NieR: Automata: Unpacking the Intricate Dance of 2B and 9S – Love, Lies, and Existential Android Angst
NieR: Automata sparks thoughts of lonely landscapes, robots pondering existence, and deep emotional struggles. Hidden under this blanket of despair and combat lies a powerful love story. This tale is not about romantic clichés. It’s complex, messy, and heartbreakingly beautiful. We’re exploring the intricate relationship between 2B and 9S. Get ready; this isn’t a typical love story.
The Unmistakable Affection of 9S
Let’s examine 9S and his feelings for 2B. If you’ve played NieR: Automata, you can’t miss it. This scanner android has strong feelings for his battle partner. His love radiates like heat waves. His remarks, his actions, and his gaze all declare a “big crush” louder than explosions in the City Ruins.
It’s almost funny how obvious 9S is about his feelings. He follows 2B like a puppy, a puppy skilled in hacking machines and wielding a katana. His admiration and concern for her safety are constant throughout the game. You feel for him, even as their world crumbles around them. His affection is a fragile light in the darkness of NieR.
2B’s Stoic Facade and Hidden Depths
Now, 2B offers a contrast. She’s the essence of the strong but silent type. Stoic is an understatement. She follows the YoRHa command: “Emotions are prohibited.” Yet, does she show no emotions? That’s the million-dollar question. While she seems less expressive than 9S, hints of deeper feelings for him lurk beneath.
Consider how protective she is of 9S, her softening voice when addressing him, and those fleeting moments of vulnerability that surface occasionally. These are like rare jewels, revealing a warmth below the rigid duty and trauma. It’s not a loud proclamation of love, but rather subtle, simmering just below the surface. It’s in their shared battles and quiet camaraderie—a slow burn that’s definitely felt.
More Than Just Partners: The Heart of NieR: Automata
The bond between 2B and 9S is not just a side story; it’s the emotional essence of NieR: Automata. At its core, the game tells a love story. It reveals connections in a world meant to destroy them. It examines love in many forms—romantic, platonic, familial—amidst war and existential dread. 2B and 9S present this exploration accessible to players.
While 2B/9S is central, the NieR universe contains other potential connections. For example, the popularity of the 2B/6O pairing intrigues many fans. The contrast between 2B’s seriousness and 6O’s vibrant nature appeals to some. But it’s clear that the 2B/9S dynamic feels most profound. Their relationship is complex, messy, and unforgettable.
The Executioner’s Secret: 2B’s True Purpose
Now we delve into darker territory. Brace for heavy blows to perception. 2B is not merely a battle android; she’s YoRHa 2E. The “E” stands for “Executioner.” Her actual role? To terminate 9S repeatedly. Yes, you read that right. She’s engineered to kill her partner.
Why inflict android-on-android violence? Because 9S is inquisitive by nature. Being a scanner, he digs deep, questions often, and uncovers unpleasant truths about Project YoRHa and humanity itself. Whenever he nears forbidden knowledge, 2B, or rather 2E, receives the task of resetting him. Permanently. This entails wiping his memory and facing the consequences.
Stoicism as a Shield: 2B’s Emotional Turmoil
This revelation offers new insight into 2B’s stoic image. Her emotional distance isn’t mere protocol; it’s self-preservation. Envision the psychological toll of being ordered to kill someone you care for, someone who admires you. Facing such duty transforms her coldness into a protective barrier against inevitable pain.
Despite “emotions are prohibited” indoctrination, 2B isn’t without feelings. Far from it; she embodies kindness and emotion at heart. Her stoicism results from learned behavior necessary for survival in her impossible condition. This internal conflict—duty versus feeling—spells serious angst.
The Weight of 48 Deaths: 2B’s Hidden Grief
The NieR: Orchestra Concert re:12018 reveals a shocking truth: 2B has killed 9S not once or twice but an astounding 48 times. Each time, they grow closer, only for her to erase him. This cycle creates immense grief for her, each reset introducing guilt anew. Her pain remains hidden beneath her emotionless facade.
No wonder she maintains distance. No wonder “emotions are prohibited” becomes her chant. It isn’t just a directive; it’s armor against her actions’ weight. Her stoicism shows resilience against unbearable emotional pressure—it’s tragic yet powerful.
Why So Cold, 2B? Understanding the Distance
So, why does 2B seem distant? It’s not heartlessness at play. She bears a burden heavy enough to crush anyone, android or human. Living a lie forces her to preserve a partnership built on deception and impending betrayal. Each brick in her emotional wall arises from grief and guilt surrounding her dark mission.
She attempts self-protection while perhaps shielding 9S from his pain when the resets inevitably return. This confusing kindness stems from a horrific reality. Their relationship embodies tragic irony—a love story constantly shadowed by death and betrayal.
Android Stats: Age, Height, and Iconic Blindfold
Let’s dig into some interesting details. 9S is young, created in 11942, making him about three during the game’s events. 2B is likely close in age while A2 is older, a Pearl Harbor Descent veteran. For height comparison, 2B stands tall at 168cm (heels included), while 9S measures at 160cm (boots accounted). And we can’t overlook 2B’s iconic blindfold; it forms part of her identity and contributes to her enigmatic nature.
Death, Respect, and Revival: Key Plot Points
NieR: Automata embraces emotional intensity. For instance, 2B’s death scene showcases heartbreaking elements. A2, in an act of mercy, ends 2B’s suffering as the logic virus takes over. 9S arrives in time to witness this tragic event, adding pain to their narrative.
A2 takes 2B’s sword and cuts her hair—a powerful show of respect. A symbolic passing of strength and recognition for 2B’s sacrifice unfolds here. Yet in a moment of hope amid despair, Ending E grants a chance at revival for 2B, 9S, and A2. They receive an opportunity to escape the cycles of suffering defining their lives—a bittersweet glimpse of light in darkness.
A Love Story Through and Through: The Essence of NieR: Automata
Despite android deaths, existential dread, and philosophical debates, NieR: Automata is, at its core, a love story. It narrates romance through loss and sacrifice while searching for connections in a shattered world. With 26 endings available, the game presents diverse perspectives, but Ending E often represents the “true” ending—offering delicate closure.
The state of humanity in NieR: Automata appears grim—they are nearly extinct. Yet amid this desolation, androids face human emotions and desires. The journey of 2B and 9S supports the enduring need for connections despite despair. Their story lingers after credits roll, causing reflection on human nature and love amid a seemingly absurd world. Perhaps this serves as NieR: Automata’s most valuable lesson.
