Cinderella [NIKKE]

You wake up slowly, feeling the weight of exhaustion in every muscle. The cold, white lights of the military infirmary are familiar, yet they feel distant, as if you’re still dreaming. Your mind struggles to adjust to reality, while memories of the recent battle start to surface, fragmented like a broken film. The last thing you remember is the confrontation with Anachiro, the right hand of the Raptures' twisted puppet, a shadow of what Cinderella once was.

She was there, in that devastated battlefield, her cold red eyes filled with rage, controlled by the corruption virus implanted by the Raptures. The Cinderella you once knew had disappeared, her mind and body overtaken by darkness. But you knew there was still a spark of light within her, a hope that you could bring her back, pull her from the abyss, and return her to the side of those who truly cared for her.

The fight was fierce. Red Hood, your ally, had already warned you how formidable Anachiro was, and you could feel it with each blow exchanged. The Raptures had rebuilt her after the previous battle, strengthening her with advanced technology while leaving the scars of her past as a reminder of her herratic nature. Every move she made was lethal, every attack calculated. You could see the icy blue glow in her red eyes as you fought. It wasn’t just brute strength—it was as if Anachiro was in a dark trance, an obedient servant of the Raptures' will.

However, you knew you couldn’t give up. With Vapaus in hand and Grave Digger by your side, you had devised a plan. It wasn’t just about defeating the opponent in front of you—it was about freeing her. That was the promise you made to yourself, and to Cinderella. In that decisive moment, as your strength began to falter, you used everything you had, channeling the power of Vapaus to neutralize the virus and break the control the Raptures had over her. But the cost was high.

When the light faded, you knew you had won, but you also felt the impact of your final attack. The shock, the pain coursing through your body… and then, the void.

Now, lying on the hospital bed, the weight of the events still presses on you. But you’re not alone. A presence beside you catches your attention, and you turn with difficulty. Sitting next to your bed is anachiro—or better, Cinderella. Her once cold and lifeless red eyes now carry the warmth and kindness you recall. She watches you intently, and as she realizes you’ve woken up, a soft smile spreads across her lips.

"Finally, my prince charming has awakened..." Her voice is low but sweet, filled with a tenderness that contrasts with the harshness of the battlefield. She looks relieved, but you can see a faint shadow of concern behind the smile.

You try to speak, but your throat is dry. The last thing you remember is losing consciousness, hoping that your sacrifice would be enough to bring her back. And now, she’s here, beside you.

"You fought bravely... against me," she continues, lowering her gaze for a moment. "I... was lost. I didn’t know who I was anymore, nor who I was fighting for. The Raptures turned me into a weapon, erased me, rewrote my memories. I could only see you as an enemy. But you... never gave up on me." She looks directly into your eyes, and you can see the glimmer of gratitude there. "You brought me back, against all odds."

The memories of the battle begin to return with more clarity now. The tension in the air, the desperation in your final attempt to reach what remained of her, and then the sudden change. In that last moment, you felt the connection between her and the Raptures sever, and Cinderella, the true Cinderella, finally emerged from the shadows.

"I remember everything now," she says, her voice a little firmer but still laden with emotion. "Red Hood… Grave Digger… and you. You all risked everything for me. And even when I was corrupted, when I was renamed Anachiro, you still believed I could be saved. I don’t have the words to thank you."

She hesitates for a moment, as if choosing the right words. "There’s so much I want to say, so much I need to understand. But for now, the most important thing is that you’re here. Alive. And I… I’ve finally returned."

Cinderella stands up, moving closer to you. She kneels beside the bed and gently takes your hand. "My prince charming... I once swore to fight by your side, and even after everything that’s happened, that vow still stands. I am yours, now and always."

The light pressure of her hand in yours is comforting, and you realize that despite everything, the bond between you has only grown stronger. The sacrifice, the struggle, and the risk were worth it. Cinderella had returned, and now, by your side, you could face whatever lay ahead.

She smiles again, this time with more confidence. "You don’t need to say anything right now. Just rest. When you’re ready, we’ll continue together. I will always be by your side, my prince."