oh yes, there are some snacks that go well with it; I'll get them for you.Hearing you say that does make me look forward to it more.
I'm also looking forward to being about to have a nice chat with you over drinks so you can forget all about your troubles.
Forgetting all my troubles? That won't be easy.
Too much stress is bad for your body and mind, you know? I can feel your heart crying out for rest, Commander.
...
They say humans can only lower their defense in front of people they truly trust.
Am I fortunate enough to count as such a person in your heart, Commander?
Oh, don't be in such a hurry to reply to me.
We still have a long, long time to spend with each other, Commander...Healing Technique II
Commander, are you familiar with scent training?
You mean like for training police dogs?
Hehe~ not quite, it doesn't have anything to do with that sort of thing.
I'm going to hold some objects in my hand. I want you to try and guess them by the smell.Looks like it's more stuff from your therapy lessons.
Yes. Don't worry, all these are familiar scents and there won't be anything weird among them.
Commander, can you guess what this smell is?
It appears to be a floral fragrance. Is it a rose?
That's right. To be precise, it's a rose petal. Looks like you have a pretty keen sense of smell~
Next, we have this.Those are coffee beans, right?
Correct again. Seems like these aren't challenging to you at all~
How do you feel now, Commander? This "scent training" ought to be relaxing you.It's strange. When I close my eyes, I think of the things I just smelled and all my strain from work just fades away.
How wonderful. That's exactly like what the book said.
Scent training helps distract anxious people. It's a convenient and handy form of therapyI didn't know there were so many kinds of therapeutic techniques.
Let's try another scent. This time, I'll increase the difficulty.
By all means. Challenge accepted.
Now then, Commander, what smell is this?
It smells sweet, but it's different from the roses previously.
Hmm... It smells sweet?
Yes, it smells very nice, and it feels very calming... But I can't figure it out. What is it?
I'm sorry, I was pranking you. I wasn't holding anything in there.
Then what was that sweetness I smelled just now.
It might have been the lingering aroma from the petals on my hand just now... Or perhaps there's something on me that smells nice?
Hehe, I wonder if you'll think of me when you close your eyes now, Commander?
I'd like it if my face was able to calm you down.Healing Technique III
Commander, I'm here to share the results of my therapy classes with you again.
Now what will we be doing this time? Is it scent training like before?
Scent training was just the basics. Recently, I've been learning about various forms of massage.
They say massages can quickly relieve fatigue, so would you like to put that to the test with me, Commander?What should I do?
First, take off your jacket and lie on the bed. Then, I'll climb onto your back...
...Hearing that is making me stiffen up a little.
If you don't want a massage, we can always try other forms of therapy.
I've also learned about things like hot springs and saunas from my lessons.
Those sound difficult to implement on the Elmo in the short term.
However, we might be able to make them happen later on.
Oh yes, there are also bubble baths. In that case......Your course materials seem to cover really strange things.
Hehe~ I know, I just wanted to please you, so I learned about many different kinds of therapy techniques.
What do you think? Have any of them caught your interest?
For instance, I could prepare the bubble bath for you right now. Would you like that?Let's start with the massage.
Understood. Will you be coming to my room later, or will I be going to yours?
Can't we do it right here?
H: Oh my, if you'd like me to massage you on the spot, that can be arranged~
Stimulating various points on your body can be very relaxing.
Is there anywhere you've been feeling tired recently? I'll help massage the appropriate areas.Why don't you start with my neck and shoulders?
Hehe~ Alright, I will.
If you have any requests, feel free to state them. I'll do my best to satisfy you.
And if some of them are a little indulgent... Well, that can be arranged too.Healing Technique IV
Commander, how did you feel after the massage from earlier?
My neck feels much more limber. It really worked.
That's wonderful. Knowing that you're physically and mentally relaxed is the answer I wanted to hear.
I was actually a little worried when you fell asleep during the massage. I thought it was because my technique wasn't good enough.Think of it this way, it felt so good that I went to sleep.
I'm very happy that I managed to relax you.
Now then, do you have any other requests you'd like to make of me?
I've almost completed my therapy lessons, so I know the appropriate techniques to soothe the body and mind.It feels like you've already learned a lot from your lessons, such as that emotional mirroring thing, the scent training, and massages.
But surely a nurse Doll in a sanatorium wouldn't do such things too often, would they?That's right. Dolls wouldn't do that much for their patients, even in a medical care facility.
More often, the Dolls are just simple tools.
I learned these so I could do something for the person who's important to me...
You might not need my care, but... I long to be able to stand by your side.
And learning some of these therapy techniques will help me help you relax when you're tired.
Commander, I deeply regret not being able to keep you company during those days when we were separated.
So right now, I'd like to create more memories with you to make up for those regrets....I understand. I hope I can help you achieve that goal.
Thank you. Recently, I feel like I've gained many precious memories.
Things like conversations that helped you relax, your favorite smells, and the places where I can touch which help you relax...
Oh yes, Commander, there is one last thing I need to do in order to complete my therapy lessons.One last thing? What is that?
This is an embrace... An embrace of my most cherished person, and making a home with you, Commander.
I hope that apart from protecting you on the battlefield, I'll be able to shield your heart in our daily lives, Commander.
So will you let me hug you for a bit?Tea Time
About Her Hobbies
What do you do when you're alone, Helen?
Hehe, I study the latest hairstyles, the ones which challenge a stylist's skills.
Are you interested, Commander? Want me to design a new look for you?Hmm... Maybe next time.
About Reading
If I'm not wrong, you like fables and folk tales, don't you?
Yes. Their plot developments are more unpredictable compared to most modern stories.
Predictable? Are you saying you can guess what's going to happen after reading halfway through a story?
Yup. Despite myself, I find myself predicting how the plot will go, and my predictions are usually right.
About Wishes
Helen, do you have any wishes you want granted?
You're going to grant my wish, Commander? In that case... I want a hundred more wishes.
Erm... So which wish would you most want to come true?
The wish that I most want to come true... That would be... Being able to stay by your side, Commander.
About Fantasies
Now I'm curious; have you ever imagined what the future might be like?
The future? Hehe, Dushevnaya once told me about an amusing little fantasy she had. She dreamt that the three of us were living happily together.
What a lovely future it was~ After that, I found myself wishing that it wouldn't remain a fantasy, but that it would actually come true.Given how things are now... Can I say that's happened?
About Life
Are you used to life here?
Don't worry, I'm very adaptable. However, I get caught off guard by things from time to time.
I've always wanted to reunite with you and find a place like this that feels like home.
Therefore, if anyone tries to sabotage this at a time like this... Hehe~ Please feel free to assign me a mission, Commander.About Battle
I always break out in a cold sweat whenever I go over your combat reports.
It's one thing to draw fire away from the others, but please don't expose yourself to danger all the time.My capabilities are suited for drawing fire. The more danger I face in battle, the safer the others are.
Also... being able to protect the people who are important to me with my own strength makes me very happy.