While Robin and the rest of the YoRHa went to deal with the first guardian, Rose and the Resistance headed to the Flooded City, to get something that was important for their project, and vital for whoever was going to accompany the human to her world.
2B's broken flight suit.
To repair and restore it with the help of White, so it could be usable, alongside the ones that remained belonging to Robin herself, that she left at the Commercial Facility, and 9S' one, that was somewhere in the city.
But at least those two were in a good state.
And each of them was required to carry an extra person in the back with a carrier, with a total of 6 people heading to the blue planet when the time came.
"Captain Rose, I have a question." Lily's voice reached her.
"What is it?"
"Uh…" the little girl seemed a bit shy in asking. "I don't want to be mean but… can we trust Nico Robin?"
"What do you mean? Why shouldn't we?" Rose frowned.
Why would she say that? Hadn't Robin shown that she was a good person already? Or maybe it was because of that one thing…
Well, Lily was fearful by nature.
"I… she's scary…" of course, just as Rose expected.
But Lily used to be scared of the YoRHa too, even of Number 21 which was nothing but nice to her, and barely a few hours later she was hugging the hell out of her.
Things can always change in the future, and Robin hadn't been hostile to any of them either.
But yes she was a bit scary, terrifying even with the stunt she pulled against Adam and Eve, but they played with her feelings and memories, so they had it coming.
However she understood where Lily's hesitation came from.
"That means you wouldn't trust my judgment." because despite them Anemone had known and heard of her from way before, and even before this whole human thing, she always helped the Resistance.
She saved Devola and Popola, and told her Number 2 was alive too.
"No it's not that. I kind of understand… those hands, and her eyes… she looked like there was no emotion behind them." the coldest look Margaret had ever seen, or all of them.
Expressionless, like there was nothing inside of her.
Eyes made of glass, and not because she was remade as an android.
"She seems more emotionless than Number 21 at times." and Dahlia's comment wasn't made to insult the Scanner, she knew too that her feelings were toned down and she couldn't help it, but Nico Robin was a human.
She was different, no?
"I see." Rose replied with a sigh. "But you all aren't taking into account a thing… her past."
"You heard things about it, but I, we all have been for a while tied to a mind that wasn't ours for a while." besides Lily. "But I've been there, and I felt everything like I was there myself."
And if she were to be honest…
"I have never seen or felt so much pain in one person…"
The fact the others were debating on it honestly was rather outrageous.
"She's not evil, she's just… hurt deeply. That's why she doesn't show too many emotions, she doesn't know how, because she never had anyone before us." Rose sighed. "You should know very well how the pain of surviving feels like, and the fear of losing the people dear to you."
She had to reprimand them for doubting their human.
"She even offered us a way out from that server, and from this dead planet, why are you hesitating now?"
They had seemed happy at the prospect of a new life before.
What was the problem?
"Well, first of all, are we sure she's telling the truth, that her planet exists?" Dahlia frowned. "White has been there." Anemone stated.
"I don't trust her either." hopefully, since she was walking ahead of them she didn't hear it.
She'd feel bad, Rose knew.
"But do you trust me?" she had seen her memories after all. "We spoke for a long time one day, her and I. I asked her to show me what we have never seen."
"What could she possibly…"
"The night, Dahlia." Rose answered bluntly. "And not only that, but the beauty of the sunset and of a sunrise, the sun bathing the sea and the lands in red, and then the dark of the night sky, the light of the moon and the stars shining above…"
"None of us has ever seen this before."
And Rose knew they longed to see this as much as she did, with their own eyes.
"She showed me some of the islands she'd been, flowers blooming in spring, and leaves of the warmest colors falling from trees when fall came, the snow that coated everything in white, and how cold it feels, and old ruins she'd found."
She surely had traveled many places, even though she'd been alive for just a tenth of their total life. Part of being a pirate, a researcher, and a wanted person, there was nowhere safe for her to stay for a long time, Robin had said.
"And I know for a fact she wants us to see these places too, instead of this war torn landscape we've been used to for hundreds of years."
She told her, she felt it.
"We can trust her." Rose then paused for a moment.
"But I understand your hesitation, she's lived in a different world, it can be traumatic to change everything, but then she had the same issue, and wasn't even given a choice, while we do."
Meaning that if they wanted, they could choose to stay here too.
But she knew very well that they wanted to follow her through anything and everything, as they always did through these 200 years.
That was why they remained silent as she spoke, they knew as much as she did that this was a big thing, but they were as determined, even though hesitant. Perhaps when the time came, their doubts would disappear.
For now they just had to do their own thing, which meant to bring 2B's suit back to the city, so they could repair it.
White was already working with Jackass ahead of them as they were talking.
"Let's just do our part in this." Rose looked over to them.
Wait…
"Where's Dahlia?"
And when the hell did she leave?
Robin and the rest of the group quietly sat for a few hours outside of the factory, on whatever remained of the bridge, some of them just quietly leaned against the railing, while others opted to slip into rest mode for a bit.
The previous fight hadn't been the hardest one they ever had, but a fight was a fight, and it tired people out, even if they claimed they didn't, it was better to rest up a little.
Before throwing themselves in the next one.
Under the Scanner's suggestion, they should have headed in the forest next, not because it was easy to reach, in fact it was as far as the desert, but because it would be best to replenish themselves and their energy with water.
Just in case.
Before they ran out of energy in the middle of the next fight, and possibly ended up injuring themselves because they were too tired.
YoRHa androids didn't need water as much as older androids did, but it was nice…
And the whole thing of drinking reminded her of when she'd been human, when water for her had been not helpful, but vital.
At least she'd have no risks of being poisoned anymore, having no blood.
She sat there talking about it as time passed, not like they had anything better to do besides resting.
A2 was slumbering on her shoulder and Emil on her other, though it was hard to tell if he was sleeping or not, but he wasn't speaking. Number 4 not too far away from them lied down looking at the clouds in the sky, Number 16, after having shared more tips on how to use a gun to 6O, pretty much collapsed on the concrete, her head against Number 21's legs, who wasn't sleeping, and was engrossed in what Robin had to say, absorbing information like she always did.
6O had gone to sit next to 21O, lying against her, as the Operator sat with her knees drawn up to her chest, seemingly lost in thought.
Not too far from them, 2B slept hunched against the railing, with 9S lying down on her legs, though his eyes were closed, he was awake and from time to time he chimed into the conversation Robin was making about her old human body, and how weak and more exposed to everything it was, much more than this one.
"The data we've been given doesn't compare to reality." Number 21 mused, and she had read a lot of things while she was still in training, because her job was to know everything.
And hearing it from a human that actually experienced a number of things, such as starvation, poisoning, various degrees of wounds and infections and all the rest, though for how sad it was, made her think how the things she knew were still so little, and how personal experiences were different from just reading a bunch of words.
"Well, soon enough you won't need to rely on what you've read, when you'll be able to see actual humans in person." well, humans that weren't her or Emil, they couldn't call themselves as such anymore, since they both no longer had a human body.
Robin was so very hopeful on this project, and so far so good, for now.
But first.
"If you guys feel you've rested enough we can head to the forest, to get water and continue our quest." it should have been her quest, but they wouldn't have let her say so.
"The guardian in the forest is down the ravine, we can replenish water supplies with the river down there." Pod 007 chimed in as the slumbering androids woke up, none of them protested at least.
Also perfect way to maximize things, since they could find water just before the guardian's place, and after too if needed.
Robin hoped that at least she'd be able to use her new magic abilities on this guardian, since she wasn't able to do so with the previous one.
This new spell she learned was called Dark Gluttony, she didn't know why but she felt it suited the machine they just fought, that to defeat they had to throw rockets in its mouth, like someone that loved eating too much.
It was a whirlwind of energy that acted like a magnet, and attracted things towards her.
Not sure how to use it yet, but this was all new still.
Perhaps when presented with a proper battle she'd figure out its utility.
The group resumed their trek towards their next objective, as they did they passed by the Tower again, noticing Rose and the others weren't back yet, perhaps they had issues carrying the flight unit.
Or rather, it seemed that one of them was back already.
Dahlia.
And she was alone.
Odd.
"Hey guys!" she greeted them, sitting on a fallen piece of the Tower. "Did you beat up some bad guys already?"
"We're on our way to the third guardian." Robin replied, she refrained from frowning, since it was odd to see Dahlia here alone, acting like nothing seemed weird, so she kept her expression neutral, even though she was trying to read her intentions.
"Great, can I join in? You see, I'm a woman of action."
"You'd slow us down." Number 16 was quick to reply with a grin. "I am stronger than you." the older android stalked over where the Gunner was until they stood face to face.
Still Number 16's smug expression remained.
"Is Rose okay with this?" Robin asked. "Ah don't worry about her."
But something told her that Dahlia was trying to hide something, and that Rose didn't know she was here up to no good, so she didn't know if she should take her along or not.
Perhaps it was best to keep an eye on her though, just in case.
"Only for this time." and Robin meant it, because she didn't want to be in trouble because Dahlia decided to be trouble. But apparently the woman was always a bit of a wild card.
Another reason to keep her close and not leave her be on her own.
If she lied, it'll be her problem.
But she didn't seem worried in the slightest, as she followed the group to the forest, all the while squabbling with Number 16, like nothing mattered. She didn't complain when they stopped at the river down the ravine, actually seemed very much happy at the prospect of water.
She mumbled something about Daisy always drinking most of it.
"Proposal: keep a canteen full of water in the inventory from now on." Pod 042 chimed in as the androids drank, some with more grace, others looking more like rabid animals, like the Gunner and Dahlia herself, and surprisingly enough, A2 as well.
Wild woman she'd become, not that she'd blame her, Robin had done her fair share of less than graceful things too before.
Though they acted like they could never have enough water.
But Pod was right. "We'll do that next time, thanks 042." Robin thanked him.
It was nice that the Pods were looking after their health at least, and came up with ideas and proposals of their own. Like people.
"So you use water as fuel then." Emil commented, he could no longer enjoy that but at least his friends did.
"It'll be easier to come by once we'll be on my planet, since it's an ocean, we just need a purifier and we'll be good. People have them on their ships all the time, because you could be spending days without seeing land."
Shouldn't be too hard to build them for their island, when they found it.
But this hope was what kept them going so far, so Robin refused to let bad thoughts form in her head, and much less let them get past her lips.
The others didn't have to know she was hesitating.
"The guardian is close by, as soon as you're ready I'll summon it."
"Oh I am ready." Dahlia was… way too eager at the prospect of a fight, Robin didn't know if it was positive or not.
But she was here to stay, so she just ignored her remarks as she summoned the guardian.
What came out of the hidden wall was a giant scorpion-like machine thing, big, menacing, and with a really big and long tail that promised pain to whoever came in contact with it.
"This might seem useless but, stay away from that tail." or from it entirely, 9S assumed.
Why did these things need to be so big and threatening? Almost like Goliath machines.
Right, they had a knowledge not everyone was supposed to get, someone strong enough to prove their worth.
In a way, it wasn't just Robin that was going through this trial, even though she was the one holding the weapons themselves. But, this also served as a trial for the rest of them to become stronger themselves, directly and indirectly.
It would prove useful once they would be on the other planet, he hoped.
"That tail will no longer be a problem if we cut it down." Number 4 tightened her grip on her sword.
Technically she was correct, but the execution wouldn't be so easy.
"Or at the very least weaken it enough so it won't be of use." Number 21 sounded like she already had a plan forming in her head, made more evident from the way she was analyzing the creature through her screens.
"Number 16, could you focus the fire on the tail and cause as much damage to it as possible?" the Gunner nodded, as she began spraying the scorpion immediately as it emerged, no need to be told twice.
Even when they were in training, for as reckless as she was, she never hesitated in following a plan Number 21 made, despite the dislike, that was now long gone, she always had faith in her brain.
After all she had always been what she never was, smart, as much as she was strong while the Scanner wasn't.
They were a good couple in battle.
The machine seemed to accuse the hits, but it didn't look like it liked it, as it swung the tail even more wildly.
As it moved the appendage horizontally, the group ducked to avoid being hit, but both Number 2 and Number 4 were able to swing their swords upwards, leaving dents in the creature's armor.
The machine opened its mouth, angry. Out of it came red orbs that they learned to recognize.
Magical orbs.
But Emil countered with his own purple ones, destroying the machine's ones in the process, even though magic couldn't harm him, it would harm the rest of the people with him.
And he didn't want that, he was here to help.
Following the example, Robin put her gauntlets on her forearms, launching the chains as far as she could, even though she pretty much had no limitation, taking control of their movements through her NFCS system, and moving them where she wanted, around herself as a makeshift shield, cutting through the orbs, even those that threatened to get close to the others.
It was good that she could cover a larger area with the chains rather than just a sword like the rest, so she could protect them better.
Once the machine stopped shooting, she switched weapons again, doing the same thing it had been doing to them, summoning some magical orbs and throwing them at it, and over her shoulder, Pod 007 decided to shoot the enemy at the same time, doubling down the assault.
The machine stumbled, roaring at them, making the ground shake as it did.
The terrain shook so hard from the vibrations that some of them struggled to keep their footing.
But even so…
"Keep assaulting it." Number 21 said, almost sounding like an order.
Probably she shouldn't be so authoritative, she was just a mere support Scanner, perhaps it was the pressure to feel useful in battle making her act this way.
"It's small damage at a time, but it's definitely accusing the hits." 9S pointed out, throwing his sword out, controlling it with his NFCS to slash at the creature's leg, before returning it in his hands.
Perhaps, looking at him, she just didn't want to be overdone, even though she knew well he was a much more advanced model than she was.
And could do so much more…
"On it!" Number 16 shouted, as she sprayed a new round of bullets on the creature, still focusing on the tail like Number 21 told her to do. "Make that two!" Dahlia joined in, doing the same thing tha Gunner did.
Oddly enough she wasn't making this into a competition of some kind, perhaps she just enjoyed the thrill of the fight.
Though Robin still couldn't help but think that there must have been another reason as to why she wanted to tag along. No one was crazy enough to risk their life facing these monsters so lightheartedly.
Not even Dahlia.
She could hear both 9S and 2B ordering their Pods to sustain fire too, so Robin did the same with her own, deciding to throw another round of orbs at it.
Since getting closer with swords was too dangerous, oddly enough, it looked like the runes of Scarlet Despair glowed much less brightly when she threw spells. Perhaps it was running out of energy…
Those who only held close range weapons still tried to leave dents in the creature's legs despite the risks, and in A2's case, making use of her speed as her body glowed red for a moment, with her electrified Type 40 sword, decided to jump at its head, and slash one eye.
And the scorpion did not like that one big, as it wailed in agony.
In that moment, 21O decided it was time to use what was her secret weapon to further weaken, and hopefully finish the machine off.
The electric barrier she used to save 9S and 2B against the Emil clones.
But this time offensively.
She summoned the barrier successfully, her hands sizzling with pure electric sparks for a bit, eyes briefly glowing red, as she threw the ability against the machine that spasmed and burned from the intense charge.
It lasted a few seconds, but the thing fell, and immediately as her ability ended, 6O was at 21O's side, checking over her in case she overworked herself.
But besides some fatigue there was nothing wrong.
"Holy hell, you killed it!" Dahlia grinned as she walked over to the fallen machine with almost too much glee.
But the thing hadn't given out the spells yet, so…
It must have been still alive.
However she didn't manage to tell Dahlia to be careful or reach out to her in time, as the scorpion swung its tail towards the android woman.
Even though she reacted quickly, she didn't manage to fully run out of the way, since she was not as fast as a YoRHa android could be, and the tail pierced her side, the impact throwing her far away and into the ground.
She was left lying there, as she held her side, cursing loudly at the pain as she bled all over.
And at her own stupidity too.
But it seemed that, noticing her struggle, the machine wasn't done yet, as it swung the tail again…
The only one close and fast enough had been none other than Number 21…
She managed to put up a shield around herself and Dahlia, however, she easily crumbled under the pressure of the massive and heavy appendage.
The shield dissolved to pieces moments later, and the machine's tail hit the Scanner on the head, tearing away a piece of it and her left eye with it.
The woman screamed as she fell on the ground next to Dahlia, who crawled over to her, holding a hand on the redhead's shoulder, shaking her lightly.
Somehow, though barely, she was still conscious.
Even though she struggled to form a thought, she could still recognize the form of Number 16 as she rushed to them, kneeling at their sides, gently wrapping an arm around them each, trying to support them the best she could.
Though her eyes glared daggers at the machine that once again got up.
Didn't it have enough?
As the Gunner eyed down the scorpion, she failed to notice some kind of mist surrounding her, but frankly she didn't even care about it.
Until she heard it…
"Why do you protect them?" just as slimy as the thing looked, it was the voice of that damned machine…
"You hate them."
"Liar." she growled.
"You always fight each other."
That was referred to Dahlia.
"She's an arrogant know-it-all that looks down on you."
Referred to Number 21.
But…
Number 16's hands tightened around the two women, and then, she let them go.
In her hands now there was her loved and trusty rifle.
And something deep, strong, and unknown rumbling in her chest…
No… she'd seen this from Number 2 already…
Anger…
Fury…
That only longed to be let out.
Because this damn machine was playing tricks on her mind, trying to play her for a fool.
To play with her feelings.
To make fun of her, to make fun of them!
Her friends…
So…
"SHUT UP!" her body glowed red, sparks emanating from it, her face distorting from anger.
This monster wasn't going to decide what her friends meant to her!
Not now, nor ever!
Taking her rifle, seeing red, she shot at the scorpion with all her fury, screaming out as she did.
Due to her being in Berserk mode, the shots she fired were overcharged and explosive on impact, apparently her weapon had been made to power itself up just like she did.
The explosion caused massive damage to the machine, but even though it was crumbling to pieces, it wasn't willing to die.
But Number 16 wasn't done yet.
In a quick motion, she lowered herself, taking the knife she'd given to Number 21 from her.
"I'll give it back to you in a second." the way she spoke was uncharacteristically cold.
Taking the knife she rushed to the scorpion in mere moments she was in its face, planting the weapon between its eyes, and making sure that, using her extra strength of the moment, she dug in extra deeply.
Because this thing had to suffer for what it did and said.
Literally cutting its face in two, like it did with her Scanner friend.
"Serves you right, you stupid monster…" she stumbled away, drained of her energy, but the machine was finally dead.
"These are… my friends…" she breathed, walking over where Dahlia and Number 21 were lying, 6O was already upon them trying to fix whatever she could, even if temporarily.
Enough so they could be taken to the camp.
"They are my friends… and I love them…" she said, almost falling over, but someone caught her, 2B.
Because both Number 2 and Number 4, 9S, and even 21O were at the side of the two fallen women, while Robin stood close by, equally worried, as she gave orders to her Pod.
She could only hear one thing.
"Contact Rose and the others, we need Devola and Popola's immediate help."
