NieR 12022

NieR 12022 Side: 2B

Transcriber: Seviryn

Voices from the Verge

Side 2B

Introduction

Operator 21O

There is a delay in our scheduled correspondence from the Council of Humanity. All communication personnel should carry out designated confirmation protocols.

Operator 6O

Hmm... I feel like there's a lot of noise mixed in with this data. I wonder what it is? ... Wait. This isn't noise.

Operator 21O

Commencing scan. If you don't get anything after four seconds, try a pattern comparison.

Operator 6O

Hold on. This was in a message from the council...

Operator 21O

The Commander... Contact the Commander! Hurry!

Operator 6O

I can't! All the ports have been destroyed, and...

(The stage flashes red. The word Error appears on the screen while a siren goes off.) (Maniacal laughter)

Operator 21O

The infection is...

Operator 6O

No... Noooooo!

— Crumbling Lies —

June 26, 11945

1:12 AM: Logic virus outbreak occurs within the Bunker satellite base.
1:23 AM: Virus spreads to the Information Control Team.
1:25 AM: All external communication channels are cut off.
1:47 AM: Firefights between maintenance workers break out in the hangar.
1:49 AM: Nearly all YoRHa members are infected.
2:05 AM: Infected YoRHa members wreak havoc in the command room.
2:18 AM: Fires break out in multiple living quarters.
2:20 AM: An explosion occurs near the Bunker's fusion reactor.
2:28 AM: YoRHa units 2B and 9S escape the Bunker.
2:30 AM: The Bunker falls. YoRHa is annihilated.

— A Beautiful Song —

The Bunker that was our home fell. The council of Humanity we believed in was a lie. Herein lies a record that has never been disclosed: A record of sights witnessed by 2B and 9S within a memory. Sights seen as they travelled a world mired in absurdity and deceit.

(2B Ragged breathing)

Guess...this is it...

(Thrusting her sword into a stone)

These are...my memories. Take care of everyone for me... Take care...of the future... A2...

Act 1: A City Without Memories

What is this place? Pod, perform a scan of the periphery. Pod, come in! Where are you!?

Pod 042 (Narration)

The spacious expanse where 2B find herself is eerily quiet. Her voice scatters and disappears into the ether as she speaks. She is surrounded by a vast city robbed of color. White buildings are covered by an all-devouring canopy of pure white that blankets the sky.

Pod 153

YoRHa unit 2B located.

Pod 153! Where's 9S!?

Pod 153

Unknown. We were separated while withdrawing from the front line.

Check for black box signals.

Pod 153

Negative. No such check is possible due to communications in the area being jammed.

Then use your sensors to perform a scan of the periphery.

Pod 153

Analysis: No lifeform signatures detected nearby. However, the precision of this information is 39.1% lower than normal as it is not possible to connect to the network.

Pod 042 (Narration)

It is a puzzling situation in a puzzling space. 2B places her hand on her chest.

This isn't right. I should be dead.

Pod 042 (Narration)

She recalls the feeling of cold steel being plunged into her chest. She recalls the stillness in A2's eyes. The event is stored clear as day in her memory banks.

There's also no sign of the virus that infected my body. Pod. What is the likelihood we're in cyberspace?

Pod 153

Hypothesis: There is a 0.2987% chance of this being a cyberspace. Based on matter present in the atmosphere and materials used in nearby buildings, there is a 99.7013% chance of this space existing in the material world. Alert: There is a widely held belief that pinching one's cheek is an effective course of action in such situations. Do you require your cheek pinched?

That won't be necessary.

Pod 042 (Narration)

2B finds herself at a loss. Is there truly still hope? Or is there simply more despair to come?

9S...

Pod 042 (Narration)

No Prayer will be answered. The future remains closed. But simply waiting around is not an option.

We're getting out of here— and we're going to save 9S.

Pod 153

Affirmative. This Pod will commence support of YoRHa unit 2B.

Pod 042 (Narration)

A black shadow dashes through the white expanse. She must put an end to this cycle of tragedy, even if it is all without meaning.

(A2 Groaning)

Pod 042 (Narration)

Despite being caught in the collapse of the city ruins, A2 made it through intact.

Nnngh... god...damnnit! Move, you piece of junk!

Pod 042 (Narration)

She awakens to a body in great pain from head to toe. A body that will not do as she commands. Spewing abuses in disdain of this development, A2 managed to rise to her feet.

Where the hell am I?

Pod 042 (Narration)

Cold white buildings are lined throughout the space. Hollow light pours down from an impossibly clear sky. As A2 takes a step, something emerges from a nearby box.

...A hologram?

Pod 042 (Narration)

The three-dimensional image of a robot wearing a hat bows in A2's direction. Then, As if on cue, machines in the area awaken one after the other. Their speakers blare the same phrase repeatedly, as if attempting to brainwash the listener. A light attached to a building projects an image on the ground. It is what was referred to in the old world as an “advertisement.”

Buzz off, you freakin' scrapheaps!

Pod 042 (Narration)

Without a second thought, A2 launches an offensive, scattering fragments of destroyed machines across the ground.

That should shut things up around here... Huh?

(Emil Cheerful Humming)

Pod 042 (Narration)

A2 hears an easygoing song that fits poorly with her surroundings, as well as the piercing sound of an engine. Though far away, it gradually draws closer.

Seriously?

Emil

Oh no, somebody's in the way! Better pump the breaks and stop on the double!

Pod 042 (Narration)

As A2 worries the shrill sound of braking may have shattered her eardrums, the odor of burnt rubber assaults her nasal passages.

What a stench!

Emil

S-sorry...

Pod 042 (Narration)

A bizarre face is attached to the body of an aged car. Though its appearance is suspicious, A2 doesn't seem wary in the slightest.

Emil. What are you doing here?

Emil

So the city suddenly collapsed, right? And then these big white buildings shot straight up from the ground like BOOM! I tried to escape by jumping across collapsing footholds, but I didn't have the horsepower.

I see.

Emil

It was pretty crazy! ...Hey, where are you going?

I'm gonna blow this joint. Being surrounded by noisy-ass machines isn't my thing.

Emil

Then let me tag along! I can't get any business done down here anyways. You don't mind, right?

Makes no difference to me. If you can't keep up, I'll just leave you behind anyways.

Pod 042 (Narration)

They are amidst a sea of perfectly white buildings. In both shape and form, it is an exact replica of a human city from the old world. Skyscrapers that stand among the clouds. Highways which stretch in all directions. Deluges of light and information. An uninhabited city filled with objects symbolizing humanity's prosperity. And now, A2 and Emil wander this unfamiliar place in search of a way out.

— Peaceful Sleep —

— City Ruins —

2003 / 12

A strange disease of unknown origin emerges, one which causes people to turn white and transform into salt. It begins to spread like wildfire.

2025 / 01

A technology is discovered that enables the separation and preservation of a human's body and soul.

2061 / 12

The process of separating humans is completed. It is decided that humanity will wait until a treatment for the disease has been found.

5012 / 08

Aliens from outer space invade and launch an attack across the entire planet.

11732 / 03

A large-scale counteroffensive staged by the androids managing Earth ends in failure.

11940 / 12

To bring an end to the deadlocked war, the newest models of androids are assembled to form an organization called “YoRHa.”

Act 2: An Encounter Forgotten

Emil

No matter how far we go, all the buildings look same.

I'm sick of walking around like a chump. You've got gunpowder, right? Let's blast our way through.

Emil

How about we take a look in that direction this time? We might find something.

Did you not hear me? Where's the gunpowder at? Let's get explode-y.

Emil

What fantastic weather! Not a cloud in the sky.

Quit acting like you don't hear me, you rusty jalopy.

Pod 042 (Narration)

Footsteps and the sound of an engine echo throughout the colorless, empty city. But while the strange sights may be eerie, the city doesn't once bare its fangs at the pair. Yet A2 still moves to grasp her weapon. She points the blade at the space between two buildings, towards an alley shrouded in shadow.

All right. The hell are you following us around for?

Emil

...A2?

Pod 042 (Narration)

A girl clad in white emerges from the alley. Her hands tremble slightly, perhaps in fear of the weapon pointed at her.

???

I'm sorry. It's just... I've never seen people here before.

Emil

A2, Wait! Please put your weapon away!

Pod 042 (Narration)

A2 raises a slight eyebrow at Emil's plea. She's never seen him show so much emotion before.

You know this kid?

Emil

I'm not sure. I lost a bunch of memories while multiplying myself, so there's a lot I don't really remember very well. But if there's one thing I do know, it's this: We absolutely must not hurt her!

Pod 042 (Narration)

It would be a tall order for A2 to be convinced by Emil's entirely unreasonable explanation. But while his face looks like little more than a strange mask with a moving mouth, A2 somehow sees Emil's yearning for days long past within his gaze. She puts away her weapon and turns to the girl.

You got a name?

Pod 042 (Narration)

After a moment's hesitation, the girl's small lips begin to move.

???

Yonah.

What are you doing here?

Yonah

We live in this city. Me and my brother.

Pod 042 (Narration)

Though the space extends without end, the methodically designed city holds no warmth. And the sheer white buildings that scrape at the heavens look almost like pillars of salt.

Nier

Yonah! Where are you. Yonah!?

Pod 042 (Narration)

A young man pants as he runs in search of his little sister—his only family. There is nothing he wouldn't sacrifice to protect her.

Nier

Yonah!

Pod 042 (Narration)

Pain shoots through his throat as he screams. He has not has a single drop of water since the previous day. Ignoring his parched throat, he comes to a stop. He sees a dark shadow move in the corner of his vision.

Nier

...!

Pod 042 (Narration)

The shadow beings to a woman in a black blindfold. To her side, a small iron box floats in midair.

Pod. Scan for machine lifeforms.

Pod 153

Sufficient data cannot be acquired due to jammed communications.

Nier

What are people doing here? Are you the ones who took Yonah!?

Pod 042 (Narration)

As the young man tightens his grip on the iron pipe in his hand, the woman assumes a combat stance in response.

Pod 153

Proposal: Do not engage. Due to the number of uncertainties in play, gathering additional information is the most effective course of action.

And eliminating him would give us one less uncertainty to worry about.

Nier

What!?

Pod 153

We are isolated within a city of unknown location. Act of provocation are not recommended. Proposal: Pursue cooperative relationships with lifeforms capable of communication, rather than engaging in hostilities.

Nier

I've got no obligation to help out complete strangers.

Pod 153

Negative. The matter at hand is not an obligation. Wanton combat reduces the likelihood of returning alive. There are 38 additional demerits. Which I shall now enumerate. Number one—

Quiet, you.

Nier

What the hell's going on here?

Pod 042 (Narration)

Perhaps succumbing to Pod's persuasion, The two combatants slowly lower their arms.

You alone?

Nier

I've got a sister. We live together. How about you?

Just me and that pod there. We're looking for a way out of this city. You know anything about that?

Nier

Nope. This city's so big, I haven't been able to see all of it. Never reached any kind of dead end, either.

Fine. Tell me how you got here.

Nier

I don't know. My sister and I just sort of showed up one day.

How long have you been here?

Nier

Couldn't say. The sun doesn't set here, so part of me thinks it's just been a few days, but... There's another part that feels like I've been here for months. Say, did you happen to see a little girl on your way here?

No. You're the first person we've met.

Nier

How about boxes filled with food or water?

Nothing like that either. Do such goods even exist in this city?

Nier

You see them every now and then. They're how we've been able to survive. But lately you have to go pretty far afield if you want to find any. Yonah—that's my sister— probably went out to look for food. I'd been away from our house for a lot longer than usual, so...

.....

Pod 153

Proposal: Assist with the search.

Nier

Huh!? You'll help me?

Why, Pod?

Pod 153

We currently possess no information regarding a way out. Refusing to assist will have no impact on our likelihood of discovering an exit. However, people who have been here longer than us likely possess more information than we do. There is a high probability that assisting in the search will yield information regarding a means of escape.

Nier

If you help me look for Yonah, I'll tell you everything I know.

Understood. Pod, perform a scan of the periphery. Concentrate on detecting any movement.

Pod 153

Affirmative.

Nier

Let's get going.

Wait. I need to ask something first.

Nier

Which is?

Why do you have a weapon if all you're doing is looking for your sister?

Nier

Enemies tend to pop up around here. I'm hoping you can take care of yourself. If you can beat me like you said, protecting yourself should be easy.

All right.

— Forest Kingdom —

The city gradually begins to change. Fissures scar the ground. Massive buildings float in midair. Feeling they're not welcome here, 2B and Pod press on... accompanied by an unknown young man.

— Possessed by Disease —

A sound rings out. The sound of groaning iron. A sound that rejects invaders. From amongst the darkness, fangs appears to tear 2B's group to shreds. What appeared from the abyss...were machine lifeforms shaped like animals.

Iron beasts surround them. The young man's breath is ragged. Having entered close-range combat mode, 2B has the slightest hint of a smile on her face. As though fighting is her very reason for living.

Act 3: Past, Present, Future

(2B Battle cry)

Pod 042 (Narration)

The dull, heavy sounds of sword striking metal echoes through the ruins. The fighting is intense—the kind where a fighter does not strike vulnerabilities, but simply hacks their opponent into submission. As their functions cease, light leaves the enemies' eyes and they limply collapse to the ground.

(Panting) You hurt?

Nier

(Panting) I'm fine.

Pod 153

All hostile machine-lifeform readings have disappeared. The interior of this building is now secure.

Nier

I might've been in real trouble without you two. Thanks.

Pod 042 (Narration)

The young man's eyes no longer harbor any trace of hostility or caution. Saying nothing. 2B responds with a quiet nod.

Nier

Those were the enemies I mentioned. There are probably more skulking around in the city— I think they're probably defense robots or something.

No. They're not.

Nier

Hmm?

Machine lifeforms are independent combat units manufactured for the purpose of invasion.

Nier

You know what these things are!?

You don't? There shouldn't be anywhere on Earth without machine lifeforms.

Nier

News to me. I'd never seen anything like them until I got here. And what do you mean “for the purposes of invasion”? Are they weapons? Like, for wars?

Yes—for the war between aliens and humanity. Combat androids like myself were also created as part of that process.

Nier

Are you messing with me?

Pod 153

Query unclear.

Nier

Aliens? Machine lifeforms? You sound like you're talking about some movie.

Pod 153

Negative. What she says is truth. The war against invaders from outer space began in 5012 A.D. and continues to the present day.

Nier

Five thousand... And what year are you gonna say YOU came from?

What good would knowing that do you?

Nier

Just tell me!

It's currently the year 11945. 6,933 years have passed since the aliens invaded.

Nier

...!

Pod 153

Proposal: Both parties should disclose information, including the current year.

Nier

It's 2053, obviously! And in the time I'm from, there's no such thing as aliens or machine lifeforms...

(Yonah cheerfully humming Emil's song)

Yonah

Uh, so how does it go after that?

(Emil cheerfully humming)

Emil

Like that.

Yonah

Your song is tough. I don't know if I'll be able to remember it.

Emil

Just have fun with it! There's no wrong way to sing it.

Pod 042 (Narration)

The song of the boy and girl is absorbed into an endless sky. As if to destroy the tranquil mood, a nearby building suddenly comes crashing down.

(Wheezing) Goddamnit.

Pod 042 (Narration)

A2 hurls abuses before the pile of rubble that was a proper building just moments ago. White dust falls from above, a thin layer of it accumulating on her body.

Emil

Let's call it quits, A2. Smashing random buildings is only going to tire you out.

Sure as hell beats a leisurely search. You could stand to fire off a missile or two of your own, you know.

Emil

Yeah, right. Like I've got missiles installed.

Yonah

(Coughing)

Emil

Yonah! Are you okay?

Er, sorry. You inhale some smoke? I'll stop now.

Yonah

It's okay. I just cough sometimes. I'm always like this—you don't need to worry about it.

Emil

Are you sure you don't want to head back to where your brother is?

Yonah

No, I'm okay. Really. My brother is always doing all sorts of things for me. Whenever he finds food and water, he always says be doesn't need any and gives it to me. So I want to try and help him for once. I'm going to find lots of really tasty food and bring it back to him!

Pod 042 (Narration)

The girl's pure eyes harbor an honest love and earnest devotion for the brother she cherishes. Seeing those eyes, A2 lowers her sword. She then turns away from Yonah and wipes the white powder from her body so it doesn't fly in the girl's direction.

Yonah

You have people waiting for you too, right? That's why you want to go home, isn't it?

I wonder about that...

Pod 042 (Narration)

A2 recalls the faces of her friends that passed long ago. Having been abandoned by her home on the moon, she cannot go back there. Or perhaps she never even had a home to which she could return.

Emil

I don't know if there's anyone waiting for me. Even though I must have some important memories, I can't remember them at all.

Yonah

In that case, you should come live with me and my brother! We have lots of space, so there's plenty of room for the both of you!

Emil

Thanks, Yonah. That's really nice of you. But I want to keep looking for whatever it is that's so important to me. I want to get it back, even if I have to be alone for a really long time to make it happen. Which means I need to leave this city, no matter what.

Yonah

Oh, Emil... Er, so what about you, A2?

I...

Pod 042 (Narration)

A2 feels sensation return to life in her palms. She feels cold steel in her hands as she plunges a sword into 2B's chest. She vividly recalls the resolve housed deep within 2B's red eyes. The event is stored clear as day in her memory banks.

Even if I've got nowhere to go back to, I still have to carry out someone's wish.

Pod 042 (Narration)

For A2, it is the only answer.

Emil

Say, A2? Do you see something under that rubble over there?

Pod 042 (Narration)

A faint ray of light penetrates the wreckage of A2's making and reflects off an object resembling a small box.

The hell's this?

Pod 042 (Narration)

A2 drags the square iron box out from beneath the rubble.

Emil

Isn't that 2B's Pod!?

Sure feels like I've seen it before.

Yonah

Is this a toy robot? Why isn't it working? Should I go look for some batteries?

Emil

Nope. Best thing to do in situations like this is... Emil chop!

The hell!?

Pod 042 (Narration)

An unpleasant beeping rings out as the Pod's little arms begin to rotate.

???

(Groaning) For the love of all that is holy. Would you PLEASE stop pounding me!? My very name brings kingdoms to their knees! Negative. This unit is Pod 042, which brings no one to their knees. Tactical...support...unit. Assisting...YoRHa unit 2B...

Pod 042 (Narration)

Defying gravity, the boxy machine rises into the air and unsteadily flies about like a newly fledged bird.

Hey, I think something's up with this thing.

Emil

That's weird. A quick Emil Chop is usually all it takes to fix most machines.

Yonah

Are you okay? Do you want a cookie? It's just part of one I split with my brother, but...

Pod 042

Negative. Unnecessary. Unnecessary. Sustenance is unnecessary. I am a Tactical Support Unit and you will treat me with the proper respect.

Tch. Get it together already!

Pod 042 (Narration)

A2 sends the Pod flying with a punch. It hits the ground with a dull thud and falls silent.

Emil

A2! Now it's even more broken than before!

If it's not gonna work, it's just scrap anyway.

Pod 042 (Narration)

The beeps that ring out this time are clearer than before. They gradually speed up before ending on a high note similar to the cry of a newborn.

Yonah

Uh, Robotty?

Pod 042

Reactivation complete. No Noise Detected in thought center. Commencing acceleration of thought-analysis region.

Finally awake, huh?

Emil

So what should we do?

Good question. Pod, tell us everything you know.

Pod 042

This Pod was separated from YoRHa unit 2B during the collapse of the city ruins. While searching for her, this Pod accessed this city's information and was attacked by defensive systems, shorting this Pod's circuits. All activities then ceased temporarily.

What do you mean by “accessing:? How do you access a city? And what even IS this place?

Pod 042

Hypothesis: Based on past data, this space is likely a replica of a human city, copied by machine lifeforms. Furthermore, the analysis of gathered information establishes a high probability that this city is a data-storage facility modeled after a brain.

Emil

Storage? What would they be storing in a place as huge as this?

Pod 042

The entire history of humanity as well as all associated information. Also information regarding wars. Androids. Humanity's armies. YoRHa. YoRHa unit 9S's consciousness data has also been saved in this storage facility.

Emil

9S... That's 2B's partner, right?

You must mean that YoRHa kid who showed up when I killed 2B because of her infection. Any Idea where his data is?

Pod 042

Negative.

How about a way out?

Pod 042

Negative. It is impossible to ascertain the entire situation with this Pod's current access credentials. However, if the entire city is in fact a storage facility, there is likely a control device presiding over it.

Emil

So if we manage to get there, we might be able to find an exit.

Easier said than done, seeing as we have no idea where it is.

Pod 042

There is a high probability that its exterior would would differ from regular buildings. Furthermore, it is likely installed in a central location for greater ease of maintenance and organization.

Yonah

'Scuse me!

Emil

What's up, Yonah?

Yonah

I didn't understand any of that!

Emil

Okay, so, um, we're looking for some information that's really important, right? And if we go to the very middle of this city, we might find a control device that... I just lost you again, didn't I?

Yonah

Yep!

Emil

Thought so.

Yonah

But, um... Hmm... Oh! I saw a super pretty building once, but it was from far away. It stood out from other buildings 'cause it has this kinda warm glow. It was really nice. But my brother told me it was dangerous and that I should stay away.

Emil

Do you think that could be the place?

You remember where it was?

Yonah

I think so! It shouldn't be too far from where we are now. Follow me.

— Kainé —

The scenery around them begins to change. They witness a world falling into ruin. Like something from a person's memories.

Yonah

A long time ago, me and my brother lived a happy life together.

Nier

I knew it from the start. I knew they were lying when they said they'd cure my sister's illness.

Emil

We met in a place ruled by dark Shades.

Nier

I never meant to get everyone wrapped up in a bloodbath. I took advantage of their kindness.

Yonah

But you know what? I was never scared. Because I had my brother there with me the whole time.

Emil

My memories of that time shine so brightly.

Nier

It's all because of me. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Emil

It's okay. Everything's okay.

Yonah

Thank you, Brother...

— Emil / Karma (Despair) —

A sound rings out. Machine lifeforms are crying. Their metal bodies transform. Distort. Before taking on the shapes of ancient aberrations.

sadnessregretloneliness
pain lonelinesssadness
regretsadnesspain
lonelinesssadnesspain

They had names.

Sacrifice
The Law of Robotics
The Memory Tree
The Stone Guardian
Loyal Cerberus

There was once an age where creatures called “Shades” existed.

Those fangs of old wish to be reborn.

Act 4: Hopes and Schemes

(Panting) Ugh.

Pod 153 (Narration)

Coarse bodies created for combat. Dim inorganic eyes. The group of mechanical lifeforms quietly and dispassionately corners A2's group.

Yonah

A2!

Emil

Get back, Yonah!

Pod 042

Deploying long-range attack systems at full power.

Pod 153 (Narration)

The Pod targets the enemy with its high-power laser. Scorching beans of light tear through the mechanical lifeforms, but it is not enough to halt their advance.

I can't die here, dammit! Move! Move already!

Pod 153 (Narration)

A2's feet are unsteady. The weapon in her hands feels terribly heavy. She falls to her knees before the advancing enemy.

I won't let everything end here!

Emil

A2!

Pod 153 (Narration)

An overwhelming number of mechanical lifeforms gather before A2's group. The machines mass together, forming the face of an enormous beast. As the beast opens its gaping maw and bares its fangs, A2's group can only look on in shock.

Get up. It's not over yet.

You're...!

(2B battle cry)

Pod 153 (Narration)

A sharp blade carves through the enemy armor, easily harvesting life from the unliving. Pod 153 provides support by firing countless high-speed energy rounds.

Nier

Yonah!

Yonah

Brother!

Pod 153 (Narration)

In contrast to 2B, the young man's swordplay is dull and heavy, his will to protect his only family harbored in each swing. The tables are turned in an instant. Having lost many of their number, the machine lifeforms lose their ability to coordinate, and are soon reduced to scrap.

Nier

Thank goodness you're safe, Yonah. I was worried sick. Are you okay?

Yonah

I'm so sorry. I was just...

Nier

You don't need to apologize. All that matters is that you're safe.

Pod 153 (Narration)

The young man swoops up his sister in a tight embrace, as though attempting to make sure it's truly her. Emil's gaze remains fixed upon the pair.

Emil? What are you doing here?

Emil

Oh, I won't bore you with the details. Did you also end up here after getting caught in the collapse?

Yeah. I think so, anyway.

Emil

Well, I'm real glad to see you! With you around, we've got this in the bag—

Pod 153 (Narration)

Emil's words are interrupted by A2 drawing her sword.

Emil

A2!? What's going on!?

What are you doing here, 2B?

Yonah

Oh no! Why are you fighting?

She shouldn't exist. The very fact she's here is wrong.

Nier

You two aren't friends, I take it?

That's not the problem. I killed you, YoRHa unit 2B. Yet here you are, very much not dead.

Emil

You KILLED 2B?

Pod 153 (Narration)

The joy of their reunion dissipates, giving way to caution and doubt. Amidst an atmosphere so tense once would struggle to even draw breath, a small burst of light suddenly takes flight.

Pod!?

Pod 153 (Narration)

Pod 042 fires an energy round, destroying Pod 153.

Is it infected!?

Pod 153 (Narration)

Was the virus physically injected into it during the fight? Or did it suffer a countermeasure while accessing the enemy network? A2 knows she must strike it down before the virus spreads, but Pod 042 floats into the air and out of reach.

Pod 042

Analysis: Upon reuniting with Pod 153, this Pod issued 194 requests for inter-Pod communication. All were denied. Scans yielded machine-lifeform protocol signals, so its disposal was carried out.

You expect me to believe that!?

Pod 042

This Pod will present evidence upon confirmation that YoRHa unit A2 has disarmed.

Emil

A2!

Pod 153 (Narration)

At that moment, a reactivation sound comes from the presumably destroyed Pod 153. Its damage is such that movement should be impossible. And yet, the unit floats in the air. The Pod's limp, feeble arms slowly begin to move. With its gaze fixed on the group. The Pod stretches its arms to its sides. Its visage is unto the very gods. The gods. Heh heh, ha ha ha. If there truly are gods, how would they explain your plight? Incredible to think all of you would end up in the same place at the same time.

Who are you?

Pod 153

Such a definition would be exceedingly challenging. We are an informative concept that bears no form—an electronically constructed being.

Pod 042

Hypothesis: It is a networked intelligence. A conceptual existence born from a new network created by machine lifeforms.

Nier

Are you what brought me and Yonah here!?

Pod 153

We have beckoned nothing and no one. This is a city of memories. It is a reflection of what is, constructed as is—desires and distortions included.

Emil

Then send us back where we came from!

Pod 153

Ha ha. If only it were so simple.

Then die.

Pod 153

Come to the place of prayer. Then perhaps your future...will...

Yonah

Brother?

Nier

Did it break?

Emil

Doesn't look like it can move anymore. Seemed to be saying something at the end, though.

the “place of prayer...”

Emil

What do you think it meant by that?

Pod 042

Prayer. The act of praying to a deity. An earnest request or wish.

Now we've got talk of gods on top of everything else? What a load of bull.

Nier

Prayer... Prayer... Maybe it meant a church? I've seen one here before. You remember it, don't you, Yonah?

Yonah

You mean the pretty building that kinda glowed?

Nier

That's the one! There were lots of enemies there, though.

Pod 042

The presence of more stringent security suggests it is likely a facility of greater importance than other areas. Hypothesis: The church in question bears some relation to the data storage facility's control device. It may provide information that leads to YoRHa unit 9S's consciousness data.

9S is here in this city!?

Pod 042

Specifically, what is stored here is YoRHa unit 9S's consciousness data. Not 9S himself.

YoRHa consciousness data is...

When the Bunker was infected, the server backup that would be used to assure the consistency of his self was destroyed. If 9S's consciousness data is here, we need to salvage it. Otherwise... Please, A2. Once this is over, you can do whatever you want to me. But right now, please help me.

But...

Emil

Think of it as a favor to me, too!

Yonah

Ooh, ooh! I'll ask too! Please help!

Nier

Stay out of this, Yonah!

Yonah

But isn't it more fun if we're all friends?

Ugh, fine. Whatever. I'll tag along.

Pod 042

This Pod requests that the earliest inhabitants of this space provide guidance to the vicinity of the church.

Nier

But I don't think we can take Yonah...

Pod 042

Hypothesis: The escape route from this space is located in the church. Hypothesis: You two seek to escape from this dangerous area. Conclusion: Accompanying us is your optimal course of action.

Nier

All right. Think you can hang in there, Yonah?

Yonah

You bet I can!

Don't do anything funny, 2B. I don't want to kill you a second time.

Understood, A2. I hear you loud and clear.

Maybe there never was a best choice to begin with. If all we can do is abandon hope and make our choices while burdened by the weight of despair, what purpose does the future even hold? But I...

— Bipolar Nightmare —

Entrusting her back to A2, 2B could feel it... The machine lifeforms' screams. The sensation of sliding steel through them. There was dark joy in it all.

— Mourning —

A place to celebrate life and send off the deceased. A place of prayer. The city's records can be gleaned from within the tranquil light. A record of humanity's end. A history of machines copying a city. And also... the hesitance they felt.

This city is a replica. A city built by machine lifeforms based on the siblings' memories of where they lived. And even the very siblings themselves were nothing but imitations born from memories.

Act 5: The Resolve of the Manufactured

Nier

It's a fake city created by our memories?

Yonah

So me and my brother aren't real?

Pod 153 (Narration)

Truth leaves no place for Mercy. Only falsehoods have the power to thaw hearts.

Imitations created in a city of memories... I suppose that means me, too?

Pod 042

Affirmative. It can be hypothesized that the only being who exist outside of this space are this Pod, A2, and Emil. YoRHa unit 2B and the siblings are—

Don't say it. Just don't. We get it.

Pod 153 (Narration)

In a world without people, amidst those who copy people, fate continues to toy with people-shaped puppets.

Yonah

I'm scared.

Nier

It's okay, Yonah. I'll always be by your side.

Pod 153 (Narration)

When this world's true form is revealed, cracks run through its reality. They spread without limit, covering the ground, buildings, and even the sky.

Emil

The city is collapsing!

Pod 153 (Narration)

The sweet falsehoods that envelop the world slowly peel away—and a small rip in the city of memories kicks off its collapse.

Pod, search for an exit.

Pod 042

Search complete. Our current location is deep beneath the city ruins. The exit is over 12 kilometers away. There is a 99.9823% likelihood that we will be caught in the collapse before escaping.

Then what the hell should we do!?

Pod 042

It is recommended that we transfer our data to our bodies on the surface. This would provide a slightly higher probability of survival than attempting to physically escape this space.

Emil

Then hurry up and prepare the transfer!

Pod 042

Negative.

Let me guess: You can't send us imitations.

Pod 042

Affirmative. The Data assembled in this space is of a completely different structure. Additionally, YoRHa unit 2B's body on the surface has already been destroyed, making an upload impossible.

Emil

Them we've got to just leave everyone here?

We won't know unless we try! Pod, try to get them out—

Nier

It's all right. It all seemed off to me. We wake up in an empty city that also has just enough stuff lying around to keep us alive? Nothing checks out if you think about it. But I ignored it because I wanted to protect Yonah. ...I'm sorry, Yonah. If I were stronger, maybe I could have protected you when it counted most.

Yonah

But... But you ARE strong! I know it! Because when you're around, nothing can scare me! It's okay if I'm not real! It's okay if I disappear! I'm not scared of anything... I don't even care if I die so long as... we're together...

Nier

Yonah, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

Emil

I've got a plan! My body's memory area has gone through so many multiplications and separations that it should be able to carry an extra three people's worth of consciousness data.

Pod 042

Negative. In practice it will be impossible to secure enough storage for four times as much consciousness data.

Emil

I'll do it anyway!

Emil...

Emil

I don't know what'll happen. I don't. I've gone through so much fighting, and I've forgotten so much, but I need to do this! That's why I'm here! When I look at them, I just KNOW I'm meant to do this!

Nier

Emil...

Emil

Every time you say my name... No, forget it. Let's do out best, okay?

Nier

Thank you.

Emil.

Emil

You too, 2B—don't you dare let go of my hand while we're in the data space.

Understood. And thanks.

Nier

If this is a city made from our memories, we should be able to make an exit on our own. Think you can do it, Yonah? I'll be right here with you.

Yonah

Yeah.

Sounds like we've got a plan. To summarize, we're basically gonna find a way to force it.

Pod 042

Negative.

Would it kill you to play along for once?

Pod, about 9S...

Pod 042

The search for YoRHa unit 9S's consciousness data has already commenced.

Think you'll find it?

Pod 042

Unknown. But it must be found.

Thanks, Pod, And Emil? A2? Look after 9S.

All right.

Pod 042

Alert: Promises are meaningless. Only consciousness data will be uploaded as advanced encryption will be applied to the transfer path.

Emil

Which means what, exactly?

Pod 042

Memories made here will not be saved.

In that case, A2...find a way to force it.

Easy for you to say... Well, I'll figure something out.

Pod 042

Alert: The central storage area's defensive layer has been breached. Executing sustained vaccine deployment to counter viral readings in the hostile defense layers. Commencing data salvage and verification. 20%... 40%... 80%...

Live, 9S. Not for the world, but for yourself!

Pod 153 (Narration)

The fading city of memories shakes as though in pain, unleashing countless foes. It senses its end is near and marches down the path to oblivion, the heavy footsteps of machine lifeforms echoing far and wide.

Nier

I'll take care of this.

The rest of you should start your upload.

Pod 042

Alert: Network optimization and transfer-path encryption complete. 3... 2... 1... Commencing data transfer. Now returning to the surface.

Pod 153 (Narration)

2B notices the change that occurs within her as the ruins collapse.

The virus readings that has disappeared are reactivating. So I can't upload myself with Emil...

Pod 153 (Narration)

Her eyes turn red. Her body begins to tremble.

But I still have one last thing to do.

Pod 153 (Narration)

Amidst the crumbling city, salvation reaches out for a heart that teeters on the edge. It is an eternal prayer, one woven in hope and despair.

I will save 9S. No matter what.

— The Sound of the End —

Final gate reached. Commencing data transfer.

— Song of the Ancients / Atonement —

— Weight of the World —

The infection spreads through 2B's consciousness. She prays. Before death's footsteps reach her, she screams.

Even if nobody hears me. 9S saved me.

Within a crumbling memory, she bids farewell to 9S's consciousness data.

I did feel a little bit lonely but now my h eart is filled with such warm light

Tha nk y ou Ni ne

Encore Medley:

— Prayer —
— Copied City —
— Amusement Park —
— Alien Manifestation —
— Dependent Weakling —
— Voice of no Return —
— Weight of the World —