Upon seeing the duo return, the machine children were ecstatic to see them, at the very least. As they swarmed around A2, Robin had been free to hand over the supplies they gathered with the help of her Pod.
As she gave it an affectionate pat on the head, the small machines tried to reach up to mimic the gesture, and Pod 007 didn't need to be issued a command to hover lower and let them do just that, or rather, have the machines attempt to do the same, as Robin smiled.
A2 looked, it had been quite a while since she saw Robin smile, at all. Perhaps she'd been right, and the idea of being helpful with people was helping her shattered psyche recover from all the recent events.
And even less recent.
Perhaps it wouldn't fix her, but if it helped then so be it, she was ready to stay around in this village if she had to, if it meant seeing Robin happier.
Also, A2 was curious to see if these machines would prove to her that they were indeed different, like her companion had said, and she was a smart person, so for now she could give the benefit of doubt.
They hadn't hurt either of them so far, all the opposite in fact.
"Maybe they too are trying to make amends with their past, just like her." 2B's voice rang in her mind, not needing to specify who she was talking about. "Perhaps we all are."
Only time would tell though.
Meanwhile the kids were once again asking, no, demanding they'd play with them. A2 opened her mouth to protest, but Robin spoke first, and once again, she had a surprise.
"If you wait a little longer I may have something for you."
A2 didn't expect to dash away all of a sudden, she did that a lot lately. The white haired android barely had the time to react to it before she cut to the chase.
They didn't go far and she didn't even have to ask Robin where she was headed, as she watched her run on the other side of the bridge to a more than familiar place. The commercial facility, and their little hideout in the basement.
And watched her search for something among the many books she gathered.
"What is this place?" A2 felt 2B open the communication channel between them and Robin by herself, resisting the urge to scold her for taking so much liberty in a body not hers, but was sure to tell her through a displeased grunt.
"I found this place a few years ago, not much longer after I was created, here I could hide away all I wanted and be at peace for a while." the black haired woman gestured around her at all the things in the room. "I kept all the human relics I could find during missions here too."
Whenever she wasn't involved in other kinds of missions, she knew 2B understood.
"9S would have loved this place. He loves anything related to human culture." once again Robin felt a pang of regret for not trying to talk him through the day before.
"I feel that his Operator did too."
"Our Operator." she corrected 2B on it. "21O was a guide for us both."
Right, well she'd been missing from the Bunker for quite a while, so she could guess that certain things had been forgotten already.
"Besides us and White, she was the only one that knew of my identity, and was bound to keep it secret as much as me." Robins sighed. Quite the weight she put on such a kind android's shoulders, though it had been White's choice it didn't make it any easier to handle.
"I was a former archeologist, so we bonded over it." other than a criminal of course.
Rummaging through the books, she finally found what she was looking for, as it sat all full of color before her. A children's tale book, that she never got to read any of it to her Operator…
As she stepped back outside, prize in hand, she couldn't help but recall what she saw in that strange machine building at the park before. But it was all so blurry… it couldn't be 21O in there, machines took the shape of androids like Adamn and Eve did, but to copy exactly a YoRHa specifically? 21O in particular, that wasn't a fighter?
For as cruel as things could be, it was unlikely even for them.
Perhaps it could have been another model of the Number 21 line she saw, the same numbers looked the same, 2B and A2 were proof of it and she could see it with her own eyes, the resemblance was particularly striking now that A2 had cut her hair short.
Besides, as an Operator and the Bunker fallen down to Earth and burnt to ashes there was no way she could have survived, right? They hadn't seen any Operator models around nor among the infected.
And she didn't even have the chance to tell 21O how grateful she'd been for what she did, she didn't even have the chance to properly say goodbye…
Regardless, not even androids can change the past, so she'd have to live with yet another thing to regret sewn on her skin.
Once they duo went back to the village, they were met with a similar scene as when they returned from the Amusement Park, only this time the kids were bouncing around Robin, much to A2's relief, trying to grab the book she brought along.
Which she held up high over her head, taking advantage of her towering height, and demanding patience and to be taken to a place they could all sit around her.
Once settled, A2 ever present and sitting with her legs crossed at her side, Robi searched for a good story to tell.
Ironically her eyes fell on the tale of Cinderella, the princess whose earlier life much resembled hers when she lived in her aunt's house. Too bad there was no charming princess and no magic involved for her.
They sat for hours, listening to Robin telling stories, she had such a nice voice and was really good at telling things, as if A2 wouldn't know already.
She didn't realize that she almost fell asleep against her shoulder until much later, when finally Pascal called the children over for the night, and Robin closed the book on her lap, gently running a hand through A2's short hair.
"Did you have a good nap, my sleeping beauty?"
A2 fought the urge to blush, was Robin comparing her to one of the princesses of the book? Failing miserably to hide her embarrassment, she changed subject.
"You're good with kids." and she meant it, A2 had no idea how to keep those things at bay and not assault her.
"You know I never really had a childhood, my aunt would make me do chores not fit for a child, my cousin would bully me, I wasn't even allowed to eat with them or have what they did." a small sigh.
"I guess I just want others to experience what has always been denied to me."
A2's hand rose to meet Robin's one still on her head. "It doesn't have to be always you giving."
"I don't know what it means to be on the receiving side of things."
"Neither did I, well not since I lost them, and Number 4… but you changed that. If even this stubborn mule of an android can learn to open up again, then so can you, even if you've never experienced it, it doesn't mean you can't do so." she took and squeezed the hand that was in her hair.
A small chuckle came from Robin. "And you insist on calling yourself stupid." can't you see how emotionally perceptive you are? But she didn't say that.
"I was built with a severely lacking logic capacity?" but the black haired woman shook her head with a smile. A2 loved to see her smile.
"Let's just sleep, shall we?"
"Only if I can hold you again." and A2 was not backing off from it, not that Robin tried to dissuade her from it, as she offered her hand and didn't let go of it until they were both settled on the bed of an empty shack Pascal had fixed for them specifically.
An invitation to stay at the village as much as they desired to.
Before they realized it, the duo spent a lot more time to the village than anywhere else, though from time to time they also went to help the people of the Resistance, and A2 did admit she wanted to look after Anemone too, something Robin would have never denied her, and besides she was pleased to entertain herself and talk to the twins whenever they were around, as A2 spent time with Anemone instead.
The black haired woman had been relieved to hear that Devola and Popola were attempting to look after 9S, where she absolutely failed to do so, but at least he too had someone looking out for him.
If he knew or understood it was up to him.
Given the way he reacted the other day upon just seeing her she doubted it, but perhaps eventually he could come around.
She knew 2B hoped he would, and she made it no secret.
Currently once again she found A2 chatting with Anemone about something, though Robin never once tried to overhear them, though she could have used her enhanced hearing and expertise to listen, she'd let them have their secrets. Meanwhile she'd just delivered some desert roses to the red haired twins instead, finding with much surprise that androids could drink, and that said flowers could be used to create such a beverage.
And also that Devola was quite addicted to it. But given what she knew about the two women and their past that had been the smallest problem they had, it was an unhealthy way to cope, but what was even worse was all the cruelty the other androids inflicted on them on a regular basis.
"Say." she didn't quite love the arm Devola had wrapped around her shoulders. "That woman you keep around seems pretty hot, she must drive you nuts with the way she carries herself, totally naked and not a care in the world."
"I have no idea what you mean." she replied, they were not a couple, yes A2 was good looking, so what? If she didn't want to bother finding clothes and cover herself up then she couldn't force her.
"Oh come on, don't tell me you two have done nothing at all?" she did not like what Devola was alluding to, and if anything happened she wasn't going to tell.
Besides, why did everyone assume they were involved romantically? Robin doubted they had ever shown any kind of behavior that hinted anything, because nothing ever happened.
So then why was her black box aching at the thought?
"Look, we're just friends, and even if we weren't, what we did would be none of your business."
Devola gave her a mock pout. "Lame…"
Thankfully Popola decided to intervene. "Leave them alone Devola, their relationship is none of our business."
Even more thankful she was to A2 that motioned her over, so she wouldn't be sticking around for more uncomfortable questions nor to listen to the twins argue. However it appeared that her white haired companion had a book in hand.
"Anemone said she wants to give this to Pascal, apparently he's as much of a bookworm as you are."
She chuckled. "We have something in common then."
Before she could hint at the fact that maybe she could share her own findings with him and his with her, the machine's face appeared on Pod 042's screen, and the tone didn't sound good at all.
Was she seeing fire behind him too?
"A2! Robin! The village is under attack! Please help…"
Neither of the duo wasted a second in rushing out of the camp heading in the direction of the village. They could see smoke in the distance, and Robin didn't like the thoughts that said thing was bringing forth in her mind.
But for Pascal's sake she had to force them back, no matter how much pain she felt, he and the others must have been suffering so much more.
When they arrived, the scene was indeed too familiar to Robin, as she watched the tree burn before her eyes, but the fact that the machines here were killing, no, eating each other served enough to keep her focused on what was happening and not drift into her memories.
Thankfully Pascal appeared before them, flying over in distress, panicking because he too didn't understand why this was happening.
Poor thing didn't know that there wasn't a reason needed as to why certain tragedies happened…
She heard A2 yell at him to leave, urging him to go back to the children that apparently were now safe at the factory, and to look after them.
"We'll probably have to kill them, if this is too much I'll do it myself." A2 said, but she was not going to let her fight alone, and also, it was better to put them down than letting them suffer further, just like the infected androids they faced.
"I'll be alright."
It had been the last thing she had said before she charged ahead, if they were quick enough maybe there could have been survivors.
That's wishful thinking, Robin. You know this kind of events too well.
She did not want to listen to that voice, and decided to focus on the task at hand.
Upon a better look, the machines had those same red eyes, and sort of zombie-like features the clowns of the Amusement Park did. Were they the ones that attacked? Did those red eyes mean a sign of infection just like it did for androids?
Did it spread here to the villagers too?
Lost in her musings and on trying to rush through the place in search of survivors, she almost didn't see the linked sphere type machine charging at her, just avoiding being hit at the last second.
"Damn thing…" it was a type of enemy she never liked to face, their erratic movements and moving cores proved to be a challenge, even for her.
Thankfully her Pod was more accurate, aiding her with its laser bullets until the core exploded to pieces and the thing crumbled before them.
At least on the other side it seemed that A2 had things under control, as Robin resumed her search for survivors, but was yet met with more disappointment. She knew it, so then why didn't she expect it?
She didn't want to admit that this was just like Ohara all over again, only that now machines were killing each other instead of humans.
Robin held her sword tightly in her hand as she came across two bipeds she'd known well, their colored bows were too unique to be anyone else, and currently one was upon the other literally disassembling it with their own teeth…
The scene should have made her put them out of their misery right away, and yet, her arm wouldn't move.
Closing her eyes and gritting her teeth, she forced herself to raise it, and then, to strike down and cut them both in half.
"I'm sorry…" she whispered, witnessing the damage she did.
She couldn't say anything else or do a thing before something struck her on the back, a red beam.
She grunted, holding her injured left shoulder as she turned to glare at the attacker. At least it didn't have a great aim.
Or perhaps even too good… as her legs wobbled as she took the first step forward.
Even if she did slice the machine in half right after, she knew, she knew this sign and what it meant, no need for her systems to tell her, even though they did anyways.
Perhaps, if she let herself walk in the fire, she'd melt before it all ended.
Before A2 noticed…
She didn't want to leave her alone, she had a choice other times, now, she didn't.
A laugh escaped her, it hadn't been her doing. "It is kind of poetic, isn't it?" to survive the fire of her island, to die in another as a human, and then now again as an android.
Just when things were starting to be better between her and A2…
Just when she felt she was starting to heal… that they were starting to heal…
Perhaps it was just meant to be that way…
Perhaps it had been the universe's way to tell her she hadn't been meant to survive the first time, and somehow she defied its will.
A2's distorted voice reached her ears, and Robin pleaded she wouldn't come over to her as she walked away with a hand over her eyes.
No such thing happened.
Stubborn thing she was, Robin only hoped she'd be stubborn enough to leave her here and proceed alone if she'd told her.
Praying her voice worked still.
"Robin! What's wrong?" A2 asked for the umpteenth time, questioning the odd behavior of the woman.
The way she stumbled looked like she was hurt, and why was she willingly walking towards the flames? What happened to her?
"Force her to turn towards you." 2B interjected. "Though I'm afraid this won't be a good sight."
A2 didn't ask what she meant, because she too had the same sinking feeling to know what was going on. But prayed with all her might it wouldn't be that again.
"Robin… look at me." she said, with a softer voice, hoping she'd hear it.
It seemed that she did, as she stopped in her tracks, and she did turn, but the hand over her eyes remained a while longer. A2 could see and hear her labored breath, but when Robin finally opened her eyes again, all her hopes were shattered.
Red…
Those mismatched irises she much loved glowing with that damned color…
These machines infected Robin with a logic virus, and both of them were aware that they did not possess a cure.
"I was careless…" Robin's voice barely a whisper over the flames around them. "I'm sorry…"
Really there wasn't more she could say about it, she hadn't wanted to be infected, she hadn't known that she wouldn't have been able to handle it, given she had always been told that her shield was made to be the strongest one YoRHa could afford, and that she had never gotten the virus before.
A2 felt something pickle at her eyes, but she resisted the urge to cry, but the hands at her side clenched as hard as they could.
Why her damn it!?
Was she truly not meant to ever be happy? Were they both never meant to experience good things?
Why was it Robin that had to die again?
With trembling fingers, she watched the suffering woman remove her old and now tattered visor from her neck, and reach for her.
A2 remained still, as Robin wrapped it around her neck, her hands lingering on her cheek after she did that.
"Don't forget me…" that is how people truly die, A2 had been told once from her.
She took the thing in her hand as Robin's one fell away. "Why did this have to happen?" it had been the only thing she could ask.
"The world is cruel…" she could see Robin hunching over, struggling to stand. The virus always hits the motor systems first, she remembered it.
"Be strong, okay?" even for as red as they were, her eyes pleaded.
With a grunt, Robin reached over to her again, shoving her shoulder. "Save the kids, A2."
She pushed her again. "Save this world… I believe in you…"
Shaking her head, tears now falling freely from her eyes, A2 forced herself to will her legs to move and run in the opposite direction, as Robin's own one gave out and she fell to her knees, watching her go.
It would be over soon, and all she could do was just hope A2 would make it alone.
It was the only wish that still remained.
With a shaking hand, she reached for her sword that had fallen from it before, it looked even more red than before now with the virus coursing through her systems, while with her free hand instead, gave one last weak but affectionate pat to Pod 007.
"Thank you…" she whispered, he'd been a companion until the very end.
Lifting her weapon up with what little strength she had left, she held it against her chest for a moment.
She would not let herself be corrupted and go berserk if she could help it, and had no courage to ask A2 to finish her off, it would have been too painful for her to handle.
She held the blade towards herself.
"My faithful sword… one last kill…"