Story Reader / Affection / No. 21: XXI Scene / Story
No. 21: XXI Scene VI
Combat supplies... ready.
The Gray Raven Commandant's room... located.
She reviews her previous training in her M.I.N.D.
One more thing—don't forget to smile.
Don't. Forget. To smile.
She stands in front of the mirror and practices.
...
It's still not a pleasant smile, but at least it's no longer frightening.
At the very least, it shouldn't make anyone mad.
Everything should be ready to go now.
In every sense of the word, today should be an "ordinary" day.
No ground missions. No meetings. Today, you've spent the entire morning in the training room.
At noon, you visit the WGAA to collect the file you asked Ayla to help find, and plan on checking up on No. 21.
You weren't expecting your plans to go right out the window.
—You now stand outside of your room, staring at the scene inside.
Prior to that, you never thought you'd be so shocked to see the state of your room.
I just walked by your room, Commandant. The door was open, so I saw...
...Commandant, I know you've been busy... But you still need to tidy up your room.
At least pick up a little bit. You can't just throw everything on the ground like that.
And also... Um...
Liv seems to hesitate a moment.
Your heart sinks. Rushing over to your room, you see that...
The door is wide open, revealing the disaster within.
All kinds of old toys, badges, glass bottles, cog boxes, and mechanical parts litter the ground.
With no clear place to step, you see a white Construct sitting among the mess, trying to stuff a strange CUB into a box.
Ah! It's you, [player name].
The door was open, so I let myself in. I couldn't find anyone, so I've been waiting for you here.
These are "gifts."
For you, [player name].
You helped me, so I should say thank you. Which I haven't.
Why are you thanking me for thanking you?
Oh...
No. 21 stands up and turns her back. Her shoulders move up and down as if taking several deep breaths, then she turns to face you.
Thank you, [player name].
Is my smile... really that scary?
Looks like all that practice paid off.
No. 21 lowers her head and rubs her face with her hands completely covered by her sleeves.
What about now?
Really...? Then I guess... I still need practice.
Well... Next up.
No. 21 gets down on the ground like a small animal, looks up at you, then raises her hands like two paws.
...Meooooow?
With the door still open, you hear some sounds of bewilderment coming from outside.
Right then, the discussion outside the door seems to get louder.
My machine for learning "emotions" broke.
So I asked some people how to express "gratitude."
This is a "common way to express gratitude."
Is this wrong?
No. 21 bows her head. Her quiet gray eyes seem to express a look of confusion.
...I don't understand.
People will feel sad, smile, sympathize, and decide things according to their own will. Heartless machines won't do that. Not like her. These emotions belong to her and her alone..
You place the brand-new audio-visual terminal that you were holding in No. 21's hands.
That white wolf... I saw it go home.
...I know that wasn't real though. It keeps wandering in the snow.
Really...?
You really are a lot like Captain, but also not at the same time.
Your scent is special, [player name].
When I was in the lab, I never smelled anything like it.
...It's warm and kind. I like it.
I want to have a "human scent."
I've thought you smelled nice ever since I first met you.
As No. 21 stiffly attempts to convey her inner thoughts, she approaches you step-by-step.
She's just like a wild animal who bears their fangs at distant enemies and snuggles up to their trusted companions, snoring gently.
I feel different every time I see you, [player name].
But I don't hate this feeling.
No. 21 stops talking. Her eyes are fixed on you.
Because I can't take my eyes off you.
Is that wrong?
No. 21 tilts her head and appears to be contemplating if she said something wrong.
Her expression is so charming, you can't help but reach out and pet the top of her head.
Right as you are about to retract your hand, No. 21 lifts her head and rubs it against your hand, her soft cheeks touching your palm.
Gradually, the artificial sunlight outside the window begins to set.
Warm light fills the room, enveloping you and No. 21 in a warm glow.
Suddenly, you notice that the sunlight is as warm as it was the first day you met.
After making just a brief appearance in her life, you hold her hand.
