Chapter 2: Bathing by the Waterfall.
Hedon sat with A2, 2B, and 9S in Anemone's room. 2B propped herself up in a sitting position by leaning against 9S.
"First of all," he said, "I have to clear up one thing: A2 is innocent."
2B responded spitefully, "what makes you think that? Did you learn that from her?"
"I can't tell you how, but I know a little about YoRHa, and that was before I met A2."
"Oh yeah, like what?"
"Do you really want me to say, 2B, you want me to tell the truth? How about I start with your relationship to 9S? You look worried, you should be. I know all about it."
"Please sir, I'm not sure what you know, but leave 9S out of this."
"Then why don't I start with the Moon base? Did you know, 9S? There are no humans on the Moon, it's a lie."
"What, but why?" 9S sounded alarmed.
Hedon explained the purpose of the Moon base, and why the lie of humanity's existence was created.
"But who would do such a thing?"
"A research android named Zinnia, and you, 9S."
"What!?" 2B stood up. "That's ridiculous, 9S wasn't around during the creation of YoRHa!"
"Yes he was, and so were you. It's just that both of you were destroyed when Project YoRHa was put into effect."
Everyone looked at Hedon like he was crazy. But he continued to explain the origins of YoRHa, the truth of the Moon base, the personality data for the three who were present, and the back door to the bunker.
When Hedon finished, A2 asked him, "how do you know all this?"
"Listen, I can't tell you, I just know, alright."
2B sounded worried, "hold on, before we keep talking, I need to contact the bunker and let them know we've found you."
"Let me talk to White," Hedon said, "that way you'll be less likely to get in trouble."
"That's a good idea," 2B said, looking at 9S. "First, let us make sure you really are human. Anemone told us you are, but we should verify this for ourselves before we let you speak to White."
"Is that why you attacked us?" A2 asked coldly. "You were told that a human needed to use this room so you went out to see him. When you noticed he was with me you assumed he was in danger and tried to protect him by killing me?"
"That was the idea," 9S answered.
Hedon addressed the YoRHa pair, "you two should apologize to A2."
"For what?" scoffed A2. "They've tried to kill me many times and got killed by me instead."
"Have you really killed us before?" 9S sounded impressed.
"I have my ways."
"You're scary."
Hedon intervened, "nevertheless, A2 and 2B are sisters, and I want all three of you to get along from now on."
"I still need to verify that you're human."
Hedon stared at the image. There was Commander White, there was no mistaking her and those horns on her head. 2B's pod was projecting her image from the Bunker onto the wall.
"You're… a man?" The Commander pronounced the word man with reverence.
"Yes, I am." Hedon hesitated a little, but decided to test whether White would be honest about YoRHa with him. "Is there any way I can go to the Moon with the other humans?"
White looked a little confused, "to the Moon? I'm afraid that isn't possible right now, but rest assured, we'll do everything we can to keep you safe on Earth."
"I kind of figured. Listen, this location isn't safe, what would you recommend I do?"
"Stay there for now, we're sending another team to your location. 2B and 9S will help protect you for now. Are there any other humans on Earth that you know of? Where did you come from anyway?"
"I don't think there are other humans around. I woke up in a rocky area. I don't remember what happened before then. Maybe I hit my head and lost my memory?"
"I'm sorry to hear that. We'll search your area thoroughly for any other humans. Are you in need of medical assistance?"
"No, I'm feeling fine, but thank you for asking."
"Please don't hesitate to ask for anything you need from 2B or 9S. We'll do our best for you, sir. Will that be all for now?"
"No, there's one thing I require of YoRHa."
"Require? That's quite demanding, and I must insist that there are things which we may have to say no to."
"YoRHa must not seek to harm A2, or tamper with her memory."
"What!? How do you know A2?"
"She found and rescued me. Surely saving a human life requires commendation, or at least a pardon?"
"Listen, A2 is a dangerous fugitive, she can't be trusted. She deserted her post and destroyed many androids. She is also a liar."
"Very well, I'll strike out on my own with A2. This conversation is over," he said, standing up.
"Wait! Okay, we'll pardon her for saving your life."
"Thank you, Commander, I look forward to speaking to you again."
The Commander looked frustrated for a moment, but composed herself, saluted, and said, "glory to mankind!"
"Glory to mankind," Hedon said, returning her salute.
The call ended and the pod rejoined its owner.
"The way you lied about losing your memory and your threat to White…" A2 said, "it scares me to think what kind of manipulation you're capable of."
"I did it because she's a threat. I wouldn't put it past her to have me executed."
9S was incredulous, "the Commander wouldn't do that."
Hedon asked, "what do you think, 2B, would the Commander have someone put to death for getting in YoRHa's way, even someone who's human?"
"I don't think she would have a human being killed, but I think you're wise to be cautious. I promise that 9S and I will protect you no matter what."
"We will," added 9S.
"I trust you both. I'm going to have to shift the loyalty of other YoRHa units towards me and away from White if I'm going to stay safe. Now please, tell me what you've been up to lately."
9S filled him in on the mission to take out the goliath, and how it ended in several being destroyed via black box reaction. He then explained about the strange creation of Adam and Eve.
"I see," said Hedon after having been caught up with their short tale. 'So they are near the beginning of the game,' he thought, 'I guess I should inform them of what they need to know. It will help my odds of survival if YoRHa survives and wins.'
"Okay, here's what you need to know. First of all, there's a backdoor to the Bunker which will open up in time and allow machines to hack in. You need to find and close this backdoor or YoRHa will be destroyed. Second, killing Adam and Eve will greatly disrupt the machine network and should be a top priority. I'll tell you where to find one of them when the time is right. For now, work on closing the backdoor to the Bunker."
2B asked, "what do you mean a backdoor? You mean a security vulnerability?"
"That's right."
"What can we do about it? We're not allowed to search anywhere we want in YoRHa's computer system, and I don't know what we would tell the Commander."
"Oh, that's right. Well, we'll deal with that problem later. 2B, 9S, can you talk to Anemone and see what can be done to make sure I have food and water?"
"Absolutely," said 9S enthusiastically, "just leave it to us!"
"It will be our privilege, sir," 2B bowed. "Are you sure you'll be alright? We could be gone awhile."
"Yes, I'll be alright, I have A2 to protect me, and you've seen she's quite a fighter."
"Get some rest, that is if you really hit your head."
"I will do be," said Hedon laughing.
The YoRHa pair left.
"Hedon, did you mean what you said… about striking out on your own with me if YoRHa didn't agree to leave me alone?"
"I did."
"Why would you risk your whole damn life for me?"
"Because it's the right thing to do. Besides, you saved me first."
"My life wasn't in any danger when I did that."
Hedon went over to the bed as they spoke. He lied down on his side and propped his head up with his arm. "True, so then you owe me a favor."
"What kind of favor?"
"Well, you could start by scratching my back."
"WHAT… THE... FUCK?"
"It would help relax me to sleep."
"I'm a badass combat android who's been through Hell and eats shit for breakfast, I'm not your fucking maid, even if you are human."
"That's alright, but I would have done the same for you." He rolled over on his back, looking up at the ceiling.
A2 internalized his words for a moment. She stood up, "turn over."
"What?"
"Turn over on your stomach, I'm going to scratch your back after all. I guess I do owe you. But even though you saved me, don't try to milk me for it."
"Oh, that's not how I'd like to milk you."
"What?"
"It's nothing, thanks A2."
As A2 started scratching his back, she was a bit rough and too quick, but Hedon didn't show any sign of discomfort. Soon, A2 slowed down and lightened her touch. Hedon sighed with pleasure.
A2 didn't want to admit it, but the happiness on Hedon's face was cute. She was enjoying this act of service too much, and soon realized that a goofy grin was on her face which she immediately wiped off.
"You humans aren't so bad are you? I mean you're selfish, but not too bad."
"Oh A2, you flatter me!"
A2 was taken aback, "I wasn't trying to…" She huffed and turned away. "You're an asshole."
Hedon sat up and knelt. She was sitting on the bed, with her back right in front of him, her arms crossed.
"But you'd still kill anyone who'd try to hurt me."
"Yeah, I would."
"Then maybe you're not so bad either?"
"How would you know?"
"I knew about your past, didn't I? I don't know everything about you, but I know you're a good person."
A2 stood up and stared at him. "Who are you, really? I mean how the fuck do you know so much?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me."
"I might tell you in the future, when we're closer and we've built up more trust between us."
"Fine, just tell me one thing: why are you being so chummy with me? Are you even being sincere, or trying to manipulate me like you did with White?"
Hedon was hurt by that. "A2… I'm sorry, you're right, I should earn your trust before being your friend."
"What? You want to be my friend?"
"Yeah, why?"
A2 spoke quietly, "why the fuck would you want to be my friend?"
"Because you're cool, I admire you! Your grit and determination, your power, skill, and resourcefulness, it's amazing!"
"You really think so?"
"I do."
"Lie back down on your stomach, I have a back to scratch."
When 9S and 2B came back into the room, Hedon was fast asleep, with A2 watching him from a nearby box she was sitting on. The three of them took turns on the other bed until Hedon woke up.
The next day, Hedon was groggy and sore as he woke up. He was presented with clean water and food immediately. As he looked at his enormous breakfast of pork, mushrooms, and berries, he thanked his companions sincerely.
"Don't mention it," answered 2B. "More YoRHa soldiers have arrived in the Resistance camp. They'll protect you as promised. We've told Command that Adam and Eve should be a top priority and they agreed. We're going to go track them down after we're done escorting a carrier for the Resistance."
"2B, be careful today. You'll be attacked by a giant machine from the sea. You'll need to shoot it in the mouth with a nearby cannon. Also, take care not to be caught in its blast radius after it's taken down."
"I don't know how you know these things, but I'll trust you."
"We'll be careful," 9S affirmed.
The pair left, leaving Hedon alone with A2. The former YoRHa member was silent, and had her arms crossed as she stared at the wall while he ate. Hedon looked at her dirty body.
"You could use a bath."
"So could you," she retorted.
"In that case, why don't we both wash up in the waterfall outside of camp?"
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt."
When Hedon finished eating, they stepped outside the room into the camp. There were many androids in the courtyard, both Resistance and YoRHa. The androids from YoRHa snapped to attention immediately, saluted, and proudly exclaimed, "glory to mankind!" Hedon returned their salute and slogan, he needed to fulfill their expectations after all.
One of the YoRHa androids approached him and bowed deeply; she was short and had black hair. "Sir, I am unit 1D, it's a great honor to make your acquaintance. I am at your service."
"It's nice to meet you too. This is A2, she saved my life. Listen, A2 and I want to bathe at the waterfall just outside of the Resistance camp, would you mind killing any machines around there to make sure that none of them see that a human is here?"
"Yes sir, right away!" 1D turned around and addressed her squadmates, "listen up, we need to clear the area outside of the Resistance camp of machines and establish a defensive perimeter. Don't let any machines get through! Assume position Theta after we have eliminated the hostiles! Move out!"
The YoRHa units left, with 1D asking Hedon to, "wait here a few minutes," on her way out. Clanking and crashing sounds were soon heard in the distance by Hedon as machines were destroyed. 1D came back and informed Hedon that the coast was clear.
A2 and Hedon came to the waterfall. A2 was scooping up water from the pond with her hands and splashed herself with it to clean off the dirt. Hedon wore his underwear for modesty's sake, but all his other clothes were folded on a nearby rock. He immersed himself in the waterfall, its power pushing against his body. He lifted his arms against the current and scrubbed his hair with his hands. His head came up for air. He turned around, with the flow of water massaging his back.
"What are you doing, A2? Standing here will clean you off much better."
"I don't need to be that clean."
"I see. Would you come here, I need help with something."
A2 approached him, looking almost sad. Hedon suddenly grabbed her and dragged her into the waterfall with him. She almost immediately broke free and took a few steps back.
She couldn't believe his behavior. "You assclown, what were you doing?"
"Just having a little fun."
"I'd hate to see what else you find fun."
"Oh, something like this," Hedon said, splashing A2 with water.
A2 did not look amused. "I'm leaving," she said simply.
Hedon stepped out of the water. He wished he had a towel right now. He couldn't put all his clothes on like this. Still, it was a sunny day, so he laid down on the grass for several minutes. When he was relatively dry, he put his shirt back on and walked back with the rest of his clothes in his arms.
He awkwardly walked past several staring androids watching him in his underwear and t-shirt. He entered the room Anemone had given him. A2 lay on one of the beds, staring up at the ceiling.
"Look, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have played around like that. You're a serious person."
"Don't worry about it, it's hard to truly annoy me," A2 said.
An uncomfortable silence reigned in the room, and Hedon didn't know what to say.
"Are all humans as goofy as you?"
"No, but many are, especially with those they like."
"What do you mean like?"
"You know, when you appreciate someone and enjoy their company."
"I know what the word like means," A2 said, standing up and slowly approaching him. "You were staring at my ass when we went to the waterfall. Do you love me romantically, or do you just want to fuck me?"
A2 was standing just two feet away from Hedon, her arms folded demurely with her eyes fixed on his. Hedon felt a little intimidated, but composed himself.
He decided to be sarcastic: "I want to marry you, obviously."
"You're such an asshole," she said softly, grabbing his shirt and pulling him into a kiss. Her kiss was rough, but he soon felt her tongue against his lips. Hedon opened his mouth. Their bodies came together, and A2 felt his left buttock and gave it a squeeze. Hedon started feeling her soft breast when she suddenly she broke away.
"Prove that I'm more to you than your side piece," she said, confidently walking out of the room and closing the door behind her.
Hedon was horny, too horny. 'Yoko Taro did too good of a job on the characters. Shit, Square Enix,' he thought to himself.