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The curse of being a biometal was the inability to act no matter how much one wanted to. As sentient objects meant to augment the power of another, there was a limit to what they could do on their own. They could float, but doing so required a great deal of energy that was better spent on emergencies. They could speak, but they had no hands with which they could grab hold of their destiny and mold it to their will. They could choose who they wished to bestow their power to, but their power could also be forcibly taken and abused. The ability to think and feel was wasted when given to objects that were subject to the whims of the humans and reploids who fought over them.
For that reason, Model X had spent a long time lying dormant, waiting and waiting for someone to show up who he could trust with his power. It was only recently that he had found that person when he met a human girl named Aile. She had an earnest desire to protect people she didn’t know and boldly fought to protect them even when she was hopelessly outmatched. That purehearted sincerity and determination reminded Model X of a life long ago, long before he became a biometal when he had yet to be worn down by war after war after war.
But part of the biometals’ curse is that they invited pain and heartache to those who used their power. Model X had given Aile the power she needed to protect others, but doing so also thrusted her into a much bigger conflict without warning. All too suddenly she had learned what biometals even were to begin with and that her friend and mentor, Giro, had a biometal of his own. She also learned of the Guardians and their purpose and was recruited by them, quickly being thrown into the thick of the action with her first official mission.
It was a lot to take in all at once, but the curse didn’t stop there. Before she knew it, Aile was forced to fight Giro. Aile and Model X versus Giro and Model Z… it was a cruel reimagining of the past. And much like the past, their fight ended in tragedy. The third party from the Slither Corporation that instigated the fight made sure of that. Aile was able to persevere and overcome what the enemy had thrown at her by combining the power of Models X and Z, but she couldn’t save her friend. Giro had died and she could only watch. For all the power the biometals held, they, too, could not change fate.
It was only natural that after such a grueling experience, Aile wanted nothing more than to be left alone for a while. The leader of the Guardians, Prairie, was gracious and understanding of that. Aile was promptly given her own private room aboard the Guardians’ ship where she could rest and grieve. Several hours after the tragic incident, she had finally fallen asleep, though Model X doubted her dreams would be any more pleasant than reality.
Model X and Model Z had been left upon Aile’s bedside table, within easy reach in case of an emergency. Now that they had pledged to grant their power to Aile, they would go wherever she went. They sat slightly turned on the table so that they faced each other and to the ignorant observer they might have looked like strange figurines. The room around them was quiet and still, the only sound to be heard was Aile’s occasional snoring. The pair of biometals were being granted a rare moment of peace and solitude where it was just the two of them, finally together after so many years of being apart. Their only audience was blissfully unaware of them and the tenderness of the moment.
“Zero…,” Model X softly said.
“X…,” Model Z said in return.
All they had said were each other’s names, but the way they had said them was filled with centuries of love and adoration. They could not express themselves with their expressions, their “faces” stiff and unchanging, so all their emotion- their yearning- was carried in their voices. To the world, they were Model X and Model Z, but to each other they were far more. The privilege of speaking their true names came with the privacy offered by Aile’s room. To call each other X and Zero was to sink into a world where only they existed.
“I’m sorry about what happened,” Model X apologized. “I wish I had been stronger…”
“It’s alright,” Model Z said reassuringly. “The failure is mine and mine alone. I have seen many come and go and I will continue to do so. All I can do is learn from my mistakes and try to do better next time. Besides… it’s not me you should be worried about.”
“Aile… Do you think she can overcome this? She’s so young and inexperienced. She shouldn’t have to go through such a tragedy.”
“She’s young, but she’s strong. She’ll be ok. You chose her to grant your power to, after all.”
“That’s true…”
“And she doesn’t have to go through this alone. She has us to guide her. I’m sure the other biometals will join us, too, in due time.”
“Zero… after all this time, you still know exactly what to say.”
In Model X’s memories of his past life, there was only ever one person who could make him feel like he could weather any trial. That person, clad in red with saber skills like no other, was Model X’s most precious person. He had always been so beautiful and strong, incredible beyond words. The unconditional love and support he gave to Model X in their shared past did much to keep the latter going during times of strife. Time had done little to dim that person’s radiance, even if both their forms had irrevocably changed.
“Only when I’m with you,” Model Z admitted. “I would not be who I am without you by my side.”
“And I would not be me without you. Despite the circumstances, I’m so happy to be reunited,” Model X said.
“I feel the same, X. No matter the era, no matter the form, we will always find our way to each other.”
“Forever by each other’s side… I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“We make the best of partners for a reason after all.”
There was a lull in the conversation after that, the pair of biometals quietly staring at each other. They looked so different from how they used to be, but there were still features reminiscent of their old selves. Model X could still get lost in the sapphire depths of Model Z’s gem. Model Z still adored the soft blue curves of Model X’s casing that were designed to mimic a familiar set of armor. They had long since memorized every tiny little detail, yet that did nothing to diminish their adoration for each other.
Eventually, Model X spoke again and said, “...I love you, Zero. Centuries could pass and that would never change.”
Model Z let out a soft laugh and said, “You and your sentimentality… I see your cheesiness still hasn’t changed either.”
“D-don’t make fun of me!”
“I can’t help it. You make it too fun to tease you when you’re so cute.”
“If you’re going to be like that, then I won’t be so open next time!”
“Oh, c’mon, X! You know I only do it because I love you. I love you so much, I would do anything for you. Whatever you asked of me, I would do it in a flash without question.”
“Now who’s being the sentimental one?”
“For the love of everything good could you two please just kiss and shut up?!,” a third voice angrily interrupted.
The sudden intrusion into the conversation startled Model X and he subconsciously jolted, falling backward with a quiet thud. Model Z was also surprised, but his unchanging expression didn’t let it show. Both biometals were equally embarrassed to have been caught in the middle of their sappy romance.
“A-Aile?! Shouldn’t you be asleep?,” Model X asked.
The tired girl sat up in her bed with faint bags under her eyes and an unamused look. She said, “I was, but you guys forgot the part where you were supposed to be whispering. I probably should have mentioned before that I’m a bit of a light sleeper.”
“How much of our conversation did you hear?,” Model Z asked with an irritated, suspicious tone.
“I’m going to guess ‘too much’,” Aile said. She reached over to the bedside table and set Model X back upright. She also took the liberty of setting him down closer to Model Z, so close in fact that they were only a centimeter apart. She continued and asked, “...So uh, are you two, like, a thing?”
“Define… ‘thing’.”
“Y’know, like a couple.”
“Model Z and I are partners,” Model X answered. “We have been for a very long time.”
“Oh, ok. You mean romantically, right?”
Model Z sighed and said, “Yes, Aile. We’re romantically involved.”
“Huh. Interesting,” Aile said. “I didn’t realize biometals could have those kinds of relationships.”
“We weren’t always biometals,” Model X explained. “We used to be people with our own lives and our own struggles. We exist in this form now because the world still has need of our strength. All our memories, all our emotions… they’re still with us. That includes the love we have for each other.”
Aile pulled her knees up to her chest and set her chin on them. She watched the pair of biometals with a curious, contemplative expression. She said, “Man, there’s still so much I don’t know. I wish I had more time to learn it all… Hey, do you guys mind if I keep asking you questions?”
“Go right ahead.”
“Ok, so, first question: Can you guys kiss each other?”
“Why is that the first thing you ask?!,” Model X shouted more than asked. Model Z wisely chose to stay quiet for this awkward conversation.
Aile sheepishly scratched her cheek and said, “Well, you two are so obviously and painfully in love with each other, but you’re both stuck as objects. I’d feel really bad if you didn’t have a way to express your love beyond spouting sweet nothings, y’know?”
“We’re perfectly happy as long as we can stay together,” Model Z said curtly. “We don’t need your concern.”
“Oh, c’mon! Spare me that crap! You can’t seriously tell me you don’t miss the things you could do when you still had a proper body.”
“It’s alright, Aile,” Model X said reassuringly. “I appreciate that you care about our happiness so much, but I agree with Model Z.”
“Model Z? Didn’t you call him ‘Zero’ a couple times?”
“Ah, er- yes, I suppose I did…”
Model X was glad they were slowly moving beyond the awkward conversation delving into his romantic life with Model Z, but he wasn’t sure if the new conversation would be any better. Delving into his past life was a topic he would rather not divulge, both because it was a very long story and because it was not a particularly happy one overall. Plus, he was starting to feel a nervousness he hadn’t known in a long, long time and he was certain that if he could still blush, he would be as red as the gem on his forehead. He couldn’t take much more of this. He was going to make sure he whispered properly next time he tried to talk to Model Z while Aile was around. Even if she was asleep, he was going to speak so quietly that a fly’s wingbeat was louder than him.
“The names we call each other are for us alone,” Model Z said, clearly mad that his alone time with Model X was being interrupted by a nosy teenage girl. “It’s none of your business.”
“Wow, rude,” Aile said, unbothered by Model Z’s curt attitude. “But fine. If it’s really that important to you, then I’ll pretend I didn’t hear anything. But I still want to help you guys however I can! You both lent me your power when I needed it most and Model Z, you’re… you’re the only thing I have left of Giro… It’s my responsibility to take care of and protect you guys. If there’s anything I can do to help you- anything at all- please let me know!”
Model X was quickly learning that he had chosen to partner up with a rather strange girl. Still, she was earnest and meant no harm. She just wanted to help, even if her way of going about it was unusual. In that sense, Model X couldn’t find it in him to be irritated with Aile. With a resigned sigh, he said, “Well, if you’re so insistent… Perhaps it may be helpful to you to know that biometals can still feel touch. We have no hands to hold or arms to grasp in a warm embrace, but our casings are very sensitive to touch.”
Aile shuffled closer to her bedside table and looked between the two biometals. She held a hand to her chin and looked deep in thought. She was taking this “issue” far too seriously. Suddenly, her face lit up with a realization as she exclaimed, “Oh, I’ve got it! There was this thing I used to do with my dolls as a kid and-”
“Absolutely not,” Model Z interrupted. “Whatever ‘idea’ you just had, forget it. I’m not doing it.”
“You didn’t even hear it yet!”
“We’re not toys, Aile. I swore to lend you my power, but that doesn’t mean I’ll go along with whatever asinine whims you have.”
Truthfully, Model X was a little curious about what Aile had in mind. He hadn’t known her long enough to know where she was going with her idea, so there was a bit of intrigue in the mystery. And her disappointed expression was starting to make him feel guilty. So he said, “Actually, I think we should hear her out.”
“...Are you serious?,” Model Z asked in disbelief.
“I am. If… if it can help us be closer, then it would be worth it.”
“You can’t just say things like that so brazenly… Fine. Aile, go ahead and tell us your idea.”
Aile looked positively elated as she explained her idea, “Ok, so what I was going to say before I was so rudely interrupted was that, when I was a kid, I used to pretend some of my dolls were in relationships with each other. When I played with them, I would pick them up and press their lips together to make it seem like they were kissing. I could do the same thing for you guys and- wow, that sounds really weird when I say it out loud.”
It was really weird, But Model X didn’t say it.
“Yup, it sure is weird. And stupid.” Model Z did say it, however.
Model X would have facepalmed at his partner’s lack of tact if he could.
But ignoring that awkwardness, both biometals had lived for over four hundred years. It was difficult to live that long and not encounter a plethora of weird and strange things. Aile’s idea was hardly the strangest thing either of them had ever encountered. Perhaps that experience is why Model X was reluctant to reject the idea outright.
Ever since he was made into a biometal, Model X had had the opportunity to touch Model Z only a handful of times. But he remembered each of those moments like they had happened yesterday. Beyond their ability to see and speak, all they had was touch. They could not move without expending their power and they could not act on their own will however they wished. But their protective casings were granted the blessing of feeling touch. It was one consolation of having their life essence be condensed into such a small, inanimate form. When Model X and Model Z’s casings connected, they could feel a warmth bloom at the contact. Suddenly, they were both hyper aware of the other’s soul lurking within their casing. It was a raw, unfiltered connection that they never could have had with their old bodies. Model X wouldn’t say the trade off was worth it for that experience, but he’ll take whatever he can get.
It was only by thinking about it, that Model X truly realized just how close he was to Model Z at the moment. All it would take is a little nudge, and then…
“...It’s strange to be on the level of a toy, but,” Model X began, “I’m not… entirely opposed to the idea. I would like to at least try it.”
Aile positively beamed at Model X while exasperation radiated off of Model Z despite his inability to emote. But Model Z said nothing to protest his partner’s decision. Aile stared him down, patiently waiting for an answer from him. It didn’t take him long to crack and he half-heartedly gave his consent to the idea. With agreement from both sides, the biometals’ “wingwoman” was left to carry out her self-assigned mission of playing matchmaker with sentient figurines.
“Ok! Here goes nothing!,” Aile exclaimed excitedly. Despite her enthusiasm, she was incredibly gentle with the pair of biometals. She didn’t hastily grab them and smash their faces together as would be expected of a child playing make-believe with toys. Instead, she gently nudged Model X and Model Z with her fingers until they were touching. There was very little distance between them to begin with and the movement was little more than a slight turn and slide. The sections of their faces where their mouths might be if they had one were half pressed into each other, making it look more like they were nuzzling rather than kissing. Withdrawing her hands, Aile asked, “There… how’s that?”
Model X barely registered the question. All he could focus on was the comforting warmth he felt where his casing touched Model Z. His soul felt aflutter with the buzz of raw power seeking to combine with his own. Their casings acted as a wall, preventing their souls from well and truly merging into one, but that wall was thin. This was as close as they could possibly be to feeling like they were able to hold the other’s heart in their hands, their unbridled emotions mingling with each other. Not even Aile using their combined power as “Model ZX” made them feel this close as now that third element was removed. There was only them and their profound connection. The feeling was tender and brought back their most intimate memories spent together. A centurial love that was once left in the past but not forgotten was reignited with a delicate touch.
Model X was certain Model Z felt the same way he did at that moment. The warmth of their connection was born of mutual affection after all.
“This is… perfect,” Model X answered, voice soft and fond. “Thank you, Aile.”
Even Model Z openly agreed when he said, “Admittedly, this is much better than I thought it would be. Thanks.”
Aile gave the biometals a small, sincere smile and said, “No worries! Glad I could help.” Right after she said that, she let out a big yawn, reminding everyone that it was still the middle of the night.
“You should get some rest, Aile,” Model X said. “Feel free to leave us like this. We won’t bother you anymore.”
Aile shuffled under her blankets until she was lying on her side and snuggly tucked in bed. Closing her eyes, she yawned out an, “Alright… G’night, Model X. Night Model Z.”
Both biometals said goodnight in return and, after several minutes of peace and quiet, Aile fell back to sleep with a gentle snore. Biometals could not sleep- they had no need to- but that was fine. As long as X and Zero had each other, they were happy. Centuries of war had fought to keep them apart, but now… now they had all night to savor each other’s company. They had this night and the next and the one after that until the day came where fate would part them again. For however long they were able to stay like this, they would be sure to make the most of it. And if they were destined to be separated once more, they know they would find their way back to each other. They always have and always will.