Born From the Mud

......

Sesta!

What's wrong? Why did you wander off on your own?

This area is filled with violent machines. It's not safe to be out here alone.

Looked similar.

Similar? Similar to what?

Looks like place Sesta was born. Abandoned land, where things cast aside and shut away. This place is like that.

Oh yeah. I remember you saying that you were born in some dark, muddy pit before.

You were born in such a place?

Sesta thought maybe it was same place. So Sesta came here from city. But no. Where Sesta lived was darker. Covered in thick sludge. No big city where Sesta from either.

You're talking about Elzion? You did look awe-struck when you saw it.

Somebody, help!

Hm?

Sesta smells danger.

Danger? What are you...

Uh-oh, you're right! Those are security robots!

Get back.

What are you talking about? I can help fight...

No. Stay out of this.

Whoa! You blow my mind every time you do that!

Time Aldo gets used to it. Reaction startles Sesta.

Whoa! How did you do that?

Sesta was born in dust. No, more like dust is part of Sesta. Body is bound by Sesta's will. Can break it down and turn it into something else.

I'm so confused. You're saying you can transform into other things?

Whatever Sesta wants to, yes. Back then, Sesta sought claws. Sesta sought fangs...

Anyway, no matter now. Enemies destroyed.

Th-Thank...you...

Woman okay? Not broken?

B-Bro...ken?

Um, Sesta? She's clearly not a machine.

It's a bit weird to ask her if she's broken.

Oh? You do not call objects broken when damaged, destroyed, or useless?

Um, well, people aren't "objects" you see...

All things physically there are objects. People are objects. People can break, no?

I mean, you're not wrong, but...

Look, I appreciate your help, but you seem kinda strange.

Not that it matters right now! There might be more robots out there! I need to get back to Elzion!

Come to think of it, what were you doing out here in the first place?

I'm in the business of buying and selling machine parts. I was on my way home after purchasing goods from a hunter when those things attacked me.

I see. Elzion's still a fair distance from here.

Why don't we escort you back?

You'd do that for me? Thank you!

Sesta, are you okay with that?

Sesta will come. Machines, things stronger than people oppress the weak. Sesta sees this, and feels something twitch in pit of stomach.

A-Again with the weird phrasing. Are you saying you can't stand it?

May be a similar feeling to the anger that burns inside Sesta.

Anyway. We must transport woman back to city, no?

T-Transport?

Hm? Moving objects with mass to destination called "transport," yes? What is wrong?

It's not wrong, so much as, um...

Sesta knows good way to transport and keep safe from enemy at the same time.

Whoa? Why did you transform?

What's she doing?

Eeek!

This is the safest and quickest way to transport.

At least warn us first!

I-Is this beast gonna digest me?! No! Let me out of here!

Stop! It tickles! Stop moving in there!

*huff huff* What's with this person? She's way more dangerous than any robot!

Please keep an open mind. I'm sure she didn't mean you any harm.

Sesta, let's just walk her back to town the old fashioned way, okay?

Fine. Sesta liked her method though.

You really did think you were doing the right thing, didn't you?

Okay, let's get our act together and head for Elzion.

Eek!

Get back!

Problem solved.

I swear there's more enemies than usual today. They seem to be converging around her.

Wait. Smell of danger still lingers in the air.

Oh no! Look out!

Guh! What is this?

Sesta smashes!

Ugh. My head's spinning!

I think it's sleeping gas. I'm so sorry, this is all my fault!

No, it's not your... Augh, this kinda hurts.

I can still just about walk, but there's no way I can fight in this condition.

It is fine. Sesta will handle it.

Sesta? You're not gonna swallow us again, right?

No, Sesta fights normally and protects you both. Aldo looks about to break. When Sesta sees this...

It makes Sesta angry. Same anger that awoke Sesta. Same anger that drives Sesta.

I wouldn't say I'm about to break... But thanks all the same, Sesta. I appreciate it.

It's not far to Elzion now. Let's keep going!

Sorry for making you carry me all the way to bed.

Aldo needs rest. Aldo heals much slower than Sesta.

I'm not wounded or anything. I'll be fine. Thanks, though...

I'm glad we made it back safely.

Hm. Just hope he gets better soon.

He's probably just really drowsy. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Though I have to admit, I was surprised to see Aldo defeated so easily.

Woman knows Aldo?

I realized when I heard his name earlier. He's known as the guy who defeated Galliard, the Synth Human leader, along with Amy of Ishar's. But clearly even he can be vulnerable. You live and learn.

Woman is disappointed in Aldo?

Just surprised. He's supposed to be a hero, yet he was taken down by a standard type robot.

If only you'd been defeated, too. Then everything would have gone according to plan...

Huh?

Oh, nothing! Don't mind me.

Well, I should get going. Thank you so much for your help.

Wait. Aldo will...

......

*yawn* I feel much better after my rest. Thanks, Sesta. You brought me here, didn't you?

Tell Sesta...

Huh? Tell you what?

Sesta is restless. All the time. Not sure if it is stomach or head.

Huh? Are you feeling unwell?

No. Not that. It is emotion.

This feeling... It tastes like the anger that drives Sesta.

Just not as strong.

Irritation, maybe? Though it would help if I knew what was causing it.

Feeling gets worse just now. When woman seems disappointed in Aldo. Ever since, Sesta feels restless.

The woman from before? I guess I didn't really show her my good side.

Are you angry for me? I mean, I appreciate it, but it's really not necessary.

No. It is not that.

Sesta doesn't want to ignore feelings. When Sesta awoke in the dark, much knowledge was buried in mud around me. But all Sesta found was feelings of anger.

Without these feelings, Sesta would never have been born. These feelings are why Sesta lives.

You have a pretty extensive vocabulary, yet you don't know what irritation is? You can't understand any feeling other than anger?

The only way to understand emotions is to experience them. May know words, but it is difficult to connect them to feelings.

I suppose...

Okay, we need to find a way for you to manage your feelings. There's nothing we can do about that woman being disappointed in me.

Oh. Sesta thought of something.

Huh?

Must show people how amazing Aldo is. Then no one will speak ill of him. Aldo stays here to rest. Not healed yet. Leave it to Sesta.

What? No, you really don't need to...

Besides, if you leave me here, how are you supposed to improve my reputation?

Sesta will manage. Sesta acts as you. You saw Sesta turn into a wolf, no? Sesta will just rearrange body.

Wait. Are you saying you can disguise yourself as other people?

Maybe. Never tried before. But Sesta thinks it can be done.

That sounds...vague. Maybe this isn't such a good idea?

Do not try to stop Sesta. Sesta can bear this no more. Sesta follows impulses, always. So...watch this.

What do you think?

What do I think? Um...is that...me? The body looks like me, but the face? It's all over the place!

So there are subtle differences? Sesta thinks she did a good job.

Is that what you think my face looks like?

Face is the fleshy thing on top of neck, yes? It is within margin of error. Sesta is happy to go out like this.

You're not really planning to show that face in public are you? There's no way that's gonna...

Sesta told you already. Do not try to stop.

Sesta follows impulses, always.

Sesta, wait!

I don't know what's going to happen, but I know it's going to be bad! She couldn't have gone far. I have to find her as soon as possible and get her to change back!

What's with this guy? You okay, bud? You don't look right...

Teehee! That's such a silly face! Show me how to do it!

It's kinda unsettling, even for an android...

Seems to be getting some attention. This is good.

Ahem. Let me tell how great Ses, no, how great Aldo is.

Ooh, he's talking! What is this, some kind of performance?

Aldo is strong human.

Also is flawless with the sword. Dependable in battle.

When faced with giant wolf, at first Aldo was afraid, but grew bold quickly.

Even if strange machine puts Aldo to sleep, he is fine. All creatures need sleep.

Um...what is this guy talking about?

Borrring. Do something funny!

They seem to not like that. Display of strength is not appealing? Then...maybe this?

Okay, that settles it. He's nuts.

H-He's kinda creeping me out now.

I don't know why, but I feel like I should call EGPD.

Huh? Where did everyone go?

Maybe Sesta messed up...

Oh? It's you again!

Are you feeling better now?

Wait, why is your face like that? Is it some kind of side effect from that gas?

You are not afraid to talk to me?

Well, I wouldn't say I'm not afraid. But you did save my life.

If you are scared, then at least you must not think Aldo is weak anymore.

Well scariness and strength are two very different things. Wait, why are you talking like that?

You know what, never mind. I'm actually glad I ran into you here.

The thing is, I've got to go back to Route 99 for work, and I'd rather not have to make the trip alone.

For danger of being attacked? Yes, that sounds right. Aldo protects Woman this time, and proves strength.

Do you always speak in the third person? I don't remember that from before...

Either way, I'd appreciate your help. Will you come with me?

We should go now.

You're saying there's a suspicious character with a non-human face going around, terrorizing the neighborhood?

Yeah. How am I meant to do my shopping, knowing that guy's out there somewhere?

He was super scary.

Hm, this is concerning. However, I'm busy with another case right now. There's been a string of strange robberies, in which hunters are being swindled and their product stolen.

You call that strange? THIS case is the strange one! He may not have harmed anyone, but I can see him making a real nuisance!

Did they just mention a non-human face? I wonder if Sesta was here. Things are definitely taking an odd turn.

Oh! He was dressed just like that!

He was? But there's nothing strange about his face at all? He could still be a person of interest. Lemme just ask you a few questions.

Hey! Wait a minute! You're not looking for me, you're...

Nope, his face may be back to normal, but that's definitely the guy.

Oh no! How am I ever gonna explain this? I'll have to escape, it's my only option. I wonder where Sesta went.

Where is this job? All the way at end again?

No, here should be fine.

Oh? Nothing here. At least we were not attacked this time.

Yes, it would have been problematic to cause a scene so close to town. Now seems about the right time.

Right time? How does Woman know when attack will come? Is is almost like Woman knows her attacker.

Yes, I do. I don't have to keep quiet anymore, so I might as well tell you.

I'm the one controlling those robots.

What?

I just want to put you to sleep, not defeat you. That's all I've wanted since we first met. Once you've collapsed, I'm just gonna take your money and goods. That sword of yours looks like it's worth a bit.

Woman is here to steal?

Now, fall asleep like before. You don't have any allies with you this time.

Aha! Over there!

I heard what you just said. You were trying to trap us.

What the? The perp...

There's two of them? How? Why? I don't understand.

Okay. No point looking like this anymore.

It was you all along? That's why his face looked so odd?

Ugh, this doesn't look good for me. Why'd you have to bring EGPD with you? I gotta get outta here!

Wait? A woman disguised in ordinary clothes, the same robots...this has gotta be my robber! There's no way I can take her alone. Maybe I should call reinforcements?

No. Reinforcements not needed. Just wait there.

Right now, Sesta is sure what she feels. Sesta feels anger. Sesta burns with rage. Whoever came up with that expression is very clever. It sums the feeling up well.

No! I'm not getting busted because of some weird coincidence! Sleep, all of you!

That will not work. Prepare self, Woman. Sesta follows instincts now. Sesta devours you.

I guess this is the end of the line for me.

Fancy catching my culprit by sheer coincidence. What a bit of luck.

I appreciate your help, you two.

Phew...

Are you feeling any calmer?

Maybe. Anger has subsided a little. Sesta vented it with violence.

It is odd. Initial cause of anger not resolved. Sesta is still disappointed in Aldo. Emotions are strange things.

I wouldn't worry about it. I never really cared about her disappointment in me anyway. You were doing this for you, so if you feel better, that's all that really matters.

Maybe.

Still, I'm flattered you cared enough about me to do all that. Maybe that irritation you felt earlier was outrage.

Outrage? That is what it is called?

Maybe. I'd feel outraged if any of my friends' reputations were damaged. You must think of me as a friend. I'm grateful.

Oh!

Feels like heart is dancing with warmth. What is this feeling called?

Haha. There aren't many people who feel bad about being thanked.

Sesta starts to like this feeling.

Praise Sesta again, Aldo.

Huh? Oh, um. Well, I really am glad you think of me as a friend. It's touching.

Yes. Praise Sesta more. Sesta feels the urge to have this feeling again.

Sesta has an idea. We will boost Aldo's reputation further. That will make Sesta feel even better.

No really, I'm fine with things as they...

Sesta is not fine. So...

We will go back to town. Sesta gets same effect again.

Hey. Wait! These two things are completely unrelated! I don't want this!

As Sesta said before, do not try to stop. Sesta follows impulses. That is why Sesta lives.

Stop! All you're gonna do is cause more chaos!