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Summary

9S uncovers hidden truths about YoRHa and E-type androids, leading to a cycle of betrayal and death.
2B's loyalty to YoRHa is tested as she is forced to repeatedly kill 9S to protect their secrets.
The true intentions of YoRHa and the Council of Humanity are called into question as the plot thickens.

The following contains spoilers for episode 13 of NieR Automata Ver1.1a, now streaming on Crunchyroll.

The last time we saw the YoRHa duo, they had engaged in their final battle with Eve, leading to the first "ending" of the game, where 2B has to kill an infected 9S, before it's revealed that he was able to transfer his consciousness into nearby machines' bodies. Then it's later on revealed that 9S had previously snuck into one of YoRHa's databases, for info. Unbeknownst to him, humanity and the aliens are both long gone. In spite of all this, the lingering question remains, "why do they still fight?". 9S will soon find that there is another reason S models have partners.

Inside Raku Spa's NieR Automata Ver1.1a Collab

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By Brianna Barboza

Trial And Trauma

In this episode, we see a continuation of where we left off in episode 12. After 9S regains his body in the bunker, he attempts to hack into the system, where he sees a variety of cryptic messages, insinuating that YoRHa is indeed hiding something from him. Come his next mission on the surface with 2B to lead against a rebellion of machines, they also get a request from a Resistance member. 9S, too, suspects 2B of hiding something from him. As they discover another android looking for their lost companion, 9S comes to learn of the existence of "E-type" (or executioner-type) models, which solely exist to get rid of deserters and units who discover more than they should. In a fit of guilt, the android, after realizing their designation, commits suicide. Yet, she leaves behind a warning for 9S.

We already know that 2B has killed 9S previously, but a much heavier burden is weighing on her heart. During a scene where the two are exploring an abandoned mall, 9S comes close to discovering one of his previous bodies. When they encounter a frightened Emil, 2B's hand is once again forced and has to kill 9S. The cycle of hatred and ignorance are indefinitely linked together - and the center of it all lies 2B. In a flashback sequence, it's revealed that Commander White instructed 2B to kill 9S again, as he hacked into the database the previous episode.

Ignorance Over Knowledge

It's heavily implied that the Executioner-type android did not intentionally erase her own memories, but the damage done to her psyche by killing her partner acted as a catalyst for her short circuits. Ironically, this brings 9S one step closer to the truth about humanity, without YoRHa's direct involvement. Similar to Lily's case, the android had PTSD and, in order to cope, she had created an independent narrative that her partner was simply missing. As she falls, she leaves a message behind to 9S, "Be careful".

2B and 9S have a relationship built on trust, and arguably romance. But to make oneself vulnerable is to display one's weakness, trusting that the other party won't hurt them. Unfortunately, that isn't an option for those two, and 2B's true loyalty stands with YoRHa, who only have their own interests in mind. Shortly after 2B and 9S mutually kill each other to "restart" again, the mysterious Red Girls are seen overlooking the scene as well as the command chamber. Based off their remarks about how entertained they are, it's safe to assume that they too are not as genuine as the staff of YoRHa are led to believe. After all, they are also known as The Council of Humanity.

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