In a desperate attempt to create some order in the infinity of the Dreamscape’s library, Niko has gathered some tomes on topics that seem worth leafing through — if she ever finds the time — and taken them off their shelves, carrying them to the central atrium as she chatters on.

Niko: … and everyone just looks at me like I’ve insulted her? I mean, even Shinju is like—but, I mean, sorry, but am I supposed to have heard of this “asexual” thing before? I’ve literally never talked to anyone who couldn’t fall in love in my entire life, doesn’t that just make you— I dunno. It’s just weird, man. I mean, not in a “this is unacceptable” kind of way, it’s just, like, this isn’t normal, right? All I did is point out that you don’t see that stuff, like usually, and everyone gets on my case like I’m from another planet! I mean, you get it, right, Mei-Mei?

Mei: …I didn’t think it was possible to get your foot that far into your mouth, Niko. I’m honestly impressed. (Without even looking up, she begins leafing through one of the tomes)

Niko: What the hell does that even mean?

Mei: Look, I’m not gonna pretend I get any of that either. But it’s like, it’s Hanako’s choice, right? Like, imagine someone saying you’re just waiting for the right guy. (She looks up) …Probably happened already, hasn’t it? I’m sorry. But like, you get what I’m saying?

Niko: What? No, that’s different! I-If love didn’t matter, apparently, people wouldn’t make a big deal out of if you like boys or girls, right? But they do! So it does matter!

Mei: Look, just… I dunno, it’s probably important to just accept that Hanako isn’t like that, you know? Besides, there’s way more important things in life than romance or sex. Especially to a Puella. Hanako seems to have herself figured out, at least. That’s impressive for someone her age.

Niko: Whatever, we all have, right? I mean, even I have…

Mei: You and I have, yeah. But like, it’s not common for people our age to do that. Some people don’t get themselves until they’re like… thirty or forty. (She turns the page of the book she’s reading) Before I died, I saw a story about someone in their seventies who finally transitioned. Hanako’s just ahead of the curve, I guess.

Niko: … Look at you, watching the news, reading books, … You’re turning into a real egghead, huh?

Mei: Well, the news part, that’s something I have to basically get from you, or someone else who passes through this way. No television in the Dreamscape, except whatever you make up, I guess.

Niko: Can’t you read the, uh, vibes, or something? People in here always seem to be knowing stuff they’re not supposed to.

Mei: I’m uh… better off without reading the ‘vibes’ or whatever. It’s bad enough ducking Yui while she’s looking for me.

Niko: Ugh, yeah, she’s been snooping around for you. No way her meddling ass is getting past me, though. If you want me to make sure she can’t find you, I will.

Mei: I don’t think I need that, she’s pretty easy to avoid. Punks are allergic to libraries, seems like. Heh. But thanks, Niko. Yui’s more of a nuisance than a threat.

Niko: … Yeah, I dunno ‘bout that. She’s been pretty fucking threatening lately, far as I know. Not that I’m surprised.

Mei: (Her eyes narrow) …What do you mean?

Niko: Well, she’s taken on a bunch of new yous, I guess. Or rather, she’s bossing ‘em around, making threats and all that. Seriously, she told this one girl, like, “any other soul would be better off in that body of yours” or something, like she didn’t even deserve to live. She can do that, you know! She can do whatever she wants, and she’s using it to bully these girls into being her cronies. It’s, like, chillax, man. 

Mei: (Her eyes widen) …No, that’s… that’s bullshit, man. Master wouldn’t… I mean, there’s no way… (She trails off, looking away at a nearby shelf) …I know Yui better than that. I mean, taking on new apprentices, that part made sense. I expected that after I… But this…? No way… no chance in hell.

Niko: Look, man, I know she’s your “master” and all that, but that woman’s bad news. She’s always, like, scheming behind people’s backs. Wouldn’t even let me in on the action when that faker was threatening the Dreamscape. (she sighs) She thinks she’s got everything under control and we all just need to dance to her shitty little tune. Are you surprised she reacted like that when someone finally stood up to her? I’m not.

Mei: Oi, watch it. You don’t have to like Yui, but that’s way too far. Comparing her to Cecilia or Rui, that’s way outta line. 

Niko: Huh? You’re gonna threaten me too? She must’ve taught you well! 

Mei: …Man, I think I fucked up when I went and died. I knew she would take it hard, but like… this? I can’t wrap my head around it… 

Niko: (she shrugs) I’m just saying what a little birdie told me… (she glances at Kotori, who is reading a book at a table in the middle of the atrium) … Not that little birdie.

Mei: ‘Tori? She’s fine. I just… maybe this is all my fault. I underestimated how Yui was gonna take it when I died. I knew she trusted me as her right hand pupil, but like…

Niko: Well, I’ve been keeping an eye on her, and she does love fiddling around with that Soul Lantern thingy a lot lately…

Mei: Son of a bitch…

Niko: Ah, eh, I… Eh, I guess you’re not exactly keen on the idea, then…

Mei: No? I mean, what’s the point of me dying if I could just come back? It’s better than her grabbing a girl and forcing a contract, but again, she wouldn’t just do that. 

Niko: I-I never said that!

Mei: You used the same words on her that she did for Cecilia, Niko. Besides, the plan to kill Worldeater was mine, ultimately. Unlocking your power? All me, baby. Vox Memoria’s a hell of a drug. And even if you’re like, a god or something down here, I still know what shape my armor would take in your voice. Not a threat, just an observation.

Niko: Wh-Whatever, I mean, you’re the one avoiding her, so it’s not like you approve of what she’s doing!

Mei: I’m avoiding her because it’s awkward as fuck, seeing how far she’s gone! …The shit she’s doing training with Punisher isn’t helping anything. (She sighs, folding her arms and burying her head against them on the desk)

Niko: Oh, you caught onto that, too? Phew. Pain in the ass to keep track of what I need to keep a secret for who down here.

Mei: Oh, uh, cheat sheet for me, I can’t exactly leak anything. …Man, to think though. She flew so far off the handle just because I died… Not that I died on purpose, but like… maybe I should’ve just fought to survive. Yui wouldn’t be doing this shit if not for me…

Niko: Dude, you can’t blame yourself for dying. It’s not like you were, like “guess I’ll die”, right? You gave it your all, and… I dunno, this is dumb. Arashi does what she does, you’ve got nothing to do with that.

Mei: Right, but like… if I were alive, she’d probably still have her Magia, and wouldn’t be training with fucking Punisher right now…

Niko: Or maybe she got her Magia because you died? I dunno, I’m not an expert, but like, it’s kinda weird to think of yourself, and… you dying, as like an asset to Arashi’s development or whatever. You’re not a tool who needed to die or not die for her to become stronger.

Mei: No, man, I… I think I made her weaker because I died.

Niko: Same difference! You tried to save everyone, it’s not your responsibility how Arashi deals with it!

Mei: Between that and keeping Kae secret from Yui, it’s just a lot to deal with, that’s all…

Niko: Well, it’s—I mean, I dunno… Maybe you keeping that a secret is kinda similar to her keeping her training with Punisher a secret from you? In a way, I guess.

Mei: (Dejected) …I guess. (Sigh)

Niko: (she shrugs) Maybe you can take it up with her… Punisher, I mean. I can tell you she’s not exactly into murdering people on sight anymore.

Mei: (Mumbling) Sure, trust the person who actually killed some of us… (She’s quiet for a minute, then stands up rather quickly) …Nah, I got another idea. I’m done running.

Niko: Running’s overrated anyways! … Says the track club girl to the other track club girl.

Mei: (She gives a dismissive little wave before leaving the atrium)