An ominous howl echoed through the abandoned buildings of the city as Leah stared at the yawning chasm before her, green eyes wide with awe and fear at the destruction the giant robot had caused in such a short amount of time.
A large part of the city center had collapsed in on itself after the massive machine's explosion, causing a giant crater to be left in its wake. Pieces of crumbling debris were still falling off of the craters perimeters, the integrity of the surrounding area severely compromised by the collapse. Gallons of water flowed from pipes, that had been destroyed when the topography was altered, into the hole below, the concrete slicing through the ancient sewage system as it collapsed.
"This is crazy." Running her hand nervously across her scalp, her fingers tangling in her brown locks as she pulled the strands backward, Leah desperately trying to comprehend what she had witnessed today. Every day seemed to top the last with just how much had truly changed during her millennia-long slumber, the feeling of just how powerless and out of place she was threatening to overwhelm her at any given moment. Luckily for her, she had new friends to look to for support
"How can a machine be that powerful and yet you still beat it?" Leah stared incredulously at the android trio, 2B pulling herself away from the sight before her to acknowledge Leah's comment, her blindfolded gaze locked on the last-surviving human.
"We had our Flight Units," 2B pointed to the nearby mech-suits, the pair of weapons standing like watchful statues behind them, "they greatly increased our battle prowess both in the air and from a distance."
"Except for A2. She fought on foot and was quite formidable." 9S's enthusiastic reply only exacerbated the human girl's worry, her emerald gaze snapping to the silver-haired android at her side, A2 turning to look at her with a cool expression on her face.
"I've dealt with a lot of machines before." Despite how confident and calm her response was, A2's words failed to reassure the time-traveling human, Leah's heart clenching at the thought of how much danger her silver-haired companion had been in.
Leah was about to voice her displeasure at A2's seeming disregard for her own safety when a sudden beeping tone echoed through the ruined landscape, 2B's flying robot, that Leah overheard was called Pod 042, floating down in front of them.
"Urgent communication from YoRHa headquarters." Pod's robotic voice rang out from its faceless chassis, the little antenna on its head popping out as a beam of light projected the image of blonde android before them. A feeling of familiarity ran through Leah's mind as she looked at the veil-wearing android in the projection, remembering that her name was 6O.
"2B! How've you been?" 6O exuberant voice struck Leah for just how odd it was in comparison to the silver-haired android's the human had met so far. All of the YoRHa soldiers, and the one former one, all came off as very reserved and dutiful while dealing with serious issues. 6O seemed downright jubilant in comparison.
"What is the-"
"Oh my god! You're the human, right?!" Leah stood wide-eyed at being addressed so suddenly by the blonde android, a frustrated huff escaping 2B at being so rudely interrupted. Pod floated closer toward the shocked human, Leah feeling a little nervous at the sudden attention placed upon her by 6O, A2 sighing in annoyance at the loud operator unit while 9S was greatly amused by the sight of the flustered human.
"It's such an honor to finally meet you! My name is 6O! I'm the operator in charge of 2B." 6O bowed politely to the dumbstruck human as a bubbly laugh shone forth from behind her veil, the brown-haired girl not quite sure how to respond. Luckily, that decision was quickly taken from her as the Operator android continued on uninterrupted.
"I just have so many questions for you! About how you managed to survive and how you are handling life in a new time. Oh, how I wish we could bring you to the bunker and just talk. Or I could come down and see you! But, the commander would never allow that…This is the best I can hope for, unfortunately. Unless you request my assistance on the surface! Maybe the commander will allow it then?! I always wanted to see the flowers in person. Maybe we could see them together? Which kind is your favorite? I quite like-"
"6O!" 2B's agitated voice cut through the seemingly endless chatter of the excitable android, 6O's cavalcade of questions and exclamations coming to a sudden stop. Despite the blindfold that was covering the upper part of her face, the deep-seated frown on the YoRHa soldier's lips clearly projected her displeasure with the veil-covered android. "Please relay the message from command."
Leah's head swum after the avalanche of words, that seemed to spring from 6O's mouth without a moment to breathe, ended, Leah sending a silent thank you to 2B for stepping in before she got overwhelmed by the operators ceaseless questioning. The blonde android seemed very sweet and kind, but even back in her time, Leah had trouble with more outwardly social people. Right now, she was grateful for A2's quiet stoicism.
"Ah! Right, sorry!" Bringing her attention back to the YoRHa soldier, Pod turning to face 2B once more, 6O's bright and cheery disposition was quickly replaced with surprising professionalism.
"Ahem, YoRHa No. 2 Type-B and YoRHa No. 9 Type-S are to report back to the bunker effective immediately for debriefing on the Goliath attack. They will also be tasked with reporting on the human survivor named Leah."
Leah wasn't too sure how to feel about the last part of the order, still wildly uncomfortable with how much importance has been put on her meager existence. A2 also seemed greatly upset by the order, if the sharp glare she was directing toward the projection was any indication, but the former YoRHa soldier decided to remain quiet which Leah was grateful for. The human has had enough of fighting and arguments to last a lifetime.
"Understood. We will depart with the Flight Units immediately." Placing her palm over her chest in a form of a salute, 2B nodded toward 9S, the scanner android quickly running over to the flight units, inspecting the mechs for takeoff.
"We await your arrival. For the Glory of Mankind." Turning back to Leah, 60 gave the brown-haired girl a wave farewell, her closed eyes indicating that she was smiling brightly underneath her veil. "See ya, Leah!"
With that last bubbly sendoff, the projection switched off, 6O smiling face no longer visible as Pod 042 returned to hovering over 2B's shoulder. Walking up to Leah, the Battle type android grasped a hold Leah's wrist, a small smile playing on her lips as she regarded the last surviving human.
"We will be back as soon as we can." Her smile falling, 2B sternly turned toward the long-haired attack model, A2 barely giving her a second glance as she continued to stare over the ruined cityscape.
"You will be in charge of Leah's safety while we are gone." A2's head whipped around at the YoRHa soldier's statement, her gray-blue eyes shining with rage as she sneered angrily at 2B. Stalking up to Leah's side, the combat android standing protectively before the brown-haired girl, A2 regarded 2B with disdain.
"I don't take orders from you or YoRHa. I've been protecting Leah from the very beginning and that will never change. Whether you tell me to or not." A conflicting set of emotions ran through Leah's mind as the two silver-haired women glared at each other.
An uncomfortable warmth bubbled up in her stomach at how protective A2 was towards her, the long-haired androids dedication to Leah causing the young human's heart to beat rapidly in her chest. But a rising irritation began settling in the back of her mind, the android's words picking at Leah's self-esteem and independence without knowing they were doing so. Their inadvertent disregard for Leah's opinion and treating her like some precious vase that will break with the slightest touch hurt the young human deeply.
She knew they both meant well, their programming and, what she hoped was genuine, care for her well being causing them to act fiercely protective of her. Their slight bout of competitiveness surely didn't help matters. But even so, Leah couldn't help feeling like a burden or helpless child amongst the strong and capable androids.
"Leah?" A soft, boyish voice pulled Leah out of her mental spiral, 9S standing in front of her with a gentle smile on his face, 2B currently strapping herself into her flight unit as A2 watched over the human woman from a respectful distance.
"I hope we can talk more once we get back. I'd very much enjoy learning more about you and human civilization if you were up for it." Despite trying to be as respectful as possible, Leah could still detect the unbridled enthusiasm and childlike curiosity in his voice. She thought it was oddly charming in a way, Leah smiling brightly as she gave him an affirmative nod.
Holding back an excited celebration, 9S hurried over to his flight unit, his female companion watching him with great exasperation as he hopped into his assigned mech. The pair of departing soldiers gave the human girl and former YoRHa soldier a final nod farewell, their flight units momentarily hovering in place before shooting into the air at incredible speed, the mechanized weapons appearing as dots in the horizon before disappearing from sight completely.
Leah stared into the bright blue sky for a couple minutes longer, trying to spot any last glimpses of the departed YoRHa soldiers, a small part of her already missing their former enemies. While not the best first introduction, the two had managed to worm their way into her heart, an extra two spots opening up in the growing list of androids that had managed to smuggle their way into her life. And honestly, Leah wouldn't give up any of them for the world.
"Hey, A2?" Looking over her shoulder at the brown-haired human, steel blue eyes shining with warmth, A2 graced her with a gentle smile, one Leah reciprocated in kind. "Could we maybe take a walk around? I need to find new clothes to wear."
Laughing softly, A2 gently nodded her head before returning to Leah's side, gesturing for her to lead the way. Grabbing the taller woman's arm, the time-traveling human pulled A2 toward the former shopping district, hoping beyond hope that something could be found in this desolate wasteland.
A2 could sense the growing frustration in the young human girl as they reached another in a long line of failed attempts at finding some clothes for Leah. They both knew it would be a tough task, though neither assumed it to be impossible. A lot of relics of the old world had managed to survive long after what their intended lifespan would have been. Clothing, however, remained elusive to them.
"Argh." A growl of frustration rolled through Leah's chest as she dropped a torn strip of cloth onto the ground, the delicate material landing with nary a sound on the filthy floor of a destroyed clothing store. "Nothing but shreds here too."
Wiping her dust-covered hands off on her pants, the once pristine material now stained with grime and dirt from several days in this new world. Human clothing seemed very different from the uniforms YoRHa issued their soldiers, A2 noted. They were much less intricate, easily torn, and prone to collecting filth.
A2 had suggested, loathe she was to do so, that YoRHa could provide the human girl with a suitable battle dress of her own, one less likely to need replacing. A strange redness had spread upon the human girl's cheeks after A2's suggestion as she stared at the silver-haired android in stunned silence before waving off the idea completely.
"Nononono. No, I don't think I could wear something like that. Waaay too fancy for me. Besides," A2 quirked her eyebrow as the human-girl averted her gaze, shyly playing with the hair by her ear, gripping the brown locks tightly in her fist. "I don't have the figure for it anyway."
This had baffled the combat android for quite some time as they resumed their search, Leah peering occasionally into wrecked buildings for any sign of surviving clothing, her gray-blue eyes glued firmly on the human girl's body.
What could she have possibly meant with that? While surely not built the same way as androids, A2 saw no problem with how Leah looked. Surely the human girl would look stunning in a combat uniform, the visual in A2's mind only confirming that thought. But something caused Leah to feel shy, almost bad, about herself and the silver-haired android was not sure what it could possibly be.
Deciding to let it go, for now, A2 continued to follow the increasingly agitated human as they entered a large, open field, an ancient radio tower situated in the middle of it as numerous animals grazed upon the plentiful grass.
"Is that the old mall?" Following Leah's gaze across a wide canyon, the ends connected by an ancient suspension bridge, A2 spotted a large, multistory building. If her memory served her correctly, a mall was a place where multiple shops inhabited the same building, human's spending several hours in one as they spent money on various goods. Apparently, some humans would only go there to waste time, the act of pointless social outings greatly confusing the combat android. A2 was sure Leah was thinking the same thing as her.
"If any place still has any clothes it would be there." Nodding in agreement, A2 followed the brown-haired girl as she took a couple of tentative steps onto the bridge, Leah flinching slightly as the aged wood groaned lightly in protest at the newly added weight. Coming up behind her, the silver-haired android gently placed her hands on Leah's shoulders, the young human staring pensively up at the taller woman as A2 gave her a reassuring smile.
Protectively holding onto the time-traveling girl's shoulders, prepared to pull her out to safety at the first sign of danger, the pair slowly made their way across the seemingly endless suspension bridge. Or at least it felt like that to Leah, if the human's shivering form beneath her fingers was any indication. Squeezing her shoulders reassuringly, A2 could feel the tension in her muscles slowly loosen under her gentle grip.
After a harrowing couple of minutes, the pair made it to the other side and cautiously entered the mall, A2 keeping an eye out for any possible signs of machine activity. Finding the building to be completely free of threats, the combat android gestured for Leah to enter, the young human slowly walking into the main lobby of the mall, her emerald eyes widening in wonder at how time had transformed the once bland and utilitarian building.
Much like the buildings within the city limits, the mall has been completely overrun by plants and trees, large roots snaking unimpeded across concrete and metal, lush vegetation growing from between the cracks in the floor. And yet, amongst the ruins and debris, several stores remained completely intact, their show windows smudged with millennia worth of dirt and dust, but still very much unbroken.
"Shit, we might actually have gotten lucky this time." A2 quickly followed the human girl as she rushed to the nearest store that had not been destroyed by natures takeover, Leah struggling momentarily with the door as its frame had been warped over time. Giving a strong push, the door-frame groaning in protest, Leah managed to force open the metal door, revealing the stores interior to them.
While mostly covered in shadows from the lack of fluorescent lighting, the light shining through the damaged roof in the plaza managed to illuminate the room enough for Leah to let out an excited cheer of triumph.
"Yes! Finally!" Giving one final heave, the door remaining stuck against the pile of debris, Leah pushed her way into the store, A2 quickly following behind as she squeezed her way through the narrow gap. Holding up a deep-red, long-sleeved shirt in triumph, happily waving it back and forth, Leah began giggling joyously, the smile on her face causing a jolt to course through A2's black box.
"We finally found some." Bouncing excitedly in place, Leah began grabbing armfuls of clothes as A2 merely watched on with a smile on her face, a gentle warmth spreading in her system at seeing the human girl so happy. "A lot of them are still good and anything else I can stitch together to make new stuff. This is awesome!"
Grabbing a banner off of the wall and placing it on an unoccupied table, Leah began fashioning herself a makeshift backpack, placing a bunch of clothes on its surface before starting to fold the ends together. Hesitating momentarily, Leah quickly turned to her android companion, a spark of mischief gleaming in her emerald eyes.
"Hey A2?" Perking up at her name, A2 made her way to the brown-haired girl's side, looking down curiously as Leah grabbed a couple of clothes before looking up at her with an excited grin. "I'm going to try some of these on. Can you tell me what you think?"
Staring into those emerald orbs, full of life and mirth that A2 had not seen since awakening the human back in the underground lab, there was no way she would say no. Not that she would have anyway.
"Of course." Leah let out an excited squeal as she rushed to the back of the room, that was still shrouded in darkness, a set of strange cabins lining the back wall of the store. Prying open one of the doors, Leah quickly slipped inside, giving the combat android a final wave before closing the door, leaving A2 alone in the abandoned storefront.
Standing unmoving within the darkened remains of the store, A2's gaze began to wander over the various styles of clothes that were on display, the gentle sounds of shuffling and clothes being removed and put on echoing from the back of the room.
Shirts of all kinds, with different materials and styles, were the most prevalent article to be found, some appearing large enough to even fit males. The pants were the most baffling pieces of clothing to the silver-haired android, Leah purposefully damaged ones already having confused A2 upon first laying eyes on her. From extremely long and baggy to uncomfortably tight and uselessly short, many ripped and torn like Leah's or sporting strange wording on the back, A2 could not figure out the rhyme or reason behind their creation.
A soft creaking pulled A2's attention away from the cornucopia of human fashion as Leah slowly emerged from the cabin, the brown-haired girl lightly tugging on the hem of her shirt in a last-minute adjustment. Spreading her arms wide, twisting her hips back and forth to show the former YoRHa soldier all sides, Leah bashfully keeping her eyes lowered as she put herself on display for her.
"Well…what do you think?"
Warmth. It was all that A2 could feel in that moment, as her steel-blue gaze scanned over the human girl's body, a strange sensation settling in her cheeks as her black box soared in her chest. Despite showing no outward signs of being affected, unknown to A2 she was experiencing the human sensation of blushing.
Leah was wearing a simple outfit consisting of shorts that ended around her mid-thigh, some black leggings adorning her legs underneath. She was still wearing the same pair of shoes that she had back in the cryo-chamber, the material lightly scuffed from years of use. A long-sleeve gray shirt pressed lightly against her skin, revealing a faint hint of the girl's curves underneath. Simple and plain was an easy way to describe it, but all A2 could think about was that she was…
"Adorable."
A2 mouth snapped shut with an audible click as a blazing blush broke out on the human girl's face, Leah playing shyly with a stray bang in front of her face, the silver-haired woman unsure of where that had come from. The combat android had not meant to say that out loud, it was as if her processor had malfunctioned and spoken from its own accord. While that was truly what she felt, the human girl really did look adorable, A2 was distressed that a lapse in her own control could happen like that.
"Hehe, thank you, A2." A shy giggle burst out from Leah's lips as she smiled gratefully toward her android companion, the human girl running over to the pile she had been forming earlier, expertly fashioning a makeshift backpack and tying the ends securely across her chest before making her way out of the store. "Next time, we need to have you try some on."
While confused with what merits there could possible with her wearing different clothes, or what pleasure the human girl would derive from seeing A2 try them on, the exuberance in Leah's voice brought a small smile to her lips as she followed her back into the main plaza of the mall.
Seeing Leah so happy, her joyous laughter echoing through the empty halls of the abandoned building brought the silver-haired android a feeling of happiness she had never experience before. It was one she hoped to feel more of.
"Thank you for helping me carry some of this."
A2 merely nodded in acknowledgment, a similar makeshift pack situated on her back as the pair continued their return trek to the resistance camp. Hoping to avoid a possible machine ambush between the narrow streets and overgrown alleyways, A2 had directed the brown-haired girl down a side path near the forest's edge, her steel-blue gaze flickering over the thick underbrush for any signs of activity.
The gentle sound of birds chirping filled the air with song as leaves rustled peacefully in the wind, the tall canopy of trees bathing the odd travel companions in its cool shade, providing the human girl a much-welcomed reprieve from the suns unforgiving rays.
"It's only been a couple of days." Pulling her eyes away from the forest's edge, A2 stared curiously at the human girl by her side, Leah's gaze focused on the swaying leaves above her, her face set in a contemplative frown. "But it feels like years since we left this forest."
Slowing to a stop, A2 watched the human girl intently as Leah turned to face the silver-haired android completely, her emerald eyes shining with warmth, a brilliant smile spread on her lips. A gentle wind caused her brown hair to flutter into her face, Leah giggling softly as she tucked the errant strands behind her ear, her new shirt ruffling softly in the breeze.
"Since you found me."
A2 stood in stunned silence, her gray-blue eyes fixed on Leah as she walked up the taller woman, grasping the android's hands within her own. The combat android could feel the familiar spark flash in her black box at the human's touch, the softness of the girl's hands contrasting with her damaged exoskeleton, the artificial material rough and worn from years of battle.
"So much has changed, and I won't lie, a lot in this world still scares me." A soft tremble ran through Leah's body, A2 instinctively tightening her hold on the young human's hands, her head hung low as her brown hair obscured her face from view. Lifting a hand up, A2 softly cupped the girl's face, her thumb gently running across the soft expanse of her cheek.
"But," lifting her head, emerald eyes shining with unshed tears, Leah placed her hands on the silver-haired android's face, her warm smile shining like the sun, "I'm glad that I'm here with you."
Astonished by the sight before her, the warmth of Leah's hands on her face sent a strange sensation through her system, A2 could only stare into those emerald orbs in silence. Placing her hand atop the ones resting on her cheeks, the combat android's steel-blue gaze staring unwaveringly into Leah's eyes, A2 knew she never wanted to be apart from her.
"Leah-"
"I hate you, momma!" A shrill, metallic voice cut through the pairs serene moment, the combat android's instincts kicking in as she conjured her sword, stepping protectively between the young human and the source of the new voice.
From within the thicket, a stubby robot hopped out of the forest and directly into their path, it's wailing cries piercing through the air as it shook its arms in a frustrated motion. Its body was crudely painted with a strange blue design on it's lower chassis as if it were trying to imitate the clothing of humans, a small swish on its face denoting a playful smile.
Crouching low, A2 was prepared to take advantage of the fact that it had not registered their presence, the combat android sure she can destroy it before it had a chance to attack. A firm hand on her chest halted her in her tracks, the former YoRHa soldier staring incredulously at the human girl next to her.
"A2, wait! Something is different about this one. I don't think it means any harm." A low growl rumbled through A2's chest as she stared at the strange machine, it's green optics now focused on them, it's demeanor not baring any hostility. Nodding reluctantly in agreement, A2 lowered her weapon, her grip on it holding fast in case this was all a trap.
"Who are you?! Are you going to bring me back to momma?! I don't want to!" Steam began rising from the machines rotund head, it's feet stomping angrily on the ground as it threw an almost childlike tantrum. Did this machine think it had a family? That it was someone's child?
"Momma?" Also picking up on the machine's strange choice of words, Leah shot her silver-haired companion a questioning stare, A2 shaking her head, clearly just as confused as the time-traveling girl.
"Please stop!" A second machine-like voice appeared from within the forest, a more complex looking robot placing itself before the painted machine, spreading its hands out protectively in front of it. "Please don't hurt him. He means no harm."
"It's ok. We weren't going to hurt him." Leah, holding her palms up in a friendly gesture, shot A2 a pointed look, the combat android cautiously lowered her weapon, letting it slowly de-materialize in a flash of golden light.
"Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!" The robot's voice was high pitched and metallic, like all the other machines, but it carried a feeling of warmth and intelligence A2 had never witnessed before. It's strange green eyes held none of the malice and violent intent that was usually found in their red glares. Something was very strange about all this and A2 wasn't sure if she liked it.
"This little one had an argument with its mother and ran off. She is worried sick about him and if you would allow me I'd like to return him to his mother." Crossing her arms, A2 gestured for him to go ahead, Leah shooting her a thankful smile before turning back to the odd machines.
"My name is Pascal. I'm from a village where machines who've disconnected from the network can live in peace. We'd gladly have you as visitors if you'd like me to prove it. I promise no harm would come to either of you. You have my word."
With those last words, the robot name Pascal gently ushered the childlike machine into the woods, the boy's complaints and whines slowly fading away as they entered the dense foliage of the forest.
The bewildered pair stood at the forest's edge for several seconds, watching the machines slowly disappear from view as they hiked up the trail that supposedly led to a hidden village full of peaceful machines, neither of them sure if they should stay or follow them. A2 was hesitant to go, afraid that it could all be a trap, the idea of Leah coming to harm sitting uncomfortably in the back of her mind.
"I think we should go." Turning to look at her human companion, her delicate eyebrows raised quizzically, A2 locked eyes with the brown-haired girl, Leah's face shining with curiosity and wonder.
"I'm intrigued to see what nice machines are like. Besides," Leah's lips quirked up in a cocky grin as she gently leaned into A2's side, demurely placing her hands upon her chest"I know you'll keep me safe."
Smiling in exasperation at her antics, A2 playfully pushed Leah toward the treeline, the human girl giggling as she ran into the forest, the silver-haired android following close behind, their silhouettes slowly fading from view as they were swallowed up by the lush greenery.
A/N: Now what kind of clothes would A2 wear?
Got ourselves a little bit of a breather chapter. After a pretty much non-stop barrage of new experiences and emotional moments, it's just fair that Leah got to spend some quality time with her new android friend.
This chapter was pretty much just an excuse for me to write fluff as that is the good shit. A2 feelings only start hitting her harder the more time she spends with Leah, causing her all kinds of confusion, and yet she doesn't want it to go away.
Next time we will have some robot fun in Pascals Village.
Big hearty thank you to everyone out there for reading my story. I have no plans of stopping anytime soon and it makes me happy to know other people are along for the ride with me. Stay safe and have a wonderful day! Love you all!