Hellooooo people how r yall? Im doing well as usual. Busy busy busy. Well sorry I couldn't shorten the waiting lengths I really only have the weekends to write but for the past couple of months were blessing for boxing and UFC fans. I just can't miss Tyson Fury and Justin Gaethje getting their deserved win. Plus with the fact it takes me an hour just to write 500-1000 words and despite my amateur degree of writing I'm sort of a perfectionist. So I'll just erase 3 hours of work just because i felt i write from the wrong perspective. Which is funny cuz in the end there will still be some errors i haven't notice after proofreading.
Colossus Bridger: Glad you like it.
Reddevil47: Yeah girl just chillax. It aint that serious.
Red Raven 007: Eh not really. But thank you it always feels nice coming back here.
Red Dusk 369: Hmm I understand where youre coming from and I agree with the masses that DMC 5 Dante doesn't mesh up well with the track. But I'm using DMC3 Dante, the youngest in the series. He's still a teen so he's more chaotic and immature as compared to his older selves. And y'know how teens are; rebellious and do things adults tell them not to do. Like listening to music strict parents forbid to be played in the house like metal. That's why I don't find it all that weird if an 18 year old Dante to still be into aggressive heavy metal. And didn't he do a metal performance when he defeated Nevan? Well that's my point and hopefully u understand.
Ghostly: Sorry but I've never played either of those games. I have zero knowledge on the story and lore and won't research into it since sci-fi shooters aren't my thing.
Postal Dude: Good question. Unfortunately I cant answer that….yet.
[City Ruins]
The dark clouds dissipated, giving light back to the formerly chaotic land. The treacherous winds have now slowed to a nearly soft breeze. Soon the animals shall come back and make what's left in the wake.
Dying fumes polluted the environment as the smoke grew smaller and smaller. Years old sewer pipes never meant to see the light of day stuck out from the dirt walls. Water trapped in the underground systems streamed out of the metal tubes. Mucky piles of mud replaced the dry green grass with remnants of any buildings crumbled under the brown.
Victory at the cost of the environment's demise.
"Imagery Captured. Now returning to designated YoRHa unit 9S." Pod 153 monologued, floating in front of the massive sinkhole now residing in the middle of the ruins. Following protocol the small companion captured the newly created area. The last encounter with the special class machines took place offshore, the aftermath of it's power was buried deep under the Earth's sea. This newly captured evidence will be of great research material for Command. With the task now done the support unit returned to it's owner.
"You've got some explaining to do." 2B stated without any sort of hesitation. Dante looked at her with a mellow expression.
'Maybe I should've thought more on this.' The cambion thought. He should've suspected his actions to be questioned, he just dealt with a machine big enough to rival titans. Then again hindsight is one thing he never takes into account, his work style consists of two things; Smash things now, ask questions later. Whenever he got interrogated after doing some demon slaying the young adult always chalked it up to the usual "devil hunter business."
That description alone is enough to fend off the masses, it's sort of universal to stray off a situation that requires a devil hunter. Why a simple three word statement used by all devil hunters was enough to get the press off their backs? Maybe it was a coping mechanism evolution installed into humans after the suffering their ancestors endured back during Mundus' prime. In the end Dante didn't really care, all he saw was a one way ticket to get out of the limelight.
A ticket he couldn't use here. His Devil Hunter title didn't carry any weight in this world since there wasn't any demons to hunt. These Androids were the ones to neutralize the threats, which weren't hellspawns. In their eyes he was nothing but a weak and fragile human, incapable of crushing a rock in their grip. That perception didn't cross his mind when he decided to jump into the show. Again he was never a guy for plans but maybe just maybe he should've used his brain for this. Now he has to deal with the repercussions of his actions. Something Dante's never in the mood.
9S raised his voice "2B calm down. Shouldn't you be happy that he's alive? And with no serious injuries more or less." The boy attempted to steam off some of the suspicion around the woman. He didn't prevail.
"It's exactly why I'm doing this 9S. I'm grateful that your alive Dante but the very fact you are still...well…standing is questionable." The boy wanted to speak up but her side glare quickly shut him down.
Dante kept his face his lips from creasing downwards. Any signs of a slip-up will only decrease the validity in his answer. It may not seem like it but 9S' useless persuasion to ease 2B off his back was actually helpful. The time the boy spent talking was used to come up with something, anything to formulate a valid lie.
Birds chirped in the distance filling in the not so calming silence. The battler awaited for an answer, her visor never shifting away. 9S seeing nothing to do in this situation looked elsewhere. In a matter of seconds suddenly grass became the most interesting thing he's ever found.
Dante stayed silent which didn't appease 2B. Fingers tapped slowly against her arm, they resumed in a mindless moment of quietness. The battler wasn't as patient like her partner and could clearly see this was a case of prolonging time. Very well if he didn't wanna speak she wouldn't pester any further. Another approach already came in mind.
"Notification received from Command. Recommendation: Go to a nearby terminal and view it's contents."
"It can wait Pod. I need some answers first." She declared promptly before letting out a soft hum. "Actually connect me to Command."
If the human didn't want to answer so be it, surely her boss will have some answers. 2B's relationship with her was different than the rest. The YoRHa leader recognizes her as one of the best battlers in the series, and periodically she'll be informed of secrets in the Bunker no other unit could gain access to. Surely she'll be able to shed light on the situation.
An audible groan made her look back. Dante rubbed the bridge of nose rather frustratingly. "Fine. I'll tell you." A small smirk appeared over the woman's lips that could easily be overlooked.
The devil hunter removed his hand from his face. His brain cramped due to it's overuse. No way in hell is he going to admit his demonic heritage to them. This world already has enough shit to deal with those machines and aliens apparently. There's no purpose by having them think of him as another potential threat to humanity.
Speaking of which Dante's interest in meeting the moon humans was nonexistent. This Earth has been tight locked in a war between Androids and Machines yet that couldn't help him from seeing this place so barren and depressing. A far cry from his home full of violent but lively blood-sucking creatures. Killing the mindless scraps of metal was a nice break from being hunted by Hell Prides but ripping a tin-can that lacks the intelligence to even pick itself off the ground will never surmount to the satisfying destruction of a hellspawn.
He doesn't belong here and nothing warrants his attention to stay. That's why he can't let 2B contact Command. Letting more people in on this is only gonna do more bad than good. It took a lot of convincing for the blondie to let him have his way in their first meeting. It will take a lot more than before to make light of a situation that was never light to begin with. And Dante's pretty sure he doesn't have enough brainpower to do that.
He really should've thought this one through.
With the black-clad woman waiting on him, his mind could only go to a memory he thinks about every now and than.
To this day he didn't know what made him agree to come over for dinner. His gut was probably sick of the endless drinks at Bobby's Cellar. Either way it was a fond memory to look back on. That geezer wasn't lying about his kids being a handful, youngest one had the energy to rival even the fastest of demons.
Regardless dinner went off without a hitch. Well if you consider the Son of Sparda and the younger children making a mess out of everything that is. Aside from getting told to actually eat the food and not for target practice their conversations dived into mindless banter about everyday things. Looking back on it now it reminded him of times where he used to have daily supper with his parents.
After dinner the back-than teen was invited over to the living room by the family, their favorite show was on. A silly but action-packed sci-fi about a man getting into an accident only for the government to come in and make him humanity's first bionic protector or something like that.
Hearing the geezer's one liners over the show's outdated soundtrack made his punchlines hit. The oldest sister, who kept to herself opened up a bit, playing off her dad's banter, enlightening the mood even more. Back than it felt odd for him. No sense of danger, nothing to warrant his instincts, no trap to be milled by. A bit of envy saturated him.
'Dammit Grue.' The devil hunter took himself out of memory lane. Lamenting on the past could wait for later.
Dante took in a deep breath. It can be a bit fictional for the average person to believe but in the weird, empty future that is this world maybe it could work. Of course he'll reconstruct some foundations of the story but if it'll shut the gothic-styled girl up than he'll be more than happy to.
Taking a deep breath the devil hunter eyed 2B. Still ever so patient the battler signified by her interrogative look that this was his one and only chance to speak. Through the corner of his eye, faintly sitting on the edge of the sky showed the infamous sphere housing said humans of this world.
"How much do you know about the humans?" He could see her disgruntled tapping on her arm.
"Refraining from the topic isn't the ideal-"
"Yeah yeah you don't need to lecture me. I'm asking cuz from the time I've spent with you and the dweeb…" the scanner fumed at the nickname. "I can bet my coat you don't know much about us."
She led out a low hum. "You are correct. With the exception of you the most contact we ever had from the Council are messages sent from the moon server."
"Alright let me ask you this? How do you Androids get stronger?"
9S eagerly answered "We're sent down to Earth and our battle data is recorded and sent back to Command. The data is used to make more highly advanced versions of our series than before. We'll be more proficient and more likely to succeed in future operations. We can also customize our chips connected to our cores, it can vary due to either rarity or the materials used to make it."
The red-clad man nodded, "It's kind of like that with us. We put ourselves under extreme stress like lifting a heavy rock over and over. Our muscles break down but grow because of it."
2B sighed. She knew of this already from her research into the human body. "Where are you going with this?"
In her vision Dante gave a grin. "Geez aren't you a ray of sunshine. Maybe boy-bot wasn't lying about your-"
"I DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING!" The battler sent glares to both guys. Her partner especially.
"Get to the point." The cambion dropped his smile and rolled his shoulders.
"It was the only way to get stronger until the guys upstairs picked me to go under a special project. After getting a bunch of needles stuck in me I felt-no knew I was stronger, faster, and tougher. I'm a special type of human."
[Bunker]
Commander rubbed tirelessly at her temples. The last hour has been nothing but a rollercoaster that rode off the very bridges of her sanity. Her free hand ran smoothly across her desk until it stopped on a button. Illuminated by her personal holographic HUD the blonde went over the recent events. Despite her feelings against it.
The latest machine ambush went in an unexpected direction. One of her highest-ranked batters dealt with the threat to her best performance. Given her past experience no doubt Commander was faithful she'll conquer the special class machine as fast as possible. Partnered with one of her top-of-the-line scanners who also shared the same battle data only made the mission go all the more smoothly.
At least that's how it would have been if Dante hadn't interfere.
White always centers her focus on the bringing Earth's threat down with a reasonable but iron fist. Always confident, always cunning, always looking for a better way to improve and evolve. She was the living image of what it means to be a great leader her soldiers come to view her as. What they don't know in the end it could be a lot for the psyche and will do hobbies to realign herself that she'll never show outside of her personal quarters.
Operator 6O would often ramble on her fantasies about human girls and her infatuated endeavors to pursue one in a romantic way. The leader always chastises the girl for it was getting in the way of work. Though at times she found herself depicting her own version of humanity but not the degree of 6O. An authority who speaks words of wisdom with a confidence so powerful the listener will take their speech as fact. With a guileful intellect they'll be able to direct a 100 man army against 1000 and come out on top. Even her other allied leaders would blush witnessing how courageous and heroic their masters are by showcasing undying bravery in the heat of battle. Truly what every Android's depiction of what a human should be.
Dante was the exact opposite of that. White remembered horridly the moment she recognized his distinguishable red blur on top of the building. The feeling when she literally glitched out from where she stood in the control room. The screen was still clearing the imagery. Taking the opportunity she wasted no time manually disabling the connection. The audience were severely angered by the "bug" but White proceeded to bark orders to fix the error, knowing fully well she was the cause for it.
Speculation ran through the room. One take in particular coming from a previously designated Defender unit now turned into an operator. She spoke of how it could perhaps be Android blood and another responded how stupid for it would be for anyone to be there at that time. White suppressed the urge to smack her crop across the girl's head for the unintentional insult at the human.
The stressball was clutched in her hand. She gave it a thought and pondered if she would do the same action towards him if he were he right now. It went against her code but a small part of her found it tempting. She crushed the foamy ball in her grip.
Why on Earth would he let himself be in such a hostile environment? Anything with a brain organic or not would absolutely know that place was dangerous. How would the others react knowing she messed up and destroyed their chances of reviving the human race? Would YoRHa still retain their reputation by then? Or would the entire world be informed that YoRHa, the faction made to serve the humans became public enemy number one because they killed one? All because her curiosity got the better of her and let a human act on their own.
Of course at the time the blonde couldn't break character and had to act as naturally as possible. Within a few minutes she enabled the connection and soon enough the operators cheered as 2B and 9S dealt the finishing blow to the Goliath before everything got consumed in light.
With no more Engels in sight White made her departure for the time being. Whilst she headed to her office she sent urgent notices to the YoRHa pair on Earth to get her on the line as soon as possible. Her emotionless mask hiding a fury that will bring ruin down onto the unfortunate souls who dared to trigger it.
Now she resided in her chair. Exerting all her stress onto the squishy ball of foam while waiting for either of the two units to respond. They have 3 minutes to respond if they don't she won't hesitate to order for a-
*Crunch* She looked at her ball. She was pretty sure no hard material was a part of it. How did it-
"Commander." White sent a gaze that she has only done a few times in her life. One her scientific friend preferred to avoid for as long as possible.
"You saw my email yes? Show me him."
2B paused for a brief moment before complying wordlessly. Relief and solace poured in through all directions when she saw him. Expecting the absolute worse she was baffled to see Dante standing.
Wonderful.
"Dante. Is everything well?" Her voice spoke like a overprotective guardian. The man shrugged away.
"No need to worry about me. I can handle myself."
'If I have anything to say about it.' White noted how stiff he looked. How odd. 2B joined the conversation with a newfound but respectable confidence.
"That's what I wanted to ask you about Commander." That piqued her interest, she signified it with a quirked brow.
"Humans were told to be as fragile and much weaker than Androids. One of the very reasons we were created. Dante's a human that I know but a human who dealt with an Engel unit without any type of support."
'…'
'…'
'…'
'Are my ears deceiving me?' White blinked, digesting the information as well as a printer working without ink. A human defeating an Engel unit by themself? That's…not possible. Her eyes shifted to the man in red, who actively avoided her by looking elsewhere.
"Do you have proof of such claims?" 2B nodded and ordered her Pod to transfer the data. Everyone dared not to speak while the Commander reviewed the footage. Not any reaction was drawn from her in the slightest.
Once she was done White readjusted her headwear. "It seems it's true. Is that all?" Her mind going through a mix of complex questions she couldn't ask right now.
Dante's hair overshadowed his eyes. 2B glanced at him before making her report. "What I'll say next will be relayed from him. Nothing I'll say will be from me."
Commander could only grow curious. "Do tell."
"The Council of Humanity have underwent a project that'll involve humans. A series of experiments meant to make the human body more advanced than before, and they succeeded with him. Dante has the power, strength, and speed to combat even us YoRHa Androids." White nodded, not wanting to speak over her.
2B continued."He was tasked with a mission. To be the first human in centuries to actively live on Earth. Here he can test himself on the unsustainable environments filled with machines, whom he combats with to test the capabilities of his body."
"Is that all?" No sort of reaction was casted from the leader. Out of her peripheral did the man led out a groan.
"Yes but I've detected a discrepancy in his explanation. His actions are too reckless. He faced a Goliath-class machine with no prior experience to something that massive. I'm not intending to insult our creators but it's entirely idiotic on his part to even consider the option to engage it. The chances of him surviving were out of the realm of reality. Wouldn't the Council have taken into account the intelligence of the chosen individual?" She gave the human one last look.
"For someone who's too rash in their decision-making wouldn't it be more wise to pick someone who's less prone of being danger? It's similar of having manufactured a newly modeled D-unit capable of strengths the previous generation had trouble of performing. Except they lack the basic ability to work with a squadron, which can lead to the disastrous results and imminent failure of a major operation."
White understood the analogy and gave a nod.
2B gave a respected thank you. "You understand my point of view Commander but on the off-chance that his words do hold validity I need confirmation. Is it true?"
White brushed a lock of golden hair out of the way and contemplated her next choice of words. Not one of the worst lies she's ever heard but it was certainly ambitious. Enhanced superhuman, it sounded like nothing but a pure fantasy. She stifled a laugh.
White looked over to the man responsible for this meeting in the first place. No wonder Dante's been acting abnormal. All she saw was a frown plastered over his lips as he gave her an annoyed glare. This time she did have a bit of a chuckle but made sure it wasn't noticeable.
The countless times where Jackass would get herself in trouble with their leader flickered in her mind. Using her position as the top ranking officer White always managed to get the chaotic scientist out of any serious punishment. Afterwards they'll secretly leave camp and do God-knows-what with dynamite and gunpowder. She took a deep breath.
'We'll have a talk afterwards.' She gave the man a very brief hint of a wink. Enough to not trigger the notice from the other two. His confused expression was great to see.
She readjusted herself into an upright position indicating everyone's attention. "What you heard from him is true. On the Council's order he was meant to test the capabilities his body. However this information was meant to stay classified. I'm very disappointed in your doubt 2B." She put on her signature cold look. Her accusing words hitting the unit hard.
"Commander I-"
"You and 9S were never meant to find out. I'm afraid I may have to undergo immediate termination for the both of you."
2B's lips quivered at what she's just heard. She glanced over at 9S who shared her fear. The battler cursed at herself for inadvertently putting not only hers but his life on the line. The cost of her suspicions has just landed them both on death row. Despite being a very loyal soldier to the YoRHa force, not even she is safe from Commander's claw.
'I'm sorry Nines. I'm sorry I failed you again.'
Dante cleared his throat garnering everyone's attention. "Of course that would be the case but as your superior and because I felt a bit too harsh today you both can go. Just keep everything a secret between us okay?"
As the face of the Commander shifted into surprise both units dropped to their knees in an act of sympathy. "Thank you. We won't tell a soul." Cried the scanner. The battler relayed her grief and apologized for her doubt.
"Apologies for doubting you. Though may I ask is the Commander all right with this?" He looked towards the now stern looking blonde. She visually questioned his decision.
"Hell yeah. I'm the human so it's clear I get the final say. Right?"
Her green pupils squinted at the man, not liking the sudden loss of power she usually has. The leader knew better than to argue in front of them. She pondered on his decision, it wasn't the first time these two had to withhold secrets. Perhaps he wasn't acting generous for the sake of it.
"Yes." She proceeded to signal that she wants a private chat after this. A quick nod was enough to remove the scrutiny from her face as the pair got up from their knees.
"As a representative of the Council of Humanity do you Dante entrust both these units to abide by their promise?"
Both units held their breath, the man nodded and their bodies finally relaxed.
"Very well. Return Dante to the Resistance. As mentioned before none of you shall speak of this to anyone. Am I understood?"
With a nod from all White promptly shut down the call. Laying slack on her chair she rubbed the side of her temples. She never would've guess to experience the equivalence to a migraine in her systems. Looking out her window the blonde studied the ever present world sitting frozen in space. Earth's rotation has long since stopped forever trapping half of the world in darkness, to which they now dubbed as the Night Kingdom. Though from this angle you could make out a small little piece of land right on the edge of the light with the aid of a telescope. Considered as part of the Night Kingdom since it belonged to the countries within the darkness thousands of years ago were a couple of islands.
The setting of the YoRHa's first ever descent mission.
…I'll never forget this…
The blonde took a deep breath before making a call.
[Forest Kingdom]
"Gah!" The withered Android fell to her knees. Her pain receptors overwhelmed as each motion was like a fight against gravity. Sheer determination made her endure the pain as she looked up.
The bastard fixed his collar as he stood in a confident stride. Where she was leaking from her wounds the stranger appeared untouched as before. He waltzed toward her in what looked like his final set of steps.
This man's something she has never dealt with before. She didn't think something like it was possible but the man's able to create projectiles out of thin fucking air. Not only that but they have a mind of their own, and can even TELEPORT! What in the actual hell was this? The amount of times she narrowly escaped from becoming…what were those called again…a dart board was unfathomable. However with struggle comes along perseverance as she tested her luck and hit one of the ghostly projectiles.
Seeing it shatter into a million fluorescent shards was one of the most satisfying things she's seen in a while. They were incredibly fragile, in fact she's positive even a non-combat model can break it. A weakness she exploited heavily on, eliminating every single dagger the man created until there was no more. Making what looked like a very versatile threat into nothing more than a liability.
The first signs of there being more to him was when she witnessed how quick he can be. No matter how fast she swung her blade she missed by just an inch.
She wasn't disappointed, it would've been a huge waste of time if he were a sitting duck. On the contrary, it did get on her nerves to continuously fall behind his pace, all the while he gave off a provocative smirk. As if she wasn't anything to him at all. She wasn't the best at keeping her temper under control so of course she berated him to fight back.
Fought back he did and she soon found herself biting her tongue. His attacks consisted a style of keeping it short and direct. No worries, it's not like she hasn't dealt with this type of fighter before. The real challenge came when she experienced just how strong he was.
The pain that came with his fist was more than she expected. Initially the withered Android didn't place him at her near her level but after fending off a multitude of hits she placed him at a level above her brute force. It only became more apparent when danger signs blinded her visual optics. A safeguard system to alert her to be aware of dangerous opponents. Those were the second signs, aside from machines no Android's ever been able to trigger that inner function. Just who is this bastard really?
She decided to ignore it and keep on going and in a short matter of time she was suffering the repercussions of her decision.
Blood glistened across her open skin, painting her body in a brutal shade of scarlet. Her defense cracked even more under the weight of the bastard, but she kept herself standing. Where B and D types would fall back and recooperate the withered Android was dead set on holding out her fight. Maybe she should've listened to her systems but to the ones who knew her were aware of the warrior mentality grained into her. Though she was cautious to stay away from most she wasn't afraid to stand her ground when the situation calls for it.
If she is to fight, she'll treat it as her last.
The ruffian kept on taking damage, not feeding into the pain as she waited for an opportunity to strike. She evaded the path of his katana making it dig into the ground, halting his movement. There was her chance and the ruffled woman revved her weapon up in preparation for the killing blow.
*Clank*
The withered Android cursed as her motor functions ceased. In the lifestyle of a nomad she'd given up the habit of self-care. Her filter has become degraded over the years. As a result it would occasionally malfunction before rebooting itself and returning to normal.
This was all the bastard needed to send her to the floor.
"Is this all you truly have to offer?" He spoke. Like a cold-hearted soldier looking down upon their defeated enemy she saw no amount of pity in his eyes. She gave no words.
"I'd admit. You did what others could never amount to." Without hesitation he raised his blade above his head. She lowered hers, her glassy eyes staring into the pool of blood. A beaten-down reflection stared back.
Time slowed down for the ruffian. Thoughts of rage, despair, and regret all rolled into a tornado of words. Was this it? Is this truly how she would go out? Truthfully the Android woman longed for the day she'll finally rest. Escaping from the life of running and isolation always sounded pleasing when you find out what you were really made for. What was the point of living on knowing you just want to end it all?
…Number 4…you can't…
…I have to do this…or else your not gonna make it…
…I can still fight dammit…
…Number 2 please…It's too many of them…
…I don't want to be alone…
…And I don't want to do this…but we have to…
…But I-…
…For sake of everything captain please go…live not only for me but for everyone…even if your still alive we'll still be with you…
…
…
…
…The machines are coming…leave now…I can handle this captain…
…Understood…
…Number 2…
…
…Thank you…For giving my life meaning…
…
…
…
Her screams of agony reverberated throughout the vast room. A red light shadowed his vision and Vergil instinctively covered them. When her voice went silent he blocked a fist.
Opening up again the cambion saw the now glowing Android giving off a murderous red. Scanning to her backside a trail of dark figures followed her every move. Glancing back his eye adjusted to the light and he was able to make out a scowl, her eyes flared into his very soul with a fire.
"Interesting." He ducked an admittedly quick jab. Raising a forearm he prevented a harsh kick from connecting to his side. If he were an ordinary person he was positive her leg would've shattered his bone. He deflected a jab to his midsection and went for a counter of his own.
She dodged his arm effortlessly as opposed to where she ate up everything he threw at her prior. Vergil was slightly impressed. She grabbed his extended arm and pulled him off his feet. She flung the Son of Sparda into the air and launched herself. Wrapping her legs around his waist she proceeded to launch a flurry of attacks. All of which the darkslayer noted to have an increase in strength. Maybe this isn't a waste of time afterall.
He continued to study her as they flipped into the air. A haymaker was followed up with 3 jabs from the opposing side only for an uppercut to come from below. Vergil dodged the combo and noticed they were approaching the ground. Grabbing both her arms he freed himself and threw the ruffian to the ground.
The darkslayer followed suit, extending his boot as he plummeted onto the woman. Dust filled the area and once it cleared up revealed Vergil annoyed at the futuristic blade 4 inches from his neck. It gave the glowing Android a satisfied smile to his discomfort. It angered him to be seen in distress, if he wasn't studiyung her use he would've smitten her already. He flipped back a distance, kicking her sword away.
"Hot enough for ya?" Vergil heard her say. She pointed her sword at him confidently.
'Your not even cold.' The blue-clad man slid onto one leg. He kept up a glare as he reached for the Yamato. The glowing woman titled her head at his actions before he released his infamous attack.
A Judgement cut raced across the room leaving the part of the floor it touched eviscerated. His opponent became wide-eyed before the destructive orb reached her. Patiently Vergil watched as the orb was filled with white slashes before fading away, no trace of the Android left behind. He shook his head in disappointment, all that gleaming potential he saw within her crumbled away.
'What a pity.' Vergil dutifully noted. He glared at the woman's last known location before turning around and leaving the throne room.
*Clash*
His Yamato held off her Type-4O Sword and the ruffian landed. 'So she lives, good.' He swung his deadly katana upward and the Android retaliated with 2 strong but short cleaves. Something Vergil was fast enough to react to. Even her sword skills got better.
For minutes he continued along with her. Countering her attacks with his and missing every time. This transformation of hers truly worked wonders, almost in the same function to his Devil Trigger. Alas, the woman still had flaws. Such as her hack-and-slash fighting style that's very reminiscent of his brother yet lacks his unpredictable nature. After the stiff overheads and sloppily made faints Vergil finally made his decision.
Right now he's being pushed back as the glowing woman so vigorously tried to get at his neck. It brought him a smile when he savors the expression of a cocky enemy when their defeated. Knowing their arrogance is going what led them to their downfall. He continued to go back, wondering if he should stop it now or in the next couple of seconds.
*Thud* The darkslayer's back hit the wall. Alright maybe he should've saw that coming. Still it's not as if he won't predict her next move, at this point she's moving like a headless chicken. The ruffian took a step before leaping at him, only to disappear right before his eyes.
He scowled as he stopped a kick at his torso. When will she learn that tactic of hers won't-
*Shing* Her sword fell from above and sliced his face. She smiled wickedly as her weapon glowed back into her hands.
Blood dripped from his cheek before splatting his boot. Slowly he looked towards the glowing Android's snark face. She uttered a few things but he didn't care to listen. Playtime is over.
"Take this." She proclaimed and went for a kill. Only for her sword to halt by his own hand. He watched her uselessly try to wretch it out of his palms. She yelled out a profanity and went for a low blow to his nether regions.
"That's enough." A hand encased in a black beastly gauntlet squared her noggin. She stumbled back before feeling another hit her abdomen. Her body flickered as she tried to keep herself on her toes. An uppercut to her chin was all it took for her body to lose it's light. She stumbled back once again, trying so hard to keep balance but two kicks is what finally sent her down.
In her eyes the world degraded to only black and white, all she could hear was an annoying beep. She breathed heavily despite not requiring it for survival. Nano machines actively worked inside her body to fix the damage but it was useless. It took too much time to help her get up again.
Yet through it all she still lifted her head to see the bastard with black gauntlets and greaves. Her eyes narrowed as the beeping slowly stopped and she could pick up on her hearing again. The world regained it's color and she hated what she saw. In the end he still reminded her so much of that bitch. Gathering enough bile in her mouth she spat at his boots. At this point fuck it, she was already gonna die. Might as well give him a fuck you before departing from this world.
…
…
…
It never happened. He stood frozen in his tracks his eyes bored into hers in an everlasting stare off. While she was growing frustrated she noticed something about him. Those blue orbs that matched the same shade as hers looked less artificial than hers. Actually why did his scleras have red squiggly lines? His chest heaved up and down as if each breath was necessary for his survival.
His armored casings disappeared as he bent down and wiped away her bile. "Feisty aren't you? That fire behind those eyes tells me you inherit hatred towards someone. Do you not?"
She raised a brow, what the hell was he getting at? She would've retorted with a profanity but was reminded by the pain.
"You don't have to answer. I saw it within your performance, you aren't one to fold so easily. Your skills are far more admirable than I expected." His weapons disappeared, adding to her confusion. "Your willing to go out on your shield, even if the odds are stacked too high. The mindset of a warrior resides deep within you." Her body tensed when he got closer. She could see it more clearly now, the light creases on his forehead. Weird root-like wires underneath his skin.
Through the bleeding she felt a little bit more energy return to her. Enough to give a response.
"Why do you care?"
A chuckle escaped his lips. With the swift motion of his hand he brushed back his hair. "I am in need of assistance. Judging by what I've just said it's clear what I've think of you. Why am I telling you all of this? It's quite simple, I am in need of some assistance. Would you care to aid me?"
Her brows furrowed. "I'm not a dog anymore. Cut the bullshit and kill me already. I'll see that bitch White in hell." She protested.
The man's grin dropped but held a neutral expression. "If I truly wanted to I've could've ended you the moment you set foot in this stronghold. I wouldn't have bothered to entertain you by holding back."
'Holding back? Your kidding?' Her teeth gritted even more.
The bastard continued "You may not believe me but well you've experienced first hand what I can do. I assure you it'll be a long time until you reach my level but your certainly more impressive than I anticipated."
At this point she rolled her eyes "It takes a lot more than shitty compliments to reach my heart. No Android not even one as weird as you can change that." Now that got the man laughing, she's long stopped questioning his strangeness.
"Tell me, would an Android have this?" He rolled his sleeve, revealing his wrist. Against her judgement the stranger placed her tired hand on-top of the newly exposed area. She yelled at him to let go, not wanting to partake in anything this guy might do to her.
Then her fingers felt it. Her lips stopped moving, her voice fell silent. For a solid minute she felt it over and over again. Black boxes had the same function but they only did so under certain circumstances. What she felt indicated the only outside trait of what makes an Android different from a-
Her eyes widened and looked at him in a whole new light. "Your…"
Vergil looked visibly upset and cut her off "Save me the annoyance. Indeed I am but you'll refrain from associating that term with me. You shall address me by my proper name, Vergil." The Android nodded despite his odd statement.
He shrugged himself free from ire "Now that you understand the full scale of my situation I'll reiterate. Will you Android, aid your superior by offering support on my quest?"
The Android woman took a moment to gather her answer.
…You ever think what the humans are like Number 2…
…
…Number 2 don't give me that look…it's not a silly question…
…
…If I told you of what I think of the humans will you tell me yours…
…Fine…
…Alrighty…I think the humans are wise in each and every decision they make…yet they are flawed and us Androids are made to help fix that flaw…On the inside they are good but fragile animals but due to their status they aren't allowed to show their softer sides…Lily and I want to help them deal with those kind of things…she knows more of it than I do but helping them heal from wounds that aren't physical is interesting to me…
…That's…awfully kind of you…
…Of course…why do you think the crew finds me so enlightening…Now how bout you…
…
…I never really thought about it so all I can say is whatever…
…YOUR KIDDING…AFTER ALL OF THAT…
…I never said my answer will be satisfying…
The nano machines actively worked along her body and successfully stopped the bleeding. Her pain receptors have dwindled down significantly, if anything major was broken she could always fix it with all the junk scattered around the castle. With a gaze that lacked any of her previous hatred she wearily but inevitably took ahold of the huma-Vergil's hand.
The corners of his lips creased upwards.
"Very wise of you, Android."
"A2."
"Pardon?"
"It's A2." His brow momentarily lifted for a second before giving her an assured nod.
"So it is. Greetings A2, I'm looking forward to what the future holds between us."
[City Ruins]
The birds chirped delightfully in the sky as they soared over the ghostly city. Each member of the flock placed themselves in a V-like formation, letting the breeze of the wind keep them afloat. 9S watch the birds with mild interest before picking up the pace, his own group getting far too ahead for his liking.
2B wanted to run back as soon as possible but Dante insisted to go at a leisurely pace. Through perseverance the woman obliged, something the scanner wishes to inherit from the man. The curt battler always turned him down most of the time, mostly because his way of doing things never aligned with hers. 2B automatically took the role as the leader of the two. Not that he minded, but at least let him have a say every now and then.
9S wandered onto the man walking alongside her. He always speculated what it would be like to meet one of his creators but now having spent a good amount of time with the guy the scanner was perplexed on what to think. An enhanced superhuman? That's just too…well weird even for him.
2B's suspicions were understandable, he was quite peculiar as well but wanted to hold off interrogation until it felt necessary to do so. His Pod picked up on a signal of some sort near the crater but it had a hard time determining just exactly what. He can already see a potential operation for the pair to undergo. Now after confirmation from his boss 9S couldn't help but speculate on the oddities of the ordeal. 2B might've been forgiven for her actions and swiftly thrown any of her thoughts out of the window but his was just starting to brew.
2B had a good point why did Dante act so recklessly? Even for a so-called superhuman to just face one of the Goliaths by themselves and with no prior experience was dumb. The human's demeanor throughout the battle was so casual, like he does things like this on a daily basis. Not too mention how the Commander looked as though she was just finding out about it. Her composed face might've fooled 2B and possibly him if he wasn't looking but the small visual change on her face told a different story.
9S could chalk it up to her being stunned that classified info was leaked but he had a feeling that it wasn't. Call him crazy but maybe a cover-up?
With Commander's confirmation to Dante's claims then are the Council of Humanity actually planning to make their own army of Dantes? What would become of YoRHa if this hypothetical theory turns out be true? Would he, 21O, and 2B just be reassigned to new assignments unrelated to before? Or would they simply terminate them because the need of YoRHa units was no more?
The more he thought the more grim his speculations became. His body's temperature rose and each step he took was a bit heavier than the last. His chest felt as if it was shrinking in on itself. One of his fellow scanner buddies recently went under a mandatory reboot. The reason given by his operator being it due to him having a mental breakdown due to a particular subject she wasn't allowed to discuss on. Kind of a weird reason to undergo a full on reboot in his opinion. Now that he's experiencing something similar perhaps his thoughts on the subject now wasn't so black and white.
9S realized he's slowed down heavily. He picked up the pace so others won't notice. Are his cheeks red? They feel hot. He'll have to hide it if were to turn around.
So far they haven't, actually Dante was looking to the side off to where the newly-dug crater laid. He too seems to have slowed down. Is something on his mind as well?
9S recollected himself. He can't let anyone see him right now.
"Report: Body temperatures in Unit 9S have risen drastically. Query: Is everything alright?" 9S always was fond of his Pod companion, it was a good ear to talk to. Dare he say, a better buddy than 2B. But at this moment he wanted nothing more than to hack into it and make it fly straight into a minefield.
The pair ahead turned to look at him.
"Are you well 9S?" 2B questioned. Admitting the truth wouldn't do any good he figured. The entire party agreed to not speak a word on the matter, discussing about it further won't end well.
'Quick. Think of something else…uhhh….uhhh….' A light bulb went off.
"I remembered a list of questions sent to me by my operator. You see she has an interest in learning about the concept of human families. I was just wondering if right now was a good time to-" Dante rolled his eyes at the response. Behind the visor 2B squinted in suspicion but motioned for them to keep walking.
"Pass."
"I…but.."
"Sorry but I'm done talking for the day. My tongue is tired." Dante blocked out the kid's whine. He looked back to the direction he was facing before. The crater left by that machine who blew itself up in his face caught his attention but not by the sheer scale of it's destruction. Rather something ebbed from the hole that caught him by surprise.
It wasn't the smoke, or the weird looking machine spiraling in and out of it. It tingled a part of him that laid mostly dormant ever since he arrived here. His demonic senses were picking up on a source of energy.
He felt this energy before. Giving it some thought the cambion ventured back to when the boy took out those monsters who were apparently called shades. The magic that was used. Yes that was it, it held the same enigmatic feel.
If he wasn't as strong as before Dante was positive he would've missed it. The strange magical energy was being contained, but by who and what for? The cambion grimaced, his demonic gut hankering for him to go and investigate but not now. He didn't just go through all the bullshit just to walk right off. White won't be able to cover his ass this time.
As much as he hates it he'll lay off for now. Soon they've reached close near the Resistance. Anemone and Jackass spotted the approaching group. One was relieved but the other wasn't so peachy.
The next few minutes consisted of the YoRHa duo protecting the red-clad man from the crazed scientist. The Resistance leader could only led out a sigh.
[Bunker]
"My soldiers disposed of the Goliaths before more harm could be done. Luckily the Resistance settlement had enough distance to avoid any sort of damages. Anemone should make her report to you Violet as soon as she can. Any other questions?"
Black leaned back in her seat, brushing her dark bangs away from her face. "Anything on the strange signal?"
"Currently analyzing it now Black. In time I should be able to uncover the origins the crater is giving off." White reassured her.
"Any thoughts on what it could be White?" Violet's words made the blonde shrug.
"A hidden machine base? Another old-world SOS signal? My guess could be as good as yours, however if it is indeed dire I won't hesitate to send my troops to investigate." Her answer appeased the purple-haired woman as she gave a warm smile.
"It seems you have everything under control. You earn the right to live up to humanity's protector."
The blonde waved off the flattery "Please Violet your too kind."
Black rolled her eyes at the unnecessary praise. She snapped her fingers gaining the attention of the two. "How are the humans?"
The blonde took a deep breath, still trying to deal with the aftermath of Dante's actions "I've found one of them and they are safe and secured at the Resistance settlement. Unfortunately I have no updates on the other."
Dante's words on their agreement bounced in her head. After a moment she reassured them "Fret not. I won't give up on finding him."
The black-clad leader sighed "Well at least it isn't all bad news. I suppose I should let you know Violet and I have talked it over and decided to approve your project." The blonde smiled in delight.
"I thank the both of you in helping me partake in this one in a lifetime opportunity. I assure the both of you I will do my best to make every Android's hopes and dreams into a reality."
Violet giggled to herself "Oh please I shall thank you for informing us in the first place. May I ask what's the human like? Is he strong? Charming? Does every word he speaks make you wanna melt in ecstasy? Oh I bet he dresses to impress. Tell me is he as well-mannered and wise as moi?"
Even someone as high as the leader of the Army of Humanity had their own interpretation of a human being. If White could've smacked her head she would've. "He's…a very special character."
Violet was unsatisfied by such a vague description before she could insist Black once again snapped her fingers. "Did you inform our master of him and the other being the last in existence?"
"No I haven't yet. I will soon, the truth can be very overwhelming to bear. Even I had to take time off from my duties to regain myself."
The black-clad brunette pursed her lips but nodded. "Yes. I suppose it can wait. We shall discuss the rest later on for now I'm afraid that the Kingdom of Night needs me."
Violet voiced her departure as well. "I'm afraid I too have to go, tragic I really wanted to chat a bit more. Until next time."
White gave a silent departure to the other leaders. Quietly she stared into nothing before giving out a small smile. Coming off a very shaky start things are finally starting to go her way. Her chance of redeeming the Android's greatest failure have gotten closer to reality than in the past thousands of years. For being such an young leader as compared to Black and Violet this milestone certainly gave her a huge sense of accomplishment.
Like White most of the Androids on Earth are barely older than a few hundred years. Due to the constant wars a huge amount of resources were scalped by the higher powers of the factions, paired with the fact that older models required older forms of repair which at this point was barely practiced among the new generations only made it a harder task for the seniors to keep up. A cruel lifestyle but in the art of war decisions need to be made. However, it wasn't to say it's impossible to live across the age of 1000.
How does White know? Well there's more to Black and Violet than on the surface. Even if it was never clearly confirmed White learned the pair's data has lasted for more than 3 centuries. Maybe even during the first machine war if she was willing to stretch it. With their positions as the commanders of The Army of Humanity have free access to over an unlimited supply of bodies whenever their current ones are no longer capable.
Than there were the Devola and Popola units, the oldest models on the planet by far. An interesting case to say the least. Their sole purpose of being created was to ensure humanity's survival, now the remaining ones were plagued with a rumor. A rumor that many would take to heart, except for her. It didn't matter to her since she inherits knowledge of the human's actual fate. A very unfortunate line of models in her opinion, though she wonders how such a rumor started.
Leaving her office she returned to the control room. The mindless chatter of the operators numbed her into hearing silence. From up top she stood and for the first time in a long while she led out a smile. Something Operator 6O noticed and discreetly took a picture. Commander was too much in her mind to notice. The future of Earth is looking very bright.
Couldn't decide whether to end this off on a happy note or not. There was other section I wanted to put in but ultimately settled on the happy note. Didn't want this chapter to be bombarded than it already is. Next time there will be plot. Aaalright how did this go out? Stupid? Brilliant? Mediocre? Write down your thoughts if you wanna. Alright I'm gone see yall whenever.