Chapter 20! It's the 20 mark!
I need this determination to see this fic through, don't mind me. Been heavily procrastinating these couple of days. Actually had a bit of trouble with this chapter, and been rethinking Route C. Again, just how much Yoko Taro am I feeling determines the route.
Also, I like this one picture of A2 and wants to use it as the cover for this fic, but I'm...strangely afraid it might not meet picture guidelines. Damn you A2, why must you be so hot?
Review answering!
enumeaelish666: I don't think they can. Even if they could, reference Dr _ WCS cure efforts in chapter...11 to see why that's a bad idea.
Reasonable man: Maybe next chapter.
Death Watcher: Don't worry, my current Route C is rather different. There's so many characters now, and some I still haven't figure out where to go. I'm okay with ideas, I don't mind some steering, specially when still in murky waters. Just because I have a set route doesn't mean I won't listen to ideas. Maybe you guys can supply me with ideas that I haven't realized.
Anon: Wow...They looked exactly the same. Interestingly, this would imply that androids' hair actually grows. I suppose they are partly biological, so it's understandable. And no, I'm not hinting at new male models. I'm just having a kick out of Yoko "I love women" Taro. I mean. I agree with him, but still xD
BenRG: Pod 079: Such data record do not exist. However, this Pod does have data banks titled: Commander at Night, Love Doll Android No.2, and is expecting more data records to be stored in the future, as YoRHa Unit A2 and YoRHa Commander White hinted at the possibility for a "collaboration". While these records are not to be commercially distributed despite the amount of profit it would generate, it is important data to store and archive for future android model design and interaction.
Currently, it is possible to view these records with Level 5 access permission. Further note: It is possible that YoRHa Unit 9S may have accessed these records during his earlier intrusion.
Peanuckle: THANK YOU! SOMEONE APPRECIATE THE ICE CREAM SCENE! Glad you liked it! Regarding A2's thoughts on procreational activities, I'm not much for those sort of thing. I dislike writing those lines because it just inflates some strange OC ego of mine. I'll write them, but...give me time please xD
And yes, much to A2's chagrin, she'll be tested very often.
Orokin Rundas: I get the feeling. That feeling when you just have to read through the night because it's an amazing story (not to say mine is, ahem). And 16th? I might be running my mouth off here, but I'll probably get 2 or 3 chapters out in that time.
Now watch me totally procrastinate and fail to live up to the flex.
Thank you for everyone's support of this story, I'm glad I'm producing stuff people wanted to see. I'm determined to see this through to the end, and all the reviews is my motivation! Fav and follow if you enjoyed it and want to see more, and review if you have comments, ideas, anything!
Enjoy this chapter!
A2 awoke slowly, letting a small moan escape her lips as she looked around.
"Booting sequence complete. Good morning, A2."-Pod 079 greeted.
The white haired android blinked, adjusting to the environment.
She's in Jack's room...
Oh, right...
"Where's Jack?"-A2 asked as she got up, reaching for her clothes that was discarded on the floor.
"You survived."-A2 snapped her head towards the source of the voice, covering herself.
There, on the desk, White sat, reading some data.
"What do you want?"-The Attacker model growled.
"You two owe me a thanks, so shut it."-The YoRHa Commander returned-"This stupid Pod here was going to upload your maintenance test recording to the Bunker's server. Publicly."
"Apologies. This Pod is only following standard procedures regarding maintenance recordings."
"Yeah, right."-Both White and A2 synced, surprising themselves.
"Don't you have something else to do?"-A2 snapped, reaching for her clothes.-"And where's Jack?"
"Surprising as it may seems, I have breaks."-White sighed.-"And Jack is having some duties to do. I have a questioning and data review session with him later as well."
"..."
"Oh, don't give me that look. We're doing actual work."-White pursed her lips.-"You're welcome to watch, by the way. If it helps."
"You are awfully carefree around me now."-A2 growled.
"Might as well. We can't exactly go at each other by the throat anymore."-White had to admit, it's rather unnerving. But times has changed.-"And I don't think you're THAT ungrateful for the upgrades I gave you."
"You'll be surprised."-A2 scoffed, but she knew White was right. Damn it.
"So, how does it feel, having been in bed with the last human in the world?"
"Fuck off."-A2 doesn't want to have this conversation. Especially not with her.
"I'm asking only for you two's sake. Satisfaction matters in this, you know."
"...It was incredible."-The white haired android let out a bated breath, recalling what she could.
The way he drove her the edge. His touch...his words.
"He's like what's inside of him. Like a dark beast, possessive and dominant."
"He has been alive and healthy for thousands of years, and apparently have no real stamina limit. I don't think you can ask for more."
"I can ask you to stop sticking your nose in it."
"Please, like I enjoy asking you about them. I just need to confirm everything's working out fine."-White waved dismissively as she got up from the chair.-"Do try to keep it interesting for him."
"...What do you mean?"
White turned back to face A2 again.
Now she's the one that doesn't want to have this conversation.
And she won't.
"You know what, forget it. Jack's going to teach you anyway."
...
21O isn't an easily shaken android.
She's designed like so, calm and analytical.
So when she gets the go to have an interview with the Council Inspector, the natural thing for her is to prepare and remain composed. Having a respectful conversation with him, learn what she can.
But of course, she's excited. She just didn't let it shows.
Entering the interview room, 21O found Jack, sitting there, drawing something.
"Good morning sir."-She saluted.
He looked up from his sketch, his eyes calm and friendly, but very much reserved.
"21O, right? You are 9S' Operator."
"Yes, I am. I hope the boy doesn't cause too much trouble for you."
"Oh, he's a troublemaker, but at least not with bad intentions. He's like a real kid in a way. Have a seat."
As 21O sat down, she noticed the cigarette in the tray next to Jack. Not finished, still smoldering.
"I'm sorry to say this, but the Commander instructed us to reprimand you when you smoke. It is bad for your health."
"..."-Jack looked away. White is just being strict about it because it's a bad image on humans. She knows fully well this doesn't harm him.-"Yeah, sure. This room has sort of become a smoking break room for me here in the Bunker, that's all."
As Jack snuffs out the cigarette, 21O's attention drifted to the sketch.
"What is that you are drawing?"
"Oh..."
"He looks a lot like you."-She commented-"Perhaps a bit older."
"...That's my father."-Jack smiled.-"We looked a lot alike. Made my mom wondered if any of her genes ended up in me. The only difference between us at the same age was our eyes."
"You have...lovely purple eyes. I was told it's very unusual of an eye color?"
"...This eye color isn't natural. I originally had a different eye color, still a pretty rare one. Steely grey."
"I see...how did you change your eye color?"
"It had a lot to do with things I don't wish to speak of. Perhaps if your Commander hears of this, she might understand. But it's rather private for me."
"I understand. Could you...tell me more about the concept of families? In as much details as possible."
"...Families, huh...Well..."-Jack pondered-"Families are the building block of the societal structure of humans. It came from our understanding that we need company, and that our children needs the protection and care of both their parents. A standard family would have the parents, a male and female, husband and wife, and their children. Of course, this varies due to circumstances."
"So...they are related by blood?"
"Usually, yes. But there are things such as adoption or just close knit bonds. You could treat your trusted friends as if they are your family."
"But in definition, it's usually by blood?"
"Yes."-Jack affirmed.
"Tell me more, please. I understand that families are very important, but the concept is rather abstract to us androids."
"I can see why. Hm..."-The human pondered-"Where to start...well, the general purpose of a family is to help support each other, and raise their young. Human children are frail creatures, and they lack understanding of the world. Unlike androids, that has pre-installed data banks, personalities and body, children are born...small. They need food to grow into their adults form, and they need their parents to guide them, to teach them the basics of the world."
"It must be very difficult."
"It is."-Jack chuckled lightly-"I didn't get to experience teaching children much. I did, but I have always been more devoted to Council work than my family."
"You...do not have a family?"-21O felt the question was rather insensitive, but it was still within acceptable margins.
"My parents have passed away. And...currently I have no family, yes. That's another thing about family. When the children grow up to become adults, usually they then have to look after their parents, because they are getting older. And they have to find a partner and start another family of their own as well."
"That sounds like a lot of work...And you also work jobs on top of them?"
"Well, society greatly help with that. Children can stay at kindergarten, and then school to be taught knowledge on multiple subjects while their parents worked, and there are also retirement homes for old people. Humans do not work intensive hours like you do. Well, not all of them. But they have many issues that pull their attention outside of work."
"I see...what about you parents? How were they?"
"..."
There was a pause in Jack's expression. He looked a little bit distant, just over 21O's shoulder.
"They were wonderful. My father's a man with strict values, but open enough to bicker with me just for fun. My mother was a...cheerful and kindhearted person, who brings out the best in both father and I. They were great parents."
"Did you have siblings?"
"I...do. A sister. But I...never talked much with her."-Jack sighed-"Either way, my parents weren't the greatest in the world, but they did well enough. I followed my father's footstep and..."-He paused.
"Became Council member?"-21O guessed.
"...Yeah."
"...Anything more?"
"You really like the subject of families huh?"-Jack smiled-"Well, I suppose there's also the issue of familial bonds and relatives. It is an understandable but also annoying issue. As you understood, families are close-knit people. They usually feel compelled to help each other in the family or relatives. Sometimes ill-advised. And there are certainly cold-hearted people out there who treats their family like garbage. It's...really complicated. So just take the definition of a family as I told you, but apply them rather loosely. Humans varies in appearance and thoughts after all."
"I...obtained some old human data on the subject. Humans worked hard for their families."
"They did. The thing about family is that it place a responsibility on you. Parents are responsible for raising their child, and they have to work to gain money to do so. And in doing so, families humanizes people. It gives humans a goal. A purpose in life. A purpose that takes root in the most basic of not just human, but any life form in general."
"...That is?"
"For their species continued survival. For the next generation to thrive."
"I see."-21O was learning a lot from this, and that bring the tone of her voice up just a little bit-"Is there anything else?"
"Well...I suppose it's also about human interaction. Teaching social norms. Some big families and their branches have great influence in society, so matters between the houses and all must be dealt with great care. Luckily, such is currently not the politics of the Lunar base."
"I see..."-21O felt like she's not going to get an insight into the Council's politics, so she avoided it.-"Thank you for your explanation. I...have been rather interested in the subject."
"Why so?"
"...It's rather...quiet and lonely, up in the Bunker. We do our jobs, hearing constantly about the strange things on Earth. Most operators never get to see outside the view from the Bunker."
"...Ah...many humans share your sentiment. Both in the past and currently."-Jack comforted.-"I suppose being operator to someone like 9S even makes it harder for you."
"No."-21O replied-"Not...like that. 9S is like a child when he sees new things, yes, and it affects mission efficiency, but...that's just how he is."
"You do not dislike it."
"Certainly not. His cheerfulness and curiosity is something to behold."
"Like a real child."
"I...contemplated going through type B equipment transformation. So I can go to Earth as well."
"..."-Jack was silent for a short few seconds-"I...can't advise you for nor against it. It is your personal decision. Just keep in mind that there are hard battles to be fought if you do go."
"Yes, I'll put it all into consideration."-21O nodded courteously.-"Well...we have some time left, so I suppose I can indulge on some of the subjects the other operators wish to hear from you."
"Sure. I'll answer them within my capacity."
"A lot of people are talking about A2. Did you have any thoughts on her?"
"She has character, that's for sure."-Jack chuckled-"Yes, I do enjoy her presence. She doesn't hold me in high regard like so many androids do. It's a comfortable chat with her."
"So you wish us to talk to you more casually as well?"
"Well, depends. In some cases it's stiff, but others it's needed. All in all, I wish for Bunker interactions to be mostly professional, but during off-time I can permit a more casual exchange."
"Yes...people has also been talking up a storm about your romantic life."
"Of course they would."-Jack threw his head back, laughing lightly.
"Is it too insensitive to ask for your preference? This isn't for me, just so we're clear."
"...I don't have much of a preference, really. Appearance wise most YoRHa androids are very beautiful, and you have very pronounced characters and personalities."
"Yes. There's another question. What does human think of androids?"
"...They are very grateful for all androids. That's a given. But...I suppose humanity as a whole originally treats androids only as slightly more sophisticated robots. But over time, and with my observation, many are realizing that androids are coming to their own as sentient beings. You are not emotionless. You have thoughts."
"We do not have souls."
"Your replication of one is good enough."-Jack reassured.-"At least, that's what I believe."
21O nodded. She's trying to keep a neutral face, but being praised by a human is a particular weakness of androids. She couldn't help but to curve her lips to a smile.
She wondered if he saw it under her veil.
"We are grateful that humans viewed us so favorably. We'll continue our effort so that humans can return to their homeland."
"...Mn. Keep it up. Humans also appreciate all the efforts done by androids to reclaim Earth. I certainly do."-Jack perked his head up suddenly-"Oh, yes, there's this."
He reached into his sketches, and pulled out one particular sketch.
It seems it has become tradition that the person getting to interview Jack gets a sketch of their desire.
Since 21O didn't voice any, he figures she'd prefer this. Especially after hearing her thoughts.
"I...saw this scene a while back. I hope you don't mind that I captured it."
It was a sketch of her and 9S, in a conversation. 9S was excited as he go over irrelevant data while 21O was telling him off.
There was a...homely feel to the sketch. 21O immediately related that scene as something of a family.
"It's...a lovely artwork. Thank you."-Her voice broke that calm tone as she thanked. Her eyes were wider, even slightly affectionate as she stared at the sketch.
"I'm glad you liked it."
At that moment, the door to the room opened, as White walked in.
"Ah, 21O. Finish with the interview?"
"Yes, Commander. I was just about to leave."-21O saluted.
"Good. I have a couple of private discussion with the Inspector now."
"Yes, of course."-As the operator left, she noticed that Assault model, A2, standing behind White.
She's part of the discussion?
...
Diary Entry No.4 by V6
Apparently, I'm Queen of the Desert Masked Ones now. I'm not sure if they knew what that means, but they are holding me in high regard, and I earned big rewards from their trials. Among them a rather peculiar Revealing Outfit. Seeing that the trials shredded my scavenged YoRHa clothes, I guess I'll be wearing these for now. Even if it's not very modest.
The trials was the perfect way to get used to my abilities, so I have to thank them for that at least.
Finding Lunar Tears for Emil was rather easy. Thanks to Devola and Popola's location marking, and the flower's unusual glowing properties, it's a rather simple to do task.
What sorts of worries me is Emil's ability to arrive mere seconds after I contacted him.
So far, he only uncovered that he fought in the war when the aliens first invaded.
When we...first invaded.
He created...copies of himself to fight.
I could only imagine the hardship he came through. The friends he lost.
Tomorrow I'll find another Lunar Tear for him. Memories...are precious things.
Jack held on to his memories so dearly. Even the worst ones...
Her death weighs upon him so much...
V6.
A2 and 2B clashed their training swords, the Assault model deflecting the blade and evaded back, just to come back in with a spinning heavy attack of her small sword.
A2 was rather surprised at 2B's request for a spar. Not that she minded, she needed the test anyway, with the new upgrades on her.
The Battle model was designed based off of A2's combat data. Even 2B's appearance is near identical to A2 back then. Anemone had a legit moment of confusion when she first met 2B because of that.
As 2B perfectly evaded the attack, sliding under with a training bracer to try and hit A2 from behind, the Assault model turned just enough to counter the attack, pushing the fist away, and did a wrestle throw get 2B on the ground.
The battle model quickly recovered with a flip, her legs doing a kick to push A2 back as she got up, and held her training blade as light attack weapon as she drags the blade on the ground, sprinting towards A2 for a upward attack.
A2 perfectly evaded the attack, prompting 2B to spin her blade horizontally to try and catch her, but the assault model pulled the same maneuver 2B tried, sliding under and striking her with the fist.
2B perfectly evaded to the left, and prepare to counter with her sword.
As she attempts to launch A2 into the air, A2 perfectly evaded forward, catching 2B in her launch, grabbing her left ankle and toss her to the ground.
2B tried to retaliate again, but the Assault model already had one foot on her sword arm, and the training blade at her neck.
The loud buzzer concluded the match. The victor has been decided.
Stepping off 2B's arm, A2 helped her get back up.
Looking up the spectator's platform, she can see Jack and White there, along with 9S, Jack clapping his hands while White acted indifferent as always.
Heh. Seems like just having her data wasn't enough.
"How...did you saw that move coming?"-2B asked. She was legitimately surprised.
"We both have a habit of dodging to the left."-A2 explained.-"You often don't expect forward evades. It's often more aggressive than what you had to deal with."
2B, or 2E rather, often have the advantage in her missions against androids. Considering her most recent assignments has been rather weak to close range combat, she had little trouble dispatching them.
A2 is different. First of all, 2B is basically based off her design and combat data. Secondly, A2 has been fighting relentlessly for the last 3 years, machines and androids alike. Her current combat experience is shown not in those critical judgements, but also in her creative use of what she can do. Her evade was the point 2B realized the difference in experience and model. She can only dash a short distance. A2 can glide around a lot longer than her, and her initial dodge even has her disappear on visual feed. That's how fast she was.
On top of that, 2B can't remember their previous fight. A2 did.
And as such, 2B decided she needed to see, and remember with her own combat data, just how much A2 outclasses her.
She had little trouble admitting it. At this stage, she's been sent after A2 for quite a few times now, some even with 9S, and even with the Scanner's interference, A2 destroyed them.
She wanted to learn from the Assault model.
Perhaps, deep inside, 2B admired A2. Like a little sister to the older sister.
A2 defied YoRHa. She had the courage to run off. 2B, for all her skills, was obedient to orders, even when that order is to kill 9S, over and over again.
2B didn't hate Commander White. The Commander had been relatively understanding of the burden and toll her assignment was. But White was under no position to call it off. Only thanks to Jack, was 2B and 9S released from this cycle. Admiration for the human was easy to understand, but now...2B have the chance to do good. And she wants to. She have to become stronger. She has to make sure 9S won't die on them.
She needed the strength that A2 has found.
Awkwardness was brushed aside after just the first few seconds.
This is her chance.
"Again."
"Again?"
"Again."
A2 sighed as she raise her sword.
She doesn't figure 2B to be a sore loser of any sort, but there's that flare of determination in her.
"Why do you wish to get stronger?"-A2 asked as they fought.
"...I have to. I need strength...to stand on my own two feet."
"..."
"We're...the same personality type. How are you so brave...and how am I...such a coward?"-2B deflected an attack, throwing her sword out to prevent A2 to from advancing on.
"...Brave? Me?"-A2 sounded legitimately confused as they fought.
"You...went against orders you didn't agree to. You had to strength to run away. I...did nothing."-The two of them were grinding their training swords together.
"Since when...did...running away...counts...as courage?!"-A2 managed to deflect the blade, and used her dash to brush 2B away as she repositioned.
"It's still something compared to me! I did nothing at all. Nothing...as I watch the things I want...slip away."
"Do you think I had anything left at all? My friends were dead, the assignment was over, my mission was to fucking die! I had nothing to fight for! I sat there, in front of that bitch White over there, as she summed up my existence to nothing but a test run. For you! For YOU!"
2B blocked another strike from A2, copying the Assault model's previous move to an extent and shoulder barged her.
A2 pushed 2B away, throwing her on the ground, but 2B did a combat roll recovery to regain her stance.
"I...wanted to fucking ran White through with a sword. Choke the life out of her."-A2 admitted, panting-"I looked around, the two guards she had were nothing. I could lunge up and just do it. Revenge for my friends. I could have."
"..."-2B waited.
White looked like she wanted to stop the spar, but Jack quietly gestured her not to.
Best let them get it out of their system.
"But...I chickened out. I just sat there, rooted to the stupid chair. I should have just do it. I'd have been killed in the chase. I'd have reunited with...my friends..."
White wouldn't have died from that. But A2 would.
"I'm the biggest fucking coward there was. All these years I lived on with nothing other than rage, guilt and sadness. You want to look up to me? Want to follow my footsteps? Don't be ridiculous!"
"...But...you still ran."-2B spoke, equally lacking in breath.-"You still made a choice. A choice you yourself decided. All I ever did...was listen. If...If I was in your shoes, I'd have accepted it. I would have let them do whatever they want..."
"...Shit..."
"You still had more courage than me. More strength than me. But...I can't be the same 2B."
"..."
"I have...to protect 9S...That's why..."-2B raised her sword again, challenging-"That's why I need your strength. Your courage. I need them to protect what's important to me!"
"..."
"I...I won't...I won't be like you. I'll be sure...to not go down your path. So please...teach me. Give me strength."
A2's eyes softened as she stared at 2B.
It's almost like she's staring into her younger self. A determined version of her. A version of her that still had something to fight for.
She used to see 2B as a really shitty move from White. Sending E-types that looks exactly like her to kill her. It's almost like White really wanted that sword rammed through her.
Seeing 2B now...fills her with hope. That maybe while she's driven down this road of pain, her lookalike, her sister, would be different.
No...she herself have found new things to fight for. New goals to reach. New purpose.
Up on the platform, 9S murmured.
"2B..."
"...Let's see it then."-A2 straighten herself as she taunted.-"Let's see just how far you can go."
2B nodded, a hint of a smile escaping through her pants.
They have given her this chance.
She wasn't going to let it go to waste.
As the sparring session ends, Jack watches on as 2B and 9S exited the training room.
The two of them were talking, with smiles on their faces. 2B much less than 9S, but the fact that she was just that bit more talkative was new enough.
He found a hand on his shoulder as White came to his side.
"Are you sure about this? I have faith in 2B and 9S, but this may get ugly."
"...Well, it's our best solution, is it not?"-Jack shrugged as A2 came to him, clearly annoyed at White's gesture.
"I suppose so, yes. But it's still a very risky situation."
"If they screw up, I guess I'll just have to help them."-Jack nodded as he greeted A2.
"Ice cream."-A2 spoke simply.
"Huh?"-Jack was confused.
"I want some ice cream."
"Uhm...okay?"
"So you're coming with me."-A2 pulled Jack away.-"And stop following us."-She growled at White.
"I'm only going to the cafeteria to get some coffee. I don't know what you're talking about."
So, there Jack was, stuck with 2 beautiful android, each on one side as they headed to the cafeteria.
At the very least, they weren't clinging to his arm.
But it's all the consolation he gets.
V6 drew her Engine Blade, stepping back a good distance, cautiously spoke.
"You are..."
"Hm...also autonomous, but of different make. A machine? Resemble that girl...No...exactly like her. Interesting."-The plague doctor mused-"What exactly are you, young lady?"