Chapter IV:

Someone like You

9S rested a hand against the surface of a towering wall. It offered some much-needed respite from the incessant gales. The winds had been violent since the storm began, but they picked up significant speed as he journeyed to this remote area.

Far to his right, he could see where a massive hole had been left in the wall. Given the erosion caused by eons of neglect, it was impossible to tell how the wall was damaged. While he initially had no interest in the history of the place, his curiosity was starting to flare up.

He turned to the twins. They had already found the facility 4S mentioned. A narrow passage leading to a structure hidden between two ruined skyscrapers. Devola and Popola were quick to seek shelter from the rain by ducking under the narrow entrance. 9S followed them inside. The interior was notably dark. It was almost impossible to see what waited for them in the halls beyond. The idea to return with a proper light source did cross 9S's mind, but the thought would inevitably be brushed aside.

"Can we make this quick," Devola pleaded. "This place is creepy."

9S rolled his eyes. "And just what are you afraid of?"

"Unlike you, I actually know what this place used to be."

"I will admit," Popola chimed in. "This area is quite unnerving, but it isn't like it's any different from the rest of the ruins. Not anymore, at least."

"I'm just waiting for something to jump out at us," admitted Devola.

Her behavior only reinforced this paranoid statement. She gritted her teeth seemingly in anticipation of an imminent attack. She constantly scanned the area. Her eyes darted wildly to surrounding alleyways and rooftops.

"The Legion has not been seen in a very long time," Popola reminded. "Don't threat over it."

"I know that but still..."

9S listened to their back and forth with slight interest. It obviously had nothing to do with the one thing he was concerned over. Entertaining such a conservation would never help him remember, but it was intriguing enough to pry for further information.

"What are you two on about?"

Popola let out a soft sigh. She waited, expecting her sister to answer the inquiry. Devola was far too concerned with watching their lifeless surroundings to respond. Popola took it upon herself.

"I'm afraid I don't know much about this period of time beyond the basics. This wall was built to contain an illness that affected humans. A blight that would either outright kill or transform them into berserk monsters. These monsters were dubbed Legion. The Legion destroyed the wall from the inside. This is why it's now filled with holes. Thankfully, they were eradicated some millennia ago."

9S calmly started down the hallway in spite of the lack of proper lighting. "Guess there's nothing to worry about then."

He traversed the hall if but for a moment before coming to a halt. He hesitated as he recalled something which, at the time, felt insignificant. A baseless ghost story likely concocted to frighten him. Despite the more logical explanation, he felt an overwhelming dire need to ask.

"Hey, Popola."

"Yes?"

"Those monsters you mentioned. What did they look like?"

Popola mulled over the question. "I don't recall ever encountering them first hand, but then again, our memories were mostly erased. I do remember the descriptions others would give. They were apparently human in shape and figure, but they were abnormally tall. Their skin was reported as being solid white."

9S could not help but gulp at the explanation. "Like marble," he had to ask.

"I suppose. All of the reports I've read mention their skin having the same texture and color as salt."

"Why are you asking," inquired Devola. "And why'd ya mention marble specifically? You're starting to freak me out."

He debated telling them the same story the weapons trader had relayed to him. He contemplated elaborating on his own sighting of such a cryptid.

He soon reached his conclusion.

"It's nothing. Just curious."

The trio fumbled their way to a split in the hall. The corridor veered off into three different directions. A lantern dangled by a string from the ceiling. It shined just enough to expose the three directions that beckoned to be explored.

"Why is that lantern lit," asked Devola. She spoke with peculiar agitation.

Popola placed a quizzical finger to her chin. "Did that 4S fellow not mention something about this? He claimed that somebody might be living here. I think this should be confirmation that someone has enough interest in this place to maintain the lighting."

"We should split up," 9S blurted out.

It was not an idea that went over well with either of the twins.

Devola was the first to make her concerns known. "You're kidding, right? We've just seen a tell-tale sight that some weirdo is using this place for who knows what. Someone who probably won't take too kindly to our trespass. And it's so dark in here, I can barely see my own hand most of the time. You really think that's a reasonable suggestion!?"

"I didn't say it was reasonable. It'll just save time."

"Did you hit your head or something when we weren't looking?"

9S turned his attention to Popola who he assumed would intervene to calm her sister down. On the contrary, she locked eyes with him. She smiled with obvious apprehension. "I'm sorry, 9S, but that idea sounds horrible. I would rather we stick together and take more time searching than going it alone."

Frustrated with the two, 9S picked a path and resumed his exploration. "Then go together," he called out. "I'll check this hall out. Meet back here in an hour."

Devola balled her hands into fists. "You're so infuriating! You're just begging for an ambush, aren't you!? And what good are these memories if you aren't gonna live to remember them!?"

"It's no use. Let's just go, sister."

Devola complied with her sister's request, though, not without expressing her frustration further. She yanked her sword from her hip and allowed the tip of the blade to rest on the floor. She dropped her shoulders, giving herself the same gloomy posture as 9S. She adopted an identical, deadpan expression and let out a mocking sigh.

"Whatever," she groaned, mimicking his voice.

She headed down the hall on her left. Devola dragged her sword across the floor as she went.

Popola hid a smile underneath her palm. She observed her sister's show until Devola disappeared down the hall. She rushed to catch up.

It was a struggle to navigate the pitch-black corridor. 9S had to cling to a wall and inch his way forward. He was beginning to wonder if such a decision may have been a mistake. Even if there was something to be found here, how would he know under such an absence of light?

He had little time to truly regret his choices. To his relief, 9S spotted a glow at the end of the hall. He rushed toward it.

The light led him to a bizarre room. An area 9S recalled hearing about from 4S. Several lanterns dangled from the ceiling. They offered a passable amount of light to every corner of the space. A round table stood at the center. It was surrounded by old chairs. Most of the seats were broken or mostly consumed by termites. Stacks upon stacks of papers littered the table. An old globe acted as the centerpiece.

Pictures littered the walls. Most of these images depicted people but pictures of various places were also present. Places 9S had never seen before. He could only fathom how far away they must be.

9S approached the table. The globe was the first thing to draw his attention. It must have been positively ancient. None of the areas shown matched the world's modern geography. The oceans as shown upon the globe were at a noticeably lower level. As a result, the continents were nearly unrecognizable.

The globe had red markings written all over it. Various parts of the world had been marked out with a large "X." 9S rolled the globe over. He found question marks written over other regions. The center of the Old World in particular was littered with question marks as well as the Kingdom of Night. Lines were drawn across the oceans as if to chart out courses or mark the paths of previous adventures.

He gave the globe another spin just to ensure there was nothing he overlooked. Other markings were present, but he had no idea what purpose they served. The table itself was no less chaotic than the surrounding chamber. 9S took note of exotic trinkets scattered sparsely among stacks of old papers.

9S pushed himself away from the table when he noticed drops of rainwater falling on top of what were probably valuable documents. At the very least, they were definitely archaic. Many of which likely contained data from the Old World. He was tempted to pick one up and read through it, but he did not dare touch any of them in his drenched state.

The walls were his next point of interest. He made his way to the back of the room but stopped after seeing a massive sword propped up in a far corner nearby. A dark, double-edged blade with a decorative hilt and handguard. Two cobalt stripes wrapped around the blade's spine, separating it from the sharpened edges.

An otherworldly weapon but 9S was more interested in the images posted on the walls. He took a closer look. It was a diverse collection. Pictures of Machines and androids alike. 9S also found photos of entities he had never seen before. Creatures seemingly comprised of shadow and outlined in gold. Many of the people shown wore uniforms and insignia that he did not recognize. He started to wonder if some of the faces he was seeing belonged to actual humans.

Many of these images had red Xs marked over them. 9S was starting to wonder if he had stumbled into an assassin's den. It was the only explanation he could find. For as many pictures as there were, each person looked like important figures. So many of them had their faces marked out.

9S noticed one picture in particular. One that had yet to be marked out. A female android with black hair, and circular glasses. She wore odd clothes and a short, black tie. In one hand, she carried a massive briefcase. In the other, she held a large ring of keys. It was a striking appearance. One that 9S would likely remember if not for it being one of the only individual pictures to draw his attention.

Beneath it was a second picture of the woman. Thus far, she had been the only target on the wall to have more than one photo posted. The second picture featured her holding an odd communications device to her ear. A rather large contraption. That radio was the focus of the picture rather opposed to the girl herself.

Another picture soon drew 9S's curious gaze. A face he actually recognized. The blonde hair and white dress were an immediate giveaway. The backdrop of the Bunker was also easily recognized. His blood ran cold at the sight of it. A photo taken of the YoRHa Commander. A photo of such a high-profiled android was somehow taken inside what used to be one of YoRHa's most secured locations. Such an image managed to find its way on this wall.

"How," he murmured.

There was no X drawn over her mug. Perhaps the one who lived here did not know of her fate. As 9S searched for a marker, he heard footsteps closing in from the hall outside. He paid it no mind. It could only be the twins. Though, the footsteps in question did sound somewhat heavy.

9S turned around but failed to look up. He spotted a red marker on the edge of the table. He reached forth and took hold of it. The boy then promptly marked out his late Commander's face.

The footsteps soon ceased. 9S listened to the sound of rustling but did not bother looking back. Another picture captured his interest. One of a large, muscle-bound man with white hair. He was dressed like a barbarian and carried a massive sword that complemented his leather armor. Of all things, a floating book could be seen in the background. It was the only picture in which a question mark had been drawn.

"You two done already," 9S finally asked aloud. "4S was right. Someone's definitely been calling this place home."

He casually turned away from the wall. "I'm beginning to wonder if…"

9S stopped mid-sentence. Someone had indeed entered the room, but it was neither Devola nor Popola.

A tall, humanoid figure stood in between him and the door. The thing locked eyes with him. Its skin was like that of salt. Both in color and texture. It was dressed from head to toe in urban camouflage, apart from the beast's paper-white arms. It had a masculine physique. A dented helmet concealed the creature's head. His face was largely human in appearance, yet far more monstrous. Jagged, carnivorous teeth lined his maw.

There was no time for the boy to react. The monster leaped across the room. He practically flew at the near defenseless android. The only reason 9S was quick enough to block the first attack was due to him already having Cruel Oath drawn. The creature's claws clashed with the sword's blade. The force of the impact sent 9S stumbling back against the wall.

9S felt one of the monster's hands wrap around his forearm. He was thrown onto the unforgiving floor. During the motion, his thumb somehow hooked underneath his visor. As he fell, he inadvertently pulled it off. He slammed against the tiled floor but somehow felt no pain. He did, however, feel the air being knocked out of his artificial lungs. The sensation of asphyxiation overwhelmed him as the monster firmly planted a boot on his throat. With impressive speed, the beast pulled out an archaic sidearm and aimed it at the android. It was covered in rust yet 9S did not dare doubt its ability to splatter his brains across the floor.

His journey appeared to be over. His crimson eyes widened with fear. He took one last look at his enigmatic attacker before sealing them shut. 9S waited for the weapon to go off. He waited for the sound that would herald the end of his existence, yet such a blast never came.

Cautiously, 9S opened one eye. The barrel was still pointed his way but the beast behind it made no effort to finish him off. Instead, the monster tilted his head at 9S like a perplexed canine. Without warning the aberration lifted his boot off of 9S's neck. The boy could finally breathe and analyze the situation.

Wrapped around the humanoid's neck was a pendant. It sparkled, briefly drawing 9S's attention. A flat, oval-shaped plate of metal. There were several lines of information etched onto its surface but only one word was still legible. What 9S could only assume was the monster's name.

"Amos."

9S spent a long time on the ground, well after his previous adversary had calmed down. The android remained in place even as the pale beast lowered his weapon and took a seat. He only worked up the courage to get off the floor when "Amos" quietly gestured for him to do the same. At least, 9S assumed it was an offer.

Was this individual truly one of the creatures Devola and Popola had described? He fit the description perfectly. His curiosity peaked at the mere sight of what could be an ancient entity. An immortal aberration with the first-hand experience of the Old World.

"Why didn't you kill me," was 9S's first question.

The monster said absolutely nothing. Instead, he pointed at his own solid white eyes.

"You mean my eyes?"

He nodded.

9S was filled with excitement as it seemed communication would indeed be possible. "So, you must know something about them, right?"

Another silent nod.

"What do you know? Why are they red? What's causing it?"

For quite a while 9S waited for an answer to his questions, but the monster merely stared him down without uttering a word.

9S tried repeating himself. He rephrased his questions in entirely new ways. He moved on to different topics but the results, or lack thereof, were all the same. Eventually, he came to a realization.

The monster across the table could not speak at all. The only promising results came from yes or no questions. Inquiries the monster could easily answer with a simple nod or shake of his head. Anything else would be met with either a silent glare or incomprehensible growls. Despite this fact, it was obvious to 9S that the creature could at least understand him.

"The tag around your neck," 9S questioned. A random inquiry to test his theory was all that was needed. "The word Amos is written on it. Is that your name?"

Amos nodded.

And just like that, progress had been made. A twinkle of childish wonder shined through the furious glow of 9S's red eyes.

"These photos. Are they targets of yours?"

Amos kicked his feet up over the table and leaned back. He took out a knife as rustic as the rest of his arsenal. The gesture caused 9S's stomach to sink. Amos threw the knife at a random photograph on the wall to his right. The knife stuck in place.

9S sighed with relief. It was not the sort of response he was hoping for, but it did answer his question.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion on this… operation… of yours," 9S explained. "Some friends and I…"

He hesitated. Up until that point, he had almost forgotten about the twins. His hands began to tremble. "Say," he asked softly. A sudden shift in tone caused Amos to cock his head in confusion.

Unlike him, Devola and Popola lacked the same red eyes that saved 9S's life. The thought of Amos running into them first caused him to panic.

"You didn't stumble upon any redheaded androids on your way inside, did you?"

Amos shook his head.

Another relieved sigh escaped the boy's synthetic lips. "Good. They're with me so don't be alarmed if you see them."

9S lowered his head. He spotted a picture on the table. It featured multiple individuals, all male and all dressed in the same uniform identical to Amos'. Their equipment looked to be in far better condition. 9S plucked it off the table and took a closer look. Aside from the uniform, they bared no further semblance to Amos. They lacked the same ghostly skin and monstrous features, but 9S still recalled the explanation Popola gave him outside.

They were not androids, but humans. Their smiles seemed so lively, so genuine, and all too alien. A picture clearly taken during better days.

"These people," 9S asked. He extended the picture to Amos who reached out and snatched it from his grasp.

"Friends of yours?"

Amos examined the photo. He was hesitant but eventually nodded his head.

"Where are they now?"

Only after the question was asked did 9S realize how pointless it was. To his surprise, however, he received a response. Amos shrugged his shoulders. A signal that he had no answer. The creature lowered his head. His gray helmet slumped over his eyes. Eyes that, despite being completely devoid of color or detail, 9S could sense a familiar longing in them.

It was a feeling he could relate to.

"Are you looking for them? Is that what all these maps are for?"

Another somber nod.

"I understand that pain," 9S admitted. "Something precious to me has gone missing recently. Maybe stolen is a better descriptor. I'm looking for my memories, and I also seek the memories of an android that came before me. That's why I'm here. I was told of a chest in this very building that may have exactly what I need. Know anything about it?"

Amos shook his head.

A disappointing response, but more and more questions filled 9S's mind. He still had so much he wanted to inquire about, but there was far too little time.

"9S," a meek feminine voice sounded off from the hallway behind Amos' chair.

9S swiftly ducked and tied his visor back over his eyes. He would already have to explain Amos somehow. The last thing he wanted was to further complicate the situation. He looked up and observed as the twins cautiously stepped inside the room. They failed to notice Amos upon their entry.

"We found the chest your buddy was talking about," Devola announced. She held up her right hand. "There was one more chip inside it. Guess that 4S guy must've missed it. Didn't find much else beyond that."

9S was impressed with them. They managed to find what he was looking for all while he was busy chatting with monsters from a bygone era.

"Who are you talking to in here," asked Popola. Both twins looked down at the shady figure sat in the chair closest to them.

Amos casually leaned back in his seat and turned to face them. He gave them a quick nod to acknowledge their presence before returning to his previous posture.

Devola's eyes widened at the sight of him. 9S observed her reaction. It only took her a second or two to realize what she was seeing. She stumbled backward. Her entire body trembled in fear.

"T-that's…!"

"Amos," 9S flatly interrupted, hoping to diffuse the situation. "These are the two I was telling you about."

He stood up and extended a hand toward his new salt-covered friend. "Devola. Popola. This is Amos. He's the one who lives here. As you can guess, he comes from the Old World."

His words did nothing to put either twin at ease. He glanced at Popola. Her reaction was even more nerve-wracking.

She glared at Amos with uncharacteristic hatred. Her normally shy, calming visage was twisted and contorted with rage. Those consistently serene emerald eyes of hers filled with murderous intent. Her dominant hand shook violently as it hovered over her maw-like sword.

9S was left puzzled. He expected their reactions to have been reversed if nothing else. The unexpected behavior from Popola was intimidating.

As much as he would have loved to stay and spend more time conversing with such an interesting character, 9S knew it would have to wait. Amos seemed like a valuable ally. His knowledge of the Old World likely well surpassed that which the twins possessed, and 9S was already made well aware of his impressive speed and strength.

Getting Devola and Popola away from him before they had a chance to ruin what could become such a useful alliance became his main priority.

"Well, I guess we should be off then," 9S announced. He placed himself squarely in between Amos and Popola. "It's been nice meeting you, sir. Again, sorry for the intrusion. If I find anything out there that may be connected with your friends in some way, I'll be sure to let you know… Or if I recognize any targets."

Amos glared at him from over his shoulder. His white eyes were unreadable, yet 9S got a sense that Amos was studying him. His mannerisms, posture, attitude. All of it. A search for intent behind his overtly friendly words. Eventually, Amos shrugged and looked away.

9S promptly backed off. He took one last look at this little base of operations. So many artifacts and images of places 9S would likely never see in person. This one room was like a time capsule. At some point, he would have to come back if for nothing else than to see it again.

Note: Amos is a holdover from Crimson Eyes and as I rewrote the first chapter multiple times I went back and forth on whether or not to include him. Ultimately I kept him in for a couple of reasons.

During the planning stage of this story, I wanted a fourth companion for 9S. A character who contrasts the twins and adds another layer of conflict. His presence should also add to some other plot elements later on.

In Crimson Eyes, I got the idea for six Legion characters as a parody to all of the "last human" fics that were being posted. The rest of the story fell into place around them. Amos was hardly what I'd call a standout or noteworthy in that story. I had some interesting ideas for him but never had the chance to properly develop him. So, I hope to remedy that here.

Even before Crimson Eyes, I've off and on experimented with a silent character. Normally, this sort of character is reserved for visual mediums. I don't know if I've ever seen one in written form, but I'm sure they're out there.

What I hope to achieve with Amos is to create a character who doesn't utter a word, but still communicates clear goals, motivations and has an identifiable personality.