Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The year is 23XX. Humanity hasn’t changed much since the beginning of the second millennium, aside from significant technological and medical advances.

Perhaps a couple of centuries ago, artificial intelligence and primitive humanoid robots were only accessible to the wealthy.

However, androids have become assistants in any household, and replacing sick or lost organs with robotic ones has saved many lives.

For some people, replacing their limbs or surgically inserting body parts like horns, tails, and many others has become their way of expressing themselves.

At this point, it has become impossible to tell humans and machines apart, and the relationship with machines has become widely accepted, unlike how they have been frowned upon in the past.

These humanoid creatures not only improve the average citizen’s life but also are powerful tools in the government’s or evil syndicates’ hands.

Robots or androids are used in the military to suppress the rebels or anyone standing in influential men’s way along with human-looking ones becoming deadly spies and assassins.

Thus, this is where the story of a forbidden romance and full of hardships journey of two androids begins.

Somewhere deep in the underground laboratory. One scientist in his mid-twenties with light silver fluffy hair and wearing glasses places his hand on the glass lid of a tall vertical standing capsule.

Apparently, behind the glass, there is a naked, slumbering female android with short brown hair, who is not different from another beautiful woman, is attached by her nape and spine with thick black wires.

Finally, she slowly opens her amber eyes while the silver-haired scientist delightfully smiles and fixes his glasses.

“Welcome to this world, Kyoko. Don’t worry, I’ll get you out from there and then you’ll be properly born, my dear.” He gently greets the awakened artificial creature.

However, the sudden noise of the open automated door and a concerned voice make him turn back.

As his assistants carry the restrained and deformed robot in the clutches, one addresses him in a concerned tone. “Professor Kurama! Ioriko has been corrupted and went maverick during her training session!”

It is a red-haired female android struggling and making screeching or metallic noises through several mechanical insect-like limbs coming from her mouth while her eyeballs are dyed black and lifted in agony, pupils in the same color as her hair.

More so, her black body-armor suit is torn in several places, and her abnormally extended limbs are stained in dark oil while exposing a metal skeleton.

Despite her suffering, Kurama facepalms. “Not again. You poor thing.”

While he keeps his hands in his long white coat, he adds with a poker face, without removing his eyes from her. “Haven’t I told you to be a good girl? It cannot be helped then.”

Lifting his eyes, he strictly orders. “Leave her here.”

As he narrows his gaze, he thinks. Looks like I have to rebuild you again. How many times it will take until you behave?

Meanwhile, the brunette android stares with still lifeless eyes at the unfortunate thing forcibly getting shut down and torn apart.

A week has passed, somewhere, on the training grounds.

Ioriko is fixed completely, and she finally resembles a human being. Even her body armor is restored with a visible purple round gem on her chest.

Now, she slashes the last robot dummy with her thin yet wide lightsaber blade and indifferently stares at several sliced with their exposed electrocuting wires.

After closing her eyes, she lowers her arm and turns off her trustworthy weapon.

When the gate opens, she turns her back and notices Professor Kurama wrapping his arm around the shy brunette android in gray body armor with an orange gem in the center of her chest.

Nevertheless, Ioriko suspiciously stares at the silver-haired male.

It makes him lift his bent palm and cover his mouth while chuckling at her. “My, you don’t need to glare at me like that.”

When he pulls the artificial creature closer, he explains. “Look, I brought a new friend. Her name is Kyoko. She is also assassin type android like you. I know you want to kill her on day one. But for now, why don’t you teach her how to do her duties and prepare her for the future missions?”

Finally, the brunette speaks up while keeping her lowered hands close. “Nice to meet you, Ioriko-san. Professor told me about you. So, please take care of me like him.”

Even if Ioriko doesn’t know her, she already senses that she has been brainwashed by this guy ever since she was built, and for some unknown reason, she doesn’t like it.

The redhead frowns at the professor and responds in a deeper voice. “Is it all? Then leave. Or would you like to taste human sashimi?”

Despite Ioriko’s intimidation, Kurama is unaffected and mockingly smiles, responding in a formal tone. “Whoa, there. Don’t talk like that in front of Kyoko-chan. I don’t want you to influence her. On the other hand, it might be a perfect chance for her to see how naughty girls are punished. So, watch your tongue, Ioriko.”

Meanwhile, Kyoko turns her head to him and asks. “Professor, is she a bad person?”

Yet he only places his palm on her head and ruffles her hair. “Don’t worry. She may bark loud, but, like you, she is programmed not to harm humans and serve us. However, it will be such a shame to reprogram her again.”

After lowering his shoulders and exhaling, Kurama removes his hands from her and adds. “So, be a good girl until I return to pick you up.”

“Y-yes!” The brunette replies.

When she lowers her gaze, she innocently asks. “But then, what about her? Wouldn’t be she going with us?”

Kurama’s face darkens, and he fixes his glasses. “You worry too much about someone like her. She already has her room.”

If you can call like that… Well, this is what you get for malfunctioning and destroying everything in your way, my dear.

A moment later, he returns his soft smile to her. “You are too kind for your own good, Kyoko-chan. However, someday, if I get a permission from a work, I’ll let you become my knight.”

It sparks the excitement in the brunette’s eyes, and she nods.

Meanwhile, Ioriko rolls her eyes and silently groans at such a display of, according to her, foul play.

Before taking his leave, the professor waves his hand and smiles while keeping his hand in his medical coat pocket. “I’ll see you later. So, please get along and be nice.”

When this couple is left alone, the redhead crosses her arms and lifts her head. “You there! Don’t just stand here.”

Surely, her partner’s attitude annoys her, but she keeps her cool. “You don’t have to yell at me. I’ll come, miss mean bot.”

As the brunette approaches her, Ioriko turns her head away. “Whatever, just don’t get too friendly with that guy and let’s get down to the business.”

Kyoko only tilts her head and fires back. “Why? Professor is a kind man, and if you wouldn’t be so rude to him, he’ll like you as well.”

Ioriko raises her eyebrow and taunts her. “You’re so naïve and stupid, as if you are just built today. Just wait and soon you’ll be singing a different song… If you still may have your memories or haven’t become a scrap of metal.”

Upon activating her lightsaber, she points it at her partner. “Do not waste our time and pick your sword. Looks like I have no choice but to teach you why you were brought into this world.”

Meanwhile, Kyoko stares at her with confusion. “What sword? Oi, we just met, but don’t have to be so rude to me.”

Instead of arguing with her, Ioriko lowers her blade and points with her eyes at the sheath attached to the brunette’s thigh. “You can store whatever weapon they give it to you. So, why don’t you try picking it up and see what it does?”

At the moment, she observes the inquisitive android following her command and studying the picked item.

There should be a button somewhere, right? I won’t give up to you! The brunette wonders while looking at how to activate it as her partner did it before.

A few seconds later, she gasps and nearly drops the activated blade, but she manages to straighten her posture and imitates the previous move of her partner with a confident smile. “Look, Ioriko-san. Two of us can play this game.”

“Haa!” The brunette unleashes a powerful slashing attack.

However, the red-haired android evades it as if it is nothing, leaving her dumbfounded.

“Looks like I’ll have a harder time not killing you than training you.” Ioriko comments while keeping her poker face.

“Dodge this!” She warns the brunette before launching a stabbing strike at her.

Even so, Kyoko grips her blade and blocks the attack instead.

It puts a satisfied look on the redhead’s face. “Hoo~ A little kitten can use her nails. However, you will not last by only blocking. So, show me your strength!”

“I’ll show you what happens if you take me easy, Ioriko!” Kyoko raises her hands to her head’s level and points the lightsaber at her.

As Ioriko swiftly blocks strike after strike, she responds. “Too slow! Even on the verge of retirement, robot strikes faster than you.”

Eventually, she widens her eyes at Kyoko’s blade being close to her cheek and feels as if time has stopped.

Fortunately, she rolls to the side and, while crouching, aims at her waist.

After the brunette dodges her attack, Ioriko ponders while blocking the blade above her. Not bad. You are a quick learner. However, now, be glad you are facing only me because you are not ready for multiple enemies.

Thus, Kyoko’s first day of training under the fiery redhead begins.

After a while, Ioriko claims a victory over her opponent by sitting on her and looking at her while her lightsaber is piercing the ground not far from the brunette’s face, who is happy with this outcome.

She addresses Kyoko without removing her eyes from her. “That’s not bad for a newborn. However, whenever we’ll meet again, I won’t be so merciful, got it?”

It makes Kyoko furrow brows. “Are you leaving us somewhere far?”

Ioriko tightens her lips and releases her weapon, trying to remain patient. “Didn’t the professor told you why you were made for? Tomorrow I’ll be going to the outside world to kill some terrible men, Kyoko.”

“But the professor told me we are programmed not to harm or disobey humans.” The brunette objects in a doubtful tone.

The red-haired android cracks a bitter smile and shakes her head. “You silly robot girl. Don’t tell me that he didn’t tell you what does assassin mean? Depends whom he or the people he works for refer as humans. So, your duty is to get rid of what they call a bother.”

“I… I don’t understand. It doesn’t make sense at all.” Kyoko lowers her shaky gaze.

“After you return from your first mission, you will. Perhaps then you’ll hate the outside world and humans.” Ioriko explains with a straight face.

However, the brunette wraps her arms and pulls her partner close to her while whining. “Don’t wanna! Can you stay with me instead?”

Ioriko widens her eyes and struggles in her embrace. “Let… Let me go, you silly girl!”

Upon a sudden realization that something soft might be under her sturdy armor, Kyoko opens her innocent amber eyes and addresses her. “Wait… Do you also have a soft body like mine?”

“Of-of course, I do, you fool! What’s that all about this stupid body?” The redhead immediately responds.

It makes Kyoko respire and tightens her hug. “So, you are also like me? I’m so glad! I thought that I would be lonely being like this. But now, I feel happy that there are two of us.”

Lastly, she rests her palms on another android’s cheeks and stares at her with genially loving eyes and radiant as a sun face. “Please return safely, Ioriko.”

Ioriko responds while averting her shy gaze. “Well, whatever. Just don’t get used to too much, okay?”

Are you sure you weren’t built to be a love doll? However, it’s for the better if they don’t use you that way. The red-haired artificial creature thinks while resting her head on her partner’s chest.

Surely, it surprises Kyoko, but she doesn’t mind it, or questions Ioriko’s unexpected behavior. After all, what if she wants to rest on these silicon pillows? That’s what they are for, right? Although, wouldn’t be better for her to rest on them without that armor?

Nevertheless, her presence makes the red-haired android experience an unknown and weird sensation, making her think it might be okay to lower her guard when Kyoko is close to her.

Hell, she even doesn’t care to be isolated and dismembered by these scientists, if she’ll survive long enough to see her again. Ioriko thinks to herself, closing her eyes and silently exhaling.

A month has passed. The brunette android has grown stronger and faster thanks to Ioriko taking under her wing, even if her blade hasn’t tasted human blood yet, only countless droids and war machines.

According to the collected data, Kyoko’s combat and stealth skills are rapidly improving.

More so, unlike the older android, her potential is unlimited, if it wasn’t for one minor inconvenience – her refusing to break three major laws of robotics as taking a human’s life or harming them.

Professor Kurama tried to persuade her first, but it was a futile effort and reprogramming her to make everyone aside from him or NESTS a threat to her. Unfortunately, it only negatively affected her performance and her shutting down more often.

On the other hand, noticing that when she is together with the redhead during their sessions and being allowed to visit her afterward in her cell improves her spirits and motivation.

More importantly, the mysterious virus hasn’t corrupted Ioriko since the day she met Kurama’s proudest creation.

She might be retired sooner than some old model like Ioriko, who malfunctions but still does her job. Kyoko, I built you, but you are still an enigma. I beg you - reject your kindness and morals. You are not a human. You don’t need them! Else, they may go after you and destroy you. The silver-haired male shakily bites his lower lip and lowers his head while crumbling the most recent warning note from the leader of the NESTS.

Meanwhile, in an enormous, tall training room in which pitch-black walls are illuminated by the blinding white brick-sized and shaped lights and completely isolated from the rest of the world, a familiar couple finishes their last targets for today.

After deactivating their lightsaber blades and letting them rest in sheaths, Ioriko closes her eyes and speaks. “Alright. That should do for today if these bastards won’t send an unexpected attack at us again.”

While the brunette gets closer to her, she holds her arm and lowers her gaze. “Hey, I was thinking about something. If that is okay with you, Ioriko.”

“Just shoot it,” The redhead responds with her poker face.

When she lifts her gloomy amber eyes, she continues. “You know, the professor says that he is okay, but I’m sure something terrible is bothering him. However, he only told me he would need to put me into a deep sleep again. I know he is doing it for my sake. I’m not sure why, but I’m really afraid that this time I won’t wake up, Ioriko. So, if I’ll get his permission, can I rest in your cell tonight?”

Suddenly, Ioriko gripping her upper arms, makes Kyoko widen her eyes and freeze in the same spot.

After tightly shutting her eyes until her eyelids tremble, the red-haired android cautiously looks around and faces her. “You stupid girl!… We should leave this place as soon as possible.”

“Ioriko, I…” The brunette responds with a denial in her voice before her further words are cut by her partner yelling while her back arches at a humanly impossible angle.

Upon being harshly pushed to the ground, Kyoko whimpers at the red-haired android screeching and screaming in a distorted high-pitched voice. “STAY AWAY FROM ME!”

However, it’s not so terrifying to her as Ioriko’s nightmarish metamorphosis, while her limbs act on their own in robotic movement.

“RUN!” The red-haired begs as her twitching eyeballs dye in black and her lifted pupils in crimson while several mechanic insect-like legs sprout out of her mouth and have their minds.

More so, her arms extend until breaking her body armor and tearing her skin, exposing the dark steel arm and finger bones. Even her legs suffer a similar fate now, making her stand on her insect limbs.

“Ioriko…” The brunette addresses her in disbelief while leaning on her elbows.

Of course, she understands if Ioriko remains in this form, she may not only harm her or others but also herself.

Instead of fleeing away, Kyoko faces her approaching target and gets up. “I’ll save you. Just wait for me!”

However, she refuses to pick her trustworthy weapon and finish her like any other bot.

For now, she dodges and rolls from the several claw attacks.

After getting close to her, Kyoko uses a lower spin kick to knock her partner to the ground, making her wriggle like a large bug on her back.

“Leave! Don’t get any closer!” The terrific mechanic monster warns while the brunette manages to sit on top of her and pin her arms.

At that moment, she cannot remove her eyes from distorted Ioriko or the broken body armor, exposing her naked belly and chest with a dimmed purple gem on it.

“Kill me…” The redhead shrieks while struggling under her.

Even if her partner violently moves her body to shake her off, Kyoko briefly panics by losing her balance and her upper body falling on her.

Fortunately, she grips her arms while pressing her body and rubbing her body against hers. “No! I won’t harm you.”

Meanwhile, the sudden heat wave in her lower regions and belly and the unknown electricity sent to her body made Ioriko gasp loudly and panic. After all, even in such a state, her mind remains sharp and clear.

Neither has she ever experienced anything close to that sensation.

More importantly, she can swear that she disabled her useless feelings and cravings like for intimacy or a touch of a woman.

“Kyo… Kyoko… I… just finish me! Finish me before I did that to you…” The redhead pleads while her eyeballs and pupils return to their former color.

“I cannot leave you like that. Not until you calm down.” Kyoko argues while feeling how she becomes less agitated and now weakly struggling under her.

She even witnesses Ioriko’s skeleton arms returning to their former length and proportions.

When Kyoko softens her gaze and places her hands on her cheeks without minding her skin or nerves getting cut, she brings her face closer to hers. “It will be alright. So, please endure it for a bit.”

In the end, Ioriko’s system becomes too overwhelmed and overheated by the stress mixed with the rising thrill.

However, before her circuits burn out, a spark of electricity comes from her and turns her off. Gladly, she sees Kyoko closing her eyes and collapsing on her.

She could also swear that she could feel her soft lips touching hers.

An unknown amount of time has passed. Finally, Ioriko’s system is rebooted.

However, something is off.

Even if she and her body armor are fixed again, she feels how her arms are lifted and her wrists restrained by thick iron cuffs.

From her surroundings alone, she can tell that this is clearly not the training grounds but rather a coliseum, in which only spectators are countless men and women in white medical coats along with a small group of rich people in VIP seats.

As Ioriko grinds her teeth and frowns, she begins to struggle. “What a hell is going on and where’s Kyoko?! Release me, you stupid doctor!”

However, the echoing proud and judgmental voice through the speakers gets her attention. “Silence, you ungrateful robot! You should have been removed long ago, yet we’ve decided to grant you one last chance. So, be thankful that we’ll allow your professor to fix you each time you had served as a training dummy for the newest generation models.”

Meanwhile, Ioriko indignantly stares and growls at the long-haired platinum-blonde man, who is no other than a leader of NESTS, Ignitz.

Yet that man is unaffected by her threats. “Since when did a low-life grow bold to bark at god?”

Upon raising his palm and snapping his fingers, the handcuffs around the redhead’s wrists unlock, making her fall to her knees.

Now, let’s see how long you will last. The blonde man delightfully wonders.

Thus, as the gate opens, the first wave of battle androids with black face-covering helmets enter the arena.

Glancing at her outer thigh, where her lightsaber should be resting, she briefly widens her eyes.

Nevertheless, she refuses to show any sign of weakness and faces her armed opponents, realizing that it’s not even the beginning.

Meanwhile, somewhere in the laboratory.

The brunette android sits in the recovery capsule and watches her adored professor, picking the wires and plugging them one by one into the ports on her nape and spine.

Seeing him so concentrated on this task concerns Kyoko. After all, if that is just an ordinary maintenance check, why does he look so gloomy as it is his last day in this world?

But for now, Kyoko gives him a comforting smile. “Hey, professor, did anything happen? You did countless check-ups on me, so it should be fine.”

“I will need to shut you down for a while before we’ll go for a long trip. So, please endure it for a while.” The silver-haired male explains while avoiding to face his creation.

“But where is Ioriko? I want to see her before we go, and let her know that I’ll return soon, first.” The brunette asks.

“There is no time for that.” Kurama replies while finishing with the last cable.

More importantly, once you wake up, you’ll have no memories of that android or of this terrible place. This time, I’ll let you be reborn like a normal girl, Kyoko.

The artificial creature lowers and shakes her head.

Lifting her head, Kyoko grasps one cable and pulls it out. “No! She’ll be sad if I leave her just like that. I… I promise I’ll be quick.”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot allow that, Kyoko.” The professor objects and fixes his glasses, hiding his anxious gaze.

Forgive me, but I had to offer that outdated model to buy us time to leave. Well, maybe there is no need to apologize to someone with no memory.

When he plugs the missing wire and turns on the monitor next to the capsule, he exhales and orders. “Please, lie down and be a good girl. You are not letting the capsule close, Kyoko.”

The brunette grips many wires and cables with her hands and unplugs them. “NO! I’m not doing that until I see Ioriko. She needs me! I… I can sense it deep inside.”

Just as she shakily holds onto the edges of the capsule and attempts to climb off the capsule, her creator pushes her down. “I beg you to cease this foolishness! You don’t need that useless scrap of metal! So, do not make me restrain you.”

After Kyoko turns her head, she lowers her gaze and responds in a pitiful voice. “I’m sorry, professor…”

Suddenly, the loud sirens and flashing red lights alert them. “ATTENTION! A DANGEROUS ANDROID HAS ESCAPED THE COLISEUM AND ROAMS FREE! ATTENTION! SHE IS HEADING TO THE LABORATORY!”

“Ioriko…” The brunette speaks up.

After pushing away Kurama, she forces herself to jump from the capsule.

Even if he grabs her ankle, the brunette softens her gaze before kicking it off. “I’m sorry, professor. But she is in danger.”

Lastly, without any weapon or body armor, the brunette picks a spare medical coat and rushes through the door while only relying on pure intuition, searching for another android.

Of course, on her way, she encounters NESTS sent troupes, but she uses her combat skills to fight them and obtains one of their firearms.

Even if she refuses to aim to kill, she convinces herself that if the only way how to make her way to Ioriko is by hurting and knocking them out, so be it. It will be nothing more than a warning strike.

Eventually, she runs into one familiar redhead who is soaked in the dark oil and unfamiliar red liquid.

Noticing her troublesome partner wearing nothing but a white coat and the exposed orange gem on her chest flickering makes her freeze in the same spot. “Kyoko… What are you doing here?”

However, being surrounded by the heavily armored soldiers, Ioriko frowns and grabs her partner’s arm.

“Stay close to me and cover my back!” The determined red-haired android brings her close and points her blade at her targets.

“Yeah. Leave it to me!” Kyoko nods and pulls the trigger.

When the rapid-fire reflects on the brunette’s face, another fiery battle begins.

Unfortunately for them, the more enemies fall under the redhead’s blade or other android’s bullet, the more of them appear as if there is no end.

At that moment, Kyoko widens her eyes, hearing the empty sound of the pulled trigger. “Now?”

However, just before the bullet hits her chest, it is reflected by her partner’s sword.

As Ioriko slashes and severs her opponent’s head from its body, she shouts. “What are you doing? Run!”

“But what about the professor?” The brunette android asks before her words are cut off by Ioriko throwing over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

“It can wait for later,” Ioriko explains while her legs carry her as fast as possible, blocking enemies’ attacks and cutting her way.

Meanwhile, in the office of the head of the NESTS, Ignitz observes the recording of security cameras with entertainment.

But for now, one of his lackeys doesn’t hide his concern. “Sir, what should we do? Even our strongest troupes are useless against them!”

“Let them. They won’t escape their inevitable fate. So, it is only a matter of time before they will be in our hands.” The blonde man explains.

After a brief pause, he adds while fixating his eyes on the pair of androids approaching the exit gate. “Bring Professor Kurama to my office and announce a new hunt. Whoever captures them, dead or alive first, will receive a generous bounty.”

“Yes, sir!” another servant closes his eyes and bows.

While Ignitz holds his chin, he thinks while watching the brunette leave. To think of, that little docile-looking android might be better off as my bride who will eliminate anyone that stands in my way.

Chapter Text

Some time has passed. After escaping the NESTS facilities, two androids meet their dead-end. Unfortunately, their future doesn’t look bright in the dark night.

On the one hand, they can jump off the cliff and be crushed by the sharp rocks hardened by the harsh stormy waters or swallowed by the cold, merciless sea.

On another side, this pair can wait and surrender to the soldiers equipped with the most advanced weapons and armor before meeting their bitter end as retired scrap of metal.

It’s not like I have anything to lose. However, it would be a shame to see this bot torn apart because she cannot serve her purpose. Ioriko narrows her gaze while looking down the cliff.

However, her thoughts are interrupted by the same android wrapped around her arm.

The brunette looks at her with her big amber eyes. “Hey, what should we do now?”

While facing her, Ioriko calmly explains as the wind rustles her hair. “We are not coming back to that place.”

Clinging to her partner, Kyoko objects. “But what about the professor? I cannot leave him behind.”

However, as Ioriko furrows her brows on her calm face, she notices a tiny laser ray pointing at Kyoko’s gem on her chest and panics.

“Watch out!” This artificial creature shouts and pushes her partner to the ground.

As the bullet burns the grass, they notice a line of snipers.

Unfortunately for them, another shot follows after this one that grows into the bullet rain.

Shit... There are too many of them! While keeping Kyoko behind her, Ioriko deflects each strike with her sword.

Suddenly, the red-haired android brings her partner closely. “Hold tightly onto me.”

Before Kyoko says anything, Ioriko hugs her tightly before rushing and jumping off the cliff.

Lastly, with a heavy splash, the two androids sink into the stormy, dark waters.

When they sink deeper into the sea, Kyoko doesn’t remove her eyes from Ioriko. Even then, as more water gets into her system, she clings to the red-haired android before shutting down.

An unknown amount of time has passed, somewhere on the shore.

As the seagulls soar through the sky and scream, they disappear in the blinding sunbeams, reflected on the blue water like gems.

Despite that, no one seems to be swimming in the sea or taking a walk on the stony beach. However, that cannot be said about one young man wearing an open blue floral shirt, under it a white t-shirt and navy color shorts, who seems too busy scavenging for something.

More so, the brunette is carrying a heavy-looking stuffed backpack and moving around as if it is nothing.

As waves rise and wash the beach, something catches his eye in the distance, and he tilts his head.

He understands he shouldn’t approach this dark pile covered in seaweed, and he should leave it.

On the other hand, what if it is only a pile of trash? So, maybe there might even be washed-down chips, copper wires, or anything that could still be useful to the doctor. Or so the brunette convinces himself and gathers the courage.

After getting close to this object, he bends and starts removing the sea plants and other trash.

Upon handling the current task, the brunette widens his eyes and jumps back like a jumper spider upon a threat. “Is… Is that a corpse?!”

When he shields himself, he lowers his elbow and takes a better look at his discovery.

From what it looks like, it’s a couple of people. One of them is a red-haired woman in black and sturdy body armor holding close to her a lady similar to her age with short brown hair stuck to her face and wearing nothing but a long medical coat.

After kneeling and closing his eyes, this young man inserts his palms between them. “S-Sorry!…”

When these two are separated, he checks on the lady with the medical coat first.

After lying on her back like a doll, he notices she is no different from a gorgeous lady in her early twenties with lifeless amber eyes.

However, the matching color gem on her chest catches his eye. “An android?”

Even after rolling her on her side, he notices the lined-down open USB and wire ports on her nape that confirm his senses.

For now, he leaves the brunette android and checks on the other person.

After examining her, he sees that this woman also has a similar gem on her chest, which is purple-colored.

Brushing her sticky hair from her face, the torn skin around her cheek and eye area reveals a dark metal skeleton and robotic eyeball.

“How did you get there?” The brunette asks and receives no answers from inactive androids.

But for now, he picks up a phone from his shorts pocket and contacts a person listed as a Doctor.

“Yes?” A serious feminine voice responds through the speaker.

“Um, Kagura-san. You won’t believe what I just found. So, I’m not sure what to do with them.” The brunette replies.

After exhaling, this Kagura person patiently asks. “Is everything alright? Can you tell me what you saw, Shingo?”

Tightening his lips, Shingo explains. “I found two female androids washed up on the shore. One of them is in military armor and red hair. Her armor remains in perfect condition, but her face is damaged. And another one has short brown hair, but she might be a love doll model. But I haven’t noticed them having any serial number. So, I don’t know if I should leave them like this.”

After a pause, Kagura asks. “… Can you take them to the shop so that I could take a better look at them?”

The brunette nods at this request. “Alright, then I’m on my way.”

“… Just be careful and I’ll be waiting for you.” The person behind the other line says.

“Yes!” Shingo responds before the phone call is over.

When he puts his phone back into his pocket, he throws the android with the body armor over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and picks up the one with a medical coat.

Lastly, he carries them without any problem aside from making sure they won’t fall on his way toward the mini truck, which he parked not so far from this area.

Some time has passed. Finally, Shingo arrives at his destination and parks the white mini-truck in the backyard of one local shop.

After leaving the vehicle, he notices a familiar woman with long ebony hair and a white headband waiting for him.

This person in a red sweater with wide sleeves and white pants is leaning against the door and greeting the brunette.

After removing the large cover from the trailer and tossing it aside, it reveals that after today’s hunt, Shingo brought back two androids and a couple of stuffed heavy backpacks.

“Thank you for your hard work for today.” The dark-haired woman smiles.

Seeing him picking two androids at once, she asks. “Will you be alright? Do you need any help carrying them?”

However, Shingo politely declines the offer. “No, I’ll be fine. Besides, I was built to carry even bigger weights. So, thanks to you I could carry even more, Kagura-san.”

“Then, can you carry them into the basement for me?” The doctor asks and opens the door.

Without a second thought or not hiding enthusiasm, Shingo carries the still slumbering artificial creatures.

Several minutes later. After laying both androids on separate examination tables, the brunette prepares them for the examination.

Even he is curious whether Ioriko is a combat robot. After all, if that is the case, he and the doctor may need more time and precision for a more complicated model like her.

When Shingo slightly rolls the redhead, he notices a button covered in dried salts at her nape close to the wire ports.

“Alright. Then, let’s get you out of this and the doctor will take care of you.” He reassures the unconscious android.

However, with a rusty clicking, nothing happens.

Even after several rapid button presses, the armor remains on Ioriko.

It makes the brunette tilt his head and sigh. “Uh-oh. That’s no good. But I don’t wanna peel it off and damage it.”

But for now, he turns his head and notices the familiar figure wearing a medical coat with the name badge that reveals her full name Chizuru Kagura.

“Doctor, it stuck. So, what should we do?” The brunette asks without hiding his concern.

“Leave her like this for now and let’s start with another one.” Chizuru explains while studying this android.

After a brief moment, she instructs Shingo. “Can you prepare me a set for robotic forensic analysis and the soldering iron?”

“Right away!” The brunette nods before rushing to pick up a needed package of tools from the blue-lighted shelves on the walls.

Meanwhile, Chizuru approaches the examination table on which lies Kyoko, who blankly stares like the freshly brought corpse to the morgue with her dead amber eyes.

She closes her eyes and calmly addresses her. “I’m sorry, but I have to know whether you are damaged and if there is a chance to revive you and your friend.”

As she unbuttons the artificial creature’s remaining piece of clothing, Shingo arrives with the wheel table containing the lined-up tools, which, at first glance, look no different from those prepared for human examination, aside from a couple of small devices like soldering iron or mechanical disc saws.

After she ties her hair into a bun, Shingo hands her a protective long apron, a pair of rubber gloves, and a welding helmet that may resemble a black motorcycle helmet.

When she and the brunette put the personal protection equipment on, she takes the scalpel and starts cutting Kyoko’s chest.

Some time has passed. Finally, Kyoko shakes her head and opens her eyes.

After blinking a few times, she notices she is in some sort of lab. However, from her surroundings in this white room, she can tell she is not in NESTS.

Even when she tries sitting in the healing capsule, she instinctively closes her eyes at feeling the wires attached to her nape and not allowing her to move.

Another thing that catches her eye is that she wears a light-blue dotted hospital gown with a completely open back.

Did anyone mistake me for the hospital patient? But where is Ioriko? The brunette wonders as she looks at her bending palms.

After looking around, she also notices that there are a couple of empty capsules like hers on the sides.

For now, the opening of the automatic door makes her look in that direction and tilt her head.

“How are you feeling?” The ebony-haired woman in a medical coat asks her.

At first, Kyoko hesitates giving an answer and shields herself with her elbow.

“Who?... Who are you? And where am I? More importantly, where is Ioriko?” The brunette suspiciously stares at her.

Chizuru lowers her shoulders and exhales. “I’m not sure what you’ve been through, but everything is okay now. You have no reason to be afraid.”

Placing her palm on her chest, she explains. “Besides, after my assistant found you two, we fixed you.”

“Then, you must know the Professor, right? He is the one who built me. So, where is he?” Kyoko raises her eyebrow.

At first, Chizuru averts her gaze and narrows it.

When she looks at the android in the capsule, she sighs. “I’m afraid I cannot answer that.”

It confuses the brunette even more, and she blinks a few times. “But since you also wear the same lab coat as him and mentioned that someone helped you, then you must know Professor. I’m sure you know a man named Kurama Iriyu. So, did anything happen to him?”

Despite that, the scientist patiently explains. “I’m sorry, but I do not know him or where you or your friend were made. You are in the basement under my repair shop and you’ve been repaired by me and an android like you two.”

Kyoko turns her head and frowns, deeply thinking about something. When facing the dark-haired woman, she responds with a determined look on her face. “You said that Ioriko is here. Can I see her?”

“Sure. But have you finished charging?” Chizuru asks.

As the android casually grasps the wires behind her nape, she nods. “Yeah. So, give me a second.”

Surely, seeing the brunette behaving like this concerns her, and she rushes to her side. “Wait. You cannot do that!”

While Chizuru carefully unplugs wire after wire, she lectures her. “And just when I’ve fixed your ports… No wonder why all of them wobbled. So, please be careful because you won’t be able to charge or transfer any data without corrupting it.”

“Fiiine~” Kyoko casually responds as the last wire is removed from her nape.

Lastly, the android climbs off the capsule and follows Chizuru without containing her impatience.

After some time of walking in the underground corridors, this couple reaches the automatic door, which immediately opens up, and they enter the room.

The first thing that Kyoko spots is a slumbering red-haired android with her exposed metal skeleton and wires on the examination table. Even the purple gem on her chest area is dimmed.

“Ioriko!” the brunette rushes to the examination table.

When she grips the edges of the iron table, she turns her head and stares with her big amber eyes at the scientist. “Hey, will she be alright?”

While getting closer to the examination table and keeping her hand in the coat pocket, the dark-haired woman gives her a comforting look. “Rest assured. She already went through the worst when we removed her body-armor and cleaned the sea salts from her system.”

But for now, the automatic door opens again, and another familiar male android’s voice gets their attention.

“Ah, I’ve brought more of the synthetic skin and silicone as you asked.” Shingo pushes a tall cart with a few shelves through the door while being full of spirits.

However, upon noticing the female android in the surgery patient’s shirt, he tilts his head. “Did… Is she already fully charged?”

It seems Kyoko is also confused by this person who looks anything but a scientist like that woman.

“Ah, that is my android assistant, who took care of you, I was talking about earlier – Shingo.” Chizuru introduces her.

“Android?” Kyoko raises her eyebrow and murmurs while studying this young man.

The male android rubs his nape and averts his gaze. “N-nice to meet you. And I’m glad to see that you’re awake.”

But for now, Chizuru holds her hands and calmly explains. “Either way. We have finished your friend’s deep cleaning and replacing her damaged skin. So, after we connect her skin and silicone tissues, she would only need to charge like you did.”

Lastly, her eyes move to Shingo. “Could you take Kyoko to the waiting room first?”

As the male android approaches Kyoko, she makes demanding eyes at the dark-haired scientist. “But can I stay with Ioriko until she wakes up?”

“I’m sorry, but this procedure requires a lot of precision and time. Even the slightest distraction may affect how your friend will function after reactivating her. So, why don’t you kill some time in the waiting room? I’m sure you’ll find something interesting on the shelves.” Chizuru patiently explains.

Lastly, before leaving the procedure room with Shingo, Kyoko takes one more look at the slumbering redhead.

A couple of weeks ago. Somewhere in the headquarters of NESTS, at the office.

After a knock at the luxurious oak door, a man with long platinum blonde hair and in a white tuxedo arrogantly smiles behind the desk. “Come in.”

As the security guards open the door, a blonde woman in her forties with curly hair and glasses, wearing a long white, open coat, enters the office. She also carries a pile of papers in her hand, and the attached ID card on her chest pocket reads 'Makishima'.

While she keeps a straight face, she fixes her glasses. “Did you want to see me, sir?”

Noticing that Makishima keeps her distance as much as possible, Ignitz comments. “Are you going to just stand there, doctor? Even after years of working here, you cannot understand that you can rely on your boss.”

“Yes.” The doctor nods and follows the given orders.

“Did you know why I called you here?” The leader of NESTS addresses her.

“No, sir. However, it must be urgent if you interrupted my work and asked these men to bring me here.” Makishima responds while resting her hand in the coat pocket.

When he spreads a pile of documents and blueprints on the desk, he points at them with a confident smile. “You should be proud that I have selected you to be a head of a new life-changing project, doctor.”

Resting his chin on his palms, he starts questioning her. “Do you recognize these blueprints?”

After quickly scanning these, Makishima lifts her eyes. “That is model Kyoko, correct? But you should ask professor Kurama to make another one for you instead of asking someone who is less familiar with that model.”

It irritates the leader of NESTS. Nevertheless, with slammed fists on the desk, he proudly responds. “Hmph. I do not want a mere copy of my lovely wife. I want her now! And you will build me android hunters who will rescue her and bring her to me dressed like a perfect bride suiting a god.”

Despite that man’s tantrum, Makishima keeps a straight posture and objects in a formal tone. “But, sir. It would save you a lot of resources and time for us to build you an android like her. And with her blueprints, it could be done in no time.”

Ignitz only leans closer and points his finger at the scientist. “Your orders are to make the fastest and strongest androids! However, do not bother giving them humane traits or features like for the female line and focus on making them serve their purpose. So, use her blueprints as a reference sheet. Also, prioritize getting Kyoko in one piece and unscratched while they can do what they need with Ioriko to achieve their goal. Understand?”

Of course, the blonde tightens her lips and silently exhales through.

Fixing her shining glasses, she listens further to the demand. “Also, as you mentioned, time is very precious. However, I’ll be generous and kind to you by giving you two weeks to build them.”

“Sir, that is physically impossible and just running tests and bug fixes alone will require that amount of time. That’s why you should consider giving us at least a month.” Makishima calmly negotiates.

However, these words make the leader of the NESTS lose his temper. “You dare to question my incredible wisdom?”

Swooshing his long locks, he adds. “You will make two android hunters. So, just simply increase efficiency by cutting off unnecessary chit-chats and breaks and you’ll have more than enough time, doctor.”

Seeing that she cannot change this stubborn man’s decision, Makishima replies. “Alright. Is that all you wanted, sir?”

“You can just as well prompt anyone to start making preparations for the celebration of my wedding,” Ignitz adds before Doctor Makishima takes her leave.

Work is work, and even if it will take countless restless nights, she is determined to deliver the final product with the help of her team.

However, in the meantime, we’ll add a few modifications that you may not notice… Or not bother checking it, sir. The blonde scientist curves a smile while being led through the hallway by the security guards back to the lab.

Back to the present. One red-haired android immediately opens her eyes, which briefly flashes.

However, she sits up when hearing a familiar voice.

“Ioriko!”

Just as she turns toward that direction, she is hugged by a brunette.

“You’re finally awake! I’m so happy that you’re alright.” Kyoko tightens her embrace.

After she withdraws, the red-haired android sees that her partner wears what appears to be human clothing that looks useless on a battlefield instead of their body armor.

“What is that thing on you? Isn’t it a thing only humans wear?” Ioriko tilts her head while staring at Kyoko’s white, knitted long-sleeved sweater that is long enough to cover her bottom.

More importantly, even through thick material, the brunette’s chest gem glows in a warm orange tone.

When Kyoko gives a questioning look, she checks on her paw sleeves. “Ah, these... Well, that scientist asked to put it on along with some other stuff. But she wasn’t happy that I decided to look for you instead.”

Upon taking a better look at her surroundings, Ioriko realizes that this is not the same lab they were kept in.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that they are not somewhere in NESTS. What if it is a cozy bedroom where the love doll models are kept? More importantly, Kyoko is in great danger when that bastard is anywhere around.

Even seeing herself in a hospital gown alerts Ioriko.

When she frowns, she adds. “Hey, where the hell are we? Listen, we have to escape this place before anyone captures us again!”

Just as she is about to jump from the bed, the brunette grips her shoulders and keeps her in the same spot.

“It’s alright. Doctor Kagura seems like a decent person and she’s the one who fixed us.” Kyoko reassures her.

Ioriko shakily closes her eyes and objects.“You fool! Just because you got to wear this weird thing, you should not lower your guard in the enemy’s territory.”

When the redhead gently holds her partner’s hands, she lowers them from her shoulders. “So, we’re leaving this place.”

Opening her eyes, she leaves the bed and takes Kyoko’s hand.

Carefully grasping her palm, Ioriko turns her head and prompts her. “Let’s go.”

“Fiiine~” The brunette responds.

Without having much choice, Kyoko allows the fellow android to lead her.

After leaving the bedroom, this couple of androids find themselves in a long luxurious corridor.

Where are we? The redhead glimpses around and frowns.

However, her partner’s voice makes her immediately turn her head.

“Can you listen to me?”

When Kyoko holds her hand in her palms, she gives a reassuring look. “I told you it’s okay and that doctor and her android assistant are on our side. So, shouldn’t we check where the doctor is, first?”

It seems it’s pointless to argue with this android. Nevertheless, Ioriko decides to play along until she can prove that this silly android is wrong and should stay alert.

After closing her eyes and exhaling, Ioriko replies. “Then, show me the way.”

A moment later, the brunette’s face glows with excitement, and she nods.

Even if she is wary, unlike her partner who doesn’t understand the weight of their situation they’re in, the reserved android leaves the rest in her hands.

After some time wandering around, this couple reached the spacious and modern-looking living room. That room also has wall-sized windows that reveal the backyard swimming pool area.

But for now, one familiar male android vacuuming the carpets turns his head and notices this pair of models.

Shingo turns off the vacuum cleaner and greets them. “Kyoko-san! And…?”

However, just before he manages to say anything, the red-haired girl’s glare startles him.

“Listen up, you little man… Where are we? And what did you do to Kyoko while I was deactivated?” Ioriko shields her partner with her extended arm.

Shingo only shrugs as this not-so-friendly android steps closer and thrusts her chest forward.

“Pl-Please calm down! You may have just recently been activated, right? So, please let doctor Kagura check on you first.” He responds with a polite smile and steps back.

Fortunately, to his rescue comes Kyoko, who holds the red haired android’s hand and gently pulls it closer to her.

It makes the intimidating redhead turn toward her partner and lower her shoulders.

However, she still frowns and raises her eyebrow.

Even then, Kyoko gives a reassuring smile. “Hey, it’s okay. He’s our friend. That’s the doctor’s assistant I mentioned earlier and he is an android like us too. And he also helped fix us. So, that’s, er, I think it was Shingo…”

“Android you say? Let’s see...” Ioriko watchfully gazes.

When she fastens her step toward him, Shingo panics at her roughly gripping his shoulder and lifting his t-shirt. “Wh-what are you doing, Ioriko-san?”

“Silence, boy! You talk too much.” the redhead scans his exposed upper body.

Clenching her teeth and holding her chin, she remarks. “Where is it? Is it somewhere else?”

After Ioriko hits him with her elbow and makes him collapse with a whimper, her face changes to a demanding one. “Are you sure you are one of us? Then where is your gem?”

While struggling under the red-haired android’s pressure, Shingo struggles. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. But can you get off me? Kagura-saaan!”

Such behavior slowly gets on Ioriko’s nerves, but her reign of terror on this poor bot is interrupted by one scientist.

“What is the meaning of this? Oh my…” The ebony-haired woman storms in, but the chaotic view leaves her stunned.

Seeing how Ioriko corners her assistant while grabbing his t-shirt without caring that the cut of her hospital gown exposes her bottom completely.

But for now, Kyoko rushes to Chizuru’s side. “Hey, doctor, Ioriko is, finally, awake!”

Meanwhile, the brunette’s voice makes Ioriko turn her head, and her eyes follow Kyoko getting closer to this scientist woman while she holds her own hands behind her back.

With one hand on her chin, Chizuru comments while fixing her gaze on the couple of androids. “I can clearly see that. But it seems I would have to check on her, just in case, before letting her change clothes.”

However, Ioriko frowns and growls at her. “Oi! You are one of the NESTS people, aren’t you? So, stay away from Kyoko! Else, consider yourself as having a new enemy.”

Holding her arms, Chizuru lowers her shoulders and sighs. “Look, I told your friend while we were fixing you that neither me or Shingo are working with them. So, rest assured, we did not cause you any harm or have any wish for that. And I would ask you to leave him alone because he is not a combat android, but a housekeeper and my valuable helper.”

A moment later, Kyoko adds. “So, I told you before that they are not the bad guys~ Now, do you believe me?”

When the redhead gets up, she closes her eyes and briefly turns her head away. “You are so easy to trust these strangers.”

Crossing her arms, she adds while keeping her serious face. “However, if you say that they are not dangerous, it cannot be helped then. I’ll believe you for now. But! But I’ll keep an eye on them if they come up with anything.”

The reserved android’s attitude makes Chizuru cover her mouth with her fingertips and chuckle. “My, you are an anxious and protective little bot, aren’t you? But why don’t you both sit down on the couch and wait until we get something for you to wear? I’m sure you would like something else than a hospital gown.”

Ioriko only raises her eyebrow and rests her palms on her waist. “Huh? Then return my body-armor instead of this useless piece of clothing.”

Meanwhile, Shingo manages to get up and unsurely addresses the ebony-haired scientist. “Should I leave and find something for Ioriko-san?”

When Chizuru quickly glimpses at the housekeeper android, she reassures him. “That’s okay. I’ll do it a bit later. So, you can finish vacuuming the living room.”

But for now, her gaze returns to the cautious android. “Unfortunately, I cannot do that. Your armor has become so rusty that we needed to peel it off and we had to dispose of it.”

“YOU DID WHAT?!” Ioriko widens her eyes.

As she is about to dash at her, Kyoko shields this scientist. “Ioriko, please calm down! After I was reactivated, she showed me where you were and I saw you lying on the table with your exposed skeleton and wires. So, it seemed they had to remove it because you were damaged a lot.”

“Then what do you suggest me to wear now? I cannot run around like this either.” The red-haired android fires back while containing her anger.

The brunette places her fist on her chest and calmly explains. “That’s why the doc will find you something you may like. Look, she got me this, er, I think she called it a sweater. So, you should go with her and I’ll be there with you.”

These words are enough for Ioriko to calm her stormy emotions, and she lowers her shoulders. “Alright. Then only if you go with me, I’ll go wherever you want me.”

When Kyoko grasps her partner’s hand, she looks at Chizuru with big curious eyes. “Are we going to your room again?”

In the end, Chizuru nods and smiles. “That’s right. So, we’ll see what we have for your friend and I’m sure Ioriko-chan would like something.”

But for now, the male android interrupts her. “Um, excuse me. Then I’ll finish cleaning the living room and prepare lunch.”

“Thank you. But when you are done, don’t forget to have a break as well.” The dark-haired woman responds before the three of them leave the room.

Meanwhile, Ioriko isn’t certain what awaits them ahead, but as long as Kyoko is by her side, she knows she has nothing to fear.