The Lost Verses and the Red Sky

Translator: spffn

CD: 01/01

The Sky of the End

TV Announcer

The weather is likely to turn south this afternoon. However, from tomorrow, Friday the 13th, forecasts indicate we’ll be getting clearer skies. And now, we continue with temperature reports for—

Lady

Huh? You hear that?

Man

What?

Loud, violent shaking

Man

What the hell? An earthquake?

Child

Ow ow!

Lady

The sky – look at the sky!

Man

Something’s falling – Run for it!

Lady

Oh god!

People screaming and running

Child

Mommy! Mommy!!

Officer

Only the area surrounding the government center is dangerous— please go around it!

Man

Stop shoving!

Officer

We still have not gotten the injured out – please don’t push! Can – are you listening!?

Lady

What is that sound?! Make it stop!!

Man

It’s on fire!

The Queen Beast’s song plays

TV Announcer

Following up on our last report, the massive object which appeared above the area of Shinjuku has begun to collapse—yes—ah, yes sir! Breaking news: according to the Japanese Airforce, the planes which suddenly appeared, were part of a counterattack! I repeat, according to the Japanese Airforce, the planes were part of a counterattack!

CD: 01/02

Report #1 (Devola)

Project Gestalt: Informational Release #01035.

In 2003, a massive unknown object—commonly referred to as “Giant”—appeared above the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, bringing about the 6/12 incident. Our opinions on the incident and the circumstances of ensuing events originating from it will be outlined here.

Regarding June 12th’s “Giant” that appeared above Shinjuku: Although this resulted in enormous financial losses, and despite the wide-scale panic that followed, the number of physical injuries was minimal. However, after considering all possible origins of the various events which occurred following this, we determined it was appropriate to report it as the instigating factor in our initial Project Gestalt reports.

December 2003, half a year after the fall of both the red dragon and “Giant”, outbreaks began of a rare disease in which the whole body undergoes a change in color before death. Christened “White Chlorination Syndrome”, the number of infected persons and areas affected by the disease continued to rapidly spread.

The remains of the red dragon, believed to be one of the causes of this disease, were reportedly collected by the Japanese government. But in the effort to leave nothing out of this release, it is noted that the current whereabouts of these remains are unknown.

Now, our current issue at hand is the number of formal objections that have been made by the World Purification Committee. In the past several months, it’s been confirmed that a growing number of Tokyo residents infected with WCS have been surviving... Rather than dying, these individuals fall into a violent rage, becoming the early form of beings called  “Legion.” The ensuing battle with Legion would last for upwards of 30 years, having become the single greatest threat to humanity across the globe. ​

CD: 01/03

White Troops

Second Lieutenant

This is eastern Shinjuku’s Ichigaya #29! We are facing resistance from the enemy! I repeat, resistance from the enemy!

Soldier

Fire, fire, FIRE!

Second Lieutenant

What are you doing? There is no point!

Soldier

Get out of the way! Aaaa—Oh god—my leg—MY LEG!

Second Lieutenant

This is Ichigaya #29, we need backup! All available backup!

Far-off Soldier

Sir! We need you over here!

Second Lieutenant

Damn it, Legiondoesn’t miss a beat—they just keep coming one after the other.

Soldier

Commander! Please, request a full retreat!

Commander

We already did—as soon as the advance troops from Hamelin arrive, we pull out! Everyone, prepare to withdraw! Be ready to leave in an instant!

Soldier

Hold on! Commander—something’s not right. Legions… running?

Commander

That’s ridiculous! I’ve never heard of them fleeing!

Soldier

What the hell is…

A monstrous cry, screaming and the sound of smashing

Commander

What the—it’s massive!

Second Lieutenant

Headquarters! Headquarters, do you read me?! This is Ichigaya #29, we’re facing a large-scale enemy—estimated total of 30 meters in size, with 4, no… I can’t count the number of legs! It’s like some kind of bug...

Commander

Fall back! Fall back immediately!

Soldier

Commander, it’s no use! Legion’s cut us off from our route!

What is happening?! You’re telling me these are Legion, too? They’re just husks of what were once humans! How am I supposed to believe that?! Damn it, DAMN IT! Legion’s—it’s eating them…

Second Lieutenant

What did you say?! You still haven’t dispatched them here?! Headquarters, do you read me? DO YOU READ ME?!

Commander

What’s wrong?

Second Lieutenant

Hamelin’s ordered an aerial bombing of the area!

Commander

When?

Second Lieutenant

Right now!

Commander

They can’t… Why? Why is this happening?!

Second Lieutenant

Stop it—STOP THE ATTACK! WE’RE STILL HERE! Please, help us, HELP—

CD: 01/04

Report #2 (Popola)

Project Gestalt: Informational Release #01035

The end of a bitter, drawn-out fight; Legion’s strength was in decline and what appeared to be a victory for humanity was in clear sight. However, outbreaks of White Chlorination Syndrome remained unabated, and the population continued to dwindle.

In turn, the Hamelin Organization, part of the fight against Legion since 2014, released a number of deeply intriguing reports. The results of their research on a sample extracted from the “Giant” indicated that even if total eradication of White Chlorination Syndrome was not possible, a way to avoid contagion had been found.

This method, referred to as “Gestaltization”, involved the separation of a person’s soul from their physical body. The process was not without faults, but as no other methods for combating the disease had become available, plans were announced for people across the globe to be made into Gestalts in 2030. ​

CD: 01/05

Politicians

Man A

I’m very busy, so give us the shorthand version. I’ve got to attend a banquet with my election committee after this, you see—

Man B

You’re out reveling with your “election committee” in a time like this? Cancel it.

Man A

That’s easy for you to say. The governor of Kanagawa has just released several new regulations. It’s absolutely all a publicity stunt, and won’t have a single effect on our current state of affairs.

Man C

Even our party has to come up with some kind of plan to make up for it. But it seems that as long as you’ve got something to brag about, you’ve got the people on your side. A scapegoat.

Man B

So that’s what this is about. No matter, let’s start with the short version. Today we received a demand from the United Nations about their participation in Project Gestalt.

Man A

“Project Gestalt”? Oh, you mean that plan that’s more trouble than it’ll ever be worth.

Man B

Essentially, our remaining experts’ testimonies no longer need to be presented. It seems the international community as a whole is pressing for the expediency of the project on a large scale.

Man C

And we’re to pay for this?

Man B

Yes. As the country from which White Chlorination Syndrome originated, they’ve requested that most of the burden fall on us.

Man A

But White Chlorination Syndrome has already been confirmed by scientists as a disease obviously not native to Japan.

Man B

Our neighbors don’t seem to believe that, though, do they? However, the American-Soviet Co-op has indicated that their willingness to handle the promotion of Project Gestalt.

Man C

In other words, if we pay for Project Gestalt, the Americans guarantee to silence all these reparation requests for us?

Man A

We’ll be paying for this one way or another. Not to mention that explaining this to the public will prove to be rather annoying, as well.

Man C

Can we even get our citizens to agree to such an unreliable procedure to begin with?

Man B

The people’s approval is not the issue here! Right now, this is a matter of whether we live or die and—

Man A

In half a year, the lower house elections will be upon us. If we aren’t careful, this could be a double-edged sword for our party.

Man B

And for the public too, I’d say… A discussion on who gets to live, huh…

CD: 01/06

Report #3 (Popola)

Project Gestalt Implementation Progress Provisional Report

Progress on the Research and Development of the Replicant System:

Designed for use in Project Gestalt, the development of the Replicant system is approaching completion. Additionally, the error rate in decoding information from the Gestalt form to Replicant body is being controlled at under 1%, with Replicant consciousnesses confirmed destroyed and suppressed.

As such, we Observers have been dispatched in order to maintain humanities’ Replicant forms, to ensure the possibility of their continued existence.

“Relapse” Cases and the Original Gestalt

The Replicant system requires data from the original human to be input into it, and in short: studying only the resulting Gestalt is showing to be a futile endeavor. After a certain amount of time has passed in Gestalts, there is an over 70% likelihood that restoration as a human becomes impossible, compounded by a failure of the reintegration process with Replicants. These Gestalts—which have lost their original personalities—are known as “relapse” cases, becoming in some ways beings akin to Legion.

According to the newest research from the World Purification Commission, if DNA resistant to relapse exists, then from that a template for stemming the occurrence of relapses could be created. The Gestalt with this DNA was referred to as the “Original Gestalt”. A large portion of the UN’s budget was focused on locating the Original, yet progress remained stagnant. To keep on the planned schedule, the general population was transitioned into Phase Two.

The Original Replicant

To find a candidate suitable for impression onto a Replicant, the UN and a number of other nations pressed forward to Phase Two. In hopes of hastening the search, this stage forewent the use of only interested applicants, in favor of making Gestaltization compulsory or by switching to mass recruitment strategies. Within Japan, Phase Two was implemented silently, selecting potential candidates from members of the general public with few or no living blood relatives. From those chosen, final determinations were made by way of a selection exam, the contents of which are part of a separate report. Relevant to this report, selection committee members were pulled from the Ministries of Defense, Health, Labor, Welfare and the Cabinet, as well as temporary appointments from the World Purification Commission to act as aides in progression and completion.

The official documents are regarded as classified and forbidden from being disseminated outside of the department.

Observers ReportDevola & Popola

01/28/2050 ​

CD: 01/07

Nier - Presentiment

This is in January 24th, 2050, Yoyogi area ​

Nier

Here should be all right... I guess...

Yonah coughing and the sound of a shovel digging at the ground

Yonah

Brother, where did Mom go?

Nier

Mom’s… Mom’s gone far away for a bit.

Yonah

Mm? When’s she coming back…?

Nier

We’ll just have to wait and see.

Yonah

Okay... Hey, what are you burying…?

Nier

It’s… trash. Just some trash, is all. Yonah, why don’t you go over there where there’s not as much wind?

Yonah

Okay.

Nier

Go get warm, all right? I have to keep it together… I have to keep it together… have to keep Yonah safe…

Radio broadcaster

The road will likely be difficult until its completion. And up next, the Legion Report: Concerns are being raised surrounding cutbacks to an already increased budget.

Beeping sound to indicate the start of the program

While Legion may already be gone, the battle with them and its resulting costs have become the country’s newest issue to grapple with. In response to the potential cutbacks, the Ministry of Defense has announced they will be submitting their decision during this current Diet session. However, there is no intention of making the contents of this decision public. As such, it remains uncertain whether or not tomorrow’s special Diet session will settle the discussion.

Beeping sound to indicate the end of the program

Well then, how about today’s weather? Here’s your host, Ms. Saitou!

Saitou

Thank you! Today’s another cold one, isn’t it? Due to the day’s strong, dry winds, I’m sure many of you should be making sure your laundry isn’t getting ruined by all the salt getting whipped up into the air! With the coming rain, it’s sure to be difficult—

Nier

I wish I could give you a warmer place to rest but… I can’t really make it any deeper than this… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry, Mom…

Yonah starts coughing

Nier

Yonah? You okay? Are you cold?

Yonah

I’m a little cold…

Nier

Let’s get back to the shelter. There’s not going to be much food, but at least it’s warm.

Yonah

Mhm.

Chimes ring on a passing announcement truck

Announcer

Today’s threat level announcement: In the areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Nakano, and Setagaya, we are officially currently at Level 2 : a preliminary caution alert. As much as possible, please avoid leaving your homes and—

more that gets overshadowed by Yonah and Nier

Yonah

Brother?

Nier

What do they mean…? Legion is gone.

Announcer

I repeat, today’s threat level announcement...

CD: 01/08

Kainé – Family

Kaali

(sighs) Kainé… having a child like you is truly...

Kainé

My deepest apologies, Grandmother Kaali.

Kaali

So many distinguished people came to the gala, and you were so preoccupied with that mongrel that you neglected to greet even a single person.

Puppy barks

Kaali

What an unsightly animal. If you want a dog, then I’ll get you one more suited to our family’s image, is that not enough? But that dog... give it to the steward later to dispose of.

Kainé

Mm—but Grandmother—

Kaali

Be silent!

Kainé begins to play

Kaali

(Sighs again) Child… you just don’t understand the graces required of the elite. If you were someone who understands the importance of greetings at a party like that, what do you think you would say in this situation? You don’t understand the gravity of all this. That party was the ideal opportunity for you to exemplify the grace with which our family carries itself. If you understand the weight of any of this, then a dog like that—

Grandfather

(Clear throat) Kaali… isn’t that quite enough?

Kaali

Dear…

Grandfather

It’s not as if Kainé has any ill-intent behind it, now does she? Long before this house was concerned with “grace”, what of all the times you were so proud to have such a kindhearted granddaughter?

Kaali

You are always far too soft on Kainé! Am I the only one who ever thinks of our family? All this time, we’ve only come across as this upstart military family who’s suddenly stepped into the limelight, and you—is that not embarrassing to you?!

Grandfather

... is that how you see it? Kaali... I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I’ll try to take it more into consideration from now.

Kaali huffs and walks off

Kainé

Grandfather… I’m very sorry.

Grandfather

Oh child, don’t worry yourself over it. Your grandmother is really a kind woman. When she fought Legion, it changed her; made her heart a little harder is all. It was... an excruciatingly difficult battle for her. Until just days before, they’d all been human. Your neighbors, your family, your lover… then they all became your savage enemy. People you’d been close with for longer than you could remember... For Kaali, it was utterly heartbreaking...

Kainé

Of course, everyone knows the story of how Grandmother Kaali became the greatest hero of the war. Because of you and Grandmother, we are all able to live safely.

Grandfather

What we did is not worth your praise. Just for us to even survive, we fought so desperately, day in and day out… So Kainé, please forgive your Grandmother.

Kainé

Grandfather! Forgive her? She’s done nothing that—

Puppy barks

Grandfather

Oh yes, I built a dog house for you out in the backyard.

Kainé

Grandfather…!

Grandfather

I don’t know whether he’ll like it or not, though. Ah, was it a boy?

Kainé

(Happily) It’s a girl, Grandfather!

Grandfather

Is that so? Then, perhaps we should have it painted pink.

The phone begins to ring

CD: 01/09

Emil - Weapon

The sounds of a bustling research lab

Receptionist ​

(Distantly) Yes, this is the National Weapons Research Lab.

Chief of Research ​

(On the phone) Yes… yes, ma’am, that’s something we are currently in the process of installing. I understand. Then, to expand its protection capabilities, at the next meeting, please allow us to review the… ah, no, no ma’am! That was not my intention at all, my apologies! At any rate, the proceedings are underway… yes, I understand. Thank you again for your patience with us, my apologies for troubling you. (He hangs up.)

Lab Assistant ​

Was that Mrs. Kaali again?

Chief ​

Seriously, the old coot is touched in the head—

Lab Assistant

Chief, you shouldn’t talk that way about our clients.

Chief ​

Well, the family certainly were heroes in the war... but to bring up such an old tale nowadays is so…

Lab Assistant

“Heroes”? You mean that woman was famous in the war?

Chief ​

Oh, you don’t know her? She was the commanding officer of the Crusade responsible for killing the last remaining Red Eye. It seems her husband was a member of the units as well.

Lab Assistant ​

That’s just—they were real war heroes then, huh?

Chief ​

I suppose. They were paid by the government for their efforts, and with some skilled management of finances over the years, one way or another they’ve managed to grow quite rich. But recently, much of it has been going to our military research, so she’s become something like a patron of our work. After the disaster that No.6 became, the fact that our lab has managed to hang on as long as it has is largely thanks to her house’s financial backing.

Lab Assistant

Then, isn’t it fair to consider her our benefactor?

Chief

If that’s the case, what use does she have in giving money to a weapons research lab like ours? Maybe she’s gunning for another war or something…

A door opens and small, fast footsteps approach

Emil

Miss Scientist?

Lab Assistant

What’s the matter?

Emil

I’ve written a new song! I’d really like for you to be the first to listen to it if you want. Can you come now?

Lab Assistant

Well, at the moment I’ve got something I’m working on, so… how do 30 minutes from now sound? I’ll meet you in the piano room.

Emil

Of course! I’ll wait for you there then! Please don’t forget!

Emil hurries back out of the room

Chief

No.7…

Lab Assistant

Chief, his proper name is Emil.

Chief

You’re right… After all, he’s our very own benefactor—took all that excess power right out from under No.6 while it was berserk. If we didn’t have Emil’s power of petrification, the entirety of this branch would have been history.

Lab Assistant

But in exchange for that, he’s never going to be able to see our world again.

Chief

(Sighs) But it’s amazing, isn’t it? We’ve covered his eyes, but it hasn’t stopped him from getting around in the slightest.

Lab Assistant

Absolutely, it’s as if he can tell where obstacles are, just by the sounds and movements of the air around him.

Chief

I expected no less. Truly, only a monster cou—

Lab Assistant

(Slamming her hand on the table) Sir.

Chief

A-Ah… sorry.

Lab Assistant

That boy, he hasn’t done a single thing wrong, you can’t— (She takes a deep breath to relax). It’s horrible. Using these children as experiments… It’s us… we’re the real…

Man

(On phone) What? An accident at Hatsudai? Why do you need assistance from us for that? Hello? Can you hear me?

Lab Assistant​

What’s going on there…?

Chief

It can’t be. An accident during the transport?

Lab Assistant

“Transport”? What do you mean, sir?

The phone begins to ring

CD: 01/10

Nier: Chaos

A phone ringing and people screaming in terror in the background, running from a blast caused by Legion

Officer A ​

(On the phone) I’m telling you! Please, we need you to send reinforcements! We absolutely cannot guide all these people with just three officers!

Officer B ​

We are now at Level 1 Alert! Please, evacuate the area! Everyone, please remain calm! Remain calm and move swiftly! Proceed towards the area of Yotsuya! Please do not go towards the stations! Please avoid Shinjuku station!

Officer A

(Still on the phone) I said Legion is here! The classification charts?—I can’t find it on here! Just looking in front of me though, I’ve got 1, 2, 3, 4… we’ve got another 7 bodies! I’ve got people being attacked!

Perspective changes to Nier and Yonah fleeing in the panic

Nier ​

Yonah! Over here!

Yonah​

(Tiredly) Wait! Brother!

Nier ​

Legion was supposed to be wiped out—how are they here?!

Yonah ​

Brother…

Nier ​

It’s okay Yonah, it’s all going to be okay, Brother’s right here with you!

Man

Ow! Don’t shove!

Woman A

(In background) Let go! Let me go!

Woman B ​

(Answering phone) What? Hello? What did you say? Yotsuya? The police said we could head there, but—there are so many people here, no one can move!

Nier ​

(Struggling in the crowd) Shit—Yonah! Don’t let go of my hand!

Guns firing in the background

Officer A ​

Yes! Yes, sir! S-Sir? "Knocked off the JSDF’s military transport...?" What was? What was knocked off? Damn it, the signals not getting through— Sir, can you hear me? Sir— (an explosion, and the man starts screaming in pain) (he coughs painfully) no—that’s not, Legion… that’s, Red Eye…

Commander ​

This is Troop #2; we have confirmed visuals of Red Eye. Since 13:50, we have been unable to contact the 3rd company assigned to protect the transport convoy. According to information we acquired from the police, in the middle of a typical operation at Hatsudai, it appears that Specimen B was dropped. Records indicate it should stand at 8 meters tall, but we’ve confirmed that the overall height of the current Specimen B is at least 20 meters. We believe this is most likely the Kyūshū government’s specimen. Requesting permission to activate and call a tank strike—Yes, sir… yes… yes, sir. Presently, we are facing opposition and engaging the enemy, but it has been ineffective. What? “Harming Specimen B will not be tolerated?” What do you mean? We’re up against Red Eye, there's no way to avoid that! If we don’t stop it, we’re all going to die!

Yonah ​

Brother!

Nier ​

Yonah! Hold on tight!

Yonah gets swept away by the crowd

Nier ​

Yonah? Yonah!

Yonah ​

Brother! (farther away) Brother!!

Nier ​

Shit—please move! That’s my sister, she—Yonah! Yonah!!

CD: 01/11

Emil - Suppression

Male Scientist

A guest? I don’t think there was an inspection on the schedule for today, but…

Scientist

There are so many people at the entrance, though…

Lab Assistant

Chief, I never heard anything about this transport.

Chief

Because I hadn’t told anyone. The plan was to combine the JSDF’s forces with our own, and to use a Red Eye specimen they had preserved to develop state-of-the-art weapons. The government’s been so concerned with the military’s decline in power, they even gave us a grant for it! It’s been a secret of the highest priority!

Lab Assistant

And this Red Eye went berserk in the middle of transporting it?

Chief

Well, we don’t know all the details yet…

Lab Assistant

Chief... by God, what have you done?

Chief

Do you think I had a choice?! You need money to do research! If Japan wants to ever be able to oppose the Hamelin Organization, this is the only thing I could have done!

Men burst into the room with guns

Chief

Who are you?

Intruder

Stay where you are! Move and we shoot.

Yura Masayoshi walks in

Yura

Well then, researchers of the National Weapons Research Lab, codename “Murasaki”. For the time being, the entirety of this facility is being absorbed into the JSDF’s Division for Countermeasures against Anomalous Biological Organisms. Effective immediately, I—Yura—will be taking command of this location.

Chief

This isn’t what you said before!

Yura

No, this is exactly what was discussed. If you’d like, the cabinet advisors would be happy to answer your inquiries.

Chief

From the very beginning, you’ve been aiming for control of this lab, haven’t—

Yura shoots the Chief, who falls to the ground, grunting in pain

Chief

You… bastard!

Lab Assistant

Chief—CHIEF!

Yura

Well well now, what did I say? If you move, I shoot. I said that, didn’t I? I said… exactly... that! (Yura laughs.) Got it?! Right now? We’re at war. While you shits have been keeping busy with your worthless research, my troops and I been fighting at the expense of our own lives! If you want to live a long, healthy life, you will follow our orders. You will obey my command without fail. Do you understand?!

The chief coughs and spits up blood on the floor

Lab Assistant

We need to get him to the sickbay immediately!

Yura

Oh, almost forgot. I’ve got a question for you.

Lab Assistant

Before any of that, we have to move the Chief! There’s so much blood, he—

Yura shoots the Chief again, killing him. The lab assistant gasps in terror

Yura

All right then, that should take care of it.

Lab Assistant

What is this? What is happening…

Yura

I’ve only got one question: where is the weapon No.7?

Lab Assistant

No.7? You mean Emil?

Yura

Looks like you’ve taken to keeping that petrifying monster like a pet, huh?

Lab Assistant

Emil is not a goddamn monster!

Yura slaps her

Yura

That’s not gonna work at all. I didn’t ask for anything resembling your opinion. This is how it’s going to go through, huh? How about this, then?

Yura snaps his fingers and all the men he came with raise their guns

Yura

If you don’t hand over the location and means of controlling No.7 to me, then starting now, for every minute I wait, I will kill one of you. There’s 24 of you left— ah, no, your Chief is dead. So, including you, there should be 23 people? Anyway, you give me an answer within the next 22 minutes, and there’s no problem.

Lab Assistant

What are you talking about—

Yura

I had intended to give you more time, but...

Lab Assistant

...I bring you Emil, and then what?

Yura

Why, I’m going to have him fight and die for our great country, of course! You’ve got 45 seconds left!

Lab Assistant

You can’t make him do that!

Yura

Is that so? But you know, desperate times call for desperate measures, haha. 35 seconds.

The door opens and Emil runs in

Emil

Miss Scientist!

Lab Assistant

Emil, stay back!

Yura

You. Are you No.7?

Emil

Don’t hurt the researchers!

Yura

If you’re a good boy and do what I tell you, I won’t do a single thing.

Emil

I’ll go… please, don’t shoot them!

Lab Assistant

Emil! They’re going to make you fight Red Eye!

Emil

It’s okay. I may not look it, but I’m strong. I can do it. So please, don’t worry about me. I’ll definitely come back.

Lab Assistant

Emil…

Yura

Looks like our No.7 understands the situation, then.

The phone begins to ring

CD: 01/12

Kainé - Quarrel

The sound of a grandfather clock chiming at the change of the hour

Kaali

(on phone) Have you forgotten exactly who it is that’s providing you with your budget? Please, try to remember exactly why I left Murasaki in your hands. Do you understand me? If you do, then you will dispatch your guards to my home immediately.

Grandfather

Kaali… what in the world are you doing?

Kaali

Nothing that concerns you.

Grandfather

Don’t be ridiculous, Kaali.

Kaali

I requested very specifically for guardsmen to be placed here.

Puppy barks and scene shifts to backyard, where it and Kainé are

Kainé

All right! I’m going to call you "Shiro", how about that? It’s from the name of a princess, Shirayuki. Do you like it?

Shiro barks

Kainé

Oh, no good? (Shiro barks again) …Good? Heh, I wonder which you’re trying to tell me. I guess I just... don’t understand what you’re saying…

Kaali

(from inside the house) —are social elite now, how long are you going to—

Grandfather

As I’ve said, Kainé won’t need—

Kaali

My efforts have all been wasted on you two! (Kaali fades out, still yelling)

Kainé

You already know Grandfather is a kind man but… Grandmother… she really is nice, too. They said that she became a hero in the war against Legion. It’s been years, but even now, scores of soldiers come to see her.

Shiro whines

Kainé

I am happy... I get to be here with Grandfather and Grandmother, so I’m happy... (Shiro whines more) But sometimes, I’m scared... and I don’t know what of. It’s like black fog, coming from within me. All my life, I’ve wanted for nothing. And yet at times, I have these dreadful nightmares... I... What should I do?

Shiro barks

Kainé

You’re right, as long as I have you with me, it’ll be fine!

Announcement

...we are rescinding the evacuation order placed on the districts of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Nakano and Setagaya. For those in their homes, please try to remain indoors. I repeat, there has been situation involving Legion. The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Nakano and Setagaya...

Kainé

Legion...?

CD: 01/13

The Boy, the Girl, and the Weapon #1

Yura slams down the phone

Yura

That damn old witch! She might be a hero, but she doesn’t know shit, acting like she can do whatever she wants. But without that money, we can’t do a single thing… there’s no way in hell I’m going to be the bitch’s personal guard! (Yura smashes something on the table)

Lab Assistant

Getting violent won’t solve anything!

Yura

Huh?! Don’t you dare talk back to me. What could scientists like you understand about the life of a military man?! (Yura flips the table towards the researcher)

Emil

Please stop! The researchers haven’t done anything wrong.

Yura

I don’t want to hear it from a brat! I’ll crush you, you little shit. (Yura grabs Emil by the throat)

Emil

I can’t—My—

Yura

Enough! (Yura drops Emil to the ground.)

Emil

Ahh!

Yura

Surround him and pin him down!

Emil

What is… this?

Lab Assistant

Emil!

Yura

Heh, as if I would stand in front of Murasaki’s strongest sealing weapon without anything prepared? Imbecile. This is Hamelin’s newest, top-of-the-line suppression system. See, it doesn’t affect us humans in the slightest. But on anything containing maso, the effect is quite substantial.

Yura turns the machine’s intensity up and Emil grunts in pain then vomits

Lab Assistant

Emil! (The men all draw their guns on her as she steps towards him)

Yura

Hold on, now! The machine won’t hurt you, but this gun still can. You want me to put a bullet through you?

Lab Assistant

What are you trying to achieve, going as far as to use a machine from Hamelin?!

Yura

If it’s for my purposes, you’re going to let me use whatever I want. He’s something I could use too, isn’t he? Something… I could use? I could… Hold on. That old bat wants a command post… then I could—All right! I’ve decided what we’ll do. Give me the map!

Soldier

Yes, sir!

Yura

Here, maybe? Contact tactical headquarters. “Due to unforeseeable circumstances, we must proceed with the recapture of Red Eye in sector B-24 of the civilian residential district. However, to prevent any interference, do not alert the general public.” Tell them that.

Lab Assistant

You can’t! All those civilians are going to end up in the middle of your— Yura knocks her out

Yura

Oh, how I hate women who talk too much.

Emil

Mi...ss… Scien…tist...

Yura

Now, let’s see! Groups #1 and 6, stay here and continue to hold down the fort. Everyone else, we’re headed to B-24!

Soldiers

Yes, sir!

Yura

Let’s give ‘em a hell of a show. There’ll be enough of the public there, we could even call them the audience. (He starts laughing maniacally)

CD: 01/14

The Boy, the Girl, and the Weapon #2

(People screaming and running in terror)

Nier

Yonah? Yonah! Excuse me, have you seen a little girl by any chance? She’s got on a light blue coat with the hood up! Someone—She’s…

Bystander

I haven’t seen her. More importantly, you have to get out of here! Legion’s coming this way!

Nier

Ah, I see. Thank you, sorry for bothering you… Someone? Has anyone seen a little girl?

Nier runs into a lady

Nier

Ah, I’m sorry! Um—

Running Lady

Watch where you’re walking! You’re gonna hurt someone!

She leaves, Nier remains on the ground

Nier

I’m sorry. Yonah… Yonah, where are you…? I can’t give up. I have to protect Yonah, I have to. I will keep her safe.

Nice Lady

Are you all right? Can you stand?

Nier

Ah, thank you!

Nice Lady

Were you looking for someone just now?

Nier

Yes, my little sister and I were separated. She’s wearing a light blue coat, it’s kind of tattered.

Nice Lady

I’m not sure if it’s the same girl but, I did see a child wearing a coat that color.

Nier

Have you really?

Nice Lady

They were headed for the Mansion. I didn’t see the kid’s face though, so I don’t know if they were a boy or girl.

Nier

Mansion?

Nice Lady

Ah, just past that street there should be a large forest. There’s a massive house in it that belongs to some rich person, and we just call it the Mansion. The kid was headed that way.

Nier

Thank you very much!

Nice Lady

Stay safe, okay? They say Legion’s headed in this direction!

Nier

I will!

CD: 01/15

The Boy, the Girl, and the Weapon #3

Shiro barking incessantly

Kaali

Kainé! Silence that dog at once!

Kainé

My apologies, Grandmother Kaali.

Kaali

Honestly, do I have to tell you once again to get rid of that animal— (car screeches to a halt out front) What’s this? Such a racket.

Yura

Well now, how wonderful it is to see you, Mrs. Kaali. You look lovely.

Kaali

Keep the pointless flattery to a minimum, if you would.

Yura

If only your mood were as lovely...

Kaali

Then I suppose you’ve finally brought the protection you promised?

Yura

I truly beg your apology, Mrs. Kaali, the preparations took longer than we anticipated. But if you would, please, direct your attention over here. In addition to a full platoon of 62 men, we’ve prepared our most cutting-edge mobile arms system. You, boot it up.

Soldier

Yes, sir!

P-22

P-22, activation starting... Locating necessary resources... Activation in progress.

It continues preparing in the background

Yura

How about that? Just as you requested, we spared no expense in exhausting all possible options to prepare a force of arms worthy of you.

Kaali

Hmm, and yet it was late. Still, I suppose it’s not too awful.

Yura

If I may, we are all ranking members of the Band of the Dragon. Now, in regards to this protection we are providing—

Kaali

We will discuss the specifics of your compensation after the current turmoil has ended. Until then, your efforts are best focused on safeguarding this mansion.

Grandfather

Kaali…

Kaali

Oh, hello dear.

Grandfather

What in the world is an armed platoon here for?

Kaali

They’re all from the JSDF to provide protection for our home.

Grandfather

That’s—There’s no reason for just one house to get this much protection, is there?

Kaali

I have my reasons. You and I were—No, I am the woman who subdued the forces of Legion for this country. That is why.

Grandfather

Don’t be unreasonable! Besides, this machine is far more than we need, don’t you think?

Yura

This is but a modest gift from the Department of Defense in consideration of your past contributions. At any rate, the two of you are both highly-cherished veterans, your excellency—

Grandfather

Enough with the “Excellency” lines. I’m no longer part of the military.

Kaali

Regardless, this is the protection that I requested be prepared. You are not involved with it.

Grandfather

Is that so?

Yura

Eastern, Western, and Southern units, spread out! P-22 will be placed at the southern end’s main street.

P-22 ​

P-22... Southern main street... Correcting course…

Kaali

Ah, please avoid the shrubbery over there if you would.

Yura

Of course, ma’am. Hey! Get the hell out there, idiot. Watch your step.

Kainé

Shiro? Shiro! There’s nothing to be frightened of! Oh please, if you bark like that then Grandmother will –

bushes rustle

Kainé

Who is it? Is someone there?

Yonah

Um…

Kainé

A child... A little girl? What are you doing here?

Yonah

Where am I? Where’s Brother...?

Kainé

“Brother” ...? What’s your name?

Yonah

Yonah.

P-22 makes a crashing sound in the distance

Kainé

It’s dangerous out here. How about we go inside, sweetheart?

Yonah

What about my brother?

Kainé

I’ll look for your brother after this, so let’s go inside for now, okay?

Yonah

Okay.

Kainé

Shiro, you come too.

Yonah

So it’s not dangerous here?

Kainé

It’s safe, there are lots of soldiers protecting it. It’ll be fine.

CD: 01/16

The Boy, the Girl, and the Weapon #4

Nier

Yonah! Yonah, are you there?! If you’re there, answer me! Yonah! How far out here did she get? And this is someone’s property? It’s huge…

A large gust of wind rustles the trees

Nier

What’s that sound? Ahh! That’s—Red Eye?! How did it get that big?! Why is it—It saw me!

Yura

Hahaha! Fire, fire, FIRE! Drive it towards the house!

Soldier A

Commander! The Schumatt’s strikes have no effect!

Soldier B

Rear squadron engaging Legion on the western end! We don’t have enough men available to focus on Red Eye! (Yura strikes him.)

Yura

You really ought to keep your voice down. See, you’re gonna solve that problem. Somehow or other, you’re gonna drag Red Eye over to that big ol’ mansion. That’s why you’re goddamn here! Lure it over, or act like bait for all I give a shit, but lead the bastard in front of that mansion!

Soldier B

U-Understood, sir!

Nier

Damn it! Yonah could be right over there but—Ahh!

Yura

All right! Just like that! Over to the west side of the mansion! I’ll head back now and prep P-22 for the attack!

CD: 01/17

The Boy, the Girl, and the Weapon #5

Yonah

Miss, I’m scared…

Kainé

It’s all right, there’s nothing to be afraid of. There are a lot of strong soldiers protecting us.

Kaali

(distantly) You! What is the meaning of this? You’ve brought Red Eye to my very front yard!

Kainé

Grandmother… What could be going on…?

A car skids to a halt in front of the house where Kaali is standing

Kaali

Do you all intend to destroy my home?! Kill that thing at once!

Yura

Oh my, Mrs. Kaali. This may be a bit troublesome, but—

Kaali

Troublesome or whatever it may be, you’ve brought Red Eye to my home! What are you thinking? Get that damned thing—

Yura

You just aren’t getting it, huh? We all are here, just as you requested, and protecting your precious home as promised, no? Our duty is not to destroy Red Eye, it’s to protect this house if I’m not mistaken. Hehe.

Kaali

You…!

Soldier A

Red Eye is approaching!

Yura

Here we go! Disable the safety locks on P-22 missiles and fire as soon as they’re ready! Once you’ve confirmed their impact, proceed with the laser! Pound it with the Schumatt while you’re at it! But avoid the head, we want the body. Aim for the body! We destroy that and it can’t do a damn thing!

Soldier B

But, sir, Platoon #2 is currently engaging Red Eye! If we fire now, they’ll be caught in it—

Yura

They are necessary casualties, then. Who knows? When this war ends, they may even become heroes.

Soldier B

But, sir— (Yura strikes him down)

Yura

Useless! All of you are so goddamned useless! (He begins to initiate P-22 on his own.) Disable the first stage safety locks for guided missiles 1 through 8!

P-22

#1… #2… #3… #4… Safety locks, disengaged...

Yura

When we fire, we’re going to anchor Red Eye to that spot! After it hits, immediately strike with the irradiated laser for 20 seconds!

P-22

Warning: Irradiated laser strikes lasting longer than 40 seconds run the risk of overheating—

Yura

Ignore the damn safety protocols, you hunk of junk! Hahaha, eat this, you salt demon!

All the weapons fire upon Red Eye

P-22​

Laser lens #2 has encountered an error, encountered an —

Yura

Check the status of Red Eye!

Soldier C

Yes, sir! We’ve destroyed Red Eyes’ right arm! The left arm is severely damaged, along with a confirmed strike to its lower left abdomen! It can still move!

Yura

No shit! We’ve mutilated its whole arm and it’s still fighting us. This thing really is a monster, huh? P-22, switch to grappling mode! We’ll bring this bastard down with sheer strength!

P-22

P-22, using grappling mode to suppress the enemy.

Nier

Yonah!

Yonah

Brother! Brother!

Kainé

You’re…?

Yonah

That’s my brother!

Kainé

Good.

Yonah

Brother, um, I got lost and this lady helped me out.

Nier

Oh, did she? Thank you so very much.

Kainé

It’s nothing. Don’t let go of her hand again, all right?

Nier

Yes, ma’am!

Kaali

What the hell are you doing?! My mansion, my mansion—You’ve set my mansion on fire!

Grandfather

What are you raving about? We need to get out of here, now!

Kainé

Grandfather, Grandmother!

Grandfather

Kainé! Get out of here immediately!

Yura

Yes! Just like that! Pin it down!

Soldier C

Pinning now! We still have some additional power remaining! What?!

Yura

What is that?

Soldier C

Its arms… It’s growing more arms out of its skin! Power cable 3 of P-22 is... it’s ripped them all out!

P-22

Sudden irregularity... found... in power supply. Warning: sudden — (P-22 explodes)

Yura

So this is… the Kyushu government’s Red Eye… It’s been this insanely powerful all along?!

Soldier D

Commander! Legion is… it’s crawling out of Red Eye’s skin!

Nier

Yonah, watch out!

Yonah

Brother!

Kainé

You two, go through the back and get out of here!

Nier

But... But Miss, what about you?

Kainé

I—My Grandmother and Grandfather are still in there.

Kaali screams

Grandfather

Kaali—Kaali, watch out! (He gets stabbed.)

Kainé

Grandfather! Grandfather!!

Grandfather

Kainé… Oh, Kainé… I need you to listen c-closely. The world’s going to get worse from here… and you…you may be dragged into the worst of it…

Kainé

Grandfather, don’t speak!

Grandfather

But Kainé, you… I— (he gets crushed)

Yonah gasps

Nier

Yonah, don’t look!

Kainé

Grandfather! (She screams in pain)

Yura

Enough! I’m calling it, it’s going to be impossible to capture Red Eye. We’re just going to crush the damn thing!

Soldier E

But, Commander! We’ve got no effective means of attacking—

Yura

If you’re going to fight a monster, you need to use a monster! Bring out No.7!

Soldier E

Yes, sir!

They drag Emil out and toss him to the ground in front of Yura

Yura

Good, you’ve still got your blindfold. Anything you look at with those eyes of yours petrifies, correct? We’re going to focus on destroying Legion, so you’re going to turn that Red Eye into stone!

Emil

But—The troops still fighting haven’t been moved yet—

Yura

Doesn’t matter, get over here! You’re going to take off that blindfold, and the first thing you get to see is this bastard! (Yura pulls off Emil’s blindfold and Emil gasps.)

Yura

Yes! Here it comes!

Soldier

Captain! Commander! My body is stiff—

Soldiers

It burns! Make it stop!

Emil

This is—It’s because of me, my power... No! No, stop it! I don’t want this! I don’t want to look!

Officer

The petrification on Red Eye has ceased!

Yura

What the hell do you think you’re doing?! Look at Red Eye, you monster!

Emil

No, please! My power... My power’s hurting the people in range of it!

Yura

Tch, you!

Soldier

Yes!

Yura

Pass me that red medic’s kit. Here it is! You damned monster, you’re going to do as I say! (He injects Emil with a drug)

Emil

What is this… medicine…?

Yura

Just a little pep-up to make this easier on us both.

Emil

No—No, don’t—St… Plea… No...

Yura

That’s just too bad. Weapons should act more like weapons and do their job.

Emil starts screaming in the middle of Yura’s sentence, losing control

Yura

I guess now’s as good as ever.

Soldier

Commander, where are you—

Yura

Isn’t it obvious? I’m getting the hell out of here!

Soldier

Commander! Commander, please wait! You bastard!

CD: 01/18

The Boy, the Girl, and the Weapon #6

Kainé

Grandfather!

Nier

Miss! It’s dangerous, we need to run!

Kaali

Kainé...

Kainé

Grandmother! Grandmother Kaali!

Kaali

Your Grandfather’s death is… regretful. I… No, we... there’s something we never told you.

Kainé

Grand...mother…?

Red Eye grabs Kaali

Kainé

Grandmother!

Soldier

It’s grabbed the woman! The arm! Fire at the arm!! Destroy it!

Kainé

Grandmother! Grandmother Ka— (Red Eye swallows Kaali whole.) No… You can’t… NO! Deep down... within me… there’s a dark power… Just what is it?

(Kainé screams in pain, the sound distorting at the end as she loses control.)

Nier

What’s—

Soldier

Over there! There’s a girl clinging to Red Eye!

Nier

Someone… is going up against Red Eye barehanded?

Kainé

My grandmother! My grandfather! Give them back! Give them back! Give! Them! Back!

Soldier

Look! The girl’s ripped the woman out of Red Eye’s stomach!

Kaali falls to the ground, coughing

Kaali

Kainé… you finally…

Yonah

Brother!

Nier

Yonah!

Red Eye screeches and Emil begins to scream back

Soldier

We can do this… We can win! With No.7 and that girl, Red Eye will— (Red Eye is immediately ripped to parts and falls.) Red Eye is… dead… A human, with her bare hands... All by herself, she...

Kainé

I’ll kill you! Kill you kill you kill YOU KILL KILL KILL KILL! (Kainé turns her attacks on the soldiers)

Officer

No! They’re going to murder us all! Oh, God—Help me, HELP ME, HELP ME! (Kainé continues to rampage, along with Emil)

Nier

Stop—Please, stop!

Soldier

What are you doing, kid?!

Nier

Both of you, stop! Red Eye’s dead! There’s no reason to keep fighting!

Yonah

Brother… I’m scared…

Nier

I’m sorry, Yonah, but I can’t just leave her— (He gets hit with a stray strike.) Please stop! Both of you, stop!

Soldier

Give it up—They’re just monsters!

Nier

No, you’re wrong! They’re not! She’s still a human! I’m begging you, stop fighting!

Kainé and Emil freeze

Soldier

They... stopped? Pin No.7 down! Pin him down, now!

Emil comes to his senses under the pressure of the suppressor

Emil

What have I done?

Nier

Miss!

Kainé

I—What did I...

Nier

Can you hear me? Can you hear my voice?

Kainé

You…

Commander

Confirm that all destroyed sections of Red Eye are still here! Capture everyone from Yura’s teams! Don’t let a single one escape!

Yonah

Brother!

Nier

It’s okay. It’s all right, Yonah.

Yonah

Brother, I was so scared…

Nier

I’m so sorry, Yonah… They’ve never helped me or spoken to me, we’ve never even met, but… for some reason, when I saw them, I… Why did I…

Commander

Administer an immediate sedative to No.7 and collect the weapon. Hurry and gather the missiles from P-22 as well! If word gets out that this was related to Hamelin, it’ll be on your asses.

Nier

Looks like it all over… Miss, are you okay?

Kainé

What did I—Grandfather… Grandmother… I’m… I’m scared… (Kainé starts crying, Shiro whines.)

Soldier

(distantly) We’ve got survivors over here!

CD: 01/19

Report #4

Current state of progress on Project Gestalt

The Rogue Red Eye Incident

According to a later investigation, the recent incident with Red Eye has been confirmed as being related to the conspiracy between the National Weapons Research Lab and a portion of the JSDF’s vie for power. What was unknown until the incident, however, is that staff members had also been bribed with large sums of money and goods. Much of the funds were received from the Kaali estate in the form of donations, but taking into account her standing as a National Hero, the Internal Investigations Bureau has decided it will not question her actions. In addition to this, Masayoshi Yura’s whereabouts following the incident are unknown. Yura, the previous acting chief of the JSDF’s Division for Countermeasures against Anomalous Biological Organisms and commander of the Shinjuku Defense Corps, remains at large.

The Girl who Overthrew Red Eye

According to eyewitness testimony of JDSF forces and the ruined remains of Red Eye, we reason that her abilities allow for augmenting the physical capabilities of the human body to an extreme degree. Leaving aside reports of her ability to jump over 20 meters and the destruction of Red Eye’s outer shell, an investigation deeper into the actual circumstances of the event was considered. However, as a matter of national security, it was decided that the Japanese Internal Investigations Bureau will be handling all further research. Hereafter, any details pertaining to the girl are unknown.

The National Weapons Research Lab and the Weapon No.7: One of the responsible parties of this recent Red Eye incident, the chief of research at the National Weapons Research Lab, is confirmed dead. To prevent a second, similar act of terrorism from occurring, per discussions between the World Purification Commission and Japanese Government, it’s been decided that personnel from the Commission shall be placed within and monitor the Internal Investigations Bureau indefinitely. As for the weapon No.7, after pacification it was placed into suspended animation and returned to the National Weapons Research Lab once more. Due to the inherent risk of No.7 as a weapon, disposal was initially considered. But because the originally intended method of destroying the No.6 weapon is yet unknown, No.7’s capabilities of sealing it were judged to be indispensable, thus deferring its removal.

Additional Notes: Regarding Male Trial Subject A, the “Original Gestalt”

Following these events, the subject of this information and previous pending concerns, Male Subject A, has been selected as the “Original Gestalt” per the success of his pact in Project Grimoire Noir. At the same time, we have on record that Male Subject A’s younger sister (designated Female Subject B) has taken to the specialized stasis procedure. Male Subject A, as part of an official government contract, was promised that Female Subject B would be included in the Gestalt decryption process. Unfortunately, due to damage to the data collected during the Gestaltization, we have ascertained that later decryption from Gestalt may be prone to failure. Considering Male Subject A’s vital role and the length of time required of Project Gestalt, there is potential for this information to become a large issue, and we concluded that further observation of the subject was necessary. As a result, releases of this information cannot be shared with Male Subject A, but Observers will record it as refuted. That is all.

Head of Kanto Sector C, Observer α: Devola

Regarding the subject of the additional notes

Until the collection of necessary Maso completes (roughly 1000 years), the subject will be preserved as Principal Confidential Matter S.

Head of Kanto Sector C, Observer β: Popola

CD: 02/01

The Promise of a Thousand Years

This is Tokyo in 2058. Original Nier has become the perfect Gestalt, so he is under the custody and surveillance of the Japanese government and the World Purification Organization. Although Original Nier is a Gestalt, he looks no different than any other ordinary humans.

Grimoire Noir is programmed to obey Original Nier.

The observers are equipped with weapons that could utilize magic so that they will not be inferior to the Grimoires.

Doctor

And your little sister, you said her name was Yonah?

Nier

Yes.

Doctor

We’ve been researching all possible options, but there’s still not a suitable treatment for her case...

Nier

But it’s already been five years! When exactly is she going to wake up?!

Doctor

I’m very sorry. There are several people working day and night on the investigation, but…

Nier

I’m sorry, I know you’re all working very hard.

Doctor

And the same to you. My apologies that we’ve been so little help. If there are any changes in our progress, I’ll let you know right away.

Nier

Please, if you would. Sorry for taking up your time. (NieR leaves the building.)

Doctor

The only successful case, the “Original Gestalt” ... The hero who can save the world, but can’t save his little sister… (his phone rings) Yes? Ah, yes! I understand. I’ll be there shortly. (he hangs up)

Nier

Damn it!

Noir

Something troubling you, Your Grace?

Nier

Noir… It’s been five years… She went to sleep five years ago, and now... The government and World Purification Commission gave me their word, and they haven’t been able to help her, even the slightest, in all this time?!

Noir

Being impatient will solve nothing. They’ve devoted their best and brightest to your sister’s case for you.

Nier

If they really are the best and brightest then they should already...! They’ve done everything they can. What if there’s nothing that can help Yonah anymore? If that’s true, I can’t…

Noir

I understand it’s difficult, Your Excellency. However, you are the savior of all humanity. Just by existing, the people can be at peace and find the strength to Gestaltize. It’s only natural that everyone would strive to help you, our Lord, and your sister, Yonah.

Nier

Please, enough. I’m not a lord and I’m certainly no savior. (A few men run up to NieR.)

Noir

What’s this? Observers?

Observer A

I extend my deepest apologies, Your Grace, but we must request that you go no further. You’ve only be given permission to travel as far as the highway in Yoyogi. If you proceed, we, your Observers, will be unable to provide protection.

Nier

Protect me?

Noir

Protection? You, the lapdogs of the government? Provide protection? Laughable! If there is some concern, then out with it!

Nier

Stand down, Noir. They’re just doing their jobs, too.

Noir

As you command, sir.

Nier

None of this is anyone’s fault.

The doctor from earlier knocks on the door of a conference room, where politicians from a previous track are gathered

Politician A

Come in.

Doctor

Thank you, sir.

Politician A

For some time now, we’ve been faced with a predicament: the current state of the Original Gestalt’s younger sibling. However, it’s been decided that you shall proceed with plan B2.

Doctor

Plan B2? Then you mean, she—

Politician A

Yes, she will be.

Politician B

Until all stages of Project Gestalt have finalized, she will remain in cryogenic stasis. We’d originally planned to conceal this from the Original, but as we’ve been informed from recent reports, the lack of change in his sibling’s condition has appeared to make him emotionally unstable as of late. One thing that is for certain, even if it means he loses himself, we need him to want to keep Project Gestalt going.

Doctor

But Plan B2 means we couldn’t find a treatment at all, correct?

Politician A

Unfortunately.

Politician B

Someone will inform him shortly that we couldn’t find anything. That with current medicine, a one-time treatment that even comes close to totally wiping out the disease is impossible.

Doctor

I see. Who is going to explain this to the Original?

Politician A

We decided it should be you. We’ll be relying on you.

Doctor

I couldn’t—I can’t possibly lie to him.

Politician A

Who said anything about lying? It’s not like there isn’t a chance that somewhere in the world, proper treatment will be discovered. Besides, we have other ways of dealing with this, if needed.

Doctor

You wouldn’t!

Politician B ​

Before long, someone might spread the word that we have discovered the sister attempted to feign her death and was dealt with swiftly and accordingly.

Doctor

What are you talking about?!

Politician B ​

Now, of course, we put an end to it. If his sister died, the Original’s emotional instability would grow out of control and then the entire plan would grind to a halt. Or so I’ve heard. But even I find that a bit too cruel. So, what do you say?

Doctor

Yes, sir. I understand. I’ll do it.

Politician B

We’re counting on you. Whatever support you may need, ask for it and we will do our best to provide it. After all, if we didn’t have him, the entirety of humanity would be doomed, as you know.

Doctor

Please excuse me.

Lab Assistant

Mr. Nier, you can relax, there’s no need to worry. It’s likely that under the proposed stasis procedure her cellular regeneration capabilities will stabilize. We have many others with the same condition as Yonah who have shown positive results. This is the National Weapons Research Laboratory—I know, it’s a very official sounding title, but nowadays we primarily focus on anything regarding Project Gestalt. Our work requires a large facility, so much of our services cost a great deal of money, but… Yonah is quite lucky, isn’t she?

Nier

I suppose.

Lab

Assistant

Thanks to you becoming the Original Gestalt, a great deal of people—No, the entirety of the human race can be saved. So I assure you, we will stop at nothing to save your sister.

Nier

I’m not that important of a person. But, please… please take care of Yonah.

Lab Assistant

Of course. I promise.

The phone rings

Lab Assistant

Yes, may I help you? Huh? Yes. Yes, I understand. (To Nier) It seems you have a call from someone in the government.

Nier

For me?

Nier

A… A thousand years…?

Doctor

Yes, the remaining maso particles need to be neutralized, else her later decryption from Gestalt form will be difficult. Relapse recovery can’t be done in situations where maso particles are present. In the meantime, to slow the progression of her relapse, we’ll be placing your sister’s Gestalt into “Cold Sleep” cryostasis. When Project Gestalt finalizes in 1000 years, I’m sure we’ll have finally been able to found a cure for Yonah. And of course, as the Original Gestalt, you will not age with the time, either. So, you’ll be able to be with a happy, healthy Yonah! Or so I’ve been told.

Nier

But that’s just… It’s such a long time. She must sleep for all of it?

Doctor

My deepest apologies. The current administration—No... this is simply the limit of the human race’s abilities currently. But with you, the one and only Original Gestalt, we will be saved. I swear to you; I will dedicate the utmost effort to Yonah’s preservation.

(NieR slams his hand down on the table)

Nier

It’s not… I… Yonah…

Doctor

It’s truly out of my hands…I’m sorry.

Nier

1000 years… Another 1000 years… Yonah… What am I supposed to do now? Oh god, Yonah…

Observers approach Nier

Observer

If you proceed further, then we—

Noir

Leave now. Our grace has requested that he be left alone at the present time. This is no place for your grandstanding. Withdraw from my sight!

Observer

Hmph. We understood you the first time. We’re just doing our jobs. You’d do well to watch your tongue from now on.

Noir

Would you like to see just how powerful we are, lapdog? (Noir begins to charge an attack.)

Nier

Stop it.

Noir

But, my lord—

Nier

Knock it off! Just be quiet!

Noir

Yes, my lord! (Noir stops)

Nier

You, observers. You don’t need to shadow me anymore.

Observers

But we were assigned—

Nier

If we meet again like this, I will show you no mercy. Go back and tell your bosses this: I’m not going to run away. I’m going to live. Until those 1000 years pass, I will survive. No matter what it takes, I will wait for Yonah. Because they’ll be able to save her then.

Noir

My lord, I will follow you wherever your travels may lead you. I shall lay down my life for you, should it be necessary. The completion of Project Gestalt will come, and until that day, we will face the future.

Nier

Yeah.

Noir

In times of hardship, remember this: No matter the obstacle, I, the great Grimoire Noir, shall clear it for you, and fight whatever comes our way.

Nier

Thank you, Noir. I swear, I will get Yonah back. No matter what the cost. Nothing will stop me.

CD: 02/03

Lust

This takes place at the northern exit of Nier’s village, 3 months after the Shadowlord has been defeated and Nier has been forgotten.

Kainé survives by taking requests from villagers to protect them from the Shades. Although she loses her magical powers, her strength remains because of her genes.

The client is the vice-captain of the youth trope. Kainé sounds uninterested and blunt towards him, but she actually lusts after tough looking men with a tan. ​

Kainé yells as she attacks a Shades

Kainé

Get the hell away from me, you worthless shit! Ahh! (It strikes her, and she hits the ground, gasping for air. She spits.) Oh, so you’re a persistent little bastard, huh?! Damned, stupid Shade! You can’t run from me! (She finishes it off.) Is that all? It’s not enough. Killing them, ripping them to pieces— None of it is enough!

Man

(distantly) Hey! (he runs up, panting) You finally rid us of those Shades! Hey, you okay?

Kainé

What?

Man

You just look really tired, so…

Kainé

It’s none of your business.

Man

All right then… Still, though. That was amazing. You’re amazing. You took down those Shades single-handedly. If only any of us in the village have the courage to try something like that. Here’s the money we promised. It’s not much, but please, take it. The Forest of Myth is safe for us to pass through again, thanks to you. Much obliged.

Kainé

Sure.

Man

If we run into trouble in the future, we’ll be sure to call on you again.

Kainé

Hmph.

The man’s sister runs up as Kainé walks off in another direction with her payment

Sister

Brother!

Man

Yes?

Sister

Are the Shades gone now?

Man

The people of Seafront were right to sing her praises, Ms. Kainé was astounding. The village men could barely drive the Shades back, but she crushed them.

Sister

Brother, is this really okay?

Man

What do you mean?

Sister

Well, you know… She’s… She’s sort of scary.

Man

What are you talking about? We paid her to come help us and she did. Ms. Kainé deserves respect for it, no more speaking ill of her.

Sister

I’m sorry.

Man

The Shade inside of her is long gone, she’s now just a normal human. Yet... she still lives outside of the village walls. I’m just worried about her.

Sister

I see… Brother, it’s still dangerous out here, we should probably head back.

Man

Yeah.

Kainé startles awake from a dream

Kainé

That same dream again…? Why, damn it… Why again?! What am I missing?! Why that dream, every single night?!

Shades begin to emerge from the trees around her and she gasps

Kainé

Shades? Heh… Perfect timing. I woke up in bad mood, so while I’m killing you bastards, I’m gonna fuck your shit up so bad, that ought to cheer me right up! Come on! Playing dead won’t work on me! (She stabs it.) Who’s next?! What’s wrong?! You’ll never beat me keeping your distance. You shits ought to act more like the monsters you are and rush me as a group! Show me what you’re made of!

A girl’s scream echos in the distance

Kainé

From the village? Then—These Shades we’re a diversion? Ha, hahaha—Damn, that’s clever. Haha, this is going to be a real treat, then! I’m going to grind you cunning bastards down into minced meat, and then serve you up like a fucking Shade sandwich!

Screaming, as people flee the Shades attacking the village

Woman

Somebody—!

Villager

They’ve broken down the gate! Head for the shopping district—

Man

We can’t! The Shades have gotten in there, too!

Villager

That can’t be!

Man

At this rate, the village will be—

Men and women scream as the Shades attack them, before Kainé appears and strikes them down

Man

It’s Kainé—Ms. Kainé!

Kainé

Don’t move, this is my fight. I’m going to take my sweet time killing them all, one by one!

She fights, the Shades attempting to attack her with magic

Kainé

You think that puny shit is going to hurt me? You must be a pack of fucking idiots!

Villager

The village, it’s going to…

Man

Let’s leave this place to Kainé! Quickly! Everyone run, now!

Woman

Head for the library! We’re already begun evacuating and barricading the doors!

Kainé

I’ll kill you! Kill you, rip out your guts and chop you into tiny pieces! You’ll all be nothing but piles of meat! (She laughs hysterically.)

Sister

(crying) Brother! Brother, please!

Man

It’s okay…

Sister

No! No, it’s not! What should I do?!

Man

The S-Shades... What happened?

Sister

Ms. Kainé came to the village, and she—

Kainé kicks down the door and enters their house, panting

Sister

Ms. Kainé…?

Man

Kainé… So you came for us… You saved the village… Th… ank… you...

Sister

Brother? Brother! No… it can’t be… You can’t die!

Kainé kicks up the man’s corpse

Sister

Ms. Kainé! What are you doing?! (Kainé strikes it again.) No!

Kainé

I’ll kill all of them. (The sound of ripping cloth and the body falling somewhere) But it’s never enough—Shade after Shade after Shade I cut down, so why... why are people still dying?! What am I even here for?! (Kainé begins to cry) Damn it. Why,... Why am I...

Sister

Stop it… Please, stop it. What are you doing?! What are you doing to him?! No—Don’t! Somebody, anybody, please help!

Villager

(outside the house) She’s what?

Woman

(outside the house) Ms. Kainé is...?!

Kainé

What did I…

Sister

Please hurry, that woman—She’s—

Kainé

Why… Why did I… Damn it, I...

Villager

Look out, she’s getting away!

Kainé flees from the village, her crying turning to ugly laughter, then back into sobs

Kainé

I can’t—I can’t anymore!

She finally stops next to a flower

Kainé

This is, a Lunar Tear? Why here of all places? Something about it... I can’t stop crying… (She sinks to her knees next to it, crying) Somebody… Please tell me why… anybody…

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