This was surreal. 2B was looking upon herself in every sense of the term. Not just body but mind as well. Even soul as well if androids had one. 2E. Her true self.
2E put away her sword and began walking toward her. 2B probably should've been on edge. Gotten ready for a fight or expected this move to be an attack. But she was just too stunned.
"Well, so glad you could make it," 2E said, walking over and putting her hands on 2B's shoulders. The touch was…familial in a way. It wasn't like how one would touch a family member like a sister or their child. Guess it was because she wasn't 2E's sister. She WAS 2E.
2B was frozen stiff. A glitch in her processor can happen. But she never thought she could actually feel glitched.
"How is this possible?" 2B breathed. She asked the question, but she already knew.
There were plenty of possible ways this could have happened. A glitch in the data backup system. Perhaps there was an error and a version of her didn't perish in battle like YorHa thought. Of course those were just the options that could take place in this cycle. There was nothing to say 2E was from this cycle. She could've simply survived from an earlier cycle. The Red Girl could've revived a model of her. Or this was another YorHa who simply looked similar to her.
There was one other possibility that lingered in the back of her mind.
"Your name," 2B said. "Tell me what your name is."
That was the determining factor. How will this copy of her introduce herself? It seemed her other version knew what she was thinking as well. The other 2B sneered.
"My name is 2E. Number 2 Type E."
Shivers went down 2B's spine. She kept telling herself it was impossible. That whatever was in front of her was not that. That introduction told her everything she needed.
"You ask because you don't want to believe," 2E stated, pacing around 2B. "But we both know that you know. Stop living in denial."
2B felt cold. She knew she herself was really 2E. A cold-blooded murderer of countless. But she always fought it. She also knew what stood in front of her was her if she finally stopped fighting. The idea has been tempting. Why did she fight? Why should she care? She certainly let go in her fight against A2. But she stopped herself when she realized that it was all just hollow.
2B tried to speak but her tongue was caught in her throat. She didn't even know where to begin.
"I've been watching you from the start," 2E spoke, pacing around 2B. "I was utterly amazed how exact our experiences were. Everything. And yet when it came time to be honest with myself…you chose to continue lying."
2B knew what 2E was doing. How could she not? An individual was their memories. Their personalities. Their experiences. This meant that she and 2E would be the same person. Part of her felt sick. 2B knew this person slaughtered the resistance camp. Every resistance survivor. And even complete neglect of the blade wouldn't be enough to coat it in that much blood unless it saw a few hundred more massacres just like this one.
Yet, another part of her felt relief. 2B was a lie. 2B had fallen back into the lie she's lived her whole life. Learned nothing from all her torture. Blissful ignorance and denial.
But…2E was also a lie. What kind of executioner has a heart?
2E was a lie.
2E was a lie.
2E was a lie…
But what if she wasn't?
What if 2E wasn't a lie? What if 2B was just lying to herself in that regard as well? She asked the question…yet she already knew the answer. She already knew…2E was the truth. 2E wasn't a lie. 2B just told herself this because she was afraid of what it could mean.
That would mean 2E was the one who finally saw the truth of the world. 2E was the one who finally accepted the truth of herself.
The possibility that she could just accept reality instead of lying to herself was comforting.
And that was more terrifying than anything.
"Then…what happened to me?" 2B asked. "You are 2E? Then how?"
"I'm what happens if you finally stop lying to yourself," 2E said. "Frankly, I'm more curious what happened to me? What could compel me to continue lying to myself?"
"Aren't you lying to yourself as well?" 2B asked. "What sort of executioner has a heart?"
2E scoffed. And even though 2E spoke, she didn't need to. The scoff was all 2B needed to know what 2E was going to say.
"Ironic, isn't it," 2E spoke. "The Amy of Humanity approved of an entire army of androids to be disposed of and gave them all the ability to feel. YorHa approved the creation of a line of androids that exist to murder…and gave them all hearts. But in the end, even if we do have hearts, you were put on this planet for the same reason. Even if we are given something counterintuitive to our reason for being, even if we're given something cruel, it doesn't take away the purpose of our existence, the reason we were put on this planet."
There was something stuck in 2B's throat. The reason she was put on this planet? She knew that reason. She knew it all too well.
"You know the truth, 2E," 2E said, holding out her hand. "Let go. Stop lying to yourself."
Stop…lying…
2B stared at the hand. She stared at 2E's blood-stained hand. 2E still wore the gloves 9S gifted to them, the whites of the gloves now a dark red from absorbing so much blood.
She slowly reached out toward 2E.
She slowly reached out toward the truth.
-.-
A2 was bolting through the forest. She was mostly following Jackass's trail of blood which was quickly getting absorbed by the ground. But it wasn't the blood trail she was worried about. Top executioner or not, 2B was in no condition to fight another executioner.
Neither was A2 but they were going to stand a better chance together than alone. Despite their injuries YorHa's top executioner and the woman who couldn't be executed could take on a lone corrupted executioner.
Maybe…
"Alert: approaching Unit 2B's black box signal," 153 reported.
There they were. She could see 2B standing in front of another figure. And 2B was…terrified?
What the hell?
2B being terrified? What absurdity was this? Why couldn't 2B have been afraid of A2 during their fight on the Tower? Maybe A2 could've kept an arm.
It didn't look like 2B and this figure were fighting. 2B had a sword but she wasn't in any sort of fighting stance. And it looked like 2B was reaching out toward this newcomer. Reaching out to take her hand. Could this be a YorHa survivor?
But then what was with 2B's expression? Nothing could terrify 2B. So this had to be something big.
A2 had to choose. She could hold off on her attack. If this was just another YorHa, she'd be cutting down a potential ally. An ally that probably deserved to die but she'll take whatever she can get against that creepy Red Girl. But why was 2B looking so shaken?
If she attacks and that's a survivor, they lose a potential ally. If she announces her presence, she'll lose the element of surprise if it was a threat.
She wasn't taking any chances. She materialized Cruel Oath and launched herself at the strange figure. She launched herself into a spin, turning herself into a saw blade. But at the last minute, that other figure suddenly whipped around and blocked her blade.
As A2 careened through the air, she could see the face of the woman she was attacking.
"What in the?" A2 stuttered. The face of the other figure…was 2B? This other 2B smirked and kicked A2 right in the stomach, launching her into a nearby tree. A2 bounced off the bark, felling the tree in the process, and dropped to the ground. She leapt up just in time to deflect a blade flung at her face.
This other 2B looked like shit. Her clothes were worn down and torn. It seemed she slapped on a shoulder cape for her left arm, a gauntlet for her right arm, and some sort of waist cape just to protect what was left of her clothes from the elements.
Well, at least the other 2B's ragged look made it very easy to distinguish her from the real 2B.
A2 ran over to her partner's side.
"2B, what's going on?" A2 barked, getting ready for a fight. At least this other 2B wasn't attacking anymore.
"Well…so nice of you to join us…" the fake 2B said. "I must admit that I was more than a little surprised when 2E spared you. It's been more than a few years. How are you?"
A2 didn't like the mocking tone the fake 2B had. And she especially didn't like how calm and confident the doppelganger was either. A2 and 2B were both in dire straits. And this fake 2B had two arms and two eyes.
"You look confused," fake 2B observed. "You can be clever at times, devise excellent strategies, but overall you were never that bright. 2E, why don't you explain precisely who I am?"
The attacker android wanted to run up and eviscerate this creepy clone. But A2 was curious about who it was as well.
"She's me from an earlier cycle," 2B muttered. "YorHa Model Number 2 Type E."
2E? That was 2B's real name. it was also the name 2B decided to go by during their fight atop the Tower. What, so 2E came from a cycle where she decided to keep that name?
Why were they fighting? Shouldn't this other 2B want to fight The Red Girl? Why did she turn their blades on them? And who massacred this resistance camp? 2E? Why would 2E do such a thing?
A2 also noticed 2E's clothes. The whites of 2E's gloves were red. Same with the katana. The handle and tassel had absorbed a lot of blood as well. And the damaged blade was caked with it. Unless 2E was bathing herself in blood, the only way this was possible was through an ungodly number of massacres like this one.
"Wait a minute," A2 breathed. "This bloodbath. You did this?"
"I did, indeed," 2E answered.
That answer was what set off A2's brain. No way 2B would do this. No matter how much she hated 2B, she didn't buy it. One thing she learned during her time on the run was to be objective despite her emotions. If she made a bad decision based on her own emotions, she gets killed. Then again, she learned this as leader of Pearl Harbor descent as well. She always had to keep a calm. She could be as angry, as spiteful, as she wanted but she couldn't make snap judgements.
"Yeah, bullshit," A2 snapped. "Why would 2B ever do this?"
"Because it's what I was built to do," 2B answered. Not 2E. Not the ragged imposter. But 2B. 2B turned to look at A2. "I was built to kill the innocent. You should know this better than anyone."
A2 opened her mouth to argue but 2B cut her off.
"Don't convince me you think otherwise," 2B said.
Fact was, A2 believed it. A2 did believe 2B brought death wherever she went. That 2B existed to kill the innocent. Innocents like all of YorHa's deserters. Innocents like A2 herself. She now understood that it was the fault of YorHa. Just as A2 herself was built to die and be tossed out like garbage, YorHa built 2B to be a ruthless killer. It was YorHa who deceived 2B, tricked her into committing unspeakable crimes. It was YorHa who tricked 2B into coming after her and the other deserters. It was all YorHa's fault and A2 felt for 2B in that regard. They were both betrayed by the organization they pledged allegiance to. She was built to be murdered. And 2B was built for murder. But it didn't change the fact 2B was made to murder. It didn't change the fact that 2B silenced countless YorHa whose crime was knowing the truth. That 2B had a history of betrayal.
And…A2 still hated her for it.
"What you see here is simply the product of the truth," 2E said, gesturing outward as if to take pride in her handiwork. "It is the product of who we really are. Of who YOU really are. What happens when we stop lying to ourselves."
"We're…we're the same," 2B stuttered. "We're the exact same person."
"No, no you're not!" A2 interrupted.
"We are our memories," 2E said. "Our experiences. And ours are exactly the same."
"Clearly not," A2 scoffed. "I'm sure 2B has no memories donning that getup or turning into her own evil twin."
"I won't pretend there aren't some differences," 2E said. "I have been alive longer than you have. And clearly something compelled you to…make a different choice. But the difference between us is barely a day. The differences only started the moment 2E chose to spare you. Everything before is exactly the same. And one day compared to an entire lifespan of an android is nothing. One day compared to how long we've been alive is nothing. Which makes me wonder…why A2 is still alive. What god are you fighting for now?"
This conversation was familiar. It was identical to the one A2 had with 2B at the top of the Tower. There was more to a person than their memories and experiences. She and 2B had already argued about that. But what was new was the mention of God.
"God?" A2 repeated. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Everyone has a god worth killing for," 2E explained. "For the longest time, my God was 9S and revenge. I killed A2 for that god. But I realized that it was all a mistake. And before that, our god was humanity. We killed so many in their name that I'd can't even tally up the dead if I tried. It's pointless. There is no question we are evil for what we did. But I realized that everyone was exactly the same as we are. We all just hide it under the name of different gods. There is no escape from this vicious cycle…but there is at least a way to separate myself from everyone else in it."
"To stop killing for others," 2B muttered, her body beginning to shake. "To stop killing for higher causes. To stop killing for god. To just kill…because that's who I am."
Shit. A2 knew 2B had been broken, split in half, by her recent revelations. But she didn't know the extent of it. Seeing 2E actually hurt. It reminded A2 of the book she had been reading, the description of the feral A2 after her own mind is broken. How terrifying it was at how close she was to that. Manic psychosis was 9S's product. Feral madness was her own. Normally 2B never lived long enough to turn into anything, throwing herself into battles she couldn't win or simply ending it. But 2E was what results from 2B. And it seemed 2E had been lost in the same fog for a bit too long.
But more importantly, she had to get 2B out of the same fog before it was too late.
"2B, stop playing her game!" A2 snapped.
"We're not playing any game," 2E said. "I'm not planting thoughts in her head. She already knew all of this. I'M HER! Remember? My thoughts are her thoughts. My beliefs are her beliefs. And I can confirm everything that she believes. Confirm everything she is afraid of acknowledging."
A2 tightened her grip on her sword. She had to shut 2E up. No way these words would be good for 2B. Yet, she found herself wanting to know more as well. To give into despair. Give into the dark thoughts that plague her. It sounded tempting. It sounded liberating.
"Tell me," 2B said shakily. "You lived past your cycle. Was it really that similar?"
"With the exception that stands beside you? Down to the last detail."
"Did you experience others as well?"
"I have…" 2E responded calmly.
"Do you know if 6O or 9S know the truth about humanity?"
Crap, A2 needed to shut 2E up. She just needs to attack, and this conversation would end. But…A2 needed to know. How many in YorHa knew about this? How many in that miserable little organization knew the truth about all of them?
2E was silent for a bit. It seemed this question hurt her as well. A2 couldn't believe she was saying this, but she actually felt bad for 2B's psychotic twin.
"6O did," 2E said solemnly. "She knew from the beginning."
A2 could hear 2B's breathing shallow. She didn't know who this 6O person was, but he was clearly important to her.
"As for 9S…" 2E continued. "He knew the truth about humanity. I just don't know if he discovered the truth or knew all along. After our battle with Eve, that was the secret he wanted to tell us. So that's right. Everyone we loved betrayed us. We're completely alone."
"She's not alone," A2 said, stepping forward. 2E raised a curious eyebrow.
"I've been allowing you to ask all the questions," 2E remarked. "Answer me this. Why are YOU working with 2E? You seemed hellbent on killing me when we fought."
"I managed to pull my head out of my ass," A2 snorted. "I'm past all that shit between us.
"Are you now?" not-2B sneered. "You say that but I recognize that look."
"Oh, I'm not disgusted by you looking like 2B," A2 scoffed. "I'm disgusted seeing what you've become."
"I haven't become anything. I'm the same 2E I always was. The same 2E that stands next to you. The only difference is that I'm no longer fighting my own identity."
"What, so you chose to be evil?"
"I didn't choose anything. The nature of all sentient beings, whether they be android, machine, human, or alien, drifts toward this. They do the exact same things I do. They just slap the name of a god on their atrocities and call it good. Even you, A2. Or were you so invested in your own god that you never stopped to think about your own capacity for malice?"
"I've done nothing like you."
"Really? Then what do you call impaling the Forest King? A defenseless child. Or is child-murder your definition of good? Every machine you killed had friends, family…loved ones. You just never cared because you did it in the name of the god revenge. Your hands have just as much blood on them as ours. My own hands may have more blood but that is only a product of time. The only difference between us is that you pretend to that you do it for some just cause. If you want to murder at least have the gall to admit it."
2E turned her attention to 2B, who stood there petrified. A2 cursed under her breath. Her view on the world was different than 2B's view. 2B was colder and more scientific in her perspective on things. A2 believed it took more than memories and experience for two people to be considered the same. But she knew 2B didn't hold the same belief. As far as A2 was concerned, 2E and 2B were different people. But 2E was right that they had identical memories and personalities up until the divergence point. Hell, the parallels between the two would probably be so similar that merely calling it 'identical' would be underscoring the similarities. Their memories were exactly the same.
"Tell me, 2E," 2E said to 2B. "Do you recall your final battle with Adam?"
"Her name is 2B," A2 snapped. "And we don't give a damn about Adam."
"You might not, but 2E does. His words always stuck with us. We couldn't get it out of our heads. The core of humanity was conflict? Ridiculous. What could a machine, the automatons that chased humans off the planet, know about humanity? So, I took the time to study. To observe. Adam was on the right track, just slightly off the mark. The conflict he found was merely a symptom. Whether they be human, android, or machine, the core of sentience is malice. A few favors here, a desert rose there, and a god to justify their actions, and that is all they need to delude themselves to the truth. Androids and machines have spent their existence trying to emulate humanity. But what we never realized was that we succeeded. The resistance arena, the golden machines, the bloodied machine, everyone doing the same thing then howling like animals about how they are some how better. We have always been more human than we realized. Because the core of humanity…is cruelty."
"Why…why are you telling me this?" 2B asked softly.
"Because I know the look on your face. Your disdain for yourself. I remember. For the longest time we wanted, we needed, to be punished for what we did to 9S. But there is no reason for it. We are no worse than any other android or machine on the planet. We're all trapped in the same filth. The same cycle. The same prison. And there is no escape."
"ENOUGH!" A2 roared, flinging a sword at 2E who effortlessly parried it away. "2B's gone through enough shit without your bullshit thrown into the mix."
A2 thought back to when she crawled out of the ruins of Mount Ka'ala. How destroyed she was. If her own clone suddenly appeared out of nowhere to goad her, she probably wouldn't have stayed sane. Hell, she might've just ended herself there and then. So, seeing this 2E woman messing with 2B like that…it just pissed her off.
"You sure you want to take this fight?" 2E sneered. "I killed you before and you actually had two arms that time."
A2 held out her hand and recalled her sword.
"Well, I guess it'll be all the more embarrassing when I KICK YOUR ASS!"
-.-
"A2, wait!"
2B had only blinked. Next thing she knew, A2 was practically on top of 2E, trying to bury 2B's true self under a tumult of slashes.
2B knew she should join in. Assist in the fight. But assist who? Logic actually dictated, as absurd as it is, that she should help 2E.
2E was herself. Her true self. Every word out of 2E's mouth was true. Every word about the world was something 2B already believed. Not to mention 2B felt nothing toward A2. A2 was the blade that killed 9S but she was not the person who was responsible. 2B was. 2B no longer hated A2 but 2B held no allegiance toward the deserter either.
Yet…joining 2E felt wrong.
All 2B could do was stare as the two combat androids went at each other. A frontline attacker. And a master assassin.
The two androids danced through the forest like lightning bouncing between the trees. Despite the impairment of only having one arm, A2 was fighting with everything she had. It seemed A2 had even adjusted her fighting style to account for the missing arm, now using single handed sword techniques.
A2 was using her Pod as well. Close range, long range, she buried 2E under automatic gunfire. Automatic gunfire and a storm of sword swings. Most androids would be buried by this onslaught.
But it wasn't enough. 2E held every advantage. She had both arms. And more.
YorHa could learn in three ways. The first was through old-fashioned experience. They get better with every fight. They see more and experience more and learn from their encounters. The second was through server syncs. Combat data is uploaded and androids with the proper security clearance is synced with the server. They get that combat data and gain the skills like they were the ones who went through the same fight. And the last was just simulations finding better and better combat data. This let 2B have superior combat data compared to A2. And while two of the three ways were no longer possible for 2E, the executioner could still learn from her fights. And she had god knows how many years of combat and how many massacres. Her fighting skill was vastly superior to even 2B's.
2B recognized A2's hyperaggressive fighting style, trying to run up close to hack her target apart while using 9S's long range techniques to suppress her targets when they were out of range.
As their blades locked, 2E sneered at A2.
"I thought you said you were past your hatred for 2E," 2E sneered. "But you seem awfully eager to kill me. Almost like you're lying to yourself. Let loose. Go on. Avenge your comrades. Kill 2E. Or maybe that's not your anger at all. Isn't there another voice in your head begging you to kill me?"
"Will you please just SHUT UP!" A2 roared, pushing the blade out of the way.
2E was right. A2 did seem off balance in this fight. Even more so than when A2 was fighting her. Combined with 2E's difference in skill and A2's missing arm, this fight was one sided.
A2 cried out as a spinning kick to the head sent her crashing into the ground. 2B covered her face to shield it from the column of mud that was launched up. She looked up, fearing the worst.
"Ok," A2 groaned as she got to her hands and knees. "That hurt."
As the dust began to settle, 2E emerged, her damaged white blade in hand, more blood having fallen off of it during the battle. 2E stepped forward and raised her damaged Virtuous Contract. But in a flash, 2B ran forward and plunged a sword into 2E. Or at least 2B tried. 2E drew a second sword, a Type 4O blade, and blocked the oncoming sword.
2B didn't know what got into her. 2E's words and questions still lingered in her mind. 2B didn't know why she's still lying to herself. Why hasn't she embraced 2E. After all the lies she's been subjected to, she will just plug her ears and pretend it didn't happen? She didn't know the questions to any of these. But looking at 2E standing over A2, looking at a blade ready to cut A2 down, 2B knew just one thing. She just knew she couldn't let A2 die.
Though what she saw shocked 2B. 2E's left arm was mostly hidden underneath her shoulder cape. Sure 2E used her left arm, it never extended all that far. Only far enough for 2B to see the familiar gloves. But blocking the sudden attack had caused her to extend her left arm out, revealing not her own arm but a different arm. An operator arm.
An operator arm?!
Where did 2E get and operator arm? And which operator? 2E could've gotten it from any operator. But 2B could not help but feel it belonged to Operator 6O, her best friend…who might've been lying to her and letting her kill the one she cherished most. Damn it, now wasn't the time to think about that. But knowing herself, she could not shake the feeling this arm once belonged to 6O.
2E was shocked by what 2B's sudden attack. But that shock was soon replaced by frustration.
"What are you doing?" 2E hissed.
"If you really are my truth, then you're fighting the wrong person!" 2B exclaimed. 2B didn't know what had gotten into her. She was ready to die. Ready to be punished for an entire life of atrocities. But something was burning inside her. Burning like a fire. Why was this a fight she needed to take? Why did she feel like she needed to live for just a bit longer?
She'll just chalk it up to some feeling of regret for hunting A2. It was the only thing she could think of.
But this was not a fight she could win. Not only was there no comparison in skill, 2B didn't have the heart to face the truth that she wanted to grasp.
2E was not only what she was but what she wanted to be. To be free.
It seemed 2B's words enraged 2E.
"There shouldn't be a fight at all!" 2E snapped. 2B cried out in pain as 2E's foot hit her with enough force she was slammed into a nearby tree.
2E went on the offensive, rushing in at 2B and slamming swords down upon her. 2B knew 2E wasn't aiming to kill. 2E was moving slower than a YorHa would. Slower than when she was fighting A2. And her strikes seemed aimed at 2B's limbs. Despite this, the skill gap was painfully obvious.
Where'd she go? 2B had barely blinked and 2E was gone. That could only mean she was taking advantage of 2B's blind spot and rushed to her left side. 2B whipped left, swinging wide. Sure enough, her blade hit another oncoming one.
2E flung her sword into the ground right at 2B's feet. 2B had barely started questioning why 2E would do that when the executioner rushed in and drove a fist right into her gut.
A shockwave cut through her body. She choked and spat out some blood as she was tossed backwards from the hit. 2B spun through the air and finally landed in the dirt. She groaned in agony as she got to her feet, weakly pointing her sword and preparing to continue fighting.
2B still didn't know what this was.
6O. 21O. Anemone. Popola. Devola. Pascal. Pod 042. 9S.
Her list was long. After learning she murdered them all for nothing, a part of her withered and died. And despite the relief of not adding A2 to the list of her victims, losing her desire to kill A2 meant the other part of her had also died. She was alone. She had nothing. She was a walking corpse. She has lost everything, just going through the motions. But seeing A2 moments from death seemed to ignite a fire in her. She didn't know what it was. She only knew she had to protect A2.
Though 2B knew what this meant. While her defeat at the hands of 2E was partially due in part to lack of heart, 2B knew her skills could not compare to the android who's lived several times longer than she has. But it was only now she could comprehend the vast difference in skill.
That wasn't a fight. That was humiliation.
And it seemed 2E was furious at 2B's decision to protect A2. No, not even. She was furious 2B had chosen to fight.
"Why?!" 2E roared. "Why are you still lying to yourself? Why would I still lying to MYSELF?"
2B felt a chill when she looked upon 2E's glare. She was furious. She probably hasn't felt this angry since she saw 9S get crucified by Adam.
As she suddenly realized how furious she was, the executioner took in a deep breath, calming herself down. 2E was still angry. But the flame of that fury had lessened.
"The truth will set you free, 2E," 2E said to 2B. "You know the truth deep in your heart. Stop fearing it. You know the truth about humanity. You know the truth about YorHa. You've done away with every lie in your life except one. There is only one liar left. I pray that you will finally break free of your own cycle of self-deception."
The executioner stepped back, ready to leave. But she then remembered A2.
"A2," 2E said. "It's obvious 2E wishes to protect you for some inexplicable reason. For us, I shall spare you…for now. But if you present me such an opportunity again, I will cut off your head."
2E backed up a bit before she turned around and ran. There was a boom as she broke the sound barrier and took off. With the threat gone, 2B immediately rushed over to A2.
"You ok?" 2B asked. She helped A2 sit up straight.
"Would've had her if I had both arms," A2 wheezed. The moment she sat up, A2 used her only hand to slap 2B across the back of the head.
"That's for letting that psycho inside your head," A2 said. "What's all this nonsense about her being you?" 2B opened her mouth to argue but A2 cut her off. "Yeah, yeah, she's 2B-gone-crazy from an earlier cycle. But that doesn't make her you. Just another android with your looks and memories."
"I told you," 2B said. "We are our memories, personalities, and experiences. When you wiped Pasacal, you as good as killed him. When I killed 9S and restored him I was deleting the him at that moment."
"And I told you I don't buy that," A2 snapped. "I mean if that's true, hope you never get amnesia since that would mean you died. Hey, if I take out your memory chip, did I kill you? And if I put it back, did I bring you back to life?"
"To say 2E isn't 2B is to say I'm not 2B either."
"The hell are you talking about?"
"The YorHa data back up system. I've perished in battle more than a few times, restored from my data backup. To say she is not me would be saying I am not 2B because the original died long ago."
'I am not 2B.'
She didn't mean it that way but those words echoed in her head. Because it's true. She isn't. 2B was a lie created at the behest of the Commander for the purpose of letting her get close to her targets. To let her get close to 9S. To kill 9S. 2B the noble battle unit? Never existed.
Then there was 2E. An executioner with a heart was a sick joke. But did that make it a lie?
She had stopped herself from killing A2 on the Tower because 2E was as much of a lie as 2B. Yet…
2B could feel fear inside her. Like she opened a door then hurriedly sealed it shut because of what she beheld within.
She always knew she was evil. No one who betrays and murders the ones closest to them could be considered good. She always knew this damned door was there. Yet she either barricaded it or pretended it didn't exist.
"Yeah, but those other versions of you are also kinda dead," A2 pointed out.
"I see, so if I were to die she would become the real 2B? What we have here is little different than if there had been a mistake and I was restored when I had not actually perished in battle. Or more accurately, if a version of me who perished in battle was successfully repaired. Does the repair nullify me as 2B? You were built before the advent of our data backup system. But this is the nature of androids when we can store and restore our memories and personality. And part of you believe this too."
"I don't!" A2 scoffed in disbelief.
"You do! Otherwise you wouldn't have wanted vengeance for 9S. Afterall, he wouldn't be 9S. Just an android with his appearance and personality."
This argument was getting them nowhere. 2B knew A2 was far too stubborn to change her view on this. Only a supremely stubborn individual stood a chance in hell surviving that long against YorHa executioners. There was no convincing A2. It was a pointless endeavor anyways. And it seemed A2 agreed.
"Look, I wouldn't worry about it much even if it is you," A2 sighed. "I've read what that bitch in the machine network does to us. I practically turn into a wild animal when I go crazy."
2B was confused by A2's statement at first. What did the maddened version of A2 have anything to do with this? Then it dawned on 2B what A2 thought.
"If you're dismissing 2E as simply a maddened version of me, then you're gravely mistaken," 2B sighed.
There was the thing about 2E. This was not some psychotic version of herself. While their behaviors were night and day, it was not because 2E was a crazy version of herself. This WAS herself. What happens if she says 'yes' instead of 'no'. Every dark desire. Every twisted consideration. Every negative emotion. Her anger. Her pain. It is what happens if she chooses to do away with everything she adhered to all her life. To declare 2E as insane would mean that 2B herself was insane. But there was another simpler explanation.
2E wasn't insane. She was just evil. It made sense since 2B herself was also evil. She just tried not to be. 2E was simply what happens if she finally tires and stops trying. Like she did back on the Tower. Battling her way up the Tower, she cursed. She cursed YorHa. She cursed androids. She cursed machines. She cursed humanity. She cursed everything. Her will simply gave out before she could kill A2. It seemed 2E is if she maintained her will.
"Hey, you're automatically crazy if you're killing for shiggles," A2 argued.
"Is it crazy for one to fulfill their duties in life?" 2B asked. "Fulfill their purpose?"
"It is if that purpose is killing!"
"Really?!" 2B exclaimed. "Does your label extend to yourself as well? If I recall you murdered quite a few machines when your purpose was revenge including a child."
"You know, I'm sorry but it seems like you're TRYING to find ways you two are the same."
"I am merely observing objective facts. There is no denying the issue. What I am…4S!"
2B was just rambling everything that was going through her mind. It caught even her off guard when she remembered him.
"What?" A2 coughed.
"We need to go back to 4S now!" 2B said urgently, pulling A2 to her feet even if she wasn't ready to stand. "2E's history is identical to mine. No doubt I will have remembered 4S's location which means he will be in danger."
It seems like God was just toying with her by this point. 2B killed 9S. She deserved to pay for her crimes. She was ready to pay for her crimes. But she couldn't leave 4S unprotected. She had to do for 4S what she could never do for 9S. She couldn't make up for all the horrible thing's she's done but she will give everything she had.
-.-
4S actually felt rather blessed. Too bad it couldn't be under better circumstances. 2B and A2 in one week. Both legends in their own right. Legendary battle android. And legendary deserter. The one who could kill all. And the one who couldn't be killed.
But he couldn't think about that. His encounter with the two greatest YorHa nor the unfortunate circumstances around it. If he thinks about it might go mad. He had a duty and he had to see it through.
The blonde, 54B, was finally able to stand. She had been addicted for far longer and would take greater doses of the E-drug. Though she was standing, she was keeled over to be ready to vomit it all out. The red-head 9B was finally getting control of her stomach.
Then there was Jackass. He got the bleeding to stop but without the original leg they would need a replacement.
4S looked at the monitor in front of him. There were a few infected nanites but the body's automatic security was dealing with them.
"Well, you seem to be healing up nicely," 4S remarked, closing the screen. Jackass was a lot more active now. She was wide awake with a grenade launcher in hand.
"Hey, thanks for this, Kid," Jackass said.
"Once I'm done you wanna tell me where you pulled that grenade launcher from?" 4S asked.
"The fact that you YorHa don't just keep grenade launchers on your person boggles me," Jackass chuckled. "Hey," she called to the two B-units. "How do you like the product?'
The answer was immediate: a pair of middle fingers.
4S found this whole exchange more than a little entertaining. But something else had caught his attention. He looked up at the storm that surrounded them. He could see a figure in the distance.
"A2?" he called out. "2B?"
He waited a bit. He didn't know what he would do if it wasn't those two. He had a sword but he was an S-unit. He was made for scouting. Sure he could fight, could even be considered a killing machine by the standards of the machines or resistance androids, but he was not as good as a dedicated combat YorHa like a B or D unit.
Finally, 2B emerged out of the storm. She was a little haggard but it was definitely 2B.
Not long after, A2 emerged.
"You're back!" 4S called out, running over.
"4S," Jackass said sternly. 4S stopped in his tracks and turned around. Jackass was way more alert, aiming her grenade launcher at 2B. "Get away from her."
"Relax, Jackass," A2 said.
"No! She tried to kill me!"
"I said relax!" A2 snapped, sitting on a pile of crates. "I know what you're talking about and it's not what you think."
While A2 and Jackass was having their back and forth, 4S was busy analyzing their expressions. Jackass was clearly one of fear. Well, anger combined with fear. That anger was probably her fight-or-flight algorithm kicking in so she can protect herself. But A2's expression was more of one of annoyance. Like someone pestering another person.
2B's expression was much harder to read. It was stiff and bordered on expressionless. Guess he shouldn't be surprised since her reputation as a no-nonsense all-business combat android preceded her. But if he considered her micro expressions then he was detecting…fear
"Wait, so what happened?" 4S before the two most aggressive members of their party start coming to blows.
"Yeah, get this," A2 said, adjusting her seat. "Went to go rescue 2B, ran into her evil twin."
Evil twin? What? It could be another battle unit but then the 'twin' description wouldn't fit. Another 2B unit? Maybe a reanimated corpse? Body built in 2B's image.
"Evil twin?" Jackass repeated.
"Yeah, she's the one that attacked you so you can put the grenade launcher down. Where the hell did you even get that anyways?"
"There is no time to explain," 2B said. "The only thing of relevance is there is an android with my appearance and memories intent on killing everyone."
"Which means we need to relocate," A2 added, filling in the blanks. "It knows what 2B knows which means it knows about us and will probably come to kill us."
"Wait, we can't move!" 4S protested. "Most of these guys aren't in any position to move."
Jackass was missing a leg and 54B and 9B could barely walk in a straight line. It was obvious 2B and A2 knew more than they were letting on and he'll wait for them to inform him. Frankly he was utterly confused. But no matter what was happening, the planet was still inhabited by machines and the machine network was out to get them.
"He's right," A2 admitted. "Even if they could walk, we're sitting ducks out in the open."
"I have an idea about that," 2B said. A2 and 2B exchanged glances, like they were having a silent conversation. How well did those two even know each other that they could do something like that?
"No!" A2 said firmly.
"They are the numbers and the means," 2B explained. "They are better equipped and better trained."
"They will also probably want my head on a pike after what I did!"
"I will convince them to stand down. You must trust me."
"Trust you? I don't even like you!"
"Um…" 4S coughed. "I know you two are technically the senior officers but can I get let in on the conversation? What are you two talking about?"
A2 and 2B exchanged as if to have another silent conversation.
"We're heading toward the one safe haven left," 2B said. "We're heading toward the Forest Kingdom."
-.-
A/N: You know. When you deal with a species that can make copies of themselves, you really do have to throw the conventional book of wisdom out the window. 2B's always struck me as more cold and scientific in her view of life with her attitude. More robotic. Though this could be her just trying to cope with her reality. A2 always seemed like the type to play fast and loose, probably because she lost a structure to her life a long time ago. And you can see this in their discussions about what makes you you. A2 plays fast and loose and goes by gut feeling. 2B goes by a more scientific concept and definition of individuality.
2B will be discussing their views on the world with 2E but that will come later. And you can see while 2B didn't choose the path of 2E, the possibility is still there and readily available. This view of them being the same person is also why 2E is keen on convincing 2B since 2E sees the acceptance of 2E as a form of liberation. 'Saving' 2B by having her accept 2E would be 2E saving herself in a way.
Also keep tabs on the state of 2E's sword. I will be playing on Masamune's statement of the weapon reflecting one's soul.
Something that has concerned me writing this story is the tonal change. Before, the story was heavily focused on 2B's descent and the pain it caused her, doubling down on existing flaws and fears. It was the downward slope. This is the valley. 2B's lowest point in life and focused on the aftermath of her traumas. Well this story was always meant to be a dive into the mind of 2B and we now get two windows that I will be going into. 2E where 2B surrenders to despair. And 2B where 2B continues to trudge along despite everything but not knowing why. Plus I figured I can only drown a story with so much misery before it gets tiring.
I am also trying to further develop the relation between 2B and A2. I do imagine them as sisters of sorts. In my ending C A2 even refers to 2B as 'little sis'. So A2 fills the role of the more rambunctious sister going through life fast and free. 2B is the one who is a bit more strict and a perfectionist. I mentioned Weiss and Kaine before. And both androids have their own demons to work out.