The sun was starting to set. I sat down on the soft grass under a large willow tree in the shade. 9S sat down beside me, plucked a blade of grass from the ground, and fiddled with it.

"Nines," I spoke, softly. "A2 isn't a murderer. She killed me out of mercy. I acquired the logic virus from one of the infected YoRHa androids when my flight unit was shot down. My body was already 96% infected when A2 found me. I was going to die regardless."

"I see," responded 9S, calmly. His expression was much more relaxed now.

I continued, "I bestowed my sword upon her, and in that sword, were all my past memories and experiences. As my final wish, I asked her to take care of you and the future for me, sort of like a living legacy I guess you could say."

I lay down, stretched my body across the ground, and let the soft, cool breeze brush through my hair.

"Alright then 2B, I believe you. Thanks for telling me the truth," replied 9S in a tranquil and affectionate voice. I smiled briefly at him, then gazed up at the sky, and watched as the sun slowly began to set.

9S and I both stared in awe as the sky turned to a bright red hue. "You know 2B," he said. "It's really peaceful around here, now that the ark containing the consciousness data of all the machine lifeforms has been fired. Most of the machine life-forms are deactivated. The remaining machines though, well, they're all harmless and docile now."

"Yeah, and that means there's no more machines left for us to destroy," I agreed.

Intrigued by what I said, 9S continued, "it's kind of a strange feeling, you know? With the fall of the bunker and the extinction of the machine life-forms, how are we going to live our lives now? I mean, since we no longer have to fight for the glory of mankind and all."

I thought about what he said and began to feel a bit uneasy. We were soldiers, myself and 9S. Our job was to fight for humanity. The prospect of having nothing left to fight for bothered me. It was causing me to lose my sense of self. Discontent, I looked over at 9S, who was attempting to swat a bug on his arm.

"You're right Nines, it is an odd feeling. Not having something to fight for anymore," I said, finally.

By now, it was already dark. I could see the stars shimmering in the sky, and tried to make out some constellations, just like humans did long ago, but to no avail.

"Hey 2B?" 9S spoke up quietly. "There's something I've been meaning to ask. Since YoRHa is gone now, does that mean we can finally live together in peace? You don't have to kill me anymore, right?"

I was surprised that he knew about my true role in YoRHa all along. However, considering that the 9S model is a high end model with learning abilities that exceeds that of all other YoRHa models, I figured he'd find out eventually.

"I suppose it does Nines," I answered gleefully. "Since the commander and the bunker are gone, I don't have to follow any orders anymore. I can live my life however I want and be with whoever I want now."

9S's face lit up with joy upon hearing my words. I smiled back at him endearingly. I too was glad that all the fighting, pain, and sadness that we endured throughout the years was finally over.

"Well anyways, what do we do now?" asked 9S curiously.

"Nines, remember how we picked that desert rose flower for operator 6O?"

"Yeah? What about it?"

"I… kind of want one for myself. In memory of her. She made me appreciate the subtle bits of beauty in this world that we live in," I said.

"All right. Tomorrow, it's off to the desert then!" replied 9S cheerfully.

I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. He was always so cheery, in a good mood, and beaming with energy, almost like a small child. Sometimes I wondered if my presence had something to do with it.

My eyes began to feel heavy, and I was starting to get drowsy. "Goodnight Nines," I said, as I took a deep breath of fresh air and closed my eyes.