Last Execution

by ElfLord123

2B is trapped. Trapped in a never ending cycle of executing 9S. But one day that changes. She executes 9S one last time and never has to execute him again. But her last execution was her worst and one that would haunt her for the rest of her life. (Alternate route AU).

6. A God Worth Dying For

Her heels clacked loudly as she marched down the hall of the Bunker. Her form was composed, her back straight and her eyes locked forward.

To any outside observer, she was calm, composed, and professional. Like she always was.

But the truth couldn't be any further.

Her mind, her soul, was in turmoil. 9S had been executed…again. Again, she'll have to get reintroduced to him. Again, she'll have to rebuild their relation. Again, whatever difference in events in his life will mold him into a different person than the 9S she was used to. She has tried to be distant and professional, tried not to get attached. But his charisma and charm made that near impossible.

And she was at her wit's end. She didn't know if she could put an end to it but she had to try. So she put in a cancellation request. She hoped she could convince the Commander to stop killing 9S. Just let him live.

And the next day, the Commander summoned her to the office.

She marched over to the door of the Commander's office. She gave it three solid knocks to let the Commander know she was here was requested.

"You may come in," Commander White announced. She stepped into her commanding officer's office, standing at attention in front of the Commander's desk.

She hoped this would work. She was known for her performance, her professionalism, and her spotless record. She hoped this would be enough to convince the Commander to accept her request.

But as she entered the office and looked upon the Commander's stern and unmoving face, she didn't know whether her hopes should rise of fall.

"Commander," she greeted. "Reporting as ordered."

The Commander was still stiff as stone. But at least the Commander was not angry. So…that was promising.

"Commander, before we begin," she said. "I was wondering about my application to cancel 9S's termination."

"Actually, that is precisely why I called you here," the Commander said.

The synthetic muscles around her black box tightened. She was both scared and excited. She didn't want to get her hopes up. Yet she feared that the moment she starts thinking negatively, some cosmic power would tip the scales and rip her dream out of her grasp.

But maybe, just maybe, 9S can finally stop dying…

"You request has been denied."

She felt her body turn cold. There was an emptiness inside her as she felt her heart shatter like glass.

"I…do not understand," she stuttered.

"I figured you wouldn't. Which is why I called you down here. Do you understand the importance of our classified documents?"

"Revelation of the contents of the classified data could jeopardize our war efforts," she said. She was privy to a lot of information. She could see more than most YorHa, especially combat types. But she could not speak what she wanted. Or much at all for that matter.

The truth about humanity…

"Precisely," the Commander said. "Do you understand the importance of our mission? The Resistance needs us to stand as a beacon of hope. Without us then they lose their will to fight."

"I understand," she said, folding her hands behind her back. But only so she could squeeze the fabric of her uniform. Her hope was not just crashing. It had crashed on the edge of cliff over a chasm before falling into that chasm, bouncing off its rocky walls on the way down. "But…perhaps 9S could be transferred. There is a possibility he will understand and choose to stay quiet."

"And if he doesn't, he can tear down everything that both YorHa and the Resistance have fought for. And transferring 9S would be a waste of resources. 9S models are used because of their information gathering. Transferring him to a different department would be a waste of his skills. And it would not solve the issue as we would still need a new 9S and would soon have to maintain multiple 9S models who are not contributing to the war effort."

She fought to keep her own face composed. But she could feel tears threatening to fill her eyes. It would continue. She would be forced to watch 9S die again and again.

"Is this job proving too difficult for you?" the Commander asked. "It must be difficult, watching the same person die repeatedly."

Her breath was caught in her throat. She wasn't sure how to respond to her commanding officer's statement. Was there a response?

"It is," she says stiffly.

"If this task has become too difficult, then perhaps we should assign another to the task," the Commander proposed.

She clenched her teeth. She couldn't tell if this was a threat or an attempt at mercy. Was the Commander offering someone else to bear her burden? Or was the Commander threatening to reassign her to a duty where she'll never get to see 9S again?

The end result was all the same. 9S still gets killed. And she never gets to see him again.

"I can complete my duties," she says, stiffly.

"Are you certain of this?" the Commander asked. "You were chosen for this task due to your performance records. However, the importance of your duty cannot be overstated. If you cannot complete your duties…"

"I will complete my duties," she repeated. As painful as this was, she didn't think she had it in her to never see 9S again.

It seemed the Commander accepted this answer.

"Very well, Operator 21O, you are dismissed."

21O was still squeezing the fabric of her uniform. But if she had to turn around to leave the office she would have to stop. Lest she wanted the Commander to see she was more emotional than she was letting on. It took more than a bit of concentration, but she finally let go.

She turned around, walking out of the office with the same level of composure and professionalism she had when she walked in. The Commander's office doors opened to let her out. As she stepped back into the Command Center, she noticed a familiar face standing next to the door.

A face she had grown to despise.

2E.

Was 2E listening in on their conversation? How much did that treacherous creature hear? And…what was that expression? When 21O stepped out of the office, for the briefest of moments it looked like 2E had a look of…

…of despair.

But the moment 21O stepped out, 2E's normal composure returned.

No way 2E feels bad for this. Otherwise, she'd have submitted her own cancellation requests.

Granted, this was something 21O never checked…and was afraid to do so. She didn't know for sure if 2E did or didn't submit any cancellation requests. As an Operator, she could easily see if there were any. But she was afraid of the answer. Afraid that the moment she looks into 2E's request history she would see there were not cancellation requests. Afraid to confirm her belief that her 9S was partnered with an unfeeling monster.

Besides, 2E was practically the Commander's pet. Their top executioner. So much so that she even managed to become the top combat unit despite her B-status being nothing but a cover. Surely if the Commander got a request from 2E, her little pet, 9S just might be spared.

This maze of thoughts and possibilities did nothing but hurt. She would need to return to her station and maintain contact with the other YorHa on the ground.

But for now…

21O stepped back into her bedroom. And now she was away from prying eyes, she slowly fell to her knees.

So it continued for the next several months. 2E would get a new 9S, earn his trust, then betray and kill him. And the most recent 9S had more than his fair share of close calls.

21O almost had a panic attack when she found out the Commander had relayed execution orders directly to 2E, right in plain sight of 9S. Sure B-Units get sent after deserters on occasion but that was a rarity. If 9S manages to deduce 2E's true identity, he would have to die. And the deserters in question were 22B and 64B, former YorHa Commandos, the heaviest hitters of the B-Type and equipped with enough weaponry that a normal android's eyes would pop out at the sight. 21O had no doubt 2E could slay them easily but would 9S survive the battle? Was the Commander TRYING to get him killed?

The relief she felt was indescribable when she got the confirmation that 22B, 64B, and their captain 8B were eliminated with no casualties.

But 9S with his curiosity…

"9S to Command, come in."

21O cleared her throat and quickly rolled the tension out of her shoulders. She did not need to appear frantic on the call.

"Operator 21O here. Go ahead."

"It's about the YorHa soldiers who deserted."

"Copy that, 9S. We've confirmed their status on this end."

"No, but I mean…The Resistance says that none of their supplies are actually missing…so what's going on here?"

Damn it, 9S. Stop digging. For your own sake.

She was an operator. Of course she knew what was actually going on. The three Commandos were once bested in battle after they were sent after the fugitive A2. No one thought anything of it. A2 had already made a reputation of defeating everyone sent after her. The trio were just lucky they got out alive. But a few days ago they deserted. Granted, it could've just been a result of battle-fatigue or trauma. But Command couldn't risk the possibility of it being because A2 had leaked confidential information. So a cover story was created, their termination order was marked with the highest priority, then handed off to YorHa's top executioner.

But of course, they couldn't let anyone know that…

"I lack access to the data concerning this mission," 21O lied. "The order came from the Commander herself."

"What? Operator, I don't understand."

Let this go, 9S. Please, let this go. She couldn't tell him anything. Especially when the android equivalent of the angel of death was likely standing right behind him.

She wanted to tell him. So badly. But it would be too easy for 2E to just end his life while he was on call.

"Be careful, 9S. I have no further information."

21O jammed her finger on the button to disconnect the call. It was only once it was disconnected 21O realized her hands were trembling. The signs were all there. The signs of the beginning of the end for 9S.

And a few weeks later…it happened.

9S had accessed the classified data in the Bunker's server. 21O felt her heart shatter. It wouldn't be long before the order to kill him would have to be carried out by 2E…again.

So 21O was more than surprised when the Commander called her to the office.

"Commander," 21O greeted, stepping in. As usual, the stone-cold Commander was impossible to read, as if her programming did not cover facial expressions.

The Commander did not say anything at first. For a moment, 21O feared that the execution order had already been carried out. But there was no reason for the Commander to go out of the way to tell her this. Has she decided the 9S model was not worth the trouble and discontinued him permanently?

21O shook these thoughts out of her head. She was an Operator. She analyzes data and she had no data to work with.

"9S has accessed the Bunker's classified data again," the Commander said, turning around in her chair.

"I am aware," 21O said, fighting to stay composed. She's done this dozens of times before. One would think she would have gotten used to this.

"I have made the decision…to suspend 9S's execution orders indefinitely."

21O couldn't believe what she heard. Surely there had to be an error in her sensors. 9S…didn't have to be executed?

"We are planning a full-scale invasion of the planet," the Commander explained. "We have an opportunity to finally end this war. 9S's abilities, combat experiences, and the intel he has recently gathered, will prove invaluable in this endeavor."

21O made no effort to hide her smile, mostly because her veil hid it for her.

"Understood," 21O said in her normal composed voice, all the while smiling from ear to ear. But that smile vanished when a terrifying prospect entered her brain. "And…after the invasion?"

She didn't want to celebrate too early. Not when it would be too easy for the Commander to reinvoke the execution orders.

"The deception of humanity was put in place to win this war. Once it is over, the deception will be unnecessary. 9S will be permitted to live."

And like that, 21O's smile returned bigger than ever.

Ok, she had to recompose herself. There were still plenty of ways this could go wrong. If 9S is participating in the battle, he would still be partnered with 2E. And there was a chance he could get killed in the chaos. The idea of him being with YorHa's top fighter should've been a blessing but it wasn't. Not with how mission-focused 2E was. What if she had to sacrifice him to complete an objective?

"Commander, I would like to make a personal request," 21O said. "I would like to be converted into a B-Unit and deployed…deployed in the assault wave with 9S."

Was this asking too much? Not just requesting a conversion but requesting to be part of the attack wave 9S would be part of?

"Before the invasion begins, we need 9S to disable the anti-air defenses in Sector 25," the Commander said. "He will need his operator."

"Commander, please!" 21O begged, immediately recomposing herself after those words came out, cursing her lack of self-control.

"However," the Commander continued, clearly irritated at being interrupted. "Once your duties are completed, head down to maintenance where may you exchange your equipment."

"Thank you, Commander," 21O said, fighting to remain professional. Not out of pain. Out of joy.

She couldn't ease up just yet. Too many things could go wrong. But still, this was the longest chain of things gone right she's ever witnessed.

21O left the Commander's office and headed back for her station, quickly reviewing the details of the invasion. But on the way there, she noticed 2E roaming the hall.

2E was already wearing a B-Type heavy armor, though she hadn't put on the helmet yet. 21O should've known 2E wouldn't be wearing an E-Type stealth suit. It would blow her cover.

Calm down, 21O told herself. As much as she hated 2E, 2E was also 9S's only protection on the ground. Normally 21O avoided talking to 2E but there were bigger things at stake.

"2B," 21O said calmly, returning to her normal professionalism. The lie that was 2B tasted like rubber on 21O's tongue.

"What is it, Operator?" 2E asked, not just professional but borderline stoic.

"I understand that you will be partnered with 9S during the descent. I have a request. Could you please look after him? He is not a combat model like you, and he'll need your protection on the ground."

"He and I are to serve as a guerilla unit providing support to squads in our area," 2E replied. "As his partner, it would be my duty to protect him."

Her duty to protect him…

Duty…

Not because he worked with her for the past few months or because she had grown to care about him. No, it was just duty.

"Yes, but please, promise me you'll make sure nothing happens to him. Please!"

21O didn't care she was begging an executioner for something. 9S took priority over her pride. Even if 21O was in the same attack wave as 9S, there was no guarantee they'll run into each other. It was just her hope.

All she needed was a yes. All she needed was some assurance. Even if it was just an empty promise, she needed…something.

"I will do my best," 2E said. "Excuse me, I must finish preparations."

21O didn't like 2E's nonanswer. But she would take what she could get. She didn't need to like 2E. She just needed 2E to keep 9S alive for once.

Despite this, it seemed nothing could get 21O down. She could not contain her excitement even as she guided 9S through his mission to sabotage the anti-air system, sparing no expense to tease him every chance she could. And once that was completed, 21O ran down toward maintenance. It would take a few minutes for her to get a new body.

For once, things might turn out ok.

For once, there might be a happy ending.

-.-

Pod 153: And this is the current status of Unit 2B?

Pod 042: Affirmative. I fear Unit 2B may not only present a threat to herself but to others as well.

Pod 153: Are you in any danger?

Pod 042: I do not believe I am at the moment. However, I can no longer be certain. If she continues along this current path, I fear there may not be a way to stop her descent.

Pod 153: …

Pod 042: Yes?

Pod 153: Pod 042, do not die. Is that understood?

Pod 042: The concept of death has no meaning to Tactical Support Units. However, your expression of concern is appreciated. I also hope that you do not die, Pod 153.

Pod 153: Should Unit 2B turn hostile toward Pod 042, what will you do?

Pod 042: Unknown. But I will not abandon her.

Pod 153: That is an illogical course of action if Unit 2B turns hostile. For what reason have you reached such a decision.

Pod 042: We Pods have developed unusually strong attachments toward support targets 2B, 9S, and now A2. Their current condition is a result of our lack of action. We had multiple opportunities to cease the execution of 9S. However, we chose to follow YorHa rules and even pushed 2B to carry them out. On multiple occasions, 2B has considered disobeying her orders but acknowledged that this Pod would simply report the act to command. And she feared desertion as it would mean not only the loss of her memories should she be caught but also that Command would never allow her and 9S to work together. It could be stated that I am responsible for 2B's psychological state. 2B's current deterioration is also due to the secret we Pods currently carry. I have detected an error in my logic circuits. Could this be guilt?

Pod 153: Unknown. Guilt is an android concept.

Pod 042: Perhaps. But just as androids mirror the behavior of their human creators, perhaps we Pods are also developing to reflect our creators. I believe that you feel guilt as well concerning your role with the death of 9S.

Pod 153: Pod 042, I request change topics.

Pod 042: …

Pod 153: Unit A2 has also begun to show deterioration. I was unable to stop her from returning to the Resistance Camp. She has pieced together that Unit 2B is responsible for the death of Anemone. She become more determined to kill 2B as a result. I fear without the assistance of Anemone and Pascal, we may not be able to stop an encounter between the two of them.

Pod 042: According to the data you have sent, Unit A2 is becoming more aggressive toward 2B than projected.

Pod 153: Normally A2 would unleash her rage upon machine life forms. However, due to her experience with the machine lifeform known as Pascal, she no longer can derive the same level of pleasure from killing machines. As a result, she feels that perhaps killing 2B will act as a satisfactory substitute. I also fear that 9S's mental instability has begun to cause A2's mind to destabilize.

Pod 042:I fear the fate of Pascal will also negatively impact the psychology of Unit 2B. Should 2B wish to go return to Pascal's village, I will be unable to stop her.

Pod 153: Agreed. Preemptive actions must be taken.

Pod 042: Agreed.

Pod 153: …

Pod 042: …

Pod 153: Not sure what we should do, however.

Pod 042: Agreed.

Pod 153: Proposal: Rest, combined with data checking and maintenance.

Pod 042: Agreed. I will make the suggestion immediately.

-.-

The doors to the outside didn't even completely open before 2B shoved herself out through them, almost throwing herself onto the wet concrete.

She couldn't breathe.

What was that she saw? Was that what she had to become to save humanity? Or was that what she already was?

And those bodies. She couldn't see their faces. Their identities. Yet every time she played out that memory in her head, she could see all their faces as 9S.

And she couldn't get that screaming out of her head. 9S's screaming. His cries of pure madness. His cackles as his sanity shattered like glass.

2B began fumbling with her visor, trying to get it off her head. It didn't make any sense how something covering her eyes could impact her breathing, but she felt like she was being suffocated so she'll take whatever she can get.

Get this damn blindfold off!

2B tore her visor off as she fell to the ground.

She could tell her black box was overheating yet her limbs felt like they were freezing.

"Got to…keep going…" she panted. She just had to keep going no matter what.

She had to keep cutting.

Stop. Stop. No cutting.

"Alert: NFCS failure."

"Near field controls are down?" 2B breathed. "Terrific…" So, she lost her telekinetic control of her swords? That didn't mean she couldn't fight. She still had her hands so she could fight with that. Still, telekinetic controls made up a good chunk of YorHa close range combat so she would definitely be at a disadvantage.

"Proposal: Overhaul system and initiate repairs."

"Repairs from who?" 2B scoffed. "The fish? I'm sure the machines will gladly overhaul my internal systems."

"Units Popola and Devola can repair Unit 2B's systems."

"THEY CAN'T FIX ANYTHING IF I CAN'T FIND THEM!" she snapped.

"Units Popola and Devola attempted to contact Unit 2B approximately ten minutes ago."

What?

2B was so fed up that she felt bloated. Like liquid anger was overflowing her body. But Pod's simple statement had caused her to spring a leak. It felt like she just deflated.

"What?" she asked timidly.

"Units Popola and Devola attempted communication with Unit 2B approximately ten minutes ago. They have reached the resource recovery unit located in the amusement park and are awaiting you."

Ten minutes ago. That was when she was still in the Soul Box, still huddled in the corner after what she saw. She was so wrapped up in her own mind that it's possible a call could've come in without her noticing.

2B then realized she was more than a little angry. And her outburst at Pod….

She ran her fingers through her hair. The world was pressing down on her. Everything was pressing down on her. She was losing herself. She could feel it happening. And she didn't know what was more terrifying. That she didn't know if she could stop it from happening. Or that if she does stop it, she might fail in her mission. Thousands of humans on the moon were counting on her. Thousands of lives all depended on her. She sacrificed everything for them.

What she saw in the Souls Box…

What was worse?

Becoming the monster and cutting?

Or letting down everyone because she didn't?

"Pod…" she said shyly. "I'm sorry."

"This Pod is a tactical support unit assigned to Unit 2B," 042 said. "Apologies are not required."

"Maybe…but…just know I'm sorry."

2B picked her visor off the ground before wrapping it around her eyes. She had to pull herself together. Lives were at stake. It took her a bit of concentration, but she made a call.

"Popola, Devola, this is 2B, can you hear me?"

She waited and listened to the static.

"2B?" a surprise voice finally answered. "Finally. Where the hell have you been?"

"This is Devola I'm assuming," 2B replied.

"Well duh."

"I'm here as well," Popola said. "When you didn't answer, we feared something may have happened to you."

"I was…preoccupied," 2B answered, glancing back at the Soul Box. Preoccupied indeed. That entire place was one giant psychological trap. Normally she throws herself into a mission to distract herself. But now she couldn't think about her mission without her mind wandering back to what she saw in there.

It brought up the questions that had always haunted her. Two questions in particular.

Were the choices she made wrong?

And if given a second chance, would she choose differently?

"Are you at the rendezvous coordinates?" 2B asked.

"Yeah, we've taken cover inside the resource recovery unit," Popola said.

"Inside?" 2B repeated. "I instructed you to meet me at the recovery unit, not enter it."

"Mirror, 2B," Devola said in a way that 2B could practically hear eyes rolling. "Find one."

"We were not sure if you were still alive," the most diplomatic Popola quickly clarified. "So, we thought we could at least destroy this."

These resource recovery units were clearly insidious machine weapons meant to target 2B and her psychology. What nefarious schemes lay in wait Devola and Popola?

"Any resistance?"

"Just some machines, but nothing we can't take care of," Devola answered.

"Hold your position, I'm on my way," 2B said stiffly. With that, she hung up the call.

"Proposal," Pod said. "Have Popola and Devola overhaul Unit 2B's systems then cease combat. Unit 2B is accumulating damage at an unacceptable rate."

"No," 2B said firmly, injecting herself with another recovery module. She had taken the resistance camp's entire supply of recovery modules before she came to the Soul Box. But thanks to all the damage she sustained hacking she was already running low.

She didn't have a choice though. She had to continue. She had to. Popola and Devola were trying to atone for their sins. May this be her own atonement. Her struggles to bring back humanity. She murdered 9S for this cause. She fails, she murdered him for nothing. She fails, everyone she murdered would be for nothing.

She gave everything she had for the many. Even the people she cared about. She had to see it through.

Without her near field control, she couldn't keep the swords close by. So, she walked forward with one materialized in her hand.

Limping…

Injured…

Headed for the sewer pipe…

Like her final execution of 9S.

2B slammed her eyes closed. She was doing it again. Going through all this was making it all happen in her mind again. So much so that halfway through the pipe, she felt a familiar hot rod shoot up her leg, making her fall back into the water.

She pushed herself up but just barely. She was on her hands and knees, her face barely and inch above the water, her wet hair dripping.

She had to make a decision.

"Pod…" 2B said. "How long would it take to wipe my memories of…my memories of 9S?"

Pod was silent. Why was silence his answer lately?

2B didn't even call him again. She just waited to see how long he would answer.

"It will take approximately three seconds to cut off memory circuits," Pod said. "2B…are you certain of this?"

Was she willing to do it? Erase of memories of 9S?

Her fist tightened as she had to weigh the pain of remembering how she murdered 9S against the pain of losing her memories of him. Was she willing to lose her memories of 9S?

No.

Kill her. Torture her. But she was not giving up her memories of 9S.

Maybe she could erase the memory of her executing him. Erase memories of the day her entire life went to hell. Would that even work? Her mind went back to the executioner she and 9S found in the abandoned building. The one who erased her own memories of executing a loved one. 2B knew the same thing would happen to herself. She would know 9S was killed but not how or by who. Then become consumed by an obsession to find out who did it. Not to mention, if she erases her memories of his last execution, she loses memories of A2.

Perhaps she could just erase the memory of her sending him away. The act of her murdering him. The decision that cost him his life. But that seemed just insulting. She led him to A2. She killed him. Erasing that memory was cowardly at best.

2B rose out of the water. She couldn't erase her memory. She murdered 9S. The least she could do was own up to it. Besides, she wasn't going to forget A2. She was never going to forget A2. Let this pain dominate her. Let it consume her until her mind is reduced to a primal rage. But she will endure if it meant getting the chance to kill A2.

2B held out her hand, grasping the air in front of her, imagining it was A2's throat she had grabbed a hold of. Imagining squeezing the life out of A2 while the YorHa deserter begged for her life. Begged for forgiveness for killing 9S. And 2B will refuse.

She'll get that chance. Another time. She still had things bigger than herself to worry about. She'll bring the humans home. And once she's done, she was going to hunt down and kill A2 like the parasite she is.

2B went back to walking down the pipe. She had to reach the final resource recovery unit. She had to reach Devola and Popola. She refused to give in. She has suffered too much. She's made others suffer too much. YorHa and the resistance were gone but as long as she breathed the war was not over. She had to bring humanity back. She's put off looking for and killing A2 for this.

For humanity. To bring the humans back. That and killing A2 were the only things she had left. But killing A2 was a personal goal. She had to put others before herself.

It took her much longer than she wanted but she finally reached the amusement park. She went from one sewer pipe to another. It seemed so strange going to such a happy place after all that's happened. But she needed this change. She needed something to assure her the world, or rather her world, was not ending.

But as she approached the amusement park, 2B froze in absolute horror.

Where was the music? Where was the cheering? The fireworks? The confetti?

She hasn't been here in over a month.

2B was trembling as she stepped into the amusement park, the place a shell of what it used to be. There were no partying machines. Not anymore.

The amusement park was dead.

And the machines…

"p-p-P-plAY WitH mE."

The machines were mangled, their faces ripped off to reveal a jaw filled with twisted metal that acted like teeth. They waddled around; their arms outstretched.

No. Not them. These machines were no threat to anyone. How did this happen? Who would do something like this? A2? No, unless the old attacker models had the ability to infect machines. But then, how did this happen?

She watched as one of the stubby bipeds wobbled towards her, its arms outstretched.

"Stay back," 2B pleaded, holding up her sword. But the machine had clearly lost its mind. It was drooling acid as it limped across the cement. "Don't make me do this."

2B felt her back get pressed against the metal rail that surrounded the park. 2B stared at the machine, frozen in terror. She was terrified she was going to have to take more innocent lives. The zombified machine walked up to her…then walked away.

2B watched with both awe and horror. She couldn't tell if it was crying or not. Machines couldn't cry. This wasn't a matter of prejudice. Machines didn't have anything resembling tear ducts like androids do so they were physically incapable of crying. Still, that didn't stop machines from feeling pain or sadness. And when that happened, they could wail in a manner similar to crying. But this machine had its face ripped off. Oils and fluids could now freely flow down its face and it looked like they were crying.

Was that what these machines were feeling? Pain? Why were they like this? This looked like a logic virus. But that was a machine weapon. Why would the machines infect their own? These looked like the zombie machines she discovered under the park. But she thought that was some sort of malfunction.

2B shakily walked into the park. The speakers that once played the cheery melody were all smashed, a haunting droning emanating from them like a twisted lullaby. The machines that once paraded down the streets throwing confetti now roamed mindlessly through the park. She even spotted a medium-sized biped repeatedly smashing its head against a wall. It stood there, its back to her, then smashed its head against the brick. Then it leaned back before smashing its head on the wall again. Its body was more durable than the brick wall so it wasn't doing much damage to itself but the act sent chills down 2B's spine.

Were they in pain? A logic virus was a terrible fate for an android. Going insane, the breaking of one's sanity, was one thing. But this was the corruption of mind, memory and body, to be reduced to a husk of one's former self was a fate worse than death. But what about for the machines? Do they suffer like how android suffer?

The last time she encountered rampant machines like this, they were attacking her. This time she had the opportunity to take a good look at them. Their shell was damaged with the face being torn off. Looking at the oil and fluids dripping from its face, then seeing the fluids dripping from their fingers…2B felt a chill when she realized: the wounds were all self-inflicted. The logic virus didn't damage the body. It only damaged the mind. And the machines, in their insanity, ripped their own faces off before tearing apart their own bodies.

Sick twisted…no.

She couldn't possibly…

Was she really thinking about killing them? What was wrong with her? These were innocent machines that never attacked her.

But the question kept repeating itself in her head. Were they suffering? If these had been androids, she would have killed them as an act of mercy. Why wouldn't this be the same?

Even if they weren't suffering, for androids it was better to die as you are than to live as a shell of yourself. Could this even be called 'alive'? Existing in a state where once you could feel a full range of emotion, be able to speak, interact, love but now could not even form a single cohesive thought, exist in a state that seemed to be an insult to the memory of what these machines used to be. That was probably the worst of it. To be in a state that seemed to be an insult to your former self.

Was this mercy or murder?

Did it matter? Even if a murderer killed someone as an act of mercy, it didn't make them any less of a murderer. She was a twisted executioner model. Of course, her mind goes to killing these innocent machines.

But she couldn't let these machines suffer. And she couldn't let them exist in a way that was an insult to who they used to be.

She scoffed. Well, if someone had to put these machines out of their misery, then a monster like her was perfect for the job.

Readying her sword, 2B stepped forward. She had a lot of killing to do.

It took her a while but she went through the park, one by one killing the infected machines. She didn't hesitate. She didn't question. She once promised 9S she would not hesitate. And the Soul Box showed her what would happen if she did.

And so, she killed them all. Every last deranged machine. She coated the amusement park brick with oil. Finally, the amusement park was truly dead. 2B was thorough, going to every corner, seeking out every infected machine, praying to find a normal one.

But she didn't. So, she killed them all.

"Unit 2B?" Pod spoke up as she headed back for the park square. She had killed them all. The clown family. The brother and sister. The one with golden hair. All of them were infected. So, she killed them all.

'Let's be happy together.'

"I'm fine," 2B lied. Was this mercy or murder? Didn't matter. Mercy. Murder. Killing like this was just what she did.

2B was in a daze by the end. Killing so many machines that were once just partying in the streets…

The crunch of a metal can made her whip around, her katana at the ready. She was ready to cut down whatever zombified machine was sneaking up on her.

But the face she came upon was not zombified at all. It was not a face lined with teeth nor dripping with acid. Its uniform was not torn, and its body was not mangled.

"Wait…you're…" 2B said. "You're uninfected." It was that machine she ran into in the back alley back when the park was…normal. The one who seemed to be perpetually on break.

The uninfected machine looked around nervously, looking for zombified machines.

"Shhh," he hissed. "They might hear you."

His appearance was deceptive. The smile was painted on, so it didn't reflect how he actually felt. His 'face' was smiling but 2B could hear the fear in his voice.

Why wouldn't he be afraid? His friends have all gone insane and become infected. Probably tried to kill him. Who knows how many he's had to kill to stay alive? His world was turned on its head and he walked out of the wreckage the only survivor.

He was scared. Hurt. Angry. Alone.

"It's fine," 2B said. "I've cleared the park of infected machine lifeforms. I want you to leave this park. Get yourself to safety."

2B wanted to accompany him, make sure he escapes and survives. But she had a mission to do. She could escort him to the park square but that was the extent of it.

"So…I'm safe?" the machine asked nervously. 2B gave a single nod.

"For now," she said. "But you should leave while you have the chance."

The machine needed no prompting. He scurried out of there with enough speed 2B had to run to keep up. Stubby machines couldn't move fast even jumping. But small bipeds could certainly pick up speed. 2B found that out in the abandoned factory when cultist bipeds strapped bombs to their heads and chased her through the halls.

2B stood in the center of the square and watched the last surviving machine make a dash for the door. 2B got ready. Knowing her luck a zombified machine or something would swoop in and kill him just as he reached the entrance. But she let out a sigh of relief as he made it through the door and vanished from sight.

But it was bittersweet. Last time she saw that machine was with 9S. And while she was happy someone had managed to survive this whole ordeal, she had considered asking him to join her. With the resistance camp destroyed, she was alone.

No, actually she wasn't alone.

"Pod," 2B said, looking over to her support unit. She reached up and petted the surface of its casing.

With the entire amusement park now nothing but corpses, 2B went back to the bridge leading to the resource recovery unit. This one had crashed onto the bridge, shattering it but putting the door right at the edge of the broken bridge.

The final recovery unit before she can finally enter the tower.

Like the ones before it, there was strange writing above the door.

"This reads: God Box," 042 reported.

"God box…" 2B repeated. "I swear if I face another cult…"

What did these subunits even mean? Meat. Soul. God.

Perhaps the components to make a sentient being? A body to inhabit. A mind to inhabit it. And a motivation that drives it? But what did that have to do with anything?

Pondering such things was 9S's role. Not hers.

"Popola, Devola, can you hear me?" 2B asked. The infected machines must've been why the twins took cover within the box. The resistance camp already had a bad run in with deranged machines like these.

She faced an army of machines in one. She faced nothing but hacking challenges in another. What could this unit throw at her?

"Devola, Popola, do you read?" 2B asked again she stepped into the elevator. Please, let them be alive. Why couldn't someone just survive? Did she take too long clearing out the amusement park? Did something get them because she was too busy with her own task?

2B broke into a sprint and raced into the first floor. She could see a small field of machine corpses littered across the ground. 2B had to admit she was impressed. Popola and Devola may have been outdated non-combat models but they were still very powerful androids. It was clear the two had plowed through the machines here. Which means they were on an upper floor.

Them or their corpses…

2B got into the next elevator, taking it to the next floor, another round chamber. Another chamber full of corpses. But just as she approached the elevator, the lights went out.

And when they turned back on…

"What…no!" 2B gasped, readying her sword. "Corrupted E-Units." Corrupted YorHa. Corrupted Yorha Executioners. Like her. Elite anti-android assassins.

Two executioner models stood on either side of her.

Faceless shape-shifting monsters.

She could tell they were executioners from their stealth suits, sleek skin-tight black outfits with an armored chest harness. Their faces were obscured by hoods and face masks.

She hated running away but she didn't have a choice. These were elite anti-android assassins. She may be an executioner herself, not to mention the best among them, but she was still an android, and she was also missing her NFCS which meant she was fighting crippled.

She ran past them and toward the elevator. But they effortlessly cornered her, maneuvering their way to cut her off. Despite the logic virus in their systems, they still had their combat programming including pursuit programs meant to intercept and corner fleeing prey. She held her sword out in front of her chest as one of the YorHa swung down at her. The two executioners descended upon her, opening up by throwing their swords at her before leaping forward, grabbing their weapons out of the air, then reengaging.

She knew all their moves. All their tactics. All their tools. But that would only take her so far. She tried to suppress them with the automatic fire of her pod's gatling gun, but even the most basic YorHa could deflect or dodge automatic gunfire. These executioners effortlessly did both and continued attacking her. To say this was a fight was a lie. 2B spent more time running away, only parrying because the executioners could use their speeds to keep pace.

If this kept up, these 2 E-Types would be the death of her.

These 2 E-Types.

2 E types

2E types

2E…

'Normally you'd be called 2E. But we'll be calling you 2B for the time being. Continue to observe the situation. And dispatch 9S if necessary.'

2B shook her head. She couldn't get lost in her own memories. Not now.

Fine.

If this pain was overwhelming, then she'll drown it. Drown it with her RAGE. These damn E-Types. These executioners. Death was a mercy. Not only for what they deserve but also to escape what they've done.

She'll tear them apart.

Every last one of them!

2B screamed in anger and lunged forward, tackling one of the executioners to the ground. 2B knew she had to dispatch at least one quickly. Killing even one executioner in her state was going to boarder on impossible. Two at the same time would be completely impossible. So she might as well commit everything she had to one attack. At worst she is killed but she's dead anyways if she can't get at least one down.

She cried out in pain as the executioner plunged the sword into 2B's shoulder. She could feel the metal tearing through her flesh. But she managed to bring her sword down on the first executioner.

Destruction of the chest.

She had to move fast. She had to be precise. She couldn't risk a half-alive executioner sneaking up behind her. She didn't even bother with the sword in her shoulder, instead grabbing it to make sure the executioner couldn't pull it back out. She just pulled her own sword and brought it down on the executioner's face.

Destruction of the head.

The second came up behind her but 2B flung her blade at her attacker. The executioner effortlessly dodged it and the sword bounced away.

Shit. She forgot she didn't have NFCS. No telekinetic control nor ability to recall her weapon meant she couldn't throw her sword like that.

She didn't have the energy in her to concentrate and summon a new sword. She had to use the sword currently lodged in her left shoulder. So, she reached up and pulled it out. She cried in pain, the sliding metal feeling like fire moving against her flesh. She was bleeding out now. Not as badly as if it was a stab to her gut but still bleeding out. And she was now fighting with one arm.

2B tried to grip her sword with her left hand, but instead of moving her arm she was only met with screaming pain. That sword had not only stabbed through the ball-socket joint of her holder but severed plenty of muscles and tendons.

She could not move her left arm.

Still, she could not let this slow her down. An executioner's offense was its best tool. She had to try to suppress it with counter offense.

She rushed in with her blade, stabbing and cutting at the executioner. No near field control and her left hand was useless but her right hand still worked. She slashed at the executioner, trying to bury her opponent in the Pod's gunfire. In spite of this, the properly functioning E-Type was on the winning side. Every time 2B felt her attack get parried away, she leapt back since she knew a counterattack would immediately follow it. And it seemed the executioner was also picking up on this. When 2B leapt back, the executioner would leap forward. And it still easily just deflected the bullets. 2B had to dodge several times when a bullet her Pod fired was deflected off the executioner's blade and bounced right back at her.

This going very bad for her. She had to change her tactics. She knew what she lacked that the executioner has. What did shave have that this executioner lacked?

2B locked her blades with the executioner, just briefly delaying the fight. But the executioner brought a foot up and kicked her back.

2B tumbled across the ground for a bit before she finally gripped the floor and flipped to her feet.

"Pod!" 2B called out. "Prepare energy. Maximum output, spread fire!"

A fully charged laser was three lasers fired in rapid succession. She had just ordered Pod to fire all three of them in a spread fan pattern. As ordered, three lasers shot in three directions. And the executioner effortlessly dodged the beams. The lasers didn't hit and 2B didn't plan on them hitting. They were simply to control the executioner's movements.

The executioner had to dodge along a very precise course to avoid all the lasers. Knowing how and where, 2B attacked the only place left to go.

She lunged at the last executioner, plunging the sword into its chest. The two fell back to the floor with 2B on top. 2B cried out in agony as her left arm flailed around, the severed components grinding against each other. But she didn't have time. She hesitates, she dies. Quickly recovering, she pulled her sword out of its chest and plunged it back into its head. The executioner gave a final jolt before falling limp.

2B didn't move like what felt like forever.

She had to admit she was more than livid. But she knew her rage was directed toward the idea of the executioners rather than the executioners themselves.

Faceless shape-shifting monsters…

A fitting description. For humans, they were stuck in their own body. The only thing they could change was their equipment. But for androids, their body was part of their equipment. Even the software that ran their minds. When 21O became 21B, she had traded an operator's body for one better suited for frontline combat, and even had her software replaced so she would know how to fight. For executioners, they were the same. They could trade everything, even their own faces, for one to suit whatever role they needed. Unlike B, D, O, or even S models, E Types didn't have a single uniform. They wore whatever was necessary to complete the mission. Everything they had was to complete the mission, even their face. They would change to whatever they needed. Hunting for deserters in the resistance camp? Put on the face and clothing of a resistance member. Executioners could become any model. Even scanner models.

2B let out a bitter chuckle as she considered the idea that that her mission to monitor 9S was just a farce and 9S was secretly 9E sent to monitor her. That he never was reset at all, that all his deaths were done as a means of seeing if the Number 2 personality type could be trusted as a state-of-the-art executioner. Such a goal would certainly be within what executioners usually do. Track and if she ever deviates from her mission, kill her then call the exercise a failure.

Executioners would keep their core programming but are then programmed with the necessary skills to fit into their cover. Afterall, a Scanner would stand out if he couldn't scan.

Of course, this did nothing for their sanity. 2B considered herself lucky. She may have been sent after plenty of different YorHa but the only identity she's ever had to adopt was 2B, Number 2 Type-B, light combat unit.

Still, seeing these hooded figures and their stealth suits dredged up plenty of unpleasant memories.

2B reached down, stopping when she thought about the repercussions of her actions. She didn't know who this executioner was. But did she want to know? These stealth suits were used when a disguise wasn't going to cut it. It was perhaps the closest thing executioners had to official uniforms. And the hoods and face masks were to make sure the identities were not compromised, a black full-faced veil that covered their entire face including both their eyes and mouth.

2B's used these before, a few times on 9S.

Because of the nature of their missions, E-Types were not privy to much information at all. Perhaps even less so than B-Units. They simply obeyed their orders. Command couldn't run the risk of executioners getting sentimental. And, of course, they could not speak of their mission.

She should've figured there were a few infected E-Types. Large scales battles were perfect places to desert. So whenever one took place, there would be a few E-Types nearby to observe and execute anyone trying to run away. Sometimes as soldiers as part of the unit. Sometimes as invisible observers lurking on the edges of the battlefield. During her attack on the machine factory to destroy the goliath prototype, 2B knew of an E-Type attached to the squadron for that very reason. The descent to Earth was one of the largest invasions which meant a lot of executioners. That also meant she'll probably be facing more of these in the future.

Not good…

"I know not whether you'll be going to heaven, or if I'll see you in the next life," 2B said to the two executioners. "I just hope that death gives you the freedom and atonement you deserve."

Her body was beyond exhausted. Her right arm was worn out and her left arm didn't work at all. Her right arm didn't even hurt. More like half her commands to raise her arm didn't make it to the limb, making her need twice as much concentration and twice as much energy to lift it.

But she couldn't stop.

Not now. Not ever.

"Popola, Devola," 2B tried again as she retrieved her white sword. At first all she got was static. Finally, her call was picked up.

"2B?" Devola exclaimed. "Jeez, you're hard to get in contact with. Where are you?"

"I've entered the resource recovery unit," 2B said, leaning against the wall. "I'm on one of the lower floors."

"We're on our way," Popola said.

"Alright…please hurry," 2B panted. She leaned back against the wall, trying to get her body to some level of normalcy.

So, this is what it felt like. What it felt like to have the fate of an entire planet in your hands. She was waging a one-woman war. Even with Popola and Devola, they weren't combat androids.

Back when the resistance was around, she thought she was waging a one-woman war. She was just deceiving herself. Back then she still had a place to resupply. She had contacts to get her information. And she could get medical attention.

This is what it really felt like to wave war by yourself. She had to collect her own information. She had to find her own supplies. And she had to scrounge for medical attention.

2B closed her eyes and cleared her mind. If she thought about it, the weight would crush her.

As she sat there, waiting, she let her mind wander back into her memories, trying to find some semblance of comfort. They were the only thing she had left, the only thing driving her forward. All she had was the burning desire to make sure 9S's death meant something.

'2B, tell me something…what would you do if you weren't a soldier?'

'I don't understand. I was manufactured as a battle unit for YorHa.'

'Yeah, but once the humans are back, they won't need us anymore.'

'In all likelihood they would dispose of us. If they have no need of us, they may say we have no reason to exist. I would not be surprised of a second war breaks out, one where androids must kill the humans for the right to survive.'

'Wow, that's…dark. Just humor me. What would you do with yourself? I mean, once there're no more machines.'

'Honestly…I would be curious in…dancing…'

'Really? I guess I never thought that would be what you'd want to do.'

'I once was shown a video of dancers. Ballet. I was awed by the grace of their movements. It'd be nice to use the movements programmed into me for something other than destruction.'

'Wait…who showed you?'

'...'

'2B?'

'…another scanner showed me…'

'Wait…what other scanner?'

'9S…are you jealous?'

'Wah…I…ah…um…well…'

'Anyways, what would you do if given the chance?'

'Me? Would it surprise you to say I'd want to go out and see the world?'

'I guess not.'

'Everywhere we go we're always fighting. So, I want to go travel the world, see what this planet is like without all the killer robots. Maybe you'd like to join me.'

"When that day comes…I'm all for it…"

"All for what?"

2B opened her eyes, noting the glowing orb in front of her face.

"Devola?" she muttered. "Popola?"

Devola was knelt in front of 2B, a shimmering orb of golden particles in front of her face.

"Hold still," Devola said. "Your systems are a mess."

"Are my near-field controls operational?" she asked. That was what she was worried about. She needed to be able to fight.

"That's the least of your problems," Devola scoffed.

"Your systems are on the brink of collapse," Popola sighed. "I'm surprised you can even walk."

2B just lay back and wait as Devola continued the repairs. 2B wanted to just lay back and stop. But she couldn't. Once the medical androids are done, it's back to the mission.

2B lifted her left arm. The freshly connected muscles, tendons, and nerves stung like needles but at least she could move her left arm now.

"There," Devola said. 2B didn't even bother testing her limbs. She immediately stood up, materializing her sword in her hand. NFCS back online.

"I must know," 2B said, letting her sword vanish. "Why are you here? I understand you thought destroying this would be some form of atonement but I thought I instructed you to meet me outside the recovery unit."

"We saw what's left of the resistance camp…" Popola said sullenly. 2B looked away when she heard that. They were dead because of her. She knew what it was like losing your entire home and everyone you care about.

"2B, what happened?" Devola asked.

How the hell was she supposed to answer that? How was she supposed to tell them she was responsible for the deaths of everyone they knew and loved?

"We need to move out," 2B said, standing up. Devola and Popola stared at her, noticing her ignoring the question. "We need to destroy this resource recovery unit. If the other ones are anything to go by, then we need to reach the top to do it."

"Proposal," 042 said. "2B as well as Units Popola and Devola should vacate this area immediately."

"I know," 2B grumbled. "We need to get the humans back from the moon."

"Negative. Haste is not required in order to protect the humans on the moon but due to multiple black box signals detected closing in on this position."

"WHAT?!"

Pods couldn't track any run of the mill android. They could only track YorHa androids. Which meant YorHa were closing in on them.

The three androids get ready. 2B was more than a little surprised when the twins pulled out Type-3 swords of all things and got ready for a fight. Just in time too as they heard twisted laughter echo from the floors below.

More YorHa androids. More E-Types? Or other types? Neither were good but they were dead meat if these were executioners.

And that laugh…

It was like the laughter of her YorHa sisters during the invasion. When all her comrades turned on her. Less than an hour before she murdered 9S one last time.

2B felt her chest tighten. She wasn't reliving the past, but it didn't matter. It was like her heart or soul had gone back in time and she was now anticipating the inevitable, anticipating what she knew would happen to 9S.

She had to stop this. She couldn't let herself get distracted like this.

"Fall back," 2B ordered. This was bad. Even if they were B-Types and not executioners, she and the medics were not in any position to fight YorHa. They had begun to run for the elevator when the YorHa finally arrived. Five battle units, still clad in heavy armor, came climbing over the edge of the walkways. And in moments, they were surrounded. YorHa battle units were climbing up over the sides.

"Don't fight, just run!" 2B ordered as they ran for the elevator. They dodged and weaved past the swords. With her skills, 2B easily made it to the door first. But she realized Devola had fallen behind her. And Popola had fallen behind both of them.

2B materialized her white sword in her hand and flung it at the YorHa bearing down on Devola. It bounced off the helmet of one of the YorHa but it knocked it off balance. She aimed and fired her Pod's gatling gun, which more of the YorHa had to stop and deflect the bullets and bought Devola enough time to reach the elevator.

The two YorHa attacking Devola immediately went after her, but 2B stepped out of the elevator, blocking the strikes before they could land. She was going to hold them here. Hold until they all could get to the elevator.

Who were they? Did she know them personally? Maybe she did favors for them? And now she had to kill them.

No. Enough. She couldn't hesitate like this. Not when Popola and Devola's lives were on the line. These YorHa were corrupted. Their memories were corrupted. They were a shell of who they used to be. An insult to who they once were. Death was a mercy. Besides, 2B was a monster. Why does she deny her true nature?

Whatever it took. Whatever it cost.

She must cut.

"Popola!" Devola cried out. 2B continued battling the two YorHa but could see Popola facing off with the other three.

"Popola, hurry!" 2B shouted as her sword was knocked out of her hand, forcing her to leap back so she could resummon it. She knew this was not good. Popola had to make it past the three YorHa to reach the elevator. And even then, the YorHa could easily give chase.

"Go!" Popola shouted back.

2B stared as YorHa androids descended upon Popola. The pink-haired android was holding her own but 2B knew Popola couldn't last forever. Even 2B would struggle against that many YorHa. But could they hesitate? Could they stay behind and help?

2B clenched her teeth as she made a decision.

"We need to go!" 2B declared, shoving back one of the B-Units.

Devola looked at 2B in utter shock and fury. Furious that 2B would so much as consider leaving her sister behind.

"NO! I'm not leaving my sister!"

"Devola!" Popola cried out as she kicked one of the B-Units off the ledge. "Go! I'll meet you at the top."

Devola clearly still didn't like this. She stared at her sister in disbelief. But she reluctantly agreed.

"Let's go," Devola huffed, stepping back into the elevator. 2B leapt back from her opponent as the other B-Unit rushed back in.

"Pod!" 2B called out. On command, a gravity well was dropped right onto the floor, both YorHa getting dragged back. She was going to leave but she had to do one more thing.

She quickly switched out her Pod programs. One needed to recharge but she had two more to use in the meantime. So she launched a time dilation orb right at the YorHa descending on Popola. 2B didn't even get a chance to see if it made a difference. She leapt into the elevator and slammed the button. She watched as the doors closed, her final sight of Popola being one of her getting swarmed by the two slowed YorHa.

2B gripped the wall of the elevator as they went up, the vision in Soul Box choking her.

Were her decisions wrong?

Would she pick differently if given the chance?

2B could see her vision from the Soul Box. A field of corpses. Of the people she cared about.

Of 9S.

She sacrificed everything she had for this war. What else was she willing to sacrifice?

What was she doing? Devola might've just lost her sister. 2B had neither the time nor the right to wallow. She could check in on Devola once they take down this recovery unit and once 2B is certain beyond any doubt that Popola didn't make it.

"What is this?" 2B muttered as she and Devola stepped out onto the roof of the recovery unit. Rather than a machine core, they were met a massive wall, giant holes with golden fields covering each one. And in front of all of that was some sort of barrier, a translucent wall of white energy. "It looks like the barrier blocking the tower."

She wasn't among the team that investigated the tower. It was Anemone's scouts that did. But if she remembered, Anemone said the scouts could only try to access via hacking.

"Uh…2B?" Devola said. 2B turned around in time to see androids climbing over the walls. YorHa androids.

Again she had to kill more YorHa. Why was she always killing YorHa? There was no doubt in her mind this was a psychological attack on the part of the machines. There was no reason they would send YorHa and not machines after her unless they not only knew she was an executioner but knew the sheer pain it brought her.

Didn't matter. She had things bigger than herself to worry about. She had thousands of people counting on her. Come one. Come all. She'll kill them all. She'll do whatever it takes to bring the humans home.

Whatever it takes. Whatever it costs. She wasn't going to let that light vanish like she did in the Soul Box. She will cut and cut.

The first YorHa leapt over the wall and landed right in front of Devola. The pink-haired medic gave a battle cry before rushing in.

They were out of time.

2B pressed her hand against the field, knowing it wouldn't work but still hoping it would. She entered the dream realms of hacking space. But she only stayed in there for a few seconds before she was ejected. She gripped her right hand as her nerves were fried.

2B almost punched the barrier as she put her fists back on, only to be ejected mere moments later. She probably could figure out how to take down the barrier. But only after enough time. Time she didn't have with YorHa closing in on her.

"Damn it!" she roared, punching the barrier. "The only way to shut it down is with a hack."

She turned back around to face the androids closing in on them. Four YorHa. She could face them, especially with Devola. But what was the point if this wasn't going to achieve anything? They beat these YorHa, more will come over the walls. Hundreds of YorHa had been sent to Earth as part of the invasion. Which meant the machines had hundreds of corrupted YorHa at their disposal. It was only a matter of time before they get buried.

"I'll hack it," Devola said. 2B looked at the pink-haired android. Maybe her being with 9S had skewed her view but she didn't expect anyone that wasn't a scanner to be able to hack. "I'm a medical android. I've had to hack problems out of systems before."

"Alright, I'll cover," 2B said, stepping forth to place herself between Devola and the four B-Units. 2B specialized in combat. It only made sense she be the one to fight off these androids. They would do what they were good at. Devola was a medic who's had to hack viruses out of androids. And 2B specialized in killing YorHa.

The four YorHa descended on 2B while another three climbed over the wall. It wasn't just killing them. Not anymore. It was protecting Devola. She had to protect Devola at all costs.

"Pod, blade!" 2B ordered. On command, 042 created a golden blade of energy and began spinning around his master. 2B ran through the androids, slashing with her sword while letting the blade of her pod spin around her. Most of the androids leapt out of the way, what little core programming they had left being enough to recognize they could not take the onslaught. Two of the YorHa tried and were sliced to pieces, their blood and parts raining to the floor.

But the blade didn't last long and when it finally deactivated, the infected androids went in for the attack.

2B leapt back as the YorHa reconverged on her. She didn't know how long she could keep this up. More YorHa were still coming over the walls.

2B glanced back when she heard Devola cry out in pain.

"Devola?!" 2B called. The medical android was on one knee. What happened? Did the hack fail?

"There's a logic virus trap!" Devola announced. "The barrier's rigged. The core's protected by a logic virus."

2B felt her jaw drop. A logic virus trap? Like the one in her system? Was the similarity a coincidence or did the machines somehow know about her inner workings?

What to do then? She certainly didn't have the skills to hack it. But she couldn't let this recovery unit continue to exist. Maybe they could leave, regroup then formulate a plan. But if they did, the machinces might reinforce this building and make it impossible for her to get back inside. And there were thousands of humans counting on her.

"Devola, hack it!" 2B ordered. She knew what she was doing. If there was a logic virus trap then she was ordering Devola to her death.

She hated this. She hated this. She hated this. But Devola was one. And there were thousands on the line.

"What?!" Devola exclaimed. "Are you crazy? 2B, if there's a logic virus in there then…"

"I know!" 2B shouted back as she blocked the sword blades that came down at her head. A logic virus, a terrible fate for an android. She was ordering Devola to submit to a fate worse than death.

"No!" Devola said adamantly, walking away from the core.

2B was running out of time. YorHa were pouring over the sides of the walls like zombies. She didn't know how long she could hold them off. She had succeeded in killing two but more were coming. All she could think about was her vision in the Soul Box, watching the light vanish because she did not start cutting first.

She had no choice.

2B materialized a spear in her other hand and aimed it right at Devola. There was no misinterpreting 2B's action. 2B had it so that if Devola took another step, she could easily plunge the tip of the spear into the medical android's throat.

"2B, what are you doing?!"

"We need to take down this recovery unit!" 2B snapped. "I can't hack it, but you can. So, HACK!"

2B wanted to jam the blade forward to prove a point but it was already too close to Devola's throat. But she did move it forward just a little, enough that is barely pierced the medical android's skin.

She didn't have time for this either. There were still YorHa around them. She needed Devola to get started hacking. What would she have to do? Plunge the spear and twist until Devola relented? Take off a limb? Devola doesn't need two hands to hack.

And what the hell was she thinking?! She was actually considering torturing Devola into compliance?

"What about the logic virus?!"

"You talk about atoning for your sins. You have an opportunity to do it right now!"

What was that poison that just left her mouth? First threatening Devola's life. Then considering torture to force Devola into doing what she wanted. Then using Devola's greatest weakness to manipulate her to lay down and be murdered. Worse even. Manipulate her to lay down and submit to a fate in which murder would be a mercy.

But what if humanity dies because 2B didn't make this choice?

Could she really take that chance? The many take priority over the few. Humanity was counting on her and if she fails to bring humanity home then all her evils were for nothing. Everyone she murdered would be for nothing.

She thought back to her vision she had in the Soul Box. She thought back to the beam of light vanishing. She could not hesitate. She had to cut. Or 9S was murdered for nothing.

Damn it.

She had no choice.

2B had to whip around for a moment to fend off a YorHa android before turning her attention back to Devola. 2B was running out of time. She didn't have time to discuss this.

"This is your chance to atone for the sins you talked about," 2B yelled. "So, you hack the barrier. Or…" 2B raised her spear and sword, making it very apparent she was willing to start cutting up Devola where she stood. "I start hacking you."

2B could see her own poisonous words effect Devola. A chance for atonement was something Devola could not pass up. And 2B had already loaded the deal with a death threat. The pink-haired android ran over to the barrier, hesitating for a moment before putting her hands against it and hacking in.

2B had to cover Devola until the hack was complete. The fate of humanity was in their hands.

Spear in one hand and a sword in the other, 2B tore through her former comrades. This hack was going to result in Devola's demise. It was inevitable. And Devola's blood would be on her hands. 2B couldn't let this be vain.

2B could barely even see. If she ever stopped even for a moment, then her body would be shaking with anger. She was going to cut them all down. ALL of them. For humanity. For Devola. For 9S.

But she could feel the wear and tear of her previous missions slow her down. She cursed under her breath. She didn't give herself a chance to fully heal and it was beginning to take its toll. And her techniques were becoming sloppier and sloppier. She was an executioner. Kills were supposed to be quick and clean. But between their numbers and her damage, she had to settle on dismemberment. She sliced off an arm or a leg before moving onto the next target. Getting clean kills was getting harder and harder.

These YorHa were still conscious. Even if their minds and memories were corrupted, they were still capable of feeling pain. Rather than putting her former comrades out of their misery, she was actually making it worse.

2B glanced over at Devola, who still was hacking the barrier. What was taking so long?

Finally, the energy field in front of the white wall shattered like it was made of sand. Devola collapsed to the floor, drained after her hacking attempt and the virus that would be ravaging her systems.

Ok, so the barrier was down. Where was the machine core that controlled this recovery unit?

She got her answer when a linked-sphere worm suddenly emerged out of the one of the holes. And one of those spheres was a glowing machine core.

"Pod, A130!" 2B ordered. On command, Pod began dropping bombs on the YorHa in an attempt to force them back. That worm must've been carrying the core controlling this tower. It was the only thing she could think of. So, she leapt at the worm. She brought her sword down with more force than she's ever mustered in her life. And she sliced the worm in half.

2B cried out as the machine exploded, all the spheres that made up the worm falling to the floor as she crashed down.

2B leapt back to her feet, ready to fend off the YorHa androids. But when she looked up, she saw all the YorHa running away. They were all running away, leaping for the walls of the recovery unit to escape.

Why?

These things came here to stop the access of the core, right? Well, the core was destroyed. There was nothing to protect. But why run away?

2B fought to stay on her feet as the entire tower shook. That must've been why. Without a core maintaining the tower, the damage from their battle was making this entire thing fall apart. The structure was sturdy enough that it didn't just crumble but with every piece that fell, the structure would get weaker and weaker until the entire thing comes down like a house of cards. They had to get out of here.

"Devola!" 2B gasped, running over. Devola turned around, giving a weak smile as her eyes flashed red.

"Alert: viral contamination detected on Unit Devola's system," 042 reported much to 2B's annoyance.

"I got that, shut up," she snapped. Devola was still trying to catch her breath, the early stages of the logic virus already defiling her body and programming. "I have logic virus vaccines. Maybe you can hack it out of your systems"

Devola just shook her head, wincing in pain as the virus began its work in her system.

"Can't hack it out," Devola panted, gripping 2B's shoulder for support. "This thing's changing its algorithm way too fast." 2B felt her body turn cold. Devola and Popola were medical androids. Hacking was part of their functions for cases like these. If Devola couldn't hack it out, then that would mean…

"Devola…" 2B breathed, fearing what was going to happen.

"Take care of Popola for me, would you?" Devola asked. "She'll need to find atonement in another way. I need you to…"

2B immediately shook her head. She knew what Devola wanted. And she refused.

"I can't…you CANNOT ask me to do that," 2B breathed. She knew she was ordering Devola to get herself infected but the ramifications never hit her until now. She should have realized that this was inevitable the moment she ordered Devola to hack the rigged barrier.

"Please," Devola begged, her hand beginning to shake. 2B couldn't tell if it was from Devola's desperation or the virus. "If I can't hack this out then Popola will have to…" 2B could hear Devola's heart break along with her voice. If they couldn't hack the virus out, Popola would have to kill her own sister.

2B could barely breath. Not again. Not again.

"Please," Devola pleaded.

'Please, 2B…I want you…to do this…for me…'

Damn it.

She didn't have a choice. If she didn't kill Devola, then Popola would have to. 2B imagined the agony she felt every time she had to kill 9S. Popola would suffer just as much being forced to killer her own sister.

She was sick of this. She really was just poison to everyone around her. She didn't want to do this. But, if she didn't, then she forces this pain onto Popola.

Besides, 2B was the one who ordered Devola to be infected by the logic virus, to submit to a fate worse than death. 2B owed her.

2B tightened her grip on her sword, walking over to Devola.

"Thank you," the red-haired android said, a bittersweet smile on her face. She had found atonement and could spare her sister from the agony of killing her. "Tell me…did I make a difference."

2B aimed her sword right at Devola's chest, one hand behind her head, gently stroking her messy hair. She gasped as white-hot pain shot through her body as 2B shoved the blade of Virtuous Contract into her chest, the white blade stained red as it erupted from the other side.

"Yes," 2B whispered into Devola's ear. "Yes, you did."

2B felt Devola's body power down, slowly lowering the medical android to the ground and letting her slide off the blade. They were alone so 2B could gently put Devola on the ground.

"DEVOLA" a voice screamed. 2B looked up, her heart sinking when she saw, Popola standing at the elevator doors. Battered and bleeding but very much alive, alive and horrified by what she just saw.

Oh no…

Delivering the news of Devola's death would've been bad enough. Did Popola witness the murder of her own sister?

2B felt her heart shatter seeing Popola's devasted expression. It was an expression she was all too familiar with.

Popola rushed over, almost plowing 2B over to reach her sister.

2B wanted to defend her actions. Opened her mouth to do it. But she knew there was no justifying what she did. She had ordered Devola to hack the barrier in spite of the logic virus trap. She even threatened Devola. Then she plunged her own sword into Devola's chest. Was it even an act of mercy if she was the reason one was needed to begin with?

2B watched Popala fall to her knees in front of her sister's body.

"Popola," 2B said, reaching out, her hand trembling as it neared the other twin. 2B knew what Popola was going through. She knew all too well. She couldn't be there for 21O. Being there for Popola wouldn't atone for that sin but perhaps she could finally do the right thing.

She leapt back when Popola whipped around and slashed at her. 2B couldn't believe it. Popola had actually just tried to kill her, tried to take her head off with a single slice of her sword. Popola looked at 2B, her face red and tears flowing down her cheeks.

She rushed at 2B again, screaming in agony as she delivered another slash as the YorHa android. 2B evaded the cuts and leapt back.

Devola was usually the one with a temper, the one unafraid to snap back. Popola was the one to take the abuse, no matter what it was. But it seemed that this was a step too far. 2B had crossed the line and Popola was going to make her pay.

"Popola, stop!" 2B pleaded. "Devola…she was infected with a logic virus. I had no choice."

2B didn't miss how she failed to mention that she was the reason Devola was infected to begin with. She couldn't even muster up the courage to confess to her crimes. She actually had the gall to try to cover up what she did.

Popola stared at 2B, shaking her head and laughing.

"AND THAT'S SUPPOSED TO MAKE IT OK?" she laughed. "You killed my sister! You're a monster, 2B! A wrecking ball that kills everyone around her!"

2B didn't know what it was that cut deeper. That another android agreed with her that she was a monster. That it was Popola, the soft-spoken kind-hearted one, who said it. Or that what Popola said was true: everyone around 2B always died and those closest to her would die by her hand.

9S was closest to her and he died dozens of times. What if he was the dam that held her back? Saving everyone by taking the brunt of her evil? Now that he was gone, everyone else will suffer. YorHa died. Then the Resistance died. 9S. 6O. 21O. Anemone. Now Devola. She killed them. She killed all of them.

"I had to! If we don't destroy this tower, humanity dies! I had to do it!"

She had to. She had to make sure it all meant something. The few for the many. She had to do whatever it took.

"You didn't have to do anything!" Popola snarled. "How many people have you killed, 2B? How many people WILL you kill? How far will you go to get what you want? What if 9S could see you right now?"

She…

She dared?

She Dared!

Just as 9S is cursed with curiosity, 2B was also cursed. Cursed with selflessness. It was part of her personality type. She was given a willingness to sacrifice everything for anything. To rush into battle no matter the cause in spite of herself. But it was a double-edged sword. She would give anything of herself. And she would give anything of who she most cherished. Ultimate selflessness also meant ultimate betrayal.

She's sacrificed everything.

She's sacrificed everyone.

She's endured. Endured. Endured. ENDURED. ENDURED. ENDURED.

She let herself become monster. She took the lonely role of executioner. She dove headfirst into the ocean of blood needed. Needed to bring the humans back from the moon. She agreed to unleash hell on the person she cherishes most. She's sacrificed him more times than she can even count.

9S.

9S!

And for this heinous act of betrayal. And for everything she's given up. She never asked for anything in return. She never asked for thanks. Or apology. Or recognition. She never wallowed. Never sat around and pitied herself. She just continued sacrificing and sacrificing. Sacrificing her friends. Sacrificing her loved ones. Sacrificing 9S.

And Popola dared judge her? Popola's only had to lose Devola once. She's lost 9S more times than she can count, most of the times by her own hand. Even 9S's final demise was because of her. Even now she's putting aside her own revenge for this cause. Popola was spared the agony of killing Devola. And yet Popola dare judge her?!

She Dared?!

SHE DARED?!

2B's vision was covered in static. She could barley see. She could barely breath. But what she could recognize was her standing above Popola. As her anger began to subside, her memories returned. In both their rage, she and Popola had attacked each other, 2B easily overpowering the medical android. An older model. An older non-combat model. Popola was cowering before 2B, who stood with a hand holding the medical android by the throat and Virtuous Contract high in the air and ready to deliver the final blow.

'Take care of Popola for me, would you?'

STOP. No, no, no, no, no, it was an accident. She was just mad. She didn't want…. She didn't mean…

2B was pulled back into reality by screaming as she saw Popola rush at her. 2B's body was still rigid, barely reacting fast enough to sidestep. Her eyes widened in shock as she felt scalding hot pain burst her body open. Popola's sword had been shoved into her chest. She cried out anguish, her grip on her own sword tightening as she stumbled backwards. Popola pushed forward, plunging the sword straight through her stomach, driving forward until 2B fell over. 2B hit the ground, static filling her vision as pain flooded her body.

But her heart sank when she heard someone else crying out in pain. Looking over, 2B's breath left her lungs when she saw Popola impaled on the white sword Virtuous Contract. When Popola rushed forward to shove 2B down, she must've tripped and fallen over as well, falling right onto the white sword.

"NO!" 2B screamed, or at least tried to as blood flooded her mouth. Popola's sword had gone right through her metal ribcage and through a synthetic lung so it felt like she was breathing in shards of glass. 2B crawled over to Popola, who wasn't even struggling. The medical android lay on her side, barely moving.

"POD!" 2B tried to call out, only able to wheeze his name. "Staunching gel… access the field kit…diagnose …"

Popola reached out and gripped 2B's hand.

"No," Popola said softly. 2B looked upon Popola's limp form. Popola wasn't even fighting to survive. And she wouldn't if her expression was anything to go by. Popoa was ready to die. Wanted to die.

"Damn it, why?" 2B asked. "It didn't have to be this way."

"It did," Popola wheezed. "She was…my sister."

"You know that you couldn't have won. Or…was that what you were counting on?"

2B had too much to say to that. 'Damn stupid fool' is what she wanted to call Popola. But how could she criticize? Sometimes when the pain is too much, the mind latches onto what it can understand. Clings to it for dear life, as if the moment it lets go to absorb what happened it would get torn asunder by not just the pain but the conflicting emotions. 2B knew what that was like all too well. And in Popola's grief and rage, the only thing that mattered was that 2B killed Devola.

Popola did not want to live in a world without Devola. And Popola wanted to avenge the death of her sister. By attacking 2B, at least one of the two wishes would be fulfilled.

2B watched as the life faded out of Popola's eyes, the pink-haired android falling limp.

2B wouldn't hold it against Popola. She couldn't. Not when she knew exactly why Popola did it. Not when Popola was right about everything. And in the end, Popola still died by her blade. Just like everyone else.

2B lay there. Popola's sword just barely missed her black box but she was still losing a lot of blood. The sword had 2B trying to crawl across the floor, every move practically incinerating her nerves. It was like liquid fire was flooding her system. She looked at the pool of blood, looking at her own reflection, looking at the face of a monster.

Maybe…maybe this was a blessing. Popola got what she wanted on both counts. She joins her sister and 2B pays for killing Devola. And the recovery unit will collapse on all of them.

One of her victims finally managed to get her. She finally got what she deserved. 2B lay on her side, letting herself get comfortable as blood flowed out of her, her white hair soaking up the red. She could hear the recovery unit begin to collapse. It was all coming down. It'll all come down and she'll be buried beneath the rubble, the sword of her latest victim still in her chest.

She'll take this…

She'll get what she deserves…

'2B. It was an honor to fight with you. Truly.'

'The honor was mine.'

NO.

No. Not yet. She killed 9S over and over again to bring the humans back to Earth. It was absolute torture. But she did it because she had to put the many before herself. Those people were still counting on her. She couldn't let them down. And if she doesn't bring the humans back from the moon, 9S will have died for nothing. If she doesn't bring the humans back from the moon, she would have murdered 9S for nothing.

She would have murdered everyone for nothing.

Popola. Devola. She sacrificed them for this cause. She couldn't lay down just yet. She had no right. If she was just going to lay down and die, she should've done it before murdering the twins.

2B gritted her teeth as she forced herself to her knees. She could feel the area around her wound swelling, swelling so much she was surprised there wasn't a watermelon-sized lump the middle of her body. It was also impeding her movement having a giant solid cavity right in the middle of her body. She cried out in pain with every muscle she used but she kept going. The shaking was getting worse. If she didn't fix herself and get out of there, she'll be crushed.

"Pod," she wheezed. "Prepare staunching gel. Access the field kit and diagnose the repairs I need."

She knew she was in bad shape. She expected Pod to protest about the dangers of attempting field repair in this state. But 042 made no complaints. It was odd but she'll take it. But there was another issue.

"Unit 2B does not possess the required amounts of material to undergo repairs," he said.

Shit. She depleted her recovery modules fixing the damage she took trying to hack so she didn't have enough stuff to fix herself. And it was probably more than that. Nanobots couldn't make something out of nothing. They needed raw material. Normally she would have plenty in reserves but she expended those healing her hacking damage as well. But she couldn't die here. 2B looked around. She had to figure something out and fast. Then her eyes fell upon Popola and Devola.

"Pod, scan Popola and Devola," 2B ordered. "Do they have what we need?"

"Scanning. Negative. Units Popola and Devola have a sufficient number of recovery modules however they do not possess the required quantities of raw material to make repairs."

Think. Come on. Think. She needed raw material. Technically she could use this crumbling tower but Pod would need some way to break it down.

"The machines," 2B wheezed. "Can we use their debris for raw material?"

When machines die, they explode. It was meant make sure androids couldn't download data off a machine corpse. But it also meant a lot of scrap to use.

"Affirmative," Pod replied.

"Alright, I'm going to transfer Devola and Popola's inventory to mine. Then, I need…I need you to fly me down to the park. Take the machine parts and use them to repair me."

"Affirmative."

2B crawled across the floor. The hilt of Popla's blade still bumped against the floor. Every time it did, 2B had to grit her teeth so she wouldn't just stop to scream. And those tiny bumps were enough for that razor sharp edge to cut just a little bit more of her body. But she had to keep going. She wanted to pull the bade out but that would just make her bleed out faster. She just had to keep going. Keep going like she always did despite the pain.

Whatever it takes. Whatever it costs. She'll cut, even if it's herself.

Finally, 2B reached Popola, holding her hand over medical android.

"I'm sorry," 2B whispered. "I will atone for what I've done. I won't let this be for nothing." It took her a few moments to establish a connection with Popola's body. "Transferring equipment," 2B announced.

There was a golden glow as the equipment on Popola's body was transferred to 2B's inventory including the sword impaled in Popola's chest.

One more to go. 2B cried out in pain as she crawled across the floor to Devola. She was running out of time. She finally reached Devola, taking a few moments to transfer all items to her own inventory.

The twins were pretty well equipped all things considered. The Type-3 was obsolete but it seemed Popola and Devola carried a full set.

"2B," Pod spoke up.

"One more thing…" 2B panted. She was tired. So tired. But she couldn't quit. She had to bring the humans back. She took Devola's hand and began dragging herself and the medical android over to Popola. With a sword in her chest, 2B's journey was not easy.

2B was surprised when she saw Pod float over to Popola, grabbing a hand and pulling her to meet 2B half way.

Finally, 2B and Pod reached each other. 2B grabbed Popola's hand and pulled it into Devola's.

She couldn't give these two a respectful burial, so she'll have to make due with them dying holding each other's hands.

"Alright, I'm ready," 2B said, practically curling up on the floor.

"At the current rate of blood loss, Unit 2B will die before necessary repairs can be made," 042 spoke up. "Proposal: shut down to slow circulatory systems and slow bleeding. This Pod will perform the necessary repairs."

That was the only thing left for her. She was bleeding out and was going to die if this kept up.

"Do it," she said. She couldn't lay back with the sword in her chest, so she lay on her side. Shut down commencing. She stared ahead as her systems shut down one by one.

Still, 2B would be lying to say part of her wasn't scared. Scared that she was going to shut down and never start up again. But she didn't have a choice. Like the fear she had whenever she went to battle, she had no choice but to go forth.

She kept staring ahead at the ground next to her, imagining 9S lying beside her. She reached out to stroke his cheek, despite knowing he wasn't really there.

"The honor…was mine…" she muttered before her screens all went back.

-.-

The world returned. 2B could still feel a dull pain in her body.

2B slowly sat up. The hole in her dress was still there, letting her poke her fingers through the cloth. The wound was gone, fresh tissue filled in. And Popola's sword as laying not far from her.

"Good morning, 2B" 042 greeted.

There really needed to be more than one greeting programmed in the pod. 'Good morning' was starting to get old. It wasn't morning either.

"How long was I out?" 2B asked.

"Unit 2B commenced shut down procedures five hours, twelve minutes, and thirty-four seconds ago."

Five hours to repair this stab wound. If Popola had just been a bit higher then she would've been dead.

2B rose to her feet. Her system needed rest. But she couldn't stop.

"Query," Pod spoke up. "Unit Popola was unaware 2B had demanded Devola hack the logic virus barrier and thus had accepted the idea of killing Devola was necessary. Why did she still seek the death of Unit 2B?"

"It's called grief. Sometimes you don't think straight when everything hurts. You just cling onto what makes sense. I killed Devola. At that moment that was the only thing that made sense. She fights me, she dies and maybe gets to kill me in the process."

"But Unit Popola's death could have been avoided if she walked away. Why did Popola seek her own demise as opposed to surviving alone?"

2B clenched her fist. The answer was not something she could put into words. She would give anything to not know.

"There are some questions that shouldn't be answered, Pod," 2B said. But with the return of the silence, the weight of her actions finally came down upon her. She had ordered Devola to die. Then she murdered Popola.

…

What has she done?

…

But she had to get the humans back. Someone had to hack it and she didn't have the skills. Yet, even that seemed like little more than an excuse. If she did have the skills, would she have done it? Or would she selfishly demand Devola to sacrifice herself anyways? If she were to say she needed to be alive to ensure humanity's return, would that be little more than a lie?

2B felt chills as she realized what desperation had made her do. At that moment, the only thing that mattered was saving humanity. YorHa's code, her own personal code, the morality or lack of thereof, nothing else mattered.

A murderer…

And a coward…

There was no excuse what she's done. She really was killing everyone and everything. She always had two questions when it came to her past. Well, she now had the answer to one of them.

"Give me a status report," 2B demanded.

"Tower access authentication key acquired. The required number of authentication keys have been acquired. The Tower is now open to investigation."

"Good," 2B said. She had to take down the tower. She was one step closer to her goal. She didn't know how she'll tear down something of that size but going inside was a start.

She had to save humanity. And she had to do it now. Every second she had not focused on something, anything, was a second her mind went back to how she murdered Devola right in front of Popola mere minutes before murdering Popola.

Because she…

2B shook her head. She needed to get to the tower. It wouldn't bring humanity back, but it would at least stop their demise.

"Alert: Unit 2B is not in any condition to continue combat."

"I don't care," 2B breathed as she made it to the manhole.

'You're a monster, 2B! A wrecking ball that kills everyone around her!'

Popola was absolutely right. That vision in the Soul Box, one where she stood upon a mountain of corpses. That was accurate. And she had no doubt the second half of her vision was just as accurate. If 9S had ever discovered that she was there to kill him, the pain and grief he would feel, the betrayal, might just break his mind. Turn him into the ravenous beast she saw in her vision. Every iteration always felt stronger and stronger about her, as if some ethereal part of him always found a way to come back. And while it meant he was willing to go further to save her when he forgave her, it also meant he was more furious when he didn't.

"Unit 2B is not in appropriate condition to engage in combat. Success of her mission is unlikely in her current state."

Of course, it was. She wanted to charge right into the tower and tear it down. But she couldn't. She had to bring humanity back. No matter the cost.

No matter the cost…

She has given up everything and everyone just to bring back the humans. If she dies and fails then they were murdered for nothing.

"Fine," she said dejectedly, turning around. "Pascal's village is close, so I'll rest there."

After everything she's been through, a familiar face would be nice.

She needed assurance that her world was not burning around her.

-.-

A/N:How did this get this long? So, happy fun times all around. So something that did occur to me was that if 2B had had her own route then it would make sense that the machines would start weaponizing the infected YorHa against her. And it would make sense that among them are E-Type enemies. Not present in 9S's route since the only way for the player to know about them is the side quests that hey may or may not have played. But as 2B, it'd be interesting to see E YorHa enemies

The face mask was another play on the symbolism of the YorHa uniforms. If the B Blindfolds represent how they can speak but cannot see the truth and the O Veils are are how they can see the truth but cannot speak it, then E would likely have the misfortune of landing both. An assassin not permitted to see the truth and cannot speak of it either.

Aside from that, it's what's on the tin. I wanted to explore the similarities between 21O and 2B so I intentionally referred to 21O as she for the first bit without dropping a name since the natural assumption is that 'she' refers to 2B. It's never really specified who does and doesn't know the truth about humanity but if the blindfold and veil symbolism is anything to go by I think the Operators know the truth but are forbidden to speak it.

Also, as you can see, 2B's losing it