Sorry for the wait I hope you all enjoy it.
It was, well not that long ago from my perspective. Regardless this seems recent to me barely a year ago in fact. I was contacted by Devola. The two of them needed a specific kind of artifact to assist them in some project they were wrapped up in. So I agreed to meet them at a Waffle house thirty miles from my father's military base. Since White Chlorination Syndrome has not made it to America just yet most places are still open though most countries at the time had placed a closed border policy to slow down its spread.
Anyway I arrived first, it was a cold and rainy day, and when I walked in wearing my usual suit though the small emblem that marked me as a servant of the gods currently assaulting humanity with pestilence has been removed. In my right hand is a big black suitcase locked with a seven-digit combination. I looked and found the only other person in the place was a single short-order cook currently working the griddle. I took a seat at the center bar stool putting the case between my legs and the bar while the cook turned to me. "What can I get ya?" He asked attempting to take my order.
"Sorry, I'm waiting for two more. But I will take some hot tea, earl grey if you have it." I said and he nodded and turned around grabbing a pot to make some hot water.
"Got your earl grey right here. In fact, your the only person to come in today with that tropical Storm Fronts moving in. " He said looking at the wall-mounted television hanging in the far right corner of the room.
"Ya I just hope my date gets here in time before things get serious," I said looking back at the door watching the rain pick up. After staring at the door for what seems like a minute I hear the cook place a cup of hot water on the counter. So I turned around and placed the bag of tea in the cup, then mixed in two sugar packets and squeezed just a bit of lemon. Now I just needed to wait and let it brew.
After a few more minutes a bell rang behind me so I turned around and found the two who I have been waiting on. The two were dressed in matching red dress and a dark brown, I would like to say shawl but I'm not very knowledgeable when it comes to clothing. Devola was on the left holding a black umbrella. Though they appear unarmed, their magic was very potent speaking from experience, they are not shy to use it in combat.
They both moved over to the bar and took a seat on either side of me. Devola to my left and Popola to my right. Before a word was said Popola put an arm over my shoulders and the cook set a couple of menus in front of them as he prepared them as soon as they walked in the door. Popola was the first to say anything "Ally how have you been." she said and I gave a smile. "Alright I guess, just been busy with work since White Chlorination is spreading like wildfire, we're moving our private collection to a new location," I explained to them as they began looking over the menu.
Devola looked from the menu and ordered plane waffles and a coffee before her sister did the same. Once they ordered I felt it was my turn to ask them a question or two. "Despite being in regular contact you two have neglected to tell me what the both of you have been up to as of late?" I am curious about what they're up to since they could never tell me what they're planning over the phone.
Knowing what I meant Devola answered first with a long sigh. "To be honest even we don't know everything yet." She said before Popola picked off where she left off.
"All we know is that we will be overseeing some projects once the initial foundations are complete. We have also been tasked with acquiring a couple of magical objects that fit a certain template and we just happen to know someone with the capability of procuring such objects." She said, tapping my shoulder. I couldn't help but grin pleased that I have outdone myself this time.
"Well, I will show you the finished product after we enjoy a nice, warm, and alcohol-free meal. I sent a glare to Devola who blushed. Ya, another reason I chose this place. Devola tends to git a little too friendly when she drinks not that I mind all that much but when dealing magical artifacts under the table, I find it best to not make a public scene.
I ordered myself some blueberry waffles and spoke about how things were going. However the two never could tell me much except for the fact their mind and body are going to be replicated into several duplicate models. I found this curious and if it was linked to the mysterious project there assigned to. Though now I know they could have not been speaking of anything but Project Gestalt. Regardless, without knowing what they're planning to do, I figured there was no point in questioning.
So we counted on with our meals, I couldn't help but chuckle. Though nothing extonary happened Devola had to throw in a few jabs of the condition of certain creations of mine. "Hey, Ally did you get any of those golems fixed because I sure could use some target practice." She teased knowing full well my reaction.
"Those golems were meant to battle any combatant, ESPECIALLY magic users and you OBLITERATED THEM!. No, there is nothing left, they will never pass go, collect two hundred dollars, or do anything but sit in a dustpan for the rest of eternity. Maybe ask me again in three thousand years." I ranted as the twins laughed. Then we finished our meals and with a quick wipe of my mouth I reached down and pulled up the suitcase. I was about to put in the combination to unlock the thing when Popola put her hand on top of the case.
"Twenty miles north of where we have a hotel room reserved. Let's conduct our business there." She stated calmly as could be but hey I thought trading here was fine, but hey I have the time.
The Devola was next to speak. "We have a car rented out to us. We can take you there, given you do not have a car." She said which was true I actually never needed to learn since I usually would travel with a companion or enlist whatever aid I needed with a budget granted to me by the association.
I pause for a moment allowing myself to smile at the memory. But then remember I have a job to do and I have indulged myself in nostalgia enough for now. I once again looked at Adam who was taking in my story, most recently curious to hear more. As for the Hotel, well that's an adventure all to itself and a story for another time.
I turn around to look at Adam who seemed to be listening intently to my story "There you have it though it was more of a business deal than a date, what follows is well that is a, let's just say longer story for now. I will be happy to tell you the story but I don't have much time because I must take the stage and still need to come up with some challenge rather than a simple fight." I explain as he gives a nod and scratches his chin obviously pondering something.
"Hmmm, from what I gathered from analyzing your story I can come to the conclusion that you did have not just one but several romantic encounters with them. Just know that I will demand the complete story as repayment for my aid at a later date. Regardless, I seem to have won my bet with my brother." He stated most certainly still interested in my past but pleased that he was right about the interesting relationship I have with the twins despite purposely giving him little to go on. With that in mind, I could not keep the grin from growing on my face, his ability to analyze the information I have given him with the addition of the ability to think critically could make him an excellent successor. Still, I must test him more but I will save that for later.
"You got a deal," I said, agreeing to give him the rest of my story if he aids me.
"Excellent now how about me and my brother join in on your battle to stop the opposing combatants from stealing your crown from the top of your head. This provides both an entertaining scenario and narrows their focus on a single objective." Adam suggested and to be honest it sounds pretty good considering but I have no ideas at the moment.
I pulled up my datapad and started sifting through my options when an alert appeared on the screen and displayed a message from the arena master. "Alert there has been a change in your upcoming fight. Though the use of a previous prize guaranteeing a shot at the current champion at the arena YoRHa module 2B will be added to the challenge prepare yourself." Stated the datapad in the Arena Masters voice. Well looks like I'm going to need all the help I can get.
Adam walked behind me and looked at the datapad "I know that Android she is a capable fighter." He said, taking his right hand and pointing to the picture of her displaying her sixty-four victories and zero losses in the arena.
"Well, Adam it looks like I'm going with your idea," I say and select the application allowing me to add the details of the match. I type that I must either yield or they steal my crown for a victory. Also, select the option to add an ambush of machine gladiators and air support at my command at some point during the match all of whom are on my side of course.
Adam then began to walk out of the room "Eve will be most excited for this game, We will meet you at your entrance gate. So you might want to prepare yourself. This is going to be interesting.
With that, I walk off through the corridors leading to my gate. Once I get there I take a seat on the steel bench looking at all the information I can on this 2B. I access the arena contestant database hoping to find any other information other than her victory to defeat ratio. I flip through several files finding information pertaining to her gear, a YoRHa standard-issue visor, her weapon of choice is Virtuous Contract a small sword, and a pod unit that serves as a multipurpose aid. From what I can gather 2B does not have any magical weapon. However, I can't say the same of the twins who even if they're not the originals will most currently have magic weapons.
Well, I better get prepared so I take a deep breath and clear my mind. Oh, I almost forgot I need Vetito for some pre-match planning. So I pull my mystical binds and conjure my creation to me. She appeared right in front of me floating at eye level. "Ah, there you are, master." She said once she manifested, happy as always that I summoned her.
I could keep a smile on my face as I stared at my creation, my mind drifting back to my days spent creating her. But I can reminisce later, right now I need a combat strategy. 'Where are the brothers at, the match will start soon?'
"Vetito our first true battle here in the arena is about to begin. What I know as of right now is that the match is going to be three-on-three fights. My new fends who abducted me the other day will help us battle Popola and Devola, we still owe them for the golems and using me a bait during the hotel incident." I let out a light shiver remembering that bizarre and horrific night." I explained sharing as much information as I can while Vetito nodded towards the end remembering when I summoned her to help the twins and myself escape the place.
"Master, you said we will be facing three opponents, who's the third?" She said as I forgot to tell her about the YoRHa android jumping in.
"Well it seems that a YoRHa android known as 2B is a former champion of this arena and has invoked some former prize for a shot at me in the arena. So far she has a flawless record and is not to be underestimated." I said while my creation gave a nod.
"Yes Master by the sound of it she will be a serious threat so during the match should I play an offensive role?" She asked most certainly taking everything I'm saying into account. Although Vetito is capable of delivering powerful offensive attacks, the twins will most certainly expect that tactic. "Actually I want you to take a support role and protect me while delivering chaotic area blasts to keep our opposition on their toes. I will play defensive for the most part but we will see what our partners think." I spew out my thoughts on what we should do when the battle starts. With that out there it was not but a second later that I heard footsteps coming up from behind. I turn around to greet the brothers.
"Gentlemen let's talk strategy," I say to them eager to see what they have in mind.
Meanwhile, in YoRHa's commander center known as the Bunker, the once clean white integration room is now a mess with android blood. The possessed android, now heavily restrained by three E-type models while an S module is trying to access the AI's data banks. All of which the Commander herself is still overseeing. Though her pristine appearance is now disheveled from a recent brawl with the AI commandeering the B unit. That little fight led to the decapitation of the previous 2 E units but she was prepared for such a scenario and had prepared accordingly.
"DAMN YOU GET OUT!" Yelled out the restrained military-grade, tactical AI known as CO-DEC trying to fight off the S model attempting to hack into her system. The S model is known as 2S and an excellent unit for any job where breaking into the mind of a machine is required.
"Alright, I think I got it." Said 2S as he turned to his commander. Who grinned happily that progress is being made in a timely manner despite a few minor incidents ending in a brutal escape attempt for their current prisoner.
"Good copy all the data files you can and send them to my personal terminal. 1E and 4E make sure to escort the prisoner to an extra secure cell. She is to be monitored 24/7. Make sure she is isolated and no one is to speak with her without my permission. Is that clear?" Ordered the commander as she exited the interrogation chamber as the rest of the room stood in attention giving her a salute.
"Yes Ma'am," They all said before performing their duty and grabbing CO-DEC making sure she is unable to move and escort her out of the room and safely into a cell.
While that's happening the commander though displeased that the human Alaistair is fighting in the machine ran battle arena for their entertainment but is happy to know that things are turning in her favor in multiple ways. First, she has the human's location and current status. Second, over the past twenty-four hours, she has developed a plan to explain why Alaistair must stay in the bunker while writing off the council of humanity. With humanity's haven on the room suddenly destroyed by machines, YoRHa will have an excuse to rally all the other androids under its banner. But the best part is we now have a live human one with both chromosomes due to being a male.
Yep, the commander is looking forward to bringing humanity back to life. To be of course raised under YoRHa to ensure their safety and her position of power. With all that running through her head she could not help a pleased grin from forming on her face. "The mother of humanity." She whispered to herself as she continued to her quarters.
But her mind quickly shifted to other matters such as what exactly to do with the AI. Normally I would have it destroyed since it has proven extremely dangerous. However, this AI could prove useful in the future once we're able to properly reprogram it. Until then we need to keep it safely in a cell before its deactivation.' She thought to herself as she reached her personal living area.