In an endless sea of milky white, two girls are lounging in large inflatable tubes, holding hands as they gaze up into the Dreamscape’s eternal iridescent twilight. After minutes of luxuriating in her partner’s radiance, Niko turns towards her. For a while, she gazes at the reflection of the sky — her sky — into Shinju’s eyes, before breaking the silence.

Niko: … Duty calls, I guess?

She can tell Shinju has other places to be. She can feel it seep into their space, agitating the mists.

Shinju: Apparently, Cecilia found where Aoi’s being held. On Earth, thank goodness. Soon we’ll be heading out. 

Niko: I’d better get to work too, then. (she sighs) Gotta reel in some of my unruly tenants if I wanna have a shot at this ridiculous “game”.

Shinju: (She places a hand on Niko’s shoulder) I’ll be right back as soon as we grab Aoi, okay? 

Niko: … I-I can deal with Punisher, you know? I’m in charge here.

Shinju: I know. It’s not because I don’t think you can. I just want to be there for you when you do it. (She places her hand on her heart with a slight laugh) I mean, even me… when I’m in a fight or something scary, I feel kind of… nervous? Or shocked? Before, during, n’ after it happens… I think everyone must, ‘cuz we’re not wired to be fighting machines. I want to be there for you for that.

Niko: I-I mean, I know that…! I didn’t wanna imply you’re never anxious or anything, it’s just— I don’t think I’m gonna have to fight her. Not really. And if I do, well, I’m basically a god down here, so… I’m not sure she’s gonna be able to do much. Plus, I’m used to getting killed down here at this point… (she chuckles, nervously)

Shinju: Yeah… sorry. I trust you to be able to do what you gotta do. (She pumps her fists) And I gotta be sure to come back safe too! 

Niko: … D-Don’t jinx it, okay? I can deal with Punisher on my own, but the more players on our side in this “game”, the— Well, yeah, of course you gotta come back safe!

Shinju: You too, bunny. (She tries to paddle closer to Niko, only to have her inner tube hit Niko’s and bump her away again. She speaks in an exaggeratedly serious impression of Kohaku) Hmm. These inner tubes have some tactical disadvantages. 

Niko: (she blushes) D-Don’t start massing around now that I’ve pumped myself up!

Shinju: (She laughs) Once this is done I’ll be full time on the lantern stuff, ‘kay? 

Niko: That Hikarizaka girl’d better get you a gift card when all this is done!