[Bunker]
Space, the mysterious black void that hides the many secrets of the universe. From planets that are larger than the Sun to black holes that consume everything in its path, it's one of the most mysterious and dangerous things to ever exist. Since it's creation many planets and stars have met their end from the dangers the universe has to offer.
But with destruction comes beauty, when a planet or star meet their end, another begins. A new celestial body will form and shall evolve into something far greater than it's predecessors. In the oncoming years the planet will grow and grow into a revolutionary state no other part the universe has ever seen before. Only for it to meet its end by a supernova, meteor, a planet-sized explosion, etc...nevertheless the whole process will repeat itself. It's just the natural progression of evolution.
But what if said evolution was halted? What happens next?
In the Milky Way Galaxy lies a collection of planets circling around a singular star. Later titled as the Solar System each planet stood out from the other either by size, temperature, or color. 7 out of 8 planets are completely uninhabitable due to their severe weather conditions and position frozen the star. The last planet, Earth however was able to form at just the ideal distance from the giant fire ball of light. What makes this planet all the more special was that it had life, intelligent life.
Evolving from primates, more specifically apes came a new species of animals that will soon take over the planet in the near future. In a few thousand years the species now classified as Humans were now the dominant class of Earth. They've created hierarchies, cultures, economic systems, and so much more. But the most important thing that granted them this position was their intelligence. They used this to their advantage making new forms of transportation, creating new methods of gathering resources, manufacturing conventional contraptions that would aid on improving their countries in the following years. Humans continued to break through their boundaries, picking up where the previous generation left off and improved upon it pushing the species and the world to a new level of heights. The future seemed bright, nothing was gonna stop them from evolving.
Until it happened.
In the year 5012 was when humanity was halted. The universe can hold many secrets and the world just discovered one of it's darkest ones. Attacking their planet was another form of intelligent life, they went under the name of Aliens by many. This foreign species were more technologically advanced as they launched their weapon meant to exterminate all life on the planet. Machine lifeforms were planted at various spots on Earth slaughtering millions in their wake. Left with no other option the last remaining humans were forced to take shelter on the moon.
192 years later humanity sent a counterattack by deploying their own machines built in their image. These human-manufactured weapons were classified as Androids amd were able to put the enemy at a stalemate.
Fast forward to thousands of years and the Aliens have disappeared but their weapons are still at large, conquering huge parts of the planet and killing any Android on sight. They've have begun to lose hope, it's been so long since they've seen their human masters and haven't had any form of communication with them. That's when the military faction known as YoRHa was developed in 11937 before the beginning of the 14th Machine War. They serve as a reminder to the Androids that humanity is still alive and well with messages from the Council of Humanity being broadcasted worldwide to let everyone know that the war must end in their favor. With that the YoRHa faction will aid the Resistance in terminating all machine lifeforms on Earth, and it's been that way ever since.
At least, that's how everyone sees it.
*Sigh*
Standing near a window gazing at the stars was 2B. She was in a new version of her body as her mission back at the abandoned factory forced her and 9S to detonate their black boxes. The duo managed to find the target and it took everything they had to beat it. The sheer size of the monstrosity would make many gape at the sight of it, with it's buzzsaw hands and massive upper body not many would've survive in it's wake. Fortunately their battle took place out at sea so no harm was done to any potential bystanders.
That's why it was understandable when an injured 9S took out his black box, the life essence of YoRHa units as a response to three other copies of the Goliath emerging from the waters. Left with no other options 2B took hers out once she found out what the injured scanner was doing. After getting confirmation from Command, the boy looked to the woman sitting next to him as the machines slowly approached.
"2B...it was an honor to fight with you. Truly." the boy acknowledged her as scanners almost never work with battle units.
"The honor was mine." The woman responded.
Taken aback by this 9S grinned as he pushed his black box forward. 2B gave a small smile as she did the same.
One second after their black boxes touched, a bright light engulfed the area destroying the machines and themselves in the process. Despite this they've managed to subdue the enemy therefore the mission was a success.
Having done replaying the memory 2B turned around and began walking down the hallway. A YoRHa unit appeared walking towards her. She gasped as it was the person she detonated her black box with.
"So...mission complete and all that huh?" 9S began once the pair closed their distance.
"The Goliaths were wiped out, and we secured a route into enemy territory. Now we can-"
"9S?" the woman interrupted him.
"Yeah?"
"Thank you. For uploading my data to the Bunker." 2B told him. The boy gave her a blank look.
"..."
"Um...I did that? Sorry, I don't remember." 9S stated to her as his data couldn't recall himself doing that.
"There wasn't a whole lot of bandwidth down there, you know? I probably only had enough time to back up your memories. Mine are only intact up to the point where we rendezvoused." The scanner reasoned whilst scratching the back of his head.
"I see."
"Glory to Mankind." 9S passionately chanted along with doing their signature gesture.
"Glory...to Mankind." 2B saluted as well.
Having done recapping their mission the boy gave a smile as he walked past her. The sound of his boots hitting the floor overshadowed the noise of a fist being clenched in anger.
[Later]
"Sorry to barge in on y-oh! Looks like you've already started." 9S realized as he entered 2B's room. The woman was lying on her bed waiting for maintenance to begin. As the scanner got closer he took a look around her room and noticed that a few things were...off.
Some of her books in her personal library were scattered on the floor, the seat at her desk had chipped corners, and the floor looks to have light scratches on it. What happened here?
"Query: Is there any reason as to why YoRHa Unit 9S is staying put?" a feminine mechanical voice said. Breaking out of his thoughts he looked towards the speaker.
"Oh uhh it's nothing Pod. I was just thinking that's all." He stumbled to his black and red companion. Pod 153 acknowledged his response and went back to its dormant state. 9S turned and walked up to the edge of 2B's bed.
'Maybe she pulled her chair too hard and it dropped. That'll explain the chipped corners and scratches, and some units are known to be messy with their rooms. So it's not that strange.'
"2B can you hear me? I'm starting your boot sequence. First you'll wanna check your brightness settings." the boy said as both androids can only see black.
...
...
...
After 15 seconds of nothing happening 2B spoke. "I don't know how to do that."
"Hmm? You don't know how to adjust the brightness? I think it's set up to respond to some kind of input." the scanner responded making the screen visible himself. A list of words appeared on the screen with, ironically "Screen" being chosen for now.
"Right then. Let's get started. We'll go through each adjustment in order. Let's start by getting the brightness set." He instructed as the battle unit adjusted her visual receptors.
"Okay how does this look?" 9S asked, a click was heard in response.
"Roger that. Oh and I should probably let you know that this entire process is being recorded for posterity." The boy informed her. "Now let's take a look at your voice recognition settings. Seems your voice recognition is set on mute which isn't going to work. I'm gonna call out to you now...make sure you can hear my voice."
"Ma'am are you there? Can you hear me?"
No response.
"Uh hellooo? Go ahead and adjust your settings so you can hear me, all right?"
Still no response.
'C'mon you were just fine a moment ago.' 9S thought. "Adjust the settings until you can hear my voice."
No response again.
"Er, could you try and pick up the pace a little bit? This is getting embarrassing..." the boy could feel his cheeks warm up a bit.
No response came from her.
'SHE HAS TO BE MESSING WITH ME!' 9S mentally screamed feeling flustered. But soon enough a click can be heard. 'Finally.' After feeling relieved from the awkward tension 9S asked for confirmation again. "All right. Are we good now?"
"I'm fine, 9S. There's something calming about your voice." 2B commented. The scanner's cheeks got even warmer at the unexpected answer.
"Oh uh...thank you. Anyway that takes care of the settings." the boy said as something in his body caught his attention. His black box, more specifically began to pulse faster.
'Ngh. What the heck? My pulse rate is rising.' But just as quickly at it started it slowed down. 'Hmm...it seems back to normal now. How odd.' He looked back to at the screen.
"Er, hold on. Your self-destruct permissions are missing. Wait a sec, we need to restore those." 9S continued on with the procedure with 2B doing as she was told.
"Once you're finished with adjustments, you can go ahead and close this out."
After a couple of seconds the female android opened her eyes. Looking to her left she saw 9S viewing some data, he greeted her with a smile.
"Morning." he swiped away the data as she got out of bed.
"9S..."
"The Commander put me in charge of your maintenance ma'am. That means I'll be performing regular checks on you from now on."
042 appeared at 2B's side as the woman fully stood up.
"I see."
"Oh don't worry. We 9S models are the best around you know." the scanner said with confidence. He then scratched his chin in thought "Though I suppose we're not exactly known for our modesty."
9S began to leave the room but a hand stopped him.
"9S..."
"Hmm? What is it ma'am?"
"Stop calling me ma'am. There's no need to be so formal."
"A-all right if you say so. Oh and I almost forgot. The Commander was calling for you. We better go see what's up ma-er, 2B." the boy exited the room with the woman following closely behind.
Making their way to the operating room the pair was greeted with huge commotion from everyone in the room. Each Operator was working diligently, entirely focused on their monitors. This would've been normal if it weren't for the fact that the main screen of the room displayed an image of a white-haired man in blue clothing. The pair faced each other with skeptical looks before proceeding towards the Commander. Walking past various operators they've overheard many things regarding the man in blue.
"No excuses it's your duty as a YoRHa soldier to make sure the enemy doesn't find out about him."
"There is no reason as to why your partaking in such activities knowing full well that he's down there alone with no one to protect him."
"STOP GAWKING AT THE BUTTERFLIES AND FIND HIM!"
That last one caught 9S off guard as they exited the platform. 2B simply ignored it and saw the Commander gazing at the screen. Hearing footsteps behind her the blonde turned around.
"Ah 2B. Maintenance finished?" She asked her.
"Yes Commander."
"You've detonated your black box in order to defeat the enemy. Bold but risky. Try not to be so reckless next time."
"Understood." 2B nodded.
"Um...Commander? Who's that man?" 9S butted in. Commander faced him and turned towards the screen.
"That man you see on the screen...is a stranded member of the Council of Humanity. We're trying everything in our power to get him back." the leader said with a hint of happiness in her voice.
Processing the information the scanner quickly realized what she meant. Looking towards the man 9S was left agape "So that means he's-"
"human." 2B finished his sentence, her gaze entirely focused on the man.
"Correct. The Council of Humanity recently contacted us stating that a group of observers were sent to Earth for an assignment I wasn't informed of. By unknown circumstances he was forgotten." White backed up her lie, truly not knowing how this man came into existence. But she wasn't complaining now that they had a god, with him the Androids' morale can be significantly boosted and to show the world that this war still has meaning.
"Has...has anyone...spotted him yet?" the boy struggled to speak.
"He was last sighted by one of our units in the southern parts of the region. Unfortunately he disappeared before they could reach him in time, his current whereabouts are unknown."
2B still had her gaze on the screen, seemingly in a trance-like state.
"Humans are more prone to the elements than us Androids. If they are exposed to high temperatures for a long period of time they will start to exhibit symptoms of heat exposure. He will most likely become delirious and might unknowingly run into the enemy. We can't let that happen." The scanner nodded and she continued.
"Another thing, he seems to speak an ancient language, the last time Androids used it were many, many years ago. It was the most popular around its time, English humans called it." 2B finally broke out of her stupor as she and 9S looked towards their leader. The looks they gave the blonde told her that they never heard of it.
"Wait, so he doesn't speak in modern tongue? Why?" 9S inquired.
"I...truly don't know. The Council of Humanity didn't inform me of that." She lied as irritation from his persistence crept up on her.
"Why, that doesn't seem logical." 9S really loved to question anything about everything, doesn't he?
Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath she spoke "I will only say this one more time I don't know all the details, if the Council of Humanity chooses to withhold some information that's entirely their decision. It's not in our power and is deemed very disrespectful to question the actions of our creators. So I suggest you keep your mouth shut less you wanna seek termination." she threatened in a very cold tone causing the scanner and battler to take a step back in fear.
"I...I...understand." he sheepishly said, the blonde opened her eyes and continued.
"Back to the topic, since it's such an ancient language only a small minority of Androids know how to speak it, myself included."
"Wow, really? That must be so cool." Commander heard 9S but ignored him. "I've sent the data to all ground units so they can communicate with the human when he's eventually retrieved." She turned around typing away at her HUD.
"You two will be receiving the data shortly."
"I take it we're being sent to find him as well." 2B asked. Now done sending the data she turned back to them.
"Not quite." Catching 2B off guard White masked her smirk. Now here comes the real bomb shell.
"Remember the subject in red, 2B."
Taking a few seconds to remember 2B nodded in agreement not liking where this is going.
'Subject in red? What is she talking about?' 9S mentally thought.
"The DNA sample you've sent matches with that of the human."
The scanner couldn't even fathom the weight of the situation at first. But after a few moments 9S' body froze.
The battle unit's jaw was left wide open. Her body began to shake when she remembered the machine-filled graveyard.
Nothing but the chatter of operators filled the room.
"The subject...is...human as well?" 2B finally broke their silence. 9S still wasn't moving.
"Correct again, your on a roll 2B." Commander congratulated her.
"But...but Commander are you sure?"
"Yes. I've checked many times. The subject is indeed human."
"What? Are you serious? This is becoming too much for me." the scanner came back into the conversation rubbing the sides of his head.
"I know it comes as shocking to the both of you but another one of them is out there and we need to rescue them as well." Commander raised her fist in determination.
"I've already sent squads throughout the area you previously inspected. I need you two to scout the area near the Resistance Camp. Another thing, question the leader regarding their whereabouts." Commander explained their mission.
"D-doesn't YoRHa have a dedicated Resistance contact already?" the boy asked.
"We haven't been able to get in touch with them. So we need you to look into that as well." She answered briefly.
"Am I understood?"
"Yes Ma'am!" the pair chanted. Having been done with their mission brief 9S and 2B turned back heading towards the exit.
Commander looked back at the screen. Initially she wanted this to be kept as a YoRHa only secret but informing Anemone will hopefully aid them in tracking them down a lot faster. Regarding the video of the human's battle with the healer White decided it was best to keep that under wraps, going as far as to erasing the memory of 72S and the operator that sent him it for reassurance. She's also deleted the memories of 2B's squadron and their operators for any data related to the human in red, that info is just too vital for them to know. 2B however was the only one White decided to leave as be.
Why? For reasons that weren't going to disclosed.
She clenched her riding crop 'Don't worry once we find them, hopefully we can figure out some sort of way of using their DNA to bring back the human race. I just need to discuss this over the meeting, hopefully they'll side with me.'
Commander stared at the man, her green eyes fixated on his blue ones, she sighed.
'Where are you two?'
[Resistance Camp]
'What happened back there?' Dante scratched his chin thought.
'I always keep my cool so why did I just snap all of a sudden?' he closed his eyes. This version of Earth looked abandoned so the theory of humanity being gone wasn't unlikely.
His brain brought up the recent memory of him and Jackass.
He could still sense his own bloodlust in his blind rage. Once the memory replayed itself fully Dante noticed something familiar in his vision. The corners of his sight was slowly turning a shade of red right before disappearing when he felt the pistol aimed at his head.
'Where have I seen that before?' the devil hunter started to speculate. A few seconds later he found his answer.
'Oh, that's why.'
Rain fell from the night sky as the moon shined down upon the demonic tower. At the top of said tower sounds of metal hitting metal can be heard. The devil hunter was in combat with his older brother as they swung their swords at each other. Dante was flung back into one of the roof's structures with Vergil looking at him with disapproval.
"Why do you refuse to gain power? The power of our father Sparda?" Vergil spoke in an accusing tone. Getting back up Dante chuckled as he looked back at him.
"Father? I don't have a father? I just don't like you that's all." The devil hunter responded in a calm but immature manner. Not wanting to keep this conversation going the younger twin rushed back to continue their duel.
The rain brought down Vergil's hair making Dante glare at a spitting image of himself, their swings became more faster and violent. Soon enough the brothers were fighting at speeds invisible to the human eye, so fast in fact their blades ended up separating the water droplets around them, reaching their climax when the twins clashed their weapons in a battle of strength. For a brief second they've managed to created a small space completely void of any rain. The parts of their blades grinding against each other turned to a hot red. But Vergil had enough with their little game and used his superior might to throw Rebellion out of Dante's grasp.
The blade stabbed the ground as the darkslayer impaled the devil hunter's stomach, drawing out blood. Gasping in pain Dante gripped the katana, "Foolishness. Dante. Foolishness..." looking down on his pathetic twin he pushed Yamato even further. He was rewarded with more painful grunts.
"Might controls everything. And without strength, you cannot protect anything. Let alone yourself." He pushed away Dante, freeing Yamato with blood showering the ground. As the devil hunter's body began to fall Vergil reaches out to him, not to stop his descent but to take his amulet.
Snapping it off Vergil gazed as it shined against the moon. 'The key to the Sparda is finally in my grasp.'
Dante hit the ground with a thud as blood began to pool around him. Vergil raised his hand and swept his hair back returning to it's usual style. With the younger twin still down the blue-clad man freed Rebellion. Only for him to run back at the fallen twin and stab him through the chest just when Dante was struggling to get back up.
Now planted on the roof by his father's memento Dante could only hear fuzziness as it seemed that Vergil was conversing with someone. Staring up at the sky he felt something inside of him. It wasn't anything he ever felt before but he knew what it was. Throughout all his years he detested this side of him, but if he was to defeat his brother then he'll have to make some sacrifices. Rebellion shook with power as the guard transformed.
With new found power coursing through his body, Dante forced the blade out, making a geyser-like explosion.
Vergil had his back turned but quickly reacted by impaling his katana through the devil hunter's fist, stopping the attack. The spiked-haired man looked back at a now enraged Dante he grinned in response.
"I see, a devil inside you has awakened as well." the older twin said. Dante however, didn't care he forced his hand into a position to grip the edge making his bone structure snap and rearrange. He pushed Yamato out of the way, Vergil jumped back.
The darkslayer glared at him and was about to engage once again only for a scarred man in black attire wielding a book to call out to him.
"Wait, we should leave. For the moment, we have all that we need." he said. The spiked-haired man looked at him and back to Dante.
A white aura emanated from his body, he looked at Vergil with a cold stare as he slowly took each step towards the pair. Silently agreeing the oldest Son of Sparda left the area with the man following closely behind. Seeing the two leap off the site the aura turned red as Dante felt it coming.
Forcing it all out Dante let out a yell as his body transformed in appearance. He no longer took on an appearance of a human but rather a demon, his devil side has awakened. Looking up at the the moon Dante could see his vision slowly turn red, but just as quickly as he transformed he reverted back to his human form. Feeling his body drained the devil hunter dropped to the floor in defeat.
'Now that I think about it, I have been more crazy than usual whenever I go into Devil Trigger.' Dante contemplated as the memory ended.
There were numerous times after his battle with Vergil where Dante would be in his demon form and would go absolutely crazy, beating down all demons that dared to step foot in front of him. One good example was the vivid memory of him continuously stabbing the remains of a Hell Pride, long after it turned to sand.
Despite this throughout his time in Temen-Ni-Gru the devil hunter grew, physically and mentally. Before the tower Dante was a hotheaded youngster with only one goal in mind; avenge his deceased mother. Making his way up the tower he met a young woman who he later nicknamed as Lady, she viewed him as any ordinary demon and attempted to kill him every single time they met. Dante just played along dancing around her bullets each time they fought.
After hearing her out in their second encounter the devil hunter opened up to her a bit admitting he too has a dysfunctional family. She didn't buy it telling him that he wouldn't understand because of what he is, Dante stayed silent and left. In the aftermath of their final fight they talked it out, telling her she wasn't alone as he began to tell her everything.
The young woman was shocked at his story now fully understanding why he's there. Lady trusted him to carry out both their tasks, even going as far to let him borrow Kalina Ann. At that point Dante realized what was important, getting revenge for his mother was never going to be enough. As much as he hated to admit it Dante knew he finally has to accept his heritage. To follow in his father's footsteps, to protect humanity from demons no matter the cost.
Well...if the world was meeting it's end he will. Other than that if they don't got the money, tough luck to them.
What? You can't pay the rent with goodwill and thank you cards. You have to make a living somehow.
Going back to the moment when Jackass mentioned the topic about humans he now sees why. With Dante's new found resolve on humanity mixed with the chaotic mindset of his demon side one could now understand why he acted out the way he did.
Even though he's matured Dante's still young and has more to learn. His demon side is a good start.
'Well, looks I need to keep Mr. Grumpy under control.' he smiled, wondering how hard it'll be. Hey the harder it is, the more fun to be found right?
"Hey, are you listening to me?"
'Dammit, now I need to make it up to Jackass.' the Son of Sparda rubbed at his forehead for his screw up. The poor babe must be traumatized after his little episode.
"I'M TALKING TO YOU!"
'What's that noise?' Dante opened his eyes to see a woman glaring at him across the table they sat on. This definitely wasn't the person that pointed a gun to his head. Her skin was darker, and she didn't have that green cape thing the other woman wore.
The devil hunter just stared back with a blank look. After a minute of her glaring at him, the half-demon spoke.
"You talking to me?"
The woman just stared wide-eyed at his response. Shaking out of her stupor the woman got up and approached Dante. A second later the distinct sound of a hand hitting skin echoed throughout the room. The guards behind Dante gave out a little chuckle at the scene.
"Kssh." the red-clad man let out a grunt raising his hand to rub his cheek, his wrists were revealed to be in futuristic handcuffs.
'Women just love to do that, don't they?' Dante put on an annoyed expression. Staring up at the woman he asked "What do you want?"
"If you were listening, you wouldn't have to ask that question now do you?" The devil hunter just sighed, knowing that was true. She went back to her seat now knowing she had Dante's full attention. "Now then, why did you attack Jackass?"
"Hey, don't put the blame on me. I saved her from getting crushed by those giant walking soda cans."
Raising a brow and crossing her arms the woman responded "So after saving her, you decided to pull a sword on her. Wow what a hero." The guards chuckled again.
Dante gritted his teeth at her sarcastic but accurate answer.
'Damn. I'm suppose to be the one to break the ice. I don't like this at all.'
The devil hunter clenched his fists, "I got angry okay. I have anger issues."
"Anger issues huh, I know a ton of people with the same problem. But none of them went as far as ending a person's life. If it wasn't for our leader coming back from an expedition who knows what would've happened." the woman exclaimed before turning her attention to something else.
"Where did you get these? Pistols of this degree hasn't been seen in thousands of years. Yet, you've managed to get your hands on two semi-automatics in perfect condition." She rested Ebony and Ivory without the magazines on the table for Dante to see. Aside from Rebellion, those were the only other weapons confiscated when they searched his person. It was a good idea on his part to hide his amulet when no one was looking, he's not letting anyone take that from him.
Dante chuckled, apparently having such a common weapon in his world is considered super rare in this one. Her annoyed reaction to his laughter just made it even better. Although seeing his beauties in their incomplete form did irritate him a bit.
'They won't be for long.' Dante thought.
"Huh these? Ahh it's nothing really. I just asked some old coot to make those two beauties for me." he said nonchalantly.
"WHAT? Where is this person?" she demanded. What else does this individual have about humanity that they don't? She was genuinely intrigued. The devil hunter yawned at her making her eye twitch.
"Can't. She...kicked the bucket long ago with all of her stuff burned to the ground." Dante admitted, some sadness could be heard as he spoke.
Hearing this put her thoughts at a dead-end. She lowered her head down in disappointment.
After a few seconds, the woman looked at him again with a glare that didn't faze him.
"Next question, what are you?"
Dante raised a brow at her. The dark-skinned woman saw this and elaborated.
"According to Jackass, she mentioned that you spoke to her in a manner that implies that your not an Android. "Your Kind" you referred to us. Even though you got the looks your not part of YoRHa, everything about you doesn't line up with them. Hell you don't even know what they are, further supporting our suspicions. So let me ask you again, what are you?"
She was met with Dante's usual face. From the outside he looked a bit grumpy but on the inside he was thinking.
Is it even a good idea to reveal what he is? Jackass must've told them about their conversation regarding his origins and how she caught on to his lie. If he were to do that again only to get caught in the act, they'll most likely view him as deceiving and untrustworthy. He needs information about this world and telling them the truth can hopefully neutralize the situation he's in. That's...half the reason on why he surrendered actually.
'Well, if they got a thing against humans I can always slash my way through. Here goes nothing.' Dante mentally shrugged.
Time to find out this world's view on humanity.
*Creak*
Just as he was about to speak the door to the room opened revealing two figures. In front of the doorway was Anemone, walking out of the way and following suit was Jackass. Dante's eyes widened as the scientist was walking around no problem as opposed to how she was a few hours ago. Closing the door behind them the pair glared at Dante, especially the rogue.
"What have you gathered so far from him?" Anemone asked the woman, speaking this world's language so Dante couldn't eavesdrop.
"Not much, he seems to take more interest in daydreaming rather than negotiating."
"Noted. Good job, we'll take it from here." the resistance leader told her. The woman gave Dante a smirk before opening and closing the door once more leaving the trio with silence.
"Look I know we've started off on the wrong foot but le-" the devil hunter was interrupted when one of the guards hit him in the head.
"You don't have the fucking audacity to speak after what you tried to do." he heard Jackass say, her voice was harsh.
"We're the ones in charge here. If we want you to talk, you'll know when." Anemone joined the conversation.
"Why do you only speak English?" the leader asked intrigued that he wasn't bilingual. Only her, Jackass, and a handful of other people in the camp were able to remember this dialect. So to witness this man speak it and not anything else was strange, but she had a clue why.
Dante shrugged and readjusted his seat, "Where I'm from, that was all I needed."
"Where are you from?" the scientist butted in.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you." the Son of Sparda said with his eyes closed. This only led to her Anemone's next question.
"Oh, I'll believe you. After all you did come out of the hole in the sky didn't you?" Anemone revealed, causing both Jackass and Dante to turn to her in shock.
"Wh-what? Anemone what the fuck? Why didn't you tell me this?" she heard the scientist say. The leader only chuckled in response.
"Sorry Jackass, but with the condition you were in, it just flew over my head at the time." She reasoned to her. Jackass gave it a thought but nodded, their focus soon turned back to the devil hunter.
"Am I correct?" Anemone gave a smug grin. Dante knew there was no way to get out of this situation. "Well it looks like you know more than you let off, babe. Good job." he couldn't help but retort.
Instead of getting upset at his compliment Anemone smiled, now certain she found the subject in red. "Back to the previous question. Where are you from?"
Seeing her smile made him smile as well.
'Let's have a little fun.'
"Let's just say that I'm from a place where special people have special problems, and those special problems calls for special service."
The scientist led out a chuckle "Special service huh, does that include getting a pipe and stabbing it right in their blue ey-" a shove from Anemone stopped her from finishing her sentence. The leader turned to the disarmed weaponry.
"That'll explain your sword and these pair. Now then, what are you?" the leader asked.
Oh, we're back to this again. Attempt #2 on finding this world's view on humanity is in effect.
"I'm human." he said nonchalantly, he was greeted with silence. Anemone and Jackass gave him a wide-eyed stare that made the guards behind them nervous. Preparing for whatever they'll dish out on him, Dante was ready to break out of his cuffs at any moment.
Only to be met with laughter from both women. Jackass clenched her chest while Anemone was having trouble covering her mouth. The sight made Dante along with the guards sweat drop. After a minute or so they finally recollected themselves.
"Can androids die from laughter? Cause I felt that I could." Jackass said.
'Android's huh. Is that what they call themselves?' Dante wondered.
"Be serious. What are you?" Anemone asked still chuckling at the idea of a human being in front of her. According to Jackass this man was able to take down two Goliath Bipeds, making Anemone choke on her words when the info was passed down to her. That was already crazy by itself but the idea of a HUMAN taking down a machine unit that can hold their own against YoRHa's top soldiers was just ludicrous. Even though humans are their masters Androids were far superior in strength and speed, capable of lifting large containers, boulders, and debris along with reaching speeds that far exceeds that of the mammals.
Dante stared back, seeing as this approach wouldn't get him anywhere he decided to go along with it.
Well, he could prove it by breaking a finger or two so they can see his exposed bone, but-
'Wait I still need to make it up to her.' His thoughts were interrupted as he remembered the scientist's scared face.
"Before I answer can I just say Jackass that I screwed up okay. My emotions got the better of me and almost killed you because of it. Are we cool?" Dante surprised the whole room. Jackass looked at him with a neutral expression. She walked over to him.
*Smack*
"No"
*Smack*
"We're"
*Smack*
"Not."
Jackass went back to her position with Anemone sighing.
"Answer the question." the scientist demanded, Dante let out a grunt. Thinking back on his resolve, he came up with an idea. Would they believe him, its a worth a shot.
"Alright. Alright." Dante cleared his throat before speaking. The lights to the room went off with a few above him staying on as suspenseful music began playing.
"Who am I? Well, I lived in a time where the people that once ruled over the world still spent their lives on. I was given life by them and served a job that would deal great justice for those in need. The cries of the youth call out to me, and I come to their aid and fight off the terrors that lurk in the shadows. For I prevent disaster before it strikes. For I am the one that fills their dark souls with light. For I am the protector of humanity." he said with dramatical flare, the music stopped as the lights returned to normal.
He was met with dead stares from all around. Oh how he loved to make things awkward.
"So you mean to tell us that you're a creation from the time humans still roamed Earth?" Jackass questioned with a dead tone.
"If you put it that way, then yeah." she was technically correct given that his human mom did take part in his birth.
"You did come out of a hole in the sky so it's not entirely far-fetched." Anemone somewhat accepted his answer. Jackass and Dante turned to look at her.
"What? Really?" they both said.
"Yeah. I do, throughout the time I've been alive I've seen some pretty outlandish things. You have to admit Jackass, this isn't the only strange thing to come at you in life has it?" the leader pointed out.
The rogue woman just looked at her but accepted it.
"Now Dante, is your entire existence based solely on protecting humanity?" Anemone asked.
"Yup." it was half-true. Only under certain circumstances will he harm humans but they don't need to know that.
"Well I guess we're on the same side of the coin. Us androids were made to protect and care for humans as well." the leader revealed. Leaving the devil hunter shocked at their similar ideals.
'Wow, go figure. They act just like humans tho. What else do we have in common?' Dante thought.
"Is that why you put your sword up to my throat? Because of an misunderstanding?" a voice spoke, turning to look towards the speaker Dante saw Jackass and for the first time in a while he gulped.
Throughout his years killing demons was the closest thing to him ever being scared since he was a child. Upon seeing the wrath written all over the scientist's face however Dante realized at that moment-
Women are the true devils.
"Woah calm down babe. Ther-" he along with his chair was tackled down as Jackass filled the room with profanity while assaulting the man with a barrage of slaps.
Anemone just sighed again at the scene while the guards were conflicted as to whether or not they should interfere.
[Desert]
5 YoRHa flight units were seen high above the clouds, once it was confirmed that they were in the region they flew towards the ground.
The pilots were none other than the YoRHa squadron 2B was partnered with. Prior to their demise each one of them managed to send their personal data to Command. Thus they were able to get new bodies but something felt off. They couldn't put their finger on it but it felt like they forgot something important, whatever it is. The thought didn't last long however as they were quickly informed of the human. After briefly greeting their operators, who in turn either expressed their grief or disappointment over their reckless actions 1D's group got in their flight units and quickly left YoRHa headquarters, with numerous others in tow.
Once they entered the stratosphere multiple flight units separated in groups covering large sections of the desert. With 1D's scouting near the transporter of the central area.
"Did you all get the data regarding the human?" the captain questioned.
"Yes ma'am." she heard the squadron say. Good, when they find him they won't have any trouble communicating with him.
"Search the area, this was the last reported sighting of him." the stern black-haired woman ordered. The pilots scattered to different parts of the area.
"Hey, 11B what should we do when we find him?" The bluehead didn't look at her holographic screen as she knew it was the child-sized healer unit.
"We'll ask command, but my best guess is we'll be sending him to the nearest Resistance settlement or the moon. The Bunker doesn't seem suitable for humans." 11B theorized as she continued overlooking the landscape.
"I know he's human, but I never knew they can look so scary. His stare reminds of the Commander." 12H admitted, half frightened at his scowl shown from an image sent to them.
"That's not important right now, other YoRHa units still haven't found him so he's still out there delirious from heat exposure." the bluehead recited the mission details. "Although...I do have to agree with you, he and Commander do have something in common."
"Hey what are y'all talking about?" a curious voice interrupted their chat.
"Oh 4B, are you excited to meet the human as well?" 12H kindly asked. She was met with a rather passionate response.
"FUCK YEAH I'M EXCITED! THIS IS THE FIRST HUMAN WE HAVE EVER SEEN! I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS TO ASK HIM! LIKE WHAT DO THEY DO UP THERE? WHAT DO THEY DO TO PAST THE TIME? IS IT TRUE THAT HUMANS ARE BORN SMALL AND FEEBLE? OH I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO MEET HIM!"
"Oh. Hahaha...I see." the healer awkwardly laughed, overwhelmed by her partner's ecstatic energy. The bluehead used this opportunity to leave the conversation, poor 12H now has to deal with her overjoyed friend alone.
On the other side of the spectrum 7E was seen scanning the ground for any leads. She scowled when she found nothing and let off a frustrated grunt.
A ringing was heard to her side, looking at her left she saw the captain.
"7E any leads?" asked 1D.
"No just more of...nothing. Grrr where could he be? And why did the rest of the humans leave him behind?" the redhead inquired.
"It is above our power to question their actions 7E." the captain bluntly said.
The redhead groaned, "Yeah I know." A bit of sand flew into mouth making her spit out in annoyance.
"Damn sand. This shit gets everywhere and is the only reason why I can't enter the Bunker without having to go through the "Sanitizer."
"Would you prefer to be sleeping with pebbles scattered across your covers?"
She gritted her teeth in annoyance at the captain's tease "No, it's just-"
"11B here I found tracks leading to Northern part of the desert. My Pod has analyzed it matching with that of the human. Due to the wind it's slowly disappearing we have to hurry."
11B's flight unit was seen heading towards the direction of the sandy wasteland. Now having a lead the rest of the squad followed suit.
Eventually they made it to an area of the desert that contrasted greatly to the others. Instead of sandy dunes were old buildings, broken and abandoned. They reached the front where they landed and exited their flight units. The group saw the tracks leading inside the complex, they all looked at each other and nodded. With their flight units leaving the scene, the squadron proceeded on foot following the human's trail.
Multiple buildings were strewn about creating a twisted passage way for any traveler to come across. Two machine bodies were seen, their remains littered with holes. This didn't deter the squadron as they advanced forward.
Soon enough they stopped at a sight that left them in shock, various remains of machines were strewn across one big clearing. Some had huge cuts engraved across their plating, smoke filled the air near a few dead ones, the body of a Goliath Biped with both arms disconnected from it's sockets with one reattached in it's chest was riddled with holes. The same holes from the other two earlier.
"The human did this?" 12H asked stunned as the site in-front of them. No one spoke up, silence took over the atmosphere with the girls still gaping at the recent destruction.
"C'mon there's no time to waste." the captain seemingly broke out of the spell they were in and jumped across various corpses. Her squad shook out of their stupor and followed suit. They've reached a narrow space where many metal bars were bent forming a passageway. The group stopped once again to another graveyard, this time instead of machines, it was Androids.
"Wh-what? You don't think the he...might've done this...as well?" 11B questioned, not believing one of their OWN masters would do such a thing.
"Cause of death currently unknown." the bluehead's pod point out.
"Nonsense, he...he just got here. These bodies look...old." 7E reasoned, 4B nodded in agreement.
Before they could speculate any further sounds of explosions could be heard in the distance along with a mighty roar.
The squadron continued further, fearing the human got himself hurt. They've reached a narrow tunnel and the sounds of explosions suddenly stopped.
"Warning: Multiple machines detected ahead." They've readied their weapons as they exited the tunnel. They were on the top story with a very dangerous path leading down. A giant clearing can be seen below, looking down the group was stunned at what their witnessing.
Aside from the various corpses of their enemy stood the human.
His shiny hair, his cold but lively eyes, the way his chest made rhythm to his breathing. The first ever human to set foot on this planet in multiple millenniums was right there. The messages from the moon didn't even compare to the feeling they all felt seeing one of their masters in person and in the flesh. It was so-so-
...surreal.
He seemed to be glaring at something. Using their pods the Androids made their way down on the opposite side of the field.
Upon reaching the ground they were quickly conflicted at what they saw.
Under a giant ball of machines lied a humanoid figure bearing no clothes and white long hair. It stood up from the ground and opened up it's red-colored eyes.