𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚'𝒔 𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒕

𝐎𝐧𝐞: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

⤿ ⠀ 9ꜱ' ᴘᴏᴠ !

"Incoming transmission from command," Pod 042 proclaimed, casting his holographic screen that revealed the YoRHa logo before it gave way to the Commander's stern face.

"2B, 9S, I need you to go investigate an anonymous signal discovered in the abandoned hospital. We're sending you the coordinates," she notified, ending the transmission soon after.

"Understood," 2B muttered as she skidded to a stop and turned to face me, "9S, go on ahead. I'll catch up with you in a little bit."

"But, 2B-"

"I don't care what command says right now. I'm going to finish the supply run for the Resistance."
And after that, she left my side, not letting me protest anymore. A grimace found its way to my lips as I commenced in the opposite direction that she went in.

Hmm, that makes me wonder... why is 2B so focused on completing that supply run? Did I miss something during our discussion with-

"Operator 21O to 9S, come in 9S," the voice of my operator sounded, startling me out of my thoughts.

"I-I'm here," I answered.

"You'll be meeting up unit 5S for this mission," she spoke, "good luck."

I gave a nod as the transmission ended and I began to run a bit faster. Did they know about 2B's departure? Or was that their initial plan? Either way, I was relieved to be at least be partnered with someone.

✁⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯⋯ ༝

After a little bit of running—and battling with a handful of machine lifeforms—I finally reached the old hospital.

Here we are...

I slid to a stop as my masked orbs examined around for the other male scanner who I was assigned to complete this mission with. A tiny sigh left my lips as it became apparent that he wasn't anywhere in sight.

"5S, where are you?" I conversed, my Pod switching on the transmitter.

"Oh, 9S! I'm inside on the second floor. Sorry, my curiosity got the best of me..." he returned, a shy grin becoming present on his face over the frequency.

I couldn't really blame him, this is one of the first times that we were given a mission here, "It's fine. Stay there, I'm coming."

My eyes resumed examining, taking caution as I moved through the old corridors. The interior of the structure was dis-colour, moss and another plant life claiming its walls as its own. The hallways themselves were rather vast with many doorways leading off to various corridors or rooms.

The more I travelled inward, the more I lost my sense of direction which led to me groaning in annoyance. "Pod, do you have a map of this building in your archive?"

"Affirmative." she rejoined, "Sending map visuals to unit 9S."

Thank god!

Once the data loaded, I immediately studied it. As I anticipated, I missed the stairs on my journey. With a miniature grimace, I began to retrace the steps I took before I felt something or someone gripped my shoulder.

Being on high-alert, I had seized hold of my sword and whirled about ready to attack whatever it was until it vocalized; "W-wait! It's just me, 9S!"