Chapter Text

Unit 1: [A] human and her students

When the bells rang out and the portal in the sky opened, the world you knew and loved ended. You don’t want to remember how things went to hell after that. You don’t want to remember. You don’t want to remember. You don’t want to remember. Please you don’t want to-

You forgot.

Your new life was a strange one.

After an unknown amount of time had you woke up somewhere dark underground and spooked out of your mind without any memory of how, when or why you fell asleep. Your last clear memory before waking up was of going to bed in the middle of the day after working overtime as a junior researcher. Your mind had gone hazy and unable to focus, your large cat decided to act up and start crying out. That was the last thing you remember from 2003.

All you knew now was this wasn’t your home, these weren’t your clothing and you needed out of this maze-like horror movie set up. So in complete panic you somehow escaped through the large cracks in the walls and eventually found sunlight and a kind being called Miwa who gave you a place to belong.

Now months after waking up in what seems to be the post apocalyptic future you have settled into life as a teacher and caretaker to some childlike forest...robots. They were called ‘Machine lifeforms’, many of which came of various sizes, abilities and shapes, each special in its own way much like what you've imagined AI and robotics could become when you were younger.

Whoever put you here, and however you ended up here, you try to make the best of the situation. So you find yourself teaching and explaining what humans were and their culture while acting as something like a caretaker that helped them with maintenance and daily activities. Your new "job" involved answering the mechanical beings' questions, giving them rules with a routine, praise and encouragement when they did good as well as giving them comfort when they got confused or sad. They were very much like children despite living on Earth for so long.

You never got over the shock of learning that the smallest looking one of the group had been in action for 500 years, 1 day, 45 minutes and 10 seconds at the time of your question. Wisely you never asked again and avoided answering how long you had been ‘deployed’ for.

The number of times you had to hug a machine 'child' that was the height of a truck and could dwarf you easily in their overly large hand was comical as well as a surprise when it started happening. Because once Todo had encased you in his bulky arms, all the larger ones wanted hugs, even the shy Mechamaru who you had to use your whole body just to try to wrap around one of his figures. It hurt you a little at first, but once the machines slowly understood your composition was different from their own, you looked forward to the excited cold metal arms holding and cradling you. 

Their offers of oil and bolts when they saw you ‘leaking’ were sweet even as you explained you were just created differently. The children became more protective and careful of you after that.

The incident with the curious boar was best left unspoken.

Another time Mai, who only reached your hip in height, wanted a pink 'dress' and a 'smile'. You were no engineer or fashion designer! So you had gaped at the spheric head for a while in contemplation until your face lit up in an idea. You with help from the others scoured through older sheds and shops till you managed to loot a substantial amount of paint and chalk. Her chirps of joy still make you smile as you see Mai hopping around like a child sized wind-up toy to show off.

Some tasks are challenging like playing catch with a flying one who likes to call herself Momo. It kept you in shape even if you were dodging more than catching while Noritoshi, who got his name from an old storybook, always waddled behind you like a cute walking talking tower imitating a baby duck. He's a little less talkative and reserved than the rest, which proves your point that truly these machines come in all different shapes, sizes—special in their own way. 

Knowing what you know now about the current state of the world doing these small things was the least you could have done for them. You were so lucky to have come across Miwa, one of the few machines who were friendly and innocent to a fault. If you had come across the red eyed ones still on the alien network… 

You would have been killed. Shot, stomped on, run over, squeezed to death, bashed, ripped apart, eaten by the numerous cylindrical shaped lifeforms…your squishy body wouldn't have stood a chance. 

You really were saved thanks to little Miwa having no sense of danger. The machine wandered up towards you, who was covered head to toe in dirt and frozen in terror, and asked if you would show her how to fish. You were a little sceptical at first, but again, you woke up in a room that hasn't seen activity in centuries. With no knowledge of how you got there and having learned so little from all the ruins you were surrounded in you had no choice but to follow. She gleefully led you away from the destroyed city and quickly into the forest that grew close by. She thought in all innocence you were an android, they all did. Just a defective one as time went on. But they all started calling you ‘Teacher’ with those cute modulated voices and kept finding reasons for you to stay so you just never left. After seeing how violent it was away from your little 'school' when hunting one day you decided staying with the beings without murderous intent was the best choice.

You didn't know exactly how long it's been since you awoke from cold sleep all alone, deep underground and surrounded by empty dust-covered pods. The world had clearly changed.

It wasn’t completely for the better but you knew it could be so much worse.

A sun that never sets. Plants, animals and machines everywhere but most importantly no one screaming, dying or being killed.

If it was still 'snowing' you would have tossed yourself off the tallest building in despair your missing memories scream.

You were happy even as you try not to think about the unexplainable sinking feeling of dread that keeps you awake for hours without sleep.

-

In the Machine war there was no one who didn't know about YoRHa No.5 Type S model with the self-designation of Gojo, the strongest android currently in deployment. The ‘S’ standing for Sorcerer in his case due to his mold breaking scanner abilities. Gojo was formerly a Scanner unit who surpassed even the strongest of pure combat based androids, no one could beat him and no one could replicate him. With the uniform of a black visor hiding his eyes from the world and the same dark colour clothing he tore through machines always bare handed despite the heavy gauntlets that hung unused on his back. So strong despite his former Scanner status that there was no Pod YoRHa could create that could keep up with Number 5’s abilities.

Like all YoRHa androids Gojo was as deadly as he was beautiful, made in the image of his human creators.

He fought hard to reclaim Earth for the humans he has never seen. Through the wind, through the rain, through the fire, Gojo never stopped in his mission as centuries passed and slowly progress was made.

The android lost more friends and comrades to the alien menace than he cared to count as time wore on. At points he couldn’t bring himself to care when a comrade died, just thankful it wasn’t someone he deemed his. Gojo on his worst days wondered if it was even worth it. If the humans on the moon ever gave a thought to the androids lost down on Earth from their cushy homes. The aftermath of those days would usually cause Gojo to go on a full extermination on any machine he could find, no matter how non aggressive they were. There was no humanity here.

It was during one of these spirals when he eventually found you, he found hope.

In you he found a future.

As he strolled through the ruined city, bored out of his mind and debating on what he should do or whether he should search yet another terrorized village, when-

"Hurts. It hurts! Miwa hurts."

He sees a poorly painted blue Small Biped couched and screeching in simulated pain as it was being ganged up on by the flailing limbs of red eyed Small Stubby model machines around it. Gojo had to admit, his curiosity had peaked. Machines turning on their own? What a novelty!

With a grin of cynical delight, Gojo all but dashes and then effortlessly smashes through the attacking lifeforms, bare handed. Crushing circuits and bending metal with barely a second thought.

It was his programming after all, finding pleasure in fighting.

"Thank you.”

The smaller machine's head cranes, the sound making a zipping sound as green eyes creepily stared into him as it went from ‘crying’ to mimicking cheerfulness in an instant, “Thank you pretty android! Can you bring me to Teacher now? Miwa is lost."

He smirks to himself, taking long easy strides as the excitement rushes through his being.

"Well, hello there little machine! Do you know where your 'Teacher' is?" Gojo asked as he approached, not even trying to hide how little he cared. He could play along for a little bit of the remaining time the machine had. Destroy, recover, and report: that's what he was created for. Why not have a bit of fun as long as he completed his objectives?

"You know, I'm in a bad mood today” The white-haired android chuckled, “so how about we play a little game ."

As he spoke Gojo casually reached his hand out to wrap around the machine's thin limb, wanting to see just how far he could get to crushing it without its defence mechanism activating when a panicked voice rang out.

"Miwa come here quickly!"

A panicked sound that rang out with no mechanical undertones whatsoever and it feels like time stops for the android just a moment. Gojo twists his head towards the voice and his eyes widened behind his visor as he took in your form.

It can't be.

The more his eyes take in your figure, the closer he sees your features and skin. You were not rusted metal nor was your skin made to look like it. His eyes zero in the scars, dimples, small hairs, creases, and moles in your skin. Definitely not the smooth and flawless manufactured skin he's used to seeing on android models but Gojo couldn't think of you as anything but beautiful as it slowly dawned on him just what he was seeing.

He needed to know more!

You were too busy, worriedly checking over Miwa for damages to notice the odd-looking android darting forward until he is right in front of your face. You let out a small gasp. He was uncomfortably close as the white haired leaned down closer. In any other day or circumstance, you would have smacked the living daylights out of him. Still, you remind yourself that you know better and you're stuck in a world where there was none as fragile as you. You withhold your arm and stiffly stare back. His black blindfold hides his eyes with only his lips giving you any clue to his intentions.

"Er, h-hello?" you fail sounding intimidating as you accidently stumbled over your words at how close the unnaturally handsome man suddenly was to you, “Can I help you?”

You blinked when his hand slowly reached out. You squeeze your eyes shut in anticipation, bracing yourself for impact. Only you feel your head bob after a light pressure is applied. You peer with one eye to find that the stranger had poked your right cheek and after a moment did so again, and again. Each time he did it, his smile grew bigger and full of wonder until irritation spikes in your veins. You snatched his hand in yours and glared at him with bravery borne out of provocation.

"Stop it."

"You're real," the tall android sighs quietly in disbelief.

Taken aback, you frown in confusion, "Huh?"

A broad grin split his face as he placed his free hand on top of yours and soaked up the sensation of a warm touch, "You're-...You're human! You're…so…squishy! You're-"

While you lean back as Gojo quickly gets over the mini crisis you invoked in his circuits, Miwa watches in awe. You stare strangely at the overexcitement of the stranger but before you got to rip your hands away from his larger and stronger ones, the cheerful machine started jumping around and vibrating with joy.

"Is this how you get babies, Teacher?"

You feel your body heat up rapidly with embarrassment with how out of place the question was. How was this your life? Where did she get this idea from?! Was it Mai? You bet it was Mai.

"Or did you marry the pretty android?"

You begin sputtering. Unbeknownst to you Gojo took advantage of your confused state while under the barrage of questions from the machine lifeform. He stealthily moves his hands around from yours to encircle your wrists. He saw how his larger hands completely engulfed your wrists from view. The white haired android's eyes widen in delight when he discovers the pulse of life under your skin. He couldn't help but shiver in pleasure from the sensation.

Everyone else up in the Bunker will be so jealous, hell the Operators might start a riot to have a turn before the combat models even think to, Gojo couldn’t help but think gleefully.

Miwa’s female coded voice box chimed in with the final nail in the coffin for your self-control and Gojo’s examination.

"You would make pretty babies."

You wished you didn’t know what shame was like she did; it sure seemed freeing.

Wait a second, why was this guy still holding on to you? Just where is he touching?

That snapped you out of your mortified state that you leap backwards away from the man on reflex, almost tripping over a tree root. Gojo let out a small moan of disappointment as his hands grabbed at air where you were, reminding you vaguely of your big fluffy house cat once upon a time when he begged for attention. Due to his eye coverings you and Miwa miss the venomous glare he sends at his enemy and with how quickly you turned away from him, Gojo didn't bother to hide how his hand twitched with the urge to throw something into the blue things head.

"O-Okay Miwa, let's get back home and leave Mr…" you hesitate, "Android?"

"I'm No.5 Type S, the famous Gojo,” he grins proudly, “Surely you humans on the moon heard of me?"

"Moon? Why would humans be on it?" you ponder at the very odd statement, "And I never heard of you."

For an android, he’s incredibly expressive, a sight you’ve long forgotten as he pouts. The whine of displeasure he lets out reminds you even more of your beloved clingy Satoru and your heart aches with his loss so you distract yourself the only way you know how,

"Also Go- Is that supposed to be a pun for 5?" Not human but another robot? "You look more like a Satoru to me."

Is it petty to give your cat’s name to this touchy feely stranger? Yes, but the shoe does fit. 

"Then I'll accept 'Satoru' if it's only you calling me that."

Appalled, your face contorts. It sounded awfully flirty that you could practically see his eyebrows waggle through his ‘blindfold’. You don't miss how 'Satoru' kept tracking your movements now, even with his eyes hidden, you knew. You also noticed how with every slight movement Miwa made, his hand flexed into a fist before relaxing when he found she kept chattering on harmlessly.

You eye him suspiciously for a moment, "Okay...Well it's nice to meet you but we have to go."

Sparing him one last apprehensive glance, you put a hand on your student's smooth head and turned away, "Come along, Miwa, our friends are worried about us." 

You really hoped things wouldn't escalate but you didn’t want to stay and find out. You saw the trail of destruction while looking for this little girl and you didn’t want to risk losing her.

The little machine nods its round head eagerly, hinges squeaking as she does. She waddles by your side, "Yes, Todo worried and Noritoshi tipped over. Teacher, let's get back to-"

"No."

Despite being a hot day, the sudden emotionless and commanding statement sent a shiver down your spine. A very noticeable difference from his previous friendly and cheerful tone. Hesitantly, your body turns back around to give Satoru your full attention. He looks back at you, leaning on his hip leisurely with a confidence that only power and submission to his bidding only gives. All the while the gauntlets resting on his back glint ominously in the sun. 

" You're coming back with me to the Resistance Camp," Satoru stated like it was set in stone. You stare at him incredulously before he continues with a smile, "Damn, now I wish I had taken a Pod with me to let YoRHa know right now. We need to get you back on the moon where it's safe. It's a long walk so we need to get movi-"

"No."

The YoRHa soldier paused in his rapid plan making when your blunt refusal sunk in. He blinks at you from behind his blindfold, trying to comprehend what would make you deny such a wonderful idea. This place was dusty, filled with dangers your innocent self must not aware of, including those murderous machines your so called ‘students’ you surround yourself with. Back on the moon, you would be well provided with the humans and have your emotional needs met. He scans you for a moment before his eyes land on your worn in leather boots. 

‘Ah, not geared up for the long journey, huh? I don’t think she realises that those shoes once belonged to a Resistance Fighter that her ‘students’ must have killed.’  

With a charming smile, that at any other time would have made you melt, he opened his arms in a wide welcoming gesture. He was so sure; it would win you over and away from that killer right beside you. 

"Oh, don't worry, human. I can carry you if it’s too far for you to walk."

 He observes as you give him a once over with doubt. He smirks, "I'm stronger than I look."

‘And I will do anything to keep you alive.’

With a sigh you just observe him. The longer this went on the more like a creeper he looked. Something about Satoru’s movements seemed wrong to you. Sure, he spoke and sounded like one but he's too controlled, too calculated for a human, which he apparently wasn't. Perfection paired with a strange sense of judgement gave off such an uncanny feeling.

You mull over his offer once more. Humans, safety, and the moon. If you were the same person, you were when you walked out of the sewer months ago the offer would have already been sold to you the moment you heard it. Indeed, you were curious about these humans on the moon, the androids and this camp--

You look down into the glowing green eyes of Miwa that looks up at you expectantly.

--and now you're sure about your choice. 

You smile at your machine student, rubbing the top of her head lovingly.

"No thank you, I'm happy here with the little home we built together. It's not much but it's ours." 

"Teacher!" 

The small heartfelt smile on your lips as you looked at that thing made Satoru want to see more of it but hated that it wasn't because of him. 

"And I refuse to leave Miwa and my other students!"

Birds rapidly ascended into the sky in the distance with panic squawks and cries.

Satoru frowns as it sunk in that you wanted to stay, "What other-" 

A large repeated thudding that grew louder over time disturbed the sounds of nature and the creaking metal from above interrupted whatever the white haired android was about to ask. Seemingly from nowhere a large black shadow casted over by the sun fell from the tall building next to you and Miwa. The resulting crash into the soil and concrete covered ground shook the area and you looked at the heap of metal suddenly behind you. Dust clouds the vicinity and you wave it away and quickly as you try to focus on the cause. You squint and cup your eyes in a poor attempt to see. Metal grinding against metal screeched as the towering hunk of metal slowly stood up to a terrifying height and small glowing green eyes came back online.

Its large imposing metal clad hands rose into the air as the sound of gears turning scares off whatever remaining wildlife there was in the area.

You grin in recognition as the gigantic cylinder-shaped being begins bobbing in delight on its hinges and rushes forward. 

"TEACHER!” The booming metallic sound echoes in the city ruins as you try to hide a wince of pain. “I HAVE KNOCKED OVER NORITOSHI AND HE CANNOT GET UP."

"Todo, what did I-"

You cut yourself off, a gut feeling holding you back.

You hear a click behind you and you swiftly turn your head to find that Satoru had leapt from his position to charge towards your student. Either it was a gut feeling acting up again or something more, your body moved on its own. It's a miracle you don't tumble when you do but you managed to plant yourself firmly between the attacking android and the burly machine. Your eyes widen with terror at the sight of Satoru's sudden gauntlets glinting against the high sun but you remain steadfast with your comically smaller arms spread over Todo’s much wider form.

Wind hits your face with enough force to make you stumble backwards as your eyes reflexively close. Your heart felt like it stopped when you saw just how close Satoru’s metal clad fist was suddenly to your face, your knees shake as you bite back tears of fright when it just as rapidly pulled away from you.

You barely hear how Todo mimics a gasp then warns Satoru to use ‘gentle’ when trying to play with you. Miwa starts asking whether you were all playing Tag now and if it was her turn. What caught your attention was the sudden horrified look the android had on his face and the shake in his suddenly bare hands. His head looked at the gap between his fist and your face in disbelief while mumbling to himself.

“I could of-It will kill her-Why did she-Why did I-Why -Why-WhyWhy whywhywhywhy -“

You pace your heartbeat, drowning out the excited chirps of Miwa asking who was ‘it’. Watching the android’s hand retreat while holding it like it had burned you, you begin picking up a sense of loss.

You then knew what to do.