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Difference between revisions of "2B and 9S Relationship"

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==Soul Box==
 
==Soul Box==
Soul Box scene has a rather big [[https://theark.wiki/w/Localization_Differences#Soul_Box_Scene localization issue]] 9S was not shouting that his memories were his and his alone with anger. In fact he was shouting in desperation that those memories about 2B were his ''treasure''. Which goes a long way since in Route B 9S learns that some machines had so-called "treasures".
+
Soul Box scene has a rather big [[Localization_Differences#Soul_Box_Scene localization issue]] 9S was not shouting that his memories were his and his alone with anger. In fact he was shouting in desperation that those memories about 2B were his ''treasure''. Which goes a long way since in Route B 9S learns that some machines had so-called "treasures".
  
 
That is further explained in the Precious Things recital drama:
 
That is further explained in the Precious Things recital drama:
Line 58: Line 58:
 
|9S|Strategy Guide/Game Chapters Comments <ref name="strategy guide comments">[[Strategy Guide/Game Chapters Comments]]</ref>}}
 
|9S|Strategy Guide/Game Chapters Comments <ref name="strategy guide comments">[[Strategy Guide/Game Chapters Comments]]</ref>}}
  
 +
From [[Strategy Guide]] and [[Precious Things]] recital we know that 9S was corrupted some time before he entered the Tower. And since the virus was corroding his memories and taking them away - Soul Box is an obvious place where it happened.
  
 +
Furthermore, [[A Long Story]] shows us what 9S was thinking when laughing
 +
 +
{{quote|''I'll kill anyone who hurts 2B. I'll kill anyone who touches 2B. I'll kill anyone who gets close to 2B. I'll kill anyone who looks at 2B. Because the only one who's allowed to look at 2B is me. The only one who's allowed to get close to 2B is me. The only one who's allowed to touch 2B is me. The only one who's allowed to hurt 2B is me. The only one allowed to…''|9S|A Long Story <ref name="a long story">[[A Long Story]]</ref>}}
 +
 +
==2B Clones Fight==
 +
 +
Again, side materials clarify that 9S was not doing it because of his hatred towards 2B
 +
{{quote|'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' Reality and fiction blend together.''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' With clouded consciousness, unit 9S carries himself forward, his legs heavy.''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' He'll defeat as many enemies as possible, even if he is alone.''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' As if in response to that wish, a new enemy appears.''<br/>
 +
'''''9S:''' Khh ...''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' Many enemies appear in front of him.''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' They're ... androids.''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' They're ... YoRHa units.''<br/>
 +
'''''9S:''' 2B models?''<br/>
 +
'''Pod 042 (narration):''' The person he treasures above all else.<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' Someone who resides in a location out of his reach.''<br/>
 +
'''''9S:''' Heh ... Heheheh ...''<br/>
 +
'''''9S:''' I'm glad I got to see you here. I truly am.''<br/>
 +
''(9S gives a distorted smile.)''<br/>
 +
'''''9S:''' I'll tear you apart ... Every last one of you!''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' 9S draws his sword.''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' Is this an act of murderous intent? Or is it perhaps done out of love? It's no longer possible to tell.''|Precious Things <ref name="precious things"/>}}
 +
And from [[A Long Story]]:
 +
{{quote|''When 9S saw the 2B copies, he thought that the machines were trying to mess with him again, like what they tried with 21O. They probably wanted to see him get killed by 2B; see his face twist in despair, watch him as he cries and screams, he thought.''<br/>
 +
''Silly machines. Despair? Cry and scream? But why would I do that? When there are so many 2Bs right in front of me.''<br/>
 +
''"I'm glad…I'm really glad to be meeting you here…"''<br/>
 +
''I'm glad that 2B isn't walking around somewhere I don't know about. If it's here, I can reach her. I tear off my visor. There's no need to hide anything. There's no need for extra information. I want to see directly. 2B's figure. The 2B that I can touch if I just reach out, reflected in these eyes, and then.''<br/>
 +
''"All of you…"''<br/>
 +
''I can't hold down my bubbling laughter.''<br/>
 +
''"Because I'm going to destroy all of you!"''<br/>
 +
''Making 2B models without permission? I can't forgive that. Breathing life into 2B models without permission? I can't forgive that. That's why, with these hands, I'm going to destroy them. That's right. The only one who is allowed to destroy 2B is me.''<br/>
 +
''"I'll shatter every last one of you into pieces!"''<br/>
 +
''Because you're all mine. I won't hand you over to anyone. …Not even if it's to 2B herself.''<br/>
 +
|A Long Story <ref name="a long story"/>}}
 +
Furthermore, English Voice Acting for “2B I am going to kill you now” line is [[Localization_Differences#2B_Clone_Fight_Scene|different]] as there is no audible hatred presented in Japanese.
 +
==So 2B and 9S are just good friends? 9S did call her a family in the ending D.==
 +
===From the game===
 +
''There is no point in mentioning every single moment that shows how much 2B and 9S loved each other. But here are some notable ones in no particular order.''
 +
 +
* Read: [[Lore_FAQ#Weapon_Stories|Weapon Stories]] of Cuel Blood Oath and Virtuous Treaty.
 +
* The game has sidequests like ''Amnesia'' where 2B shows jealousy when 9S supposedly helps a pretty woman (we are going to disregard a baseless theory about 2B doing this just because she wanted to protect 9S from discovering E unit she somehow recognized); Parallels with quests like ''Wandering Couple'' and ''Photographs''
 +
*9S reaction to 2B’s compliment during her maintanance at the start of the game, etc.
 +
*9S suggesting to go shopping together and buy 2B a T-shirt is what old humans used to call a date.
 +
*2B flight unit message sounds like an awkward confession especially considering that memories are the most important thing androids could have.
 +
*Both EN and JP versions of Weight of the World tracks have huge romantic vibes.
 +
===From side materials===
 +
''There is no point in mentioning every single moment that shows how much 2B and 9S loved each other. But here are some notable ones in no particular order.''
 +
 +
Each time 9S finds out about 2B's mission to kill him, he accepts that sometimes to the point of committing suicide or not resisting to make it easier for her. ([[Memory Cage]], [[Memory Thorn]], [[A Repeating Prayer]]).
 +
{{quote|'''''Pod 153 (narration):''' The hand he was attempting to stroke 2B's cheek with no longer existed.''<br/>
 +
'''''9S:''' I-If it's for you, 2B ... I — I'd easily ... throw my life away …''|A Repeating Prayer <ref name="a repeating prayer">[[A Repeating Prayer]]</ref>}}
 +
At some point ([[Memory Thorn]]) 2B decides to rather die than kill 9S, but 9S kills himself instead and makes a ''promise'' with her - to continue killing him as that way they’ll meet again (hence ''Contract/Treaty/Oath'' in their weapon names).
 +
 +
Said promise goes a long way and is mentioned in several [[:Category:Side Materials|side materials]] as well as in the lyrics of [[Lore_FAQ#Song_for_a_Broken_World|Song for a Broken World]].
 +
 +
[[Precious Things]] goes as direct as it could be:
 +
{{quote|'''''9S:''' I am who I am ... because of 2B ...''<br/>
 +
'''''9S:''' I have a reason to live ... because of those memories ...''<br/>
 +
'''''9S:''' So ... please ... don't take them from me ...''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' To him,''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' calling her family feels too unreasonable.''<br/>
 +
'''''Pod 042 (narration):''' But calling her a lover feels too distant.''<br/>|Precious Things <ref name="precious things"/>}}
 +
The last line reads as  “Not exactly a family and closer than lovers”. The phrasing is a bit vague due to a translation from Japanese. See  explanations in this [https://www.reddit.com/r/2Bx9S/comments/6gm937/pod_042_familylovers_lines_from_4th_concert/ <nowiki>[Reddit Post]</nowiki>]
 +
 +
The term applicable to “closer than lovers” is soulmates. And there is a lot of black/white, virtuous/cruel and weapon stories background images symbolism supporting that in the game. And their love is so strong that they literally can’t live without each other (see Route C, [[Farewell]]).
 +
 +
{{note}} ''Black box “clink” scene at the end of prolog is '''very''' similar to the pact that binds two souls from Drakengard.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT4NIail0CY <nowiki>Video</nowiki>], [https://imgur.com/a/uJxBA <nowiki>Images</nowiki>]''
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
 
__NOINDEX__
 
__NOINDEX__

Revision as of 00:03, 18 November 2017

This topic is not about whether you ship them or not but rather about what was actually shown in the game and various materials outside of it.

Q33. What kind of feelings did 9S harbor towards 2B? What kind of feelings did 2B harbor towards 9S?
No comment.
Yoko TaroStrategy Guide Q&A [1]

This was Yoko Taro's answer printed in Strategy Guide which came out Apr 30, 2017 - before NieR Music Concert: The Memories of Puppets and other materials came out.

Early Theory

The popular theory for a long time was that 9S had an internal conflict and a love/hate relationship with 2B thus making everything between them complicated. Where in fact their feelings towards each other were pretty simple - it's the circumstances they were trapped in were complicated.

This theory mostly came from an early unfinished Memory Cage translation, [****], Soul Box scene, 2B clone fight as well as general stereotypes surrounding the usual hunter/victim themes.

Memory Cage

With the full translation of Memory Cage, we learned that 9S did not want to cold-heartedly kill 2B there (it was his first “life” with 2B too) and it was merely a self-defense which he did not enjoy at all:

"I'm sorry."

"So it wasn't just a misunderstanding,"

"I wish it really were a misunderstanding," he thinks to himself. That 2B was willing to kill him is just too much. With each of his words comes inadvertent changes in his expression and tone, showing small glimpses of his doubts. Though soon, those doubts turn to confidence and that confidence becomes reality.

"I really didn't want to have to do this ..."

He didn't hack her solely for the purpose of taking control of her body and killing her. There's something he needed to know, no matter the cost.

—9S, Memory Cage [2]

And after learning why 2B didn’t kill him right away he dies in peace:

He only has a few seconds remaining before his "current self" is crushed by the virus and disappears. He watches helplessly as the white space around him becomes painted over by black.

"Is this ... it ..."
The location from which 2B received her orders was from the access point within the desert. There were so many opportunities for her to kill him before they even reached their destination. There was no place to hide, the footing in the sand was terrible, and 2B is easily the better fighter — she had all the advantages in the world. Nevertheless, 2B didn't even attempt to attack him until they were already inside the temple. But 9S was able to see her memories, and find the answer to all of that.
"2B sure is clumsy ..."
It was all so she could end it quickly. So 9S could die without realizing what was happening.
The black spheres fill in the remaining space, leaving no gaps. However, somehow it's a strange and quiet feeling. 9S feels neither fear nor pain.
"Goodbye, 2B ..."

—9S, Memory Cage [2]

****

Read: [****]

Soul Box

Soul Box scene has a rather big Localization_Differences#Soul_Box_Scene localization issue 9S was not shouting that his memories were his and his alone with anger. In fact he was shouting in desperation that those memories about 2B were his treasure. Which goes a long way since in Route B 9S learns that some machines had so-called "treasures".

That is further explained in the Precious Things recital drama:

Pod 042 (narration): Those memories are his greatest treasure.
Pod 042 (narration): The person he treasures above all else.
—Precious Things [3]

9S did not enjoy "stabbing" 2B either. In fact that was a pivotal moment for his mental and physical breakdown.

I am standing in my own memory region. Fragments of my past are reflected on multiple screens. And standing right in the middle of my memory region is...her.

That's right...this is the one place I can meet her.
"2B's data...even if these are memories, I..."
All the surrounding screens are filled with the memories I have with 2B. No matter where I look, she's there. I approach her on unsteady feet. Just as I reached out to touch her, black noise appeared and mercilessly trampled over my memories.
"Stop it...stop it..."
Everything is fading away. Everything I've treasured. They're falling apart. They're being corroded. They're being taken away.
"Stop it!!!!"
I swung my sword at the black shaped humanoid that overtook 2B. I screamed and cried, swinging my sword heedlessly and tearing everything apart.
"Stay the hell out of my god damn memories! These belong to me and me alone! Get away from them!"
The pod warns me of damage to my memory region, but I don't give a damn right now. I don't give a damn right now. I straddled the prone figure and thrust my sword into it. Over, and over, and over again. My screams are not stopping. The thing beneath my body took 2B's form as my stabs drew blood. But she doesn't even smile. She has a blank expression, her body cold like a doll. But the feeling of my sword sinking into her is much too real and vivid.
My crazed screams turn into broken laughter in my throat.
"Ha....hahaha.......haha!!"
My tears have all dried up. My heart is torn.
I'm breaking
Only silence remains as the unit beneath me ceased functioning, its core losing light.
That's enough. Let's bring an end to this. To this world...and to me.

—9S, Strategy Guide/Game Chapters Comments [4]

From Strategy Guide and Precious Things recital we know that 9S was corrupted some time before he entered the Tower. And since the virus was corroding his memories and taking them away - Soul Box is an obvious place where it happened.

Furthermore, A Long Story shows us what 9S was thinking when laughing

I'll kill anyone who hurts 2B. I'll kill anyone who touches 2B. I'll kill anyone who gets close to 2B. I'll kill anyone who looks at 2B. Because the only one who's allowed to look at 2B is me. The only one who's allowed to get close to 2B is me. The only one who's allowed to touch 2B is me. The only one who's allowed to hurt 2B is me. The only one allowed to…
—9S, A Long Story [5]

2B Clones Fight

Again, side materials clarify that 9S was not doing it because of his hatred towards 2B

Pod 042 (narration): Reality and fiction blend together.

Pod 042 (narration): With clouded consciousness, unit 9S carries himself forward, his legs heavy.
Pod 042 (narration): He'll defeat as many enemies as possible, even if he is alone.
Pod 042 (narration): As if in response to that wish, a new enemy appears.
9S: Khh ...
Pod 042 (narration): Many enemies appear in front of him.
Pod 042 (narration): They're ... androids.
Pod 042 (narration): They're ... YoRHa units.
9S: 2B models?
Pod 042 (narration): The person he treasures above all else.
Pod 042 (narration): Someone who resides in a location out of his reach.
9S: Heh ... Heheheh ...
9S: I'm glad I got to see you here. I truly am.
(9S gives a distorted smile.)
9S: I'll tear you apart ... Every last one of you!
Pod 042 (narration): 9S draws his sword.

Pod 042 (narration): Is this an act of murderous intent? Or is it perhaps done out of love? It's no longer possible to tell.
—Precious Things [3]

And from A Long Story:

When 9S saw the 2B copies, he thought that the machines were trying to mess with him again, like what they tried with 21O. They probably wanted to see him get killed by 2B; see his face twist in despair, watch him as he cries and screams, he thought.

Silly machines. Despair? Cry and scream? But why would I do that? When there are so many 2Bs right in front of me.
"I'm glad…I'm really glad to be meeting you here…"
I'm glad that 2B isn't walking around somewhere I don't know about. If it's here, I can reach her. I tear off my visor. There's no need to hide anything. There's no need for extra information. I want to see directly. 2B's figure. The 2B that I can touch if I just reach out, reflected in these eyes, and then.
"All of you…"
I can't hold down my bubbling laughter.
"Because I'm going to destroy all of you!"
Making 2B models without permission? I can't forgive that. Breathing life into 2B models without permission? I can't forgive that. That's why, with these hands, I'm going to destroy them. That's right. The only one who is allowed to destroy 2B is me.
"I'll shatter every last one of you into pieces!"
Because you're all mine. I won't hand you over to anyone. …Not even if it's to 2B herself.

—A Long Story [5]

Furthermore, English Voice Acting for “2B I am going to kill you now” line is different as there is no audible hatred presented in Japanese.

So 2B and 9S are just good friends? 9S did call her a family in the ending D.

From the game

There is no point in mentioning every single moment that shows how much 2B and 9S loved each other. But here are some notable ones in no particular order.

  • Read: Weapon Stories of Cuel Blood Oath and Virtuous Treaty.
  • The game has sidequests like Amnesia where 2B shows jealousy when 9S supposedly helps a pretty woman (we are going to disregard a baseless theory about 2B doing this just because she wanted to protect 9S from discovering E unit she somehow recognized); Parallels with quests like Wandering Couple and Photographs
  • 9S reaction to 2B’s compliment during her maintanance at the start of the game, etc.
  • 9S suggesting to go shopping together and buy 2B a T-shirt is what old humans used to call a date.
  • 2B flight unit message sounds like an awkward confession especially considering that memories are the most important thing androids could have.
  • Both EN and JP versions of Weight of the World tracks have huge romantic vibes.

From side materials

There is no point in mentioning every single moment that shows how much 2B and 9S loved each other. But here are some notable ones in no particular order.

Each time 9S finds out about 2B's mission to kill him, he accepts that sometimes to the point of committing suicide or not resisting to make it easier for her. (Memory Cage, Memory Thorn, A Repeating Prayer).

Pod 153 (narration): The hand he was attempting to stroke 2B's cheek with no longer existed.
9S: I-If it's for you, 2B ... I — I'd easily ... throw my life away …
—A Repeating Prayer [6]

At some point (Memory Thorn) 2B decides to rather die than kill 9S, but 9S kills himself instead and makes a promise with her - to continue killing him as that way they’ll meet again (hence Contract/Treaty/Oath in their weapon names).

Said promise goes a long way and is mentioned in several side materials as well as in the lyrics of Song for a Broken World.

Precious Things goes as direct as it could be:

9S: I am who I am ... because of 2B ...

9S: I have a reason to live ... because of those memories ...
9S: So ... please ... don't take them from me ...
Pod 042 (narration): To him,
Pod 042 (narration): calling her family feels too unreasonable.

Pod 042 (narration): But calling her a lover feels too distant.
—Precious Things [3]

The last line reads as “Not exactly a family and closer than lovers”. The phrasing is a bit vague due to a translation from Japanese. See explanations in this [Reddit Post]

The term applicable to “closer than lovers” is soulmates. And there is a lot of black/white, virtuous/cruel and weapon stories background images symbolism supporting that in the game. And their love is so strong that they literally can’t live without each other (see Route C, Farewell).

Note Fun fact: Black box “clink” scene at the end of prolog is very similar to the pact that binds two souls from Drakengard.Video, Images

Notes