//------------------------------// // Meeting // Story: Nier: The Last Human // by StardustSprinkle //------------------------------// "Good-morning, Sunset," a Pod greets Sunset: "It is five a.m." "Already?" Sunset sits upwards, her eyes still closed: "Fine..." "You have a message from Unit A2," the floating box says: "Would you like to hear it?" "Fine," Sunset responds, her eyes now open, staring at the floor. "Hi, Sunset," A2's voice plays out: "I will spend some time around the large towers we got after the disaster. It might take me some time, so I won't return to the camp until later. Don't worry about me; I haven't seen Number 9 for the past couple of weeks." "Is that it?" Sunset slowly stands up. "Positive," the Pod follows its' master. "Get it," Sunset pulls out a notebook from her drawers and starts writing: "Hi, Pod, I have a mission for you." "Positive," the Pod says: "Please state your request." "If I die one day," Sunset says as her hand dances on the paper: "Please publish all the contents in this notebook." "Affirmative," the Pod stated: "But may I inquire the reason?" "No," Sunset keeps writing. No indeed. How would she explain this to other androids? They are human's last and proudest creations, but their knowledge regarding humans is shockingly shallow and distorted. In a sense, they are not the perfect image of humans they themselves would like to be. Sunset is disappointed, but how could she ever make this public? She is the last human alive, and the tide to human culture will die with her. Perhaps, the best way to help the androids is to write a book. One that will put them on the right path. Yet, her writing session is cut short as a series of knocking sounds intrudes from beyond her door. "One moment!" Sunset hastily throws her notebook into a drawer. It's a new day, time to put on a brave new face. "Sorry for interrupting," Anemone says as the door opens: "But 9S is in the camp now, and I think we should warn Number 2." "We don't need to worry about," Sunset invites Anemone in before closing the door: "She's out exploring one of those weird machine towers outside." "Actually," Anemone makes a face: "That's what 9S has been up to." "What?" "And that what has he been up to for the past couple of weeks." Anemone says: "He will be in the camp for a while, so if you want to talk to him, now is the time." "Got it," Sunset grabs her spear before issuing an order to the Pod: "Pod, tell A2 to stay away from the towers and stay away from the camp until further notice." "Roger." The floating box responded. "You've got to be more careful; it's a miracle that you even made it back!" The medic android says. "Thank you," 9S says quietly, putting on his blindfold. "I know you are going through a lot now," the medic continues: "But be careful, ok?" "Ok." "9S!" Sunset manages to arrive at the medical center before 9S leaves: "Here!" "Glory to Mankind!" "Glory to Mankind!" 9S and the nurse stand up and salute Sunset. "Guys, please!" Sunset says: "No need to be so formal!" "Sorry, a force of habit!" The nurse smiles: "How may I assist you?" "Actually," Sunset says: "May I talk to 9S for a moment? In private?" "Of course!" The nurse responds: "I'll leave you guys alone! Things have been really peaceful, so we aren't getting many patients!" "Thanks!" Sunset yells as the nurse exists: "Ok, 9S! It has been a while! How's everything?" "It's...ok," 9S answers with a cold tone." "9S," Sunset sighs: "I know it has been rough recently; I just want to help you." "I'm ok," 9S says: "There's nothing to worry about." "Yeah?" Sunset leans her spear against the wall: "Then can you take the blindfold off?" "Of course," 9S replies with a monotoned voice and unties the fold. "Eyes are the windows to one's soul," Sunset pulls a chair for 9S: "And from your eyes, I can see nothing. So tell me, is there anything I can help you with?" "I just have some questions," 9S sits down: "Thank you." "Of course," Sunset, with her full attention on 9S, pulls herself a chair: "I'm all ears." "Now that 2B is gone," 9S sighs: "I really don't know what to do. I will destroy all machines and A2, but what's after that? I'm just...lost." "That is indeed something to consider," Sunset takes a deep breath: "However, I'm afraid that's one question I don't have the answer to. 2B has been all there is for you, so consider this: what kind of life does she what you to live?" "I...don't know," 9S starts laughing uncontrollably: "I...I'm sorry, but it's just too ironic: when we were together, she never shows any kind of emotion, and we never talked about what kind of life is a good life. So it's...funny..." "Funny if it's not so tragic," Sunset closes her eyes: "I'm sorry for your loss." "It's alright," 9S says calmly after regaining his composure: "I've come to terms with it. And, I'm sorry for the creepy laughter. I didn't mean to freak you out." "It's ok. However, if I have to say, she probably wants you to live a happy life. Wouldn't you say so?" "I guess." "Well then," Sunset opens her eyes again, this time trying to make eye contact with 9S: "Then would it make more sense to...calm down a little and think things through? Revenge is ok, but wouldn't it be better if you don't lose your sense of self while doing so?" "I guess," 9S says quietly, eyes on the ground. "Look at me," Sunset says with a firm tone: "It's important to maintain a sense of who you are while avenging your loved ones; just remember this, ok?" "You are saying this because of A2, aren't you?" 9S stares Sunset dead in the eyes: "My apologies, ma'am. It's an order I can't follow. Terminate me if you so wish." "No, just wait a minute!" Sunset puts a hand over the android's shoulder: "We've had enough causalities! I don't want to lose anyone else." "I'm sorry, ma'am," 9S says: "But nothing can stop me." "Is that so," Sunset turns her head away: "Well, then, over my body." "Ma'am?" "Draw your sword," Sunset stands up, tosses 9S' fold on the ground, and went for her spear: "Only one of us will walk out here alive. Winner take all." "I'm sorry, ma'am," 9S jumps out of his chair: "Pod!" The small levitating bow besides 9S lets out a blinding flashing light, temporarily impairing Sunset's vision. "9S!" Sunset shouts on the top of her lungs: "Agh, come back!" Unfortunately for her, 9S dashed out of the camp before anyone can stop him.