Sarah: Maiden for Hire
Conclusion
Both Sarahs arrived at the factory. The sign on the door said "Maiden Funeral 3pm – Stay for the wake".
"This feels bittersweet," she said to her Maiden, "Is this even right to have a funeral for robots?"
"Mister Hanai did it," Maiden Sarah responded, "Besides, this isn't the first time we lost a Maiden, because of an accident."
Tomo arrived and saw Sarah and Robot Sarah present. Tomo was wearing an all-black uniform, fitting for the occasion.
"Model #71R1H, you have arrived," Tomo spoke.
"Yes, madam," she said, "I have brought along a guest."
"Oh, hello, Miss Adiemus," Tomo cringed, "It's nice of you to come here… although I don't think you'd enjoy the service."
"No, I'll get used to it. I wore black, just for this occasion," she said, "I'm sorry for Miko."
"That's okay, and thank you," Tomo sobbed.
"Are you okay?" Sarah asked.
Tomo said nothing. She turned around and led them to the main room.
XXXXX
"This is, of course, an all-Maiden service, made by Koyomi Mizuhara and Shinji Takeru, that is set up for any retired Maidens that bit the dust. Say if you lost a friend, who lost his or her life in war… this is how we celebrate the death of a Maiden for Hire, even though she is unfixable."
Sarah asked, "So, do you do it often?"
"Well, no," Tomo asked, "This is the first time we've done it."
Tomo continued, as Maiden Sarah left to see the other Maidens, "Of course, Maidens dressed in black is optional, like in all ceremonies. Anybody who doesn't wear black must wear a black rose on their chest."
Sarah then asked, "I know this may sound farfetched, but can I see the body?"
Tomo nodded and showed her a huge cardboard box.
"Well, here it is. I wanted to mention this to you… Maidens are free for repairs; however, a broken limb or a crushed part may take days to repair. That happens rarely… but we learn from our mistakes. Miko, Model #M-780, was a proud Maiden. We've learned that her Pleasure Mode was disabled, all during Hanai's service. In a sad move, on a rainy night, she lost her life, when a speeding car rammed her. The saddest part of all was that she saved Hanai and sacrificed herself to let him live."
Sarah opened the box and was horrified. The Maiden was indeed Miko, the Maiden that looked like Mikoto Suo.
"Oh, dear… this Maiden looked like Suo-senpai…" Sarah whimpered, "And she saved him like that?"
"She was a custom model. She was built to look like a one, Mikoto Suo." Tomo said.
She turned to Sarah and added, "You know, she wasn't the only Maiden to break down and die. A few others have fallen victim to dismantling. There was a Sakaki Model that shorted out, a Maiden that resembled Chiyo Mihama ended her life by exploding into flames, and even Koyomi, our best Maiden for Hire… her system failure remained unknown."
Sarah then thought, "So… she was the one who'd rescue Hanai… I did happen to hear a story about it from Akira, but I thought she was lying."
She stroked her faux hair and was sad, "Rest in peace, Miko… You saved Hanai, and I pray for you. God will watch over your spirit, even if you are a robot."
Tomo barked, "Don't disturb her! It's rude to perturb a dead body, even if she is mechanical. Besides, we can still use her. After we finish with her, we use her discarded parts to use for future Maidens. Anything that's outdated or useless, we just either melt it or salvage."
"My apologies, Miss Tomo," she said.
Tomo escorted her to the main hall and said, "The service should start soon. We better find your seat."
XXXXX
At the ceremonies, all the Maidens were in attention, on their knees, feeling blue. The Tomo Maiden approached the podium and started to clear her throat.
"Fellow sisters, we are gathered here today to pay homage to Custom Model Maiden M-780; also known as Miko. She had only one owner, but he chose to stay loyal to her. Miss Miko was a fine Maiden…"
She continued on about what she did, during her services with Hanai, including her budding friendship with Mikoto, herself. All the Maidens watched on in attention, as Sarah was worried.
"It's like a Maiden meeting," she thought, "Everyone is like worshipping her. Too bad it was only a funeral."
"And now, I'd like to call to attention, our guest of honor, Sarah Adiemus, the proud owner of Maiden Model #71R1H." Tomo waved.
"Me?"
The Maidens applaud in unison, as Sarah approached the podium. She was very nervous. She then spoke on the microphone:
"Hello. I'm not used to talking about Maidens for Hire, but I am sure that I know about them in experience. My name is Sarah Adiemus, and I own Sarah, or 7-1-R-1-H. Anyways, I wanted to know that Miko was indeed a fine Maiden. I never met her at all, but I've heard good things. Despite the fact that people abused her, while Hanai watched on, I'm glad that her special defense skills came to good use. And, well, I, uh… AHEM! Sorry, not into long speeches. I hope one day… she'll be happy. Of course, now that we learn that… well, let's just say… that Miko will be with all of us, no matter who you girls are. Hanai-Senpai and Mikoto-Senpai were happy to see her… but now… they lost a friend. My only wish… is to… give Hanai… all the… all the…"
Sarah started to sob. The Maidens were in sadness, knowing that Miko's death made her cry. The Maiden Sarah patted her back and said, "I miss her, too…"
She hugged her and started to cry with her. Tomo was moved by her speech that she summoned Gus and Hank.
"Okay, you two losers!" She barked, "Carry her off to the main room. Mister Takeru will take it from here."
"Yes, ma'am," they pouted, as they carried the box away.
The music began. They played the Funeral March, while some of the Maidens sobbed softly. The Maiden Sarah couldn't stop bawling.
XXXXX
At the wake, the Maiden Sarah was crying continuously on Sarah's shoulder.
"It's okay… let it all out," she said, "Miko was good…"
Just then, Terry Stanton, the mechanic, approached her.
"Is she going to be okay?" He asked.
"Who are you?"
"I am Terry Stanton, the company's head mechanic. I am responsible for repairing Maidens."
"Oh, I see… Well, Sarah cannot stop crying, since the memorial service ended."
"Oh, I guess her emotions got the best of her. She's obviously malfunctioning."
Sarah patted her head and said, "It's okay, Sarah… you'll be okay."
The robot continued to wail and cry. Terry was feeling annoyed. He pressed her power button and she was turned off. The Maiden collapsed, with her face still sopping wet. Sarah held her tight and was upset.
"Sarah… I only wish that you were capable of such emotions…" she said, "I think Miko may have hurt her."
"Maybe so, but it affects every active Maiden."
Sarah nodded, as Terry took the robot away.
"I must take her to the repair bay. I'm only going to fix her emotional circuits and erase any memory of Miko from her. This may take about four hours; your Maiden should return tomorrow. So, for now, I suggest that you must leave now."
"Yes, I should be going. It does feel somber here," Sarah said, "Please bring Sarah home soon… and give my condolences to Miss Mizuhara, for losing one of her Maidens."
As she left, a blonde girl with pigtails stepped in front of her.
"You must be Sarah's owner," she blushed.
Sarah was confused, "Miss Sawachika? What are you doing here?"
In actuality, it was Harima's girlfriend, the Eri Maiden, who is visiting the factory for the occasion.
"Oh, where are my manners?" She introduced herself, "My name is Eri, or Model #N1K1M871. I am Kenji Harima's Maiden for Hire… but my services…"
She turned away and blushed, "Sorry… I'm just too embarrassed to explain it to you."
Sarah gasped, as she saw a red button on her neck. She smiled and responded, "Sorry, I thought you were someone else."
Eri Maiden then blushed and asked, "W-w-would you like to talk?"
"Oh, I can't. I should leave right now. It feels very bleak."
"Oh, no… I'm leaving, too. If I stay longer, my emotional circuits would break down… again."
"You're nice, unlike Eri-Senpai. Shall we leave together?"
Eri Maiden nodded and walked with her.
XXXXX
"Oh… so you were Harima-Senpai's Maiden?" Sarah asked Eri Maiden, who was with her outside the front gate.
"Yes… but my services ended prematurely," Eri Maiden responded, "How about you?"
"Oh, I was just here, since Sarah knows about the death."
"I see…"
Eri held Sarah's hand and was nervous, "You know… you don't need a Maiden. I've heard it from your Maiden. It must've sucked for you to be paralyzed in this state. If it were my Kenji, it would be very heartbreaking."
"I don't?" She asked.
"No… but you like her, so, I guess you are good." Eri smiled.
Sarah then asked, "So, Miss Mizuhara created you?"
Eri Maiden sighed, "Apologies, but no. I was created by Miss Eri Sawachika."
"ERI?"
"Yes. As a matter of fact, Miss Eri is one of the workers in the Yagami branch. Ask Akira; she's very well knowledgeable."
"I'll ask later. So, were you like a good Maiden to Harima?"
"Yes… but I grew to love him. Eri created me to learn the truth about his love life. It turns out the she was the one. But… truthfully… it was Tenma Tsukamoto, the co-owner of Yakumo Model. I never told her about it at all."
"Why did your services ended prematurely?"
Eri blushed and said, "You don't even want to know. It'd be… too ridiculous…"
Sarah then sighed, "You're right. If I know Harima, he'd never get the right opportunity to make the wrong moves."
She then asked, "So, were you saddened by Miko?"
"I was created after she died, so yes. I learned about it now, since I met her human counterpart, the other week." Eri Maiden said.
Sarah then retorted, "How come you wanted to live?"
"What do you mean?"
"Miko was a fine Maiden. And if it were you, it would hurt Harima's heart. My Maiden wouldn't do that, out of caring and compassion. You have the same personality as Eri-Senpai, and Sarah-bot has the same personality as me. I'm surprised by some of your sisters being independent… for robots."
Eri shook her head and grinned, "You just don't get it… every Maiden is unique; each with its own way. Sarah Model was so torn apart by your injury that she told me that she'd never leave your side. Sarah was right. If Kenji suddenly died or hurt himself into a state of a coma, my life shows no meaning. And wouldn't that suck?"
"She told you?"
"She said it so, herself… When you were injured, she felt so saddened by your condition that she stayed by you for at least 24/7. Of course, she knew about your perturbed attitude, since you owned her. Would you feel that way, if one of your own was injured? We have feelings, too… like you."
Sarah then groaned, "Hmm…"
Eri continued, "Now when I was a Maiden, I was torn by the choice of either leaving or staying… I loved Kenji Harima, but it feels like it's fake. Miss Eri gave me my chance and she said that it's only for a long time, before I disappear."
"Why?" Sarah asked.
"Because… I have no use for myself, after that. Sometimes I wish I'd stay around, seeing where my life will take me."
"I see. I'm no good at romance, but you should handle this on your own. Try to talk it out with both Eri and Harima. Maybe they can give you what you want."
Eri Maiden smiled and replied, "You're so nice. You're the first person who told me to stay true."
She got up and bowed to Eri Maiden, "Thank you. I look forward to seeing you soon, if I ever run into you."
"It's cool," Eri Maiden smiled and bowed back, "I'm usually there at Yagami High, filling in for her, whenever she's at work. I look like an exact copy, but she installed some personality in me, to simulate Miss Eri."
Eri Maiden then added, "And also, that chat we had about Harima and Miss Tenma… I want you to keep it under wraps and not tell anyone, including Miss Eri."
Sarah nodded and left. Eri Maiden waved goodbye to her. She thought about Eri and what she said. She then felt unhappy.
Would you feel the same way, if one of your own was injured?
"Her words cut deep into me," she said, "Maybe Sarah felt bad about me… That's what Maidens for Hire is about; to have guaranteed service, no matter what the user is: to each, its own."
XXXXX
Sarah waited two days for her Maiden to return. It wasn't the same, without her. But as she waited, the Eri Maiden's words were played into her head.
"Every Maiden is unique; each with its own way," the Maiden Eri explained, "Sarah Model was so torn apart by your injury that she told me that she'd never leave your side. Sarah was right."
She let out a tear and murmured:
Each Maiden its own trait…
Each with its own personality…
Each with its own feelings…
Each with its own happiness…
Was this what the robot Eri is trying to tell me?
She heard a knock on the door. She got up and opened the door. When she opened, she saw a girl with long light blonde hair and her uniform. It was Sarah, her Maiden.
"You… you came back…" she laughed.
"I know. I told you that our emotions may sometimes break us."
"You never said that."
"Yes, I did. I said that we tend to break our emotional circuits, whenever the sadness occurred. Miko must've made me cry continuously, without stopping."
Do not stray away from me. It's tough to see a Maiden go, much like the others…
Sarah started to hug her Maiden and sob, "I'm sorry… I'll stay by your side…"
"Are you okay?" The Maiden asked.
Sarah cried, as the Maiden held her tight. The Maiden then remembered the other day, when her paralysis was gone. She patted her head and said, "Oh, it's okay. You miss me, right?"
"I heard everything about you. I think it's better for you to be safe, no matter what. I promise that I'll stay with you… as long as I can afford you, for a long time."
The robot smiled big and was very happy, "You… you do that for me? Why?"
She winked and said, "Let's just say that a little Maiden told me."
They both shared a hug, but then Sarah Maiden started to weaken. She collapsed and stumbled onto her user. Sarah fell to the wall, with her Maiden out cold. Her eyes were blank and her body was motionless.
"Oh, poor Sarah," she whispered, "Your battery was dying, after the walk back."
She was right. The robot's eyes clicked closed and she was shut down. Sarah held her by her face and went cheek to cheek. She closed her eyes and was embracing her warmth.
"I'll stay with you, no matter what…" she whispered to the Maiden.
Sarah didn't bother plugging her in… Not yet. She wanted to enjoy this moment, before she could do that.
I just wanted to be a good person, just like you. Being you on the outside was a privilege. But being you on the inside, it could be difficult.
Her words from the past were cut deep within her heart. There were more…
Know this, Miss Sarah. No matter what… no one can replace you.
Sarah held onto her Maiden and kept her for a long time.
"Every Maiden is unique; each with its own way," the Maiden Eri said to her.
"I am your Maiden for Hire, and proud of it. There's no need to be envious of me." The Maiden Sarah said when she comforted Sarah.
"We have feelings, too… like you," the Maiden Eri said.
"I get it now," she thought, as she snuggled on her Maiden, "Maidens for Hire are sometimes like us… they're human, but in a different way. They are all unique in every way. I'm glad she came to me."
XXXXX
Since then, she cared for her Maiden for Hire, like she was her mother. For weeks, they have shared the times together, and have been going out together, making sure they'd stay with each other, and not suffer the same fate as Miko. Sarah and her Maiden are happy together, whether at work, at church, or at school, but mostly at home, just to stay safe. Of course, Sarah never mentioned most of it to Asou, Yakumo, or anybody… at least, not yet.
The End
"AH-CHOO!"
"Oh, dear," The Maiden Sarah said, "You have a fever… 104.9 degrees…"
"I guess I can stay home, right?" Sarah, who was flushed red in her face, coughed.
"Now, don't you worry," the robot remarked, "Maidens for Hire will tend to you. Only this time, it's to cure your illness. I shall make you my Maiden Special Soup, just as soon as I return from school."
She dressed in Sarah's uniform and left. She stopped at the door and said to her, "Rest easy, my friend. And when I get back, we'll go over the lesson plan for today."
Sarah smiled and said nothing. All she did was sneeze.
XXXXX
At school, Sarah was walking in the lobby, heading up the stairs. As she went to the first floor, she saw Eri walking by the hallway. She was actually the Maiden/robot girlfriend from before, dressed in her uniform.
"Eri Model," she whispered.
She stopped in front of her and blushed, "Nice to meet you again, Sarah Model."
They bowed at each other and let out a smile.
"How are things with Miss Adiemus?" Eri Maiden asked.
"Things are okay, but most will remain private… for now," she responded, "How about you; anything with Harima yet?"
Eri Maiden winked and giggled, "That's private, too."
Both robots laughed, as Sarah added, "Hey, if you want, we can exchange information. I love to hear more about you."
Eri Maiden smiled, "Sure. If I am not busy with Harima, then it's a date."
They went their opposite directions. Eri went to the second floor, while Sarah went to her homeroom.
Things were looking good for Sarah Adiemus… and her exact replication, which is a Maiden for Hire, from here on in.
And also, that meeting of the Maidens there…
That particular purpose has many questions, but has hardly any answers.
Thanks for reading!