The eyes of this vulnerable young girl believed in a certain inner emptiness. Timid and introverted, she constantly defers to others. This personality could be why darkness never seems more than a step away from her.
Character Release おどおどした内気な少女「嘆きの恋人」ニーア。 魔物に襲われそうになっていた彼女を助けた主人公達は、彼女から世界を救ってほしいと依頼を受けます。 空の世界を守るため依頼を受けることにした主人公達はその依頼の本当の意味を知った時、彼女の過去と狂気に触れていく事になります。
Character Release 休暇のために避暑地に訪れたニーアは、「お祭りの日に大切な人に渡すとふたりは決して離れなくなる」と言い伝えられている白いバラを探すことになります。 お祭りに参加し、主人公や団の仲間とも親睦を深めるニーアでしたが――
Um, (Captain)? I have a birthday present for you...
What's inside? Well, it's an amulet that Death and I made...
Put this on, and Death will be there to remove any harm that comes your way.
You're just so important to me, (Captain)... And I wouldn't want you to get hurt...
That's why I worked with Death to make this amulet. Choose: Thank you so much.
So you like it? You don't know how happy that makes me...
In the past, those people—
The people who used to be my parents... When I brought them gifts for their birthdays, they would tell me to stop giving them worthless trash and tear it all up...
I was afraid the same thing might happen again...
Well then, I'll be—
Ah, I'm so sorry. I almost forgot to say the most important thing...
Um, (Captain)... Happy birthday!
(Captain), happy birthday.
Um... I have a birthday present for you.
Some crew members taught me how to knit. So I tried knitting you a scarf...
I'm not too sure if it turned out okay, but... will you take it anyway?
Th-thank you. Haha...
Oh, it's nothing... It's just that seeing you so happy really lights me up...
So, um... I'll be sure to have a present for you next year too.
I hope you'll accept it again...
(Captain)... There you are.
Today's your birthday, isn't it?
I wanted to give you your present... That's why I've been looking for you.
I tried knitting you something this year. I hope you like it...
Yes, I did it by hand. I'm good at things like knitting and cooking...
Those skills are pretty important for daily living, and people like it when you're good at them...
To tell the truth, I read a book that recommended I wrap myself in a ribbon and... give myself as a present.
It said that was guaranteed to make someone mine.
But Death and everyone else said I couldn't...
If you really wanted me to though... I wouldn't mind.
(Captain)... Is there anything you want me to do?
(Captain), I'm so... sorry...
A lot of things happened, so I wasn't able to prepare a present...
I don't know how I can ever make it up to you.
What if... instead of a present... you can do anything you want with me instead?
I'll do whatever you wish... no matter what it is...
Please, don't hate me... Don't throw me away... Choose: I would never.
Really?
At the very least, let me take care of you today...
I can do any chores that need doing...
Thank you...
I'll be your personal maid for the day.
Huh? (Captain)? What's wrong? Why are you out in town alone?
Me? I'm out to buy ingredients for your birthday party later tonight...
Ah, this is perfect actually. Do you have some time to spare, (Captain)?
I was thinking maybe you could accompany me to the grocer.
Since it's your birthday...
I want to make you foods that you like...
Th-thank you, (Captain).
And before I forget, I have a favor to ask.
Once tonight's party is over, I'd like to spend a bit of time privately with you...
There's something I'd like to give you...
But it has to be just the two of us alone. Otherwise...
Great. It's a promise, then. And I know you keep your promises.
Let's go, (Captain).
Hehe. Tonight is going to be so much fun.
I hope you're looking forward to it, (Captain).
(Captain), happy New Year.
Erm... I hope we have another great year together...
Hm? My New Year's resolutions?
Well... I suppose it'd be nice if I could strike up a conversation with the others in the crew...
I'm... still not used to talking to anyone other than Death...
How about your resolutions, (Captain)?
Choose: To pray for everyone's good health. I see... I'm sure it'll be fine... Because Death and I will be there to erase every threat that comes our way. So please, be at ease.
Choose: To become stronger to protect everyone. I see... It'll be fine... I'm sure you can pull it off, (Captain). Because Death and I will help you too...
Teehee, let's do our best to make our resolutions come true, (Captain)...
Are you here to see the first sunrise of the year too, (Captain)?
Mm-hm, me too. I heard if we make a wish to it, the wish will come true.
You want to know my wish?
It's to be with you, and in the crew forever... That's all.
I want you to know, (Captain), that I'll do anything for you. Anything at all...
So please don't let me go.... Don't toss me aside... Don't leave me alone... Choose: I won't. That's a promise.
A promise...
I trust you'll keep the promise, (Captain)...
If you don't, I don't know what I...
Oh, (Captain)... Happy New Year. Are you visiting the shrine too?
That paper in your hands... Did you draw for your fortune?
Yeah, I did as well. What result did you get?
Choose: Super bad luck for the year. Great misfortune... That's also what I drew. It's unfortunate, but I can't help but feel happy that we have the same luck... But there's nothing to be worried about. If any misfortune tries to find you, Death and I will make the problem... go away... We'll watch over you.
Choose: Super good luck for the year. Oh... Mine was for great misfortune, so I am a little... jealous. It's all right. I have Death... If any misfortune tries to find me, Death will take care of it. I can weather any storm...
U-um, are you busy right now?
If you're not... I'd like to write on a wooden prayer plaque... Would you join me?
There's something I'm wishing for...
Something I want no matter the cost...
Th-thank you. It's this way, (Captain).
(Captain), happy New Year...
Have you... drawn your fortune yet?
No? I see... I've already drawn mine.
I got... great luck this year...
I always get bad luck or worse, so I was surprised... and happy...
U-um, is it okay if I... bring this fortune home with me?
It's my first time getting great luck, so I want to take it...
Or is it better to tie this paper to... the tree? Choose: You can do what you want to do.
Really? Then... I'll take it.
Thanks, (Captain).
I hope you draw a good fortune too.
Happy New Year, (Captain).
Have you had breakfast yet?
Um, Death and I made something special for the occasion.
We can... eat together, if you don't mind... Choose: Sure, let's eat.
Have as much as you'd like.
And I apologize in advance if it doesn't suit your tastes...
Because I made the black beans, chestnut paste, and rolled fish omelet extra sweet according to my preferences...
Oh, and I also made mochi soup. Let me know when you're ready for a bowl.
I'll heat it up right away.
Haha... It's really nice to be able to enjoy a New Year's feast with you, (Captain).
Um... May we have another great year together.
Um... (Captain), today is Valentine's Day, right?
I made you some chocolates...
Y-yes...
I thought handmade ones would communicate my feelings better...
I don't think they taste too bad either...
Because Death and I tried a few...
I hope you'll accept my gift...
Thank you!
Um, just so you know... I put all my heart into making them...
It'd make me so happy if you'd really savor their taste...
Um, (Captain). I made you some chocolate this year too. Here you go. Huh? These chocolates? This bag is for Death. Valentine's is a day when you give chocolates to those you care about. So I made sure to make her some too... Chocolates for anyone else? Nuh-uh. You two are the most important people to me...
I tried making a chocolate cupcake this year.
The sweets someone gives on Valentine's Day carry special meaning, just like for White Day...
And a cupcake symbolizes that the recipient is someone special...
I thought it would be the perfect gift for you.
Since you paid attention to me... You're someone truly special because you love me...
That's why...
I'll do anything for you, so long as you love me.
And you can do anything you want to me...
Please, say you'll love me forever and ever...
U-um, I made you chocolates this year too, (Captain)...
But... if I can be selfish for a moment... I have a request before I give it to you...
Could I... feed some to you? Say "ahh"...
I remembered how... the people who said they loved me... wanted me to do this.
Which is why I wanted to try it... Did you... like it?
You did? Thank goodness...
You know, I can feed you more if you want...
Or do whatever else you want me to... Nothing is too much for you...
So please, don't ever leave me...
Accept me... Love me...
Um, (Captain)? Will you accept this chocolate I made for you?
I read this in a book the other day, but...
There are people who put their own hair and blood into the chocolate...
If you can get the person you have feelings for to eat that chocolate, you can become a couple...
It's a sort of spell...
Oh, but don't worry. Because I would never do anything like that...
R-really, I mean it.
I simply want the people I care about to enjoy the taste of my chocolate...
That's my only motive.
So please enjoy it without worry.
Huh... Th-this is a thank you for my Valentine's gift? I don't know what to say... ... Erm... I-I never imagined you'd keep me in your thoughts... This makes me so happy... I'm going to treasure this... Thank you so much, (Captain).
You want to thank me again for Valentine's, like last year? Thank you, (Captain).
Can I take a look inside?
Is this... candy?
(Captain)... You not only accept me, but you also show me your love...
Teehee, this makes me so happy...
Why? Because a gift on White Day means you love me, right?
Don't tell me you gave me candy without realizing that...
Thank you for the present, (Captain).
Hehe... N-no, it's just...
It makes me giddy to receive a proper gift every year...
Can I open it?
Are these... madeleines?
If I remember correctly... Gifting madeleines means wanting to get closer to the recipient, doesn't it?
Hehe, I can't believe it... You really want to become more intimate with me?
I'm fine with it, you know...
I'd love to learn more about you too, (Captain).
You're willing to love me for who I am...
It's only right that you get the chance to know all of me.
A White Day gift for me? Thank you, (Captain)...
Huh? You want me to say "ahh"? But why?
To pay me back for Valentine's Day... O-okay then... A-ahh...
I've done the feeding so many times before... But this is the first time I've been fed...
It's a little... embarrassing... but it makes me extremely happy since you're the one doing it.
Can I... make a selfish request?
Would you... feed me one more time? Is that... okay?
Th-thank you. Choose: Say "ahh."
A-ahh...
Oh, (Captain)... I'm so happy right now...
Thank you for the White Day gift, (Captain). Um... Is it okay if I open this now?
Um, a baumkuchen cake and...
Wow! What a fancy book and pen...
Let's see... The book is blank inside. Is this... a notebook? Choose: Use it to write your stories.
Ahh... W-wouldn't it be a waste to use such a fancy notebook for my stories?
Huh? You want me to use it to my heart's content?
Well, if you put it that way... then I won't hesitate to use it.
Um, (Captain)? Maybe you'd like to read my stories once I've filled up the notebook...
It would be a bit embarrassing, but I won't mind if it's you, (Captain)...
Thank you. I'll try to keep my stories interesting.
Hm? You won't be going to town, (Captain)?
Me? No, I'll be staying here...
I'm still not used to large crowds...
Also, I wouldn't know how to act if children were to come by when I'm all alone... Choose: Then lets go together.
You'll come with me? I-I suppose I can try going then...
Is it okay if I bring Death?
I feel so much more at ease when she's by my side.
Especially since it's Halloween, I think she'll fit right in...
Th-thank you... I'll call her out now, okay?
Teehee, being able to wander the streets on Halloween with my favorite people is like a dream come true...
Let's get going, (Captain), Death.
(Captain), t-trick or treat...
Um... If you don't give me a treat, Death is going to play a trick on you...
I-I was only kidding about Death playing a trick... There's no reason to be on alert...
So, (Captain)? Will you give me a treat? Or would you rather... have me play a trick on you?
Sorry, Death. You went out of your way for me...
Thank you though. You really helped me out. Death bows her head before vanishing. Choose: Did something happen?
Oh, (Captain). No, nothing much happened...
Since today is Halloween, I decided to walk around with Death...
But a lot of men tried to drag me off into the dark with them...
I-I'm okay. Death protected me.
She surprised me. I've never heard her say trick or treat before.
Oh, the men who bothered me? They didn't have treats, so Death played a trick... Hehe...
Should I... dress up? It might be embarrassing, but...
I wonder what kind of costume would even fit me...
Oh, (Captain)... Are you busy? Can I... ask you something?
Today's Halloween, so I... want to muster up the courage to dress up...
But I'm not sure what to wear...
What kind of costume do you think... would fit me?
Oh, but... I'll also wear whatever you want me to...
It makes me happy to make you happy...
So won't you please... tell me what you want to see me in?
Now to stuff some cookies in there... Okay.
With such a big bag, I should be able to handle any number of trick-or-treaters.
Ah, (Captain). Are you heading out to town too?
Um, do you mind if I come along? I'd feel a little uneasy all along out there...
Thank you. Well then...
Oh, I almost forgot.
(Captain), trick or treat.
Huh? You don't have any treats on hand?
Er, I guess that means I have to play a trick on you...
(Captain), can you... open wide?
Say "ahh..."
There, that wasn't too bad, was it?
Um, (Captain)? What would you like for the holidays?
I-if there's anything at all you want, I'll get my hands on it for you...
So please, tell me... What is it you crave? Choose: Y-you don't have to go that far...
I decided to devote myself to you...
Because you love and accept me for who I am... Because you're so dear to me...
That's why I hope you'll let me do you this favor...
So what would you like, (Captain)? I'll give you anything...
Can you leave it over there, Death? Death nods and drops a large bag onto the ground.
Thanks. Haha, I hope this pleases (Captain) and the others...
Ah, (Captain).
What's in the bag, you ask? Well, you see... I heard everyone eats birds on this special day.
So Death and I brought a bunch of them.
I'm going to make a holiday feast out of these birds.
Will you sit down for a bite when it's ready? Choose: Of course.
That's such a relief. I'm going to make it worth your while, (Captain).
You're going to love it...
Nier: Death, could you beat the cream for me? Death: ... Nier: Once you're done with that, please cut the strawberries too. Choose: Making a cake? Nier: That's right, but it's been a while since I last baked a cake...
That's why I'm practicing with test versions.
U-um, once this one's done, would you mind giving it a taste?
The others who like me said my baked treats were great, but I'm still not sure...
Thanks... I'll make this one with lots of love for you, (Captain)...
Oh, but I'd appreciate it if you told me your honest opinion...
Otherwise, I won't learn what flavors you prefer...
Death, it's been a while... Do you think Santa Claus will show up?
(Captain)? What are you doing up this late?
Me? I'm waiting with Death for Santa Claus...
You see... I've never seen him before...
Not a single time in my life...
I used to be told that I never would, since I was a bad child...
But I still want to see him at least once... That's why I'm waiting here with Death.
There are plenty of young children on our ship...
So he's bound to show up eventually...
I hope he comes soon though...
(Captain)? What are you doing up at this hour?
Huh? Me? I was wondering if I could see Santa.
Um... You see, I waited all day for him last year, but he was a no-show...
I figured this year would surely be my chance.
But considering how late it is already, maybe I should just give up...
I guess... maybe those people were right after all...
I'm a naughty child, so Santa wants nothing to do with me...
Ah, wait a second... Huh? (Captain)?
Ah, (Captain). Where did you go?
Oh, you're dressed up as Santa Claus...
You're doing this just for me?
...
Thank you, (Captain).
Although I couldn't meet the real one, I feel a lot better now.
I appreciate you so much.
Fate Episodes
Spoiler Alert! These tabs contain full Fate Episode cutscene scripts with major spoilers about the character. View these tabs at your own discretion.
Into the Abyss
On their way back from a mission, (Captain) and company rescue a girl from monsters in the forest. It turns out she was tailing the crew in hopes of asking them to save the world. She then takes out a card which shrouds their surroundings in darkness and transports them to a barren wasteland laden with primal beasts.
Having completed a monster-hunting mission on a remote island...
(Captain) and company are now on their way back to the Grandcypher.
Lyria: ...
Lyria stops in her tracks and cautiously scans the horizon.
Vyrn: Hm? Everything okay, Lyria?
Lyria: It feels like someone's been watching us ever since we left town...
The others, too, grow wary and survey their surroundings in a panic.
Vyrn: You sure you're not imagining it?
Lyria: I thought that too, but I just couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was watching us...
Vyrn: What do you think, (Captain)?
???: Eep!
A frantic scream can be heard from deeper in the forest.
Vyrn: What was that just now?
Lyria: We should go check it out!
Being in full agreement, (Captain) leads the crew toward the direction of the scream.
???: D-don't come any closer...
A monster pounces on the young woman with a deafening roar.
???: ...
???: Rgh...
A figure suddenly appears from the shadows and strikes the monster down before it can do any harm.
Vyrn: That was a close one.
Lyria: Are you hurt?
???: Um... I-I'm okay... I think...
The young woman slowly gets back up.
Though she stumbles and trips in doing so.
(Captain) grabs hold of her before she makes contact with the ground.
???: S-sorry...
???: And thanks for coming to my rescue earlier...
Lyria: Oh, no worries... Wait, I know this feeling...
Vyrn: Hm? What's wrong, Lyria?
Lyria: Erm, sorry if I have it wrong, but... Were you the one following us from behind earlier?
???: ...!
Vyrn: Wait! Seriously?
Lyria: I'm not sure how I know, but something about you just feels different...
Lyria: What I'm feeling right now is the same sensation I had when we were being followed...
???: ...
???: I-I'm so sorry...
Lyria: So... can you tell us why you were watching us?
???: Before that can I ask a question?
???: I heard talk of what an incredible crew you are...
???: And that you've even fought primal beasts before...
???: Is that true?
(Captain) acknowledges the fact with a nod.
???: So it was true after all...
???: Um, I have a request to make of you all...
Lyria: You have an assignment for us?
Vyrn: Wait, don't tell me you tailed us just to see—
???: Y-yes... I wanted to make a formal request...
Vyrn: Hm? Why not just talk to us out in the open instead of being all sneaky then?
???: I-I guess that was wrong of me... I'm just... not very good at talking to strangers...
???: S-so... I was thinking of the best way to approach you...
Vyrn: Sigh... Anyhoo, what's this mission you've got for us?
???: I'd like you to, um... save the world.
Vyrn: Hey, what are you saying...
???: Y-you probably won't believe me, but...
???: Once you see this, I'm sure you'll be convinced...
The young woman produces a card from her pocket.
Lyria: What exactly is that card? I sense a tremendous power from it...
???: I-I'll explain later... It's not easy describing the details to people...
Lyria: ...!
Vyrn: What's wrong, Lyria?
Lyria: The power from it is getting stronger...
In the next moment an ebony darkness protrudes from the card and proceeds to swallow the young woman whole.
Vyrn: Holy moly... What in the skies is that?
Lyria: Yikes! It's sucking me i—
Eek!
The darkness engulfs not only the woman but also the crew.
Vyrn: Whoa, now... Where is this?
(Captain) and company open their eyes to find themselves in a barren wasteland.
Vyrn: Uh, guys? Weren't we just in a forest?
Lyria: Y-yeah... I thought so too...
???: We're inside the card...
The crew turns to the voice and sees the young woman from earlier.
Vyrn: What do you mean by that?
???: Um, well... Being swallowed by the darkness brings you to this world...
Primal Beast: ...!
Vyrn: Agh! A primal beast!
A primal appears before the crew out of the blue.
With a deafening roar, it lunges toward the new visitors to its realm.
???: No...
The young woman quivers in fear at the sight of the primal.
(Captain) and company rise up to defend her against the threat.
After a brief clash, the crew find themselves back in the forest. The girl, Nier, explains that a primal beast seeking to destroy the world is sealed within her card. Only moments ago, the crew fought in that primal's memory of the War. If (Captain) and company can continue besting the primal within the memory, the world may yet see salvation.
The crew subdues the primal beast which had come attacking.
Vyrn: Whew, looks like we managed that one somehow.
Lyria: Yeah, but why would a primal want to hurt us anyway...
A piercing shrill sounds off in this new realm. At the same time a seemingly endless number of fissures manifest in the horizon.
Vyrn: Whoa... What is it now?
???: It's okay... This is how we go back.
The next moment, the sky crumbles in a scattershot mess.
A brilliant white light overtakes the darkness, blanketing the world in alabaster.
Vyrn: Gwah!
Lyria: Wow! It's so bright!
Lyria: Ngh... My eyes still sting...
Lyria: Yikes! We're back in the forest again!
Vyrn: Anyone wanna tell me what's goin' on? Were we dreaming this whole time?
???: No, that was reality. We were inside this card the whole time.
The young woman holds up the pitch-black card to (Captain) and company.
Vyrn: Care to fill us in on what just happened? 'Cause I'm completely lost right now...
Vyrn: Wait, we still don't even know who you are...
Nier: I am Nier... A magician who has learned the truth of this card.
Nier: Now that you've seen its power, allow me to explain...
Nier: About this card... and about what just happened.
Nier: Starting with the card... You should know that a fearsome primal beast is sealed within.
Nier: The place we were just in was a world constructed from the primal's memories of the War.
Lyria: Then that strange sensation I felt...
Nier: It most likely came from this card.
Vyrn: Why'd it bring us in to that world though?
Nier: The primal sealed within sees a recurring dream of the world being destroyed.
Nier: It spends all its time studying how it can make that dream a reality.
Nier: That's why we were pulled in earlier...
Nier: It watches the battle between all sorts of people and other primals in that world and examines the data.
Nier: When that research is complete, the seal on the primal is broken and it comes into our world.
Nier: When that happens...
Vyrn: Whoa, whoa, this is a bit much...
Nier: So please... Lend me your power.
Nier: There aren't many people who can stand against a primal beast.
Vyrn: What exactly would you have us do?
Nier: By repeatedly defeating the primal beasts in that world of memories...
Nier: We can save the world.
Vyrn: Save the world, huh...
Lyria: Um, what do you think, (Captain)?
Nier: Please... You're the only ones I can depend on.
Nier reflects on her past while watching the crew battle. Though born of a prestigious family of mages, Nier lacked magical talent herself. When her little sister Corrie's spellcasting prowess begins to blossom, Nier's parents and the servants begin distancing themselves from her. A desperate Nier enters the family's forbidden archive in search of a solution to her problems.
Vyrn: Here comes the next one!
The crew fights primal beasts in the world of memories.
Nier: Heheh...
Nier watches the crew mirthfully from a distant hilltop.
When the red jewel she wears abruptly glows, an apparition comes forth.
???: Do they love yoo? Acknowledge yoo?
Nier: Yes. I can definitely feel their love... And they do accept me for who I am.
Nier: I mean, just look at how desperate they've been in trying to protect and help me. Teehee...
???: ...
Nier: That's why I'm sure this'll go well...
Nier: They'll make my wish come true...
Nier looks at the crew affectionately as they continue battling with primals.
Nier: Hey, Death... Why don't we bring those people to the new world we create?
Death: ...
Nier: But they'll be all we need...
Nier: Anything or anyone that rejects me... deserves to be erased...
Nier: Like my parents...
Nier shuts her eyes and reminisces on the past.
A past that defines her... A past in which her parents wouldn't accept her.
Father: Humph, to think that you struggle at even such a basic step...
Nier: I-I'm sorry...
Father: Don't let it get you down.
Nier: But as your daughter, it's embarrassing to not be able to use the most elementary of spells...
Father: Nier. Our lineage is one that has produced skilled magicians in each generation.
Father: And you carry that blood.
Father: Although you have not yet bloomed, your time will surely come eventually.
The father lovingly pets his daughter's head.
Mother: Indeed, you only need to be patient. There's nothing to be worried about.
Nier: Father... Mother...
Father: Nier, don't let it get you down too much. All I ask is that you try your best.
Nier: Okay! Mom, Dad, I promise to give it my best shot!
Father: Attagirl.
Mother: Haha. You're going to be an older sister soon, so hang in there, okay?
Nier: Me? An older sister?
Mother: Mm-hm. You'll have a younger sibling soon.
Nier: R-really?
Mother: Yes. You'll have someone who looks up to you.
Nier: Ah... Ehehe, I can't wait to see if it'll be a boy or girl...
???: Father, Mother, look!
The girl casts a spell in front of her parents.
Father: What a surprise. It's no easy feat to use such magic at your age...
Father: Most impressive, Corrie.
Mother: Yes... You are truly remarkable. I'm proud to call you my daughter.
Mother:You, on the other hand...
Nier: ...
The mother shoots a disgusted look at Nier, who is speechless after witnessing her sister's magical prowess.
Father: You need to try harder. It's embarrassing to lose out to your little sister.
Nier: Yes...
Though Nier responds with an acquiescent nod, she turns to her little sister with a look of resentment and envy.
Nier: I-I wonder where Father and Mother could have gone...
Nier wanders around the mansion, searching for her parents.
Servant 1: Nier? Is everything okay? I have cleanup duty here, so...
Nier: Um... Do you know where my parents are?
Servant 1: The master and mistress of the house went to see a play with Corrie.
Nier: I... didn't hear anything about that...
Servant 1: Is that so?
Servant 1: Your father mentioned the play quite a while back. I was under the impression you had known about it all along.
Nier: So I'm the only one who's been left out...
Nier turns on her heel and walks off with unsteady steps.
Nier: Why did they take only Corrie...
Servant 1: Could it be that our masters have forsaken Nier?
Servant 2: That sounds about right. But it can't really be helped, can it?
Servant 2: After all, Nier can't produce a shred of magic to her name.
Servant 2: It's only natural that the all-talented Corrie is given preferential treatment.
Servant 3: Who knows—they might even just throw Nier out into the streets.
Servant 2: I can see that happening.
Servant 2: Sounds like something the master might actually do, given his fixation with magical abilities.
Servant 1: With that in mind, it makes all the more sense for us to prioritize Corrie in all matters.
Servant 2: It would lead to better treatment for us, too, in the long run.
Servant 3: Agreed. I wouldn't want to get the shaft the way Nier's been getting it.
In shock at the exchange between the servants, Nier shivers and crumples to the ground in a lifeless heap.
Nier: How can that be... I'm going to be tossed to the wayside?
Nier: No... I don't want that...
Nier: I promise to do my best... So please don't throw me out into the streets...
Tears falling from her face, Nier heads toward the family library.
Upon arrival she flips open a book and begins studying magic in hopes that her parents might see her in a different light.
Nier: Father, Mother, about that new spell...
Nier: I spent a lot of time studying it, and I think I can finally pull it off now.
Father: Sigh...
Nier: Father?
Father: Are you so naive as to be content with that meager level of spellcraft?
Nier: Huh...
Father: Corrie reached that stage long before you did.
Nier: ...
Father: Even with the extra time and effort you put in, to think that is the extent of your capabilities...
Father: I'm starting to wonder if you really are my daughter.
Mother: I didn't imagine her to be this inept.
Mother: I think we've heard enough from you, Nier. You needn't say another word.
The parents turn their backs to Nier and shuffle off toward the mansion.
Nier: No...
Nier: Why, why... I worked so hard to get here... You used to praise me...
Nier: I'm here too. Corrie's not the only one... Why won't you give me any attention...
Nier: I swear I'll keep trying... So please...
Nier sinks to the ground and lets out a stifled sob.
Nier: What should I do...
In the dead of the night, Nier wanders the mansion with a blank expression on her face.
While doing so, she happens to hear the voices of her parents and sister coming from the living room.
Nier: They're still awake? Maybe I can talk to them for just a bit...
Nier gently pushes against the door of the living room.
Mother: Nier will soon be of age... An age ripe enough for us to banish her.
Father: Hm, you make a good point. Now that we have Corrie, Nier is essentially worthless.
Corrie: Speaking of... Father, Mother, I wonder if you know...
Corrie: Every time she goes out to town, boys come fawning all over her.
Father: Oh? This is the first I've heard of it.
Corrie: She is quite the beauty after all... Not to mention the numerous riffraff who would love to marry into our wealthy family.
Corrie: What I want to say is even if we do cast her out, I'm sure she will manage just fine.
The conversation that Nier overhears is a shocking one.
Her knees buckle, and she sinks to the ground.
Nier: They... want to cast me out? No...
Nier: No... No... I won't believe it...
Nier: I have to get them to accept me for who I am somehow...
Father: Are you so naive as to be content with that meager level of spellcraft?
Father: Corrie reached that stage long before you did.
Nier: Magic's the key...
Nier: If I can master a spell so amazing that even Corrie can't use, they'll definitely want me to stay...
Nier makes her way to the family's forbidden archive where the highest-level spellbooks are kept.
Nier: Please... Look at me... Love me... I'll do anything to make that happen...
Nier mumbles with hollow eyes.
Her heart torn with agony, Nier now only seeks to fulfill a singular goal.
Nier finds a magical tome in the archives and breaks the seal on it. Inside are instructions for casting spells to control life itself, along with a card. She later tests those spells on all the men who approach her. Once she has mastered the tome's contents, she gives her parents a demonstration. They have her make a copy, then banish her to an underground cell for dealing in the forbidden.
Nier peruses old records in search of the highest forms of magic.
She finds one tome in particular that is protected by layers of magic seals.
Nier: What's this?
Why are there so many seals on it?
Nier timidly reaches out to the tome.
As if in response to her touch, the seals magically undo themselves.
Nier: Wh-what the... I didn't do anything...
Nier takes the tome into her hands and begins to sail through it.
Nier: The power to control life? Putting to rest the vitals of one person and transferring that energy to someone else...
Nier: Wow, that's incredible... I didn't think something like that was possible...
Nier: If I can master this spell, Father and Mother might start looking to me instead of Corrie...
Nier: But it looks so hard... Can I really do it?
Nier: No... I don't have a choice. I have to learn this.
Nier: I can't pick and choose anymore... I'll do anything... Whatever it takes...
Nier: Father often said hands-on experience is superior to book learning.
Nier: Magic to control life would best be tested on a living thing...
Nier: Ah... There was that fellow who tossed me away like a ragdoll...
Nier: Who cares what might happen to him...
Nier: Ehehehe... It won't be a problem. I have to do this... or I'll never know love again...
Nier: Ahahaha! Wait for me, Father, Mother!
Nier: I'll show you magic so incredible that Corrie can only dream of!
Nier lets out a slightly maniacal cackle, indicating that something is not quite all right with her.
Nier: Well, let's get to practicing then...
Nier: Hm? There's something stuck inside...
Nier: A black card?
Nier: I don't know what it is, but it's really drawing me in somehow...
Nier: Anyway, I'd better bring this with me. It'd come in handy as a bookmark...
Nier stuffs the card into her pocket and leaves the library.
A few months later, Nier is practicing magic in a little shed she's set up for herself.
Man 1: Aaiiiee! Stop, stop, stoooop!
Nier: ...
Nier pays no heed to the man's screams and continues the spell.
Man 1: Gyaaaah!
He tosses about in great agony before breathing his last breath.
Nier: Ah, that went well...
Nier: So that's how it's supposed to go...
Nier: Ah, he's here!
Her lips curve into a huge grin at the sound of the knocking.
But that grin turns into a frown when she takes another look at the deceased man.
Nier: This room's too dirty. I'll have to clean it up fast...
Nier: I can start by throwing this in there.
Nier drags the body over and heaves it into the closet.
Nier: I really need to clean out this closet soon... It's getting full.
Nier: Hm... Maybe I can use these to lure monsters? Could come in handy...
Nier: But now's not the time for that.
Nier: Whew, that's better.
Smiling from ear to ear again, Nier walks to the entrance of the shed.
Nier: Hey, sorry to call you out here only to keep you waiting.
Boyfriend: No worries. I'd wait all day if it meant some quality time alone with my girl.
Nier: Thanks. Um, come on in.
Boyfriend: Okey doke... Hm, what's that smell?
Nier: Erm... I was practicing magic just now and messed up...
Boyfriend: Ah, I see.
Boyfriend: So this lil' place is where you do your magic thing, huh? It's more... ordinary than I thought it might be.
Boyfriend: When you called it your personal laboratory, I expected something a little more eerie.
Nier: I found this shed unused in the forest and thought I'd make something of it.
Nier: Besides, it's not like anyone comes out here... Makes it an easy place to work in...
Nier: Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to keep you standing.
Nier: Have a seat. I'll make tea.
Boyfriend: So no one comes around here, huh... Today's my big chance then...
???: Augh... Cough...
Boyfriend: What the?
???: Gwaaah... Help...
Boyfriend: It's coming from this closet... Phew! What's that smell? Wonder what's inside...
???: ...
Boyfriend: Aaahhh!
Nier's boyfriend finds piles upon piles of male corpses lying stacked on top of each other.
Nier: So you saw...
Boyfriend: Aiie...
Nier approaches with empty eyes.
Boyfriend: N-Nier, what is this...
Nier: Um... Can you... not worry about it too much?
Nier: Every one of these is a failure...
Boyfriend: F-failure?
Boyfriend: More importantly these people...
Nier: They each confessed their feelings for me before you came into my life...
Nier: But they ended up saying horrible things and dumping me...
Nier: That's why I used them as test subjects...
Nier: After all, it didn't matter anymore what happened to them...
Nier: But I have you now...
Boyfriend: Wh-why are you doing this?
Nier: Well, I'm practicing magic that concerns life...
Nier: Using actual livings beings is so much more efficient...
A cruel smile plays on her lips.
Boyfriend: Aiiee...
The terrified boyfriend slowly backs away from Nier.
Nier: But you're not going to dump me, are you? Not after you told me how much you loved me.
Nier snuggles up to her boyfriend.
Boyfriend: Ack, get away from me!
Nier: Eep!
Nier: Wh-what's the big idea...
Boyfriend: Do you have any idea what you've done!
Nier: Why are you so angry? Did I do something wrong?
Boyfriend: Tell me you're joking!
You've committed murder!
Nier: Wh-what's wrong with that?
Boyfriend: Oh my gosh...
Nier: I need to master this magic...
Nier: I just have to... No matter what it takes...
Nier: No matter how many people die...
Boyfriend: Wha!
Nier: Anyway, why don't we chat over there?
Nier: Might as well take advantage of our time together...
Boyfriend: S-stay away from me, monster!
Nier: Why are you saying that? I thought you loved me...
Boyfriend: A monster like you? Hell no!
Nier: ...
Any trace of emotion Nier had on her face is all but gone.
Nier: You said you loved me...
Nier: But you're going to toss me aside too? Like all this junk over here did?
Nier looks at all the deceased men inside the closet.
Boyfriend: Aiiieee! Stay away! Stay the hell away from me!
Screaming at the top of his lungs, the boyfriend turns on his heel and gets ready to run.
Nier: So you're going to throw me by the wayside too...
Nier: Then I don't need you anymore...
Boyfriend: ...
Nier: I think I've gotten the hang of it...
Nier: Thanks for helping me figure out the spell.
Nier manages a wide grin at her corpse of a boyfriend.
Nier: Hehe, now Father and Mother will acknowledge me for sure...
Nier: Let's go find them.
Nier: Um, Father, Mother... If I may have a moment...
Father: Yes?
Nier: Uhm... I just learned a new spell. I was hoping to show you...
Father: As if there'd be any point to that. When are you going to recognize that you're just hopelessly incompetent and worthless?
Nier: Please, Father!
Father: Enough!
Mother: Let's give her a chance, dear.
Father: Why even bother? You know full well that it'd just be a waste of our time.
Mother: Yes... Which is why we should make this the very last opportunity we give her.
Mother: It's the least we can do as parents.
Father: Humph... I suppose you do have a point.
Father: Very well. Show us what you can do, Nier.
Nier: O-okay!
Nier is full of joy as she casts a spell on the great tree that has begun to rot in the garden.
The tree springs to life, vibrant green leaves covering its branches.
At the same time, the smaller verdant trees beside it begin to decay.
Father: ...
Mother: ...
Her parents stand speechless, eyes fixed on Nier.
Father: What... did you just do?
Nier: Um... I sucked the life out of the surrounding trees and gave it to the big tree.
Mother: Y-you can control life now? Where did you...
Nier: I studied what was written inside the book really hard.
Nier shows her parents the tome she uncovered from the archives.
Father: My goodness! You were able to read it?
Nier: Mm-hm...
Nier's parents find themselves at a loss for words.
Nier: Father, Mother... What's wrong?
Father: Nier. That tome you hold in your hands is a forbidden tome passed down through the generations in our family.
Father: But it's said only the very first in our line has been able to read it.
Nier: Wh-why is that?
Father: No one else has been able to open it. Not me, not your mother, not Corrie.
Nier: Hm? But I can open it just fine...
Nier demonstrates the fact.
Mother: I can't believe what I'm seeing...
Father: The word passed down from our forebears is that the practitioner must have a nearly unquenchable thirst and obsession for something, enough to embrace self-sacrifice.
Father: To be willing to throw away everything that you are in order to give.
Father: To be willing to abandon all rationality for something greater...
Father: To possess an almost insatiable fixation and craving...
Nier: ...
Nier: (Self-sacrifice? What exactly did I sacrifice?)
Nier: (All I wanted was to be loved... To be acknowledged...)
Nier: (And I did everything I possibly could to achieve that...)
Man 1: Gyaaaah!
Nier: (Does Father mean those? No—they denied me for who I am, so I got rid of them. Not like it matters what happens to my test subjects anyway.)
Father: How fascinating for your powers to come into full bloom at this stage... I must say I'm impressed.
Mother: Yes... Well done, Nier.
Nier: Ah...
Tears begin to flow from her eyes.
Nier: Ehehe... I'm so happy to get praise from you...
Nier: Finally... You finally acknowledge me...
Father: Nier... I have a favor to ask, if you'll indulge me.
Nier: Hm? A favor from me?
Nier: Yes, please! I'll do anything you ask, Father!
Father: Thank you.
Father: I just need a transcription of the contents of that tome.
Father: As a magician myself, I'd love to study up on the details written within.
Nier: Okay, I can do that!
Father: I'm looking forward to many great things from you, Nier.
Nier is beaming with joy as she acquiesces.
Nier: (At last... They're finally willing to look at me for who I am!)
Nier: (So much so that they're even making requests of me!)
Nier: I-I'll have to continue giving it my best!
Nier: Um, Father... Do you have a moment?
Father: Hm? Yes, Nier?
Nier: Erm... I finished making the written copy. Here it is...
Nier hands over the transcription of the magical tome.
Father: Oh? Splendid job, Nier.
Mother: Yes, this will be of great help.
Nier: Ehehe...
These words of praise send Nier over the moon.
Father: Humph... Now we're done with you.
Nier: Huh?
Nier: F-Father? What are you saying?
Father: You've never been anything more than a nuisance to this family.
Father: Which is why we're going to act as if you were never born.
Servants come in as the father snaps his fingers, and restrain Nier.
Nier: Wh-why!
Nier: I thought you said my magic was incredible...
Nier: You said you were looking forward to many great things from me...
Father: You've done the unthinkable.
Nier: Hm? What might that be?
Father: Nier... You experimented on living people, didn't you?
Nier: Mm-hm. Is there something wrong with that? I only did what I had to...
Father: You're too far gone... I suppose you pose too great of a threat after all.
Father: Someone like you would only bring shame upon our house.
Father: Normally we'd off you, but consider the fact that you're still alive a parent's mercy.
Father: Instead we'll make sure that you never get out again, so that your existence is not known outside of these doors... By locking you up underground.
Father: Take her underground. And make sure she never leaves.
Servant 1: Understood.
The servants give a knowing nod and drag Nier to a secret chamber beneath ground.
Nier: W-wait! Please... Father, Mother!
Nier: I...
Her words fall on deaf ears as she is transported to her cell.
Nier: Why... Why won't anyone give me the time of day...
Nier: And accept me for who I am...
Nier: It's... all I've ever asked for...
Nier's cries of anguish ring out in the underground cell.
But they reach nowhere and simply bounce against the underground walls.
Nier grows weaker with each passing day in her cell. Death emerges from her card so that they may form a pact and slip out of the cell. Nier surmises that killing Corrie might turn their parents' love toward her, but once she realizes they've never once loved her, in a violent outburst of emotion Nier unleashes Death's power and murders everyone in the mansion.
Nier: ...
Months have passed since Nier's confinement.
Provided with only the bare minimum in nourishment, Nier has become an emaciated specter of her former self. She can scarcely manage to verbalize any thoughts.
Corrie: Heheh. Good day, Sister.
Seeing Nier in such agony brings an expression of profound happiness to Corrie's face.
Nier: ...
Corrie: Why, you look dead as a doornail today. Don't tell me you've already reached your limits.
Nier: ...
Corrie: Nyehehe, how miserable you must be, Sister.
Corrie: To have been raised without love from your parents... or anyone for that matter...
Corrie: To have been exploited for all your worth, then abandoned by those you trusted...
Corrie: Only to be forgotten at the end of it all, as you take your final breaths in this underground cell...
Corrie: It's so amusing that I can't stop laughing.
Nier: ...
Corrie: Tch...
Corrie clicks her tongue at the irresponsive Nier.
She then casts a fireball, nonchalantly directing it at Nier.
Nier: Urgh...
Nier collapses from the impact.
Yet all she does is let out a whimper, showing no signs of resistance.
Corrie: Are you too tired to even scream in pain? What a bore.
Corrie: That look of utter hopelessness as you cried your heart out was always so entertaining to watch...
Corrie: Very well. If you won't entertain me anymore, I'll just have to dispose of you like the broken toy you are.
Corrie: I'll be sure to bring a trash bin tomorrow.
Corrie: Trash belongs in the trash bin after all. Hehe...
And with that, Corrie shuffles off.
Nier: ...
Nier may seem lifeless at the moment.
But the weakening of her body has only made her heart's resolve more intense.
Nier: (Why... do you only see Corrie...)
Nier: (Why won't anyone look my way... Why won't anyone love me?)
Nier: (I worked so hard to gain acceptance... I even went out of my way to learn that spell...)
Father: Hm, you make a good point. Now that we have Corrie, Nier is essentially worthless.
Nier: (Corrie's the problem...)
Nier: (As long as she's around... no one will ever love me...)
Nier: (No one will ever acknowledge me!)
Nier: (If I can just get her out of the way... as if she never existed... Everyone will finally come to accept me...)
Nier: Cor... rie... needs... to be... erased...
Using her enmity for Corrie as fuel, Nier forces herself into an upright position...
Only to collapse again the next moment.
As she lands with a thud, Nier realizes the floor is covered with a lukewarm fluid.
Unsure of what it might be, she looks down to find a pool of blood.
Nier: Blood... Is it mine?
She checks her body for any wounds and finds she's suffered a severe injury around her stomach.
Blood that had flowed thick and scarlet in her veins pours out incessantly from the opening, covering the floor in a sea of crimson.
Nier: (Corrie's spell earlier...)
Having lost too much blood, Nier begins to lose consciousness.
Nier and Death appear before the crew, who have completed their battle in the memory of the War. When (Captain) and company learn that the pair is working together with The World to wipe out the skies and create a new universe, a battle ensues.
Lyria: Whew... We handled that last one okay too.
Vyrn: I'm starting to wonder how long we've gotta keep this up though...
Lyria: Good question...
Lyria: ...!
Vyrn: ...!
Suddenly an overwhelming force assaults the crew.
(Captain) and company involuntarily tremble in response.
Vyrn: What the...
Lyria: I have no idea what it is, but I just sensed an incredible power coming from that card...
The crew turn their attention to it.
A pitch-black darkness comes bursting out of the card, engulfing everyone close by.
Vyrn: Eh, here again? I thought we just got out...
Nier: I must say I'm impressed...
Nier: I didn't think you'd be ready so soon.
Lyria: Nier?
The crew turns to the voice to find Nier smiling pleasantly at them.
Nier politely curtsies to (Captain) and company.
Nier: Allow me to offer my gratitude...
Nier: Thank you, (Captain)...
Nier: In big part to all your help, we can finally...
Nier: Destroy this Sky Realm that despises us so much.
Lyria: Huh... You want to destroy the Sky Realm? N-Nier, what are you saying?
Nier: By destroying the Sky Realm... We'll be able to create a new world that will both love and accept us...
Nier: That... is the true purpose of me and Death...
Death: Anything for yoo, my beloved...
Lyria: ...!
An Arcarum primal beast?
Vyrn: Whoa! You're in pretty deep, miss...
Nier: Ah, right... Of course you wouldn't recognize me...
Nier: I had a different outfit that time...
Nier puts on a robe.
Lyria: Ah, I recognize that robe! Someone on Sephira Island was wearing it...
Any hint of expression Nier had on her face fades away at Lyria's scolding.
Nier: You're no different... You're just like the others who tossed me away like a ragdoll in the end...
Nier: Fine... I don't need you either.
Nier: Death... Erase them.
Death: Koo kii, koo kee kee kee kee... As yoo wish, my beloved...
Vyrn: Here it comes!
Death: Koo kee, koo kii... Absolute Death comes upon you...
My Wish: Scene 2
Death falls to the hands of (Captain) and company. In a final display of love before returning to her card, Death wraps her arms around Nier in an intimate embrace and slides a scythe into her body, killing her off. While staring at the card, the crew wonder what they could have possibly done to save Nier.
Months after Nier vanishes, the crew comes upon the mansion she once called home. They find her diary and learn of her tragic past. Just then, Nier shows up with the local town watch ready to kill her for her crimes. (Captain) and Death keep her safe, after which she agrees to search together with the crew for a way to be loved without destroying the world.
Some months have passed.
The crew meets up with a town representative to discuss the particulars of a mission.
Town Rep: So about this assignment, I'd like you all to find and detain the suspicious individual who has been prowling our streets night after night.
Lyria: Um, you want us to capture a stranger who's been lurking around?
Town Rep: Er...
Town Rep: I know this is a job for the town watch, but they're all too afraid to make a move...
Vyrn: We must be up against some real tough guy if the town watch is staying out of it.
Town Rep: Well...
The town rep hesitates to continue.
Vyrn: C'mon, we need some details. How do you expect to do our job without knowing what we're getting into.
Town Rep: I-I suppose you're right...
Town Rep: Well... The appearance and gait of the suspect bear a striking resemblance to that of a young woman said to be deceased.
Town Rep: She appears every night, asking everyone to please accept her, to love her...
Town Rep: Anytime someone brushes her off, she lashes out and inflicts body harm to that person, saying "I don't need you anymore if you can't love me."
Town Rep: Everyone in our town watch is just so creeped out by it all.
Lyria: ...!
Can you tell us any more about this girl?
Town Rep: Yes... Of course.
Town Rep: Not too far off from this town is the house of a prestigious family of mages that has produced many celebrated geniuses over the ages.
Town Rep: As for the most recent pair of sisters living in that house, the elder sister was supposedly a problem child.
Town Rep: Rumors of her problematic behavior never ceased, and word is she even practiced the dark arts in the forest...
Town Rep: However, there came a point in time when no one in town ever saw her around again.
Town Rep: A while later, the entire family just up and vanished without a trace.
Lyria: They were all gone?
Town Rep: Yes... All that remained in the house were massive pools of blood.
Lyria: ...
Vyrn: ...
Town Rep: Ever since, the townspeople are afraid to even approach the mansion.
As (Captain) and company prepare to face off against the Inchoate World, Nier commands Death to eliminate him. He ends up besting her, then forces the replicated world to converge on himself. Nier and Death fail to escape with the rest of the crew.
After overcoming numerous trials, (Captain) and company finally reach the Inchoate World.
The being that appears before them exudes a far more menacing aura than the previous time the crew confronted him.
Lecia: That's... the Inchoate World? Why does he look so different from...
Inchoate World: Your resolve has brought you far, foreign elements of the new world.
Inchoate World: And foolish Evokers and Arcarum who dare rebel against your god.
The overpowering air about the Inchoate World almost seems to take physical form.
(Captain) and company are equal parts cautious and fearful.
Nier: It'll be okay, (Captain)... Death and I will protect you all.
Nier: Yes... We're ready to erase anyone who dares to hurt you.
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee kee kee. My beloved's happiness is my happiness.
Death: Death to all who would take away our happiness.
Inchoate World: How pitiful. The lowly beast has strayed far from the objective of its sublime maker.
Inchoate World: I will show you firsthand the difference in power between creator and created.
Inchoate World: As creator, I hereby issue a decree to the Arcarum.
Inchoate World: You shall all be disposed of. Never will you get in my way again.
Death: ...
Nier: Death?
Nier: Why are you... so quiet?
Death: ...
Nier: Answer me, Death!
There is no response. The Arcarum primal has come to a complete standstill, as if devoid of life.
Inchoate World: Do not expect it to answer. For I have cast out the Arcarum.
Inchoate World: It can no longer move and will lose shape soon enough.
Vyrn: Wh-what's that supposed to mean!
Vyrn: What exactly did ya do!
Inchoate World: I merely discarded my creation—nothing more, nothing less. It was but a thrall before its creator.
Inchoate World: I was the one who manufactured the Arcarum out of primal beast cores that saw their end during the time of the War.
Inchoate World: It may have developed a sense of self and betrayed me, but it is by my hand that it was given life.
Inchoate World: Never underestimate your maker. The Arcarum lack the means to resist my commands.
Inchoate World: From the very outset, each of their fates rested within the palms of my hands.
Lyria: But then, that means we...
Inchoate World: Yes. All the time you've spent, bonds you've forged—it was all for naught.
Nier: This... can't be happening... Death couldn't possibly die.
Nier: Hey, Death? Do you remember the promise you made... to love me and accept me?
Nier: That was supposed to be forever.
Nier: But now you're going to... leave me all alone?
Death: ...
Nier: I accept and love every part of you, Death, so please...
Nier: Won't you stay by my side? Don't abandon me...
Nier: Please, Death!
Lyria: Nier...
Tears flowing, Nier clings to the lifeless Death as she continues to call out the primal's name.
As if responding to the Evoker's pleas, Death's arms twitch and then gently cradle Nier.
Nier: Ah, Death?
Death: My beloved... I must apologize... for making yoo worry...
Death: But all is well now. Shed not another tear.
Nier: Death!
Beaming a radiant smile, Nier pulls the primal in tight for an embrace.
Inchoate World: You are an oddity even among the Arcarum.
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee. I've destroyed yoor power resting in my core. Yoor attacks will no longer work on me.
Inchoate World: You miserable failure... I never should have created you.
Nier: Death? A failure?
Inchoate World: Yes. Of all the Arcarum, Death is the sole primal I did not intend to create.
Inchoate World: If there is a beginning, then there must also be an end. Every existence eventually dies.
Inchoate World: Just the same, the new world I plan to create is also fated to end someday.
Inchoate World: Even with myself at the helm, the laws of nature cannot be reversed.
Inchoate World: Thus I sought to place "death" under my control by giving it the last seat among the Arcarum.
Inchoate World: That is a decision I would come to regret. A stain on my record, if you will.
Nier: Don't talk about Death like that.
Nier: She's more important than anything else to me.
Nier: I won't forgive anyone who insults her.
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee! My beloved is angry on my behalf!
Death: She considers me near and dear! I'm happy! So happy!
Death notices the deep-seated resentment in Nier's cold, dark words.
They fill the primal with overwhelming joy.
Inchoate World: Two accursed beings... Abandoned failures alike, you couldn't be more perfect for each other.
Inchoate World: You speak of love, but you can never truly know it, for the world has cast you into its outskirts.
Inchoate World: May you lick each other's wounds in futility until the time of your demise.
Nier: ...! Death, end him!
Death: Unforgivable! Most unforgivable! Any who dare mock my beloved shall pay!
Lecia: No! It's too dangerous to just charge in—
Lyria: Nier!
Death pays no heed to the warning and mercilessly attacks the Inchoate World.
Inchoate World: Normally, even I would be unable to escape my eventual end.
Inchoate World: But with the power I now possess, subjugating death is certainly within my means.
Inchoate World: Did you truly think that preventing me from interfering directly with your core would thwart me?
Boundless rays of light pierce through Death's body.
Inchoate World: This is the end of the line for you, failed creation.
Death: A... Aah... My... beloved...
Nier: D... Death?
Death: ...
Aghast at the sight of Death skewered every which way, Nier collapses to the ground.
Vyrn: Nier!
Nier: ...
Inchoate World: Well, I suppose you're not entirely without merit. The data you've gathered has proven to be especially valuable.
Inchoate World: I'll make sure that none of it goes to waste.
Inchoate World: Be glad that your efforts will form a cornerstone of the new world long after you have been wiped out.
The replicated world trembles violently as he utters those words.
The fabric of reality twists and bends as the world around them begins dissipating into palish particles that converge on the Inchoate World.
Lyria: Yeah! We were planning on saving Nier anyway!
Vyrn: For sure. She hates bein' alone, so the sooner we get to her, the better.
Monika: Thank you. We're indebted to you, (Captain).
They look up to the sphere once more.
Their resolve to save their dear friends burns bright.
Deathly Union: Scene 2
Nier awakens in the house she grew up in. Having lost all memories of Death and the crew, she somehow lives peacefully with her loving family—that is until strangers come to take her away and attack her family, making her unleash life-controlling magic on them.
Nier: Where... am I...
Nier: Mng...
Nier clutches her dizzying head as she rises from the bed.
Her expression contorts when she realizes where she is.
Nier: How could this be... It's my room... in that house...
Nier: No... This can't be happening...
Nier: I still remember what I did to the house...
Nier: But how did I end up here to begin with? Hm...
Nier: ...
Nier desperately tries to recall the events that may have led her here.
The harder she tries to remember, the paler her complexion grows.
Nier: No... Why...
Nier: I can't seem to... remember anything...
Nier: What happened to me! Tell me, Dea—
Nier: Augh!
A terrible headache seizes Nier, causing her to collapse to the bed.
Nier: Why... does it hurt so bad...
???: Nier!
???: Sister!
Nier: ...!
The door to the room bursts open, and in come three familiar faces.
Nier: Father... Mother... And... Cor... rie?
Mother: Thank goodness. You're awake.
Father: You were asleep for so long that we started to worry.
Corrie: Are you feeling better, Sister? Can you stand?
Nier: How are you all... here... Didn't I...
Corrie: Aaaaaahhhhh! Motheeeer!
Father: Ngh... Rgh... S-stop...
Corrie: Please, Sister... Spare me...
Corrie: I apologize for everything I've ever done... If you'll just—
Corrie: Nggaaah!
Nier: What's happening...
Father: Don't you remember? You lost control during magic practice and fell unconscious.
Mother: Quite a few days have passed since then.
Mother: And you woke up only just now.
Mother: I was so worried about you the whole time...
Mother: I couldn't be more relieved to see you wake up.
The verklempt mother goes up to her daughter for a loving embrace.
Nier: ...
Nier: (This must be a dream...)
Nier: (After all, these people have never loved me...)
Nier: (They admitted to thinking nothing of me and denying my very existence...)
Nier: (And Corrie called me a failure who belongs in the trash bin...)
Nier: (That's why I...)
Corrie: Sister? What's wrong? Are you still feeling unwell?
Nier: Um, no, I'm fine... Just a bit hazy from having just woken up.
Father: Fair enough, given that you're in recovery. Take it easy today.
Nier: O-okay...
Father: Well, we should go. Nier can't very well rest if we're around.
Mother: Right... Nier, let us or the servants know if you need anything, okay?
Nier: Okay...
Corrie: Sister, let's have some tea together in the garden when you're better.
Nier's parents and sister take their leave of her.
Nier: Someone tell me... How is any of this possible?
Seeing the door close, Nier mutters under her breath. But there is no one to respond.
A few days pass by.
Nier is somehow living with the parents that she had murdered by her very own hands.
And her father has even been tutoring her in the ways of magic.
Father: Hm, seems like you've grasped everything I've taught you so far... Well done, Nier.
Nier: Y-yeah...
Father: Although your talent with magic is nothing extraordinary...
Father: You have something that more than makes up for it.
Father: Your willingness to persevere is beyond compare. And I hope you'll keep it up.
Nier: Y-yes, Father...
Nier also enjoys the occasional tea party with her sister and mother in the garden.
Mother: Haha... Oh, how I relish these tea parties with you, Nier.
Corrie: Sister, have some of these snacks. I picked out your favorite ones.
Nier: Th-thank you...
Mother: By the way, Nier, how are you holding up physically?
Nier: Um, I think I'm okay now...
Mother: That's great to hear. We worry about you so much, Nier.
Corrie: We sure do... And that's putting it lightly.
Corrie: Promise me, Sister. Promise me that you'll always take care of yourself and not overdo things. I don't know what I'd do without you...
Corrie takes Nier's hand and gazes straight at her, a tearful expression in her eyes.
Nier: O-okay...
Corrie: Teehee. Pinky promise, Sister.
Nier takes a stroll in the garden alone after the tea party.
Nier: ...
Nier: (Father, Mother, and Corrie accept me and love me...)
Nier: (How could they be so different from the family I knew...)
Mother: Nier will soon be of age... An age ripe enough for us to banish her.
Corrie: Hehe, what a fitting end for a failure like you.
Nier: You mean... You never loved me from the start?
Nier: You never really... cared for me?
Father: Correct.
Nier: So all the praise and kind words you ever said to me were... nothing but lies?
Father: Right again.
Nier: (If they had just shown me the love they are showing me now, I never would've...)
Nier: ...
Nier: (But what's with this world?)
Nier: (How is it different from the world I know? Which is the real one?)
Nier: (Could it be that this is the real world, and the one I've been living in all along was actually just a dream?)
Nier: How nice that'd be.
Nier: (To be able to wake up from a nightmare and realize that Father, Mother, and Corrie loved me all along...)
Nier: (To have a normal family...)
Nier: (And plenty of other people here love me too.)
???: If you're the reason... we'll be the first... apologize...
???: Friends... for... ever!
???: Another... way... together...
Nier: Ngh... What was that just now?
Beset by a splitting headache, Nier dizzily clutches her head.
Nier: It feels like I'm forgetting... something important...
Nier: Augh! People... very important to me...
Nier: They loved me... Accepted me for who I am... How could I... forget them?
Nier: I need to... get back... to them...
Nier: Wait... What do their faces look like?
Nier: Why... Why can't I remember?
Nier: They're far too important... for me to forget!
???: Nier!
Nier: Huh...
As if being pulled by the voice from behind, Nier turns around.
???: Phew... Glad to find ya in one piece.
???: Thank goodness. We were so worried!
Nier: You...
???: Um... Nier, what do you think of traveling with us?
???: Adventuring across the world with us might give you a fresh perspective.
Nier: Nghh! N-not again...
???: Nier?
???: It's not safe here; we'd better get moving!
With a nod, the young man (Captain) extends a hand to Nier.
Nier: O-okay... I'll come along then... with all of...
Nier: I know... you people...
Parents: Nier!
Corrie: Sister, get away from them!
Nier: Huh...
A fireball is unleashed in the direction of the young man and his friends.
He quickly deflects the attack.
Nier: Father! Mother! And Corrie...
Nier: Wh-what's wrong? Why are you using your magic?
Corrie: Come with us already!
Corrie runs up to Nier and grasps her hand.
Nier: B-but they're...
Corrie: Those are bad people who've been targeting you, Sister!
Corrie: They want to pull you away from us! You want to come to our side—
???: No! Get away from them!
The young man, too, makes a grab for Nier's hand.
???: That won't happen as long as we're around, Nier!
???: We'll be friends forever!
Nier: Friends forever...
Nier: That's right... We promised... to stay together...
Nier: Aaauuughh!
Nier struggles to remember something of great significance, only to crumple from the splitting migraine.
Corrie: Eeep!
Corrie's resounding scream fills the air.
Still clutching her head, Nier turns to face the voice.
And finds a young man pointing a sword at her little sister.
Corrie: Save me, Sister!
Nier: ...! No! Stop!
Nier exerts the power to control life to protect Corrie.
The young man and company writhe in pain as they cough up blood and collapse to the ground.
Nier: Ah... I...
Confusion quickly sets in for the Evoker.
Corrie: Heheh...
Nier: Cor... rie?
Corrie: Ahahahaha!
Corrie's crazed laugh seems to shake the world at its very core.
In the next moment, the world shatters into tiny pieces.
Nier: Eek!
Deathly Union: Scene 3
The "strangers" that Nier had unleashed her magic on turn out to be the crew. With her memory restored, she calls out for Death, who has been reborn using the Inchoate World's very own power. The Evoker and primal form a union, granting them untold power.
Nier opens her eyes to find herself in a familiar world.
Nier: This is where... The World was...
Nier: Yes... I came here with the crew to defeat him...
Nier: He defeated Death, and then I realized I couldn't move...
Nier: How could I forget such a major event...
Nier: Ah... (Captain)?
Nier is speechless at the sight of fellow crew members lying in pools of their own blood.
Nier: How... did this happen?
Corrie: Haha, what do you mean, Sister? You did that yourself, with your power over life.
Nier: Ah...
Corrie: Save me, Sister!
Nier: ...! No! Stop!
Nier: No! This can't be happening!
Nier uses her magic to instill some of her own vitality into the others.
Nier: I'll give all of my lifeblood, so please, just wake up!
Nier: Please!
Corrie: Haha. Well now, Sister... How does it feel to take the lives of those who matter most to you?
Corrie: Delightful, isn't it?
Nier: Ah...
Father: Turns out you don't care much about that lot after all.
Father: You've just proven that you're okay with anyone just as long as they acknowledge you.
Nier: N-no! The crew is special to... Cough...
Father: Then why did you choose Corrie over them in that critical moment?
Nier: B-because I forgot everything that's come to pass...
Mother: You liar. It's true that your precious memories have been carefully sealed away.
Mother: Nonetheless, a part of you still realized how dear they were to you.
Mother: And yet you chose the false love that Corrie was willing to provide.
Nier: No... No! I did that only because you locked out my memories!
Nier: You made me forget about them...
Nier: Cough...
Nier: Even their faces had become a blur...
Corrie: Dearest Sister, you give them any more life, and you'll be the one lying dead on the ground.
Nier: That's okay... if it means I can save them...
Nier: Ngh... Aaahh!
Nier: I don't want to be alone, shunned, and unloved anymore...
Nier: If that's the alternative, I'd gladly give my life so that (Captain) and the others can go on...
Nier: The memory of me would remain in their hearts... They'd never forget me.
Nier: They would love me forever... That's why...
Nier: Urgh...
With each cough, fresh blood pours out of her mouth and stains the floor a velvety red.
Corrie: Haha, so you wish to die a dog's death. How fitting for my fool of a sister.
Nier: What... do you mean?
Corrie: No matter how much lifeblood you pour into a corpse, it's not going to get up and start walking again.
Nier: Ah...
Corrie: Not even that magic of yours can revive the dead... Do you hear what I'm saying?
Nier: No...
Corrie: Hahah. Meaning there's no one left in this world to acknowledge you, Sister.
Corrie: You'll lead an agonizingly miserable life without ever knowing what love and acceptance are.
Nier: Aah...
Nier: Aaaaaahhhh!
Corrie: Yes, there it is! That tormented, piercing scream is what I've been dying to hear all day long.
Corrie: Wouldn't you all agree?
Countless men emerge from the surroundings.
Nier: Ah...
Corrie: Don't they look familiar? Well, they should, because you murdered every last one of them.
Corrie: Hehe. I bet many of you hold a grudge for what she did to you.
Corrie: Well, now's your chance for payback.
The men crowd in on Nier.
Man 1: Who the hell do you think you are to do me in like that... I have a family too, you know!
Nier: Augh!
Man 2: Screw your love and acceptance bullcrap! You belong in the loony bin!
Nier: Hack...
Man 3: You deserve to suffer like I did!
Nier: N-no... Stop... Aaiiee!
Man 4: To think that I actually loved you! And what did I get back in return!
Nier: P-please... Stop it...
Man 5: You sure as hell didn't stop when we were the ones screamin' in agony!
Nier: ...
Spouting hateful words, the men gang up on Nier.
The Evoker is powerless as they beat her to a bloody pulp.
Nier: A-all I ever wanted... was to be accepted... To be loved...
Nier: Help me... (Captain)...
Nier: If it's... for you... I'd do anything...
Nier: So please... Won't you show me... a little love?
Battered and beaten, Nier seeks salvation from the captain as her consciousness grows hazy.
As if responding to her wish, the crew open up their eyes and turn to the Evoker.
Lyria: Why... We were supposed to go adventuring together to find you a new perspective...
Vyrn: Can't believe we actually took you for a friend...
Lyria: Goodbye, Nier.
Vyrn: Yeah, I don't wanna spend another second with ya.
(Captain): I hate you!
Nier: Ah...
The crew's words of rejection sting hard.
The strength from Nier's body and life from her eyes quickly drain away.
Nier: ...
Inchoate World: Do you see now, Evoker? This is what awaits if you stay the path.
Inchoate World: Reach for something beyond your means, and you will only come to regret it.
Inchoate World: Seek affection no longer. Learn to cope in despair with your solitude.
Nier: (No... I don't want to be alone...)
Nier: (Why is it so hard... just to get some acknowledgement...)
Nier: Come by... my side... Death...
Nier's cracked voice seems to reach no one, simply echoing into the void.
Inchoate World: You still cling to Death at this stage? Some people just never learn.
Death's Voice: Koo kii kee kee! My beloved, yoo finally called for me!
Inchoate World: !
Death's Voice: Yoo are not alone, my beloved. I am by yoor side.
As a voice echoes in the hollow space...
A jet-black fog converges before Nier, taking on the form of Death.
Inchoate World: How are you still alive... I've already absorbed you in your entirety...
Death: Yes, that is true. Yoo vanquished me once.
Death: But as death and rebirth go hand in hand, my demise allowed me the chance to resurrect.
Inchoate World: Ah, yes, like the flip side of a coin... But you shouldn't have had the power left to pull off such a feat—
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee... I used yoor power, of which there is an abundance of in this world.
Death: This world was created for the sake of the Arcarum primals and their pactbearers.
Death: Thus I have some control of the elements here.
Death turns away from The World to shower her fallen pactbearer with attention.
Death: My beloved... we finally meet again!
Nier: Death?
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee... Tell me, my beloved. Deep down, what is it that yoo truly desire?
Death: I'll make any wish of yoors come true. Yoo only need to tell me what it is yoor heart yearns for.
Nier's eyes light up at Death's fervent gesture.
Nier: I want... to be loved... and accepted...
Nier: To always be with (Captain)'s crew... and you, Death...
Death: Koo kee kee, is that yoor wish, my beloved?
Nier: Yes...
Nier: Um, Death? If that... can become a reality... I'd do anything... in return...
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee. Do yoo really mean that?
Nier: Mm-hm.
Death: Then promise, my beloved.
Death: Promise me that yoo'll be with me for an eternity.
Nier: Haha.
Death: My beloved?
Nier: I already said it, Death... Me wanting to be with you... forever...
Nier: That was my wish.
Death: Aaahhhhh! Happy! So happy! My beloved and I forever!
Nier: Death... I'm willing to give... all that I am... to you.
Nier: So please... Won't you... make my wish... come true?
Death: Certainly, my beloved, if yoo'll say the pledge.
Nier: In sickness... and in health...
Nier: To love... and to cherish... May we be together forever... That is my solemn vow...
Death: Now to consummate the union...
Death props up the grievously wounded Nier and holds her tight.
Nier: Pierce me with your love... and make me all yours...
Death raises her scythe and cuts deep into Nier's body.
As if in celebration, a dark mist arises from Death's body and enshrouds them both.
Deathly Union: Scene 4
Nier commands Death to defeat her fake family and the fake crew, while also dealing a heavy blow to The World. His plans at risk, he ejects the two outside the spherical world, where they reunite with the real crew aboard the Grandcypher.
Nier and Death are wrapped in a cocoon formed from threads of darkness.
A fissure runs down the lining of the cocoon, cracking it open and unleashing a jet-black mist that fills the surroundings.
Similar to a butterfly hatching from its chrysalis, Nier emerges from the darkness.
Nier: ...
Death: Koo kii koo kee koo kee kee... My beloved, how does yoor body feel?
Nier: Quite well. It seems the wounds those people inflicted on me have all healed.
Despite her words, one of her eyes is now stained pitch-black as a dark liquid oozes out from it.
Nier does not seem bothered, however, and simply wipes it away with the sleeve of her dress, a smile playing on her lips.
Inchoate World: You reenacted the pact? But that means...
Inchoate World: ...
Inchoate World: Whatever the case, the fact remains that the creator cannot be bested by their creation.
Nier: Death, do your thing...
Death: As yoo wish, my beloved.
Inchoate World: Urgh! I-impossible... How did you—
Nier: Aaaauuuugh!
Suffering a deep cut from Death, The World lets out a grunt that suggests both pain and surprise.
However, it is easily muffled by Nier's bloodcurdling scream.
Death: My beloved!
Nier: I'm okay... I was just startled by how powerful that was.
Death: ...
Nier: Haha, what a relief that it worked. This is good.
Inchoate World: What... did you do... What is that power!
Nier: It's my magical ability to control life...
Nier: No, rather...
Nier: It's my magic combined with Death's powers.
Nier: Fused together, they become a new power.
Inchoate World: Urk!
Nier: Haha, no matter how strong you might be, there's no escape from this magic as long as you're alive.
Inchoate World: A new power born from the fusion of two, you say...
Inchoate World: That suggests a creation having room to evolve... But to birth a power of this magnitude?
Nier: Death and I share a deep connection... Or should I say, we're interwoven...
Nier: Our bodies... Our lives... are joined to such a degree that we completely understand each other...
Nier: And this power is what arose from the union. That's all there is to it.
Nier makes an angry scowl at The World.
Nier: Whatever it takes, we are going to end you, World...
Nier: You killed Death...
Nier: You made me do the unthinkable to (Captain) and the crew...
Nier: Although they weren't real, the thought alone of what you made me do...
Nier: Is unforgivable.
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee kee kee! World, yoo deeply hurt and upset my dearest beloved...
Death: For that... I will make sure yoo pay!
Inchoate World: Urk!
Nier: Ngh...
Inchoate World: Accursed wretches... You're proving to be quite a challenge.
Inchoate World: But don't think you've won just because you landed a few good blows on me. I remain the god of this new world.
Nier: Hehehe...
Inchoate World: I know your weak point. You haven't learned a thing.
Nier's parents, sister, and the crew emerge to stand in her way.
Lyria: Stop it, Nier!
Vyrn: What you're doin' is so messed up!
(Captain): Ready to murder us again?
Father: Nier, we were wrong to censure you. Let us reconcile.
Mother: I'm so sorry, Nier. We're going to be the best parents you could ever ask for from now on... Let's just forget about all this.
Corrie: Please, Sister... I won't bully you or give you the cold shoulder anymore...
Nier: ...
The crew and Nier's family make their desperate pleas to the Evoker.
But she does not respond, and her expression is cold as ice.
Death: My beloved, they are nothing more than puppets created by The World from peering into yoor memories.
Death: Do not be misled.
Nier: Yes, I know...
Nier: The crew would never, ever turn me away like that.
Nier: I won't be fooled again.
Nier: Erase those puppets for me, Death...
Lyria: Nier, we promised to always be together!
Vyrn: That's right! How could ya abandon us like this...
Death swings her scythe almost as soon as Nier gives the command.
In the blink of an eye, the crew puppets' lives are no more.
Corrie: S-stop it, Sister! Hear us out!
Father: Do you realize what you're doing, Nier? I am your father, for goodness' sake!
Mother: Yes, we're supposed to be family! Don't tell me you're going to murder your family in cold blood!
Nier: Huff... Huff... Like I said, I don't need you fakes.
Nier: And I especially don't need a family that never cared for me.
Mother: Eep! Please! No—
Father: Stop—
Corrie: Please, Sister... Spare me...
Corrie: I apologize for everything I've ever done... If you'll just—
Corrie: Please, Sister... Spare me...
Corrie: I apologize for everything I've ever done... If you'll just—
Nier: Hack... Cough... Pant... Wheeze...
Nier: What a surprise to hear a fake say the exact same thing as the real one...
Nier: But don't bother begging for your life. Because I'm going to end you along with The World.
Corrie: Gyaaah! M-my hands!
Corrie: Rgh... Why can't trash like you... just stay dead...
Corrie: I should have finished you off from the outset... instead of relishing the sight of you getting beaten up...
Nier: Goodbye, Corrie.
Nier: Ngh... Death, let's finish off all the remaining fakes too.
Man 1: Aiiee! Y-you're the one at fault here! I haven't done anything wr—gyaaaah!
Man 4: H-help... Spare—
Death utilizes her new power without restraint.
Crimson splatter lights up the surroundings with every swing of her scythe.
Death: My beloved, they are finished. Only one remains.
Nier: Yes, The World...
Nier: Death, erase—
Suddenly feeling woozy, Nier crumples to the ground.
A part of her body is stained black, and from it drips out a profuse amount of ebony ooze.
Nier: Cough!
Death: My beloved!
Nier: Part of this is from you, so I'm okay with it, Death.
Nier: I can withstand it.
Inchoate World: Aha, so that's the trick.
Inchoate World: I finally understand how your newfound power works.
Inchoate World: It amounts to nothing but the pointless struggle of a failed creation.
Inchoate World: The more Death uses that power, the more your body—or perhaps your soul—breaks down as its consumed by Death.
Inchoate World: And what awaits at the end is your own death. Talk about a paradox.
Nier: ...
Inchoate World: Just look at that gaping, black eye of yours. You can't see from it, can you?
Inchoate World: And that's not all. You appear to have lost some of your senses as well.
Nier: ...
Inchoate World: Yet you intend to finish me off with that power?
Nier: I certainly do...
Inchoate World: Why? The excruciating agony of having your soul cleaved away is beyond description.
Inchoate World: And your own demise awaits at the end of it all. Perhaps your plan is to sacrifice yourself to end me?
Nier: I just know... that I cannot die.
Nier: Death would never allow it to happen.
Death: The only one who can inflict eternal pain, suffering, and love upon yoo is me, my beloved. For we will always be together...
A black mist envelops Nier's body.
When it clears up, the black stain is no longer present on the Evoker.
Inchoate World: What... did you do?
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee kee kee... I transferred the life force drained from yoo to my beloved.
Death: She and I are connected on a deeper level.
Death: That's why I can use this power without condemning her to endless suffering.
Inchoate World: Using a power that injures the pactbearer, only to then heal the pactbearer with life force drained from the foe. Repeat as necessary...
Inchoate World: I understand the symbiosis now, but I can hardly sympathize. You two are both pitiful failed creations.
While nodding to The World's caustic remark...
Death pulls Nier in for a loving embrace.
Death: I can only heal my beloved, who is bound to me. I cannot heal others.
Death: But on the other hand, I can heal any wound she suffers.
Death: Koo kii kii koo kee kee. I will not let my beloved die as long as I live.
Inchoate World: To think you could come up with such a power...
Inchoate World: You could prove to be a little troublesome...
Inchoate World: I'd planned on effacing you outright before moving ahead, but...
The very world itself begins to tremble.
Fissures soon open up in their surroundings.
Nier: Wh-what's happening?
Inchoate World: You two will only upset the new world order.
Inchoate World: That's why I must eject you from this world. I've wasted enough time on you failures.
Nier: Huh...
Nier: ...!
The ground Nier stands on is torn apart.
Pulled by gravity, she enters a free-fall state.
Death: My beloved!
The primal chases after the Evoker.
Nier continues to fall.
Before long, the scenery changes to blue skies as she crosses the boundary of worlds.
Her outfit changes to her usual one.
Nier: Ah...
Nier: No... It can't just end... like this...
Nier: Please... Help me... Death! (Captain)!
A terrified Nier shuts her eyes in fervent prayer.
Tears come flooding out of her eyes, traveling down her cheeks before hitting the floor.
Paying heed to nothing else, Nier simply holds the captain tight and lets the tears flow.
(Captain) gently rubs her back, as if consoling a child.
Deathly Union: Scene 5
Nier explains to the crew everything that's happened to her. Realizing that the Inchoate World plans to swallow the Sky Realm whole, they are more resolved than ever to stop him.
Once Nier has calmed down a bit, the crew moves to the dining hall.
Lyria: Here. Have some hot milk, Nier.
Nier: Th-thank you.
Vyrn: So, uh... You feelin' better now?
Nier: Yes... Sorry for bursting into tears earlier...
Nier: I was just so happy to see everyone...
Lyria: Nuh-uh, it's perfectly fine. More importantly...
(Captain) and company look curiously at Death.
Nier: Um, is there something on Death's face?
Vyrn: For one thing, how's she still alive? I thought she got absorbed by The World.
Nier: Ah, about that...
A smile plays on Nier's lips.
She is more than happy to explain how Death came back.
Vyrn: Whoa... Just goes to show you've got one heck of a primal beast on your side.
Nier: Um... I was wondering something myself.
Nier: How did you know I would be falling from the sky at that exact moment?
Vyrn: We just happened to be checkin' out the floating sphere at the time.
Vyrn: That's when Death popped up outta the blue.
Lyria: Yes. She explained to us that you were ejected from the spherical world and would be falling soon.
Lyria: That's where we came in...
Nier: Ah, so that's what happened... Thank you, Death.
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee kee... Happy! So happy! My beloved offers me praise!
The crew is in good spirits as (Captain) stands up to get a tea refill.
Nier: (Captain), no!
Nier tugs on the captain's sleeves, tears forming in her eyes.
Nier: Please... Stay by my side... Don't leave me...
Nier: I'll do anything...
Nier: Please don't toss me aside...
Vyrn: Whoa now, let's calm down a bit.
Vyrn: (Captain)'s just goin' to grab another cup of tea...
Nier: No... No... Please... I need you...
Nier clings to (Captain)'s arm like a child.
The crew wear troubled expressions.
Lyria: Nier, wh—
Death: I, too, ask that yoo please just follow along for now.
Death: My beloved went through quite the traumatic experience in that world.
Nier: Please, (Captain). I don't know what I'd do without you...
Nier shoots the captain a desperate look.
Though somewhat perplexed, (Captain) sits back down with the Evoker.
Her tearful frown quickly turns into a happy grin.
The crew later meets up with Monika and Vizan.
In order to best determine how to proceed...
Nier and Death explain to everyone what things were like in the spherical world.
Monika: So the Inchoate World's core remains at the center of that realm, I see.
Monika: Unless we put that core out of commission, he's going to swallow up our world.
Monika: Does that sound about right?
Nier: Yes...
(Captain) and company are at a loss for words.
Monika: Meaning our biggest problem is the Inchoate World's core being in that sphere...
Vizan: Indeed.
Vyrn: What's with the troubled looks, guys?
Vizan: The truth is, we've already dispatched multiple teams to investigate the sphere's interior.
Vizan: But not a single person from those teams who's made it inside has returned...
Lyria: That's awful...
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee... That sphere is The World himself... Any intruders are swiftly dealt with.
Hearing that, the crew put on somber expressions.
Nier: It'll be okay, everyone. Arcarum primals and their pactbearers, like Death and I, are exceptions.
Nier: Not to mention when Death was reborn, she absorbed a portion of The World's power.
Nier: You should be okay as long you stay with us...
Vizan: Quite knowledgeable, aren't you?
Nier: Death and I are connected on a deeper level now...
Nier: So I know all about Death.
Lyria: Huh? Connected on a deeper level?
Nier: Yes, we made a vow to be together forever. Hehehe...
Nier looks at the primal with an expression of bliss.
Death lovingly embraces her in response.
Monika: So basically, we should be able to make it inside if we stick with you two, huh?
Monika: Then there's only one solution.
Monika: All of us go inside together to wipe out the Inchoate World.
Monika: The Crew of Enforcers will be needing your help again, (Captain). I hope you don't mind.
Vizan: Yes, I'm afraid we'll require your services once more.
Monika and Vizan bow their heads deeply to the crew.
Monika: You have our thanks. Let's discuss how we're going to proceed then.
They begin charting a route for infiltrating the sphere.
Meanwhile, Nier has stepped outside with Death for some fresh air.
Nier: I don't care about anyone outside of the crew...
Nier: But for those in the crew—people who've come to love and accept us...
Nier: Having them disappear is the last thing I want to see.
Nier: Let's do what we can to protect them all, Death.
Death: Yes, my beloved... And we'll make certain to kill The World very dead this time.
Death: He shall pay for making yoo suffer...
Nier: Yes. That's a must...
The two gaze at the sphere in the distance.
A sort of madness burns bright within their eyes.
Deathly Union: Scene 6
The crew reenters the sphere to stop the Inchoate World once and for all. He sees the appearance of the crew as a trial to be overcome before world creation can happen and awaits their arrival at the center of the sphere.
The crew steps inside the floating sphere to settle matters with the Inchoate World.
Vyrn: Whoa... What's with this place...
Lyria: The many different colors mixed together are making my eyes go round...
The wild color scheme is extremely unsettling, violently distorting the captain's perceptions.
Nier: Is everyone okay?
Vyrn: Urk, this is kinda makin' me sick... You feelin' okay yourself, Nier?
Nier: Y-yes. This isn't too bad.
Nier: I believe my connection to Death gives me a natural resistance in this world.
Lyria: By the way, Nier, where did that outfit come from? You... seem different.
Nier: Ah, I guess I forgot to mention it.
Nier: This is proof of my union with Death.
Nier: Of our vow to always be together.
Nier: And it also seems affected by the part of The World's power that Death absorbed...
Nier: That would explain why I returned to my normal clothes when I was pushed out of the sphere.
Nier: I suppose the effect lasts only while I'm in here.
Vyrn: The World's power, huh? I'm not sure I like the sound of that. You don't feel funny anywhere, do ya?
Nier: I appreciate the concern, but I think I'll be okay.
Nier: Death feels closer to me than ever before when I'm in this form.
Nier: It's almost as if Death has her arms wrapped around me all the time, which is an incredible relief.
Death: Koo kii kee kee kee kee kee! My entire being belongs to my beloved, just as her entire being belongs to me!
Death: The only one allowed to inflict eternal pain, suffering, and love upon her is I!
Death: I will allow no one else that privilege!
Vyrn: Yep, that's the Death we know, all right.
Lyria: Ahaha... It just goes to show how important Nier is to Death.
Vyrn: Anyhoo, don't forget we're here to help too!
Lyria: Yeah! We'll do our best to support you, Nier!
(Captain) nods in agreement.
Nier: R-right. Thank you, everyone.
Vyrn: All right, let's get a move on.
The crew begins trekking through the sphere.
Nier: Yes, The World must be erased...
Death: Die. Die. Die. Yoo will die, World.
Death: No one gets away with hurting my beloved...
Vyrn: Huh? Didja say somethin', Nier?
Nier: Um, no... It's nothing.
Bracing themselves for what may come, the crew proceed onward to the center of the multicolored world.
Inchoate World: You lot again.
Vyrn: Gwah! You got us good last time, and now we're gonna get payback!
Inchoate World: What more could you want from me? I have no more business with you. You nuisances are a waste of time—
Inchoate World: No, wait... I see how it is. Defeating your group is the final trial I must overcome before the new world comes to fruition.
Nier: ...? I'm not sure what you're saying.
Nier: Or maybe I should say... Who cares whatever you might be thinking or saying?
Nier: You are the worst. And we are going to make you pay. Nothing else matters.
Inchoate World: A birth becomes that much more meaningful after successful completion of a trial. And a trial exists to be overcome...
Inchoate World: Very well then. I welcome you all to be the final sacrifices to mark the true completion of my task.
The Inchoate World seems to disappear, blending into his multicolored surroundings.
The Inchoate World unleashes his full power to overcome the trial that is the crew. A final showdown ensues.
Inchoate World: You've come.
By tracking the aura of the Inchoate World, the crew finally reaches the center of this realm.
The Inchoate World looks down on the crew as he speaks, a hint of surprise in his breath.
Inchoate World: How strangely comforting... Though you obstacles in my path normally fill me with disgust...
Inchoate World: Seeing you as a trial meant to be overcome fills me with pride and joy.
Inchoate World: The face of fate changes depending on your interpretation. And my interpretation has led me to birth a new world.
Inchoate World: You are nothing but nuisances now—stepping stones on my path to world creation... That is how I define your fates.
Nier: I'd rather not repeat myself, but... No one cares what you think.
Nier: You hurt me. And now I'm going to hurt you harder.
Nier: Not to mention who knows what you might do to the crew if I let you go here...
Nier: I won't let you bring any harm to them.
Nier: That's why—
Inchoate World: That's why you're going to kill me, eh?
Nier: ...
Inchoate World: A good attitude to have. May your demise bless the birth of the new world.
Inchoate World: You have no idea how fatally wrong you are. It seems you don't realize that you're broken beyond repair and stand no chance against me.
Inchoate World: Order does not lie with you. Chaos is but a cradle for the new world. In other words, your role has ended.
Inchoate World: You see others as a means to an end, as nothing more than a way to satisfy your own desires.
Inchoate World: But no matter how much you embellish your base actions with lofty notions of love, the new world has no place for miserable beings such as yourself.
Nier: ...
Inchoate World: Your unfulfilled desires define you in the natural order of things.
Inchoate World: As long as you remain who you are, your wish for love and acceptance will never come true.
Nier: You couldn't be more wrong...
Inchoate World: Huh?
Nier: Thanks to the crew...
Nier: Our wish is very much fulfilled.
Nier: They care for us from the bottom of their hearts...
Nier: They accept us as we are...
Nier: And I care deeply for them too...
Nier: For them, I'd do anything... Even if it means giving up my life.
Inchoate World: Blind to your own deficiencies, I see. How hopeless.
Inchoate World: Why would you give up your own life? Forget about the affection you so craved for—you yourself would no longer exist.
Inchoate World: You would essentially be robbing yourself of your own desires. How—
Nier: You're the one who's mistaken. Death, in itself, is a form of eternal love.
Nier: If I ended those dear to me, they'd become mine forever.
Nier: And on the flip side, by sacrificing myself, I'd remain a scar in their hearts forever.
Nier: Hehehe... How's that for eternal?
Inchoate World: Such twisted ideology... You could not be more fitting as Death's pactbearer.
Inchoate World: And a failure all the same.
Inchoate World: The time has come to bury you all as wretched artifacts of the old world!
Fierce winds begin to blow around them, causing the various colors to converge on the Inchoate World.
As he is encased in what appears to be some sort of cocoon, Lyria audibly gasps.
Lyria: Watch out! The Inchoate World is getting stronger!
Inchoate World: You antiquated relics will become the cornerstone of the new world. For that is your fate; that is providence.
Inchoate World: You have no future beyond today. Your destinies end here. I shall wipe away your very souls from existence!
Beyond the Trial: Scene 2
The crew finally defeats the Inchoate World and returns to the Sky Realm. Nier expresses her wish to continue living with the crew while she searches for a new perspective on life. She and Death take this chance to thank each other for being in one another's lives.
Inchoate World: Rgh!
Inchoate World: Impossible! I should be the one who decides destiny!
Inchoate World: All trials succumb before me... Your defeat here was supposed to mark the celebration of the new world's creation...
Inchoate World: But yet... how is it that mortals of the old world have bested me!
Nier: This is where I erase you, whatever it takes.
Nier: Death!
Death: World... Yoo hurt my beloved. And for that, yoo must die!
Death: I will kill yoo deader than dead!
Death and Nier land a fatal blow on the Inchoate World, piercing through his body.
Inchoate World: Gwaaah!
Inchoate World: Damn you... Damn you all! How could I lose...
Inchoate World: What of my new world!
His hands reach out, only to grasp at thin air. Cracks begin to form all over the Inchoate World's body.
Inchoate World: Guuuuh!
With a deafening roar, the Inchoate World lets out a flash of light followed by a harsh noise that stains the world white.
Nier: Mng... Where are we?
Vyrn: What happened to us? The Inchoate World's...
Now that the white light has subsided, the crew find themselves collapsed on the Grandcypher's deck.
The ominous sphere is no longer in sight, replaced by pristine blue skies stretching in every direction.
Lyria: I don't sense the Inchoate World anymore. And with the sphere gone, I guess it's all over?
Nier: Um, Death?
Death: We're safe now. The World is gone for good.
Nier: So it's finally over then.
Nier looks up at the clear blue skies.
Death: My beloved, what will yoo do now that the nuisance is dealt with?
Nier: Nothing changes... I want to be with you and the crew forever...
Nier: That's my wish.
Nier: And... maybe I can continue searching for a new path for myself.
Nier: A way for Death and I to be loved by everyone around us...
Death: Loved by everyone? Happy! So happy! Is it possible?
Nier: I don't know... But I have hope if the crew's with us...
Nier shoots the crew an imploring yet anxious look.
Lyria: There's no need to be worried. We made a promise after all.
Vyrn: Yeah, we'll help ya out every step of the way. Let's do this together!
(Captain), too, offers a reassuring nod.
Nier: Thank you...
Vyrn: By the way, I noticed you've still got your new outfit, Nier.
Vyrn: Didn't expect that to happen with the Inchoate guy and his sphere gone.
Nier: Now that you mention it...
Death: That form is proof of the eternal vow made between my beloved and I.
Death: And it remains because of her dedication to the vow.
Death: As long as my beloved stays firm in her wishes, the new form shall remain.
Nier: Ah... So that's the true meaning behind this clothing...
Monika's Voice: Hey! Is everyone okay?
An echoing voice calls for the crew.
Turning to the voice reveals Monika and Lecia leaning over the deck railing of their approaching airship.
Vyrn: Guess those guys came to check things out now that the sphere's gone, huh.
Lyria: Mm-hm! We're all safe and sound!
Taking solace in knowing that she can continue traveling with the crew...
Nier turns to Death.
Nier: Um, Death? I just wanted to thank you.
Death: My beloved, what is this about?
Nier: If you hadn't come to my rescue that time, I'd be dead right now, without ever knowing what it's like to have people care for me.
Nier: It's thanks to you, Death...
Nier: That I'm able to be with the crew and others who will acknowledge me.
Nier: I wanted to properly thank you for that before I forgot.
Death: My beloved... I feel the same way.
Death: To have met someone who understands and loves me back... is like a dream come true.
Nier: Haha, what a perfect match we are.
Nier: Hey, Death? May we have a wonderful time... for all time.
Death: Yes, my beloved.
With the Inchoate World gone, the threat of the Sky Realm being swallowed up is no more.
Nier is ready to set out on a new adventure.
Though the madness in her heart remains ever present...
None seem to realize the problem this may eventually pose.
With life back to normal on the Grandcypher, Nier barely eats anything and seems to be distancing herself from the crew. Though the crew she killed in the spherical world was fake, doing so left her with a deep emotional scar. Later Nier fumbles on an assignment and reacts negatively when (Captain)'s hand touches hers.
Thanks to the crew's effort, the Sky Realm is now safe from the threat of the Inchoate World.
Life soon returns to normal for (Captain) and company.
Nier: Thank you for the meal.
Lyria: Huh? Are you finished eating, Nier? You hardly touched your food...
Nier: I'm not feeling very hungry...
Lyria: But you didn't eat much yesterday either.
Nier: I... suppose not...
Vyrn: You know, Nier, you're not lookin' too well right now.
Vyrn: Your face looks kinda pale, bloodless even.
Nier: I'll be okay... I'm just... recovering from a bit of fatigue.
Vyrn: Hope you're right.
Nier: I do appreciate the concern... Thank you.
Lyria: Nuh-uh, we're just doing our part as friends!
Vyrn: Yeah, what she said!
Nier: Friends...
Lyria: Nier?
Nier: It's nothing. I'll be heading back to my room now...
Nier bows at the crew before returning to her private quarters.
Lyria: I wonder if Nier's okay. She hardly eats anything, and she's been spending so much time in her room lately...
Vyrn: Almost seems like she's tryin' to create some distance between us.
Vyrn: Which is weird considerin' you couldn't pry her away from (Captain) before.
Vyrn: I dunno why, but she's gotten more distant somehow.
Lyria: Yeah... Also, she turns pale sometimes when looking at us.
Lyria: How did things get like this...
(Captain) and company look toward the door Nier disappeared off to, concern filling their eyes.
Death: Koo kii koo kee kee kee. My beloved, I shall be yoor witness.
Death: If the crew should upset yoo in any way, I will be sure to give them a swift demise.
Death: Yoo have nothing to fear.
Nier: Death... (Captain)...
Nier can feel the captain's grip around her fingers tighten in response.
Lyria: Nier, I want to do a pinky promise too!
Vyrn: Me three!
Nier: Yes, a pinky promise...
Nier sheds joyous tears at the crew's words.
The others are relieved to see her in a better mood.
Continue 1
Beyond the Thirst: Scene 3
Unable to sleep, Nier appears at the captain's quarters in the middle of the night and asks if she can sleep there. After getting a good night's rest beside (Captain), she looks at the captain with a blissful expression. Realizing her deep feelings for the crew, she vows to be with (Captain) forever.
Vyrn: We're off to our own rooms now. Take it easy, Nier.
Lyria: If anything comes up, let us know right away.
Nier: Th-thank you.
With that, the crew respectfully bows and leaves Nier to her rest.
Conceding that a good night's rest may be what she needs right now, Nier drifts off to sleep.
In the stillness of the night, (Captain) awakens to a knock on the door.
The captain goes over to see who it is.
Nier: Um, (Captain)... I'm sorry, were you... asleep?