A/N: And here's the next update!
Obligatory legal stuff here
"I found something. It's... a gift for... well, here." A2 said slowly, looking everywhere but at me as a box appeared in her hands with a shower of gold. Each particle shimmering brilliantly before fading from existence. The box she held had been wrapped in brown paper and tied off with a thin white string. A soft 'klick klack' danced through the air as she stepped closer to my bedside. All but hastily thrusting the package forward for me to take. I surmised that A2 wasn't sure how to act while around me. Her demeanor a far cry from when I last saw her in the main courtyard of the Resistance Camp. Back then, she seemed alert and ready to strike at anything the moment she fully awoke. But now... she was anything but. A2 seemed completely thrown for a loop. Unable to choose between calm or uncertain.
I couldn't help but allow my small smile at her to widen. The mystery woman was giving me a gift. I reached up and accepted her gift. "That's very nice of you." I replied, pulling the brown paper wrapping apart before opening the simple white box. Inside I found a pair of tear drop shaped earrings and a partially cracked hand mirror, the latter complete with a faded brass finish. I reached inside to withdraw the earrings. The gem nestled inside them seemed like a sapphire. The shimmering blue stone retained a faint glimmer when it caught the light. Attached to the socket was a small clip. Much like the kind one would find for people who didn't want to pierce their ears. "I love these-" I said while turning to look at A2, a smile on my face, "-Thank you, A2."
The white haired woman didn't seem to notice me when I voiced my appreciation. Instead, she was looking at the door. Expression unreadable. That was when I heard it - footsteps. Two sets of footsteps to be exact. They slowly came to a stop just outside the door. A2's hand drifted to the hilt of her sheathed sword, fingers wrapped tightly about the black steel handle. "That must be 2B and 9S. We'll let them know that you are resting." Popola quickly spoke up, rising in time with her sister and strode over to the door. I wasn't even able to see the hallway when they stepped outside. The door closed behind them so quickly that I felt a small breeze. Muffled voices lingered before steadily growing quieter as they walked down the hall. Becoming non-existent almost as quickly as it started.
A2's grip on her weapon didn't lessen after the voices in the hallway faded. It worried me that she seemed reluctant to release her grip even after the two of us were alone. "A2?" I said hesitantly, timid tone failing to fully pierce the tension that A2 radiated. In the back of my mind, I wondered why she was suddenly so hostile. "Is there something wrong?" It wasn't a question I particularly wanted an answer for. Along with Devola and Popola's rather sudden interference of 2B and 9S, combined with A2's apparent sudden state of alert didn't help at all. The question, thankfully, seemed to snap A2 out of her staring match with the door. She turned to look at me, grip on her sheathed weapon gradually loosening.
"It's nothing." No, it certainly isn't 'nothing' as A2 repeated. Her back straightened as she turned to face me fully. "Have Devola and Popola been taking good care of you?" The question was quick. No doubt asked both to change the subject and maybe assuage her own concerns. It didn't take much for me to put two and two together. Pressing A2 any further would probably make her shutdown and outright stonewall me. That said, I didn't have a choice. I'd have to set my own curiosity aside and wait for her to tell me of her own volition.
I nodded at her. Of course, both of the Twins were taking exceptional care of me. "They are and I'm very grateful for it. If it wasn't for them, I don't know where I'd be." I gestured a little to Popola's chair while I spoke. Hoping that she would, at least, sit down and get a little comfortable. It felt awkward for her to be standing while I sat in bed. Thankfully, she seemed to understand my unspoken request. Choosing to sit with her back straight, hand's folded in her lap, and one leg crossed over the other. "I hope that I can do something to repay their kindness. But I doubt that there is even really anything that I could do." I admitted, feeling a little embarrassed as I spoke.
The white haired woman was silent for a long while. As if she was waiting for me to continue talking. But then she spoke. It was quiet at first, but I heard it nonetheless. Her tone soft, carrying a hint of something I couldn't quite put my finger on, "You've done more than enough just by being here with us." I wasn't sure what to say to her in response. It felt a little rude to try and counter her statement. Claim that there's certainly more I could do to thank the duo for their work on me. But I resolved to just nod in acknowledgement. "They sent me the data about your wounds." I'm not surprised by A2's words. Of course, Devola and Popola would. Perhaps A2 has been helping them acquire resources? It made sense. A2's expression was neutral but I understood her unspoken question. She wanted to know if my injuries were bothering me.
"Some days are better than others. Devola and Popola told me that the Council is refusing requests for medical supplies. But it isn't all that bad. Popola has been working with me in therapy. With some luck, maybe I'll start making real progress soon." I'm not entirely sure that I sounded very convincing. The tone of my voice lacked any of the confidence that I might normally carry. Leaving my voice quiet, carrying a noticeable undertone of uncertainty. One that A2, unfortunately, seemed to notice. The shift in her demeanor almost dizzying as she slipped from neutrality to concerned.
"Devola and Popola would rather die than sit by and let something bad happen to you. They're both working on new ways to speed up your recovery - even while they are working on their other duties for the Resistance." A2 explained, grey eyes staring intently into mine. Comforting her words may be, there was still that voice which lingered in the back of my thoughts. Whispering the opposite in time with A2 - Contradicting her.
I shook my head, "It isn't about trusting them, A2. After what Devola told me earlier-" My hands slowly curled into tight fists, "-I don't really know how much more of this I could take." If my words had an affect on A2, she didn't show it. Her expression still carried the same concern from my prior explanation. As if she refused to believe I had said anything in the first place. Knowing that, I'm suddenly not entirely sure I wanted any more company. The thought of being alone for a little bit to collect myself was gradually becoming more enticing. "I appreciate that you came to visit me, A2. But I think I should rest for a bit. Maybe you could come by again later?" I looked at A2 with an apologetic expression. Hoping that she'd understand.
A2 didn't say a word as she rose to her feet. Footsteps near silent while she crossed the room. Sparing only a quick glance back at me before closing the door behind her. It felt wrong to send her away so suddenly. But I'm unsure how much longer I could carry the conversation without saying something I might regret by accident. The only thing I could think of while on the spot was to simply ask her to give me some time to myself. It seemed that the momentary excitement afforded to me by the powers at work had finally died out. The uncomfortable truth that I learned prior to A2's visit had returned with a vengeance. Bringing with it a sense of despair as payment for being disregarded so easily. I shook my head in a vain attempt to dispel the unpleasant thoughts. Trying my best to change my line of thinking. But such pathetic attempts could hardly dampen the raging storm which consumed me. Instilling a myriad of emotions in me. Of which the most prominent being fear and frustration. Just which God thought that I deserved this harsh fate? What did I ever do that warranted this?
I damned them all.
No, I shouldn't think like that. Regardless of my situation, I'm being taken care of by two of the best Medical Professionals in the world. Literally. Both of which were doing everything the can to ensure that I recovered fully without any lasting issues. It wasn't the end of the line yet. That said, I shouldn't react so dramatically. I shook my head again. Perhaps it would be best if I tried to rest. I'd talk with Devola and Popola when I woke up.
Rest did not come easy to me. My dreams still and lifeless. Devoid of image, emotion, and life. Which left me adrift in a sea of inky darkness. In truth, I could only describe my sleep as being left wondering if I had even slept at all. The sort where, when I awoke, I'm left more tired rather than rested. Deprived of precious energy to do much of anything. Save for wonder if I had gotten any sleep.
"H-Hey, 2B, she's waking up!" I recognized that voice, it belonged to 9S. What were they - I paused with that line of thought. They're here to see me. With a reluctant sigh, I began to roll over onto my back. Turning to cast a sidelong glance at my two unannounced guests. 9S had plopped himself on one of the chairs next to the bed while 2B stood just behind him, arms crossed and a set frown on her face. Something is obviously weighing on her mind.
"Um, is there... something that I can help you with?" I finally mumbled while wiping my eyes. Blinking for a few moments before looking back at 2B and 9S. A sense of unease began to well up inside of me. Where was 949? A survey of the room confirmed the absence of the floating little robot. The air space within my room devoid of any levitating masses of metal. "Why are you two here?" If words could demolish the atmosphere of the room, then this moment would be a prime example. One could even take a picture of this moment and place it right next to the very definition if they wanted. 9S' prior enthusiasm evaporated into the air while 2B's frown noticeably deepened.
"We, uh, wanted to check on you." The response wasn't what I expected; it somewhat took me by surprise. They wanted to... check on me? Why on earth would they want to check on me? I looked at their faces, first at 2B then at 9S. "We haven't had a chance to see you since we found you in the abandoned office building. How's it going?" The question felt innocent enough. But my thoughts still flashed briefly back to that day. Images of 2B raising her weapon and thrusting it into the mangled corpse of their comrade. Sending a cascade of sparks skyward. My eyes flicked to 2B before settling back on her partner who waited expectantly for a response.
I shook your head, "I'm fine... but where are Devola and Popola?" 9S leaned back in his chair and frowned. Something I noticed almost immediately. "Did something happen?" I asked, leaning forward a little in anticipation. Worry for the duo's safety began to gnaw at me.
"They're out gathering equipment from a nearby hospital. The Resistance Scouts claimed that it might still have some supplies that were left behind." My eye's widened at 2B's words. Shocked that Devola and Popola would leave to do something so dangerous. Yes, there might be unclaimed supplies sequestered away at an abandoned hospital. But that was no excuse to be so reckless. They should have waited for something more concrete than 'might'. "Gathering supplies for the Resistance is a requirement for all affiliated Units. Therefore, they are doing exactly what they are required to do. This mission is no different than any of their other daily duties." 2B's assurances did little to do what they were likely designed to do. Knowing that Devola and Popola did regular missions like this is concerning. Was it really necessary to send them off like that? I'm not exactly an expert on the production and design of Androids, but I imagined the neither Devola nor Popola were designed for combat. So, why send them off to a war zone? Unless they were sent because they know what to look for, I could scarce think of any other good reason.
"I think what 2B means is that the Resistance needs all the supplies it can get. So, Anemone sends people to areas that are the least populated by Machines to gather resources." 9S quickly added after 2B spoke. Practically waving his arms frantically in front of him. He looked back at 2B then to me, "Both of them know how to take care of themselves. With you here, I'm sure that Anemone sent a few others to make sure they don't get hurt." Now, I did feel a little better at the explanation. A small weight seemed to lift off of my shoulders. He's right, Anemone wouldn't let them go without some measure of defense for themselves. Along with ensuring that there were only a few machines there. "Um, Ms. Petra, could I ask you something?" The question felt hesitant. As if 9S wasn't certain of how to approach the question he wanted to ask. I looked at him expectantly. Waiting for him to ask whatever it is that he needed with a small frown on my lips. "Has anyone else from YoRHa tried to - well... contact you?" I couldn't help but look at 9S with a confused expression. Unable to discern what the young Android had just asked me.
"Yes, I have, but what sort of question is that?" I asked with a tone which carried a small hint of curiosity. However, it seemed as though I wouldn't be getting an answer. No sooner had I confirmed 9S' question, 2B started walking towards the door. Quietly closing the door behind her without a word. I stared at the slab of metal that cordoned off my room from the rest of the world. Ignoring the two holes that 9S carved into me with his gaze.
9S leaned forward, the movement drew my attention back to him. "Command wants to keep the list of YoRHa personnel who disturb you short. Devola and Popola expressed the importance of it. Do you know the names of the people who've spoken to you?" He asked, slowly interlacing his gloved fingers with his elbows resting on his knee's. I noticed that his tone had become decidedly calm - serious. It was clear that I wouldn't be able to get anything out of him. 9S seemed intent on getting an answer to his question.
"Well, there's A2, but we've only talked the one time. Hopefully she'll be back again, I appreciated the company." I said with a small smile. It was true, I did appreciate the company. The visit was a welcome deviation from the monotony. However, it seemed that 9S didn't like my answer. His frown indicative of that fact. I tilted my head to the left a little, not sure what to make of his reaction, "Is something wrong?" My question seemed to fall on deaf ears. 9S didn't give me any acknowledgement that I had even spoken in the first place. It was difficult with that blindfold of his that he wore. "If A2 is in trouble because she visited me, then I'd like to know. A2 didn't bother me." I spoke in a firm tone, hoping that would be enough to convey that there was no reason for her to be in trouble.
"Uh... Devola and Popola told us about - well, Command want's to keep your visitors from YoRHa to a minimum. They want to keep track of everyone you meet so that we can make sure that they don't interfere with your recovery." I didn't need much context to understand what 9S had repeated. It seemed that the Twin's told YoRHa about my concerns. Which explained 9S' question about who I had met so far. Personally, I had hoped that Devola and Popola would keep my concerns to themselves. But they didn't. Looking at it from their point of view, I'm honestly not surprised. No doubt Devola had given their 'Commander', along with 2B and 9S, quite an earful. It wasn't hard to imagine given the Twins' protective nature of me. "Anyway, we need to get going. Command just gave us new orders. If you want to talk, just send a message, ok?" I nodded before he left. Closing the door just as quietly as 2B had behind him.
I'm left alone, again, in the room with only my thoughts. Wondering if the Commander would reprimand A2 for simply paying me a visit. I had hoped that they wouldn't, but YoRHa is a standing military. 9S gave me the impression they were hunting down every person who had met me. That said, the chances of my hopes being made reality were quite low - if not non-existent. I could already imagine that the Commander had called A2 and was ordering her to keep clear of me. A quick glance to my right confirmed that my chair was where it had been left. With Devola and Popola being out and 949 not being present, I'm without any way to contact anyone. Maybe... maybe I could go back outside? I shook my head. That was a bad idea; it would only cause problems. Anemone would no doubt scold me for showing up without warning simply because I'm bored. The best thing to do would be to stay in my room and wait. As unpleasant as it seemed, I had no other options.
A/N: Thanks for reading! If you like the chapter, then please leave a review telling me what you think!