Nikke: The Commander's Will

Chapter 1.5: Ark

Beginning of Arc 1: Ascension

As Y/N, Rapi, and Anis make their way back to the Ark, Anis had questions about what just happened in the past hour.

Anis: Hey Shifty, do you mind explaining how Marian became... corrupted?

Shifty: The corruption code was implanted-

Shifty's voice gets toned out as Y/N is deep in his thoughts, could he have saved her? He had the technology and power to do so, why hasn't he done it then? No, he couldn't. He doesn't even know how Corruption works and even if he did, he couldn't prepare since he only learned of it. He still had many questions. What's up with Rapi, what is this "Red Hood" she has? He also remembers some fuzzy visions he had after he shot Marian, he couldn't describe or even see anything, all he saw was just a giant... gorilla like... Rapture? He wasn't sure.

???: Hey.

Y/N is snapped out of his thoughts as he sees himself back in the dark void.

Y/N: Oh great, here we go again.

???: You still have a long way to go. So much more... good luck.

Y/N: Who even are you?!

???: Now is not the right time. I will reveal myself in due time, see you later.

Y/N: Wai-

Y/N wasn't even able to finish his sentence as he returns to reality.

Anis: Commander!!!

Y/N: What?!

Anis: Calm down, I was wondering what you were thinking about. Did Marian's death affect you that much?

Y/N: ... Yes... We were close. Very close.

Anis: I suppose this means you two knew each other before the mission?

Y/N: It doesn't take a lot to figure that out. We always liked to hang out when she wasn't on a mission. She always wanted to eat cake before going on a mission.

Anis: ... I'm sorry.

Y/N: You don't need to apologize. I'm adjusting... it won't feel the same with her gone...

Anis: ...

Y/N: Hey, where's Rapi?

Anis: She's giving her report to Shifty since our former Commander died before you came and took control.

Y/N: ...

Anis: Hey, I may not have known Marian for that long but I can tell you two had a great bond from the moment I saw you two.

Y/N: Heh, thanks.

Anis: Would some cake help you? Maybe to honor her?

Y/N: ... Yeah, thanks Anis.

Anis: No problem Commander.

Meanwhile with Shifty

Shifty: That concludes my report

Anderson: You mean they actually took down a Black Smith? A novice Commander with three Nikkes, all on a single day?

Shifty: Yes sir. However, one Nikke was destroyed during the operation.

Anderson: If I didn't know any better, I would have thought you finally went outside and gained a sense of humor Shifty.

Shifty: Oh come on! First Y/N and now you?! I already have to deal with Y/N's antics, now I have to deal with yours too?!

Anderson: Hm...

Shifty: Something up?

Anderson: I would like to meet this Commander. Make an appointment this afternoon, will you Shift.