2B and 9S have entered the atmosphere and approaching the outer perimeters of the region. Given they were entering one of the largest machine populated areas they were bound to encounter the enemy sooner than later. These aerial units had the bodies of stubbies on top of hovering blades, equipped with an electric gun. Access to their flight unit's weapon systems had been granted. 9S dodged the incoming fire in his black aircraft, barreling left to right, countering the flyer units with his own ammunition.
2B was given the position of captain, her aircraft was in a bright layer of marble white. She blasted through the disposable flyers, paving her way through clouds of broken machinery. The battler guided her aircraft within the enemies vicinity, activating nitro boost she got in close proximity. She did a rapid 360 degree spin, a saber made of pure energy formed to the side. It ate through the aerial enemies in quick succession.
"Way to go 2B!" 9S cheered as their paths above the clouds were now clear. The pair descended downwards where they could now see the grassy plains and ruined buildings.
"Hey 2B? Why do you think they sent a combat model for a recon job? If intel is all we need we scanners are usually built for that kind of thing."
"Orders are orders." 2B simply responded.
"All right. All right."
The battler got a call from the Bunker.
"Bunker to 2B. Come in. I've set a landing point for your flight units. It's quite a way from the Resistance base unfortunately but we can't risk their location to the enemy. Sorry for the troubles."
The YoRHa pair landed onto a rooftop, where the scanner used this opportunity to stretch his legs. "Oh man. That flight unit was cramping my circuits." He looked over to his partner.
2B saw his grin. "Something the matter?"
He joyously brought his hands behind his back "We did a good job back there. Maybe it was a good thing Commander paired us up."
"Don't get ahead of yourself 9S. A successful mission won't guarantee indefinite future success. Keep that in mind."
She walked past him to the edge of the roof where it gave a good view of the nature-ridden city. Something caught her peripheral, a trio of white doves flying in the sky. A couple of the birds flew at the same elevation and more close to each other as opposed the third flanking behind. Similar to when she saw the birds in the factory.
"You got it Ma'am."
"9S."
"Yeah?"
"Stop calling me Ma'am. It's unnecessary." That humored the scanner boy.
"You got it 2B." Pod units floated out of their flight units. The aircrafts themselves morphed back into aerial mode where they made a return course back to Bunker. YoRHa pours a considerable amount of resources into their flight units, it made sense for them to be cautious of equipment.
"Target location marked on map. Proposal: Proceed to target location." A robotic masculine voice beeped from 2B's pod. Floating next to her with twitchy claws. Silver and brown made up the color scheme.
"You heard Pod. Let's go." She jumped off the building, her pod following suit.
9S looked over to his black and red Pod unit. "Ready 153?"
"Likewise." It spoke with a feminine but still artificial voice. The scanner leaped and reached out for his pod, it grabbed him and slowed down their descent to a glide.
Walking across the terrain the battler spotted multiple machine lifeforms with yellow gazes. 2B summoned a samurai blade. It was designed in YoRHa's signature black and white colors, giving it a nice futuristic touch. Out of all the weapons YoRHa provided this was her most preferable, Virtuous Contract.
"There's no need for that." She looked back to her partner in question.
"What do you mean?"
"See the eyes? Their yellow instead of red. Reconnaissance concluded they're non-hostile. We've been seeing more and more of this lately. It's pretty weird if you ask me, they just stand around and stare into space." He was right 2B saw a machine glance her way before looking elsewhere. The scanner moved ahead with no caution and she followed suit but was ready to attack on moment's notice. Her instincts are proven right when distant gunfire reached the area. Those yellow eyes changed into the more familiar red associated with machine lifeforms. Needless to say the YoRHa duo are the prime targets.
2B didn't hesitate, delivering a quick diagonal slash at a machine. Her action of execution far faster than the average human. The machine suffered a carve across the chassis. In quick speed she fully spun around, skirt fluttering in motion to give another swing. A YoRHa's prowess especially a B unit can do far more damage to a machine than older androids. Her signatures left the enemy unit stumbling. Tears in the metal apparent, 2B finished the job by doing a reverse twirl. Momentum carried the flashy samurai blade into separating the unit in half. A clean divergence of the machine fell dead.
The heavy feet of medium bipeds stomped the ground behind 2B. Only turning her head she could make out a punch. Moment it made contact the battler's body broke off into multiple translucent variants. Leaving the machine trapped within a circle of 2Bs. A counterattack was initiated by using the stem of her heel to kick it off the ground. While the biped helplessly flung in midair a silhoutte shined from up above. 2B came down hot in a sideway spin. Virtuous Contract stuck out making her fall into one of a deadly impending force. Nothing could save her victim from getting its plates shredded away. Hot sparks came out of the enemy unit like fireworks. Eating away the outer exterior and letting the sword ruin the insides. The self-combustion propelled 2B to her next target. Light highlighted her soaring figure.
'Wow.' 9S took in full view of 2B's skills. The battler flipped to realign herself, landing onto a machine and burying her blade in the head. 'She's amazing.'
"Kill. Android."
9S jumped back, the claw from a stubby barely missing him.
"Proposal: Unit 9S should focus on the enemy rather than his comrade." 2B who was in the middle of planting her sword into another unit shot the YoRHa boy a brief glance. All of a sudden he diverted all his attention to the stubby who attacked him. A weapon materialized at his back, it held a striking resemblance to 2B's weapon design wise but contrasted in color. This twin samurai blade basked in a nice pattern of black and yellow. 9S liked it. He couldn't explain why, he just did. This special blade of his was named Cruel Oath, a bit dramatic in his opinion.
A halo surrounded the weapon and Oath made a wide arc that reached the machines. 9S motioned his arms around, commanding the sword to his bidding. Carving out the machines from afar. He maneuvered his body around similar to 2B and chopped down with his other arm. A stubby became his victim with the body getting spilt apart. He brought Oath back at head level before launching the sword into a deadly spin. It traveled and separated a machine before ricocheting into it's brethren. Enacting a game of real life pinball the sword bounced between units killing them in an efficient manner.
The scanner peeked over his shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief. 2B was too focused on her killings to have noticed.
"Pod why did you have to single me out like that?"
"This unit is confused at 9S' question. Requesting clarification."
He saw more machines encircling him.
"Nevermind."
While 9S was proficient in close range combat that was more of 2B's shtick. Being a scanner he got onto a knee, palms opening in the direction of his enemies. Through his visor a stubby's outline became highlighted before rays of white that only he could see sprouted from his hands. A percentage meter appeared in his optics, he felt himself transcend from his body as it reached 100%. Seconds ticked by as the machines hopped closer to the prone 9S. The front stubby halted and stopped the others by it's arms. Out of the bunch it basked green illluminating eyes. It proceeded to wrap its arms around the units who frantically tried to break free. A useless effort for the drone unit self-destructed and took its brethren along for the lethal ride.
9S was back in his body just as the ball of fire ignited. He watched in delight seeing the machine parts rain down above him. The scanner peeked over to see how his partner was doing, 2B nonchalantly slained the last lifeform. It fidgeted at the bite of her sword until the eyes faded to black. A smile and a thumbs up was sent her way, she nodded in response. The sound of gunfire once again traveled across the plains, reminding them to hurry.
2B was already on the move, despite wearing heels she dashed without a struggle. 9S wasn't far behind.
"9S!" She called out, he perked up.
"Focus on the enemy this time!" 9S led out an embarrassing groan, cheeks glowing a soft peach.
"FALL BACK!" Anemone ordered. Her soldiers heeded and went for cover. Unfortunately an unlucky girl fell on her bottom, this mistake costed her. She met her demise at the spinning saw blade strapped to a machine.
"NOO-" Her screams became a wet gurgle. Her neck got viciously torn apart, spraying the killer machines in her fluids. Hands grasping the throat in a futile attempt to stop the bleeding. Unfortunately the efforts are for nought. The same machine stomped its heavy foot over her head. Crushing the artificial brain and causing the body to fidget after death.
"PETUNIA!" Overhearing the cries of her troops made Anemone hellbent on saving her group. She didn't release her hold on her Ak-47. Denting a good amount of holes into the murderous machines. At the same time the machine's reinforced plating redirected a hefty number of bullets. Some ricocheted into the ground, air, and in twisted irony knicked one of her men.
An android fell dead on her side. A devastating hole burned the forehead.
"SERGEANT I'M OUT OF AMMO!"
"SO AM I!"
"ME TOO!"
"SECOND THAT!"
"THIRD!"
"FOURTH!"
Anemone was the only person firing now.
The woman gritted her teeth and repeated her initial order, the group obediently did as they were told but Anemone kept her ground. She was able to take down a few but with how fast the machines advanced soon it wasn't going to matter. They were cornered, beaten, and down to their last defense. A machine powered through her firepower. Bringing its fists up with the intention of flattening her. Anemone heard the cries of her soldiers calling to her but she remained where she was. A blade protruded from the end of her muzzle and dug it right into the cylinder body. The Resistance leader felt something break inside and the machine fell dead. While the moment of triumph reigned it was only for a moment. Her magazine's empty. She faltered back with the rest as the units cornered them.
"What are we gonna do Sergeant?" Anemone didn't answer her.
'Dammit. Is this really the end?' She looked back to her group. A bunch of male and female androids fighting with their backs to the wall. Fear washed over their faces. They looked at her in any hope for an answer but Anemone had none. Facing back to the souless eyes of the enemy the Resistance leader prepared for the worst.
A blast of yellow energy hit the offensive stubbies, leaving a number falling with huge holes steaming off their chassis. The remainders halted in their advance. A female android cladded in black landed with her back facing Anemone. She kept quiet, unsure of who this new arrival is and their intentions. It was when the woman's turned at her shoulders did Anemone's eyes widen.
"Let us handle this." The new arrival spoke before making her move. Anemone's troops watched in stunned silence as the YoRHa android made due with the machine lifeforms. She moved around in an elequant but purposeful manner, eliminating the enemy units as if they were mere insects. Anemone heard their cheers but she didn't pay any mind. All she could think about was if the woman in black is…
After the machines were dealt with the battler was accompanied by the scanner.
"My name is 9S and this is 2B. We were sent here by YoRHa." The scanner introduced themselves to the Resistance group. As opposed to the clean and fashionable attire of YoRHa the Resistance had a far more suitable look for war. They basked in earthly colors to camouflage with the environment. Desert gear and rags prominent in their choice of clothing, some had on goggles while others wore hoods. Another distinct factor is that YoRHa lacked the presence of adult male androids. Despite that both factions were dominated by female androids.
The leader walked up to them. Dressed in beige and brown clothing that didn't show a lick of skin save for her face. She would've blended in if it weren't for the custom green head garb. It extended into a cape with the Resistance insignia and yellow tassels at the bottom. A pouch wrapped at her thigh and buckle at the waist. "My name is Anemone I am the leader of the Resistance that controls this territory." Her eyes lingered on 2B who in turn asked if she was ok.
"Yes. I…just didn't expect the Bunker to send someone down here so soon." Her green orbs than drifted over the corpses of her fallen. "Not soon enough though."
"Apologies Anemone we would've gotten here sooner if it weren't for machine interference in the atmosphere."
"Don't be. If it weren't for you everyone would've perished." The leader pointed to a particular member of the group. A tough looking brute with goggles installed to his head.
"Spruce! Report on casualties!"
He scratched his throat in thought. "First to fall was Oak followed by Hydran. I had to put down Iris for she got infected. Petunia's right there with no head. Poor girl. Alder has a third eye and the twins didn't wanna listen to me and strayed off. I doubt they're alive."
Anemone sent him a calculating look. "You're not lying to me are you?"
"I swear to humanity."
She quietly huffed.
"Alright everyone get your stuff we're heading back to base." The leader turned to the YoRHa duo and motioned for them to tag along.
2B and 9S' inclusion got the troops talking. It was the first time some of them have seen YoRHa units in action. Still a relatively new faction within the android military they've built quite a reputation. Seeing them at work had the more spectacle ones gawking at their battle prowess. They voiced their gratitude and the YoRHa duo took it in different ways. 2B remained visibly unmoved and gave a shallow acknowledgment. 9S appreciated the praise and went on to remark about the good will of YoRHa. Unlike the battler 9S was more social and took pride in his faction. The crowd talked over each other trying to ask the boy redundant questions. Anemone told them to quiet down and show the newcomers respect. Afterwards it was all silence.
Didn't take long before the group stumbled upon a barricade of tall reinforced fences. A sniper sitting at a window spotted his leader and signaled for the gates to open. After making their way through a dark alleyway the group made it to the center of a plaza square.
"My group go patch yourselves up. 2B and 9S follow me." The group tended to the section of the camp covered in white tarps and curtains.
Androids scattered about in what looked like a market place at the dead center. Tarps and stands were everywhere, vendors selling essential android compenents. Although it looked far emptier than it sounded. Resistance soldiers sat by the corners chatting, there was one in particular where an old vintage jukebox played something that captivated a couple of androids. 9S could hear the distant tunes. Asking his pod about it he would be given the brief description of music. Something humans would create for entertainment. The scanner scratched his chin in fascination, humanity held a special place in his black box. Information like this would be added to his internal memory storage.
2B saw some vendors selling some strange items not related for androids. It was actually an antique shop of sorts. With the ongoing wars the history of the world was slowly being erased. Whatever interesting artifact they could find was sure to be sold at a high price. Especially if it had ties to humans. She watched as the seller spat out dramatic words from a book that garnered the attention of some but she wasn't interested.
"Say if you don't mind me asking, are the rumors true?" Anemone asked over her shoulder.
"What rumors?"
"Rumors of YoRHa being the prodigy faction of the Council. Some have come under the impression that the humans take a personal trip to the Bunker themselves."
"Sorry o say that's complete jargon but boy I wish."
The Resistance leader smiled. "Thank you for confirming. Now I can rightfully shut up some of my more obnoxious members." They've stopped by a large tent. The Resistance flag waved triumphantly at the top, this was Anemone's main base of operations.
"Despite being a new faction we YoRHa units are just like you. We'll destroy all the machine lifeforms so the humans can return back home."
"Right 2B?" The battler didn't get the chance to respond for a woman came out the tent. What stood out aside from her black hair covering an eye was the grey cowl she wore. The woman shot the Resistance leader a cocky grin.
"Anemone! Great news I fixed the trucks! No need to thank me." The Resistance leader bit down the urge to scorn her, they both knew the reason as to why the trucks needed to be fixed. She gestured to the duo, the grey-hooded woman fixed her sights. Perking her lips as if she just spotted a rare specimen.
"YoRHa sent scouts for our communication problem. Mind showing them?"
The woman clicked her tongue. "Sure thing."
"You can stay out here 2B. This is a scanner's job." The boy boasted to which she gave no verbal response. He strolled up to the hooded android in a respectful manner.
"Hello ma'am. My name is 9S-Woah!" The woman straight up invaded his personal space. Examining every part of his body with her visible eye.
"Scanner type? Ooooooh you wouldn't mind if I probe you would ya?" The scanner shuddered at the crazed look she had on. Her eye was twitching in excitement, he didn't know androids could do that.
"Probe me? Why?" He backed up, feeling very uncomfortable.
"To see what makes you tick. What else? I never got the chance to work with YoRHa units."
9S gulped and politely declined the offer. Her face contorted into dissapointment.
"You're no fun. Name's Jackass by the way."
Huh?
"…Jackass?"
"Do I need to repeat it? C'mon short stack we're on a time crunch." Grabbing his wrist in a steel vice she quite literally dragged him to the tent. 9S verbally protested and flailed around to get out of her touch. The sight was humoring to the say the least. 2B and Anemone watched the exchange in silence. When they disappeared under the flaps did the battler addressed the leader.
"What's the issue?"
"The issue?" Anemone repeated in uncertainty. She had told them what the issue was. Did the battler ignore everything she's said?
"You've been sparing me odd glances."
The leader rubbed her forehead with a guilty grin. "That obvious huh? Well you just remind me of someone that's all. Sorry about that."
"You've come across a battler type before?"
"Not exactly. Let's just say I've had experience with YoRHa in the past."
"I see." Done with that question something else crept on the leader's mind.
Anemone didn't forget about the casualties she's recently suffered. Her camp has been on a decline in terms of territory and resources. Not to mention the fall of her soldiers have became noticeable. Especially with the loss of the twins android recovery will be affected considerably.
"If you have the time could you do me a favor? We've been getting reports of dangerous machines in the nearby desert. This is very unusual, so it may be indicative of something greater. I'm down on troops and resources, the risks are too great for us at the moment. Think you could investigate that mess for me? If not I completely understand if it gets in the way of your mission."
"I accept the task."
The leader's eyes widened slightly. Truth be told her hopes weren't high. "What? Really?"
"Our mission on behalf of YoRHa is to aid the Resistance in any way we can."
Anemone didn't expect the boss of YoRHa to be so friendly but she wasn't gonna question in her time of need. "Thank you. You don't know how great it is to get a helping hand. I'll have you go with Jackass to make the trip easier. I've already assigned her this, when she comes back just relay the greenlight. I'll be off for now, if you need anything she'll help you. Just make sure she doesn't get too comfortable. Jackass has a knack for airing her ingenuity in experiments, not to mention handsy."
"Understood."
[Desert]
A pair of slitted eyes scanned the environment. The coast was clear. Surfacing from the sand a little lizard gave a tiny yawn and prepared for the daily hunt. Waddling across the dunes signs it was hard to spot anything moving along the rough terrain. Food wasn't readily available like in the grassy biomes. If it wanted to live another day it must put in the leg work and find some critters.
A snake erupted from the ground, its superior size overshadowing the lizard. Not wanting to become early lunch the lizard used its hind legs to escape. The snake hissed in response as it took chase. The lizard jumped over a rock and dug underground to throw the pursuer off. Traveling a good distance away it popped out to see if the snake was still on its tail. Seeing it nowhere insight the lizard got out and turned around only to jump back as the snake almost snapped the head off. The long and flexible body of the snake trapped the lizard. Any attempt of digging underground would only leave the lizard's body exposed to attack. The snake's head slowly made its way towards the lizard, ready strike at any moment.
Suddenly the ground shook, confusing the reptiles. A metallic body with legs emerged from the sand separating the predator and allowing the prey to successfully run away. The snake tried to attack the body with its fangs. Only for them to snap on contact. The foot crushed the snake's skull as it fully rose up. Now in full view the body beared no upper torso. Instead a red and black explosive with a blinking red light sat on top. It screamed, others emerged from the sand and joined it in on the howl.
The group rushed to their target. Vergil deeply scowled at the mechanical abominations. One by one their detonators were set off, taking out each respective unit before they could reach him. Smaller, ghostly copies of the Force Edge were summoned and kept their master protected from the pathetic assault. The group of suicide runners were swiftly eliminated in no time flat. Vergil was annoyed, that was the fourth encounter he's had the misfortune of getting into. He had little patience for minor nuances, especially if it wasn't related to the task at hand.
To his displeasure more machines rose from the ground. Wearing the same tribal get-up as the ones he'd slaughtered.
"Scared."
"Android bad."
"Must kill."
The machines made their charge, in an attempt to avenge their tribe.
Vergil stood and took the time adjusting his vest.
"You think you stand a chance?"
Very quickly mirage blades met the ambushing machines. A couple flew, targeting the heads as well as the chassis. Leaving the cores oblitered and exploding on impact. Like clockwork the rest of the summoned apparitions took trajectory to their own targets. Stabbing through their pathetic shells of metal bodies and leaving them to erupt to their own volition. Vergil only watched his magical artillery take down the machines without struggle.
A scrutinized feeling invaded him.
'Android.'
That's what the machines called him yet he didn't know the meaning behind the term. Vergil's mind drifted back to the thing that looked like a human girl. She may fool a regular person but his demonic senses snuffed her out fairly easily. She lacked a heartbeat, a key factor a demon pinpoints when hunting for prey. Animals and humans alike had a level of vitality they give off no matter their strength.
She had no vitality, no signs of a soul. If she wasn't a human or a demon than perhaps she's what is referred to as an android. A creation designed in the image of their creator did sounded like something humans would do. Her attire didn't suit an environment of high temperatures. Vergil, a half-blood had to strip for more comfort as for the brunette in a full dress with heels she showed no symptoms of overheating. He wasn't knowledgeable in a women's fashion but the darkslayer doubted a human female could wear such an outfit in this weather.
Vergil thought back to their physical encounter. He spent most of his time observing 6H's performance. She displayed a level of strength and speed that he places above human standards. Most likely he would scale her at the level of the 7 hells. Physical attributes superior to humans but pale in comparison to him.
The sudden absence of the sun's heat took him from his thoughts. Vergil realized he was now in a more rocky section of the desert. An opening lied within the rocks. With no trail to follow anymore he tried his luck and climbed over the rocky terrain. Following an old pipe it seemed he made the right call. Making his way forward he saw something that shouldn't belong in a barren desert.
In the distance sat the remains of a human societyz From where Vergil stood he made out the empty doorways accompanied by destroyed balconies. An apartment complex.
His amulet must be there. Somewhere.
…
"Shit!"
Hick sucked onto his wounded finger. Electric sparks erupted from the table, a robotic arm twitched violently until it settled. A sigh escaped his lips as he stuck out his hand to brush his hair. Having to repair his injured limb with only one arm proved to be a daunting challenge. So many intricacies that came such as making sure to not prick at the wrong wires that served as nerves. Making sure the outside was properly insulated as to not let any outside factors get inside. Have the proper oil so it won't lock. There were many nuances that comes with making an android and even more when repairing, especially if you don't have the proper experience or tools.
He took a seat and looked over the corner of the room. Lying on a mattress in was a YoRHa scanner. Hick dropped his frustration upon the boy. He may look like he was sleeping but in reality his black box had no power.
"Don't worry kid. Once I'm done fixing myself it'll be your turn." Hick knew what he's doing is wrong. That's why he took it upon himself to run away from the Resistance. The constant fighting has driven him to seek new passions and when he found the boy buried halfway in dirt that's when Hick realized what he truly wanted to do. He knew his friends must hate him for it, he has no doubt that Anemone is extremely pissed at him for abandoning the base. Should he head back now they would punish him severely.
The former soldier didn't care, this was what he wanted.
A sound from outside caught his attention, Hick became weary. Brushing up against the side of the wall he made a quick peek and caught a glimpse of a tall man walking towards the complex. His chest got heavy the moment he noticed snowy white hair.
'Shit. How did YoRHa find us?' Hick reached for his holster and gripped the handle to his revolver. He felt the jitters as he grasped the handle. One screw up and it'll be the end for the both of them. The stranger neared and he could hear his footsteps closeby. Seconds ticked away. The person's footsteps fell silent. Hick gained trepidating paranoia. After a prolonged minute of silence he got his bearings together to aim at the doorway.
A boot hit his chest faster than he could pull the trigger, the deserter made a huge impact across the room. Dropping his gun in the process. Denting the wall so hard the room shook. Hick's pain sensors were going off but he couldn't find the strength to get up. Looking past the alert warnings Hick couldn't help but shudder underneath the man's cold gaze.
"You are foolish to pull such an act." Vergil spoke. He scanned the room briefly, Hick's body went cold when he spotted the YoRHa unit on the mattress.
A moment of silence thickened the atmosphere.
"Comply to my needs and maybe I'll let you live another day."
Hick was for a lack of a better term surprised at the darkslayer's words. His initial thoughts of him being a YoRHa android vanished. He's still a threat but Hick was down an arm and an android worth saving. He was in no position to deny his offer. With a weak nod, Hick reluctantly agreed.
Vergil saw his affirmation "Wise choice. Tell me have you seen an inferior machine mucking about with an amulet?"
The deserter unit found the strength in his voice "Yes. It went deeper into the complex."
Vergil nodded, thanking himself for following his intuition. His amulet was near but afterwards what next? He was in the vast plains of the scorching desert but where exactly was he?
"What region of the world is this?"
"The East."
'Mundus sent me to the other side of the world?' Vergil's fist tightened. He shifted his gaze into the peering sunlight coming from a hole in the wall. During his entire journey across the desert the Sun sat strangely dormant, did Mundus make it back to the human world? The Dark Prince was capable of many things, he wouldn't doubt him for trying to freeze a portion of Earth in a loop.
"Has the underworld taken over?"
'The underworld?' The frightened android blinked. A very strange question to be asked but he didn't wanna take any chances.
"No."
…
The expression on Vergil's face was uncertain to decipher. Leaving the helpless Hick in deadly silence.
"Explain the eternal daylight."
"The Earth has become tidal-locked long before the aliens arrived."
The Son of Sparda lifted the Force Edge at Hick's neck level. The android went still, the sharp blade barely kissing his skin.
"Do you take me as a fool?"
"What? No-"
"Speak the truth." Force Edge etched his skin causing a bleed.
"I'M NOT LYING! I SWEAR!" Vergil's eyes narrowed, analyzing him for any sign of deceit.
…
…
…
Hick gave a sigh of relief as the sword withdrew. Vergil thought about it, the topic of aliens wasn't foreign to him. The idea of beings from beyond the stars has been a topic of discussion amongst people. He even recalled his child self reading about a story of a kid hiding an extraterrestrial from the world. As he got older he lost interest. There hasn't been any evidence of these so-called aliens other than word of mouth. Those people are also known to be hysterical about other things he wasn't gonna delve on. It was nothing but an interest he dropped in his pursuit of power. Why bother trying to think about aliens when there was a realm of demons worth exploring?
"These…aliens…" the word felt so different in his vocabulary "…when did they arrive?"
"Ever since the year 5012."
Vergil's mind collectively blanked out. A feat that not even present day Dante could accomplish. Experienced and knowledgeable of hell magic the darkslayer wasn't a stranger to the concept of time-travel. However nothing in the ancient texts nor scrolls actually recorded such an instance occurring. The closest thing the darkslayer could relate time-travel to was the rare Geryon steed. A species of devil horses capable of manipulating time on command. To label it as a high versatile ability is a complete understatement. Only downside was it could only remain in effect for short intervals. No Geryon's been recorded jumping past a day led alone centuries into the future. The Dark Prince came back in mind. Vergil had doubts, this didn't align with Mundus' revenge against the Sparda bloodline.
"What year is it now?"
"11945 A.D."
This didn't help at all. If the aliens have invaded than Mundus certainly wouldn't let them claim Earth.
"The demons? What have they be doing for all these years?"
Hick tried to keep it cool. He just needed to answer this guy's questions until he leaves. A simple task. However what he's asking for is basic information everyone should know. Now he's asking about something called demons? Either this guy's gone full crazy or suffered some real mental damage. Nevertheless he had to point out the obvious.
"Look I'm being up front with you. There's no such thing as demons."
Vergil's eyes overcasted with darkness.
"What has come of the humans?"
Hick threatened by his gaze answered diligently.
"When the aliens attacked they released a weapon that wiped out humanity in mass. The remaining survivors fled to the moon and have been up there ever since."
A dissapointing look took over the darkslayer's features.
"The human race fled from their home? I shouldn't be surprised, such cowardly behavior suits those pathetic weaklings."
Hick gulped not only at the threatening man but this was the first time he's met an android criticizing their creators. Even though he abandoned the Resistance he held no negativity towards humans. They were viewed in such high regard by androids it's difficult not to. Hearing someone talk down about them made him mad yet if he talked back in anyway his death sentence would be guaranteed. He thought of something that could help stave off the hatred.
"Actually the aliens have disappeared a while ago."
Vergil raised a brow "Is that so? Why haven't the humans returned?"
"The weapon they used to eradicate humanity is still on Earth. It's too dangerous for them to risk it."
The mention of alien weaponry caught Vergil's ear. A weapon capable of annihilating the human race? Even if their weak to compromise a species in the billions is no easy task. Must be something powerful. Perhaps the darkslayer could harness the weapon in order to become stronger, he smirked at the thought. Gaining a power not from hell but from beyond the stars sounded like an appealing path.
"Tell me where is this weapon?"
"They're everywhere. You've might've encountered them on the way here. Actually aren't you following one of them?"
Vergil's prior thoughts immediately came crashing down. He scowled harder than before if he's implying what he thinks he's implying.
"The tin cans with the brain capacity of an ant?"
"Y-you mean the machine lifeforms?"
The darkslayer pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Humanity's downfall: Drove out of their home by children's toys. While they sit back and do nothing those contraptions rule over the world." The bizzareness of the situation was getting to him.
"We Androids are doing the best we can for our masters!" The deserter immediately drew back, paranoid that Vergil would lash out. The darkslayer however remembered something back at the oasis. The sentence that the black-cladded girl shouted with joy and honor. Something that she took to her very grave.
Glory To Mankind.
A low grumble emanated from Vergil. Hick watched in silence as his body started twitching, a chilling smile became prominent. He gave out hearty laughs, even by this he still felt intimating. The android watched in confused fear as his voiced bounced from the walls of the room.
"Fighting on the behalf of recreants who abandoned their home? Those are your masters? You androids are insultingly pitiful."
Hick was at a loss of words.
Vergil's laughter came to an end, he suddenly turned around and went for the exit.
"How can you say disregard your own kind and the humans?" The darkslayer stopped.
"It's quite simple."
Hick felt something and looked down. He screamed in agony as blood spurted from his impaled chest. Vergil watched him writhe around, doing a fruitless attempt to break free from his sword.
"I am not your kind." He drove the Force Edge in further, eliciting more screams. "I am greater than you, your lowly humans, and the horrible excuse of alien weaponry."
Behind Vergil was a shadow. It took on an appearance that the android has never seen before. Horns protruded from the head, jagged claws and spikes adorned it's arms and hands. Teeth that appeared razor-like grinned back with terrifying yellow eyes. This wasn't just fear the android was feeling. He wanted to cry, curl-up into a ball and block out everything and weep until the tears stop flowing. This wasn't an android, this wasn't a machine, this wasn't an alien. It...was a monster from hell.
"I shall reclaim the pieces of my father's legacy and rebirth into the true definition of power. The strongest devil to ever lived."
Vergil released the Force Edge. Hick fell back, power core permanently broken. He whipped the blade in the direction of the scanner boy, splattering Hick's blood on the body. He sheathed his weapon and made for the exit.
[Elsewhere]
"Android…"
"Must…kill…"
"Revenge for the trib-"
"WOOOOOHOOOOO! EAT SHIT METALHEADS!"
A maniacal laugh escaped Jackass' throat as she slammed the horn. Swerving right into the path of arising desert machines. Getting rammed head on by a full speed truck didn't leave much to imagination. In the back of the wagon 2B and 9S held on for dear life, explosive debris flew every where. On their backs their pods clung on, the insane driver had caused them to go overboard more than once. Jackass proceeded to drive dangerously despite the protest of 2B and 9S.
"2B I THINK I KNOW WHY SHE'S CALLED JACKASS!"
"YOU JUST NOW NOTICED?"
Jackass slammed the brakes, drifting the truck into a hard stop. The YoRHa duo slammed into each other as result. Both cringed, they suffered an unfortunate headbutt. Even their support units appeared shaky at the ordeal.
"Did Anemone have to pair us up with her?"
"She knows her troops better than us…" 2B hesitated "…but she did warn me about Jackass. Endure her antics until the investigation's over." 9S produced a groan and looked over at the empty driver seat. The madwoman had dashed out and began picking away at her roadkill.
9S turned to 2B. "You sure we're needed for this? She looks like she's got it handled."
"Working alongside the Resistance will improve relationships with YoRHa." Pod 153 answered.
'If she doesn't kill us first.' They hopped off and met up with the hooded android. Suddenly they jumped back, startled at the thing covering her face. Pulling off the wooden mask off Jackass laughed.
"Scared ya?"
"Where did you get that?" 2B asked, her eyes now focused to the tribal design. Jackass motioned to the machine corpses.
"These critters are dressing up in rags and acting quite strange lately. I couldn't get the chance to investigate because our poor Sergeant told me to back off until we had back up. Now I can finally get my hands on these machines after so long. Oh boy this so exciting!"
2B hummed, this behavior was indeed strange. Just like the docile units in the city. She faced the scanner and knowing his sense of curiosity asked him of his thoughts.
9S placed his arms at the back of his head. "Your guess could be good as mine. I wouldn't worry about it too much. There's no meaning behind what a machine does."
The rather simple answer was actually surprising. Considering 9S' model is the most curious out of all scanners.
"Report: YoRHa SOS signal detected. Warning: Black box signals are at a critical level." Pod 042 brought to attention. Casuing a drastic change in mood for the YoRHa duo.
After forcing Jackass to hold off on her studies they've arrived at an oasis. The woman was told to stay in the truck and obliged for she still had the mask to distract herself with.
"What's a YoRHa unit doing out here?" 9S asked, kneeling down to dip a finger in the water.
"Report: This area serves as a hideout for Bunker enlisted shipments. Given lack of reception it is unlikely machine lifeforms would settle in the area. Making it an ideal location for storage. The unit guarding the package is scheduled to meet up with other YoRHa for delivery."
2B found some supply boxes on the other side, confirming the assessment.
"Odd. Why would we be receiving an SOS than?" His question was soon answered. 9S spotted an unconscious YoRHa on the ground, her dress tattered and hair torn. What worried him the most was the multiple stab wounds covering her body, the sand beneath her drenched in android blood.
"Oh crap!" 9S kneeled down and scanned her body. 2B stood right beside him, her face remaining unchanged.
"She's suffering multiple injuries and even tried to blow up her black box. Who did this to her?"
A weak groan filled the air and the injured YoRHa opened her dull eyes.
"Where…where…am I?"
9S gave a reassuring look.
"YoRHa unit 6H don't worry I'm 9S. We've found your signal and came to help." He glanced at his support unit. "Pod upload her data to the Bunker."
"Error: Unable to reach Bunker network. Proposal: Transport YoRHa unit 6H to a secured area to proceed with black box upload."
The scanner gritted his teeth at the unfortunate news. Of course that would be the case since it literally told him moments ago. With no other choice he began to delicately lift 6H up bridal style. Even though he was trying his best at being gentle she wallowed in pain.
"Hang on. We just need to take a little joy ride."
"Don't…it's too…late for me."
9S refused. "No it's not. We androids gotta stick together. Stay with us and you'll be waking up at the Bunker in no time."
"Warning: 6H's black box data is at critical levels."
"C'mon 2B let's hurry up. 2B?" The scanner craned his neck, the battler rested her hand on his shoulder.
"9S. Listen to her. At this point we can't do anything." 9S wanted to argue but 6H tilted her neck and puked out red oil. Watching and hearing it splatter made him cringe.
"Warning: 5 seconds until black box shutdown."
9S bared his teeth. There wasn't enough time to even get her on the truck. Looking at 2B and back at 6H's dying face he had to swallow the unfortunate truth. He slowly placed her on the ground, not wanting to harm the girl any further than she already has. 6H shuffled and both of them watched her lift a hand, pointing a finger north of the desert.
"There…he went…over there."
"Who?"
"Humanity's…enemy."
Her hand collapsed.
Black box level at 0%.
The YoRHa duo took in her last words.
9S slowly hovered his hand over the dead healer. A golden sphere formed, sparkles danced around 6H's body until she disappeared into the orb. Silently the YoRHa duo looked at each other, they both had the same thing in mind. They've met up with Jackass to start the investigation.