NieR: MHST

by Destress98life

In a world full of monsters and hunters fighting to keep a delicate balance. A boy makes a discovery of a life time that changes his life and makes an unlikely friendship his world has never seen. Secrets are revealed and worlds expand in this journey of bonds and kinship. Pairs include 2B/9S & A2/4S. Rated M for future chapters and mild gore. (Chapter 1 rewritten.)

24. Chapter 24

Author's notes:

Hi guys, sorry again for the late update of this chapter. I'm still trying to fix my schedule for faster updates. Though right now I could only guarantee of one chapter each month, but I'm still hopeful that I can post two chapters by March.

This is a longer chapter than usual with a long omake that I hope you guys will enjoy.

*Also I'm learning how to do digital art and made a cover photo for this Story.

That's all and here is the chapter enjoy!

---

Several days have passed for the denizens of Whistill forest.

For the village of YoRHa and the felyne settlement, the time past made it more than a month since the stampede of monsters in the village and the discovery of the black blight in the forest.

In those passing days, 9S and Rogue spent their time training as rider and monstie. As they planned before and with each day's training intensifying. From simple riding exercises to progressing into more intense activities, either together or individually.

Individually, 9S trained his body by working out and even did some heavy lifting for the felynes in the settlement to help. While also practicing with his insect glaive, training himself to be more efficient with the kinsect. Whistill and Pod even made a new training regime for him to follow. One based from the Rider's Manual own instructions that focuses on training riders to prepare their bodies for their fighting style and help withstand the stress that comes with it.

Rogue on the other hand similarly did the same, training his body by lifting weights with his rider, albeit with his jaws, and helping the settlement. He also was honing his hunting instincts on his own, by going on solo hunts after 9S, Pod 153 and Whistill decided that he was ready to hunt by himself without supervision.

They trust him enough that he hunts in the areas not frequented by the villagers and hunters of YoRHa. Plus, Rogue has been getting good in hiding, avoiding and detecting unwanted attention since their last fight. Not wanting a repeat of an ambushed in the future. A side bonus for Rogue of being able to catch prey near the border of Pondry hills like Aptonoths, now that the Velociprey pack was taken care of.

Training together was a different story with 9S and Rogue. They at first, attempted training with 9S riding Rogue, with the settlement even building obstacles courses for Rogue to run through. Though, that training didn't last long as 9S proved to be a natural in keeping himself mounted on Rogue's back. The boy didn't have any more trouble and has become proficient when riding Rogue, no matter what landscape or obstacle was set upon them.

It could be because of their Kinship or something else, but no one can deny that the riding part of their training was done. But knowing that riders don't just ride monsters, 9S and the rest knew that they had to work on strengthening the bond he has with Rogue.

Which then involved mostly them trying to guess what they can do to increase their Kinship. Of course supporting them in their endeavor was Pod 153, who joined them with her own training to be a proper palico, and the felyne settlement. With Whistill overseeing the three train while creating inventive ways to help them.

9S was affected the most from these sessions and felt that most of this training was focused on him. Which was true…though not in a way he expected. He just had the more important part of being the rider and understanding his monstie's feelings. Thus they structured some activities for him and Rogue to work together from his own training regime and fit in his own time, while at work or not.

Like…

The days were 9S was of pulling carts of lumber and stone with Rogue.

Were then made into days were he was pulling carts of lumber and stone …and Rogue.

---

"Why. Are. You. Making. Me Do. This?!" 9S punctuated each word as he tries to pull a cart filled with materials and a cheering Rogue and Pod, up a slope to one area outside the settlement.

"Strength training Meowster! Now only a few more steps!"

"GROAH!"

Pod 153 and Rogue cheered as they slowly made it their way to the top—

"GAH!"—Only for 9S to slip at the last second and sent them sprawling back down.

---

Some days, Whistill got a bit more creative too in training their kinship together. Like during one task he assigned the two to help with.

---

"Is this necessary?" 9S asked carrying both Pod 153 and Whistill on his back, around the field where the settlement's garden is.

"Yes, Nya this is to help you visualize that you are the monster carrying the rider." Whistill answered with Pod nodding in agreement.

"Okay I get that by why are we in a cabbage field? And why do I have a basket?"

"To train your coordination with Rogue by catching the cabbages!" Pod 153 said.

"W-wait what?!"

"Here they come, Nya! Do it Rogue!" Whistill shouted as Rogue was on the other side of the field, plucking cabbages then throwing them at high speed to 9S.

"Gaaahh!" 9S moved the basket and struggled to catch them. The speed and force Rogue was throwing them, made the green vegetables into deadly projectiles 9S wouldn't want to get hit by. Doesn't help that the vegetables grown by the felynes are super tough and durable.

"Don't dropped them or you'll ruin them, Nya!" Whistill told 9S, as he struggles to catch another.

"They'll ruin me if I get hit!—"

"And don't let us fall too!" Pod chimed as well on their seat on his shoulders.

"How. Do. I—suppose to—Do. This. Gah!" 9S jumped to catch another barely in time.

"Use the kinship Nyain-es… Use the kinship…" Whistill said solemnly, while clinging to his shirt.

"That doesn't even make any sense—URK!" 9S couldn't finish the reply as he was hit square in the head by a cabbage.

---

But 9S has seen better days ...and worst ones.

Especially when training came to the part of sparring and mock fights with his monstie…

---

"You want me to WHAT!" 9S shrieked with an expression of disbelief mix with incredulousness and insanity. He was currently wearing some sort of wrestling outfit, while standing in a makeshift ring outside the settlement.

"Wrestle with Rogue." Pod 153 said plainly.

---

Yes… as in sparring and mock fights against Rogue.

---

"With no weapons and just body armor. Grapple with him if you can, Nya." Whistill added.

"Why the **** would I do that! Rogue will destroy me!" 9S complained before turning to the Deviljho on the other side of the makeshift ring they made.

"GROAH!" Rogue bellowed with excitement and an edge of competitiveness. He was giddy and kept bouncing between his two feet. 9S made an audible gulp before turning back to the felynes.

"See Nyain-es! Rogue doesn't mind, Nya." Whistill said, ignoring his skeptical look.

"Easy for you to say you're not fighting a thousand-pound pickle made of muscle and teeth!" 9S replied with a hiss.

"Don't worry Meowster! You guys will get to learn more by doing sparring together and learning how one fights. Which is good! Especially for you to practice reading a monster's movement, and better train with a monster that is both violent and unpredictable…Like a Deviljho! You don't want to rely too much on your instincts when your Kinship stone is active. Besides, Rogue knows when to hold back and think of this as playing with him." Pod 153 assured him before patting him on the back to get into position.

As if to mock 9S, Rogue begins to clamp his jaws in rapid succession, emphasizing his killer bite. The boy shuddered, knowing what those jaws can do.

"Yeah play… Can I at least have some potions or first aids?!" 9S asked.

"Nope! Now go fight the pickle murdersaur, Nya!" Whistill shouted as a bell sounded around a corner, signaling Rogue to start his approach.

"Where did we get a bell? —Hey wait! Take it easy against me Rogue? Please no biting—"

9S saw a red glow as Rogue opened his mouth.

"Wait, I take it back… N-No not the dragon breath! ROGUE! RO—AAAAAAHHHHH!"

---

Majority of 9S, and Rogue's, Kinship training seemed to be unorthodox and unlikely to be done under normal circumstances. And also normally with minor injuries and dragon blights that 9S had to suffer with.

Yet, their situation and unique partnership as rider and monstie gave a very unique and eventful training days for the two. Amazing enough, their training bore fruit as both their kinship and strength progressed and grew at a quick pace.

With some kinship changes already manifesting as their bond grew deeper, one showing for 9S whenever he came home to the household in some days for supper.

---

"Ugh 9S… Can you stop pigging out, you're eating all the food! Leave some for the rest of us." A2 complained while feeling disgusted at 9S, who was swallowing a whole dumpling before grabbing another well-done steak.

They were eating dinner back home, with Zinnia in the kitchen making more food with the Pods. She wasn't expecting for 9S to come home like a starving monster, despite Pod 153 giving a heads up.

"But hunters eat a lot don't they…" 9S muffled a reply before swallowing audibly, earning a disapproving stare from 2B.

"9S." She said in her stern voice, scolding him for his table manners.

"Sorry…" 9S sheepishly smiled before hearing A2 speak to him again.

"Yeah hunters eat a lot but only during pre-hunts for the energy before they go! You don't see me and 2B stuffing our faces with the amount of food you're eating?! Where's the hunt!" A2 complained before pulling a plate of chicken wings back from 9S reaching it. The boy whines as A2 covered the wings protectively from him.

"I'm worried if the settlement is not feeding you much. Or are you so busy that you're skipping meals?" 2B asked in concern, cutting in.

"Well no its just… I gained an appetite from all the work we're doing?" 9S said, hoping his excuse would pass for his kinship granting him, partially, Rogue's metabolism. He also learned that his body could heal a bit faster but at the cost for more food to be eaten.

"Really…" A2 deadpanned not believing him.

"Oh hush you two! 9S may be eating a lot because he might be getting a growth spurt!" Zinnia said, giving a convenient excuse for 9S and another plate of wings for him that she brings to his side.

"Well about time. You can't stay a squirt forever." A2 teased.

"Hey, I'm not that short! And you guys are only taller than me because you put heels or whatever platforms on your hunting grieves." 9S retorted only to receive a snort from A2 who corrects him.

"Okay one, it's how me and 2B were taught to fight with and its become a second nature for us. And two, even if we are without our heels, we're still a half foot taller than you." A2 replied plainly with 2B nodding in agreement.

"It is true 9S. You do still have some growing to do." 2B said while 9S grumbles and stuff his face with more wings.

"Don't worry 9S! All you have do is eat more meat and gain some GAINS!" Zinnia said giving support and to hearten the boy.

"You'll grow taller eventually." A2 added with a shrug, done teasing him.

*(9S will grow taller later in the story and he'll be the same height with 2B and A2, without their heels, like in the game. But he doesn't know that yet😉)

"Still some of us don't mind your height right now…" 2B whispered, while absently peting 9S on the head.

9S heard this and perked up, while 2B ignored the looks of amusement the others were giving them.

---

While the kinship changes for 9S prove to fluctuate from being convenient to difficult at times. Their overall improvements in combat and teamwork was evident, shown within their other duties in the village and work in the settlement in the later days.

---

This was one of those days.

Dodging a leaping strike before returning with his own slash, 9S swiftly vaults to the next Ioprey before cutting it down.

9S is currently in a hunt with 2B, a typical slaying quest to take care of a pack causing trouble near the border between the western and southern area of the forest.

He was facing the pack while 2B was fighting the alpha, with relative ease as 9S noticed. He was keeping the other members at bay while she focused in slaying the Iodrome, only to see a second unexpected Iodrome stalking towards 2B.

"2B watched out!" 9S shouted before leaping in the air with his glaive, slashing the offending bird wyvern before mounting it. The Iodrome begins to thrash around to dismount him.

"9S!" 2B sees him riding the bucking monster, but she notices how he is surprisingly handling himself staying on top of it. Though, before she could react or come to help him, the other Iodrome was keeping its attention on her and keeping her away from 9S fighitng its brethren.

With a growl, 2B resumes her assault twofold. The Iodrome could only squawk in shock and pain, not expecting the increase in ferocity from 2B, as its body is riddled by slashes and cuts from the hunter's long sword.

It stumbles to a stop and resigns to being slayed by this formidable opponent, who was also emitting an aura of painful death. But before its swift end was granted, its body suddenly collides with the other alpha of the pack.

"Yeah!" 9S shouted as he lands beside 2B, after sending the bird wyvern crashing to the other. 2B looks at 9S and sees him give a tilt of his head to signal them to finish the fight. She takes a brief glance at the rest of the pack and sees some slayed and the rest fleeing, deciding it was a lost cause facing them.

A minute later with two slayed bird wyverns 2B held an impassive gave on 9S, who was waiting for the expected scolding for his rash actions of mounting the second Iodrome.

"Good work 9S. While I'm not please for letting a trainee jump in to fight a monster not cleared for their level, you handled yourself quite well and I'm grateful for the save. But leave the tougher opponents to me until you are officialize by the guild as hunter and rank up." 2B both praised and chastised him, a welcomed surprise for 9S.

"Uhhh… I mean yeah, okay 2B. But even if I know that you can handle yourself, doesn't mean I won't try to save if I can or you warn you about something. Though, you're right that I should let you deal with the more dangerous threats... For now until I'm a hunter, then we can both face them together!" 9S added cheekly, while earning a shake of her head from 2B.

"Very well… But Anemone's training must be paying off. You've been doing well lately."

"Oh you've noticed. Hehehe…" 9S blushed with cheeky smile.

"Or it could be whatever the felynes are making you do." 2B added.

"Well it's a little bit of both." 9S said, which was true. While he trained being a rider, it also complemented his training as a hunter.

9S even remembers Anemone telling him a tip that in a way helped him grasp the Rider fighting style eaiser.

---

"Control your breathing 9S." The captain said to him as he was brandishing a great sword and was powering a strike.

"What?"

"Sometimes hunters time their breathing before striking. It helps with the timing and the feel, before they unloose all their power. You can also do it with other weapons and their combat styles." Anemone continued to explain.

"Other weapon and styles, huh?" 9S gave pondering look before walking a few paces before the dummy he was supposed to strike. The hunting captain looks on with curiosity of what he is doing.

"Is it okay if I try something?" 9S asked with Anemone giving a shrug and gestures him to go ahead, interested on what he'll do.

9S sets himself, taking deep breaths and remembering the same sensations he associated his body to feel when he was going to deliver a 'monster strike'. Which he named as the basic rider style attack for convenience.

Opening his eyes he rushes with the great sword being drag on the ground towards the dummy. Anemone watches with amusement and expected for another failed great sword strike.

Only for her eyes to go wide as the blow 9S produced sends the dummy soaring several feet in the air. Not expecting 9S to carry out a move a boy his age shouldn't been able to do yet.

She looks him give an exhale before stumbling on his butt on the ground.

"And its going long!" 9S said watching until the dummy lands back on the training ground.

Anemone turns her attention back to him, feeling proud and a bit of pride for her student.

'He really is something and a quick learner.' Anemone thought to herself, while at the back of her mind was nagging her that she's seen someone do something like this before. She shakes the thought away for before calling 9S for another round.

"Hey kid let's see you try that again. I see something we can work on right now and I can give you some more tips about it if you like."

"Really?! Yes!" 9S shouts with enthusiasm.

---

Training with Anemone improved 9S by a huge margin, which the hunting captain would often joke that at the pace he was going he may be able to fight a small pack of lesser bird wyverns. If only she knew that he already did and more with a certain pickle dinosaur.

9S chuckles to himself at the thought remembering it, as he was walking back with 2B to the village. He was looking forward for more times like this in the next days.

---

With all the training finished and the good progress 9S and Rogue did, the only thing that was missing to complete their to do list for those days was making Rogue's saddle. Only finishing at the present, just after a week since 2B and 9S's latest hunt, that also gets a surprise test run by the boy and his monstie. It started when they had to deal with a monster for the settlement. The event also, unknowingly leads to the boy and monstie finding something else while they're at it.

---

"Stop that Kut-ku! Nya!" Whistill shouts form afar.

"SQUAAAWWK!" A Yian Kut-ku screeches outside in the Whistill forest, before slamming its beak on a felyne cart. It then tears a wheel off it before running away.

"It took the wheel" Whistill shouted, the chief was riding the cart with some felynes heading back to the settlement.

"Why did we buy a cart with wheels made of Konchu shells!" Whistill asked himself rhetorically, panicking with his paws on his head.

"Nya!" One of the felynes responded.

"Right, it was two for one and get an old cart for free…" Whistill remembered before watching someone intercept the bird wyvern.

"Yaaaah!"

It was 9S, charging with his glaive unsheathed. The Kut-ku sees him and prepares to meet him head on. It makes for a tackle but 9S counters with quick dodge and heavy slash on its head flinching it.

"GRRROOOOAAAHHH!"

Before the bird wyvern recovers, Rogue burst out from a bush with a roar and body checks it. Making it let go of the wheel from its mouth before crashing to the ground.

Pod 153 pops up next and catches the wheel.

"I got it Meowster!"

"Good job Pod! Take back to Whistill—Woah." A fireball is shot at 9S, making him dodge.

The Kut-ku was back at its feet and begins lobbing fireballs at the three forcing them to flee or for Rogue release his own breath attack.

A stream of black and red energy shoots out form Rogue's maw, meeting one fireball causing an explosion before being directed to the Kut-ku, forcing it to dodge the dragon energy.

It gives a squawk before lobbing a fireball at Pod 153, who sees it and ducks to avoid getting hit, while unfortunately throwing the wheel in the air. The Yian Kut-ku sees the opening and spread its wings to take to the air, catching the wheel back with its beak and continues to flee..

"It's getting away Meowster! I'm sorry!" Pod yells with worry.

"Its okay Pod! We can still catch it." 9S assures her before grinning.

"Whistill!" 9S calls the chief felyne who was already one step ahead and was bringing something wrapped with cloth before unwrapping it to reveal a saddle.

"I got it Nya!"

The saddle had a crafted black monster skull shape placed at the front with two horns acting as the handles. It was primarily blue, made from the scales of slain Velocipreys, with gold edges. It didn't have buckles or straps and instead was designed to be attached on the monster's back like a suction cup, to make it stick hard and strong enough to not come off. It was made to be flexible and can stretch to accommodate monsters in general cases when their body shifts or changes. Like growing spikes, changing forms or increase in muscle mass.

The monstie meets the chief halfway and crouches to let him put the saddle on his back. While 9S turns to Pod.

"Guess we're using the saddle right now."

"Yes, it was just finished too… Are you going to say it?" Pod 153 said with glint of amusement in her eyes.

"Do I have too?" 9S spoke weakly with a grimace

"Yes Meowster, it said in the manual that its part of the process and also a tradition." Pod said plainly.

"It's a bit embarrassing…" 9S drawls a bit with red color cheeks

"Might as well do it properly Meowster. This is a big step for you!" Pod gives him a look, which makes 9S relent with a sigh.

"Fine. But I still don't believe why they had to say that…" 9S muttered under his breath.

"Good cause Rogue's done putting it on, and the saddle seems to fit him well too." Pod points out to the monstie moving towards them, now with a saddle on his back, while feeling no discomfort. 9S also sees Rogue waiting in for him, expecting the same action Pod told him to do.

Steeling his resolve, while controlling the rising blush, 9S puts a determined look and mentally tells himself to just do it since their wasting time with the Kut-ku getting further ahead each second.

"Okay…

Ride on DEVILJHO!" 9S shouts with his kinship stone glowing at command.

---

Moving swiftly pass the trees with thundering steps, Rogue runs through the forest with 9S and Pod 153 astride his back. The Kinship stone glows, while faintly enveloping the Deviljho and young Rider.

Rogue's movement are filled with both his and his rider's determination to catch up with the Yian Kut-ku. Which Pod 153 spots far ahead at the sky above them.

"There it is!" She shouted.

"Great job Rogue we have it right in our sights! Let's keep following it until we reach its nest, maybe a monster den too." 9S said earning a chuff of agreement from Rogue.

"But we have to be careful Meowster, we're nearing the border edge again to the south side of the forest. Hopefully there aren't any hunters patrolling nearby." Pod warned.

"Yeah, with the steady increase of monsters heading to our side of the forest, it's gonna get hard to avoid being conspicuous of Rogue's presence here … But don't worry Pod, Rogue's careful. He's got this right bud!"

"GROAH!" Rogue barks in agreement to 9S's reply and encouragement, before he quickens his pace and spots a large entrance leading deep into an underground cavern.

The Yian Kut-ku seems to descend somewhere and disappear within, but Rogue's senses that its nest lies ahead, while with it luckily not getting closer to the southside of the forest. He turns towards the entrance and charges ahead, lock on the bird wyvern's scent.

The trio went trhough underground cavern's path, which was covered with stalactites above them and stalagmites below them, and a river along the side. If they weren't pressed on to catch the Kut-ku, 9S would have remained to admire them.

Instead he noticed a group of Ioprey taking residence inside the cavern as well, who also noticed their presence trespassing in their territory. The smaller bird wyverns give a warning cry and made to attack.

Only to be made quick work by 9S and Rogue, with the boy swinging and slashing the raptorian wyverns leaping towards them in the air and Rogue biting and crunching those his jaws caught on. Barreling through the rest without losing their momentum. Their training showing and paying off, making them more skilled in combat together than they were before.

Eventually Rogue slowed down after sensing that they were nearing the nest. He moves and carries his steps entering the room silently.

What they saw next inside was piles of old trinkets and other items valuable, with most of them that are considered shiny and eye catching. Old metal junk with reflective sheens and mirrors, some slightly crack, reflecting light coming from the small opening above them.

"Hey there it is." Pod whispered seeing the stolen wheel in a pile of other circular objects.

"I guess we also the found the monster they were calling the 'collector'. The preparator of stealing lately from the caravan and traders coming to the village." 9S said, while Rogue gave a whiff of the surrounding area before sneezing a snort and then growling to his rider of something about their surroundings.

9S chuckles and pats his monstie."Gesundheit…"

He then looks around noticing the pile of old goods and some filled with broken hunter equipment, before seeing Rogue's point.

"Though, I believe Rogue thinks he's been doing this for quite some time based on the amount of old items gathered here, right?" The monstie nods in agreement before tensing and turns his attention to the largest mound of trinkets. 9S and Pod turn their attention there as well and see the Yian Kut-ku's threatening display at them.

"SQUUUUAAAWWWK" It shrieks before lobbing a fireball at their direction, making them dodge.

"Pod get to safety and try to get the wheel. Me and Rogue will take care the big chicken." 9S said turning to his palico.

"Rider style?"

"Rider Style!" 9S said with enthusiasm with Rogue giving a roar in agreement.

"GROOOOAAAHHHH!"

"Kick its bird butt you two!" Pod 153 said before jumping down Rogue's back and heading to find a safe place to watch the battle.

9S and Rogue turn their attention back to the Yian Kut-ku, just in time to dodge another fireball lobbed their way. Rogue then shoots his dragon breath in retaliation, forcing it to dodge and run. Not letting up, Rogue lets the stream of dragon energy follow the bird wyvern.

"SQUAWK!" The Kut-ku runs pass several of its trinket piles, while they collapse and burn in dragon energy.

It changes tactics and spread its wings to fly and avoid the dragon energy, forcing Rogue to stop and with 9S, try to keep their sights on the bird wyvern.

The Yian Kut-ku attempts to attack by dive bombing them, pecking and clawing with its feet, only to be bat away by Rogue's tail or narrowly avoid getting chomp by his jaws. His reaction much faster now that 9S was riding him and them being in sync.

Desperate, the Yian Kut-ku fires a fireball point blank right at the two, surprising Rogue and forcing 9S to instantly curl himself and await for the pain and the burn.

"Meowster!" Pod 153 calls out as the fireball explodes and envelops the two in black smoke. Her expression is etched with horror that 9S took the brunt of the attack the most, due to him riding on top of Rogue.

Yet, her expression changes to one of confusion and relief once she hears coughing coming from their spot and as the smoke clears, she sees the kinship stone glowing and light shining briefly enveloping Rogue and 9S. With her meowster safe, still riding and miraculously not on fire.

"Oww… Okay that stings…" 9S said coughing before his eyes open with realization.

"And I'm not on fire! And I'm still riding! Holy ancients, the rider manual was right! MY BODY IS—"

"GROOOOAAAHH" Rogue roars in scolding.

"Right, right, sorry still painful…" 9S winces as Rogue gives him an angry look, knowing that the kinship stone made his monstie feel most of the attack to keep him safe and lending his strength to boost his own defenses to endure the attack.

Yian Kut-ku stared at the two in disbelief, hovering in the air and lowering its guard. An opportunity both 9S and Rogue took their chance on to attack.

"Dragon breath Rogue!" 9S commanded as Rogue shoots his breath attack and nails the Yian Kut-ku dead center on it's chest.

It falls to the ground in pain with dragon lighting coursing through its body. It squawks and tries to breath fire, while getting up from its fall, only to realize it's gotten dragon blighted. It panics once it sees 9S and Rogue charging at it.

Before it could react, Rogue grabs hold of its neck before using his strength to slam the bird wyvern to the ground. He shakes and drags the monster across the floor before doing lifting it briefly then throwing it across the room to a pile of its own trinkets burying it.

Other objects fly at all directions from the force of the throw, which unlucky for Pod 153, sending some of the flying objects at her in their trajectory.

"Nya!" Pod 153 dodges and leaps over some before scurrying to find shelter, only for a small object to pass by her peripheral vision taking her attention. A unique looking trinket she hasn't seen before, flying pass her.

Back to Rogue and 9S, the Kut-ku bursts from the debris on top of it and charges at the two. It makes to peck only to be tail slapped by Rogue then receiving a viscous bite after on one of its wings, breaking it. It stumbles and backs away, cradling its wing only to be sent sprawling to the ground as beam of dragon energy slams to its side.

The Kut-ku ends up with barely a breath left as it lays on the ground before open jaws were the last thing it sees. As its head gets smashed by Rogue slammng on it and slaying the monster.

"GROOOOOOAAAAAAHHHHH!" Rogue gives a victory roar, with 9S sighing with relief before giving themselves a breather.

"Well that takes care of the collector… Hey Pod! You okay there!" 9S calls to his palico.

"Yes, Meowster I'm at the wheel too! Plus, I found something that you might want to see along the way." Pod called to the two.

9S looks at Rogue, feels him shrugs, then decides that they'll take care of the Kut-ku's body later. They have some time and they can ask Whistill to come here later with them. There's a lot of old items to look into and maybe some missing items to deliver back to the guild, with some of their owners wanting them back.

"Meowster look at this. It looked interesting and I have never seen anything like it before." Pod 153 said, holding a small flute as the two approach them.

9S dismounts from Rogue and approaches to get a better look and realizes the unique shape of the flute.

It looked like a small normal wooden flute with the a few holes one would block to create a tune and play a note. But it was shaped like monster, a Qurupeco to be specific, with the base shaded red where the mouthpiece is to blow air. And the end of the flute being the bird wyvern's mouth. It looked to have seen better days 9S thought, seeing the dirt and faded color of the flute.

"Neat flute, never seen it before too. I mean it looks to be crafted more professionally than a toy flute we seen in the village markets and shops. You found it around here in some sort of pile of old instruments?" 9S said as Pod hands the flute to him.

"Flew by with the other objects sent flying by Rogue's throw, before I notice Meowster. Then again, thinking back some of those items did resemble instruments and old horns hunter's would use. That one looks old too but seem to be in good condition despite the years it has experience." Pod said as 9S continues to scrutinize the object.

In his mind, he can't help but feel he seen this flute before despite knowing that no other regular instrument resembles the one in his hand. He remembers going to a store once with Zinnia to look for a lyre she wanted.

As always, 9S's curiosity has lead him to looking into the different instruments and music making objects in the store. No other item came close to the flute's design in his hand, even if some had monster theme designs. Most of them were just patterns and simple icons representing monsters, not like the flute, which was made to look like one and even has small details added to it of the monster. The only other instruments that could come close in being similar are the monster hunting horns. But those where made for hunting and not playing music exclusively.

As 9S traces his thumb along the length of the shaft, his mind flashes to an image.

One with a girl, with only her lower face visible and the bottom length of her ponytail. Holding the same flute in her hands, the instrument much brighter and less worn out. 9S gives a whispered gasp from the thought that fled quickly from his mind before realizing that he spaced out.

"Meowster… You sure you never seen something like it before?" Pod asked wearily after seeing his expression.

"I don't know…"9S answered before turning to back to Pod.

"You look like you do? Maybe from your past?" Pod 153 said carefully, while 9S' face remains in deep thought before replying.

"I think so, but I'm not sure… You think Whistill seen anything like this? And anything about it either?" 9S asked after shaking the abrupt thought away. Pod and Rogue noticed his expression but decided not to question him on it.

"Maybe, I mean it could be just a unique flute that was dropped and the Kut-ku found. But he may know something and shed some light for you as well. I'm not sure Whistill will recognize any of them unless we bring it to him or unless he's seen it before." Pod answered.

9S gives a short nod, giving one last glance on it before keeping the flute.

"Well might as well bring the wheel back and get Whistill and some felynes here, to get all these junk. Some of them could be stolen and others can be used. We can look into this flute business later." 9S said as he stretches, raising his hands in the air to relieve some tension.

"Agreed, but I'm also guessing that the sooner we get them, the sooner you'd get your chance to look at all of this junk too, no?"

"You know me too well Pod."

9S chuckles at Pod 153's knowing look before the felyne gives a short sigh. Knowing her Meowster and the inevitability that they would be staying in a monster den again, researching till the night for most of their time.

"C'mon lets go. And may I remind you the sooner we do this the sooner we can get back and start packing for our return home in the village." Pod 153 simply says, reminding him before jumping on top of Rogue's back.

"Right… I'm a bit excited to return and stay in our home in YoRHa. I mean the felynes were really hospitable and the indoor plumbing and hot tub were good… so good…" 9S trails off with a blissful expression as he mounts Rogue too.

"But its home and I was getting a bit homesick too." 9S said with Pod 153 agreeing.

"Me too, Meowster."

"GROAAH" Rogue gives a bark to relay his distress of the two leaving.

"Don't worry Rouge, We'd talk about this. I know it'll be hard, since I can't bring you home because… you know. But Rogue, I promised that I'm still visiting you every day if I can. I mean we're partners and there still a lot of things we'll investigate and explore together." 9S assures his monstie earning a short growl of affection.

The trio then make their leave from the monster den and head out back to the forest and Whistill's settlement. 9S takes one more look at the treasure throve of trinkets in the den and holds his excitement in till later. Who knows what else he'll find in the pile of junk once they're all safe in the felyne settlement?

And Hopefully, Whistill will know about the flute and some knowledge about it, so 9S could know what to do with it later.

---

In the end, later in the day, Whistill regretfully told 9S that he had no idea too on the flute or anything related. The best he could say about the instrument that it is indeed not a toy and confirmed it after examining that the airflow is different from other flutes of its kind.

They also tested it, briefly playing the flute before everyone in the settlement had to clutch their ears from the sound it made.

It was like a shrill cry like no other.

They immediately stop testing after some felynes ended up in accidents around the settlement due to the abrupt distraction of the noise echoing in their cave.

The felyne chief then suggested 9S to ask Zinnia of the flute. Confidently saying that the wyverian chief may know something due to her age and experience. Which 9S agreed and was convenient to him as well, since he and Pod are supposed to head back in the village anyway.

They were going to report of the Yian Kut-ku, the collector, has fled and abandoned its den leaving all its horde of items to be collected by Whistill's felynes and to be delivered to the guild. Plus, they were going to tell Zinnia about their return home. Now with all the main task finished for the felyne's and with them finally settling in their new settlement.

With the added reason that 9S has been gone long enough from the household, his prolonged absence already gaining more questions about his stay and trying hard to not create suspicion that would lead to Rogue's discovery. Their excuse to stay with the felynes has expired and reach its suppose time limit. There's no other reason for 9S to stay with them, unless they request for a big task, which they all have run out of. They could lie of having one but 9S and Pod would rather avoid lying to them more and have it bite them in the butt later on.

Their conscience won't be able to handle keeping anymore lies anyway, due to already having a big secret to keep, which is a Deviljho monstie and Rider training. They too, already listed potential alibis, and running out of some, to why some lower tier monsters on the west side of the forest haven't started a ruckus or nearing the northern area, despite a handful already migrating to their side of the forest and continue to do so as the tension in the southern area remains.

With the truth being Rogue eating all the trouble making monsters in his and 9S excursions togethe while protecting the felynes. The recent one, being the collector, was one of many that were starting to make their way to the settlement in the past few days. With 9S and Rogue deciding to slay them to avoid hunters chasing any monster that would lead to them finding Rogue. 9S really had to learned how to lie without bucking from the commander's gaze when he was giving his daily report of the west side.

And it helps that there really isn't much going around in their side of the forest, beside his and Rogues handling of a few said problems. Before, they can wave off suspicion to the guild with the reason being the western side is still low in monster activity. Which is now changing quickly as the days go on and more hunters are slaying monsters or driving them from the south to the west. With 9S being one of those hunters with 2B, during their quests together.

Now currently, their reason and explanation they've reported to the guild to why some monsters are disappearing, is that some monsters decide to move to Pondry hills. A location they previous noted that hunters wouldn't venture easily. Hence forth, the guild will be not needing to bother to investigate or worry about the monsters supposedly moving there and just let nature itself take its course of handling its ecosystem.

But 9S knows that this explanation won't last long either.

At least with him reporting back that his business with the felynes will be more routinely and not requiring his stay with them, his job to keep watch of the western side may shift to the same dynamic and him not required to give a report every week. And with Rogue being able to take care of himself and the settlement with Whistill, all who are tucked in a hidden spot from the main forest, 9S isn't as worried as he was before when leaving his monstie by himself. Thus, with more confidence and feeling more at ease, 9S and Pod 153 began to make their way back to the village after their meeting with the felynes. While Rogue and Whistill head to the monster den, beginning some collection of the items before later when the sun sets.

The day was almost over and 9S was looking forward with meeting with 2B, knowing by now that she may be returning from a hunt with A2. He recalls that they were getting ready to raise their hunter rank and slowly leaving their status of fledging hunters. Not a surprise knowing the two were prodigies, they were making as much progress if not more in their endeavors as hunters than 9S is as a rider.

He was excited to hear what their latest hunt was but before he could dwell more on that thought, he heard the sounds of monsters brawling ahead and someone shouting.

"Sis, Watch out!"

In an instant, both 9S and Pod 153 ran to the source of the yell and burst through a bush to see a Bullfango fighting a Velociprey.

With two identical women, twins, in the middle of the fight. Where one was on the ground in a sore spot unfortunately between the two monsters and the other woman was behind the Velociprey, calling out to who 9S guessed was her sister.

9S could quickly assume the two stumbled between the two monsters having a disagreement and based from the earlier shout, one of them somehow got in the way of one of the monsters attack and ended up diving on to the ground. 9S could also see the Bullfango ready to charge the Velociprey, ready to trample whatever is in its way to get to it.

"HEY! KNOCK IT OFF!" 9S said with snarl forming at his lips, wanting to get their attention on him and away from the women. Especially on the one on the floor.

The two monsters turned their attention to him, ready to face the perp that dared interrupt their fight. 9S unsheathed his glaive and Pod 153 went into a fighting stance, only for the unexpected to happen.

Both monsters took a whiff in the air at 9S's direction, or specifically his scent, before the two monsters shrieked in surprise and …fear?

"EUURROOPPEE!"

"OINK!"

Both monsters yelped before stumbling and running away from 9S in panic, their movements mannered of trying to get away as far as possible from him. Leaving the two women unharmed and both feeling incredulous at what they just witnessed.

9S would have been offended and balk at the monsters' reactions, if it didn't happen before. He lets outs a self-depreciating sigh before addressing his Palico, who was trying to smother her laughter and amusement.

"I didn't wash, and Rogue's scent is still on me, isn't it?" He whispered.

"Nyahehe… You did bathe meowster, but you know it isn't the scent. If it was, they would have fled before you called their attention." Pod replied to 9S who shrugs.

"Well I should take comfort that I can bath again later without washing some drool…"

"Permeating Rogue's presence could be useful You know…" Pod 153 added before the two of them approach the twins before them.

While one was helping the other up, 9S was able to take their appearance more clearly as he drew closer to the two.

They were definitely twins, with both having the same shade of red hair but styled differently. The one who stood up from the ground had straighter hair and a Hime-cut hair style. The other had more curly and messier hair style, her bangs looking like untamed waves. Both had same facial feature and the same teal colored eyes, but what 9S caught on was what they were wearing.

Which was the captain's uniform for the Royal Paleontology Scriveners, an organization partnered with the hunter's guild that mainly focus on studying and researching monsters. While leading investigations on unusual monster behavior and unusual phenomenon happening in the world's ecosystems.

Remembering before that they were coming to the village, 9S couldn't help but gawk at the two. While letting his mind run at the fact that the twin captains of the Royal Paleontology Scriveners are standing before him and speculating what the implications could be to bring their presence here in the forest and by extension YoRHa's.

He couldn't decide either to gush, for he was minor fan of them and loved hearing their stories and exploits around the world from Zinnia or feel dread that their black blight situation has gotten serious to gain the twin captains' attention.

"Excuse me…" The sudden voice cut 9S from his thoughts and realized that he'd been staring too long for their comfort.

"It seems we have stumbled on different type of monster in the forest, sister. One I fear for our chastity." The red head woman with messier locks said with a slightly cold expression.

"W-wait… I… w-wasn't—" 9S blushed at the implication while struggling to explain himself.

"Don't tease sis… He just saved our lives." The other red head with straighter hair said, scolding her sister who was now sporting a small smirk.

"I couldn't resist. I mean he was staring at us for too long, I thought he was stunned by our beauty." The red head sister with messier locks began to pose with flounderish grandeur, while her sister rolls her eyes and responds.

"That or he recognized us, since he's a hunter you know. Right?" The twin red heads turn their attention back at 9S, startling him more and feeling a bit awkward in their presence.

"Ummm… I'm just a trainee in fact, with permission to do field work." 9S corrected them, earning a curious head tilt in repsonse from both sisters.

"Trainee…?" Both worded and face each other before turning back to 9S.

"What's your name hunter… err hunter trainee." The red headed sister with straighter hair asked.

"Oh, right sorry I forgot to introduce myself… How rude of me." 9S coughed and whispered the latter before formally introducing himself

"My name is 9S."

Hearing his name, 9S noticed the expression of the two turn to one of delight, before speaking to him again.

"So, you're 9S…"

"Commander White and Chief Zinnia told us about you."

"O-Oh, really? What did they say?" 9S asked feeling a bit nervous now that they mentioned that the commander and Zinnia were talking about him to the captains.

"Oh, just that you can help us with our investigation." The red head with straighter hair said with a smile.

"Wait, what?" 9S didn't expecting her answer and got a bit confuse, but before he could clarify she continued to speak.

"First let us introduce ourselves…"

"My name is Popola. The younger twin." The red head with straighter hair and a Hime-cut hairstyle introduced herself.

"My name is Devola. The older twin." The red head with curly, messier hair style and bangs looking like untamed waves spoke after her sister.

"We're the Captains of the Royal Paleontology Scriveners, here for official business from the guild to investigate the Black blight currently present in the Whistill forest." Both spoke in unison before both Popola and Devola place a hand each on his shoulder.

"And you'll be our personal scout!" Devola said with glint of mischievousness.

"Wait, what?" 9S said with growing confusion.

"And we also promote you to a temporary hunter! Congratulations!" Popola said more genuinely than her sister.

"WAIT, WHAT!"

Pod 153 could only watch from the sidelines as her meowster gets roped into working with these red headed twins.

Feeling their days getting more complicated.

---

Author's notes:

Okay so that's the end of chapter, I hope you guys enjoyed it and I introduced Devola and Popola. Their appearance being a precursor to the troubles 9S and Rogue, will face with the black blight in later chapters.

Thanks for reading and see you in the next chapter!

Also, here is another and longer omake for a late Valentines! Enjoy!

---

Omake

(2B & 9S)

When 2B first met 9S, it was on a riverside.

It was on a day when 2B was with Zinnia looking for A2 in the Whistill forest. They were looking for her after she ran off again to look for A4, still in denial after learning the news that she was killed during a quest with the commander.

They needed to find A2 and make sure she was okay before she hurts herself or anything else that could happen to her out here in the forest.

A week has already passed since the family of wyverian and white-haired twins heard the news from White, but the loss of someone who was considered to be more family than hunter and mentor was still heavy in their hearts and minds. With A2 taking the loss the most, 2B and Zinnia are concerned for her wellbeing on how she was taking it.

But 2B herself could relate to why A2 was acting the way she is now. She too, felt the pain of losing her older sibling like figure to be unbearable that she would sometimes let her mind go numb and drift off. Unaware of her surroundings and walk aimlessly on her feet, before snapping back to the present after some time. Wondering where she is or how far she's gone on walking.

Which was what exactly happened to her that day when they were looking for A2.

Lost in her thoughts and grief of A4, somehow, 2B got separated by Zinnia and wandered to one of the rivers running through the forest.

Immediately knowing what she just did, she began to scan her surroundings and try to determine landmarks to know where she is, so she can reunite with Zinnia. Or hopefully find A2 and let both of them meet up with Zinnia together.

When 2B began to look at the edge of the river, she saw the unmistakable shape of a human being lying with one side of his face on the sand. Unconscious, with broken pieces of wood from what previously was a boat spread around the person.

But what caught 2B eye's instantly was the red stains in the sand near the person's head.

Widening her eyes and fearing the worst, she quickly made her way to the person. Upon closer inspection, she noticed the person was wearing an odd attire. A hood with what seems to be a monster's face designed at the back, dark pants designed for camouflage and finally a unique choker with a blue gem embedded on it. She also identified the person was a boy with white hair and guessed he was only a year or two younger than her.

"Hey! Are you okay?!" 2B said with concern and worry before she knelt down and felt for pulse.

Luckily for the both of them, 2B did feel a pulse and carefully move the boy to a better position. Being wary of his head and assessing for any other visible injuries. Seeing that wound on his head has either scab or stopped bleeding, she held him and cradle his body.

"Zinnia! A2!" 2B called, taking the risk to shout in the forest. She hopes that they would hear her and not a monster.

She was already lucky that she found the boy first before any monster did.

Looking back at the boy cradle in her hands, she felt his body was cold but was breathing fine and didn't seem to have any water clogged in his lungs. He may not have been drowning before she found him despite his boat being destroyed, but 2B doesn't know how it got destroyed in the first place or whatever cause him to drift here.

Though, she could save figuring out and learning of his origins later once he's okay. Right now he needed help and 2B continued to call desperately for Zinnia and A2 to come.

"2B!"

With another stroke of luck in her favor, 2B was found by Zinnia and A2, who the wyverian found luckily. Seeing the injured boy in her hands and the scenario that they could guess from her current surroundings, both Zinnia and A2 sprung into action to help. Zinnia began check the boy herself and saw his injured head and felt how cold he was.

"A2 gather some of the herbs and honey you can find. If you see any hot peppers bring them here too." Zinnia said.

"Got it." A2 turned and quickly sprinted to look for the materials

"Okay 2B, I need you to keep him warm, who knows how long he was in the water. Use this." Zinnia told 2B before giving her shoal to add another layer of warmth on the boy.

As they began to wrap it around him, 2B began to ease her hold on the boy only for him to unconsciously move and tighten his grip on her.

She stilled not knowing what he would do until they heard his soft whimpers and whispers of being cold and telling her to not let go.

"P-please… don't… so dark… cold… I-I-m scared…"

"I-It's okay shhhhh… Your safe now. Your safe… I won't let go." 2B whispered softly, her voicing soothing, helping him relax until they got the shoal properly wrapped around him. 2B felt him relax in her arms and trying to get the warmth she was giving as much as possible.

"Can you carry him?" Zinnia asked, which 2B nods in reply.

"Okay let's take him home." The wyverian chief said before 2B stood up and carefully adjusted her hold to carry him.

As they made their way back to the village, 2B continued to whisper and comfort the boy in her hands whenever she can as he continues to whisper in his sleep of being cold and afraid. Never stopping until they reach their home and making sure another life wouldn't be lost to her this soon.

---

When 2B first learned 9S's name, it was raining.

They took him back to their home and treated his injuries and even had a local doctor check him on him. So far, the boy was deemed okay, slightly malnourish and with a minor injury on his head. But the boy was stuck in coma and they didn't know what else they could do but wait for him to wake up.

He didn't wake up for the next three days, until on the third night 2B woke up hearing the sound of thunder and the telltale signs of a window banging on the walls. They were experience some heavy rains that night with the occasionally lighting flashing in the sky.

She went out to investigate on her own, leaving her shared room with A2 as she continued to sleep despite the storm outside. And pinpointed the sound to the room on the top floor.

The same room that used to be occupied by A4 whenever she stopped by, but was now currently housing the mysterious boy they found days ago.

As she entered the room, she didn't expect for the sudden cold wind assaulting her nor the now conscious boy standing in front of the opened window, shivering yet unmoving from his spot. It seemed that he was looking for something before 2B got his attention.

"Hey what are you doing!" 2B said a bit sternly, starling him before marching to close the window.

"No, don't!" Only for the boy to block her path and pleaded.

"You're getting wet and cold. We need you to stay warm." She argued before effortlessly pushing him aside before grabbing the hinges to shut the window.

"NO!" Only for the boy to unexpectedly tackle her to the cold wet ground.

"What the hell! —" 2B shouted, with a twinge of anger and was about to push him off, only to hear him shout.

"I NEED THE LIGHT!"

As if to emphasize his plea, lightning flashed through the sky and illuminated the room…

…and the terrified face of the boy facing her.

2B then remembered his previous words before saying how cold he felt and the darkness he saw. She then realized that he must have woken up during the storm and found himself waking up in a strange place he wouldn't recognize, with no light helping to see either.

So of course he would've gotten scared and panicked after finding himself alone in the dark.

2B looks again at the boy and his pleading look before deciding to change her approach. With the winds howling and the rain still pouring in the room 2B knew she had to address those but she needs to assure the boy first.

"Okay… I understand." She said as calmly as she could and tried to give off a soothing aura. Not wanting to agitate the boy.

Though it seemed hearing her words did the trick and the boy slowly got off of her from the ground, then moving away from her quickly. He was still looking at her warily and kept a distance from her as she stood up.

"Look, we still need to close the window—" The boy made to interrupt but 2B hastily added—"I could bring something for light. Is that okay?" She asked him carefully, though boy still looked unsure.

"I'll get it quick and if you want… I can stay with you for a bit. I bet you have questions you want to ask, and I could answer them. Do you want that?"

This time the boy thought for moment before giving a whisper of a reply.

"Okay…"

2B then slowly made her way to the window while not loosing any eye contact on the boy, before closing them. The boy breath hitched and despite the darkness 2B could tell he tensed a bit. But she quickly placed a hand on his shoulder to help ease his nerves.

"I'll be quick, I promise. Okay?" She said to him and waited for a slight movement of his body gesturing a nod after a minute or so, and left to get a lamp.

When 2B came back to the room with two lit lamps and a towel for the boy to use to dry himself, she saw him sitting on the bed before he immediately turned his gaze on her and the items on her hand. She noticed the color of his eyes were a lighter shade of blue than hers before placing the lamps on the bedside table.

She then offered the towel for him to use, standing in front of him waiting until he took it hesitantly. He shifted a bit to his side, moving closer to the lamps, giving space and silently offering 2B to sit if she wanted too. She took the offer and sat beside him, while leaving some distance between them not wanting him to be uncomfortable with her presence.

They sat in silence as 9S continued to dry himself before he finished and spoke to 2B silently.

"Where… am I?" He asked as he folds the towel and places it on his lap.

"You're in the chief's home, inside the village of YoRHa." 2B answered, a bit glad that they could begin talking and the chance to learn more about him.

"YoRHa?" The boy said with confusion, not recognizing the name.

"How did I get here?" He asked another question, this time facing 2B directly.

"We found you in the forest near one of the rivers. I saw you lying on the riverbed, unconscious. Your head was bleeding, and we think you may have had a small concussion and brought you back here to heal." 2B spoke to him carefully, seeing his expression shift to discomfort as he made to touch the back of his head that was bandaged. He flinch and moved his hand a way from the spot, probably still uncomfortable for him.

"Thank you, Um uh…" The boy just realized he didn't ask her name.

"2B" 2B said, herself realizing that she didn't give her name.

"Thank you 2B… for saving me." The boy spoke before turning his gaze to the towel on his hands.

The both of them were unsure on how to proceed, but 2B decided that she should take the chance to get some answers from him.

"Is it okay if I can ask you questions?" She asked, carefully trying to gauge if its okay that it would be her turn for questions.

"Yeah… I think its fair…" The boy said, getting less wary of the girl beside him.

"Can I ask for your name?" 2B asked the obvious and knew it was rude for him to not give his name after she gave hers.

"Right… sorry." The boy realized it as well and was about to reply, only to pause briefly with a look of concentration before replying.

"…Its 9S."

"9S?" 2B asked, making sure she heard his name right.

"Yes, 9S." He replied more confidently.

"Okay... 9S, can you tell me where you are from or where your family is?" She asked next.

"Where I'm from?" 9S repeated before he began to think again, but this time with even more difficulty and a strained expression.

"It's um… Its…ah… What." He gripped the towel tightly in his hands as a sudden pit in his stomach slowly came to be.

2B notices the boy slowly panicking and began to worry herself as his breathing quicken.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"I don't remember…" He whispered, the worry in him rising.

"You don't remember?"

"I don't remember… But... where did I…"

"How about your family?" 2B asked calmly seeing 9S getting a bit agitated.

"My family... I don't remember either… No that's not right...No, No, No, No-" 9S answered even more worried and not believing to what he has just said.

"It's okay you had an accident maybe you just having a hard time remembering—"

"I can't Forget! —Something happened… a-and…a-and" 9S raise his voice, his panic rising even more before touching the back of head before flinching his hand away again.

"9S calm down… we can figure this out—" 2B rose to her feet, trying to get 9S to look at her and calm him down.

"No I can't calm down! Something happened! Something bad. I can't forget it! It's important, I just can't…" 9S clamps his hands on his head trying to concentrate, to remember.

"I was running! I was running and it was dark… being chased… Someone was with me… NO… people were screaming… Loud roars…fire… beads… water… It was… Arrrghhhhh—" 9S began to ramble before crying out in pain, clutching his head.

"9S stop. Don't force yourself, calm down." 2B moved, grabbing his shoulder to stop him from shaking. She was getting worried as 9S is becoming even more agitated, before suddenly becoming still and looking up at 2B.

"2B… I can't remember anything… Not my parents, my village, where I came from… what happened… my memories…" 9S said with utter despair in his voice.

"Something bad happened and I don't know what it is. It's important that I need to know and I'm scared of it, but I can't remember anything…" 9S said with tears beginning to fall from his eyes.

"They're all gone…" The pain and hurt resonated from his voice, while his words brought back past memories deep within 2B.

"They're all gone A2…" A five-year-old 2B said to her sister. Both staring at a ruin and desolate land of their former village. Their home destroyed, their parents and everyone they know gone. She turned to look at her sister and saw the pain-stricken face A2 had and the tears falling from her eyes, silently conveying the lost and despair of losing everything.

The same look 9S had facing her.

"Just gone… I can't forget and lose everything 2B. I need to remember what happened... to me... to my parents." He spoke once more, breaking 2B's heart.

She could tell that something must have happened to 9S that led him being found in the river. She knows that he was thinking same, but with no recollection or memory of it. Leaving 9S left with just the pain from it and the fear that he may have been too late and have lost everything to him. A feeling 2B reciprocates and knows well of.

Feeling empathy towards him, slowly 2B began to wrap her hands around 9S pulling close him close tenderly. He stilled unsure of what she was doing until she moves his head carefully and places it under the crook of her neck.

"I'm sorry 9S, I'm so sorry…" She whispered, softly. She knows her words won't magically make things better for him or take all the pain he was feeling away. Only that she would lend her shoulder for him to cry on and be there for him through his confusion and pain.

From there 9S broke down and let lose all of his tears, crying and wrapping his arms around 2B, as she continues to comfort him. They stood there in each other's arms until 9S could composes himself, slowly getting a hold of himself and calming down, even then 2B didn't let him go.

"I promise 9S. I'll help you. I can't promise that I'll be able to figure everything out, about your memories and whatever trouble you were in. But you have my word that I'll help you, with everything that I can do." 2B spoke with resolve while sounding gentle, looking down while shifting his head so both could look at each other. To let 9S see the conviction in her eyes to help him.

"I-I don't want to be alone tonight… I-I…can't...I" 9S spoked hesitantly, his mind still in distraught.

"Shhh... It's okay, I'll stay with you… I'm not going anywhere." 2B said rubbing his back, before letting him go and moving to the bed.

"We should get some rest then we can ask Zinnia, our chief, tomorrow to help you and maybe even ask the guild for aid." 2B then thought for a second before speaking further.

"I can sleep here with you if you want." 2B said as she occupies one side and leaving space for 9S.

"If its…Okay for you..." 9S said, surprise, before moving to his side of the bed timidly.

Both laid down before facing each other. 2B felt nervous since she has never slept beside anyone else before, besides A2 when they were little. She could also see that 9S himself was nervous and uncomfortable too with laying together. She may have jump the bowgun in her train of thought of staying with 9S but before 2B could change her mind and get off the bed, 9S softly spoke to her.

"C-Can I… Can I hold you... please... Just so I know that you're here... even after I close my eyes."

With those words, 2B stays with her decision and responds by pulling 9S closer until he could wrap his arms around her, with his head at the crook of her neck again.

"Thank you 2B." 9S last spoke before shortly falling to sleep relaxing against her body.

As 2B laid there with 9S in her arms again, she couldn't help but feel a certain protectiveness grow within her for him.

"I can't imagine what you are going through now 9S. But I know the feeling of losing everything, the weight of lost it comes with. I'm not going to let you face that by yourself. No one should..." 2B whispered to him before shortly falling asleep, resting her chin on top of his head.

---

When 2B first saw 9S smile, it was with Pops in his shop.

It was days after the night 9S woke up from his coma and when 2B decided to help 9S with his dilemma and his amnesia.

Days after they explained his situation to Zinnia while introducing him to the rest of the household. With the wyverian chief naturally agreeing to help and even take 9S in to live with them for the time being, until they figure out who is he and where his family can be found. And if they are safe.

Days after the revelation to the household that any information related to 9S or anyone even remotely similar to him, was non-existent.

They couldn't find anyone who has seen him before in the village or even any traveler that may have knew him. 9S wasn't even in the list of villagers in YoRHa or even in the guild database. It didn't help that the clothes he was found with didn't match any design or known by any seamstress, trader or hunter outside and within the village.

The more days that 9S couldn't remember or received any news about his identity led him to be recluse and more depressed. It didn't help that Commander White grew suspicious of him when Zinnia brought the village leaders in her home to introduce him to them and hope that they would know something.

It was fruitless and only left 9S timid and more wary of others. Plus, with no one knowing who he is or where he came from, the feeling of loneliness befell on him. Which led to 2B feeling helpless in aiding him despite her promise.

The only good news they got from all the searching was a small consolation that there wasn't any known villages reported to be destroyed or under siege by a monster. A solace 9S took lightly, to his anxiety if that something important he should be remembering might be his village being under attack. Since he isn't sure if his village was destroyed or not, without knowing completely. It only added fuel to 9S growing depression of not being able to find his family, even if they are alive or not, without his memories.

Regardless, 2B grew tired at looking at 9S's sullen expression and the sadness the boy was drowning himself in that she decided to ask Zinnia for permission if she can show him around the village. Suggested a change of scenery to help brighten his mood and maybe even jog his own memory, hopefully.

At first Zinnia didn't agree and let 9S leave the household, though he himself was reluctant to, until he has recovered and maybe even got more news regarding his identity. But seeing the boy down and troubled, Zinnia gave 2B the ok and allowed her to take him to see the village. It helped that 9S was comfortable with 2B and was only okay going out as long as it was with her. They wyverian could tell that 9S would be sticking to her at all times and optimistic that seeing the village might brighten his mood.

Besides YoRHa was the hotspot of all things and everything to see in their world, so the wyverian hoped that 9S's mood would get better and maybe even find some fun for a change.

Which he did eventually, but much later. Since at first, 9S was too timid and skittish of the village and everything in it when they entered streets. There was so many things going around from the different traders in the marketplace to the different people roaming in the streets. The different buildings and shops and the people in them.

9S looked like he was seeing all of these things for the first time, feeling a bit overwhelmed and a bit jumpy that 2B had to hold his hand to ease his nerves and steer him away from bumping from anyone with the way he was lost in his thoughts from the sights.

Which led 2B to decide and take 9S to Pops' place. Thinking that it would be better for 9S to take a breather from the main bustling of the village and maybe in more relax environment like Pops' shop. The man and his son always have something interesting in their shop and maybe 9S would take interest in anything they have too.

"2B!" Pops greeted after seeing her approach and took notice of 9S being led by her, holding his hand.

"Ohohoho… Who's your new friend? Or should I say boyfriend?" Pops teased only to receive a deadpanned stare from the girl.

"Just a friend." 2B replied, before introducing 9S.

"Pops this is 9S. He's… a staying with us… in Zinnia's household and…" 2B struggled a bit to convey on how she should introduce 9S. Forgetting what she should say due to 9S unique circumsatnces. She didn't think far ahead on how she can introduce him to others without revealing his situation, since she thought they would only be sightseeing today and just introducing him to the village, and not to its villagers yet.

Luckily for 2B, Pops seemed to understand and knew something about 9S.

"Oh 9S! Don't worry 2B, I know, I heard from Zinnia…" Pops said to 2B's relief while giving an exaggerated wink. He turned to look at the boy only to see him hide a bit behind her, shy and timid towards him.

"So what I can do for you 2B?" Pops asked deciding to focus on 2B and not to make the boy anymore uncomfortable.

"I was thinking if you can show us any new wares or anything interesting for us to see. Something that can wow us…" 2B said, while giving Pops a 'subtle' notion for help to get 9S cheered up.

Looking at him, Pops could guess what 2B was trying to do and wanting cheer him up. Plus, he heard from Zinnia of what boy was going through and decided that he could chip in to help. He could guess that 9S was as old as 32S and decided to try a different approach to get the boy to open up.

"Well I can show you the wares we have right now, but I can ask 32S to show you the inside of our home for the good stuff? Is that okay?" Pops suggested.

2B first looked 9S and wordlessly asked if he was okay with it. Seeing him give a short nod 2B turned back to Pops.

"Sure why not."

"Good. 32S we got some friends to show our wares, come out and meet them!" Pops called to the back to where his mobile home was.

Sprinting out quickly was 32S while holding a large monster scale.

"Yeah, I'm here dad… Oh, hi 2B! —" 32S said before seeing 9S— "Oh, hello there I'm 32S!" He greeted the boy, only to tilt his head in confusion as the boy was staring straight at the scale in his hand.

"That's a Pink Rathian scale…" 9S spoke, surprising 2B, Pops and 32S all with different reasons.

For 2B it was because 9S spoke for the first time since they've gone out to the village streets. For Pops it was because the boy was able to tell the monster scale at first glance. Finally for 32S its to his surprise that the boy thought that the scale he was holding was from a pink Rathian.

"What no, no, no, this from a Mizustune you can see—" 32S started to correct 9S only to be cut off.

"The coloring is different, and the shell is much harder due to being more heat resistance, plus the genetic mutation all metal Rath subspecies have makes a different texture for being partially metallic." 9S said this time approaching t32S and lifting the scale in his hand before running his own on it to prove his point.

"Wait… that means I have been cataloging the wrong scales!" 32S yelled in shock, while Pops chuckled with amusement.

"Oh dear that means I was wrong in labeling those other scales and sold the wrong ones to that one researcher."

"Wouldn't you get in trouble with that." 2B asked.

"Nah, if the researcher isn't smart enough to tell the difference then its not my problem." Pops just shrugs while earning a groan from both 2B and 32S.

"Pops/Dad…" Both said in disbelief.

"Still… you got a good eye kid. How did you know it was a Pink Rathian scale, you a hunter or something?" Pops asked 9S, who only look a bit sheepish for speaking out.

"Sorry… I don't know, it just came to me I guess?" 9S offered his explanation hoping that it would pass, since he didn't know himself how he got it.

"Well you're learning something about yourself so that's good kid." Pops said softly to 9S, surprising him.

"If you want, you can come around in the back and check out the rest of the monster materials we have. And if you wouldn't mind, you can help me and my son sort out our monster scales. Since knowing that we may have jumbled them up." Pops asked 9S with 32S joining in.

"Yeah that would be really helpful! We sell for hunters too and we want to avoid giving the wrong materials if we can. Plus if there is a species you don't know we got a lot of monsterpedia volumes to help for references. Or for you to check out, you look like the kind of guy who'd been interested in them."

"Ummm, I don't know…" 9S said unsure, looking at 2B for her opinion.

"Why not, we might learn a thing or two from this." 2B told him, while giving him an encouraging smile. 'And about yourself too' 2B thought as well.

"Okay, I'm good if 2B is okay with it." 9S answered Pops, earning a nod of approval.

"That's great and guess what! You still can still browse my wares at the same time and for payment you can choose whatever you want to take back with you, so it's a win, win, for you!" Pops said with gusto.

"Wait I get to keep something?" 9S asked in surprise.

"Yeah, of course you do, it's the least we can do. Besides, think of it as a gift for a new friend and his help." 32S added clapping a hand on 9S shoulder leading him back to their caravan home. With 2B and Pops following behind them.

As 9S began to open up to 32S, 2B couldn't help but feel elated at the smile 9S was wearing. Something new and different from the sullen expression he was wearing for days.

She felt she wanted to see 9S smile more, for it was a look that suited him. A look that was natural and right for him. Plus the small amount joy she could see from him, gave some sort of warmth in her chest. She hopes that she may give 9S more opportunities like this and to even open up more.

While helping him with his lost memories is still a promise she would keep, getting him opportunities to smile more and feel less lonely is another promise 2B made to herself that day.

She just didn't realize what she was getting into when 9S and his shenanigans came as result to this promise.

---

When 2B first called 9S Nines, it was when he gave her the ribbon that she wears.

Which was months after finding 9S in the riverside and after some deliberation with Zinnia and the household, make him a sort of permanent member of their family. While 9S didn't stop wanting to find his real family and his lost memories, he considered this new life with 2B and the rest of household welcoming and appreciated it.

2B and 9S grew closer as well in that time, with 2B considering him as someone special to her. Learning more of about him and his hidden depths during those times, made her realize the little things that she likes about him. She learned that 9S had innate knowledge on monster related topics and in addition to hunter related knowledge too. When he was with Pops and 32S, he also displayed knowledge of different types of materials and showed skill in crafting items. Even fixing faulty monster traps like it was secondhand knowledge to him.

She also observe that 9S could be a bit less modest when displaying his knowledge. Sometimes sounding boastful and in a know it all manner. Which she pointed out to him when he didn't understand why some of the people were put off whenever he spoke about something. Making him feel a bit ashamed and embarrassed of how he was acting and promise her that he'll be more mindful of this trait.

In relation to it, both of them hypothesize that he may have or did hunter related activities in the past. Something that required him to learn as much of monsters, hunting and crafting tools. While they aren't exactly sure what it is with his memories lost, his drawn interest to the hunting life is clear. Even more once he learned that 2B herself and A2 were hunter trainees. The day 2B and Zinnia brought him to the guild was day she wouldn't forget with how in awe his expression was to seeing hunters. 2B wouldn't admit either that she was blushing from the praises 9S was giving her for being so 'cool' or 'awesome'. 'Totally rad' as he would say about her.

2B also took notice the changes 9S's overall behavior and when interacting with others. At first, he was shy and timid but after spending more time with him and introducing him to more people, she noticed he is quite sociable to others he learns to trust. Later becoming a sort of social butterfly to others and courteous and polite to strangers. He was quick to befriend her other friend 6O after being introduced to each other and made another friend with a boy his age, who was working in the research center named 801S after they bonded over crafting hunter tools.

She also learned of his more mischievous and teasing nature from him socializing more. Especially with A2 and having some sort of love/hate relationship that is often displayed and shown as teasing and banter between the two. Going to the occasional and almost full out physical struggles with each other that she tends to stop, but they do get along now and then. With even both of them doing things the other is not aware off and helping each other out whenever they could.

Which 2B counts on the number of times she sees 9S display a caring side. One that she became fond of.

He was mindful and tries his best to be tactful of another's feelings, not wanting to hurt them and apologizes if he has offended or wronged them. He would offer his aid and help with the best of his ability. His determination to do so, without getting anything in return, is something 2B admired. With one development she noticed, 9S would often craft mega potions and other healing items for her and A2 before every field training they have, without them asking for it. The twins were grateful for the gesture and sometimes they would come home with a souvenir from the forest 9S normally wouldn't get and let him gush on about.

But one big trait 2B learned about 9S is his innate sense of curiosity, a big one in fact. Once 9S was out of his shell, he began to look at his world much differently, entirely. One with wonder and the gnawing need for him to know. His daily excursion in the forest by himself is one activity to satiate of his desire to know the monsters and the forest itself. An activity that both 2B and Zinnia didn't approve at first. Until A2 convinced them that 9S needed it, explaining his origin is tied to the forest and him going out could help rediscover more of himself and his lost memories. Exercising his curiosity is a must but something not to be taken lightly.

As it is for 2B's worries, that being 9S' curiosity at times could lead to ideas that create convoluted schemes to help hunters. Despite his good intentions, it still led for him to begin his shenanigans that all of YoRHa would come to know in the later months. Which would often involve 9S getting in trouble with the guild because of a mishap with a trap or random explosion. It's during these times that 2B's patience is tested and sometimes would be annoyed at 9S. She would be mad at him for not only causing trouble but also for potentially bringing harm to himself. She found the idea of 9S getting hurt , something she wants to avoid and not for her to dwell on.

Yet, despite having the thoughts of wanting him to stop with his shenanigans, 2B can't help at times but be with him when he asks of her to. Sure it could be dangerous, and she would chastise him and try really to convince him not to do it if it was, but most of the time 9S's ideas are harmless. She understands his intentions and knows that he wouldn't push through with any of them unless she was right beside him for support. And more often than not she was there to support him.

Because in truth, she did find some of 9S's ideas amazing and, she wouldn't admit out loud, fun. 2B began to realize that the times she was with 9S doing these things, her world gets a little bit brighter.

Which her friend, 60, took noticed one day when she was with 2B in the guild archives. Helping her sort through some documents.

"I've notice something." 60 said sitting on desk shifting through some old documents.

"What?" 2B asked while continuing her own work, sorting through some papers regarding past hunts.

"Something about you has change. I'm still trying to figure it out." 6O tilted her while gazing at 2B making the other pause monetarily in confusion.

"What do you mean? —" But before 2B could clarify she heard someone call to them.

"There you guys are!"

They both look and see 9S coming towards them. At the corner of 2B's eyes she could 9S hiding something behind him.

"9S! You back from dealing with the felynes in the forest?" 6O said to the boy as he moves to their desk and stands at the side. Specifically 2B's.

"Yup! They agreed to work with the guild for some jobs." 9S replied cheerfully.

"Which is good since you incapacitated all of our felynes in the guild…" 2B teased earning a pout from him.

"I did not! And its not my fault that the Pods would steal my experimental concoction without me knowing! Or them using it for… well recreational purposes." 9S defended, while blushing after finding out what his felvine mixture effects turned out to be.

"I'm just joking 9S. Zinnia and the others know it's not your fault. She already scolded the Pods for their misbehavior." 2B assured him with pat on the arms.

"Besides, who would've have thought you'll make a felyne aphrodisiac!" 6O added, earning a groan from 9S while he hears the two giggle.

"Ughh… please don't remind me. It was supposed to be something that would incapacitate unwanted Melynxs in the wild. 32S and 801S won't stop laughing at me for my 'creation'. Heck, Pops wants to sell them!" 9S exclaimed, before laughing together with the two girls at the ridiculousness of what he got himself into.

"So, 9S. What's that your holding behind you?" 2B asked once their laughter died.

"Oh. Um, its for you…" 9S said in a timid manner getting 2B curious.

He brings the hand behind his back before him, showing that he was holding a black ribbon.

"It's a ribbon." 6O said pointing out the obvious.

"For me?" 2B asked a bit perplexed to why 9S would bring her a ribbon.

"Well remember when we were talking with A2 about how your hair sometimes gets in the way whenever you fight? Despite it being short and a bit more… poufy than A2's" 9S said, his cheeks turns to a shade of red at th emention of 2B's hair.

"My hair's not poufy." 2B replied indignantly, making 9S raise his arms in defense.

"It kinda is…" 6O mockingly whispered earning an annoyed look from 2B.

"Especially when she's frustrated or flustered. Its cute." She added earning more ire from 2B.

"It kinda is cute…" 9S absently said, this time making 2B blush and proving their point of her hair bristling a bit from the compliment.

"Ermm… so you want me to use the ribbon to tie my hair?" 2B asked continuing the conversation.

"Yeah. But if you don't want too its okay! I mean it's not like I'm forcing you to wear the ribbon, its your choice! I'm just helping… and the trader said that it would look good on you… but I know you don't care much of looks— "9S began to ramble only to be stop by 2B.

"9S, its okay. I'll take it." 2B took the ribbon from 9S' hands before looking at it herself.

"It was nice of you for thinking about me. But you didn't have to go out your way by getting me a ribbon, I could have just used an old hair tie." 2B said.

"I know… but when I saw it, I just thought that 'Hey 2B can use this and with it, she wouldn't have to keeping pushing some of her hair back when she swings her sword'. So I figure why not?

And the ribbon is made of strong material, it won't come loose easily. So even if you get in a rough fight it won't come off and you won't be bother by your hair getting in the way." 9S said scratching his cheek sheepishly.

2B couldn't help but give a small smile at 9S for being thoughtful for her. Regardless if the ribbon isn't as practical in keeping her hair back. The gesture was still nice.

"Thank you 9S." She said gratefully and earning returning smile from 9S.

"Here 2B, let me tie it for you. I'm curious to see if the ribbon does look good on you." 6O said before she grabs the ribbon and ties it through 2B hair.

It was a quick fix and when 6O was done they could see that she tied the ribbon as a head band with the knots at the bottom, hidden by 2B's lower locks.

"Hey, it does look good on you 2B." 6O said gleefully liking 2B's look.

"Really?" 2B asked not sure since there was no mirror to see for herself.

"Yeah! 9S what do you think?" 6O asked 9S, with both girls turning back to him. Only to see an unreadable expression on his face, with his eyes staring just at 2B.

2B couldn't tell what he was thinking and was getting a bit worried if 9S thought that she looked weird. Then in her mind, her thoughts began to ask why it bothered her or know why she's worried of 9S's opinion on her look.

"How do I look?" This time it was 2B who asked a bit timidly, looking away and averting her gaze from 9S, feeling a bit conscious of herself.

"You look beautiful." 9S said instantly, surprising the her and causing her heart to beat faster. She turns to look at him only for both of them to lock eyes and turn away with heat creeping on their faces.

All the while 6O watches them both in shock and amusement, her mind not believing what she was seeing. In her vision she could have sworn that bright lights and flowery imagery surrounded the two when their eyes met.

"Thank you… Nine…z" 2B stutters, surprising herself and covers her mouth with her hands. She feels her chest beat faster due to embarrassment.

"What did you call me?" 9S asked in surprise.

"Sorry… I was trying to say 9S and… well…" Flustered, 2B tries to form words yet the rapid beating in her chest is turning her focus off.

"I like it…"

9S's sudden word, surprises 2B and cuts off her thinking and rambling.

"Nines." He repeated, testing the word in his mouth.

"It's a good nickname for me." He added while smiling.

"Is it okay if you can call me that? Call me Nines?" 9S asked 2B. As if he needs permission, her permission, to use the nickname.

"If you want to…" 2B replies a bit unsure to make of this, but 9S simply nods his head in response and gesture for her to say it to him.

"Nines?" 2B said carefully before watching his reaction. With his expression shift to elation and a soft smile before speaking.

"Yeah, that's me!" 9S answers with amusement and chuckling to himself.

"It really sounds more personal… I really like it. Thank you 2B." 9S says with gratitude, making 2B's heartbeat faster again but at the same time feel warmth blooming in her chest.

"Your welcome… Nines" Saying it again, 2B does agree that calling 9S 'Nines' makes it more personal. Personal for the two of them, like they are really close.

9S then notices the light in the room was much darker and turns to peer at a nearby window and sees the sun setting.

"Well I got to go. I still need to tell the commander about the felynes from Whistill. So… I'll see you back home?" 9S said.

"Yeah, I still have some training to do with Anemone so I might stay a bit late. You go on ahead, but please bring the pods back with you if you can." 2B replies.

"No problem 2B." 9S says as he begins to leave.

"Thanks for the ribbon again… Nines." 2B adds and calls out to him. She smiles as she sees 9S give a cheerful grin and thumbs up before disappearing from her view.

"What the **** did I just watch? And did you guys even notice that I was here?"

Only to remember that 6O was with her.

"6O! Sorry I—" 2B hastily apologize before being stopped by a raised hand by 6O.

"2B its okay. The both of you were lost in your own world or something, I didn't want to intervene." She teased, while 2B looked a bit lost from what she said.

"…I don't know what happened. He just gave me a ribbon then I gave him a nickname. Then we both just, I don't know… it's weird. Is that normal?" 2B asked.

"It's not." 6O bluntly answers before adding. "But it's really cute that you gave 9S a nickname, is that only for the two of you? Will he give you a pet name as well? You guys sound really close."

"9S can let others call him Nines, it's his nickname so he can share it to whoever he wants. It's not just for the two of us." 2B said, though 6O notices the blush on her cheeks.

"Sure—But I think I now know what's change about you." 6O says with an amused expression.

"W-What… you figured it out?" 2B asked in confusion, not knowing the change 6O said at the beginning about herself.

"Let's just say it has something to do with what's in your chest and what happens to it whenever a certain boy is around." 6O says with a teasing smirk, with 2B realizing what she was implying.

"I don't know what you are talking about…" 2B turns away in denial from her friend, while she hears her snickering.

"I think you do, but for now I'll let this go. We still have a lot to sort before you go back and meet up with… 'Nines'." 6O teases, before getting a light shove from 2B.

"Shut up." 2B quietly whispers to her, feeling her cheeks heat up again before going back to work.

Though it was difficult to concentrate due her thinking about what 6O was saying about the fast beating of her chest and its connection to 9S.

---

When 2B knew she had feelings for 9S, it was when he tripped on a root and found her fishing.

With the time, being a year that's passed since 9S was found and staying with them. It was also a year since A4's disappearance and a week after the date they marked as an anniversary for her death.

The household was in a sorrowful mood at that time, most especially for the twins. With A2 spending time by herself to mourn and grieve during that week, with the rest giving her space.

2B herself, decided to have some time to be alone but decided to do something different when reflecting her time with A4. So, she went fishing. A hobby she considers a good past time to relax and one of the few individuals who enjoy themselves doing it. But at the moment, 2B was more focus in her thoughts than fishing on a random, somewhat plain, pond filled with little to no fish to catch.

Thoughts more on A4, who was the one who introduced her to fishing in the first place.

It was one of the things that 2B was happy from the late huntress for teaching her how to fish. When 2B does it, she reminds herself of her old mentor, who was more of an older sibling to her than teacher and the times they spent together. From the training, the outside excursion in the forest, hearing her stories of her travels and her overall company. 2B let the memories flow through her despite the grief it came to honor A4. She felt a years' worth of feelings welling up in her and fighting whether to be let out or not.

She hasn't felt the loss and sorrow for quite some time and wonders how she got through the year without thinking about A4 and breaking down in tears, knowing that she is gone.

"Ouf..."

Only for the answer to come stumbling out from the bush beside her with a groan.

"Nines?!" 2B said in surprise to an equally shocked 9S, who nearly fell to the ground for tripping over a root.

"2B?" He said, turning to her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

2B hasn't seen 9S for the whole day and only knew that he had other plans for the day. 9S was quick to explain to her after righting himself.

"I-I was with Whistill and he was showing me his home, then—2B are you… are you, okay?" His expression turns to one of concern, eyes widening once he noticed something about 2B.

"W-What?"

"You're …crying." He softly said before leaning down to a crouch beside 2B, while her hands felt her eyes feeling some wetness trailing down them. 2B realize that she was crying unconsciously and 9S noticed her distress. She turns away, wiping the tears and not wanting to look at him.

"It's nothing…"

It was a weak retort and 2B knows 9S wouldn't believe it after seeing her vulnerable. The silence after just added the discomfort 2B was feeling after being found crying. She waited for 9S's response, looking at the corner of her eyes at his expression.

She saw him with a pondering look before catching her gaze and spoke.

"You don't have to tell me what's wrong. I won't push you to tell me or ask of it, but if you want ...I can stay with you." 9S said in a calm tone. His offer not expected by 2B.

"…No one should be alone when they're hurting." 9S added with a tender look, one offering to support and just be there for her with no question asks.

While 2B decided to be alone today with her mourning, she knew that she didn't want to be alone and rather wished to have some company with her. And if that company is 9S, then it makes it all the better for her.

"I-I… if your okay way it."

9S seats himself on her side. While he does want to put a hand on 2B's shoulder or even hold her hand to help console whatever thoughts were hurting her, he knew better and kept a small but respectable distance between them. Though still ready to offer whatever he can do to comfort her when she ask of it.

He didn't wait too long as 2B shifted closer and lays her head on his shoulders. 9S hesitantly wraps an arm around her not wanting to startle her, but she welcomes the physical touch and the comfort it provided.

She needed it, someone to lean on while she grieves. She wonders if A2 needed it as well despite being the one with more resolve between them to handle her grief alone. She hopes her sister wasn't weighing herself down and decides later to find her and be there for her like how 9S is now with her.

2B glances at 9S who had a tranquil look. One that made her relax as well, his presence soothing the ache in her heart. 2B wonders if he is bothered or felt inconvenient of being here. But those thoughts fade away after he notices her staring at him and offers a tender smile. One that made 2B feel warm inside and grateful that 9S wants to be with her and comfort her when she is hurting without asking why.

A little thought on the back of her head says that 9S is aware of A4 and knows a bit from asking others in the village about the late huner, despite her or anyone in the household not talking about A4. He must have known what she meant to them, to her and A2 and out of respect didn't ask about her. Not wanting to hurt them both by asking and bringing up old memories and grief. He gave them space throughout the week, to let them settle their own thoughts too, trying not to bother them if he can.

Regardless, 2B appreciates him being here with her. She can't help but feel her mood brighten whenever 9S is around, despite the shenanigans he gets himself into or the trouble that he causes at times. She finds the warm feeling in her chest grow before lifting her head off his shoulders to address him.

"Thank you…" 2B says earning a raise eyebrow from 9S.

"For staying with me, even if you didn't have too. I know you can see that right now me, A2 and Zinnia are hurting because of someone… who passed away. Someone very important and hard for us to talk about… But you're here despite that and… it's kind of you to do so. I really appreciate it Nines." 2B gives him a soft smile, one conveying her gratitude and appreciation of him. 9S feels his cheek heat up before replying.

"Well a year ago, you were there for me when I was hurting, and I couldn't talk about it either since you know… I mean, I lost my memories and was scared of everything around me when I woke up…"—

9S then faces 2B and gives a serious look but one that also conveyed a bit of affection before continuing.

— "But then I met you… one of the kindest and most caring people I know. You were there, found me and helped me despite being a stranger you never met before at the beginning. You did so much later on for 2B, more than you realize and I want to do the same for you too. On days when you're happy or on days you're hurting. I'll be there right beside you. You're important to me 2B and know that I'll always be there for you, no matter what." 9S finished with soft smile in return.

Before blushing madly and mouth gaping like a gold fish after realizing what he just said was emnarassing and made 2B have a surprised expressionon her face. He was not sure what it meant and thinking of the worst of it. But before 9S could react or stutter an explanation, 2B leaned forward towards him.

He then felt the soft press of her lips on his cheek that lasted only for a few seconds but felt longer that sent his entire mind blank.

9S was stunned by the surprise kiss that he didn't notice 2B leaned back and watch in amusement of his rapidly heating face. She gives a short chuckle, snapping 9S back to reality. He attempts to form words only to come out as unintelligent garbled with his gaping mouth.

"W-what…wha.."

"Nines… Thank you. That was… sweet. You are important to me too… I-I too would like to stay by your side and know that I'll be there for you too, always." 2B said with a different smile radiating fondness, while sporting the same redness on her cheeks. She finally understood or accepts what 6O was talking about before. The warm feeling in her chest becoming more welcoming to her, realizing after 9S's short ramble that she holds deep feelings for him.

9S could only nod in reply, which 2B didn't mind and moved back to his side and lay her head on his shoulder. It took a moment for 9S to rein in the heat in his cheeks and emotions raging in him before he relax, moving his arm back to wrap around 2B again.

"Is it okay if we stay like this a bit longer?"

"Yeah, I-I don't m-mind."

"Nines?"

"Y-Yeah?"

"Someday, I promise I'll tell you."

"…I know, I promise I'll be patient and all ears."

"Thanks..."

They sat on their spot a little longer, with 2B's fishing forgotten for a moment to enjoy each other's company until they had to head back home.

While the pain and sorrow still lingers in 2B for A4's death, she was happy that 9S was with her for comfort and support. She was also happy of learning her new feelings of affection and love for him. And found that it may be mutual, but still something that she is willing to explore and learn more about later on. She doens't think she and 9S are ready yet for a relationship or any sort of romance between them, since everything is still new for them. But it's still something they can look forward for the future.

Right now though, she would rather enjoy present the moment than later.

2B then feels 9S lean his head on hers, making her give out a content sigh as they continue to lean on each other. This day becomes a fond memory for him and her to share.