Kessie's Short Stories

[Mega AU] Fortitude Creed

Originally written 9/3/2017

Juno held Model Z at eye level, looking over the Biometal with a rather disheartened expression. In return, Model Z floated above her palms diligently, waiting for her to speak her thoughts.

"I wish I had the power to Merge with you instead." she told him, sounding just as melancholy as she looked.

'You're close enough to it.' Model Z easily dismissed.

"It's not the same." argued Juno. "How was he able to restrain this... bloodlust?"

'You know I can't answer that.' the Biometal prudently reminded her. 'You know she erased almost all of our early development memories, let alone if we even have the memories of our original wills, and you know that he existed in two different eras. You know that it's entirely possible for us to both exist and not be compatible. You also know that-'

"I get it." Juno relented. Her fingers twitching as she attempted to restrain herself from strangling the Biometal. Or, what could count as strangling for the chunk of sentient metal. "You never liked me any way."

'Only because you tried to unleash a black box without trying.' retorted the Biometal rather bitterly. 'You were Girouette's weakness because of it. Making you our enemy was both a brilliant tactic and tragically poetic – I don't quite think even he appreciated what he had done, not completely, any way.'

"I'm sure he knew." Juno bitterly informed Model Z. "He was a sociopath, and a damn good one at that."

'Regardless,' Model Z then continued, 'You were Girouette's weakness because he let you be his weakness. You... you really meant a lot to him. If he had known of your survival, he might have had greater strength against Model W's influence. I blame myself for what happened as well, but it was you, Juno, who influenced a large portion of that path for us.'

"Gee, thanks."

'It's a fact.' Model Z sternly reminded her. 'I won't tell you anything you don't already know.'

"So you still don't like me?"

'Considering that you are going through on his plans for his creations, and that you are refusing to contact Vent, I am only obligated to lean toward, 'it's highly possible'.'

"At least you're honest." Juno snorted.

'I won't tell you anything you don't already know.' Model Z repeated. A small picture at the back of Juno's mind told her that the Biometal had given a small smile of his own, and for a brief moment, she understood why Giro and Model Z had gotten along so well.

'I felt him react to you, every time you crossed his mind,' Model Z then shared, his tone changing slightly, 'And I could feel him suffer because of you. I tried to separate those thoughts from him because I knew deep down that there would be a time when he would be so blinded by your presence that he would give in – allowing himself to become vulnerable on a subconscious level. I tried to prevent it because... because a part of me has already experienced it and never wanted to go through it again. Why do you think Girouette's pet name for you was 'iris'? History repeats because we allow it to, Juno; never forget that.'

Hearing this, Juno went silent.

"Model Z..." she slowly started to say, her voice in a near whisper, "I'm scared."

Now the Biometal was silent for a few moments. 'I know.' he carefully agreed, 'But Girouette lives inside of you, and Vent is more safe leading the Guardians than in being anywhere else. When do you think they will wake up?'

In an involuntary action, Juno made a quick glance behind her where the lab containing Prometheus and Pandora was. "I don't know." she admitted with a worried expression before turning back to Model Z, "I changed some of Albert's initial programming. It might take longer than what he originally planned."

'Then I will keep you company until they wake.' the Biometal proposed rather calmly.

Juno smirked. "As if you have a choice."

'I do have a sleep mode, Miss Persica, and it is one that I can implement at any time without your input.'

Juno's smile did not fade at hear this – in fact, it seemed to make her feel a little better. Model Z must have sensed a part of this before adding,

'Fortitude Creed, Juno- it is more than just a password for me: it's a promise.'

"Fortitude creed," Juno repeated, "Strength from believing."

'Exactly.' Model Z confirmed, 'We seek our strength from what we believe in- we act on those beliefs and fight for them every moment we exist. Girouette believed in your death, and lost his strength to fight because of it. You believe that Model O could control you? Then it'll use that to its advantage. Right now, I believe that you can overcome that influence. Although I can not give you my strength, I will be here. And, possibly, I can tell you what you already know should it help you learn to believe in yourself. Girouette had a strong belief in you, and to the best of my ability, I'll extend that belief- but only if you take the initiative to believe in yourself as well.'

With a small half smile, Juno carefully started to hold on to Model Z before bringing it to her chest, in replacement for a heartfelt hug.

"Thank you Model Z," she softly said, "I believe you."