Chapter 12

Love of Robot and Human

The following evening, Harima went home to see his bashful Maiden, Eri. When he opened the door, he found her, curled up in a couch. She was sleeping while plugged in. Harima sat by her and pet her head. Eri woke up and found Harima, who was by her side. She got up and blushed.

"Hello, Harima, did you have a good day?" She asked.

"Yeah, I did," Harima replied, "I also learned something about you."

"What? What is it?" Maiden Eri asked.

"I found that it was Rich Girl, who delivered you to me," Harima informed, "Her name is Eri Sawachika. Somehow, I think she gave me you as a prank and hid her true identity in anonymity."

Eri Maiden gasped. Harima was concerned, "Are you okay?"

The robot blushed in embarrassment and said, "Sorry… I think she was the one who created me, but it's not accurate. To be honest, I don't know why I am created, even as a shy, timid android."

Harima held her and said, "It's okay, Eri. I'll stay by your side. Even though you're shy, you'll get use to our friends eventually."

"Really? You mean it?" The Maiden Eri smiled and asked, "Will we go for a walk together?"

Harima replied, "Sure. And I'll treat you to lunch."

The Maiden shook her head, "I'm sorry. We Maidens are good at cooking, but we never sample food that's already made."

"So, you never eat?"

"Never. Our fuel is electricity, which powers up a Maiden to its MAX capacity. Of course, not many people know this, but the original Maidens were solar-powered. They use the sun's energy to recharge. It's just like the Tomo model, Model #86662426, our supervisor in Yagami. She recharged herself using Mother Nature."

"Wow, I never knew you were so unique."

"Not really, there were some flaws to my sisters and older sisters."

"Oh?"

The Eri Maiden then announced the Maidens that were gone:

"Model #715154716 – Sakaki Model: her body overheated and shut down permanently, currently dismantled; Model #T1D1K42H1 – Chiyo Model: exploded after insufficient Maiden file corrupted her system, whereabouts unknown; Model #M-780 – Miko Model: Body completely destroyed; Model #-."

"Okay, okay! I don't need all the info," Harima growled.

"Sorry, but we learn from some of these mistakes," Eri sighed, "Besides, the Miko model sacrificed herself to save one of your classmates."

"Yeah, I know. Rich Girl told me about it, in which she was a bit heartbroken for Miko. By the way, who owned her, before she died? I forgot."

"Please wait."

Eri began to buzz. She began to search for the last person who owned Miko.

"Processing… processing… Search complete."

She announced the name, "Miko Model was last owned by one Mr. Haruki Hanai of Yagami, Japan."

"FOUR-EYES?" He cried out.

"Mr. Harima, control yourself," the Maiden replied, "Hanai was rescued by his Maiden. And, well, it was a sad ending for a great model. She was customized to look exactly like one of her classmates."

"Of course, she told me that, too. So, why did you bring that up?"

"I said it before, didn't I? We Maidens have a few flaws and errors in us. Miko was no other; she was perfect."

Eri Maiden got up and bowed to Harima, "I'm sorry. I never talked that much today. I'm not used to speaking to you, especially since I love you."

"Yeah, about that. Why do you love me?" He asked.

The Maiden turned away and blushed. She wouldn't answer.

"I'll find out yet," he said.

XXXXX

Later that weekend, Harima and his Maiden were out for a walk. Maiden Eri even had a parasol in her hand. She was glistening in the sunlight, smiling.

"Oh, this weather is beautiful," she said, "By far, a great day."

Harima added, "Well, it is nice out. I wonder if you'll be okay."

"Sadly, I am not solar-powered," Maiden Eri stated, "I forgot to mention that they were recalled, since the Tomo Model, my supervisor, became outdated. But I can handle keeping my power intact. We Maidens use about 10% of our power for a three hour totaled duty."

"Oh?" He asked, "Do you always work?"

"Well, if I had other modes, rather than Pleasure Mode and the ability to clean really fast, I'd be such a bore. That's why Maidens like me try to hold off fun."

"You're no fun, that's for sure," Harima huffed.

But then, Mikoto was walking by and saw Harima with Eri, not knowing that she's the Maiden. Mikoto called to Harima, and the Maiden hid behind his back.

"Hey, Harima, why's Eri with you?" She asked.

The robot did nothing but shake in fright.

"Come on out, Eri," Harima informed, "She's not going to hurt you."

The Maiden sluggishly stepped out and bowed to Mikoto.

"Uh, Harima, is something wrong with her?" Mikoto asked.

"Good afternoon to you, Miss. I am Eri, Harima's Maiden for Hire," she introduced herself.

Mikoto was shocked, "No way… you're a Maiden?"

Harima blushed in embarrassment, as the Maiden bowed to her again.

"Yes. I am. I am sorry for being shy there; I'm new to the Maiden for Hire line," she stated.

Mikoto bowed back and said, "Well, it's nice to meet you, Eri. For a minute, I thought you reminded me of someone else."

"You're welcome, Mikoto Suo," Eri smiled.

"How did you know my name?" Mikoto asked.

"I read through your files," she stated, "Mikoto Suo, 17 years old; was with Haruki Hanai when his Maiden, Model #M-780, was destroyed; Suo's own measurements and height were used to create said Maiden."

"Oh, you've heard about what happened that day?" She growled, annoyed by Maiden Eri's info.

"No. I just know people, the minute I read through their profiles in Maidens for Hire systems. I was created after Miko died." She replied.

"Aw, that's nice," Mikoto smiled.

Harima then asked, "So, what brings you here?"

"I thought maybe Tenma, Eri, and I will be having a friendly chat together." Mikoto said, "I was wondering if you and your maid will join us."

"I would, but I can't," The Maiden said, "I have to go back home and clean his house."

"Aw, you'll be fine, Eri," Harima said, "As long as you stick with us."

Just then, Eri and Tenma arrived. The Maiden looked at her human counterpart and was concerned with a glare. Eri looked at her robot double and wondered. Tenma gasped and looked at both Eris quickly.

"So, she's here," Eri stated.

"Two Eris?" Tenma cried.

"Oh, Eri," Harima said, as he introduced them to her, "Allow me to introduce these two girls here. The blonde here is "Rich Girl" and the girl with the black hair is Tenma."

"Nice to meet you two," the Maiden Eri bowed.

They bowed back, "Nice to meet you, too."

"WOW! Your very own Maiden for Hire, Harima!" Tenma squealed.

Eri smiled, "It's nice to meet one up-close."

The Maiden bowed and asked, "So, what shall we do today?"

"How about we just have a walk in the park, like always?" Tenma cheered, "And after that, we can eat lunch together."

"I thought we were going to El Cado," Mikoto sighed.

Eri responded, "Well, the plan has changed."

The Maiden had an idea, "Well, how about if we have lunch at the café. And then, we'll spend the rest of the day at a place we'll go to, as long as we agree on it."

They all agreed, except Eri, who was scowling at her.

"Say, Eri, isn't it?" She asked her, "Tell me, are you going to be with us?"

"Sorry, I have to go to Harima's to recharge," she replied.

"Every day is the same thing, Rich Girl," Harima explained, "Eri has been wasting her power. I think there's something wrong with her."

The Maiden held his arm and hugged. Eri watched on in disgust.

"Whiskers, may I have a word with your Maiden alone?" She suggested.

"Oh, sure. I have to go take care of something," Harima said, as he ran towards Tenma.

As he called to Tenma, Eri approached her robot double and smiled evilly.

"So?"

"So what?" The Maiden asked.

"Any news on Whiskers yet?"

The robot Eri then thought, "Oh, boy… I don't like where this is going."

Eri barked, "Have you asked him about me?"

"Well, no," the Maiden nervously stuttered, "I can't seem to tell him off. When I was activated, I noticed that he was very scary. But it turns out that he doesn't bite. I was too scared to speak."

Eri then scolded, "Know your place, android! I didn't create you to act timid towards Kenji Harima! I want to know something about him and me. I noticed that he's been eyeing on Yakumo. But I think someone told me that there's another girl in his life, rather than her."

"Well, I'm not so sure," Maiden Eri remarked, "Harima has been a great guy, so far. He never admitted that he loved you. And I don't think he ever loves Yakumo."

Eri scowled, "Are you crazy? Well, there's someone who has loved him! That jerk will spill it out, one day, and I want you to seduce him out of it."

"I… I… I…" she stuttered, "I don't know… what to…"

"Do it!" Eri snapped, "If Harima loves me, then I guess I can be his girlfriend. If not, well, there's a certain robo-girl who will have her hair ripped off from her head, and entire skull with it."

"NO! That's horrible!"

"Do it, or you're going to the scrap heap."

The Maiden bowed her head in sadness. She was feeling kind of blue.

"Listen, we'll handle a nice day at the park, but I suggest that you know your place and stay grounded," Eri remarked.

"I understand, Miss Sawachika," she bowed, "I'll try to make him talk. After all, you've programmed me to make Harima happy. I'll try to seduce him, but I am not going all the way."

"Right. Underage love-making is strictly prohibited," Eri said.

"Eri! Let's go!" Tenma called out.

"Okay, Tenma! Just don't be late this time!" She called back.

As Harima approached both Eris, the real Eri whispered to the robot Eri, "Remember what I said. Act like a Maiden for Hire, for once. And when he spills out who he loves, give me the message, first thing."

The robot said nothing. Harima returned and said that he has to take Eri home.

"Don't worry," he insisted, "I'll meet you girls later."

"Okay, see you later then," Eri smiled.

They left together. The Maiden Eri turned her head to see Eri, who was glaring at her.

"Eri," she thought, "I'm sorry. How can I make him confess? I know he has another girl, but… but I love him. I can't bear to say it in front of her."

The real Eri left to meet up with Tenma and Mikoto.

XXXXX

The following hour, Harima dropped off the Maiden Eri in his house and went to the front door. She plugged herself in and went after Harima, who was just leaving. She grabbed his hand and pleaded to stay.

"Eri?" He asked, "What are you doing?"

"No, I can't let you go with her," she scolded, "Eri Sawachika is a bad girl!"

"Huh? How would you know that?"

"Well… you see…"

The robot started to blush again, being too nervous to answer. She then asked him if he had a crush on someone.

"Well, I guess I should tell you, since Itoko was the only person I told about," Harima insisted.

The robot Eri retorted, "Are you in love with Eri? Answer me!"

Harima replied, "No. And before you jump to conclusions, no, I do not love Yakumo Tsukamoto, either. I cared for both girls, but there is one girl I loved… but she's been taken by some other jerk."

"Oh? Who is it?"

Harima took a deep breath and answered to his Maiden, "It was… It was…"

The robot Eri stopped him, by kissing him again. Harima placed her aside, telling her not to do it again.

"Harima, why are you resisting?"

"You didn't let me finish. Can't you understand that I don't love you? You're just like Rich Girl, in the looks department."

"Maybe so, but I love you. I really do!" Maiden Eri cried, "So what if I am a robot? My feelings for you were one of a kind, like me. But I'll understand, if you tell whom do you love."

"I'll be glad to, if you disable your Pleasure Mode." Harima demanded.

"Access denied," Eri said, "Not while I have feelings for you! Now tell me!"

Harima took a deep breath and gave his answer to the robot Eri:

"I'm in love… I'm in love with… … … …Tenma."

The Maiden was confused. She processed her memory, searching for Tenma. She came up with a match, but was shocked.

"Miss Tsukamoto? You mean the same Miss Tenma Tsukamoto that bought the Yakumo Model recently?" The Maiden asked, "You love her, but she doesn't know you exist?"

"Oh, she would love me, but she thinks of me as a pervert from long ago! All I did was save her life, but…"

Eri comforted him and said, "There, there. It's okay. As long as you understand, it'll all be okay."

"Really?" Harima asked.

The Maiden nodded, "You love Tenma Tsukamoto; but, I love you. Even as a Maiden, my emotions are all phony."

She kissed him on the cheek and went to the outlet. She unplugged herself and sat down on the chair. She reached for the button behind her back and turned to Harima.

"I believe you'll understand on day," she whispered, "But, right now, I am… completely heartbroken."

"Eri, what are you doing?" Harima pleaded.

The Maiden explained with a tearful expression, "Master Kenji, please forgive me. You love Tenma, so I've decided to deactivate myself. You'll never see me again, unless you turn me on for a couple of hours. But for now, I want you to confess your love to her. Please? I'll be okay. Just tell me how it is. I won't hold back on you. Goodbye, Harima."

Harima then rushed towards her and grabbed her hand, which was close to her neck.

"You idiot! You cannot do that!" He screamed, "Even if you are the double of Rich Girl, you still cannot do this! I do love Tenma, and I admit it, but turning yourself off will not change everything! Eri, listen to me! I don't care if you love me! I just want you by your side!"

The Maiden tried to break free. She cried out, "NO! Let me go! I have to… to guarantee your happiness! That is what I am programmed for!"

"I don't care!" He hollered, "I don't want you to leave! I'll confess to Tenma, when I say I can! This is not the right time!"

He held her face and added, "Eri, don't do this. I know you find me as a pervert, but-."

"I DON'T FIND YOU AS A PERVERT!" She cried out, "I WAS AFRAID OF YOU!"

She covered her mouth and whispered, "Sorry… I…"

"Eri, please tell me." Harima pleaded.

But as she was about to answer, her body began to shake. Her emotional circuits began to malfunction.

"Malfunction! Emotional circuits damaged! Malfunction!"

She collapsed onto Harima and was shaking and smoking. She looked up and was smiling.

"Harima… thank you… you were great… as my… master," she weakly said.

"Eri, no! I cannot let you die!" He screamed, trying to wake her up, "I don't even have enough money to fix you!"

She smiled and said, "Oh, you will. It's free. But I suggest not to, anyway."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I… I… I'm… I'm being… used…"

"Used? By who?"

"I…"

Eri's eyes faded to black.

"Maiden damaged… system shutdown… please repair Mai-."

"ERI!"

The robot clicked her eyes closed and collapsed. Her body was shut down, with a lone tear from her eye. Harima placed her on his bed.

"Free, huh?" He thought, "But wait, what did she say just now? Did some sick bastard use her to get at me? I'll bet it's Tennouji again!"

He approached the phone and called the Company to fix Eri.

Damn him! Whoever it was, he'll be sorry for hurting an innocent Maiden, emotionally and physically!

Harima was in a rage of anger, knowing that someone has used the Maiden Eri to make him confess. But will he find out it was from Rich Girl, uh, I mean Eri?

XXXXX

Hours later, Eri was fully fixed. She was, however, turned off. She sat in a chair, motionless and plugged in. Harima turned her on. She opened her eyes and saw him.

"Harima? What did you do? I said not to reactivate me!"

"I'm sorry, Eri," he apologized, "Despite the fact that you and I are different, I cannot bear to lose you. Think about it! If it were Tenma, or Tenma's sister, or Four-Eyes, or Mikoto, or anybody else, then my life would be meaningless."

Eri held Harima tight and whispered, "Harima… I'm sorry. I love you."

"Why do you say that? Didn't you say that your emotions were artificial?"

"Yes, but… but I still love you. At first, I thought you were one of those mean thugs, but after knowing you better, you're a nice guy."

"You really think so? I'd kiss you, not because you're lips are soft, but you still remind me of-."

"Say no more. Just pretend that I am Tenma. Forget that you ever remember her," the Maiden requested, "And by her, I mean Miss Sawachika."

"Huh? Really?" Harima asked.

The Maiden nodded and Harima approached her face. They both kissed each other. Harima stopped for the moment.

"Eri, promise me that you'd keep this a secret," he suggested.

"Which one: our love affair or your Tenma crush?" She asked.

Harima replied, "Both. I could get used to being with you, since you're nowhere near Rich Girl's attitude. Besides, if I can pretend that you are Tenma for a while, you'll still have me."

Maiden Eri blushed.

"Also, I want you to protect yourself. I heard that someone is using you," he said, "I know that you and I are not meant to be, but I'd like to get my hands on him for making you like this. If that bastard tries something to you again, then he'll pay. But, if you want to tell me, just say it. Would you do that for me?"

The robot then blushed, "I will, and thank you for saving me. Now kiss me again, you rugged hunk."

And they did. But while she was embracing it, she then had a horrifying thought.

"I'm sorry, Eri," she thought, while touching Harima's lips, "I guess I cannot tell you yet… at the risk of losing him."

So the love between human and robot FINALLY gets added in the Maiden for Hire mix, and THIS time, it is boy-girl.

Will this romance continue? Find out in the next chapter…