Hey guys, it's been a while wasn't it? I'm sorry for been gone for a while but I had some personal stuff i needed to sort out. Which made me less motivated to write chapters but don't panic, like i said previously I'm NOT dropping this story any time soon. It's just that I won't be able to update this story at the same pace that I used to for the time being, but I'll still continue to write whenever i have free time. And I'm also trying to write longer chapter for you guys since I'm now confident enough in my writings skills, it's not perfect but i'm still progressing. Anyways, things are about Erebus soon enough. That's all I can say for the time being!

Enjoy!


Boredom, this is what Erebus felt as he observed the people around him talking and laughing with each other's. After discovering Anemone's true intentions he hasn't bother talking to her despite the numerous times she tried apologising to him, saying that she was just watching out for her people. He knew there was some truth behind her words but it didn't change the fact that he wasn't pleased to be taken advantage of and even less for being used as a tool for her dirty work. In other circumstances he would've gave her a piece of his mind, but sadly he couldn't afford to harm her while he was staying inside the camp. It would be unwise of him to risk having the whole resistance camp after him and even the Yorha army for attacking their leader, he couldn't afford to make these mistakes. Not when he was beginning to learn some information about this world.

''A penny for your thoughts?''

Erebus's eyes slightly widened as he recognised who the voice belonged to. Slowly, he looked beside him and was confused to see the same woman that had bumped him when he first arrived at the camp. Erebus wondered why would she come and talk to him, they weren't friends or even partners which could only meant that she wanted something from him. He silently stared at her as she moved besides him and leaned against the supplies boxes. As their eyes met, she flashed him a cheeky grin which caused him to frown at her. He needed to be extremely cautious of her in case that she was planning something against him, and her behaviour only reinforced his suspicion. 'What does she wants now?'

''So, what's up?'' She crossed her arms while still grinning at him. ''I heard a lot about you since you've arrived ya know? Not even here for a full day and you've already managed to attract yourself some attention.''

Jackass waited for him to respond or to even be embarrassed but instead she was only met by silence, she scolded at him while trying to gauge his expression but saw nothing except for his grey eyes that were staring down at her. A smirk slowly crept on her lips as she had an idea on how to make him crack.

''Can't take your eyes of me? I don't mind it to be honest, If you want we-''

''What do you want...?'' Erebus asked as his patience was growing thin. He still wondered what could she possibly want from him since he had nothing to offer, not even information. His silvery eyes narrowed at the thought that she may have been secretly sent by Anemone to watch him closely.

Jackass let out an exaggerated sight before running a hand through her black hair, she had overheard about the argument between him and Anemone as she was about to enter the room where the both of them were arguing. At first she was surprised by her friend's plan to spy on him but she quickly understood that it was for the sake of everyone's safety. 'You own me big time for trying to save your ass, Anemone.'

''Look, I know about what happened between you and Anemone.'' Her teal eyes flickered towards his face that was mostly covered, she saw him glare at her which made her quickly clarify what she meant before he misunderstood the whole situation. ''I wasn't spying on you if that's what you're wondering.''

''Keep taking me for an idiot and i-''

''Okay! I was, but i didn't hear everything that you guys talked about. At first, I was just gonna come and ask Anemone for some tools but before I could enter her room I heard you guys jumping at each other's throat.'' Jackass admitted as her teal eyes glanced towards the sky, she hoped that whatever happened between them wouldn't cause him to be wary of everyone in the camp and especially of Anemone.

Erebus didn't reply, instead he kept looking at her for some time before getting ready to leave his spot. He concluded that talking to her would be useless, she had nothing to offer and she was starting to annoy him.

''...Anemone isn't a bad person ya know? It's one of the reasons why I consider her to be my closest friend.'' Jackass said with a faint smile as she remembered all the times that Anemone had scolded her for trying to experiment on other androids.

''Of course you two would be friends...'' Erebus curtly said as he rolled his eyes.

''Listen, I know that you're mad at her for trying to spy on you and you have all the reasons to be pissed about it but you gotta understand that it's her job to make sure of everyone's safety. In the past we had cases of people coming here and trying to screw us over.'' Jackass said while slightly raising her voice.

Erebus listened to her with a bored expression, he didn't care if the resistance leader was a good person or not. What truly bothered him was being observed without him knowing anything about it, there were many things he needed to learn about these lands before he could leave the resistance camp. And the thought of everyone trying to discover his identity didn't put him at ease.

''Whether if her reasons were justified or not isn't my problem.'' Erebus sternly said as he looked towards the resistance members that were doing their tasks. ''The only thing I learned about your leader is that she's a snake that cannot be trusted.''

''Couldn't the same thing be said about you too? Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against you but that's not the case of everyone in this camp. I mean just look at them.'' Jackass pointed towards the group of Yorha units that were occasionally glancing at him. ''Can you really blame them? This war has been going for centuries, which is enough to make anyone paranoid. I've seen some pretty messed up shit outside y'know? Everyone here is on the verge of insanity, you can see it all over their faces despite them trying to hide it with booze or with their fake smile.''

Erebus watched the Yorha group before turning his attention back towards the black haired android. ''What are you trying to say?'' He asked with suspicion. To his confusion, she stood straight and walked in front him until their faces were inches apart. He couldn't do anything but to stare deeply into her eyes. ''What are you doing?''

''Why do you hide your face? You don't strike me as the shy type...'' Jackass asked while frowning at him however she saw him blankly staring at her which made her eyes twitch, as she was about to repeat herself he slowly looked down at his feets and spoke in a unusual quiet tone.

''I have a pretty noticeable scar running down my face that I'm not comfortable in showing...'' Erebus lied as he hoped that she wouldn't question him further. 'I have a feeling that she's going to become a nuisance in the future, maybe I should dispose of her when the time comes.'

''...That's it? You do realise that we have a nurse around here, right? If it's bothering you that bad then she can probably fix it in no time.'' Jackass narrowed her eyes before stepping closer to him. ''I'm not dumb, I know there's something you're not telling me, I'm sure you have your reasons but you can't expect Anemone or anyone to fully trust you when you keep secrets like that.''

''I don't own you or Anemone any explanation about myself.'' Erebus retorted with irritation in his eyes before looking away. ''Besides, I don't remember exactly who i am...''

''The hell do you mean that you don't remember exactly who you are?'' Jackass raised an eyebrow at his cryptic answer. ''You're not making any sense here.''

Erebus clicked his tongue in annoyance before an idea suddenly came to his mind. ''...I have memories losses, I don't even remember what year it is.''

Jackass blankly stared at him for a while, she never considered the fact that he was suffering from memories losses. It wasn't rare for androids to experiment these type of injuries in this war, but she still felt there was something off about him. The more she listened to him the more he sounded hesitant and strange. ''...11945 that's the current year, if I were you I would go and see the nurse right now because it doesn't sound like some minor memories losses to me.''

An awkward silence took over them as they both stared at each other's eyes, Jackass glanced around herself before looking back towards him and slowly lifted her hand. She snapped her fingers in front of his face to catch his attention. ''Hello...? Anyone in there?'' To her confusion he just kept blankly staring at her without saying a word which made her wonder what could possibly be the cause of his state. As the time passed by, Jackass couldn't help but to feel disturbed by his silence. Which made her decide to try a different approach.

''Do...you want me to bring the nurse?'' Jackass worryingly asked as she saw him not moving an inch. ''I'll...take that as a yes then...?''

''I don't believe you, there is no way for us to be in the year 11945.'' Erebus growled as he came closer to her which caused her to slowly back way, he couldn't believe that so many years have passed by since he woke up from his slumber, it was ridiculous. 'She must be joking, she is not going to make me believe this nonsense.'

Jackass instinctively bought her hands to defend herself, as she was about to explain herself she noticed at the corner of her eyes that the same Yorha group from earlier were staring at them, ready to draw out their swords at any moment. Sighing, she took his arm and dragged him across the camp until they were standing in front of the construction site. She carefully inspected her surroundings before opening the metal fences and quickly made her way inside the first empty building she saw while also dragging him inside, she let go of his arm and whirled around to face him, her eyes were filled with confusion and anger as she saw him crossing his arms.

''Do you know why dragged you here?'' Jackass asked as she started circling him.

''No, but I hope for you that you have a good reason for dragging me here, woman.'' Erebus growled as he closely watched her walking around him before stopping in front on his face.

''Yeah, so that we can talk without being observed by these Yorha units.'' Jackass explained as she looked at him. ''As I was saying before you entered your mood swing, the current year is 11945.''

''It won't end well for you if you keep lying to my face.'' Erebus threatened her, he wasn't going to be tricked into believing what she was saying.

Jackass didn't flinch at his threats, instead she stared him while crossing her arms, her teal eyes were filled with pity and curiosity as she tried analysing the reason for his sudden anger. ''Then tell me, what year do you think we are currently living in?''

Her suspicion only grew as he remained silent while looking into her eyes which made her decide to press further on the subject. ''Do you know why we are fighting in this war? Do you know who we are fighting against?'' Jackass raised her eyebrows as he looked away without saying a word.

''...The machines?'' Erebus guessed as he was beginning to grow anxious, he knew that she was testing him. 'I should've kept quiet.'

''Do you know what we are? Do you even know what you are?'' Jackass asked as her eyes remained glued on him.

''Yes, we're androids.'' Erebus quietly answered. ''Now stop bothering me with your questions.''

''I'm just trying to help you, I can't believe you managed to survive in this war while forgetting the basic stuff that every androids were programmed to know before being deployed.'' Jackass sighing in exasperation before blankly staring at him, after some moment she deviously smirked towards him while rubbing her chin. ''Ya know, i've been working on some new projects. Mainly about explosives and I'm missing some items, and I was thinking that you-''

''Go to hell.'' Erebus spat with venom as he couldn't believe she had the audacity to even try to negotiate with him.

''C'mon don't be like that, I just need two circuits that you can salvage from those little stubby machines.'' Jackass protested while stepping closer to him. ''If you do me this favour I'll stop bothering you with my questions and I'll even craft you something useful that you could use when going out on missions.''

''No, go and get it yourself.'' Erebus began walking towards the exit until she stopped him by placing herself in front of the building entrance. ''Get out of my way, this is the last time i'm gonna repeat myself.''

''It's for science! And I know that deep down you're also a man of science right? '' Jackass said with a hopeful tone. ''I would go but I'm not really suited for this types of missions, my weapons ammunitions are running out and I don't really have anyone else to ask this except you. You're the only strong guy left.''

''Too bad, that's not my problem.''

''Listen, It's just at the amusement park! There's some unique machines over there that you can destroy. After that you'll just need to take what's necessary, it will be a piece of cake for you.'' Jackass desperately pleaded while clasping her hands together.

''...Amusement park?'' Erebus slowly repeated as he was intrigued by what she was saying, something triggered inside him as he vaguely remember the twins had mentioned something similar when they visited him in his slumber. 'It's sounds like a place filled with jesters...'

''Yeah, Even though the place is filled with machines there's also a lot of crazy fireworks. Do you know the shit I'll be able to make when I'll get my hands those fireworks recipes?!'' Jackass explained as her teals eyes were filled with excitement. ''With that kind of data, I'll be able to make the best explosives that anyone was ever witnessed and I could even incorporate some its properties to androids. I'll be known as the best scientist on this planet!''

'Hm, she's a scientist? Then maybe her knowledge could useful to me after all...' Erebus frowned at her as he already knew that he was going to regret his decision, but the opportunity to learn more about this world was simply too good to refuse. ''...Where's the amusement park?''

''Looks like I managed to catch your attention? It's quite far from here if you take the traditional road, but luckily for you I know a shortcut that can take you over there in no time.'' Jackass explained while taking a device from her back pocket and handed over to him. She saw the puzzled look he gave her but dismissed it while pushing the device against his chest.

''What is this...thing?'' Erebus asked as he carefully took the device from her hands and inspected it, he was surprised by the screen turning on with some before seeing strange lines and a dot in the center of the screen. ''What am I supposed to do with that?''

''This thing will be your best friend as you travel to the amusement park, it will guide you through the city's sewer. It's the shortcut that I just mentioned about, and finally this device will show you precisely the circuits that I need from these machines once you destroy them.'' Jackass explained as she analysed his expression but the only thing she saw was a hateful glare that was directed at her.

''The sewers? Do I look like a filthy rat to you?''

''Uh, I mean-''

''Finish that sentence and you-''

''I was just messing with ya! Jeez, we'll need to fix that sens of humour of yours in the future.'' Jackass exclaimed before walking besides him and pressed on the device that he was holding. ''Look, you just gotta press here for directions and on the top for the materials needed. Got it?''

Erebus watched the buttons she was pressing on the screen without saying anything, while he wasn't thrilled to help her he still appreciated that he had some kind of tool to help him in his mission. After showing her that he remembered the pattern for using the device, she nodded and walked towards the building entrance before stopping and turning her head towards him.

''It's best that you prepare yourself with supplies before leaving.'' Jackass suggested while staring at him. ''Fighting machines and travelling long distances at the same time can be really tiring.''

''...You're name is Jackass?''

''Yep, that's me.'' Jackass said while raising her eyebrows. ''Why are you asking?''

''It fits you quite well.'' Erebus said with some venom in his voice.

''Thanks, good to know someone else appreciate my name.'' Jackass said with a small smirk.

''I wasn't complimenting you...''

''Well I'm considering it as one. Anyways, I've got stuff to finish so i'm going back in the desert.'' She said while leaving through the entrance but not without giving him the middle finger. ''Thanks and good luck.''

'Bitch.' Erebus gritted his teeth in anger before calming himself down, he needed to be careful with this android since she almost discovered his true identity. It was clear that the people inside the camp didn't trust him and the skeptical glances that Yorha soldiers kept giving him didn't ease the situation, however for now he couldn't afford to confront anyone. Sighing, Erebus exited the building and walked towards the camp entrance while ignoring the looks and remarks about him, at the corner of his eyes he could see the red haired woman that he had saved laughing with someone that looked strangely similar to her. 'This must be her sister due to their similar appearances.' He concluded as he watched both sisters before leaving through the camp's entrance.


Popola could barely hold her laughter as her sister finished telling her the recent story about the machines she encountered while coming back from her mission, she was thankful that her sister always knew how to make her laugh despite the harsh treatment they received from everyone that saw them. ''So what did they do? Did they try attacking you?''

''They didn't even look at me, they just kept jumping on the truck while saying some nonsense.'' Devola explained while shrugging. ''I still can't believe these machines are our enemies, they don't look like a threat at all.''

''That may be true, but we must remember to not let our guard down. I've heard some pretty gruesome story about some resistance members that were dismembered by machines.'' Popola said while worrying for Devola's safety, she couldn't bear the thought of something horrible happening to her sister. ''You're the only one I have left, I couldn't live with myself knowing that something terrible happened to you.''

''Sis, I really appreciate your concern but you've got nothing to worry about. I know how to take care of myself, I've always returned without any of my limbs missing.'' Devola reassured her sister while gently placing her hand on Popola's shoulder.

Before Popola could reply, something caught her attention far further from her sister. Slowly, she squinted her eyes and was surprised to see the hooded man that had saved her. Popola flashed him a gentle smile and waited for him to do the same but to her confusion he just stared at her before leaving through the camp entrance. 'Where is he going? Did Anemone give him a mission to complete?'

''Popola? What are you looking at?'' Devola curiously asked as she looked behind herself to see what caught her sister's attention.

Popola snapped her head back towards her sister and bite her lips, she didn't why she hesitated talking about her saviour to her sister. Normally, there shouldn't be any secrets between them since they trusted each other's. But for some reasons she still couldn't bring herself to confess what really happened the day Devola saw her coming back with bruises on her face.

''N-nothing, I was just lost in my thought. I haven't had much rest because of the tasks that I've spent all day doing.'' Popala lied while smiling towards her sister's worried expression, it pained her to see Devola's worried gaze each time something unpleasant happened to her.

''Are you sure? It doesn't look like nothing to me.'' Devola skeptically asked as her emerald eyes glanced back towards the center of the camp, she didn't understand what her sister could possibly be looking at since the only thing she could see was a group of Yorha talking with two resistance members. ''Did they hurt you again? Where did-''

''Devola I'm fine, I promise you that nothing happened. I'm just really tired.'' Popola dismissed her sister's concerns with a smile before taking a supplie box in her arms and placing at on a shelf. ''Let's finish our work like that we can go back and rest for the day, we're lucky that Anemone hasn't given us more things to do today.''

Devola frowned at her sister's odd behaviour, ever since Popola came back with these wounds on her face she has been acting quite strange. At first she didn't think much of it but as the days went on she couldn't help but to feel something was bothering her sister even if she tried telling her otherwise, but for now there wasn't much she could do except to make sure that her sister wasn't suffering in silence.

''I guess you're right, we should finish our job.'' Devola complied while also putting the boxes away before remembering something she forgot to tell her sister. ''You know, I'm not really sure if I heard correctly but one of these machines mentioned about finding...humans.''

Popola's breath got caught in her throat as she whirled around to look at her sister with disbelief, she knew that her sister wasn't the type to joke about these things. She looked around herself to make sure no one else was listening before stepping closer to her sister. ''Humans? On earth? That's impossible and you know that, they are living on the moon because-''

''Popola, i know it sounds crazy but I'm certain that they were talking about humans.'' Devola said while crouching down to pick another box. ''Just think about it, What else could these machines be looking for? They already know where androids are residing in this region, it's obvious that they are trying to find humans.''

''Listen Devola, it's not that I don't believe you but even if there was an actual human on earth. I don't think he would just roam around the streets without an actual purpose.'' Popola said with a detached tone. ''However, I cannot deny the fact that just like every android, i also wish to meet an actual human. Isn't funny that we androids all share the same desire to interact with humans? To be acknowledged by our creators? But even if we were to meet real humans, I doubt that they would want anything to do with androids and especially with us. It's a privileged that we aren't worthy to have, not after the sins we've committed. You know, it would be a miracle if the humans don't decide to have both of us executed at sight-''

''Just stop! Are you even listening to yourself?! We aren't the same models that went crazy with that project! We are different, we are not them!'' Devola exclaimed to her sister while grabbing her shoulder. She didn't understand what's gotten into Popola however she wasn't going to just ignore her sister sudden change. Her green eyes slightly widened as she saw her sister smiling however there wasn't a hint of sincerity behind that smile, it felt dull and unnatural.

''...Sorry sis, I didn't mean to rant like that. but I guess that's what happens when I don't get much rest.'' Popola flatly explained as her smile still hadn't faded, she didn't mean to make Devola even more stressed then usual but she just couldn't control herself these days. ''Anyway, let's get back to work. These boxes aren't gonna move on their own.''

''No, I'm finishing this. I want you to go and rest since you're clearly tired.'' Devola ordered while gently pushing her sister away. ''I'll join you after I finish this, there isn't much left to do anyways.''

''But Devola-''

''No! We're not gonna argue on this, you need to take some time off.'' Devola sternly said while frowning at her sister which seemed to work as she reluctantly began walking away but not without offering her an apologetic smile. After seen her sister walking away, Devola leaned against a wall and sighed. She didn't know what to do anymore, she was aware that Popola was hiding something from her but she couldn't figure out what could it possibly be which saddened her even more since she desperately wanted to help her sister. 'It's pointless to even hope for a miracle in this war, we can't rely on anyone but ourselves. No androids, and certainly no humans.'

''What are you doing?''

Devola blinked before quickly turned her head to see who was calling her name, her green eyes narrowed as she saw Anemone standing in front of her with a curious expression. Devola couldn't help but to wonder why exactly was Anemone here since the both them didn't like each other's and never held conversation for more than two minutes.

''Nothing, I was just about to finish my task.'' Devola bluntly said before pushing herself off the wall and moved some boxes away with her foot. ''Is there something you need?''

Anemone blankly stared at her before sighing as she realised that the twins was probably her only hope of giving her an answer. ''Yes, I wanted to know if you've seen the new guy around here?''

''A new guy? Since when?'' Devola asked while crossing her arms, her brown's contracted as she tried remembering if she had recently seen someone new around the camp. ''What does he looks like?''

''Right, I forgot to inform you and your sister about this new guy.'' Anemone quietly said while rubbing her eyes.''

''Oh, You forgot...?'' Devola suspiciously asked before walking closer towards the resistance leader. She wasn't going to believe that Anemone somehow forgot to inform them about a new member that recently arrived at the camp. ''You seem to forget to tell us about a lot of things these days, it's almost like you doing it on purpose.''

Anemone frowned at her before sighing, she wasn't blind. She was aware of the harsh treatment that everyone in the camp gave the sisters everyday, she had seen how some members would usually throw insults at them and sometimes even resort to physical abuse which most of the time she had to intervene. ''Sorry Devola, but I don't have time for this. I need to find that guy so that I can tell him something important.''

Devola's eyes twitched as she heard Anemone dismissing her. ''You do have time, it's just that you absolutely don't care about what I have to say.''

''I don't know what your talking about.'' Anemone sourly said as she wanted this conversation to be over with, it wasn't the first time that both of them argued however Popola would usually be there to separate the both of them before things escalated.

''Why are we the only ones to not be informed about what's going on? Its not the first time that you do this shit. You purposely keep things hidden from us until the very last minute, Popola may be oblivious of what's happening but I'm not. I'm getting sick and tired of us being left in the dark.'' Devola venomously said while glaring at the resistance leader before her. ''The least you could do is to inform us like everyone else in this camp, or is this too much to ask of you?''

''Firstly, you and your sister are not being left in the dark of what's happening around here. Like I said, I forgot to tell you about that guy because it slipped out of my mind and it wasn't on purpose. And even if that was the case, I'm sure the both of you are capable enough to go ask other people about what's going on. I'm a resistance leader, not a messenger, it isn't my job to go and inform everyone each minute about what's going on all over the world.'' Anemone sternly replied while crossing her arms, she couldn't believe that Devola had the audacity to accuse her of purposely ignoring them.

''Oh please, stop pretending like you're not aware that the moment me and Popola go and ask questions, we're usually rewarded with insults and occasionally hits from the people around here. You know very damn well that we are treated like monsters!'' Devola harshly said while remembering all the times when she had to defend her sister from getting attacked by the people inside the camp. ''But you don't give a shit about that, do you Anemone? Let the people do whatever they want with the twins as long as they don't come and bother me.''

''You clearly don't know what you're talking about, don't forget that I'm the only one here who steps in whenever you and Popola are being harassed. So instead of being mad at me, you should be thankful that I'm even helping the both of you.'' Anemone said in a monotone voice as she blankly stared at the red haired android.

''Oh right, how very considerate of you to always step in whenever any of us are close of getting beaten to death or getting gutted in our sleep. Always there to save the day, right Anemone?'' Devola sarcastically said while repeatedly clapping her hands together. ''Stop playing the victim here, we both know that you secretly despise me and my sister. It's pretty obvious by the way you adresse us whenever you need something or the dangerous task that you assign us despite the risk of any of us never coming back, or even the occasional glance that you give us whenever me or Popola have our back turned for a slip second. You share the same resentment that everyone around here has for us don't you? You believe that me and Popola are responsible for this war? For the collapse of humanity?''

Anemone blankly stared at Devola's furious glare as she tried to process what she just heard, it was true that she somewhat resented the twins. Every androids that knew about the twin's history resented them in some way, she knew that everyone inside the camp wished for them to be gone and to never come back. Anemone knew that she would be lying if she said that there wasn't a small part of herself that felt the same way, however it was something that she would never openly admit to anyone. However she knew that the twins living inside her camp weren't the same models that were responsible for project failure, but someone had to be blamed and unfortunately the twins were the perfect scapegoat. Both sisters had their memories being reprogrammed to feel constant guilt for something that they were directly responsible for, and for some reasons she felt guilty each time she witnessed the twins getting abuse.

''Devola, I'm truly sorry for what you and Popola are going through but there nothing I can do about it. You both are alive at this moment and protected from the machines that are roaming outside this camp, waiting for the first androids they see to kill.'' Anemone said in a monotone voice.

''I don't want your apologies Anemone, your words are just as hollow as this war that we are currently fighting.'' Devola sternly said as she stood in front of Anemone's face. ''You know, sometimes I feel like safer outside than being inside this camp surrounded by people like you. You're worst than them because you are a hypocrite.''

''Then leave, nobody is going to stop you. But you and I both know that the moment you step outside this camp death is the only thing awaiting for you and your sister, that's why you both haven't left the camp already. Because you know that once you step outside it's a death sentence, I'm being very generous by allowing you both to live here. You have no idea the amount of people that come to my room asking me that I just banish the both of you outside. As we speak, countless of androids are being killed by the machines despite most of them knowing how to fight in this war. So don't do something that you might regret, I think that it's best if the both stay here. It's not a pretty sight outside, trust me I've spent more than two hundreds years on the frontlines.'' Anemone coldly said before turning her attention towards a crowd of people gathered in front of a shop. ''I've wasted enough time with you, I need to find the new guy before he leaves. Don't forget what I've said.''

Devola clenched her fists as she watched Anemone walking away until she disappeared into the crowd. She was on the verge of losing her temper after realising that Anemone had the nerves to suggest that they should just keep their mouth's shut and to keep enduring the resentment of everyone. It wasn't fair that she and Popola had to keep suffering for something they weren't responsible, however her programming told her otherwise. That she must keep atoning for her sins just like her sister has to, no matter what happens. Devola closed her eyes and bit her tongue to resist the urge of letting out a scream, after some moments of calming herself down she turned around and continued putting away the few boxes left on the shelves. 'What's even the point of getting frustrated anymore? It won't change anything...People will always hate us no matter what, the only thing we can do is to accept our sins and hope that we will live to see the next day.'


The sound of birds filled 2B's ears as she was sitting comfortably on a tree branch, she had recently finished the mission that the commander white had assigned her to. It mainly involved in killing some hostile machines that were near the bridge within the city ruins, when fighting the small machines she noticed that she had grown stronger than before due to the intense training that she put herself through during the whole week she spent in the bunker. 2B remembered the times when 60 would usually come and visit her to make sure that she hadn't destroyed her body while training, 60 had told her that she needed to rest and to not torment herself for not seeing instant results. 2B was grateful that her operator was worried about her well being however the only thought that crossed her mind while she was training was to be strong enough to defeat Erebus, to surpass him. It disturbed her remembering that whenever she was training in the bunker the flashbacks of Erebus sinister smile would usually come and haunt her. 2B frowned as she wondered if Erebus was thinking about new ways to make her suffer, to torture her. The mere thought of him standing above her made her shiver. 'I'm sure that he didn't die under those debris, but at the same time I doubt he is going to show up anytime soon.'

''Why am I even thinking about that monster...''

''Alert: Incoming call from the commander.''

2B raised her eyebrows as she was surprised to get a direct call from her commander since most of the time she received messages, she jumped down from the tree's branch and prepared herself for the call. She was curious to know what the commander could possibly want to discuss about. ''Pod, put me on the line.'' She ordered her pod who obeyed and displayed the commander white though the screen, 2B cleared her throat and awaited for the blonde leader to notice her.

''2B, I'm calling you to inform you that we've recently lost contact with several Yorha units on the surface. Their black boxes are still online, so we presume that they are still alive. Which is why I need all available Yorha units to go and investigate these strange anomaly, we will send you the coordinates through your pod since we've managed to the location of their signals.'' The commander white said.

'Hm, I heard something like that back at the resistance camp when I was being treated for my wounds.' 2B nodded at the Yorha leader as she heard her pod receiving the recent coordinates. ''Understood commander, i will be on my way.''

The commander white didn't immediately respond but instead kept staring at the white haired battle unit before frowning. ''2B, don't do anything reckless and don't let yourself be distracted by anything, we can't afford any more casualties at the moment.''

2B gave the commander a questioning gaze as she tried figuring out why would she say something like that. ''I'm sorry commander but I'm afraid I don't understand what you are trying to imply, did I do something wrong?''

The commander white sighed before staring deeply into her subordinate's blue eyes. ''I'm aware about the intense training that you've been going through for the past week, what exactly do you hope to accomplish by pushing yourself to the edge?''

2B mentally flinched as she noticed the slight frustration in her leader's voice, she concluded that 60 must've informed her about her training. ''Commander, the reason why I am training more than usual is to be able to sharpen my combat skills. I just wish to be stronger so that I can handle my missions without sustaining any injuries and-''

''Do not lie to me, we both know that this isn't the only reasons you've been training.'' Commander white said in a stern tone, her eyes narrowed as she began to realise why 2B was training at this intensity. ''It's because of him, isn't it? You are obsessed in surpassing Erebus aren't you?''

2B slightly lowered her head as she had be exposed by her commander, there was no point in denying it anymore. ''...Yes commander, but please understand-''

''I thought that we already had this conversation 2B, you are not to engage in a combat with him.'' The commander white sternly ordered. ''If you were to ever encounter him again, I want you to retreat and to contact us immediately.''

''but I don't-''

''2B, I'm not going to repeat myself.'' The commander white dangerously warned the white haired battle unit, it was obvious that 2B didn't stand a chance against him which is why she was trying to everything in her power to prevent 2B from suffering more traumatic experience at his hands.

''As you wish commander.'' 2B complied in a quiet voice while still being unable to meet the commander's eyes. ''If you'll excuse me, I will take my leave now.

The commander white gave a nod of approval. ''Be careful, and don't forget about my orders.''

''Glory to mankind.'' 2B said while placing her hand on her chest.

''Glory to mankind.'' The commander white replied while also placing her hand on her chest before cutting the transmission.

2B didn't move for a while, she blankly stared at the trees before her. Her thoughts were preoccupied with the fact that the commander had just deemed her not strong enough to face Erebus which caused a unpleasant sensation to spread across her black box, she didn't understand why she was feeling that way. 'The commander doesn't believe in my abilities to win against Erebus, and she's right. I'm not strong enough to face him, then why does the thought of not being strong enough makes me feel this way? Have I been training for nothing all this time?' 2B thought as she unconsciously clenched her fist, after realising what she was doing she immediately let her hand fall to her side and let out a frustrated sigh. She spared one last glance towards the empty streets before walking to the destination that her pod had located.