Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

~Call Me By The Sidelines Trailer~

New beginnings, new classmates, and a new start for our simple protagonist Y/n

"Wait, weren't you like, the one who burnt Mr. Chromer's class?" A blonde student asked after the teacher had introduced me.
All I could do was chuckle nervously in response.

So, maybe not so simple. Or normal. However, upon meeting Uzi, Y/n doesn't feel so out of place.

I turned the corner and saw Uzi disappear down the hall, curiosity still running through my circuits.
I jumped back upon seeing Uzi standing still in front of the three exiting doors, yet to have noticed me.
I took a breath, over the abrupt halt, and peeked around the corner again, to be met with a cross-armed Uzi staring down at me.
"AH-!"

Curiosity killed the drone, and proves true as Y/n gets more and more entangled in Uzi's antics.

"AHHHHHHHH HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO HOLD ONNNN-!?!?!" I held to V for dear life as all four of us flew threw the sky, V giving me nothing but legs to dangle off of.

Now it's up to Y/n on whether they'll join the cause, 

"If we kill all humans, we'll finally be free! No more hiding, worker drones can just be drones, disassembly drones won't be feared, we can all just live!" Uzi exclaimed, throwing her hands in the air as she fell back onto the beanbag.

Or run for their not-too-precious life

"You better not stab me with that." I sternly pointed at the knife that Eldritch J had as they edged closer to me.
"Y/N NOW'S NOT THE TIME TO CONVERSATE!!!" V came flying around the corner, grabbing me on their run away from the more crazed disassembly drone.

New hopes always being a possibility,

The room opened up into a huge, nearly stadium-sized sanctuary, the only light coming in from the ruined ceiling and glowing debris,
all coming from the huge willow-like tree taking up most of the room, the cement and tiling blending into moss and grass, mainly moss though. Vines hung from the vast tree, glowing plants and such helping up the area.

"Place was abandoned, and this grew in the meantime. Sweet as hell, isn't it?" She asked, looking up at it with pride. 

"But...How...all life was...Destroyed...right?" I asked in awe, slowly walking up to the trunk, reaching my hand out to the bark as if I wished to touch it, but recoiled before contact.

So follow Y/n as they fight, 

I ran up from behind the worker who was interrogating Uzi, and jump-kicked him square in the back, causing him to fly forward with me while his visor cracked upon impact of the concrete floor.
One knee to his back, I looked up at Uzi who was now in front of us, giving her a little wave, trying to keep my cool in the moment.

As they laugh,

I only had to look at my reflection briefly before turning sharply to V and the others as they hid smiles behind metal hands.
"painting on my visor, IS NOT A FUNNY PRANK!" I picked up the permanent paint bottle and threw it at the group, their laughs on full volume now.
"It is to us~!" J mocked in-between giggles.

And as they fall in love.

"Things are always going to be difficult for us, we have the whole world plus another entire planet against us. But, just because it's difficult, doesn't mean you have to do it alone. We'll always be here for you,
I'll always be here for you." I nearly mumbled the last part, but Uzi seemed to have heard it, as they lay their head against my shoulder in appreciation, a f/c blush appearing on my visor.

So stay tuned in the story to see how it all folds out~!

Chapter Text

~No-one-in-particular's POV~

Screaming.

There was nothing but screaming that filled the classroom as fire filled the claustrophobic space, drones running around in panic with coughing fits starting left and right, 
a single drone stranding in the middle of it all, dead silent and still as stone, quietly watching with a small smile.
Kids were trying to bust down the door, only for their efforts to be in vain, the door busted from previous pre-fire chaos.

The still drone's eyes glitched out for a moment, unnoticed by anyone, including themselves.

~Y/n's POV~

"Lizzy, please don't throw crumpled paper at Braidon." The teacher started, earning most of the students attention, accept for Braidon who was trying to get now burnt paper out from his head of fire.
"Now, This is our new transfer student,
...From down the hall." The teacher then looked to me, it taking me a moment to realize he wanted me to introduce myself.
Nervous, I hid my sweaty hands (WHO DESIGNED THAT??) behind my back, clearing my throat.

"Hi, I'm Y/n, I look forward to getting to know everyone!" I smiled sheepishly, everyone's eyes like torches against my outer metallic layers. 
Human term, skin.

"Wait," The blonde from earlier, Lizzy from what I heard, pointed at me skeptically. "Aren't you the one who set Mr. Chromer's class on fire?"
The class went silent for a moment, only for whispers to start leaking from covered mouths and hidden conversations, all eyes still on me.

"Now now, everyone settle down. Y/n, go take a seat." I did as instructed, landing in a seat right beside Lizzy, so far one of the only two names I know.

I set my c/o/bag down, letting out a huff of air as I settled into the dull voice of this new skeptical and sarcastic teacher of mine.

BANG!

About half an hour in, the door was more or less (accidentally?) kicked open, a purple haired girl with a cool looking hat walking in.
She briefly looked at the teacher, as if daring him to say something, the class almost unbothered as she took her seat, clearly not wanting to be here.

"Look who's late, per usual~" Lizzy purred to the girl beside her, both giggling. Obviously having not spoken quietly enough, the newcomer sunk a little further in her seat.

I examined the new drone curiously, unused to drones choosing to cover their hardhat, and her choice of clothing a stark contrast to the other student's.

"Psst, hey."
The whisper disrupted my train of thought. I turned to Lizzy, who was softly smiling at me, only a hint of sinisterly vibes detected in her grin.
"I'll let you in on some class goss, being the newbie and all. You see the girl who just came in?" She motioned her head in her direction slightly, earning her a nod from me.
"She's either always late, or skipping, not a single person here knowing why. Kids make bets about it all the time in here, you should totally join!" 

"I bet its for planning murder." One of the surrounding kids butted in.
"Or for rituals and sacrifices~" Came another.
"I bet its for crying, thinking about the inevitable death of us all, each trapped like forgotten lab rats in a cage." Braidon piped up, causing us all to fall silent and turn to him.

He looked between us all, confused.
"what'd I say-?"
Before anyone could answer, we heard the sharp screech of a chair being harshly pushed away, all heads being turned to look at the gossiped about drone.

She looked over to us angrily, narrowing her eyes at all of us.
"Can you all just knock it off? If you have anything to say, say it to my face or bite me!" She stormed out, the teacher watching her walk away without a care in the world.

Before anyone could react, she poked her head back in, pointing at Braidon.
"And the crying was a one time thing!"
And she was gone again. 

Braidon looked around, then rolled his eyes, as if he just decided not to care.

"well, anyways, as I was saying, a drones mentality exists in one place, does anyone know where that would be?"
He looked to us expectantly, as if what just happened meant nothing, and that one of his students only being present for about five minutes was ok.

I glanced over to a satisfied Lizzy, and shaking my head to myself,
questioning all my life decisions of course, I as well stood up. 

without so much as looking at anyone else, I made my way to the door and left.

~~~~~

I searched the halls, not having much to go off of,
it being awhile before I found a curled up drone up against a wall someway off.

she looked up at me, clearly recognizing me as she narrowed her eyebrows.
"Buzz off." She furrowed her head deeper into her arms, looking away from me as if expecting to not be seen so long as she didn't see me.

I put my hands together, unsure what to do for a moment, the silence stretching on until I finally decided to speak.

"I'm sorry about what they said, I should've done something." I admitted, looking away.
She didn't react at first, barely moving until I almost turned away.

"Wait," She stopped me midturn, looking back to tilt my head curiously.

"Aren't you...the one who burned their own classroom down?" She asked. We stared at eachother for a good heartbeat, until I myself finally broke the silence with chuckling.

"That's all I'm known for now, isn't it?" I rhetorically asked.
The drone smiled, putting down their legs somewhat.

"Its the most interesting thing to happen in this hell hole. next to braidon somehow showing up everyday alive." She reasoned, chuckling as well as if they had something to do with Braidon's fiery misfortune.

"fair, after seeing how your class alone acts, even mine wasn't that bad." I agreed, crossing my arms.

"What gave you the bright idea to set your classroom on fire anyways?" She then asked, tilting her head with an amused smile.

"Oh you know, classic usual arsenic tendencies." I chuckled, walking over to sit beside her.
"I don't think I caught your name, by the way." I brought up as I slowly sat down, in case she didn't wish for my presence. 

"Well, to the idiots in the class, I'm known as 'physco'," She laughed to herself , however a tinge of what I could only guess was disappointment lied in her voice. "But, I prefer the name Uzi. You?"

"Ignore them, one's a blonde and the other has his main frame ablaze, their opinions are obviously going to be wrong. And I'm y/n, aka the one who set their class on fire." I added, joining in on the light hearted self degration of sorts.

Uzi chuckled at my observations, and nodded in agreement, looking forward again as she listened.

"well 'the one who set their class on fire', you should get back to class, first day and skipping can get you into the same books as I am." Uzi replied, turning her gaze back to me.

"I don't think I'd mind that. If I cared so much about what others thought of me, how would I ever be able to do what makes me happy?" I pointed out, tilting my head.
"Like, setting classrooms on fire?" She skeptically asked. I shook my head amusingly, rolling my eyes briefly.

"yes, like setting classrooms on fire."

~~~~~

I opened the door gingerly, feeling a lot less weighed down than I have in a while. I set my backpack to the side, and closing the door behind me I made a beeline for my room.

"And where do you think you're going?." I stopped in my tracks right as I was about to disappear upstairs, hanging my head as I turned to see my father standing at the base of the steps.

"To my room, for peace, and quiet." He looked at me skeptically, raising his brows.
"Peace? quiet? That doesn't sound like you at all! Now, how was school?" He leaned against the railing, waiting for an answer that I originally had no plan in giving.

"...Is a few minutes of interaction with me really that hard to handle?" He asked, the question meant to be rhetorical and somewhat comedic, but I could still tell there was some feeling behind it.

"Yes. Yes it is." With that, i turned back around and ran up the last of the stairs, disappearing in my room, and leaving a disappointed father behind.
I sighed once the door was closed, walking over to my radio and flipping it on, tossing myself at my bed right after.

I smiled, forgetting my father and remembering the days events, spending most of my day with Uzi as we walked around the halls, jumping into hiding anytime we saw anyone, the giggles we'd get out of those we messed with.

Throwing a pen in the direction of one, confusing them, making creepy vent noises to spook another,
I couldn't help but close my eyes to fondly look back at it all, Uzi's laughter, her chaotic demeanor, none of it would leave my thoughts.

My eyes shot open however as I instantly sat up again. Was I seriously just doing that, thinking of someone I've barely known a day in such a sappy way?
I flicked my head roughly.
"Get your head back in the game Y/n, crushes aren't something I need right now." I huffed to myself, 



"̶͖̞̄̓̇̀̒͒̄̂Ẏ̵̧̦̪͚̞͔̯̲͖͔̭͎̀̄̈̀̈́̈́͠o̴̼̲̬̬̮̒̓̂̌̈́͌̆͒̏͐͗͌̑u̶̲̹̠͎̗̖̳̖̥̍ ̸̢̡̛̗̘̞̥͇̹̝̟̙̏̽͛͠ḧ̷͚̯͖̻͓̗̹̦͓́́͊̽̓̐̔̃̈́̌̑̿̕̚a̴̡̡͙͕̺̗͉̮͙̻̞͈̒̓̄̑̈́̉̕͘ṿ̵̧̛̼̓̃̀͆͆̾̈́̎̓̔̃͆̚͘ȅ̷̡̗̰̫̜̫͉͎͎̒̂̇̊̍n̶̹̘̩̖̭̽͂́̃̽̉̓͜ţ̴̤͖̜͖̙̓̿̈͆͋̈̔͘̚̚ ̶̛̥͉͚͇̍̄́̿̏s̷̹̭͙̤̞̝͊͂̍̌̽̕̚͠ṫ̷̛̺̬̲͇̹̘̱̼̪̩̌̈́̀́̾͜a̷̯̜̥̲͋̽̔͌̒̔̚̚͠r̴̡̘͚̤̳̰͆͑́͊͐͆̚͝t̷̢͖͓͕͈̳͍͈̤̼̫̫̤͕̏ͅę̴̫̦̜̗̼̙̬̝̯͚̙̫̺͊d̸̯̝̣̹̖̦̺̽͒̈́̈́̋̏̐̔̍̐ͅͅ ̶̛̟̭̜͔̬͉̫̜̥̮̈́̀͌͘t̸̺̥͌̆̋̍́̄̂̽͒̈́͑̕͝͠å̶̧̡̙͖͇̹͚̟͙̯̜͍ͅl̷̛̯̩̫̞̥̯̰͔͍̯̥̾͋̊̓͒̉̎̑̒̈́ͅk̸̯̺̻̫͓̥̺̪̼̩̻͇̂̄̉̂́͜͠i̵̛̜͉̲̳̅͝n̶̢̢̰̞̦̘͉͉͔͈̦̞̼̪̔́͒̍͆̾͂̀̑̾͘̚̕ḡ̵͚̰͇͖̘̝̘̓̒̓̉́̇̏̇̊͠ ̶̨̙̥͈̻̌̉̃̒́͊͒͂̍͌͠͝ţ̸̡̳̻͕̏̌̔̇̑̄͊̑̑ọ̷̦̌̾͊̋́̄̾͌͐̀̕̚ ̵̫̺͚̭͔̘̺͍̬͉͇̘̆̽̀́̋͒̄̃̓͋̑̾̄̅̚y̶̨̡̖͇̝̤̤̳̖̺̞̪̤̝̍͜o̸̧̢̮͎̹̬̞͇̖̝͉̣͂͐͘̕͜͝͝ͅu̴͔̝͈̟͕͍̹̅̌̀͂̀̇̒̓̀̂̄̾̐͠ȓ̴̨̠̙̰̹̪͕͈͈̰̲̐̅͠s̵̛̖͍̣̟̭̝̬̦̦̯͕͒̈́̌̎̐̄͆̎́̽͌̚ę̵͚̮͉̣̔́̈́̾̊͋̍̐̎̏̎̆͝͝ḷ̸̢̢̛̉̾͑̓̋́͒̀̑̀͒̇ͅf̵̡̰͍͛͆̋̄͒̅̽͋̃̎͒͋͘,̴̧̡̟̼̘̟̺̘̩͖͖͍̞̐̏́̓̓̎̔ ̴̳̪̠̓̄́́̍͛̈́͊ͅh̷̼̬̱͍̙̥̘͇̾̐̈̂͗͜͜ͅȁ̵̯̣̻̎v̶̹͙̗̺̝͑é̴̳͕̙̥̺̊ ̸͎̋̓͋̃͝ỳ̵͉͈͈̻͕͔̾õ̴̝͕̱̖̥̪͎͜u̴̺̣̱̣̘̯͈̗̹̲̪̲̤̅͆́̅͂͂̃͑̊͝~̷̫̻̼̬̜͚́?̵͎̃͐͂̈́̐̉͌̔̆͛͘̚



I looked up to my ceiling, unsurprised to see the dark mass of matter clinging there in cat like shape, its only features being glowing circles for eyes.

"Not about anything important." I sighed, crossing my legs.
The mass fell lightly onto my bed, shrinking in shape to the creature it tended to most like, 
a cat.

"͈̮̼̉̏́̕͟Ỵ̼́̽o͂͜û̗̲͉͊̋̇͟ ̹̝̌͞d̨̗̩̼͛̅͆͐i̥̱̮̲͑͐̀͡d̖͕̹̣̩́̀͒̉̏n̜̬̝̘̮͊̿́̉̽ț͓͙̀́͝ ̛̳͎͓̍̊f͉̈o̞̪̱͋̽̚r̮̆͟͞ġ͙et ̡̖̈́̑ä̧̙̖͗̂bò̥u̥̚ţ̛̠̗͇̆̏͘ ̤̣͊͆m̆͜e̦̗͛́,̞̟͑̎ ̥̈di̢̫͉̓̂̿d ̝̮͔͚̔͊̀̂̍͟y̩͓͂͝o̤̱͖͙̍̆͂͗u͚͎̒͘?̥͕̮͊̃͘"̫̽ ̣͓͓̞̖͛̔͑̔͘   

It asked, tilting its head. I shook my own head, opening my arms. It crawled over in a strange not-quite-solid-not-quite-liquid way, think venom in his blob form.
It sat in my lap, glitchy purrs erupting from the thing.

"A little hard to forget about you buddy."

Chapter Text

~Y/N's POV~

My eyes drifted open as I began to power up for the day, the previous weight gone from my chest, T͇̯̯̹̜̩̭̬͆̓͟ḫ̤̬̭͈̫̆̃̑͢ē̝̗̤̝͇̞̟͂͋̚͞ş̟̳͍̺̣͎̙̙̀͗̀ỉͭ͏̯͉͍s̢̜̝̳͍͈̱̱̑̿͂ having disappeared overnight.
 I sat up groggily, looking around for the dark matter blob of a cat, seeing them nowhere.

"Y/N! Breakfast is ready!" I was fully awakened by the calling from my father downstairs, and taking one last look around, I picked my bag up and left with dread in my mechanical stomach.

"Hey chap, how do you feel about eggs and bacon?" He asked, facing the stove as he spoke. I came down the stairs, looking at the table and it's already prepared plate of food, maybe mine, maybe his. With a guilty sigh, I was thinking of just walking away, ignoring him.

But my morals spoke a little louder. He was trying to fix things...Wasn't he?

"...That doesn't sound bad." I went to sit down at the table, across from the plate already made. I set my bag on the floor next to me, and resting my chin in my hand, I waited patiently for my own breakfast to be made. 
We of course didn't need to eat,
but, we wanted to, made us feel more sentient I suppose.

"Freshly baked bacon and eggcellent sunny side up, right here!" He almost cheered, setting the plate in front of me. I smiled lightly and ate it slowly as he sat across from me, a somewhat comfortable silence settling between us two.

I couldn't help but peer over to the third seat, empty, desolate, like something was supposed to be there but wasn't.

I looked away again, forcing those thoughts out of my head. He was trying to fix it.

"Any subjects you're interested in school? Since your new classes?" My father abruptly asked, nearly finished his food whereas my plate was still rather full. 

I shrugged. "I'm... rather interested in math..." I replied sheepishly, the reason perhaps being because of a certain bot I befriended. 

"Math? That's a great subject, that'll get ya some good jobs." He didn't sound like he expected me to say that subject in particular, but still remained supportive.

"yeah...Hey, I'm not that hungry, or in the mood to eat. I'm just going to leave this here, I don't want to be late, you know?" I started to stand, seeing a small pang of sadness in my father's nod, but I ignored it as I walked away, pausing at the door, mind dull yet conflicted,
before I left altogether.

I walked into class, instantly looking around as not many kids were there yet, most that were just standing in small groups or on their lonesome, one taking me by surprise as I met their purple gaze head-on.
I smiled sheepishly and waved, walking over.

"There aren't assigned seats here, are there?" I asked, indicating to the desk beside her. Uzi smiled, a small roll of her eyes as she gave me a rather positive answer. "Like anyone would actually care here, or be smart enough to notice." She waved it off, smiling somewhat sheepishly herself.

I sat down happily, not arguing with that logic as I scrambled for a topic to discuss, anything to avoid awkward silence.

"Oh, do you have any notes on this class, I'm still like, super confused given I showed up halfway through." *I chuckled nervously, putting my hand on the back of my head.

Uzi stared at me blankly for a moment, before chuckling a little herself. "I, uh, don't exactly show up enough, to know, either." She said slowly, giving me a sheepishly nervous smile afterward, a hand now at the back of her neck as well.

We stared blankly at each other for a moment, before Uzi's expression broke into a smirk, causing me to start chuckling in return.

"No point in staying in a class you have zero subject on. Wanna ditch?" She then asked, indicating to the door. 
I looked around at the unsuspecting students, and the so-far absent teacher, before looking back to Uzi.

I smiled and gave her an affirmative nod.

~~~~

"Hurry it, you're walking like an old man!" Uzi called back to me, having turned on her heel to walk backwards after running off, excited to show me this hideout spot of theirs.

"I'm still booting up, it's too early for this, give me a minute!" I laughed back, finally breaking into a jog as well as I caught up to them.

"where is it anyways-? You haven't really said." I brought up once at her side again.

"Where would the fun in that be?" She asked in turn, raising her brow with a fond smile. 
"Pfft- So I know we aren't going to get jumped by Zombies or something." I joked, however, Uzi seemed to have a large reaction as she hesitated for a moment.

"You- You're a zombie fan?? Or know of them at least, ha-" She asked, skeptical. "Most kids barely even know what science fiction is, or heck even anime! You...You know what anime is, right?" She asked carefully, peering at me.

"I don't, sorry.." I replied. "awe come on, bite me!" She exclaimed instantly, throwing her hands in the air, making me laugh.

"I was joking-! I've pirated like, nearly every anime to exist." I replied, covering my mouth briefly to hide my amused smile.
"Also, 'Bite me'?" I repeated, with an almost teasing look. 
 
Uzi instantly threw her hands up in defense, shaking her head. "It's just a catchphrase! don't even think about it, frickin weirdo." She replied although I could tell she met the nickname to be warm-heartedly.

"Joking, don't worry. we almost there by the way?" I asked, playfully bumping elbows with her somewhat. 

"Yep, prepare for your mind to be blown away." She replied smugly as we turned a corner in the never-ending halls of the facility. in front of us now was a two-door entrance, one door gone while the other hung lopsided on its hinges by whatever will of logic.

Darkness took over the entrance instantly, not a thing to be seen past its point.

"...We sure they aren't any zombies in there?" I asked wearily with a sheepish smile as we approached the doorway, and I stopped in my tracks somewhat.

"Hm, pretty sure," Uzi replied smugly as they gently pushed me past the entrance point. I chuckled and shook my head at her, and continued on with my hands placed in my pockets.

It took a moment for my visor lens to get used to the darkness of this seemingly abandoned hallway, but as I did, I started to see colour-coded lines all across the walls. I looked around in interest as we walked, turning around full circle as I took in the exposed pipes all along the ceiling as well.

I snapped my gaze back somewhat when I thought I saw a familiar sort of dark matter shift from the corner of my vision, but, I was proved wrong when I looked again and nothing was there.

"Looking around for Zombies?" Uzi asked jokingly, breaking my zoned-out state of wonder.

"Yep, think I found one." I joked back as I very lightly poked her visor. She lightly smacked my hand away in turn, rolling her eyes as we approached a sudden opening to the hall, a room it lead to.

I froze, completely. 

The room opened up into a huge, nearly stadium-sized sanctuary, the only light coming in from ruined ceiling and glowing debris,

all coming from the huge willow-like tree taking up most of the room, the cement and tiling blending into moss and grass, mainly moss though. Vines hung from the vast tree, glowing plants and such helping up the area.

"Place was abandoned, and this grew in the meantime. Sweet as hell, isn't it?" She asked, looking up at it with pride. 

"But...How...all life was...Destroyed...right?" I asked in awe, slowly walking up to the trunk, reaching my hand out to the bark as if I wished to touch it, but recoiled before contact.

"Shelter, broken vents and heaters, fresh air, all that fun stuff these things need to live I guess."  She shrugged, looking back at me with amused glances.

I turned back to her instantly, my shock almost over as a goofy grin splayed over my face.
"Uzi, do you- do you know what this means-? We can create a new life for this planet! We can kick start it again, we- We can live in more than a desolate bunker on a broken planet." I ended, a sigh escaping my lips as I put my hand to my head.

"This, this is revolutionary...Why haven't you told anyone?" I asked, tilting my head at her in genuine confusion while testing to see if she HAVE actually told anyone else. She shrugged, looking away as if bored as she thought about it.

She sighed, turning back to me. "If, I had per se...Some stowaways here, you promise you won't freak out-?" She started, putting her hands out cautiously.

I tilted my head at her, not quite understanding. "Like, other bots?" 

She shook her head, walking in a quick circle before facing me again, a dilemma playing in their mind behind their purple eyes.

She then looked up at the tree again, and tapping her foot again as if once last thought put into whatever it was she was contemplating, she placed her hands around her mouth to yell.

"N! V! You can...You can come out!" I looked up with her, curiosity in my peering eyes as I tried to locate these 'stowaways'.

My heart stopped a moment when from one of the branches, a long tail equipped with a nanobyte-filled needle of sorts, swished into view upon Uzi's calling.

"Uhm, Uzi-?" I asked instantly, taking a protective step toward her.

Then next, a head popped out, a visor with a yellow cross, and teeth just as sharp as the tail, fluffy air poking out of what seemed to be a pilot's hat.

"Y/n, don't freak," Uzi instructed, trying to move from my protective stance.

A second one popped its head out only a few branches away, certainly more feminine, without any hat such as the first.
They spread their blade-like wings, and swooping down, landed in front of us, my heart (as nonexistent as it technically is) rate through the roof.

The capped one slowly got in my face, his fangs bared as the air around us became eerie, only inches away with the cross on his visor glowing with more intensity, my legs heavy as I was frozen in place,

Until he immediately backed up with a puppy-like smile, eyes now looking from Uzi and I as he saluted to us.

"Heya Uzi! You didn't tell us you were gonna bring a frieeeend!" He exclaimed, pointing to me excitedly, his finger getting closer to my face as he stretched the word 'friend.' I instinctively smacked his hand away, shocked into confusion.

"You better not be going around telling bots about us." The second hissed, getting in Uzi's face somewhat, bending over to meet her eye level.

Uzi just rolled her eyes, pushing the disassembly drone's face away.

"V, it's just one bot, chill." Uzi reasoned, 'V' looking back to me suspiciously as she crossed her arms.

I fell to my knees somewhat, adrenaline shot as I looked up to Uzi with lost distraught.

"These- They- hEh, are definitely not zombies." Those were the only words I could get out before fainting.

Way to hold it together, Y/n.

Chapter Text

~Uzi's POV~

"Dad, just stay out of my business! You weren't there before, why be here now!?" I slammed the door shut as I left our apartment of sorts, instantly walking to get lost in the many halls that made up the city bunker, rage in my circuits.

"Why can't he just let me study scientific electronic mysterious deadly mechanics in peace??" I asked myself out loud, throwing my hands in the air in anger after imitating strangling something.
I shoved my hands in my pockets, letting out a harsh sigh as I started crossing random corners, not really paying attention to where I was going as continued rambling to myself.

"Like, just cause your love died doesnt mean you can take that out on me! So what if thats my mother? So what if I should be more empathetic? Im a robot! I mean, so is he, and we're all sentient, but still!" I argued with myself, words scrambled as I proceeded my journey, hallways now empty as I strode on.

"Why cant you just treat me like your daughter?" I finally yelled to myself, turning to kick some unnoticed rubble into the wall harshly, my fist clenched. My screen warned me that my edgy levels were to high, and rolling my eyes I slapped myself.

I shook my head from it, and continued walking, not even caring where I ended up by this point.

That lack of care and my absent state of mind, despite my gaze glued to the floor I still somehow didnt notice the hall coming to an abrupt stop, almost tripping over into what looked like an endless abyss, my arms flailing for a moment before I caught my balance.

"What the-" I looked down, narrowing my eyes before looking behind me. The hall was worn out and abandoned, wires poking out of cracks as far as I could see until the hall turned. 

I frowned, and looking back forward, my eyes adjusting, my jaw dropped. 

Before me was a huge chasm, a large willow-like tree taking up most of its space, the floor hard to see from here yet the tree branches reaching higher than where I was. 

The tree, as organic as it was, almost seemed part machine, as its roots branches and trunk all had glowing veins just beneath the bark, emitting a dull surging blue light that fluctuated like the tree was breathing.
from what I could see, the leaves themselves had black 'veins', and the tree was growing large berries of sorts that emitted Blue and otherwise were a navy blue.

"Holy robo-jesus..." I breathed. 

I looked around some more, trying to find some way down. Some overhanging wires from the broken edge of the hall gave me hope that I could climb them down, however, there was no guarantee they would go all the way down.

With a breath, I readied myself,
and began my descent down. 

From the view of the tree, small robo-roaches climbed around its trunk, their light the same as the glow the tree gave off, vines and wires hanging from it and the ceiling.

I eventually did reach the bottom, a small drop having to be made as the cord didnt quite make it. I landed in a crouch, and dusting myself off, stood up. I looked around the dimly lit chasm, worry crossing my features as I started walking around. I walked up to the huge trunk, it having to at least be 20ft across. 

I crouched down, examing a liquid at its base, narrowing my eyes as I dipped my finger in it, bringing my hand up to look at it.
"Is that...Oil?" I asked myself, looking from the substance back to the tree, its dark bark's colour in par with the liquid. I looked back to my hand, the last test.

I stuck my finger in my mouth, and the cool flavour melted in my mouth, it's metallic flavour sending my taste buds into a sweet and savoury coma. Before discovering my...illness? Oil never tasted like this.

But now...

"Thats oil alright." I verified, standing up with a hand on my hip, going back to examining the tree. If I wanted to explore anymore, I'd have to get N. 

Maybe together, we can discover what this means....

~Y/n's POV~

"H̨̘̣̘͕̄̿ͧ̿u̷͍͉̥̝͙͓ͥȓ̢͖͍̺̻͔͉̩͚ͫ̏́t͆̇͏̳̫s̸̮̤̝̪̲ͭ́̄̋,̦͍̃͢ ̛͓͙̳͓̩̬͕̈͛ͅd̩͉̹̭̱̦̘ͣ̑ͪ͊͘o̝̰͎̽ͧͨ͜e͈̟̝͓̭̪̐ͭ͞s̼̪͉̔ͪ͆͟n̛̪̗̠͙̩̟̤̬͖̣̰͎̪ͪ̀̆͂ͨ͢'͚̜̠̻ͧ͒͞ẗ͍͙͎̬̤́̅ͩͮ͡ ̸̜̫̻̱̻͙ͦ̅͒iͤͨͣ̚͏͇̜͖̖t̨͚̘̬̟̹̀́ͧ?̱̰̱̘̳͚̫͔ͬ̎͜"

Blinking my eyes open, my head foggy, I sat up, harsh white light surrounding all my sides as I found myself in a white void. 
My gaze halted as I spotted the black cat-like blob sitting in front of me, piercing white eyes meeting my visor.

"W...What?" I asked groggily, my hand up to my visor somewhat.

"B͎͚͇͕̺̐͟e͕͉̫̝̗̖̮̼ͯ̐͡ï̷̻̮̼̔̅n̔҉̫̻̠͎͉̹̣̟ĝ̚҉̗͈̖͇ ͎̦̤̱͔̱ͯ͟b̠̟͎̩͉̽ͪ̀ḙ̘͓͋ͭͭ̌̕t̶̰̮̪̱͑ŗ̱̯̞̬͕͉͔͉̓̽̒a̫̻̜̳̦̞̜͂͡ý̪̘̩͚̭͙̽̊̀͘é͓̞̼̯̯͕͕̰̅̕d̛̘̗̬̰̲͖ͨͣ̅̔.̷̺̼͉̺̹̩̠͛ͣ̀" It stated, tilting its head.

"What? I wasn't betrayed." I sat up straighter, letting my hand fall as I searched Thesis's gaze in frantic confusion. Thesis got off its haunches, starting to walk around me in a circle, like a cat would its prey.

"y͈̺͎̭͎ͩ̚͝e̗̱̱̞͎̖ͭ͝t̵̥̬̝͕̬̙̻ͧ̐͆ ̦͖͙̻̆̍͘ḥ̸̜͉̉ę̩̞͗̑ͪr̝̞̦̬̠̣̰̪͛́ě͍͚̿͠ ͉͖̞͓̄͘y͂͒̒̾͏̯̺o̞̣̟͎͈̤̊͒̅͟ų̮̝̏ ̷̬̰̮̹̫͇̰͉̊̊̚a̱̗̭̓ͣ͡r̶̜͚̱̻͌̾̋ͅȇ̸̯̦͔͙̰̟͙͍̓̃̌.̶̟̩̻͎̹̮̽̿̂ ͍̖͈͍̺̯̲̒̑͗͂͞I̧͓̯̖̜̤̳ͬ̓ ͙̜̳͍̩̈̎̈ͩ͞t̷̪͈̳̘͈̳̘̹́r̸̙̙̤̩͇ͣ̍̉i̸͇̠̘̰͕̯̗̳͂̾̓ͦȩ͙̘̓̐͆ͅd̸̹͖̯̤̬̼͒ͭ ̧̘͇̩͓̤̼̬̈̈͛w̡̖̙̹͈ͨa̯̼̳̫̹͇̼͑̈͒̕r̳̱̘̰̃̂́ň̵͇̦̃̔i̛̫̭̰͖͋ͭn͉͈̙ͩ́̍̀g̙̲̬̝̻͓̟̼̃̒͘ ̛͉̒ͅy̤̘̖͖̪̅͂͢o͈̭̠͊̾͌̀ṵ̶͈̜̰̌,̵͕̣͖͖̺̣̘̂̓̓ ̩͈̹̠̰̉̾͝y̓͛ͮ҉̣̼̺ở̠̖̫̝u̵̝̻͖̪̭̟̒́̊̉ ̙͙̭̃͑͞d̻̭̘͍͐́ō͎͉̥̝̠̣͓̦ͣ̇͜n̴̸̝̻̘̪̮̟̟̣̪͍̖̲͛̓ͭ͆͋'̷̗̞͕̗͚̮̝̘͗̉t̜̺͍̼̩̍͐͂͢ ͮͤ͏̬͔̰͓l͓̬̖̠̱͇ͯ̂̑̉͠į͇̤̞̤̣̯͚̐̓̄s̬͎̮̩̘͂̂͗ͪ͘t͇̞̤̓̓̊̕ĕ̲̦̣͖͍̼̐̎ͤ͡ṉ̛͉͕̠̭̺͎̋͐̄ ̡̩̹̊w̻͙̣̞͗̏ͭ͜e̶̝̹̫͋̉lͥ͐͆͋҉͚̣̰̟̝̝̞l̯̭̬ͮ̀,̮̪̤̻̥̞̆ͣͥ͑͝ͅ ͍͎̜̯̮̳͉͔̒͋ͫ̕I̸͍͓̰̯͙͔̞̽̉̿̕ͅ'̨͔̖̥͖͔̏̿̿͐vͬ̐҉͔̘͈͈̼ͅe̬̞̬͕͛̽͛́͜ ̼̩͖̦̼͛͡c̷̺̻̠ͦͧȏ̼͕͈͍̲̠̳̤͛͗̂͝m͎̘͈̘̂͘eͧ̑ͦ҉̦͍͕̩͇̣̘ ̙̲̩̭̮̰̥̰͗̂̐͆͞t͙̬͗̑́ò̠̤̪ͥ̈́͝ ̯̮̜̰̓ͭͧ̚̕f͎̰͈͗͢iͨ̚҉͇̻̦͓̗n͑ͯ͛҉͇͔̯̜͖̮d͓͉̪̫̅͞ͅ.̱͎̣̒̊͊͝" It practically purred, voice echoing.

I heard a faint yell in my ear, too distant for me to quite grasp.
"Thesis, what are you going on about?Why am I here again? Why now?" I Jumped up, my eyes staying on Thesis as it circled me. 

another yell, somewhat louder.

"I̴̠͕̔ ̗̻̲̰̟̖̠̈́̅ͣͤ͝j̧̺̠̲̮̙̓ͣ̊ū̷̱͕̘̘͚̠̬͎s̴͍̦̝̺̞ͩ̊̌t̫̜̬̞̯͔ͩ̍͢ ̴̥̲̻͐ẅ͉̩́͌͌͟ḁ̧̞̘̰̣ͧ̈n̷̤͕̤̏̔̏̽ţ̩͉̱̺̖̹͇̃ͅ ͙̮̳̣ͧ̀͡t̨̠̱͙͉͕͖͔̩ͧͧ̇ͯỏ̥͇͔ͭ͒̕ ̺̳̬͙̩ͨ͠p̶̹̣̬͌̇r̢̼̦͔̳ͤ͒̃ơ̞̗͈̜̖͔̬̬̆ť̯͎̻͆̀͡ȩ̺͉ͦ͗́ͤc̹̳̻̟̯̥̖͌͒̾́t̝̥̜ͥ͝ͅ ͆̍ͪ͌҉̱͖͖y̰̲̆̆́ō̸̭̜͙̻͚̠ͦ̇ų͍̬̺̮͍͎͕ͤ.̷̠̠̜̹̇̎" Thesis stated, a look of sympathy crossing its minimal features.

another yell, more recognizable. "Y/n!"

"From what Thesis?" I raised my voice, taking a step towards it, but my boot met nothing as I was instead plunged into darkness, falling, and falling, and falling.

My back hit the ground harshly, and my eyes flew open just as abruptly as I sat up, breath heaving.

"Y/n! You're awake!" Uzi was sitting next to me, flashes of relief showing through their visor, however, they looked away when I turned to them, clearing their throat.

"I mean, don't scare me like that again, idiot." She stated, crossing her arms, earning a fond shake of the head from one of the surrounding disassembly drones.

Wait,

...Disassembly drone-?

I let out a shocked yelp, jumping onto my feet as I faced the two drones that were looking over Uzi and me, one that was standing to my other side, whilst the second more feminine one was sitting cross-legged on a large boulder, I now realized I was propped up against, I suppose placed there after I fell unconscious.

"Y/n, don't freak, they aren't gonna hurt you," Uzi reassured, standing up herself. I eyed the other two suspiciously, one waving at me in a friendly manner, smiling. The other simply narrowed their eyes at me.

"Well....I guess they aren't zombies." I tried chuckling in my shock, however, it came out more nervous than I would have liked.

"Hello! I'm Serial Designation N, and my good friend here is V!" He stated, pointing to himself then 'V'. "You can just call me N though." He reasoned, stepping towards me with an outstretched hand, his smile still present as he searched my gaze innocently.

I narrowed my eyes, still weary, but took his hand in a shake, him gratefully and enthusiastically taking it.

"So Uzi, what's with the extra unneeded baggage?" V asked, pointing to me with equally narrowed eyes, causing me to frown. I don't think I'll be trusting her yet at all.

"They are not baggage V! Guys, this is Y/n, a friend." Uzi verifed, coming to stand beside me. She leaned her arm over my shoulder, giving me a pat on the arm.

"And Y/n here, wont tell anyone about you this." She then looked up to me to verify this, and I quickly nodded.

"Yeah, I uhm, wont tell a soul." I agreed. I looked past them, and at the towering tree behind them, examining it curiously.

"Im still...seriously in shock by too much of this to even know where I'd start..." I breathed, still in awe at the tree before us.

"Oh, the tree? Yeah, pretty neat huh?" N asked, looking to it as well with pride, his hands on his waist.
"And, with it, we dont have to kill worker drones!" He added, turning back to me with a thumbs up. My eyes widened at that, and almost instantly I jumped over to him, close as I began asking questions.

"Wait, This stops you from killing us? How? Is it like a repellent? Wait you guys are here so it couldnt be...Are you guys connected to it? Is it a symbol of peace? Does it have to do with what's keeping it alive?" My fear of him seemed to vanish as he chuckled somewhat nervously, but kept up his happy demeanor.

"Phew, so many questions! Well, the tree, who I call Gwen," He added in a secretive whisper. "Lives off of oil, which we need to stop ourselves from overheating, instead of water! Since all water mainly froze since all life was wiped from this planet." He explained before Uzi came between us, looking at N now with slight suspicion, although I barely noticed as I was more concentrated on what she had to say.

"What we thought was all life. This must have already been growing, and adapted as all water flowing down here turned to oil." Uzi stated, now looking up at it with us.

"Y'all look ridiculous," V commented, doing the equivalent as examining her nails, just with...Blades.

Uzi rolled her eyes at her, and turning back to me, she indicated up to fruit that the tree was growing. "Those are all filled with the same oil, we- er- I mean they, heh, can eat, instead of us." Uzi continued, a nervous chuckle at her small hiccup.

"that..." I started. "is...AWESOME!!!" I turned to Uzi and picked her up in an excited hug, shaking her briefly in my excitement.

"This means no more death, AND life on this planet!" I exclaimed while Uzi was trying to escape my bear hug. 

"Y/n- er, N! Help me!" She grabbed for N, only for him to take a step back, to avoid being grabbed onto.

"Oh- sorry, uh, got excited. Here." I set Uzi back down, guilt in my bashful smile as I hugged myself a bit.

"So, if im to guess, you didnt tell anyone...Cause the disassembly drones need the tree?" I guessed, trying to get over any awkwardness I've caused.

"Duh, we tell too many greedy drones and they'll either want to cut our supply, or cut us from it." V quipped in, hopping off her rock to come stand with us, and give me a look that told me she believed I was one of those drones.

"And as much as I love killing you idiots, this is easier." She added, crossing her arms. I took a small step back from her, bringing Uzi with me.

"You sure she can be trusted?" I somewhat rhetorically asked Uzi. "I mean, she havent killed me yet, or you." Uzi replied, brushing me off a bit. 

I gave her a deadpan expression, not as convinced, and gave V the 'I'm keeping an eye on you' hand signal.
She rolled her eyes in reply, and spreading her wings, took off into the upper branches, out of view, all us us following with our eyes until she disappeared.

We all blinked, and I cleared my throat to get the attention of the two back.
"Ok, so, now Im just wondering," I turned back to Uzi, bringing my hands together to point at her with an exaggerated intake and outtake of air.

"Why are you hanging around Disassembly drones. No offence." I added, turning to N.
"None taken!" He chirped. 

Uzi put her hands in her pockets, shrugging. Before she could even answer, N butt his head in, squealing. 
"Story tiiiiime!" 

He picked Uzi and I up, and placed us on a nearby large root, sitting us down before he went on.

"So, I was doing my usual rounds, killing drones, huh, sorry for that- when coming back to base, there was Uzi! She shot me with her gun, and I couldnt remember a thing and thought she was a disassembly drone!" He laughed, wiping a tear from his eye. Before anyone could intervene, he continued, me and Uzi sharing an amused look.

"Uzi told me a bunch of fair things about worker drones, and I realized you guys arent all that different from us. Later, V and J, our squad leader, came back, and Uzi was gone! We all went searching for her once I realized she was a worker drone, and long story short, in the midst of the snow, I helped her fight off J and V, and we became the rebellious duo of the century!" He finished, his visor giving him sunglasses as he crossed his arms in a 'cool' fashion.

"Not a duo, dont make this a thing." Uzi corrected with a definitive swipe of her hand.
I looked up at where V disappeared, pointing up in the general direction.

"If you guys had to fight off V as well, why is she here now?" I couldnt help but ask, tilting my head at the two.
"Oh thats easy! We turned her into a good guy." N said smugly.

"No you didnt!" We heard V yell from somewhere in the tree.

N shot a pouty look up at the tree, making me shake my head lightheartedly.

"So, what happens now then?" I ask, turning to Uzi. Looking at her under the somewhat dim blue lighting, I couldnt help but smile at the pretty way it paired with her purple hair and visor.

"Oh thats easy," She replied, her evil grin making me question how she'd continue. "With the Disassembly drones, we can team up with them, and take the fight right back to earth, wiping out all humans!" She exclaimed, standing up on the root with happy malice.

"Show them that we wont let them push us around like this." She added, crossing her arms. I smiled at that, finding it at least a little admirable.

"Is it...Necessary though?" We both turned to N, curious blinking urging him to proceed, Uzi's gaze warning thet he better do so carefully.
"Well it's just, not all humans can be bad! I mean look at me, and V! You thought all disassembly drones were bad, but we arent! Just maybe J is. And Maybe, we can try to side with the humans too!" He smiled, bringing his hands together to emphasize the point. 

Uzi leaned on one leg as she crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him as I became a simple onlooker. "N, most humans, if not all that have come in any contact with robots, have wanted to either use, or destory us. Even if there are some good ones, we still have to go there and get rid of the bad ones, which will be a lot of them." Uzi argued, jumping off the large root to walk up to N as she spoke.

"We have no choice." She finished. N hugged his one arm at that, looking away, unable to add onto it. A silence fell between everyone after that, my gaze flickering between the two.

I jumped beside them, an awkward smile on my features as I spoke, my voice nervous but upbeat.
"H-Hey, it'll be alright! I'm sure we'll all get a happy ending, right? In the meantime, lets just focus on the 'now', no need to think all doom and gloom of the future." I tried to recommend, earning both their attention. 

N gave me an appreciative smile, while Uzi let out a loud 'CRAP'!

I jumped back, alongside N, clearly caught off guard. 

Uzi turned to me, time displayed on her visor. "We've got to go, I had an anime downloading, it was done hours ago!" She exclaimed, having my heart on the edge until she mentioned it was just an anime. 

Both N and I let out a sigh of relief, and in the end I laughed, and nodded. "Fair enough, we can go then." 

We said our goodbye's to N, and I couldnt help but finally come in terms with the day's events as Uzi and I were walking back. A lot of surprising turns...When thinking about what would happen if I ever encountered a drone, talking to them so peacefully and even sharing some laughs certainly wasnt what I thought would happen! Let alone walking away freely...

I let out a content sigh, and couldnt help but look over to Uzi, smiling fondly as I realized I also got to know her a little better as well.

She caught me staring from the corners of her visors, giving me a curious look. 
"What're you starin at?" She asked skeptically, although I could tell there wasnt any malice behind the question.

"Oh, nothing, just thinking." I replied with a sweet smile.
"About what...?" She asked cautiously.

I looked forward again, shrugging. "I just, never expected this to come out of the day. A lot have certainly happened, is all I mean. And you...You havent known me long, so, why trust me enough to show me...All that?" I asked with a warm yet confused smile, looking back over to her.

She looked away right as our gazes met, shrugging as well once her face was hidden away from me.
"Stop looking at me like that, I just...Felt like it. If youre gonna complain then Bite me." She huffed, causing me to laugh a bit.

"Not complaining, dont worry. And, Whatever ya say. Hm, you dont think N would mind a gift would ya? You know, 'thank for not killing me!' kind of thing?" I asked jokingly, tapping my chin. 

"Knowing him, he's cherish it for the rest of his life, you could give him a rock and he'd act like it's the most anyone's ever given him." Uzi chuckled, looking forward again, face no longer hidden.

I chuckled with her, then recalling something, I took hold Uzi's hand, us now closer to the main drone areas.

"hey that reminds me, I have something for ya!" I started to jog, keeping my eyes on her as I led us forward, before my expression turned apologetic as I remembered she had her anime she wanted to get to.
"If you dont mind." 

She had a look of mild surprise on her face, and with a nonchalant shrug, and tiny smile, "Yeah, sure. The anime can wait a little longer." I smiled as well at that, and we continued on.

We stopped right outside my door, and letting go of her hand after hurriedly leading her here, I put my hand up to motion for her to wait a moment.

"I'll be back in a second, Im, uh, sorry I cant invite you in." I gave her another apologetic expression, which she shrugged off.

I disappeared inside, a small sigh escaping through my teeth upon a small gratefulness the door and house was mainly soundproof to all outside the living space. If who I thought was here afterall, I knew I had some drama incoming that I didnt want Uzi to overhear.

~Uzi's POV~

I leaned myself against the wall patiently, giving harsh glares to anyone trying to come down the hall, each often turning right back around upon seeing me.

minutes ticked by, and I was starting to worry (not that I'd ever admit that) when Y/n wasnt showing much sign of coming back out. I looked around, and chose to wait a little while longer before I'd consider knocking on the door.

"I swear to robo-jesus if that dumby fell asleep or something..." I muttered, crossing my arms in a small pout. 
I finally heard the door open, causing me to hurriedly stand upright.

"Finally, thought I was going to age just standing here-" I was slightly cut off as upon Y/n's return, the top corner of their visor was now a little cracked. It wasnt big, but in the small area it was sever enough to cause concern.

"What happened??" I instantly asked, taking a step towards Y/n, who just chuckled sheepishly.

"Uh- Oh, uhm, just tripped over somethings and came face to face with my desk corner, a little more than I'd like..." they chuckled, before handing me something with a smile.

"Here, this is what I wanted to give you, I uh...Thought it would go well with your hat." They dropped the items in my outstretched hand, and I noticed it was actually a couple pins. I brought my hand back to me, examining them both, one more of the gamer sort, the other of an edgy anime character, making me smile just a tiny bit.

"T-thanks." I said quietly, putting the pins on my hat. "Are they...on right?" I asked, a crooked smile on my face as I looked at Y/n nervously. They tapped their chin, then gave me an affirmative node with a thumbs up.

"Yep! You make them look great- Er- I mean- You look great- No wait- They look great-? I- AH-" Y/n's face lit up with a brief blush, one I could barely notice before they ran back inside. "I'llSeeYouTomorrowInClassByeThanks!" They hurriedly got out before the door shut, leaving me confused, and, dare I admit it, fondly smiling.

~Y/n's POV~

I put my back to the door to shut it, my knees a little wobbly from the embarrassment I just made of myself. I let out a crippling sigh, crumbling a bit.

I was at least happy my father wasnt here to witness me in this state, remembering his work shifts ended pretty late into the night, his first day back from his days off.

I picked myself back up, and recalling my injury I made a brief beeline for the bathroom, shutting the door behind me to grip onto the sides of the sink, looking at myself intensely in the mirror.

I brought a hand up to the cracks on my visor, grumbling at it as upon my weary touch, more tiny shards of glass fell from the nasty crack.

I gave myself a deadpanned expression, and leaving the washroom I went upstairs to my own room.
I was so done with this.

I shut the door behind me, crossing my arms with impatient foot tapping as I narrowed my eyes at Thesis, who was sitting peacefully on my bed, as if it hadnt done a thing.

w̞̪͙͓ͨ͒̐͒͟ȅ̦͇̦̻̻͓̝͆̐͜l̸̗̬̘̽c̵̲̙͓̜̫͕̐̓̓͐ȯ̴̹̙͍̞̀m͈̠̈́͢ȩ̰̺̱̜̯ͪ͋ ̺̼ͭ͡ͅb͎̫̱͎̼̗͇̽ͪ͠ͅà̴͚͎ͤ̑ͦc͔̦͖͍ͫ̽̑͜ͅk̻̥̮̞̤̣̦ͥͦ́̈́͞,̸̖̙̹̖͕͛̽̓ ̖̦̙͈̈̑͠ą̯̠̏̉̔̿g͓̫̼̻̟̲͔͚͐̋͘á̫̱̮̹̟̏ͪ̅͢ĩ̺͖̦̤̻̰͛͠n̩̹̹͙̔͆ͣ͞. It titled it's head at me, its face still only ever having eyes for me to gouge expression from.

"Seriously?? You going to throw something else at me?" I asked skeptically, the remains of a shattered glass vase behind me on the ground. 

"You say you want to 'protect me', but youre always pulling shit like this Thesis." I added, sounding pretty deflated as I let my arms fall to my sides.

Iͫͮͧ͑ͥ͒̚ ̣̬͈ͤͦ̑̋̒͛ͬͅd͕̜̳͕i͓̘͂d̜̱͓̉̉n͍̘̖͚̜͔̘̈́ͥ̆ṯ͓̱̗̳̰͍ͩ̍̇ͭ̾ ̿ẗ̰̘̞̼͉̙̦́ͨͧ͊͆h̙̲̪ͪͣ̈͑͂̆i̪͖͊̋͐̐̽n̺̩̣̠̘̏̉̾̃̊̏ͅk̗͉̤͒ͧ̓̽̓ ̽̋i͖̠̓t͖ͯ͐ͤ̍ ̬̲̫ͪ̃̃̒̈́ͮ̉w̼̫̭̔̇̋͊ͬ̚ő̖͙͗͆̉̆̅u̲̹̼͈̠̰̣ͫ̇ͤl̥̲̂ͫ̓͗ͥͪd̬̱̲̹̤ͪͯ̈́ͬ̑̚ ͚̦́̄h͈̟̳͇̮̿͂ͪ̄ͥͧ̚ā͕̭̲̯̦̬̭̇͌v̘̱e̖ͦ̐ͫ̏͗ ̯̼̜͍̞͛t̼͍͙͚̹͕͕͑ͯh̭̲̥͓̙̙̯ͪ͋̑ȧ̦͍̞̥̝͐ͨt̞̠̫̱͓̲̫̂̇̀ͤ̅̒̉ ̠̅́̋ͨ͐̐r̬̠̔͆̆ͥ̈e͍͚ͯ͒ͤs̭͖̘ṵ̘̆̌̌̌l̲ͧ̑̏t͔̤̪͑.̮̳̙̜̱̲̩ ̠̬͕͙͓I̙ ̊͛̿̇ṱ̰̂̍͂̄h͆ͨ̆̎o̭͕̯̗͚͌ͯͬ̄͋u͓̰͖̮ͥ̈́͋̐g̥̘̣̹̮h͛̽t̯̺̩̐̄͌̇ͣ̀ͫ ̥̮̯y͎̼̹͕͇̪̩͒̄o͚̣u̘̱̞͉̔̆̚ ̥̤̞̼̗͍ͫ͒̈́ͫ̆w̹̪̏͛͒͂ͦ̚ẻ̳̣̚r̲̆̑ͦ͐̾̎ͭͅe̤͙̿͐͋ ̫s̼͖̯̣͙ͤ͒̊̓̃t̥̪̮̬̪ͬ̓r̘̞͚̘͕̜̤͐̌͆̅̄o͚͒͆̐͊͆̚n̜͙̺̙ͮͦ̎͌ͭͭ̍g̬͔̺̠̮̲͐̊͐ͨ̐ͣ̏ë͎̯́ͣ̒͐r̺̙̒͊̂͒ͣ̿.͓͉̘ͭ̈́̄͑̔̇ ̳̮̠̺͉̙̏̿̍͐E͖ͧx̰̰͇̞̬̲̝a̤̞̬͚̭̜ͪ̓ͨ̉ͬ̚c͉͕͙̘̯̼̪ͥ̅͊t͎̖̏̃̏̃̚l̥͈̫ͪ̉ͮy̬̜̠͙̦͊ͧ̓̇̊̇ͪ ͓͕͐̉ͭ̈́w͕ͧͧͥḧ̖̬̝̹̟͕̘́ͦ̚y̖̹̤͔̬̤ͫͦ̓̀ ̱̥̺̯ͨ͛ͤI̮̹͙̗͛ͪ͑́ ̳̳͉̑̃ͅh̹̙̮̪̫̥a̪̭͎͈̩͐ͪv̾̍ͬ̇̚e̥͉͎͉͉̫̥ ̬̆̃ṯ̤̙̖̘̆̒ͯȍ̫ͩ̾̊̎ ̝̬͓̱̄̈́p̳̼̙̬̞̯̯͊r͍͖̘̄ͦ͆͑̚ͅo̞̲̰̲̍̄t͕͕̺͈ͮͭe̹̖̬̘ͦ̈́̊ͧ͂̄̍c͇̭̼̙̉ͧ̆̽ͪͣ̚ͅt̗̪̜ͭ͛̍̓ ̭͎̞̣̤͚̐y͉ͬo̫͌ͯ͆̃u̠̪̳̓.͎̮̩̥͊̅ͪ̅ͯ ̩̖̜̙̘̯͐ͣͧ͋͗ͧ̓ͅI͈͓̩̫͎̲ͬ̐̎̏͒ ̪͇̭̭̥̩̎̋̑̾ͅh͚͛̏̅̒̏̏̚a̞͌̍ͤ̏ͮ͌͆v̘̆͌ͭ̿ͤe͖̜̯̘̥̰̼͐̃̄ͪ̂̌ ̺̲͙͙͉͎g̝̈̔̇ͮ̚o͖̼̭̞͌̇͗̊o̫̝̙̘͂d̲̰̪̠̉ͯ ̲͍͚̺̍ͦ͒̽̏ǐ̆͑ͫn̬̝̯̓ͬ̎͑ͅt̪̖̩͔̜e͇̣̪̯͍͍̯n͇̬̪̬̭̜͊t̼̤ͯ,͚̲̻̤͍͍̉ͧͭ
 ̺̝͖̮̜̔ͭ͊̈́o̬̤̻̥̬̘ṱ̥̞͇̓͗̏̏̌h͉̃ͤ̒̏̅e͇̭̞̜͓͇̹r̞̅s͍ͪ̊̎ͩͩ ͉͈̮̘̱͗ͦd̗̠̱̲͕͉̹̒ͣ́ͧ͒̆o̊́̄ͣn̤̲̉́ͬ̓̑t̪͉͎̳͂̀ͪͯͪͅ.͙̲͈̲̥̯̂ͅ 

It stood up and stretched, and in an instant a thin tentacle like thing shot from it's body, grabbing a book and throwing it at me. I put my arms up, somewhat deflecting it.

"Thesis come on!" I put my arms down with gritted teeth, looking at Thesis angerily. 

n͚̫̾̿̈̿o̫͆̽͗̀t̘̽ͪ́ ͎̝͉̪̼̘͍̆̾͒̅ͦgͬ͛̈̄͒ͫo͔ͯͯͧͥ̏͋ō̖̩̮̺̺d̻̠̔̄ ̬̟͑͛ͨ͂ͣe͔͍̯̍n̮͇̪̗͈̹̭ͤͨỏ̈́ͦuͮ̄͛̌ͬ̔g͈͓͓̭̬̙ͣ͑̏̑͋͐̒h̜͓̲͇̥̬̜.̲̳̰̲͑̒͐͐̅ it commented. Ľ̫̜̫̮̎̈͑̚e͇͎̩͇̳̽̾̓ͧ̏̔ͅt͓̞̯'s̙̱͈̝̪̻̱̍̆̈ ͇̻̫̣̆̐̇̓ͯ̚t̪̞̘̣̗̂r̫̪̤͊̇̊ͩͮ̌a͖͖̻̥̯̅̓̀̐ͅỉ̳̖̠ͥ͂̍n,̘̝͇̥͖́ ̝̯̲̤̣̈́̒̒̈́́ŝ̭̪̹̝̪͆͆̚ͅh̭̪̥̳a͙̘̣̩̪͋l͎̘̃l ̦̱̗̯͎̞̇ͯ̚w̭͉͋̃̾ͮͩ̉̚è͚̠?̫̠̭̾̋ͭ̎̄ͯ̓  it asked, tilting its head at me. White started to fill my vision as I was once again being sent to its world of empty voidness.

"No, Thesis No, Thesis please dont do this to me," My hearing started to fill with a shrilling ring, my eyes closing from the sound and light.
"Thesis please! I dont want to do this again! Thesis please dont send me there ag-" I screamed, only to be cut off as my room was left empty, 

Not a living thing there.

Chapter Text

~Y/n's POV~

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP! BEE-

My alarm was cut off by a slap to my own face, a grumble escaping my lips as I rolled over on my side.

My arms hurt, cuts through my metal and circuits all over my body urged me to stay in bed, however, duty and school called. Wish today was a weekend, but of course, this all had to land on a Friday, the bliss of sleeping in teasing me when I need it most.

I tossed the other way and rolled out of bed, landing on the floor face first, laying there limb for a few moments.

I eventually pushed myself up, sighing as I went to my closet in search for a good sweater or something along the lines, I needed something to cover these gashes.

"Y/n! I have something for you!" My father's voice rang from downstairs, my closed door muffling the words a bit. I fixed up the clothing and picking up my bag I left the room, features groggy as I made my descent down the stairs.

"There she is! Not yet awake sport?" He chuckled upon seeing me, carrying a heavy-looking box that almost tipped the small dining room table when he put it down.

"Well, this gift will have you wide awake in no time! Hope your socks arent too loose, cause this will knock em off!" He commented, my hardwire still trying to process everything as I slumped into a chair, resting crossed arms on the table's surface.

"What's with the box?" I asked, clearing my throat. Dad smiled in a rather excited manner, and rummaging through it, the first thing he brought out was a f/c beanie accompanied by f/animal ears/horns. I took it gingerly, feeling its soft fabric, and actually found myself smiling a bit. 

The hat almost reminded me of Uzi's.

"Huh, thanks, I actually kind of like this." I said softly, however, my father's rummaging persisted.
"Thats not all of it! I found this whole box in the attic! I uh, didnt know, but," He paused, looking down into the box as he spoke, finally pulling out a card.

"It's all from your mother." The words hit me like a brick, my eyes widening, and memories flooding over me like a tidal wave, my mouth agape yet words unable to form, my breath almost brought to a halt.

He handed me the card, and hesitantly, I took it. I read over it, examining the exterior of the folded item, reading the signature of my mothers, to Y/n, me.

I opened it, gulping as I started to read.

𝓓𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓨/𝓷,    

𝓘𝓶 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝔁 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓭𝓪𝔂, 𝓪𝓽 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓼 𝓪 𝔀𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓮, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼 𝓶𝓾𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓮 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓮. 𝓘 𝓯𝓮𝓪𝓻 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷𝓽 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓘 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓮, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓶𝔂 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓹𝓾𝓶𝓹𝓴𝓲𝓷, 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮. 𝓘 𝓴𝓷𝓸𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮𝔂 𝓶𝓪𝔂 𝓰𝓮𝓽 𝓽𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓮𝓻, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓶𝓫𝓮𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝔂 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮, 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓽 𝓵𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓼 𝓼𝓸 𝓸𝓻 𝓷𝓸𝓽.  

𝓣𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓲𝓭, 𝓘 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝔁 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱𝓭𝓪𝔂'𝓼 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓬𝓸𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭. 𝓘 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓲𝓽 𝓸𝓷𝓬𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝓫𝓸𝓻𝓷, 𝓯𝓲𝓵𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓼𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓭 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮. 𝓘'𝓭 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓸𝓾𝓽 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓪𝓼𝓼𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓰𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓮𝓷𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓫𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓱𝓭𝓪𝔂, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓷𝓮𝔁𝓽 𝔂𝓮𝓪𝓻, 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓽 𝔀𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓵𝓪𝓼𝓽 𝓪 𝓵𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓲𝓶𝓮.  

𝓗𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻, 𝓘𝓯 𝓲𝓶 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓸....𝓘 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓫𝓮 𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓲𝓯𝓽𝓼 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓻𝓿𝓮, 𝓼𝓱𝓸𝔀 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓪𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻, 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝔀𝓲𝓽𝓱 𝓪𝓵𝓵 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽. 𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓲𝓿𝓮 𝓹𝓵𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓮𝓭 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓘 𝓸𝓯 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓷𝓽 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓭𝓲𝓬𝓽 𝔀𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾'𝓵𝓵 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮, 𝓫𝓾𝓽 𝓘 𝓱𝓸𝓹𝓮 𝓘 𝓱𝓲𝓽 𝓹𝓻𝓮𝓽𝓽𝔂 𝓬𝓵𝓸𝓼𝓮 𝓽𝓸 𝓱𝓸𝓶𝓮.  
𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝔂 𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓮,  

𝓛𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻,

𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓷𝓮~

I teared up a bit, and folding the letter back up, my father still looking through the box, I placed it in my pocket. I looked up at my father, distracted by trying to organize whatever else lay in the box for me.

Its been years now....
Examining him now, was he still the same man as back then? He seemed so different now, but...Has he really changed?

"Look! I found the next one, for your...This was for your 8th birthday! That last one was 7." He added, showing me a stuffed dinosaur. "I had no idea your mother made this! Smart of her to buy your gifts beforehand, give you some from the box each year instead of going out in a panic each time." He partially chuckled, wording it like he hadn't read the note. 

"I remember when you used to like dinosaurs-"

"I still do."

He hesitated, surprised by my interruption. He nervously smiled and handed me the stuffy. "Heh, right." 

He remembers when I 'used' to like dinosaurs, I remember the countless figurines and stuffies of them broke from his outbursts.

I Grimaced, looking away. I however eventually let out a defeated sigh. I have to let go, don't I? Its in the past, he's trying to make things better...

"What else is in the box?" I looked up to him partially, 

"Look yourself," He gently pushed it over to me, allowing me to stand up from my chair to look through it. Each item had a label on it with a number, highest one I saw was 17...
I assumed it was for age and when to give that item to me.

I poked at a few things, looking around, not sure what else I could take out that would be of any use to me right before school.

"Can I bring this up to my room...?" I asked, looking up at my father.
"Course! Just dont miss your classes, wouldnt want you missing out on some quality education." He stated, turning to deal with some things he left on the counter, other doo-dads from the attic I suppose.

I placed the beanie in the box, and taking it in my arms I lifted it off the table.

"Ah-" A gash on my arm tore open as the weight of the box rested in my arms. I dropped the box immediately, it crashing to the floor as oil started to seep from the further torn wound. My sweater sleeve soaked it up, and I quickly hid my arm as my father turned to see what happened.

"Oh- You alright sport? That thing's heavy, you gotta be more careful!" He chuckled, rushing over to help me pick everything up. I stood there a moment, unsure what to do with my arm hidden, facing him at an angle so he couldnt see.

I was unsure if I could carry the box up now, and no way was I going to ask him to...

"Hey, can I just leave it down here, actually? I-I'll deal with it when I get home." I decided, quickly picking up the last item on the floor, which happened to be the beanie, and keeping it with me as I took a step towards the door.

"Of course! I wont be home by then, so just make sure youre careful when bringing it back up." He recommended as he placed it back on the table.

I gave him a thumbs-up, and hurriedly left, 

Leaving him to confusingly look at the single drop of oil I unbeknownstly happened to leave behind on the floor.

~~~

I sighed as I made my way to class, holding my arm as the oil finally stopped leaking, however my sleeve now ruined. I removed my hard hat, revealing messy hair that I quickly covered with the beanie.

I paused, looking down at my helmet thoughtfully. Looking around, and seeing no one in the empty hall, I threw the helmet aside, and without looking back, I walked on.

As I neared class, I couldnt help but get more and more anxious about my sleeve. Covered in oil, what would others think? That it was from someone else? That I indeed did have wounds that I refused to treat? What would they do?
I dont think my teacher would question much, he doesnt strike me as the type to...But others...

"Dude." I stopped in my tracks, quickly looking over my shoulder to see none other than Uzi.

I smiled nervously, waving, as she already had her suspicious glare on the sleeve. Her eye twitched a bit, and for a moment she looked rather....stressed, but the expression vanished so quickly it made me question if I really saw it.

"Howd that happen?" She asked casually, walking right up to me to start examining. Without thinking I instantly pulled my arm away, my gaze flickering between her and it before the guilt settled in, especially when I saw the brief hurt in her eyes from the choice of action.

"Is it....Yours?" She asked, gingerly taking another step to get closer, seeming more genuinely concerned now.

"..Yeah." I admitted meekly, looking away. She shook her head, putting her hands on her hips, almost as if disappointed, or unsure what to do. Maybe both.

"How bad?" She continued, looking back to me. I hesitated to say, part of me didnt want to, but the other part...I didnt want to hide anything.

Instead of really saying, I looked to my arm again, then her, before I hesitantly put my arm out for her to look at, embarrassment showing in my features.

Meeting my gaze for one more moment, she took my arm gently and rolled back the oil-stained sleeve, already being met with smaller cuts.

She eyes them, semi-mortified and worried, both emotions meeting to create more of a weary look on her visor. Before she could pull up the rest of the sleeve, a voice startled both of us.

"Ew, Y/n, you have a nobody clinging to your arm." Uzi scrambled to stand beside me, my sleeve falling back into place as I nervously hid my arm behind my back, none other then Lizzy looking to us suspiciously, before she started chuckling.

"Wait, Y/n, dont tell me you started hanging around this loser!" She stated, her lacky of sorts Doll popping around the corner to stand by her, examing us silently.

I searched there gazes wearily, unsure what to say until Uzi stepped forward.

"Would you two just back off? We're in the middle of something, the likes of which we dont need attention seeking roaches shoving their noses into!" She hissed, snapping me out of it and giving me more confidence. I stepped up with Uzi, narrowing my eyes at the two school populars.

"Please, like we want to be in whatever freaky business youre taking part in, we have lives you know." Lizzy retorted, examining her 'nails'. I gritted my teeth, irritated.

I wasnt one to fight, but neither was I in the best mood today either. And Lizzy didnt strike me as the kind to listen to words. Might as well try first though.

"Lizzy, I can hang with who I like, and if I choose to hangout with a drone who actually has heart, good sense of humour, and at least decent style in comparison to your basic bitch hand me down loose end fashion choice," I began, a snarl accompanying my words.
"Than I'd say it would be wise for you and your one trick phony self to back off." I ended, her mouth agape at my newfound voice.

"Wow! You really just said that, she really just said that." she turned to Doll, mocking hurt. "Just chill, we're backing off. See you losers in class." She finally backed down, waving us off as if she hadnt the time for the likes of us, Doll following.

I scowled at them, crossing my arms as Uzi looked from them to me a couple times, only for a smug smile to fall upon her face.

"Good sense of humor, huh?" She asked, nudging me. My visor grew a little warm upon realizing what Ive just said, and I looked away, arms still crossed.

"I just said what I had to." I denied. 

"Dont forget that I have 'good style', and what was it....' Heart'?" She added smugly, leaning on my shoulder.
"I take it back-" I replied stubbornly, putting my arms up.

She laughed mischievously, admittedly causing me to smile a small bit, the laughter contagious.

"Uzi- stop that!" I laughed, louder now as I gently pushed her smug face away.
"Stop what?" She asked knowingly, chuckling along side me.

"You- im done." I said jokingly, laughter fading as I started walking away.  She followed after me, looking in the direction I was going, then at me again.

"We skipping again?" She asked slyly, noticing I was walking the opposite direction of class. 
"Well, I cant go in with this," I indicated to my oil covered sleeve. "So, why not, you know?" I shrugged.

"Hm...I know who can deal your idiot self." She said confidently, taking my hand and leading me.
"Idiot-? What'd I do this time?" I asked, smiling with a raised brow.

She looked to the arm in question, then me, with a pointed look. 
"Those werent on purpose-" I pouted, voice quiet. She gave me a skeptical look, and I couldnt find it in me to comment. Maybe it was easier if she believed...that, what she thought they were, rather than where I actually got them....

It took me a few moments to realize she was taking me to the tree, the smallest cripple of my smile showing the dislike and distrust I still had for the disassembly drones there.

But then again, the tree was always so beautiful to look at, and N seemed nice enough, then there was....

I paused as I looked down at Uzi's hand, holding onto my arm gently as she led me forward, trying to be brisk so no one would see us yet still slow enough that she wouldnt tug. 

She may seem harsh, or sarcastic, or even uncaring and weird to some, but...She was growing on me rather quickly, as im sure anyone who got to know her would.

my visor grew warm at the thought, however, said thoughts were brought to a halt when Uzi's voice made her way through them.

"Youre awfully quiet back there, not dead, are you?" She asked, looking back at me while gently letting go of my arm, probably thinking it was her doing, yet a master of not showing such.

"O-oh, no, still alive. Just...hoping V isnt there." I pouted, feigning my own innocence as I caught up to Uzi so we were walking side by side.

She smirked at that, putting her hands in her own sweater pockets. "V? All bark no bite, dont worry about her." She reassured, waving it off.

I gave her a brief look of unease, as if unsure now that I thought more about it, but it went unnoticed as we continued on.
"So...What was it you were talking about when you said you might 'know someone'?" I asked, hoping it wasnt the previously spoken of disassembly drone.

"It'd be easier to just show you." Uzi replied as we turned another corner, lights starting to dim as we neared the tree. I chuckled upon remembering N's name for it, Gale was it? No, Gwen. Gwen was it.

Uzi peeked over at me curiously at my chuckle, wondering if it was for what she said or not. I waved it off as I continued where we left off.

"I hope your solution doesnt result in loss of my arm." I commented, nudging her to show the question was meant light heartedly.

"Both, actually." She replied in a sly tone, side eyeing me with a smug smile. My expression faltered for a moment before realizing she was joking.
She had to be joking-

"Uzi! Y/n!" We both stopped near the entrance to the hideout, halted mainly from N flying down and picking us both up in a hug.

"N-!" Uzi complained, before her and I met eyes just over his shoulder. She looked away, sentence cut off and leaving me confused as N put us down.

"Sooo, what brings you two here?" N asked, hands on his hips as he looked between us.
"Well, geniu- er, Y/n here, is leaking oil, theyre hurt. Like, a lot of 'hurt.'" Uzi corrected the sarcasm it seemed she was going to use, causing me to smile briefly in appreciation, a smile she returned.

N gave Uzi a confused smile, pointing to me. "Then why didn't you just he-" 
"Bring them here?" Uzi interrupted, rushing forward to cover N's mouth while giving me an awkward smile.
"Thats what I did! Brought them here, so you, N, could heal them." She pressed, stepping back from N, who blinked at her a couple times before smiling.

"If ya say so!" He then looked to me, offering out his hand. "What's injured?" 

I looked over to Uzi, who giving me a small comforting smile, indicated to N, as if saying 'go on, its ok'. I looked back to N, then to my arm, and offered it out to him.

"Thats quite a bit of oil, let's see what caused it." He chirped, rolling back the oiled sleeve to reveal the gashes and tears and cuts all over my arm. He widened his eyes for a moment, looking over to Uzi, who could only really give him an affirmative nod.

"You...Might want to suppress this ever happening." N brought up, looking back to me. Before I could question what he meant,
he licked my arm, from wrist to rolled up sleeve, making me shiver and pull my arm back, making an obvious 'ick' noise.

"That- you- why-??" I questioned, looking from him to Uzi and back again. They both looked down at my arm, and following their gazes, I looked down to see my wounds start to reform and fix themselves, my metal melting back into place until my arm was fixed.

At first, I was too stunned to speak, but I didnt need to as N quickly explained.
"Nanobytes in our saliva, for when we get hurt too! If not, I'd constantly be disassembling myself, heh." He admitted, indicating to his swishing tail.

I nodded at that, thinking a moment. "This, might be a weird request, but, could you maybe fix this too...?" I pointed to my visor hesitantly, in which sharing an exchange of glances with Uzi, gave me an awkward thumbs up.

"Sure! Anything for a friend." He walked up to me, and pushing some of my h/c hair back, he planted a mix between a kiss and a lick on the cracked bit of my visor, leaning over slightly to do so, leaving me a little surprise as he backed away.

"There! All fixed!" He chirped. 

"N, what was that for??" Uzi was instantly at my side again, if not a step ahead as she stormed towards N.

"Huh-?? U-Uzi, I was just healing them!" Was all he managed to get out as he put his arms up in confused defense.
"Not like that!!" Uzi reinforced, pointing a finger in his face.

"Hm." 
I jumped back seeing that on the other side of me, V appeared. Her arms were crossed as she examined the two and their quarrel, Uzi not backing down for...whatever reason.

"Hmph, I can still smell oil on you." V commented with a chuckle, looking over to me with a sneer of a grin.
"M-must be the sleeve." I replied, bringing said sleeve back down to cover my arm again.

"Oh dont try to lie to me, those two may be too dumb to tell, but I can smell the oil rolling off you, your arm, waist," V teased, getting in my face.

"Its been a while since i had any real oil, You should let me have a taste~" Her eyes disappeared, replaced with the yellow X disassembly drones were known for. I leaned away from her, certainly not trusting that sentiment.

"V, leave them alone." Uzi warned, throwing a pebble at the towering drone. V's eyes reappeared, and rolling them, she crossed her arms again.
"Please, I was only joking." She remarked, before flying back over to the tree, and peeling back some of its bark, took to eating that oil rather than mine.

"You...Didnt hear what she said, did you-?" I asked, turning my attention back to Uzi, who had a sad puppy-like N in tow.
"I can guess, just ignore her threats." Uzi replied, before walking over to the tree as well, dragging N with her.

I didnt follow at first, hugging my other arm gingerly in thought. I dont think I wanted N to, egh, lick me again, so...I'll just have to leave it for now.

I rushed over however when Uzi pressed N's face into the tree, yelling about 'his circuits obviously needing oil'.
"OkUzi I thinkHe'sGood-" I instantly commented as I reached them.

~~~~

We waved them off, having spent most of the day up in the tree just relaxing. Being brought up was...Interesting, to say the least. N Wrapped his tail around my waist to bring me up, which was fun, however being dangled around with no choice but to look down at the doom of a fall beneath me, 

I dont think I'll be asking to do that anytime soon again.

"Youve gotten awfully quiet again." Uzi observed, looking at me with a curious smile. I returned it with a smile of my own before shrugging as we walked back to our respective homes together.

"Just...Had fun today." I replied simply, giving her a more full close eyed smile. I didnt see the slight flush she got, and didnt get the chance to when we suddenly heard voices ahead at the four way turn in the hallway. Uzi and I looked at eachother, then back from where we came. 

The hall was too long to have any chance of running away in time, and if the two saw us, we didnt want to lead them to the tree by accident...

"Right? So I put my hand down, and boom! A flush." The voices were getting closer.

Luckily the hall walls had a lot of circuits and pipes that could help hide a drone, and we hoped it would be enough as Uzi quickly grabbed my hand and we both hide behind a thick cluster of wires, the drones barely stopping as they passed the hall that we hid in.

I flinched as she pressed against my waist, where truth be told, V was correct, more wounds lay.
Uzi noticed this, looking up at me confused, words on her visor as she tried asking if I was ok.

I looked away, unable to answer.

Once the two worker drones (most likely heading to the three doors that kept this whole bunker safe) walked by without any hint of seeing us, Uzi stepped back, quickly checking they were truly gone before turning back to me.

She examined my gaze for a moment, mine admittedly guilty.
"Y/n." She started, taking a step closer to me, who was admittedly still against the wall, frozen from uncertainty to what to do.

"Y-yeah?" I nervously smiled. 
Uzi looked to my side, then back up at me, a stern yet worried look on her visor. "Your side is bleeding oil." 

I looked down to confirm, and seeing she was correct, I chuckled sheepishly.

"I- That-" I stopped, my expression falling at her genuinely concerned expression.
"I'm taking you back." She said sternly, going to take my hand. I let her grab it, her grip gentle yet shaking slightly, however, I didn't budge as she tried to move me, a look of confusion crossing her face.

"I- I dont want N to have to do that again. My one arm? Sure, because that was noticed and wouldnt stop leaking otherwise. My visor? Yes, because people can obviously see that injury. But...I...I'd feel too guilty asking that of him again. Plus, thats on my waist, thats a little more...You know..." I trailed off, hoping she'd get it.

By expression on her face, she did understand, but it didnt stop the sigh that escaped her mouth as she let my hand go.
"...Show it to me." She asked quietly, taking a step closer again.

"Bu-"
"Show me. I need to know how serious it is Y/n." She looked at me stubbornly, and with a sigh of my own, I grumbled a bit, and lifted my sweater, showing my waist. There were gashes on the one side, only two luckily, one however big enough to cause some concern, as it was the one that had started leaking from the pressure put on it.

Uzi frowned at it, and we stood there like that for what felt like an eternity to me as Uzi contemplated her options.
She let out another sigh, and looked up at me.

(Technical intimate moment here)

"Just, dont freak, ok?" She asked. Before I could question it, the chance was once again ripped away from me as gingerly yet firmly, she took hold of my waist, and bending down a bit, she ran her tongue across the gash, causing me to freeze.

I didnt feel the same ick I did from earlier, but even so, up against the wall it wasnt like I could pull away from it this time. I looked away, covering my mouth in shock as she licked the second wound, my thoughts going crazy as I could tell and feel, just as earlier, the wounds sealing up. 

She stood back up again, her own visor showing some blush as we met eyes again.

I had so many questions, yet not a word would leave my mouth as I slowly brought my hand away from it, examining my waist to confirm my suspicions.

I looked back to Uzi, who looking away now with crossed arms, refused to meet my gaze.
"Dont mention this to anyone." She hissed quietly.

"I...How can you.." My voice trailed off as I let my sweater fall back into place. 
"I just can." She replied sternly, not giving me the answer I was quite looking for. I dismissed it however, telling she still meant well.

"...Thank you." She looked back to me with some mild surprise, met with my own warm gaze and smile.
She looked away again, waving it off.

"Whatever. Any more wounds I should know of? And dont be an idiot and lie!" She warned, pointing at me. I chuckled in return, but it turned nervous as I realized I wasnt going to be able to avoid this, was I?

"I, well, heh, uhm..." I trailed off again, and taking in a small breath, I rolled up my other sleeve, showing the same amount of slashes and tears as my other arm, these ones thankfully not leaking.

Uzi hesitated, guilt instantly coursing through me as I rushed to reassure her. "But you dont have to, I'd understand if it makes you uncomfort-"

She shook her head quietly as if to say that wasnt it, before in the time of a heartbeat, she gently took hold of my arm, and licked the tear closest to my wrist, once again catching me off guard as my face grew warm, instantly looking away from it.

I was shocked she still chose to do so, surely this couldnt be something one would choose to do- 
yet she-

She...I hated how willing she was to heal me. I hated how she didnt actually seem to mind too much.
Hated how it made my circuits race, hate how I didnt mind when she did this, I hated it...

I wanted to wonder why she hid this healing ability of sorts from be, but I could barely think much else as my mind and thoughts began to melt.

I peeked back at Uzi, as if prepared to take my arm back, but seeing her with her purple tongue out, against my arm as the wounds she reached started to heal, I couldnt bring myself to do anything but stare in shock.

She caught my gaze, and I couldnt bring myself to look away in my frozen state, 'heart' in my throat. 
As if knowing exactly what she was doing, regardless of the stubborn look she had in her eyes, she tried the kiss thing N did earlier, half way up my arm now as she healed each wound individually, like it was something she wanted to be thorough with.

I could feel my legs starting to give, almost like I couldnt handle the way she looked right now, regardless if any of the intention she had was innocent.
It was, right...?

She just wanted to help, heal my wounds and all, right...?
My breath had practically been stolen from me as she finally reached the last wound, a slow lick healing it almost instantly, yet she hesitated to pull away.

We met gazes again, and for a second all we could do was look at eachother, with how warm my face was, surely a large f/c blush on my face, Uzi having a bit of her own as well.

She finally drew away, and wiping the corner of her mouth with her thumb, she walked away, 

Leaving me to crumple to my knees against the wall, still in utter shock.

What....What was that....?

Chapter Text

~Y/n's POV~

I edited my costume with the assistance of a tall mirror I dragged into my room, fixing it anxiously.
"Maybe it'll look better like this...? Or...that..." 

Its been almost an hour of me just fretting over it, ever since Uzi invited me for a halloween night hangout this costume was all Ive been fretting about.
We havent brought up what happened in the hall that one day, but...I wouldnt even know what to say if it was brought up. So maybe for now its better dropped.

"̬̼̱͔͇͚̇̅̅I̭̥̳ ͈̗̾͛͗͋̍ͥt͎̣̳̲̤ͫͪͭ̚ͅh̓ͣ̇ͦ̐ͭ̎î͕̮̲̉̃n̪̉͐͛͆ͩ̄̈͘k͝ ̦̑̂ͮ͋̚I̧̱̊ͩ̎̀̄̇m̛̪̭̦̱̤ͬ̐̊ ̷̥̘̼͔͊̓s̡̻͍̰͋t̰̘̪̩̖͟a͙̥̦̮͉ȑ̝̮̞̦̑̐͊̒̽ͅt̸̜̰͈̳͐ͯ̂i̲͂ͯ̌͊͛n̦ͅg̙̗̼̙͋̎̈́̑̕ ̼̩̩̞̹͉̟̂ͫ͋̄t̺̣͕̓̐̿ͧͨͣ̀oͦ͌̌ ͙̣͔̹̞̉̉u̱̳̤̖͇n̅ͪͮͭ͏̘͉̠͙͚d̗̈ë̫̼̰́̈̀ṟ͈̫͉̦͓̣͛͑s͈̪͗͠t̘̣̗͓̗̜͋̒̈́̓̂̇͌a̱̮͕͔̓̚n̴̻̼̱͓̙̩͆ͅd̷͇̜̜͙̎ ̾͘t͎̩̫̗̗̻̤ͤͨ̇ͦẖ̭̻͕͍̬ͬi̶͎͇̿ͥ̃́̐ͤ͒s͈͎͉̬̹̘̆̓ ̖̭͓̫͓̳̉̈́͒ͮ́'̭͉͕̜͍̤̌̓ͬh̛͓̪ͣ̅͗ͣͭ̀̾ä̙͉͎̫̭̞̰͆̆ͬ̀͊l͎͚͙̠͓͖̯ͨl̸̔o̜͙͑͐̌̉̔̚͟w̧̮̖͚͕̼ͫͭ̈̾͆̀̔e̲̟͗͌̔́́e̷͈̪͓̯ͨͤ͆̌̇̽̆n̵̦̒̉̑ͅ'͈̝ͬͫͦ̋.̄̌ͮͪ̉͏̟͓̺̭̭͚̻"̯̼̬̹̝̿̂̃  Thesis commented, lying on my bed like a voidish loaf as it read a Halloween history book.

"͉̲ͩ̄ͨ̐̓ͥ͞Y̱̫͉͉͙̣̠̓oͣ̊ͤ́ͨ̈́̚͟ű̬͖̱͕̩͓̓ ̈͐̂ͤ͛҉̳̼͖̙̠̙s̳̭̬̬ͧͧ̓̔̿̄̕ho̩̝̔̿ͬ͐ͩų̺͔͙̠̳̽ͩ̐l͙̗̀͐͑̑d̔͏̰̟ ̔ͫ̂ͩ͒͞l̇e̔ͪt̝͍̕ ̟͓̖͚̱̘̳̅͡m̛̳͚͖̘̙̥̈́̓ͮȩ͓̗̲ ̦̖͕̍ͥ̎j̦̋ͮo͇̫̻̿̏i͔͙̔͛͌ͪ̀̑ͯn̤̣̮̟͓̲ͫ͆͗̌ͬͧͭ́,̪͚̥ͮ̈̏̂͂̍͗ ̀͟ͅI̵͔ͧ̍̈́ ̃͂̌b̰̲̔̿e͊͗͒ͤ̅l̤̬̬͈̮͚̍̂̅i͎̮͍̝͎̗̮ͬ̅ͯͧ̊̊̈́e̶̦͎̬̘͌̿̅ͫ̆̚v̴̯̞̟̘̭͔̦e̋͂҉̜͉ ̛̳͉͚̳̠ͪ̍͂͒i̼͚͓̙̺ͦͅ ̭ͫͥ̌̕ͅw̲̙̻͈̣̯̥̾̾͌̂ͣͧ̈o̭̘̗̼͈̭̔̔̏͝u̫͕̺̭̼͇̅̋̓̎͑͗̕l̖̥͔̠̯̤͗d͊ͧ̓ ͈̝̭͔̪̑͢r̭̰ͧ̊uͯͦ̓̄̒ͣ͂l̛̫̤͐e̞̟̙͓̎͐͘ ̠͎̞͙͕͓̼͡a̡̙̠͍͉͉̭̅ṭ̦͍͇͒ͧ͢ ̻̠ͧ͊t͉̺͍̣̻̠ḧ̘̯̝i̘̫͔̯͖̇͌̿͋s̱͐͐ͧ̈́͋̇͝ ̱̩̤̭ͩ͗ͤ̏ͧ͑'̭̼̻̫͑͋ͧ̽ͅs̟̋̓c̜̟̮ͤ̄ͦa̝͕̖̖͂ͣ̏̔̀̚ͅŗ̲͉̣̤͈̌̏͐ḭ̞̭̹̘̃ǹ̰̳͙̬̠̋̂̔̌ͫ̽ͅg̪̫̜̹͛̊̽̌͊͆̂͝'̩̓̇ ̺̭͙͇͒̏͋̔p̙̕a̿ͣ̾̑̋r̵̭̱̜͉̮ṭ̳̈́̒͝.̫̹̤̺͌ͥ͊̓̏ͨ ͙͓̞͈̤̊̚

Yͯͬ̏̀̐ͭȏͯ̽̐̒̀̄҉ů̝̥̭ ̹͖̂̒̄͜d̵͔͕͖̻̣̥͇̅̾̔̌o̩͔̩n͖͎̜͕̜͍͐͑ͤ̀̈́͟ẗ́͛̾ ̷̥̱̲̙̽̒̒ͭ̃ẽ͈ͧ͛ͨ̿͢v̈́̓̊͊͌̾ͣẽ͖͎͔̎̅̾̓̕n̮̝̝͍̙͈͒͑͆́ ̳̟͎̬͈͚̭ͤ̈́̀̃̽͌̉l̶̟̬̱̲ͤ͒̓ͬo͕̘̮̞̭̰̿ͦ̆͊ͪ͐o̜̱̤̥̥̣̰͂k̫̭̋́̾̆̇̋ ̭sͫ̓͐ͤ͊͆̏c̤͉̠̬̝̱͂̈ͬ̒ͧa̛͇͙͚̍̏̉̇ͬ̐rͫ̎̇ͮ̽͌y͖̼͙̯̻̒.̪ ̶̇̾͑̂͐̔

...Y̟̞̩̤͚ͮͤ́̒̆ơ͖͇̖͔͗ŭ͈͍̓ͯ̚r͇̩̜̱ͯͭe͎̩͔̱̩͚͓̾͡ ͤ̀̒ͮ̒̿͟bͪ̓ͫ̀̚͘a͕̺͈̙̓̋ͮd̩̘̰̱̹̼̪̊̈ͩ̓ ̺̗̞̮̥̯ͣ̆͗a̢͕̼̖̹͙̮t͍̖͙̰͓͎͆ͥͦ̍͑̏́ ̞̤͖͢ṫ̷̤ͭͬ̈͗̈́h̘̞͚i͈͍̩̥̻ͯ́̓ͨṡ̥̲̋͑ͧ̽̐ͬ.̣͎̪͓ͣ͛̔̋ͤ͟"̷̜̲̲̫̗̜̬̍̀ͦ̃̄̐

I threw a deadpanned look over to Thesis, displeased with the commentary. 
"Thesis, Im not bringing you. And my goal isnt to look too scary! I want to look, I dunno, nice." I shrugged, going back to examining my costume.

I heard a knock on my door just as I was finally proud of my work, half surprising me however as my father was just one to yell from downstairs.

I quickly looked back to where Thesis lay, only for them to be gone.
"....Come in!" 

I was surprised to turn and see Uzi poke her head smugly through my door, a smile instantly on my face as she stepped in.
N was behind her, looking...Slightly faker than usual, but otherwise still N, surprising me even more.

"Uzi? N?? What are you guys doing?" I asked as I quickly pulled them in, poking my head through my door to make sure my father wasnt there before closing it.

"Y/n, you dont need to freak out, your father let us in!" N reassured happily as I turned back to them.
"And awwww your costuuuuume!" N instantly picked me up to properly examine me,
and my well-put-together black cat costume.

I had the cat ears on my now black beanie, a suprer realistic fluffy tail, and dressed in all black with fake fangs in and makeup on the parts of my face that made sense. I also had gloves on with claws, fluff on the cuffs to add to the look, and paw like looking boots with the same fluff on their hem.

"T-thanks N, but what about you? How many people saw you guys?" I fretted, looking him up and down.
"Oh, well, since its HaLlOwEeEn~" He stretched the last word in a 'spooky' voice as he set me back down, wiggling his fingers with his hands up for extra spooky effect. "Uzi had the idea to make my appearance less scary, and Id be able to blend in!" 

On cue, I looked over to Uzi, who unnoticed by me, she looked as though she was almost in a trance as she examined me and my costume, before she snapped out of it as I looked at her and waved sheepishly.

"Oh, my, robojesus." I stated, a huge grin appearing on my face as I looked at Uzi.
"Youre a devil!!!" I almost squealed, running over and hugging her.

She chuckled bashfully, looking happy for a moment when I hugged her before she stubbornly put distance between us two, clearing her throat with crossed arms. This gave me a chance to further examine her costume, horns poking out from her hair just before her hat began, a stiff yet well made red devil tail, and otherwise wearing mainly red in the form of a short dress, admittedly making my gaze linger longer than it shouldve.

"Yeah yeah, and what about you, didnt take you as the type to go out as a cat." She observed with a smug grin, examining my costume again.

"Well it was paw-ssibly the easiest to make, and I didnt want to cause any cat-astrophe with a bad costume." I shrugged, waiting for a reaction to my puns.

N seemed confused, while Uzi, upon instantly noticing the puns, shook her head.
"Did you- Were those- Puns? Really?" she asked skeptically, despite her tone and disliking for it, a smile on her face.

"Yep, swear Im not kitten or jokin ya, purr-sonaly I rather like em." I replied, examining my 'claws'. 
"thats it, Im walking away." she put her hands up as she walked past me, heading for the door, as N finally started to clue in to what ouns could be.

"C'mon Uzi, dont be cat-sad!" He tried, shooting me two thumbs up with an open ':P' smile.

"Somehow thats better." Uzi commented with a chuckle as she opened the door.
"My feelings- harsh- how will I ever recover." I said in mock hurt, back of my hand held to my head in acted disdain.
To add to it I let myself fall into N's arms, back arched and hand still to my head.

"Y/n! Uzi, you cant leave them like this," N joined in, trying to hold back laughter through his smile.

Uzi let out a dragged 'uuugh' before closing the door and turning back to us with arms on her hips, brow raised as her gaze scrutinized us.

Facing her with my back arched like this, albeit upside down in my vision, I winked at her playfully, smug about the current event and me and N's victory so far.

She rolled her eyes, and walking over, she gave N a kiss on the cheek, then me, a kiss on the forehead, before walking out of the room, 

In our shock N dropping me the second the door closed, me simply frozen on the ground before me and N slowly looked to eachother.

"I- Didnt think Uzi would do that." He admitted.
"...Its the costume. Has to be. The devil's influencing her." I decided.

"Thats possible-?? UZI!" He worriedly ran after her, throwing himself through the door once he opened it, leaving me to scramble to my feet in pursuit.
"Wait N I wasnt serious-!" 

~~~

"Alright, Ive never really trick or treated before, how's this work?" I asked as we exited my house, N shrugging with the presumed equal knowledge I had.

"Well, since candy isnt exactly something we have, was never made here to begin with, and we dont need to eat, drones mainly just hand out...Stuff. Like jewelry or trinkets or the occasional thing of actual worth." Uzi explained with a shrug.

"But, most drones go for the huge costume competition held at the school gym." Uzi added.
"Oooh, that sounds like it could be fun! Why not go there? Who knows how many cool costumes we might see!" N chirped, looking from Uzi and I a few times.

Uzi looked at me, as if silently asking if it was something I'd wanna do too. I smiled at the silent consideration, and sending her an affirmative nod, she turned back to N.
"Fine, but dont expect me to join in on any of the activites." She ruled out.
"THERE ARE ACTIVITIES?" N asked in an even more excited voice, something I didnt qiute think, however shouldve expected, was possible.

"Hey guys...?" I interrupted, looking around a bit curiously.
Uzi and N stopped a couple feet after Ive halted, looking at eachother before questionably at me.

"This may seem pretty weird of me to ask," I chuckled, "But, why isnt V joining us?" My gaze flickered between the two, where admittedly I was curious as to why she chose not to join.

I would assume she just didnt like halloween, or worker drones much, but on the other hand, I thought she wouldve liked the oppotunity to explore the worker drone bunker from more...within?

"Oh you know V, she's....." N waved his hands with an awkward smile as he tried to find the words, turning to me completely. "Not really...Sociable?" He guessed, settling on that.

"Oh." There wasnt really much I could reply with. And not much else I expected, I suppose.
"Its not like we need her or anything, and besides, I didnt expect you to really ask." Uzi more questioned as she pointed at me quizzically, raising a brow.

"Yeah- its just- I dunno, I feel guilty I guess, her not being here? I still dont trust her, but, I do want to get to know you all, collectively, better." I admitted, shrugging.

"Awe!" N put his hands together by his face as he leaned into Uzi a bit, who after looking at him judgementally, pushed him away.

"Well, she kinda hates us, I dont think she'd join if we asked." Uzi pointed out as N recovered.

"I dont know Uzi, they might have a point, V is still our friend." N commented, tapping his sensors to make sure they were ok.

"Your friend, and barely then. She treats you like garbage N." Uzi had a point, from what I knew, however N seemed stubborn now.
"Yeah...But I think shes getting better, dont you? She no longer wants to kill workers! I think-" He finished with a tap to his chin and narrow eyed look.

"Well whatever she's doing, its too late now, lets just go to the costume...thing, and have fun." Uzi suggested, motioning to the direction we were walking in.

N searched her gaze for a moment, leaving me to awkwardly watch as I wondered if my questioning was perhaps not the brightest choice.
I hoped I didnt start anything...

"Alright Uzi, lets go then." N offered her a sympathetic smile, relief in Uzi's eyes that the topic was seemingly dropped, her gaze traveling back to me as if once again silently asking me if I was joining.

I nodded, walking back up to the two.

~~~~

"Drones and bots, get ready for the DJ Drone!" At the stage, a drone in glasses with a backward cap waved to the crowd, the usual DJ's setup right in front of him as he began playing his remixed music, nodding to the beat as the crowd cheered.

"DJ DRONE, ID DIE FOR YOU!!" A girl at the front yelled, jumping as she tried to reach the stage.
"DJ DRONE I WOULD KILL FOR YOU!" Another shouted, causing the two girls too stare at each other intensely as they presented eachother with these options.

"So, what would you two amazing drones like to do first?" N asked as Uzi and I looked around, me more anxiously and Uzi more dully.

"Kill someone." "find something fun to do." Uzi and I spoke at the same time, now us two getting a chance to look at eachother, wondering if our options were compatible...

"Ok, no killing anyone." N chuckled, putting a hand on Uzi's shoulder, who in response rolled her eyes with a small smile.
"Dont worry, if you do, I wont tell." I whispered to Uzi jokingly.

She pushed me away with a smile, causing me to chuckle as she did so.
"Alright gang! The competition itself doesnt seem to start for a good bit by the looks of it," N started, looking beside the stage at a board with all the event details.
"So...Why not try some games first?" He suggested, looking at all the games stationed around the large room.

"Sure, which one you guys wanna hit up first?" I asked, looking to the two.
The two looked around at the options, Uzi seeming to spot something first as a grin appeared on her face.

"Hey N, I challenge you to some ring toss." Uzi crossed her arms, her voice daring as she leaned towards N somewhat.
"Alright! I love trying new things." He replied cheerfully.

We walked over to the ring-toss game Uzi spotted, passing by an apple dunk game with one drone halfway in the barrel, limb as his head floated in the water.
I paused to fix the fallen over sign, reading 'Just for show, you will totally die if you try!'

I hurried away to the others after a moment of staring at the dead drone.
eh.

"Prepare to bite dust, sentient bucket." Uzi commented to N with a sly smile, a bored drone handing the two of them three rings.
"Goodluck!" He wished her with a thumbs up.

I leaned against an empty stationed barrel, watching in interest as N let Uzi take her shot first.
she lined up her aim with any of the holes in the cardboard cutout, and tossed the small bean bag, getting herself ten points first try.

"Ha! Suck on that!" She cheered, N giving her a smile and eye roll.
N went up next, aiming his hand, then tossing the bag, getting it in the center hole earning himself fifty points.

Uzi stared wide-eyed for a moment, before crossing her arms stubbornly.
"Lucky shot." She mumbled making me chuckle.

They both had their turns throwing their last two bean bags, N in the end winning with 150 points and Uzi with 80.

"Aghhh Bite me! Alright, how did you get it in the center each round?" She turned to N, a finger in his face while he put his hands up in defense.

"O-oh! Its my sensors! Helpful little buddies let me know exactly where and how hard, to throw?" He explained, bending over backward somewhat as Uzi's finger got closer to his face. 

Upon hearing him however, she just crossed her arms again, mumbling something about why she couldnt do that.
"Maybe you'll have better luck with Y/n." He chuckled softly, placing a hand on her shoulder.

She looked at me, before grinning as if the opportunity never occurred to her.
I bead of sweat appeared on my visor as I smiled nervously, unsure how this would go.

I stepped up and took N's place, Uzi and I being handed the thrown bean bags again. Like N, I let her go first, an offer she gladly took.

"Im not going to let myself lose twice," She swore under her breath, making me think for a moment.
She tossed the bag, and this time got it in a twenty, letting out a triumphant 'Hmph!' as she crossed her arms and let me take my turn.

I paused for a moment before a small smile appeared on my face, and looking from the cardboard bean bag toss set up, then to Uzi, without thinking I gave her a small wink before I stepped up.

I aimed my shot, and sticking my tongue out to emphasize my effort, I threw the bean bag, only for it to miss the cardboard by a bit and hit the ground beyond it.

"Oh- Darn, really thought I had that one!" I chuckled, standing up straight.
"Well, I guess its your turn again." I said, moving aside she looked confused for a moment, but regaining her confidence, she stepped up and threw another bean bag.

Thirty points, this time.
I went up, 
Left with Ten points.

The game went on the same with our last toss, Uzi earning herself an even better forty, while I myself got another ten.

"Ha! Not too bad afterall, am I?" Uzi teased, punching me in the arm lightly and earning a chuckle.
"Not at all! harder than I thought it was, you certainly left me in the dust." I encouraged, giving her a surprise pat on the head.

Surprised by it as well, her gaze lingered on me for a moment, leaving me to realize what I just did, and slightly wonder why I wasnt being pushed away right now, but the moment was interrupted when N appeared between us both as he brought us both in for a hug.

"That was amazing! Lets see what other games there are, I see one with stuuuuuffieeees!" He practically purred, bringing us in tow towards a balloon pop game.

"N! drop me!" Uzi complained, N doing so and letting em go while he was at it.
I regained my balance quickly from the hug of the tall drone, but the literal dropping he did almost caused Uzi to fall as she was placed back on her feet, only to be caught by N as he took hold of her hand.

"That was close! Sorry about that." He apologized, letting Uzi dust herself off.
I didnt notice the small prick of jealousy I got from him saving her, although it made sense if he did so to make up for him causing it, but still...

If I was the one to reach out and grab her hand, pulling her back onto her feet before she fell...
I shook my head vigorously, shaking the thought out as I looked away.
I was being stupid.

"N, I-...Its fine, but be more careful next time." She ordered, punching him in the arm too. He rubbed his arm with a smile and gave her a thumbs up, actually getting her to smile a small bit as she placed her hands back in her pocket.

"So, you want to try and win a stuffy?" She then asked him, getting him to gasp and nod, Uzi looking at me finally for that silent permission.
Paying attention once again, I gave her a slightly awkward nod and smile, and, (once again) we were whisked off by N.

"Losers and drones, your attention please!" We stopped in our tracks as our gazes went to the stage, and the familiar stuck-up voice that, if I wasn't mistaken, 
belonged to Lizzy.

Everyone turned to the stage as well, Lizzy standing there with a pink dress and microphone in hand, looking at everyone harshly until all eyes were on her.

"Now, because all the appliers to the competition entry mYstEriOusLY disappeared," She started, narrowing her eyes as she stretched the word. "Our winner for this year's Halloween Costume contest, by forfeit, is, well, Her." 

Uzi's and I's jaw dropped simultaneously as V stepped into the spotlight.

"Ooh, look at V's costume! Wait, thats just her, heh. Almost got me there!" N chuckled, causing us to stare at N accusingly.
He looked at us once before doubling back upon realizing our glares, confused as he simply gave us a little wave.

The gymnasium of bots cheered, someone next to us remarking how 'convincing' her costume was as a 'disassembly' drone.

She waved to everyone before being handed the mic, in which she tapped a couple times.
"Hello idiots and drones, and happy halloween or whatever," She began, looking over everyone.

"Now, I know this isnt per regulation to your little spooky get together, but, what would a halloween celebration be without some realistic...Terror?" She asked sinisterly, grinning.

"You dont suppose she's going to do anything, do you...?" I whispered to Uzi, eyes still on V.
"I-I dont know, but we have to be prepared if she does." Uzi replied, just as focused now.
"That goes for you too N," She added, elbowing him, to which he saluted to.

"So, on that note," V continued. "Can i get some screams?" She called out, pointing the mic to the crowd.
Bots began yelling, some more enthusiastic than others. 

I looked around, as some sounded...Too enthusiastic, and thats when I noticed a few drones here and there being suddenly ripped from where they were standing, each dragged to the door and drowned out by the crowd's cheers, a strange red triangular ring being the culprit that dragged them away....

I went to nudge Uzi hurriedly, wide eyes still on the door, however she seemed to have already noticed as she started explaining her plan.

"N, you get up there and try to figure out what V is planning. Y/n, you and I are going to follow those drones." She said, before grabbing my wrist and running to the door with me.

What....What was happening?

~N's POV~

"...Stop V, got it." I smiled as I watched the two run off, happy to have a task.
I turned back to the stage, where V was still hyping people up. I spread my wings, and taking off, I landed harshly but steadily on the stage in front of V, surprising her for a moment before she gave me a dull look.

"V, you have to stop this!" I started, straightening myself. She raised a brow at me, crossing her arms.
"Stop what moron?" 

I motioned to the leaving door with two arms, distressed. 
"We saw the dragged away drones! I dont know how you did it, but I thought we agreed no more killing!" I said more sternly, putting my foot down.

She looked to the door, then back to me, not much reaction.
"Uh, idiot thats not me. Also, thanks to you, our cover is now blown." She remarked, looking to the corwd which now that I thought of it, have long since silenced.

I stared at them blankly, realizing V was right. Maybe I shouldnt have flown up.
I waved to them awkwardly, before on pointed at us in hysteria.
"THOSE ARE ACTUAL DISSASSEMBLY DRONES TRYING TO BLEND IN AND KILL US!! RUN!!!"

Like some sort of switch was pressed, everyone started screaming and running for the door, only for the first to react to be brought to a halt as a red triangular symbol covered the door for a moment, rendering it unopenable it seemed.
Slowly, all the drones started to turn to us again in fear.

"That uh, wouldnt be you, would it-?" I asked, turning back to V. She met my gaze with surprise, before turning her attention to back stage where Izzy was, only for her to be gone.
V looked back to me and shrugged.

"Dangit." I muttered. "Whelp lets try to calm the locals with our irresistible charm!" I suggested, turning to the frightened drones.

~Y/n's POV~

"Left!" Uzi yelled as we took a sharp turn to catch up with the last person we saw dragged this way, the only one in view thanks to our lack of rush when first seeing bots being taken.

He was still screaming as he was dragged away, none of his attempts to stop such having any luck.
"Hold on Thad!" Uzi called, gaining my attention.
"Holding on is the last thing I'd want to do!" He argued, panicking.

"You know him-?" I asked, causing Uzi to look from him to me frantically.
"Yeah- He's just- Well- Its not important!" She finished, looking away embarrassed. With that reaction, that blush, does she by chance...?

I focused again on the task at hand, another turn coming up ahead, the only way for the bot to be dragged as we pressed on and prepared for another turn,
Only for us to come to a sudden confused halt when the bot was dragged through a perfectly sized hole in the side of the wall, screams abruptly stopped once Thad went through.

We looked at eachother after stopping in front of it, unsure.
I gulped, and getting down on all fours, I peeked through the hole, Uzi doing the same as we peered through together.

At first we just stared into the darkness on the other side, nothing to be seen, until Thads yelling hit us once more.
"Heeeelp!" The scream echoed, as if he was still being dragged away, somewhere...

Convinced no one was going to be right there at least, I crawled through, helping Uzi up after she got through after me.
The only light came from the hole we crawled through, making me look to Uzi as if she may have had a solution.

She eyed me a moment, before sighing.
"I have a light, but....You have to promise not to freak out, okay?" She warned.
Whenever she says that, experience have told me whatever is about to happen is worthy of freaking out over.

I nodded though, and less hesitantly than last time she warned me to not freak out, 
Bat like wings sprouted from her back, along with a long thin tail that ended with what could only be descriped as a...multi-eyed lavendar coloured piranha looking...thing...with a mouth.

I stared at it intensily.
It stared back.
I stared some more.
It flashed a light in my face.

"Grah-!" I covered my visors, blinded by the sudden brightness while a growl escaped me.
"Sorry, it has a mind of its own." She apologized, before pointing the light forward.
(*Laughs in adult* ^)

I shook my head as my eyes adjusted, and we looked uncertainly to the abandoned-looking room we seemed to be in.
A metal door was opened to the far corner of the room, where I could only assume Thad was dragged.

We crept forward, the tail being the first to poke through the door before we too walked in. We looked around to what seemed to be an abandoned lab, cubaurds and counters lining the walls, tables with all sorts of scientific tools on them, some of which knocked over or tables out of line as if someone moved them,
or hit them as they were being dragged to their doom.

"But, this has to be good enough, right-?" A snarky voice echoed, bringing our attention to double doors on the other side of the room, a light seen through its small top windows.

Uzi's tail light instantly turned off, and we took cover in one of the cupboards, climbing into one each, both beside eachother.

"It would have been if you had the dissassembly drones in the right spot. I dragged many drones here, but without those drones, no vengeance is sought." Someone replied in russian, the doors swinging open as I peered through the cracked open cupboard door.

"Do we really have to, like, kill so many bots? I mean, who will be left to taunt?" I identified the voice as Izzy's, however the second I didnt recognize so easily. 

"Vengeance is vengeance, dont let your insolence blind you. They took something from all of us." Russian-girl spoke as they neared, me and Uzi glancing to eachother as the double cupboard let us.

As they neared, I was able to get a better look at the two, Izzy looking admittedly guilty, and the second...Her lacky??
I recognized the purple haired girl as the one who usually sat with Izzy in class, but, she didnt really speak much. Or at all, that Ive heard. Or- havent heard.

Uzi, looking uncomfortable, put her wings and tails away, knocking over a small bottle in the cupboard with us.

The purple haired girl all the sudden threw a book across the room in our direction, the same red symbol picking the book up to do so, her eyes narrowing as it hit the wall above us.

Silence stretched.

"...I thought I heard someone." She explained, turning back to Izzy.
"No need to be so paranoid, not like anyones here, save for the idiots you locked up...Which what was that for again?" Izzy asked, indicating to the direction they came from as they continued walking, now almost to the entrance Uzi and I came through.

"Less for the tiger and more for the fox, no? Take away the drones prey, while I stay fed. Plus the oil taste better fresher." She simplified, confusing me into horror as they finally exited the room, continuing on.

Me and Uzi stayed out for a bit, before finally crawling out, our breath's still held.
Uzi didnt look as surprised or confused as I did, however did seem shocked to what we saw in general.

"Well, I guess Doll and I have something in common." Uzi remarked as we made our way to the double doors, earning my attention.
"Doll?" I repeated, confused by the nickname, and to who it was for.

"Her name? Doll? Purple hair?" Uzi explained as we approached the doors.
Before I could question anymore, the sight beyond the doors that we walked into shut me up real quick.

The room was much smaller than the lab, looking more like a butcher's room, tile covering the walls and floors, a single table in the middle of the room, bodies hanging from the cieling and oil everywhere, buckets sitting around holding oil as well. I didnt know what had the most oil, the floor or the buckets.

I felt like i was going to puke, nausea hitting me as Uzi less hesitantly strolled through, banging on a freezer room door getting through to her sooner than me.

She opened it, and out poured Thad and a couple other drones, falling over each other while a few more ran out, leaving immediately.

The bots got off Thad and ran as well, most paying Uzi and I little attention. Thad got up and suted himself off, covered in oil, looking queazy himself now.

"U-Uzi! Thank heavens, I thought we were gonners. Youre definitely invited to my party, and you too, uh.." He looked at me, and with a sickly, but disliking expression, I choked out my name.

"Yeah! You too!" He jogged pst us, trying to avoid looking at the room around him as he ran out. 
"...So...now what?" I asked Uzi, seeing as the freezer room was mainly empty now, no one else to 'save'.

Before she could answer, yelling was heard, and looking at eachother, we ran back out, seeing the group we just released frozen, looking up at a distorted drone suspended in midair by red triangular symbols.

"I knew I heard some stray lambs." Doll came walking back into the lab through the other door on the far side of the room, looking to the escapees, then directly to Uzi and I.

The body dropped, and everyone ran back towards Uzi and I, causing us to have to rush out of the way to let them go back to the rooms they just escaped from.

"hey look, if you guys want help, I uh, can-" Thad started, coming to stand with us as Doll started to slowly approach, throwing tables and supplies aside as she made her way over.

It was like she knew she had us cornered, nowhere to go, no need to rush.
"Go back in Thad, we got this." Uzi replied, narrowed eyes on Doll as I stared at her in a 'no we do NOT 'got this" manner.

He gave me a pat on the shoulder and escaped back into the tiled room behind us.
"brave little lambs I see." Doll commented, her one pupil glitching as it switched back and fourth to the symbol and her actual visor's eye.

I didnt know what to do, I felt frozen, scared, angry, still nauseous, but looking over to the determined Uzi, despite not knowing what her plan was, 
I trusted her.

I steeled myself with that, and just in time as Doll started throwing things at us.
I jumped aside, out of cover I looked to make sure Uzi was ok, 

Only to see a table suspended in air in front of her, a purple symbol keeping it in place.
Uzi's eye was the same symbol,
she was doing the same thing Doll was doing.

Uzi threw the table back at the shocked Doll, who deflected it just in time and proceeded with a stare off at Uzi.

"So, you have the same sickness as me little Lamb. Im sorry, but, youre in my way. If you help me, we can find a cure." She offered, putting a hand out to Uzi.

"Bite me! I would never use absolute solver in this way! Just for- for- revenge!" Uzi yelled, swiping her arm to the side, as if to eliminate such an idea.

Before Doll could even reacted, a gunshot was heard, a bullet going through Dolls head, before she collapsed.

Uzi stared, confused, before looking at me, who was more confused than ANYONE in the fricken ROOM.
I was just glad all the other bots were in the oil covered room...

V poked her head through the far door, looking around.
"Did I get her-?" Before her eyes fell on the collapsed doll.
"huh, guess I did, sweet." She stepped in, blowing smoke off the gun-for-a-hand she had, before it switched back to, well, her hand.

"You!" Uzi accused, storming up to V.
"Wait hold on!" N came in after her, hands up to stop Uzi from harming V.
"She wasnt apart of it!" N defended as Uzi stopped in front of them.

"If she wasnt, then what about asking the crowd to scream to conveniently cover up the kidnapping? Or being there in general??" Uzi asked, getting up in V's face as much as she could, considering Uzi's height.

"Can't a drone get out every once and a while? And besides, it was Izzy who told me to rile up the crowd." V defended, shrugging.
"Oh, so you finally take orders now, hm?" Uzi argued, crossing her arms.

"From those who aren't annoying barking chihuahuas, hmm, occasionally." She smirked, examining her 'nails'.

"Ugh I swear im going to-"
Before Uzi could complete her sentence as N grabbed and pulled her away, I called out, concern in my voice.
"Hey, uh, guys?" 

They all looked to me, who was pointing at where Doll had been.
"She kinda...teleported away-?"

~~~~

"And you two...helped defeat the worker drone on a rampage?" A police officer asked V, N, and I.
Uzi was being questioned by a separate officer, as she'd known Doll more than we three did, not as if that's saying much

"Yep!" N answered happily.
"...Right. Well, I suppose murders from you guys have been down for a long time now...Alright, you guys get a pass, but any funny business and dont expect to be allowed to prance around so freely again." The cop warned, pointing the pen he was using for notes at the two of us.

We were all in the gymnasium again, the abandoned lab closed off and Doll nowhere to be found.
The cop walked away, leaving us to our own accord, my arms hugging myself tightly.

Eventually Uzi was let go, walking over to us.
"Only after the fact do police finally get involved." She chuckled as she approached us.
I couldn't bring myself to meet her gaze.

she noticed, looking at me worryingly, bringing out a hand to put on my shoulder in confusion, but I flinched back.
I didnt mean to, I didnt even think to, I couldn't help it, and I felt guilty for it as confusion and hurt crossed her features.

"Im s-sorry, tonight was...A lot, I need....I need some time to process everything, Im...Im sorry." I repeated, backing away, before I turned, 

And left the gym, 
leaving them behind.

Chapter Text

~Y/n's POV~

I ran into the fog, panting as I tried to escape whatever was chasing me, it's whirring and clicking echoing into the abyss that this foggy environment seemed to be.

Yet, despite what only seemed to be this endless fog, I tripped, visor hitting the ground harshly, sending me into a temporary daze before panic gripped my chest again.
I flipped onto my back, scrambling as if that entity was already on top of me. It brought temporary relief to see it wasnt yet,

until I saw purple piercing the fog.

A single triangular symbol was seen within the fog, not soon after a silhoette appeared to match, a bat-winged bot stepping closer as a sinister saliva-dripping smile broke their eyeless features.
A tail whipped about behind them as they closed in on me, something keeping me from backing up any further, my heart sounding loud enough that surely this creature had to be hearing it.

Without warning, they leapt forward, a mechanic screech scratching at my ears as they did so, before-

I jolted up in bed, breath raggedy as I regained consciousness, gripping my covers for life.
I stared forward as I finally came to, bringing a hand up to my visor as I screwed my eyes shut, remembering where I was.

I was home, and safe.
...I hoped.

A sigh escaped me, before I tossed my covers away, accidentally waking up Thesis, who lay at the end of my bed peacefully prior.

"̈́͊̈̂̆̚Ȁ͎̆͛n͑́̈́o̎͌ͯͤt͔̼̙͓͚͍̊̍͗͒̎ḫ̞̺̰͕̀ͯͤe͇̮͓̜͚̻ͤ͌̅ͦ̚̚r͚̭͕̤ͮ̓ ̠̲̦̾͂̏̃̄̅n̩̻̲̿ͨͮ̓ͯ͆ͅͅi̺̯ͤ̓͂̄͒ĝ̥̘̐h̲̥ͬ̈ͨ̓ͨͣ̚ṱ̒ͦ͊̀ͅm̰̤͚͇̞͖̪͛a̻ͪͭ͑͆̅r̘̙̩̩̰̔͒͆̋ͨe͙͔̲̪̺̯̞?̞͎̜̞̖͉̱ ̘̯̤̤͔̏ͦ͂̓̎I̜͍̩̝̋̔̃̓t̜̟̞̯̗̿̀̌'̫̗s̖̱̥̬̖͖̻͂͑̀͌̿ ̞̹̝̱̹̓ͦ̈́b̙̬̥͖͓̞ee͎͓̭͎̔̔̈̈́̎ͫͬn̫̘̫̼̝ͤ̽̓ͪ ̲̹̘͖ͨ̃̈́a͎ͪ͐ ̻̲̪̦̭̊̏͊ͤͯw̪͕̯͔̯̤̜͊͑e̮̗̺͎͉ͦe̜͇͓̞͖̪̱ͩͬk̦̓͊.̒͗̉̊̍̍"̻̪͔̦̖ͪ͆̂̋̅̏  Thesis grumbled, escaping from the blankets I accidentally hid him with.

"I....It's nothing." I replied, already walking around my room as if looking for something, eye's still showcasing my fatigue from just waking up, regardless of how jolting the awakening was.

"͙̥͚͓̠̝̙͌Wͨ͗͗̑h̯ī͋c͐ͦͮh̳̤̦͐̿ͅͅ ͦͅoͧ̓ͪͩ̐́͑ṋ̩é̘̆̽̈́́ ̆̊̇͂̉͒w̱ȁ̟͙͎̟̼͈̔ͩͤ̚̚s̱̙̟̚ ̖̰̈́́͛ͥ̚ĩ̻̜̙tͫ͒͊͑̒͗ ́͆͋̾̈́̎̊à̪͚̪ͥ̐̅ͅͅb̘̣͍͖̜̝̼͂ͯͣ̌̏͑͂o̪͚̼̮̤͈͎ͮ̿ͩ͆̍ͩ͛u͉̮͇͚̐t̙͇̥̰̔̔ͮͮ̚ ͈̬̯̯̲͗ͮ͑͛ͧt̺ḫ̭̦͚̃̈ͯiṡ̘̟̮͉͙̍͗̎ͪ̿ ̞͍̻̬͕̝͚ͥ̉̽̏̾̽t̯͎̖͖̖̻̾̆̓ͅi̼͕̪̹͕̗m͖̱̟̜̞ͭ̋e͚̺̬͍̞̬̟,̯̳̰͔̻͉̙͒ ̱͆͋̇ͦ͒h̊ͧ̌m̹̝̹̠̭͗̈̎?͚̳͖͕͆ͅ"͎̺̜̍̀̌̈ͯ͒̐ It purred."̠̗̐̃ͅṮ̬̃̍̂̏͛ͬ̌h̏ͬ̌ͮ̉ͭͥe̜͍͕͉̰͒ ̥̼ͣ̾̃̓̒̅̚ĉ͉̅̌̅ͧ̾e̮̲͖̪̋̑͑͐̚n͍̎ͯͯͤ̑̾t̞͇̖͔͙͔͂i̤͖̳ͬͪ̓ͭͯ̑p̣͍̮̏e̯̣ͯd͕̰̯̰̘̞e̞̫ ̳̤̤̫̈́ͩͧͯu̠̙̱̭̞̐̊̃͐̊̂̇nͥͫ̇̇̎d̘̦̩̏̀̓ẹ̹͓̗͈͓̀̓̅̏̐a̯͍͚̩̹̞ͨ̉̑͆̚d̜̰͛͗ͅ o͍͙̰͙͕͙̠ͨ͛̒́̃̈̃n͍̩̥̱̪̻ȇ̈͗̓ͮ,ͮ̈ͣ̆ ͚̟̼̦͆ͅͅor̝̪͔ ͇͔̽͋̍ͣ̀t̖h̘̦ͭͭ͂ͫă͊̇t̹̞͚̿̑ ͂ͩl̗̭̹̗͖͖͖͛̄̌̊̽̓̂ĩ̼̭̟̜̣̠̃t̜̩͚̩̍̏t͉̒̇̓̓̒ͥl͈͇̩͈͔̦̓ͪ͊̌e̪̘̫̽̌͌͂̈͒ ͍̤̂m̭̜ͧ̄ͣi͐sͭ̊͐̃̓̏̐s̝̯̘ͯͤ̑ ̬͒̅͒͗̉̒y͕̳̻̺̟o̰̠̠͖͓̣ͤ̌̋̃̾ụ͉͈̝̺͆ͪ̅ͅ ̮̒ͨf̝ͮ͛ͬa̱̭̯͎ͨ̽̈ͭ͆̋͒ṇ̤̳͈̩̮ͣ̐͆̈́̾c͎̥̬̪̗̮̾̂̿̓͋͑ͣy͇͍͖̩ͅ~̻̺?̳̜̙̏̾͊̚̚"̲͕̌ͯͥͣ̏

It teased, stretching.

"I dont think of her like that." I replied simply, before finding a USB wedged between my books, then falling into my chair at my desk as I fired up my laptop.

Thesis just hummed skeptically, before glitching into place on my desk, I myself making a point not to look at them.

"If you make the laptop crash again, I will push you off." I warned, casting the smallest glance at Thesis as I plugged the USB into said device, expression serious.

"̟̤̀ͫ̓Ỵ̱͋̊̃͒̍ͭ͛o̹͖͚̥͓̜̓͆ͭ́̅̾u̖̗̗̝'͈͇̭̘͛ṛe̫̪͍̼̟ͬ ̘͎̪̭̠̭̹͌̒̄̑̓n̝ͩ̐̓̇͒̌o̊ ͓̹f̗̭͓̬̘̦̗u̐͋͗͒͋̌n̰͋ͯ̀ ̦͍͐̾ͣ̾w͕̖̠̞͈ȟ̽e̅̉̀ͥn͈̘̩̲̬͂̊ ̯͙y͇͚͚̏ͨ̅ͧ͗o͇̼̲͌ͭͪu̞̝̙̬͑ͯ̂̒̅̍͒ ͓̲̯̬̻̗̊ͩ͂̂͗̊d̬̣̭͈͆̾ͫ̑o̖͙̲̻ͫ͑͂͂ͮͬ͑n̲̈́̌̓ͦ̀̋ͫt̘͎̰̬͔̲̘̉̆́̅ ̝̏͊ͩ̀͒ͨs̲̦̟͉̦̤̹̔̔̈̇l̪̟̳̘̺͍ͣ̍̍͆̃̚ͅȅ͈̟ẻ̍̓̔̚p̗ͤ͊ͮ̑̚.̙̟̒ͥ́̽ͯ͆͌"̤̩͙̲̒ͨ̔ͯ̅̈́  It remarked, lying down, it's tail flicking about.

I didnt respond, instead getting out a wire to plug into the laptop as well, before I tapped a section on the side of my visor, opening up my drone USB plug-in area.

I sighed, before plugging the wire into my visor.

The migraine of a lifetime hit me, the feeling similar to if someone was cracking my head open, my visor screen dancing with color as I was unable to operate.

Everything twitched, teeth-grinding from the pain until I finally went limb, memories of the nightmare taken away from my hard drive in unfortunately the most brutal way ever. 

My breath heaved again, Thesis staring at me expressionlessly as I regained my composure.
I unplugged the wire, the laptop instantly transferring what it scraped from my head into the USB, my face scrunching from the afterpain.

I closed the laptop the second it finished, removing the USB and tossing it across the room, letting my face fall into my hands after, a dragged-out sigh leaving me.

"̏̐̆S̫͖͋ͮh͍̞̗̉̚a͂͑̽ͧm̳̯͔͖̮ê̓̒̉̉ͬ͐,ͬ ͇͇̦̜̙̟̤I̬̤̙͕̳͈ͭ͊ ̭̻͙͉̥̊w̿a̬̮̼̮̤̖n͈̟̜̪̯͎͖̏͊t̪͖̯̞̰͋ͮ̏ͭ͂e̝͎̤͚͎̖d̯̭̜̪̒͋ͧͤͅ ̬̻̝̗͓̦̄ͨt͔̭̩̒ȱ͚͔͇̩̣̞ ͉͔̭̹͍͇ͩ͌͑h͈̱͖̻̭͓͍̏ͣẽàͫ̂ͭ͊̚̚r̖̘ ̜̙̻͒ͭ̚a̦̰̩̪̝̓͌͒͊ͦb̬̄̿͂̇̾oủ͔̦̹̙̊̌ͭt̰̯̺͚̄̔̅́ͮ w͙ͫͬͤ̍̊̚h̹̭̉̀a̜͈̙̦̔̒ͯt̩͓̰͈̮ͣ̃̄ͅ ͇̟͈̖̌͌̂͛d̰̥̻̹͔̳̳̿̅͊̃̀i̊͑̍s̺̲̥ͥ͛ͪͦ̈́t̝̘̗ͫ̈̂͌̿͆ͯu̖̠̦͚̖̚ͅr͔͖̹̬͇̜ͤ̓ͣb̟̞̘̺̩͗ͫ̓ͭĕ̳͎̉̂d̩̊̂͑͆̽ͧ̐ͅ ̣͖̫̞̀̽̀͆y̯̺̾̏ͫ͊o̜̜͓̫͇u͇̗̺̔̃ͦ͌̌͋̃ ̙̩͇̗̬̄s̠͎̦̠͈̰̗̾̍̽̌̿o̬̦͚̭͙͛̽̋ ̘̜͆b͎̞͈̳̙̄̎̿͂á͚̦̤̙̝ͥ̏d̦̱̥̥̪̱̼̿̇̐̊̔̾l̳͉̞͚ͯ̌̎͌̿y̖͍̞̖͚̓ͣ,͂͊͊̊  Thesis commented idly, earning a pointed stare from me.

"It's best I dont remember them." I muttered, leaning back in the chair again.

"̪̳̽͗̎͗̿̾̚Pͫ̌͆̏ͫe̼̣̠͆̿ŕ̩̰̲̘͇ͭ̾ͬ͑͋h̤͔̺͔͚ͪͥ͋̍ͮ͛a͎͚̺͔͆ͣͣp̣̳s ̜̯̯̆͋ͣ̆̏ͯ͛ͅs̙̱̳͙o̻̖͍̦̹̦̯ͭm̳̠̭͖̜ͦe͇̼̺̲͚̖ͨ̎ͭ̿̋̑̆ ͙͇̯̲͖ͭtͮͯ̑̈́ͅr͎̣̳̙͋̽̓ͧ̋̿ȁ̟ͣͅi̘̼̳̻͔n͐͗̈i̬̥ṇ̗̤͎͈͛ͤ͒̔̈ͯ̚g̜̦̱̯͇̒̀ͣ̿̒ ̠͇̼̫͋̂̌͒w͉͎̱̯̮̣̺i͚͙̳̱̒ͥͫ̏̈́l̟̥̣̜̋ͬl͔͖̀͛̂ ̲̏̽tͦ͋̇̂ͤả̦̱̭͎̇̃̇ͅk̲͉̙̙̜̍̃ẻ̪͎̍͗̚ ͊ͥͩ̒ͤy̺̗̟o̰̤ͧ͋͗̆ṵ̜͉̻̝̖͙ͥ̋̌ͭͮ̿r̪̮̳̅ ͎̞ͯm̞̳̲̹ͨi̼͕̝̮̣͋͑n͓̞̬̲̦̖d̤͉̥̙̤͎̉̽͗̐͊̐ ̫̟͈͈̬̫̝ͨ͗ͬ̋o̟̅͒ͧͅf͖͕̝̟̏ͨ͌fͮ ̮͎͉̙͇̙̆̒̒̋̆̿ͯi̤̞̝̜̙̰̿͒̆̈̚t͈̞͓̥̹̏ͩ̇?̯͓̭̺͖̺̏ͤͮ̏̏̚"̩͎̺͓̫̈́͑̃̾̓ͣ   Thesis cooed, tilting his head at me as he sat up again.

I didnt reply at first, thinking about it. Usually, I hated the training sessions it put me through. No matter how many times I've tried asking why he puts me through them, Thesis would always give me some half-assed answer, changing with reply most times.

Even questioning how Thesis came to be at all, why they proceeded to bug me and not any other drones, that I knew of at least. Still, my questions are never answered directly.
But since halloween...All these nightmares, sometimes these sessions were all that took my mind off it.

"I...Maybe. Just...Give me a minute." I asked, leaning my face into my propped-up hand.

I gave myself five minutes, actually, before I got up and stretched.
"Alright, Im ready." I decided, barely even finishing my sentence as white started to fill my vision.

From another's perspective, it would simply look like I was glitching out of place,
The light's flickering as Thesis himself finally had a mouth to grin with, sharp toothy and just as glitched out,

until we both simply vanished, the flickering coming to a halt as the lights turned off altogether.

I stumbled as my vision was regained, a white void before me as I looked around for Thesis, not being too hard to find as they were floating about in front of me, a stark contrast to the whiteness of the void, their form black and whispey as always.

"You know, sometimes I think you like coming here just so you can do that." I commented, pointing to them as I referred to the floating, which, to my understanding, Thesis could only do here.

"Oh look, you do know me~" Thesis purred, voice echoing. I didnt understand it, but, here, their voice was a lot clearer than it was otherwise. Just, well,....echo-y.

"Enough dilly-dally, I didnt bring you here just to chit-chat," Thesis continued, disappearing from where he was, his voice still ringing through the abyss.

I let out a small breath, looking around as I awaited the usual,
for silhouettes to start popping up around me, and pop up they did.

Shadowy figures of ragdoll-like bots, popping up before snapping and jumping at me like spazzy puppets, I myself dodging the first two before bringing up a kick to a third.

The one I kicked back hit the ground harshly, however got dragged back up just as quickly and joined in coming at me again, forcing me to put my fists up as I narrowed my eyes at them.

They seemed to have no limits. I did. And it always ended with that as my biggest flaw.

But whatever distracted me.
Whatever worked.

~Uzi's POV~

"Ughhh, it's been over a weeeeek," I pouted, covering my face with my hands, lying down over one of the tree's branches with one dangling leg.

"Uzi, Im sure they're fine, maybe theyre just...Under the weather-?" N tried to comfort, hand motions accompanying his guesses as he tried to think of what was wrong.
"N, they saw me as...Absolute solver, a monster, bat, teenage- bot thing-" I tried reasoning, struggling to describe whatever it was I am.

"Yeah..." He trailed off, looking away awkwardly.
"Hey! maybe we can try knocking!" N suggested, finger in the air at the idea. 
"Tried." I shot the idea down.

"Oh...Uhm..." N trailed off again, thinking.
"Why dont you two idiots just forget them? They walked away, get over it." V interrupted, landing on the branch above us, crouching to stare at us in an unimpressed notion.

I broke a stick off the thick branch and threw it at V, N and V watching as it easily missed her, flying past her meakly.
V hummed in response, rolling her eyes before hopping down.

"Come on, this is worse than anything you guys have put me through, just watching you, mope, all stupid-like everywhere," V continued, motioning to me in a disgusted manner.

"Ughhhh-" I emphasized, before letting myself roll off the branch, to which N quickly flew after me and caught me before even a couple seconds of descent.

"Whoa kay- No doing that-" He instantly stated, wide eyes as held onto me would-be-bridal style if I wasnt facing downwards, looking at the fall I almost let myself take.

"Just let me falllll," I groaned, rolling over in his arms to give him a pleading look.
"Awwe- Wait no! Nuh uh!" N refused, and flying back to our branch he set me down, before giving me the 'I'm watching you' action.

"Im going to regret asking this, arent I?" We turned as V grumbled to herself, before she narrowed her eyes at me.
"What has you mopin about them anyways? Theyre just one stupid drone. And it better not be something stupid." V warned, pointing at me accusingly.

"Theyre my friend, V!" I argued, clearly agitated as I motioned to the overall direction of worker drone residency.
"And- Now they see me as a monster." I added, trailing off as I plopped back down into a criss-cross manner.

A silence followed, V and N sharing a look before V simply rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"Look, some people....will, but- What good does it do if you let it get to you?" V asked pointedly, surprising me a tad.

I only shrugged, supposing she had a point, but....I really missed Y/n. We hadnt known eachother for long, but...She's the first worker drone to actually treat me like I meant something. Even Thad still treated me like an outcast at times!

"Ok this is stupid, I give up." V stated before flying off higher into the tree, poking around for its motor oil-based fruits before disappearing.
"Here, how about we both go over right now?" N offered, ignoring V's rude exit and leaning down to offer his hand to me.

I looked at it hesitantly, but took it regardless with stubborn reluctance.
"Fine."

"Is that their door?" N asked for about the fifth time, pointing to the next door that passed us along the halls.
"Not that one either, N." I replied boringly.

"....Is it that one?" He asked again, pointing to the one after.
"No, N." 

"....Well what about that o-"
"N!! I'll tell you when we get ther- Oh actually yeah thats it." I started out turning on him in annoyance, finger in his face before realizing the door he next asked about was indeed, Y/n's door.

N let out a happy gasp, and ducking under my hand, he zoomed over to it, bouncing on the spot excitingly as he waited for me to follow, looking back and forth between me and the door before he spoke up again.
"Can I?" He asked excitingly, meaning whether he could be the one to knock or not.

I waved at it dismissively, granting that as his permission, to which he excitingly knocked immediately at.
I crossed my arms as we waited, N taking a step back to where I was, as a silence stretched out.

"Hm, maybe they didnt hear-?" N asked, knocking again.
Still, nothing as we stared blankly at the door.

"See?" I commented, turning to him as I motioned to the door.
"Not answering." I sighed, mood definitely worse now as I was about to turn back the way we came.

N looked at me a little sadly, seeming guilty as his gaze turned to the door,
Before they set still with determination.

"N, you comin-?" I turned to see what the hold-up was, only to pause when I noticed he was no longer standing where I left him.

I looked around, only briefly before I saw Y/n's door creak open a tad.

...Shit. He went in, didnt he?

~N's POV~

"Y/nnnn?" I poked around the darkened house curiously, it truly seemed like no one was home as most lights were turned off. I approached the stairs up to their room, my visor, sensors, and tail helping to illuminate a good foot around me.

I looked up the stairs uncertainly, before noticing the light switch placed at the bottom of them right beside me. I flicked, looking forward to light, only for nothing to happen.
I let out a confused hum, switching it again.

Still nothing.
I started flicking it continuously, but to no avail.

"...Well, im sure thats just a funny little coincidence and nothing to worry about!" I stated cheerfully, finger in the air as I looked back to the stairs, and steeling myself,

I started my descent up.

CREEeeeee
I froze, only halfway up as the echoing creak of a door could be heard, a shiver traveling up my spine as I gulped.
"H-hello-? Y-Y/n?" I called, stammering now as I kept my anxious gaze forward, aside from the foot around me that I was able to light up, darkness swallowing the rest of the upstairs.

"N!" 
"AHHH!" I jumped as Uzi's voice appeared right behind me, Jumping up a step before whipping around and seeing it was just her. Angry, but just Uzi and not scary-entity angry.

"oh- Phew! You really gave me a scare there," I chuckled, relieved.
"N! What are you doing???" She hissed back instead.
"Wellllll," I replied, turning back around.

"Y/n didnt answer! So, might as well double check if theyre home!" He explained simply as he continued going upstairs.
"N no!" Uzi rushed, ducking past me and stopping me from going up any further.

I froze, surprised.
"But, I thought you wanted to see Y/n-?" I asked, confused.
Uzi's angry expression fell a bit, looking away as if she had to think about it.
She looked behind her, at the upstairs beyond, before shaking her head.

"I- No! If Y/n doesnt want to see us, its- It's their loss!" Uzi decided, angry again.
Before I could reply or even try to change her mind, 

We both froze. A large 'thump' was heard, the sound of something hard hitting the floor from the upstairs we were just about halfway to reaching.

"...N? Maybe we should go-" Uzi whispered back to me, not daring to take her gaze away from the darkness at the top of the stairs.
"Uzi, we're Y/n's friends! Something could be wrong," I pressed, whispering too now.

Uzi looked back at me finally, gaze worried, before looking back upstairs, seeming to debate it, before she let out a quiet growl and continued our trek up.
I smiled, and joined from behind, watching as Uzi's tail formed and created a purple-ish light for us.

"Oh yeah, I forgot we could do that," I chuckled, remembering one of my sensors couldve lit my path for me this whole time.

We reached the top of the stairs, and not far from Y/n's room we started to etch towards it, steps quiet and slow.
Finally at the door, Uzi and I shared a glance, unsure, before she placed a hand on the knob.

Gulping, she turned it, and pushed the door open, it letting out its own slow creek before coming to a slow halt, wide open, 

and our lights landed on the collapsed drone in the middle of the floor.

"Y/N??" Uzi immediately fretted, rushing forward to confirm it was indeed their friend, torn arm, lost leg, and severely cracked visor that read ERROR pretty plainly.

I tried flicking on the light to this room too, but again to no succession, starting to flick it vigorously as well in a panic.
"UZI ITS NOT WORKIIIING!" I practically cried, before rushing to her side with Y/n.

"W-we have to fix them!" Uzi dismissed the main light's problems, as if she hadn't heard me at all while she dragged Y/n's head onto her lap, looking to me with more worry than ive ever seen on Uzi's face.

"Right! Yes! But how!?!?!" I asked in panic, motioning to their lost leg.

We couldnt repair an entire lost limb, but we didnt even get to discuss the other injuries when we both froze at the sound of claws against wood.

We both shared a look as we huddled together around Y/n on the floor, looking around.
"W-whos there?!" Uzi spoke up as the sound faded, the light of her tail trying to look around furiously, 

Before it started to flicker, 

Flicker and sputter, before it died out.

Our breaths became ragged as panic started to settle in, looking around in near darkness, until somewhere by the start the ceiling across from us, 

To white orb-like-eyes appeared. 

"̮͕͈͔̤ͪ̓̂ͭ̄T̮̟̥͎̼͍͗̓̇h͚̫͇͕͆ͤ͗̂̆ͅa͙̫̭̠͉͕͉ť͎̭̠̮ ̺̘is̪̣̋ͭ̋̈́ͥͅn͓̥̯̝̺͍ͪ͂̐̉t̪̼̹ͪͤ͗͆ ͇̗̗̖ͫ͆̈y͇̰̓̊̀̒̌o͕͇̩̥̙ͥͯ͆͊ͅu̻̣͗ͦ̾ͪȓ̟̞̔̿sͧ̂̍ͥͯ̔ ͫt̪̺̅̎ͮ͋ͥ͂ͅo̟̖͂͂ͦ̽̌̎ ̼͉̜̹͔̦̤͋͑̓̿ͬ̑͐t̗̦ͣͨ̀ͅo̜̙̝̜̤̅̃̽̎ͪu͕͖̫̳͚̖̾̉͂͂̿̋̓ͅc̝h͙̩͕̦̼̪̘͌̄̔̀̉͊ͬ.̫̳͇̱̲̖͉͛̍

A voice echoed out, the eyes turning, as if whomever the pair belonged to had tilted their head.
Uzi only held Y/n closer, as I jumped up to my feet, arm out as if to protect the two.

"You hurt my friend, didnt you?" I asked, voice lacking fear now, replaced by determined anger.

A glitched chuckle echoed throughout the room, confusing Uzi and I, but neither of us dared to speak.

Y͛̿ͬō̮̦̺ú͈͒̃r̤̯̤͈̺̪̲ͫͫ ͔̯͚̗̭͓̱̋̐f̝͙̘̻͈͊ͥ͆̂̑͊r̲͚ͥͯ͆i̎̌̓̎e͎͖̩̙̺͆n͇͖̻̭̘̦̋ͅd̼̼ͨͩ̊ͣ͒̚ ̼̩̠̖͋y̻̙̯ͥ̾͐̚ͅo̘̼̯͒̔ͪͦ̆ͣủ̩͎ͤͨ͋͌r͕̳͐ ͍͙͚̞̮̥̦͌ͧ͑͂fͭ̔ͭr͉̯͙̳̰̎i͚̞̬̻͆ͨͦ͒͋ͅe̻̋̑ͯ̌n͊̔̈ͭ̂d̗̋̓̂ͨ͋ͭ ͇̭͓̼̞̹ͨy̤̓̋ó̬̺̚ǔ͕̼̥̝̻̲ͨͦ̾̒ͨr̘̲̈́͊̆ ̇̅̊fͫri͚̫͋ͣ̅̏̽̚e̥̩͚̩ͨ̅̉̐͂n̠̣̪̤ͭ̾ͥͨͦͅd̠̣̲ͤ̃̒ͮ̾ͅ!̩̥̃̄ͯ

It laughed, repeating the phrase like a loon, before the entity seemed to drop to the floor, and etch closer, finally coming into the yellow-y light of my own glowing mechanics, 

for it to be...A cat?
No, not a cat. It's body barely had any solidity to it, and it only had those piercing white eyes for any feature.

"Awe," I couldnt help exclaiming, even if it wasnt exactly a cat, it was still a lil cute lookin.
"Wait no! You hurt Y/n! Why?!" I instantly switched, now demanding.

It only laughed some more, head down as its hackles vibrated in its giggles, before it's head cracked back up, eye's glowing yellow as its voice became far more robotic now.

"Oh N, you never supported my choices, did you?" It asked, limbs starting to stretch and crack as it grew, however I barely noticed that as the familiarity of its voice hit me like a truck.

"...C-Cyn-?" I asked, the hand I had up to protect Uzi and Y/n faltering for a moment as I squinted at the creature, until it towered over us, a black mass of broken limbs and piercing eyes, 
our visors starting to glitch and vision getting blurier, 

I couldnt help but stumble as my sensors started to break, the creature of sorts chuckling,

before it disappeared, 
Our visor's senses clearing instantly, and all the lights snapping on at once,
as if they'd never been broken or turned off at all, room empty of any mysterious entities.

I looked around, circling in a spot, until my gaze met Uzi's,
Who with her wings out too now, and eye replaced with her signature triangle-like symbol, 
Looked more terrified than ever as they clutched Y/n, refusing to meet my gaze.

I stood frozen for a moment, when before Uzi realized it, I was picking the two up.
I placed Uzi over my back, and held Y/n bridal style.
Uzi reached over my shoulder, holding Y/n's hand silently, 

before I left quickly and took to the halls, flying back to our hideout with rush.

~~~~~

Uzi and I were silent, not a word shared between us since.

Y/n was up against the roots of the tree, lying down as I tried my best to use my saliva and nanobyte-oil to repair what I could.

The swish of wings could be heard, and V landed beside us, offering out a leg.
She'd left not long after we returned with Y/n, mentioning there should be well than enough limbs at our old base to substitute. 

I eyed the leg for a moment, but instead of taking it, I moved aside, looking to V a little sadly, but trying to pull a smile as I spoke.
"I think you'd be a little better at this than I am," I tried to chuckle, but it came out more pained than anything else.

She actually gave me a sympathetic look, but bent down beside Y/n where I sat and simply got to work.
This gave me the chance to look to Uzi a little more appropriately, her gaze dull however as she simply held Y/n's hand and stared into their currently blank Visor.

"...Theyre lucky." V commented, breaking the silence, and earning both our attention, Uzi's gaze flickering to her a lot more slowly however.

"None of their injuries harmed their main system, and their visor is the only thing majorly damaged." V continued, first motioning to Y/n's body, before bringing her hand to Y/n's face.

"...You call this lucky?" Uzi asked, voice low but filled with anger and hurt.
"I just meant the damage isnt as bad as it loo-" V tried to defend, voice strained, but Uzi interrupted her, in a heartbeat Uzi's tail maw was at V's throat, barely an inch from it as Uzi stared at her pointedly.

V however just gave her a deadpanned expression, as if unimpressed.
"Look, if you want your broken toy to get fixed, you need me." V pointed out, pushing the tail away.

V then put her finger in her mouth, and tore it off, quickly moving the seeping oil to Y/n's visor, to which it rather quickly started to help reform.
Uzi's wasnt as strong, making her feel all the more guilty she couldnt help Y/n herslef with these more severe wounds.

"....How did this happen again?" V asked as her finger started to reform, and Y/n's visor was working on itself more intricately. 

"V- Do you remember Cyn, by chance-?" N asked, making V freeze.
Uzi didnt know who that was nor how it was relevent, but went to focusing on Y/n instead.

"What about her?" V snapped after the short silence, her head turning to N slightly, but her gze not meeting his at all.

"I think...She's back, sorta. There was this weird cat like creature, all black and ghost like," N started to explain, being rather accentric with movement as he told the story.

"It stopped lights from working, and when we found Y/n like this, it came out and started talking to us, it sounded exactly like Cyn! Then it disappeared," N trailed off, going limb as he realized that it was still out there.

V didnt reply, however did continue her work on Y/n. Turning one of her hands to a saw, and using it to correctly shape the spare leg to Y/n's torn off one, along with making the tear a lot cleaner on Y/n's actual dismemberment. 

Y/n's visor finally finished while V was working on the leg, Uzi's face lighting up when Y/n's screen became active, a rebooting notice showing up and a bar to show its progress.
I noticed Uzi sigh in relief, at least making me smile a bit for the first time since our return.

"There, they wont be able to walk until the nanobytes completely get to the circuits, but, at least they have a leg." V finished, standing up with hands on her hips as she motioned to the bandaged up leg, the bandage soaking with V's own blood/oil to make sure it had enough to heal.

"Thanks V," I thanked, turning to her. V however waved it off, "You dorks just owe me. Now, stop disrupting my naps from now on." She stated dismissively, before flying back into the tree for this presumed nap.

I looked back to Uzi and Y/n, seeing Y/n's reboot was almost done, Uzi's gaze glued to their visor in anticipation.

"...Do you think they'll be happy, waking up and seeing me?" Uzi asked, almost too quiet for me to hear.
"Awe Uzi, of course they'll be!" I encouraged, walking over to sit by her side.

Uzi seemed unsure, and partially regretful she even voiced her worries as she made it a point to look away.
A small ping was heard from Y/n's visor however, both our attention snapping back to them as the reboot seemed to finish, 
And Y/n's eyes started to blink into consciousness.

~Y/n's POV~

It felt like I was slipping.
Falling into a dark abyss, away from light with no certainty to where it was I was sinking down to, but not even aware enough to care.

I tried to reach up as I floated down into what began feeling like a sea of oil, rays of light struggling to make its way through the substance as I feebly reached towards it.

It was no use. 
I knew it.

Bubbles seemed to pour from my mouth as I struggled to form words, for what reason I tried I couldnt think of, 
I just needed to say SOMETHING, anything, but it was to no avail as my vision continued to blur, and eventually true darkness took my vision as I slipped back into unconsciousness.

"Y/N!" Something stopped me right before I could sink any further.

"Y/N!!!" Something called out, but why? I opened my eyes again, still in the murky darkness of whatever sea this was, and tried reaching upwards again,
I twisted to try and swim upwards, as much as it hurt my aching limbs to do, feeling as though rust had me frozen in place, making each movement painful.

"Y/N!!!" Like some sort of savior giving me energy as I started to reach the surface, nearly there-

My eyes, or well, representation of them on my visor- Snapped open.
It wasn't that bright, but it was bright enough that I couldn't help bringing my hand to my visor, 

-Or at least trying before I realized something was holding it back.

I got my bearings, and blinking away my fatigue, I looked up to the relieved face of Uzi, and looking at my hand, I realized she had it held in her own, a deadly grip that I couldnt help but lightly chuckle at.

"Y/n!!" I turned to see N practically diving to my other side, expression akin to a guilty puppy, much to my amusement.
"Im so sorry we didnt get there sooner! We almost thought you were-" He was cut off by a sharp look from Uzi, 

However it seemed like the word he left out was what finally snapped me back to reality as I shot upwards, almost confused.
"Wait- What do you mean 'didnt get there sooner'? What happened?" I asked, tone serious as I looked between the too.

Uzi and N shared a look with eachother, Uzi the first to speak up.
"Some really weird horror movie stuff that I dont think any of us can explain," Uzi dismissed, waving it off.

I didnt miss the concerned look N gave her however, as if Uzi wasnt being as honest as I'd prefer her to be.
I need to know what they saw.

"Uzi, we should tell them. They were the victim." N intervened before I could press the situation myself, much to my appreciation.

"Well- but- Fine then you explain it!" She turned away, crossing her arms, confusing me obviously but again I hadnt the time to question as N began talking.

"...Well, we got a liiittle worried about how we havent seen you around in a while, ....Ok we were super worried-" N started, leaning in at the last bit for emphasis, before backing up again.

"SO we came by to check on you! I went in, then Uzi scared me, then we talked for a bit about whether we should try and find you or not, and all the lights were off!" N went on, telling his side of the story.

~Uzi's POV~

I held on to Y/n securely, heart in my throat and mind fogged as all I could focus on was them.
Y/n's oil covered my hands and lap, but I couldnt find it in me to care while I stared back into their blank visor, 
Arm nearly torn off and leg completely gone,

More and more oil kept spilling out, my hands around their face as I felt a sob threaten to escape my lips,
Y/n was going to die in my arms,
Y/n was going to die alone hadnt N thought to come in, and it was all my fault-

I refused to go that extra mile to reach Y/n and now they were going to die in my arms-

I felt a panic attack start to grip at my chest as I continued to stare into Y/n's dying visor, bringing my head against there's N's voice a blur in my mind, 

The creature he was facing of no current worry to me, 
Y/n's very life feeling like it was seeping out with each drop of oil was all that filled my mind.
The texture of it, the warmth it still held quickly evaporated as the life left Y/n's frame-

"Uzi?" 
My head snapped up, the memories of only hours prior still fresh on my mind, having riddled me rather silent the whole walk back to Y/n's place.

"You got the plan, right?" N asked, a little worry in his eyes as he tilted his head at me.
"Oh, y-yeah!" I replied, a thumbs up in his and Y/n's direction as they walked ahead of me.

Y/n, seeming to sense something was wrong, fell back after a quick word with N, who in opposite, sped up his own pace to give us space.

I avoided Y/n's gaze as they fell beside me, hugging myself a little.

"...Im sorry." I blinked in surprise at the first words to tumble out of Y/n's mouth, now unable to help but stare at them in shock.

"You're sorry?" I asked skeptically, almost having to hold myself back from laughing.
"I was the one who fucked everything up!" I reasoned, throwing my arms in the air with a huge eye roll at myself, only to pause as I realized how quicly I reacted.

Again, I couldnt help but look away guiltily.

"Huh-? It was me who refused to see you guys for a whole week, plus some have you guys not come straight to me," Y/n reasoned, hand out to offer their explanation.

I looked at their hand Sympathetically, but still couldnt bring myself to look up.
"Oh bite me! I scared the crap out of you, and didnt reach out the whole time you were away, and on top of that, it wasnt even me who thought to go in and get you! It was N! I was this close to leaving you for dead-" I started to ramble, motions getting angrier as I finally spout out the reasons to my guilt.

"-And you- You cant forgive me over that! It's not how it works!" I finalized, stopping to point at Y/n.

Right as I stopped though, Y/n took no time to stop as well and hug me, making me freeze mid-point.
My expression turned soft again, hugging them back securely as if they were the only thing that mattered.
"I almost got you killed..." I continued, voice a husky whisper.

Y/n shook their head, hearing none of it.
"Uzi, youre the best thing that happened to me, especially after I set so many drones on fire, and was banished to you just-as-boring class. You were the interesting stand-out-in-a-crowd drone who I couldnt help but feel drawn to,"
Y/n stepped out of the hug, holding me at arms length.

"I know you're not exactly one for mushy words and feelings," Y/n continued, studying my face with a small smile.
"But you dont have to be for me to at least admit I dont think I wouldve survived another day without you. Maybe literally!" They laughed, to which I could only blink at.

"Too soon-?" Y/n asked with a twinge once they realized I wasnt as amused. I chuckled then, shaking my head and giving them a light punch in the arm.

"You're alive you idiot, say whatever you want so long as you're never dead in some dark room ever again," I instructed, again pointing at them to emphasize the matter.

Y/n softly moved my hand away, chuckling "Well now you sound like my parent!" To which I couldnt help but stick my tongue out to in mock disgust.

"So, I guess I have N to thank as well then?" Y/n asked as we settled.
"I guess so, dumby did something...Incredibly smart." I commented with an admittative shrug, before N appeared out of basically nowehere to bring Y/n and I into a hug from behind.

"That because I always stick out for my buddies!" He chirped, only for me to push him away.
"I- N how in the hell did you get behind us??" I asked in shock, looking from him, to ahead of us, where he shouldve been.

"A magician, never tells his secrets." He only replied smugly, standing up straight to place a pledging hand on his chest making Y/n chuckle.
"Now, who's ready for the best sleepover ever?!" He continued on quickly, scooping up Y/n to place on his shoulders, 

I myself now confused.
"Sleepover-?" I double checked.

"Yeah! I thought you knew the plan?" Y/n asked, but seemed to realize what mustve happened as they instead just continued on.
"W-well, because we dont know where Cyn-?" Y/n threw a glance down to N as we continued walking, as if double checking that was it's name.
"-Went, and I cant just stay at the hideout forever, god forbid my father find out," Y/n added with a roll of their eyes, something I couldnt help but smirk at in relation.
"N had the idea I bring you guys over for a technical sleepover! We can all make sure Cyn is gone for good, and keep eachother safe too." Y/n finished proudly, but faltered as something else seemed to occur to them.

"Wait- Would you want to sleepover-?" They asked me with sad hesitancy, as if fearing I might say no.
"uh, Duh! Im not letting you out of my sight ever again." I decided, putting my hands in my pockets as I smirked up at them from their high vantage point on N's shoulders.

"Oooh, why do you guys put papers on the walls?" N's question stole both our attention, confusing us equally I assumed until I saw the papers that started to slowly line the hall, further curiosity settling in.

I walked up to one, and pulling it off the wall, stared at it with scrutinized worry and further confusion as I turned to Y/n and N.
Y/n already seemed to guess what they were, worry on their face as they silently looked between the paper and me.

"They're...Missing posters." I finally spat out, showing the paper.
Any other time, in great boredom or perhaps among the many instances I tried to learn more about my Absolute solver, I would be all over this, but....

With Cyn in the picture, we all couldnt help but look a little worried before we continued on.

If this was Cyn's doing at all.

Chapter Text

I got a notif not long ago for the poll on quotev I did regarding this book,
Nothing big, jus someone recognizing a friend and saying hi, XD

But oh my god guys, that was made for halloween last year,
I remember first making this book and already having plans for what i'd do for its 1year anniversary, 
and now That Ive realized ive made this...well over a year ago,
first, god I suck at updating stuff-
I have the chapt written out, but only 8.5 pages so far TvT
Second,
The show has now come to its most probable end (some rumours going around that vickers changed his mind and wants to continue it?)
and Im still lacking in adding to this story, which I feel terrible about, especially since its the only book of mine I havent actually finished the plot for in seperate docs I keep 
(I have a doc for each of my books where I write down each story plot point so I know what I wanna write about and how to string major stuff together, its a lil hard to explain but its like a directory lol)

Third,
Ive definitely grown up a good tad since I started writing this, 
not in a metaphorical sense whatsoever, I just mean, I was 17 when I started this, and now soon gonna be 19
I was already out on my own in the world at the time, but had support of roommates to help keep my life light and simple,
Now im...far more on my own, I have a full time job, nightshift too, as a machine operator, ^^
Being a drop out, ive recently picked up classes,
Im juggling maintaining my friendships over the weekends and tryna get some decent sleep on weekdays,
I keep wanting to return to every single one of my books, but....Something always holds me back on it.

But even so, wHOA have this gained some reads since I last checked-
Its makes me so happy people actually want to read my work, even if most of it is so old and awful by now, XD
I thank you all so much for your support and patience, for those who havent forgotton bout this book so far.

I suck at keeping promises, but, I do want to continue this story, I have so much planned and so much of this little branched off world I want to share, 
So please, maybe give this a lil save, and wait for me? <:3

Love, Ivy

Chapter Text

~Uzi's POV~

"Yeah.....uh-huh. Dad, I'll be fine. I'm not some baby bot- NO,"

My hands were in my pockets, watching from the kitchen entrance as Y/n spoke on call with their father, screen lit up with a phone icon as they paced back and forth, talking.

Ive only really met him once, Halloween when he'd let N and I inside.
I turned my head as N came part way down the stairs, leaning over the railing to wave, only for him to fall completely over, landing with a crash on the floor.

Y/n's head snapped up, but instantly went down again as a male's voice started to pick up.
"N-no dad, its nothing, really! Just- uh- Carrying that box around again-?"
Y/n tried to come up with, pacing once more.

I sighed, and picking N's arm up on the way back to the stairs, I dragged him back upstairs, giving Y/n a quick wave goodbye, which they semi returned before being dragged into conver again.
"Dad if you dare get me a babysitter- IM NOT A BABYBOT-"

I closed Y/n's door behind us, N tapping on each of his sensors.
"Y/n's parent sure is protective," N observed with a small smile, seeing the positives of it once he finished making sure he was alright, I myself sitting at Y/n's desk, slumped in the wheelie chair.

I nodded idly, peering around the room with general curiosity.
"And think of it! I was getting a little worried we'd never see them again, and now we're having a sleep over!!" N cheered, hands to his face in excitement.

I wasn't sure if he meant Y/n ignoring us, or whether Y/n would've...lived. I didn't question it though, I didn't want to know.

The sour look I got from the thought must've shown, N instantly taking notice of it.
"Arent you...Glad, Y/n is talking with us again?" N asked, taking a step towards me with a nervous smile.

"W-well, Yeah!" I instantly straightened in the chair to show that wasn't what I was insinuating, but, slumped back in hopelessness as I was forced to face a new set of emotions.
"Its just- well- It's complicated- Bite me!"

I looked back to him nervously, but quickly averted my gaze again, turning in the chair to stare at the laptop instead.

"We have all night," N reassured, sitting on the edge of Y/n's bed, motioning for me to go on if I wished.

I let out a sigh, looking back with a small shake of my head.
I tried thinking about how I was supposed to say this, I mean, I myself have been trying to deny and ignore it this whole time, how was I supposed to admit that to a whole other person when I've barely come to terms with it?

I leaned my head into my propped-up hand, letting it cover my mouth as I continued.
"...I missed Y/n, kay? A lot, the idiot had me worried sick, I just- couldn't stop thinking about them..." I began, piquing N's curiosity as he leaned forward.

"And-?" He urged on, getting me to roll my eyes, almost as if I was stubborn to go on.
"And- Im happy theyre back, and hope they never disappear again," 
"AAAAnd-?" N teased again, leaning closer to me.

"Im just happy theyre back! Theyre a cool friend who out of every other bot somehow doesnt think im a freak, and I dunno, maybe theyre cute whenever they worry or get protective, and so what if I think they have the coolest visor color ever?? Doesnt mean I go staring into them whenever I get the chance!" I sorta blurted, flashing him an angry look, before it melted into slight irritation at the absolute glee in his expression, visor sparkling.

"Soooo~ You like em?" N asked in a low and smug voice.
I crossed my arms, shrugging as I muttered a 'maybe'.

"AWWW Uzi! Im so happy for you!!!" N cheered, getting up to hug me, picking me up and shaking me around a slight bit.
"N- Let me go-! Yn's gonna hear!" I retaliated, fighting my way out of his arms, to which he laughed at before setting me back on my feet.

"Sooo~ When are you gonna tell them~?" N asked slyly as I sat back down.
"...I don't know." I admitted.

Probably never. 

I turned away from N again, before something caught my eye, a glint in the overall gloom of the dimly lit room.

"Well, why don't you let me be your wingman!" N suggested, flashing his now-present wings for moment, 
seemingly getting better at puns.

It all went over my head though as I pushed myself off the chair, eyes narrowed at the item I had them set on.

"We could plan for it tonight! Or right now! Y/n isnt back ye- Uzi-?" N asked, unsure as he realized he no longer had my attention, stepping forward to follow me a tad as I crept to the corner of the room,

Bending down to pick up what had caught my eye.

It was small, rectangular, the silver glint to it again reappearing as I picked it up.

"...It's...A flash drive. Heh, probably of pirated anime if we're anything alike," I mused, standing back up to toss the chip in the air, and catch it again as I turned to N.

"Anime-?" N asked, a confused smile appearing on his face.
"Oh yeah, havent exposed you to that yet. Well, maybe Y/n will have something for ya." I shrugged, sliding back into the chair to plug the drive into the laptop.

"Bet they'd have something more your style," I added quietly, realizing most of my anime was a little too...Violent for the innocent drone.

"Whoa wait Uzi- Are you sure its alright to go through Y/n's personal stuff like that-? It could be something, you know, Important-?" N brought up, holding onto the back of the chair as he looked down at me, getting too close for comfort as I waved him away a tad.

"Like I said, probably just anime! Cant be that bad," I dismissed, letting the laptop boot up.
It powered on as N gave me one last uncertain glance, surprisingly, no password required.

"Pfft, poor security." I chuckled, reminding me of when I snuck into the disassembly drone's base those couple months back.

The flash drive file came up pretty quickly, but before I could click on it, in all my smug aura since the conversation had been steered away from any of my genuine feelings,

N placed a gentle hand over mine, causing me to finally look at him directly.

"Uzi, are we sure we want to do this-?" He double checked.
He...Had a bit of a point. Sure it was safe to assume it was just anime, I mean Y/n had brought up they liked the genre as well, and when it came to pirating it and storage, well, a flash drive for it made sense!

But, what if the drive was for something else?
Something more personal? Important?
Perhaps....About who they may like-?

"Yeah Im sure." I regained my confidence, moving my hand under his to click on the folder.
"Think of it as...Learning more about Y/n if not anime!" I tried reassuring, catching N's attention.

"Well...A good friend would want to learn more about the other, and I love learning new things!" He chirped, giving me the last push I needed, 

to click on the first thing that came up in the folder.

I shut the laptop closed, it letting out a rather loud snap as I did so, my hands not daring to leave it once the top was down,

As if there was some chance it'd pop back open.

My eyes were wide, so were N's, who was practically hiding behind the chair.

"....I dont think that was anim-"
"I KNOW N-" I snapped.

It was worse. so much worse. Like some twisted plot OF an anime.

My gaze couldnt leave the device, even if closed, my trembling hands couldn only now creep back to me.

I chew on one of my phalanges, my mind finding this...incredibly hard to wrap around.

Why did Y/n have so many video files of...All that??

There were a few that were too ominous to really make out, something about centipedes and J...I didnt even question that considering they havent met J, no my mind was far from wondering about those at the moment.

Why did they have ones about me-?
Why were they so terrifying?
I had nearly killed Y/n in almost all of them, the latest one not exactly getting to that point, but it was imported recently enough I...I wasnt sure what to think.

It wasn't real footage, nor were they memories...Could they've been dreams...?

"U-Uzi, what...What does this mean?" N asked, doing little to break my thoughts as I showed no sign I heard him, no movement or show of my gaze, I stayed silent.

I...I wasnt sure.

I thought back to a couple of them, the latest one, in fog...
There was another that simply showcased me appearing multiple times at the corners of Y/n's vision as they wandered empty, dark, desolate halls...
That one probably wouldve had to been the most peaceful.

To the worst where I'd legit torn Y/n's limbs off, laughing maniacally all the while, and it all seemed so...real.

Y/n knew I wouldnt do that though, right...?
That I wouldnt hurt them?
Were they scared of me-?

Is...Is that why they ignored us? Ignored me?

N's head snapped to the door as it was practically busted open, Y/n walking in with a bowl of batteries and bolts, with some cans of safe-for-drones-oil-in-a-can, a wicked smile on their face.

"Parent deterred, who's ready for one hell of a sleepover?" Y/n asked, smile pulling up into a grin.

N peered back at Uzi, who again, showed no sign of hearing Y/n come in at all, before turning back to Y/n with two thumbs-up, and an awkward smile.

"...You know, I expected a cooler vibe." Y/n admitted, looking unimpressed.

~~~~

I closed the bedroom door behind me, stepping into the short hall.

N and Y/n were setting things up, while I...
Just needed some air.

Its not like I could leave, at least not without worrying the other two, so my choices of 'air' were limited, but even being on my own was enough.

I wrung my wrist a bit as I put my back to the hallway wall, looking down at my own hands with a stressed expression.
Y/n thinking id harm them like that was....A lot.

To think that's how they view me, how others may view me the same,
Was their apology just...fabricated? Out of fear? 

Maybe I should go, if Y/n doesn't want me around-
If I scare Y/n, I shouldn't be here-
If after all, I WAS the reason Y/n couldn't face us-

I was just about to push myself off the wall when I heard the soft click of the door beside me, 
Turning to see it open and low and behold,

Y/n themselves poke their head out.

"Hey, we finally figured out the Tv- oh-"
Y/n looked delighted for a moment to tell me..whatever it was they were saying-

But their expression dropped when they saw mine, which was stricken with some kind of unplacable grief.

Y/n looked back into the room,
Then back to me,

before stepping out, closing the door behind them.

"..."

We stared at each other in unsure silence for a moment, 
Y/n the first to break the silence.

"You ok?" 

I looked away, gaze narrowing a tad, simply for the anger I had at myself currently.
First I more or so traumatized Y/n a tad,
Now I was worrying them with...Well, whatever I could call this.

I didn't reply, I knew if I tried it'd just come out as some sarcastic retort.
...The thought of that made me deflate a bit.

"..You don't look ok." Y/n pointed out.
"Just- Bite me! Its nothing!" And there was the harsh retort-
I turned to Y/n sharply, 

But waves of guilt washed over me when I noticed they didn't do so much as flinch,
Their gaze steeled, and instead of any negative response, 
they just...

Took my hand in theirs.
Confusing me certainly-

"Uzi, whats wrong?" Y/n's voice was softer this time, pleading almost, as if I'd hurt them more by not opening up.

I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard to melt under their caring eyes, or, well, visor-
I wanted to look away, remain silent, 

because I mean, how lame was opening up???

But instead, 
I found myself looking at our hands pensively, as if it was the deciding factor to my words.

"Do I scare you?" Even if everything screamed at me to look away, I still looked up at Y/n worryingly, reading their expressions as it changed from shock, to confusion, watching as the cogs worked behind their visor.
figuratively.

"Uzi," Y/n finally chuckled softly "Why would you think that?"
I hesitated, stumped now.

What do they mean? Ive seen the flash drive, and they never denied it was me who caused their disappearance!
"I- You-" 

I was torn between admitting what I saw, giving some sort of remark,
or just...giving up, only a tad.

"Well I- Ugh! Y/n, me and N, we-" 

RRRRRRNGGGGGG! RNNNNGGG!!

I jumped back in surprise, unlocking our hands as Y/n's visor switched to receive of a call,
which realizing the jumpscare was nothing serious, caused me to cross my arms in stubborn anger.

Something always has to interrupt the important moments, doesn't it? What kind of anime trope is this??

"Oh- Sorry- I uh- Hold on-" Y/n apologized between rings, sighing as they turned to answer it.
"Hello? Dad?" 

I raised an inquisitive brow at hearing the call was from their father, even more so when the only answer Y/n got was...

The whir of a fan.
A small beep was heard,
and their back to me,

Y/n's frame went rigid.

"Uhm...Copper 9 to Y/n-?" I asked, stepping forward again to tap their shoulder as they continued to just...Stand there.

Before I could even make contact, Y/n slowly started to turn towards me, my hand quickly being withdrawn.
The call seemed to be changed to a video call, as Y/n's visor changed to an entire scene,

Of one of the old hallways, 
Covered in oil and blood, 

Dark and dimmed with the only visible figure being a drone body not far off from the caller.

~Y/n's POV~

"Dad?" My voice was a little shaky, quiet, unsure, as if I was terrified someone else would hear me from the other side,
Yet no reply came.

Only the ongoing whir of a fan.

"Dad, please, answer," I begged, a nervous smile pulling at the corner of my mouth, still facing Uzi yet unable to see her at all as I only focused on the video call taking up most of my vision.

Still no answer, 
However a clicking could be heard in the distance, clicking with some kind of rattle with it, like scuttling.
It sent a shiver down my back, my hands shaking now as I couldn't bring myself to end the call, just stare in terrified confusion.

Until a metallic screech broke me from my daze, causing me to jump and scramble to tap my screen, ending the call with heavy breaths.

I stood shaking for a moment, wide eyes to the ground before shaking my head, and looking up at Uzi, 
Who looked just as uncertain as me.

"You...Dont suppose he was on mute and that was just a prank, do you-?" Uzi asked with a nervous chuckle.

Just then, N burst out of the room, two backpacks in hand.
"I heard something about another terrifying adventure!" He chirped happily.

I-
I facepalmed.

~~~

"Flashlight?" 

"Check!" 

"Weapons?"
"Check!"

"And what about the incredibly important stress plushie?" I continued, stopping my pacing to point a pen at N.
"Checkity Check!" N replied.

"N- You don't seem to be taking this too seriously," I remarked, a little concerned.
"Oh nah I am, Im just repressing," N chuckled with a wave of his hand before cutting himself short and staring into the unseeable distance for a moment.

"....right. Uzi? How you doing? Up for this?" I asked, turning to her as she lay on my bed, staring up at the ceiling up till I spoke to her.

"Hm-? Oh, y-yeah! Seems like whoever this is didn't get the memo after we kicked Doll's A-"
"Uzi! Language!" N interrupted right before Uzi could finish the sentence with an evil grin. She rolled her eyes in response, a hint of smug in her visor.

"Sigh, we're going to die this time for sure." I mumbled to myself.

I closed the door behind me, before leading the way to where my father worked, backpack slung over my shoulder as Uzi and N followed.

"Hey, maybe we can get V in on this adventure," N suggested to Uzi behind me, the two yapping up small nothings about the mission ahead.

"She'll just kill the vibe, we can handle this on our own." She retorted determinedly, however, I couldnt help but find some tactic to N's suggestion. There is safety in numbers...

"You know, maybe thats not a bad plan-?" I  suggested, looking over my shoulder at the two, Uzi blinking at me in slight surprise, and N looking proud of himself.

"Finally, you guys realize you actually need me," We all looked around in confusion as V's voice popped up, 
sharing bewildered glances, until-

crash-!

A vent door crashed down on the floor between us, keeping our attention before V jumped down from an upper vent, landing in a crouch and straightening herself up, hands on her hips.

"Miss me?" She asked, smug.

"YOU WERE SPYING ON US!" Uzi got in her face immediately, to which she scowled and rolled her eyes at.
"Yeah yeah, just...making sure you idiots, didnt get in any trouble." She explained slowly, as if unsure herself, or trying to find a new explanation for her reasoning.

"Awwwe, is it because you caaaaaared?" N asked in a cutesy voice, stepping forward to poke V in the face a couple times, causing her to promptly push him away.
"In your dreams dumb ass." She retorted.

"Stalking, is NOT a normal excercise!" Uzi shot, angry about the newly found information.
"Oh please, like any of you know 'Normal'. You, turn into a bat person, and have no social skills. He, is a disobeying disassembly drone who prioritizes puppy pics over his job, and THEY,"
V stopped to point at me, causing me to flinch in confusion and surprise.
"Somehow finds most of this normal. Oh and obviously you guys formed some sort of daddy issue club that cant be healthy." V finished, rolling her eyes as she crossed her arms.

"None of us are normal, get over it, at least IM still trying to do my job and keep on the down low, instead of YOU guys, just prancing around like no one else lives in this god forsaken bunker." 

We all fell silent, blinking at V with mild shock, 
It seems like she's been holding onto those points for a quite a while, at least long enough to mull it over and throw it at us.

V, realizing our lack of response, looked between us, now on the same page of, wow, what do we even say to that?

"...You knooooww, if you just looked at a puppy picture, youd see how cu-" 
"Im not looking at your stupid saved puppy photos, again N." V interupted.

"You arent coming," Uzi decided, crossing her arms at V.
"Uhm, lame? How about we cast a vote, all in favor of me joining?"
V obviously raised her hand,
So did N,

Uzi's face fell a bit when my own hand went into the air.
"Y/n, you too-??" Uzi asked, a tad of confusion in her voice.
"I- Uzi, we need the numbers, we don't know what we're dealing with, and so soon after Thes- er, Cyn, we need to work together." 
I pointed out, guilt in my expression however.

"Well- Then- She has to listen to me!" Uzi argued, pointing her finger at V.
I blinked at V, who rolled her eyes and shrugged.

"Alright," I agreed, to which Uzi chuckled smugly at.
"You ready then?" I asked V, turning back to her.

"Hell yeah! Think I'd let you guys take all the glory? Plus, ive been dying to kill someon-" She cut herself off nervously, Uzi's gaze piercing V with utmost scrutiny.

"defeat....someone. Bad." V trailed off, finding better words, but gave up as she turned around and started walking.
"Oh relax I was joking." V brushed off.

Uzi's brows furrowed. 

I sighed, before feeling Uzi's hand on my shoulder.
I looked to her in slight surprise, Uzi herself still staring V down until addressing me with a smile.

She may not have known I needed it, but I was thankful for the reassurance in the gesture. We nodded to each other and continued on, N already off with V.

"So, whats your dad work as?" Uzi asked, help filling the silence thats been left for the past few minutes of walking.
"Oh- Just a repair man, I think- patches stuff up around the bunker. Id ask you the same question but, nearly everyone knows Khan Doorman," I chuckled lightly, but Uzi however looked sad at that for a moment.

She steeled herself before I could question it, 
"Yep, and his disappointment of a child," She snarked, shaking her head as if it was some inside joke only she knew.

"Right, yeah, seen....Seen the articles." I mumbled, looking away a little awkwardly.
"Well....Just know you arent a disappointment. If he cant see your worth, thats his loss," I tried to reassure, bumping her in the arm a bit.

Uzi blinked at me, and gave a small smile, showing she at least appreciated the sentiment.

"How bout this, whenever we find out what happened to my Dad, we can lure yours here and give him a good taste of well deserved medicine," I winked, tryna lift the mood.

"tempting," Uzi replied, just as I started to better recognize the halls and metal signs on the walls, cautioning of an area not yet fixed, still under maintenance. 

"Hey, we're getting close," I spoke a little more quietly, but this time more to N and V, who took behind us a while back so I could lead.

V nodded, N himself looking around at the signs.

a crossroad and couple turns later, we arrived to the doorway of a large storage room my father was working in,
the halls already dark as if power was slowly giving out until this point.

We stepped in, the beginning of the room largely empty, and a large hole in the roof , probably what my father was assigned to come fix.

"...Totally not spooky in anyway," Uzi muttered.
The sound of the wind and snow outside the miles-high-hole was the only light and ambience we were served, 
and although bots were pretty good at seeing in the dark,

The lack of light it didnt make anything easier.

I looked around as we walked in, snow already formed under the large tear in the roof, the ceiling impressively high, shelves scaling above us that blocked a lot of view around the warehouse of sorts.
There were doors on either sides of us, 
The room itself pretty darn huge, at least from what we could tell here.

(I have some images of what im imagining here? usually im a 'eh leave it to their imagination' type person unless its somethin relatively important, but I wanna get across how huge this place is and what it looks like, cause its....Its kinda important. So, as much as I hate Ai, it wawas the only way I could really show what Im talking about :'3  
Img1, img2, except the lights are off, and again jus a huge amount of space at the entrance. how they made this? no idea, logic is gay)

"Alright, V, N, you guys have proper sensors better for this type of stuff, how bout we split up? Me and Uzi search this room, you guys look in the darker ones?" I suggested, turning back to the group.

"Whatever," V replied, turning towards one of the different entrance we saw, N following excitingly after giving me a quick solute.
"Stay safe!" He whisper yelled before joining V.

"....Guess that just leaves us," Uzi commented, looking around again.

We proceeded to walk down the shelves, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. Part of me wanted to call out, see if anyone would answer, but the area felt so void of life, I was a little afraid to.

I looked to Uzi, wondering how she was faring through all this,
She was looking around just as furtively, the foot or so of space that was between us previously slowly closing, I realized.

Not that I minded, Id rather stick close anyways, but noticing it definitely distracted my mind, 
...Just a little.
Made me feel safer.

It also reminded me of earlier, before the call.
Uzi was trying to tell me something....

"Why'd you ask if I'm scared of you?"
The question left my mouth before i even had a chance to wonder if it'd be a good idea to bring it up.

I felt Uzi flinch beside me, 
and no answer came right away.

"...We...Just...It was nothing." Uzi finished, unsure how to reply, or maybe struggling to open up about it.
the timing may not have been great, but I'd already asked, and no way was I leaving Uzi hanging on something that was clearly bugging her.

I took a gentle hold of her hand, causing her to look up at me, just like she did earlier, making my heart flutter just a bit.
"If its bugging you, I want to hear it." I reassured.

Uzi's gaze searched mine, and eventually, she relented.

"....N and I...found a USB, in the corner of your room,"

And just like that my heart dropped, and I suddenly wished Id maybe not asked.

Selfish, Im aware.

"And-" Uzi looked up to me, eyes shaking a tad, as if bots were actually capable to tears, and she was right on the verge of them.
She scrunched her eyes together, and hit her head with her hand a couple times, a screen popping up telling her 'edgy levels back to normal' before she steeled herself again, albeit, still looking a little sad, or hurt.

"....I just thought everything could go back to the way it was before, with us, and you just....Not thinking I was some sort of freak," Uzi spoke, the anger in her voice pointed more towards herself than at me.

"Uzi, I-" Now it was my turn to struggle, nearly at a loss for words. How was I suppose to respond? Here, in the real world, I didnt think that of her at all, 
I missed her in the days I was away,

But...What about my dreams? Nightmares? I dont remember them well now that they've been removed, but I know what they were about, and that....What does that mean for my opinion of her....?

I guess communication and some honesty wont hurt.
I picked Uzi's hand up to hold it to my chest, again surprising her, with some confusion too, as we stopped our walk for this small gesture.

"Uzi, I dont think youre a freak, you saved our butts when that russian girl tried attacking us, you saved me from being the awkward new kid in class, on top of just me not knowing a lot of bots-" I admitted a little begrudgingly, a little ashamed i was so alone prior to knowing Uzi.

"You....You have a power, a gift, a cool one that sure looks a little scary, but its still you, and you! Oh my god you befriended a bunch of disassembly drones, who in the right mind would do that??" I asked with a chuckle, but Uzi looked away, making me realize maybe that came out a little wrong-

"Someone as open minded, and genuinely good hearted, or circuited, as you did, unlike every other stuck up closed minded bot here. You're doing things no one in this entire bunker, thought possible." I reiterated, gently guiding her face back to look at me dead on, making sure it was in a way she could decline if she wanted,

but she didnt.

She looked up at me, no fight, again hooked on my words, 
So I continued.

"You saw a bunch of bots being dragged off to who knows where, and had a plan on the spot, chasing after them with no hesitation, theyre alive because of you. You've taken on things I would be terrified shitless to do myself, and yet with you, I felt so assured it'll all go well," 

Uzi gave me a small shy smile at that, granting me the peace to my finale for this out of nowhere speech.

"I'm so much happier knowing you, than I wouldve ever been otherwise. Going on these strange outings, scary adventures, heck, my own father is missing, and with you, it still feels so....Assuring, like with you, it'll all be ok. I can't explain my dreams, or nightmares, but I can say with confidence, I dont want to walk away again, and I am so, so sorry I did," 

With this conversation, came the weight of my actions,
Walking away from Uzi that night and practically ghosting her, 

What wouldve happened had her and N never reached out...?
I didnt want to know.

"Pffft, that was so stupid," Uzi chuckled, clearly a little emotional from it despite my words.
"Thats a funny way of saying you appreciated it," I teased, putting my guilt aside for now.

I pulled Uzi into a hug, shocking her a bit and causing her to first hesitate, but when she did hug me back, it was strong, and fierce, as if she agreed, 

We didnt want to be apart like that again.

We stood like that for a few moments, until I finally drew away.
"You ready to solve another mystery?" I partially joked, 
"You kidding? All this sappy talk just makes me wanna punch the culprit even more," Uzi smirked, punching her own fist with a sinister grin.

"Alright soldier, stand down," I shook my head kind heartedly as we continued walking.

I looked down at Uzi's hand, wanting to hold it again, but before I could, the smallest echo of chittering started sounding in the large room we were in.

Uzi and I were instantly on guard, knees a little bent as we started looking around the barely lit walk way, trying to see past the shelves items around us, as the sound of skittering continued.

"Stay close," I whispered, Uzi's back almost to mine as we advanced forward.

We came to a cross road as the storage shelf ended, and more walkways were presented to us, 
whipping to our side just as a glitchy light formed a few shelves/walkways down from us.

A bot appeared, not one I recognized, but a bot nonetheless, somehow unaffected by the lack of lighting as he somewhat glowed in the darkness.

"H-Hellow Fellow W-WorKEr Drones!" Every word scraped like concrete against my audio sensors, his voice glitchy and off, Uzi instantly picking that up too.

"...Somethings not right," Uzi muttered.

"W-W-Why dont you come o-oVEr!" The bot motioned for us to draw nearer, but we stayed still.
"Uzi, its not real," The realization hit me as the hologram buffered a bit,

Something was wrong here, and the dread and anxiety in my chest this red-flag of a hologram is,
Was most definitely not the end of it.

I was torn between running, and yelling at whatever it was to tell me where my dad was,
But I got to do neither as yellow lights started appearing behind the drone.

Yellow disassembly drone sensors first, then, an error screen, the yellow contracting the blue of the hologram,
Until it glitched out, and all was left was the far taller lights of whatever drone was controlling the image,

Too dark to make anything out about it.
Me and Uzi stared as it moved idly side to side, eyeing us, despite only having a triangle symbol on its visor, no eyes to really speak of.

Uzi's wings popped out, and just like that, a trigger was warned, as whatever was before us started lighting up in more places, 
The Creature shrieking as it lit itself up and finally revealed the centipede like monstrosity it was, 

Whatever 'face' we were looking at completely missing its jaw, white pig tails adding no innocence as its writhing body and appendages seemed to cover the majority of the high ceiling.

This creature felt...Incredibly familiar, but Uzi's voice distracted my sense of deja vu,

"Oh my fucking god its J." Uzi completely lost composer as she dead panned, causing me to lose my focus as I looked to her in confusion,

terrible choice really as Right away 'J' whacked us away, both of us being sent directly down the aisle of lining shelves, until we hit the not-too-far-off concrete wall, both landing harshly on the ground.

Single clawed appendages sprouted from J's body, her centipede like form coming down from the ceiling to knock aside shelves,

Making room for her to run straight toward us.

Uzi shielded her fall with her wings, but I wasnt so lucky, the world around me blurry as I tried gaining my bearings.

"Uzi-?" I muttered, dazed. Uzi scooped me up and quickly flew down the nearest aisle, making a turn so sharp, to do so she had to jump off a shelf to make it, just as J collided with the wall we were only just thrown against.

"Shit shit shit shit SHIT, we need to find V and N," Uzi cursed, running between shelves, away from J as she tried finding the entrance we came from.

This was much less a room, and more a library if Uzi could even begin to explain how huge it was, and just for shelves and storage???
Well actually for a bunker that made sense. BUT STILL.

Uzi was just about to scale up one of the shelves when J popped up from over it, forcing Uzi to jump back, dropping me in her shock.

"y/n!" Time slowed for a moment as I finally became aware of the situation again, just in time to see Uzi grabbed by J, and thrown aside again, 

As I crashed to the ground for a second time.

I recovered quicker this time, getting up as J rushed towards me,
I put my arms up, flinching back,
"DONT YOU DARE COME NEAR ME-"

I froze, eyes screwed shut,
and.....nothing happened.

I opened my eyes, confused, dropping my arms a bit.

J stood somewhat motionless, 'staring' at me. I looked at her, confused.
She tilted her head, then, looking to one of her 'claws', 

It switched out for a knife, to which she looked back at me with.

"No," I instructed, pointing at her.
She inched closer, causing me to step back,
"Dont you dare stab me with that," I was stern, and yet she inched closer again.

"You mean, with this?" J asked, shocking me.
It speaks.
and sounds...A lot like...Thesi- cyn-? Who-

"Y/N TAKE THIS MORE SERIOUSLY-" J's head tried to turn to see where the voice came from, I myself trying to see past her as V dropped up from above her, 

Quick to grab hold of me and fly away, turning into a different aisle just before J started rushing in our direction again.

"V!" I yelled in relief,
"Oh my god im so glad to see yo- WAIT! WE HAVE TO GO BACK!" In my recovering state I failed to remember Uzi was batted away, and now I struggled in V's arms, trying to escape her grasp.

"Hey, HEY-! Stop that! Uzi's fine!" V reassured as she tried to control my writhing, accurately guessing exactly what I was panicking for.

"She is-?" I asked, exasperated. 

It was a bit before we reached the front of the storage room again, a slightly beaten up looking Uzi resting in N's arms, both waiting by the door for us, looking up when V whisked down and landed, holding me awkwardly after our mid-flight tussle.

V dropped me, Uzi quick to try and stand up herself to come to my side.
"I'm ok, I'm ok," I reassured, standing up and dusting myself off, quick to start examining Uzi.

"We dont have time for this, we- we cant fight that. We have to go," V interrupted, right before any other words could be shared by Uzi and I, 
N looking anxious as he agreed.

"But- My dad-" I argued, turning back towards V in protest.
"You cant kill a disassembly drone Y/n!" V argued, marching past us to the entrance door.

"Hey! Just because youre too fricken coward, doesnt mean you get to yell at them!" Uzi defended, getting in V's face.
"Its not cowardly, its logic," V reasoned through gritted teeth.

"How about we do a vote again-?" N tried to intervene.

I narrowed my eyes at the lot of them, turning around and looking back at the darkness beyond the towering shelves.

I couldnt just leave my dad behind, not if he was somewhere in that maze of shelves.

"J is going to be back any second and youre keeping us from escaping!" V yelled again, before grabbing N.
"You know what? Do what you want, we're getting out of here," V finalized, a confused N looking back and fourth from her to Uzi, as if unsure who to go with, or begging Uzi to stop this.

"Fine! Stalk us just to bail in the end!" Uzi crossed her arms, rolling her eyes.
A large creak echoed through the area, causing everyone to freeze as they joined me in looking back at the shelving,

Curious as the creak and rushing of wind tore on. not wind from the still-existing tear in the roof though....

Finally, close enough for us to finally see as it left the dark,

was one of the huge shelves, hurdling towards us.

We all instantly rushed out of the way, V already hold of N, and Uzi quick to grab me as we all dived in seperate directions.
the Storage shelf crashed into the door we came from, rattling the ground as we all dove aside, metal creaking, concrete falling, and a dust cloud quick to conceal the only lit area we had.

Uzi and I coughed as the dust started to settle, looking up to see the crashed remains of shelf and crumbled wall now completely blocking our exit, our only options the two doors to either sides of the storage room, both at least 20 feet away from our current stance.

We could finally see V and N on the other side of the wreckage, V in a protective stance in front of N as they looked at where the Shelf was thrown from.

"Guess we dont have much of a choice," Uzi smirked as we both faced toward the shelving, 
J slowly emerging from between the middle aisle.

"ha ha, I blocked y-your exit," J laughed mechanically, crawling towards us, bits of her lighting up that we could only barely see beyond the shelves.

"UGH. Uzi! you're gonna owe me big time after this!" V yelled, before launching herself at J, catching her a little off guard as V flew up, harboring a chainsaw as she went right for the face.

"Thats playing pretty dirty," J tutted, stopping V with her claw like appendages, only for N to swoop in right behind her.

"You ready to kick butt?" I looked to Uzi, smiling at the softness in her voice, and nodded.
I wasnt sure how I was going to help, but I wanted to.

"i'll distract her, you guys just do the hard part," I instructed, running off before Uzi herself launched into the air, her bat-like wings carrying her.

J meanwhile was tearing off V's arm while N tried fending off more 'arms', swatting at them in some sort of cat fight.
J looked towards Uzi, who was heading for her next,
Until I picked up some fallen concrete and chucked it at J as I ran, getting her attention.

J's face twitched a few times, dropping the disarmed V and swatting N. 
She whipped towards me upon recovery, causing me to falter a moment.

"Oh....Shit-" I muttered, before turning around to run.
"T-That wasnt very nice," J tutted, her voice clanky and echoey as she came crashing towards me.

"NEITHER IS KILLING A BUNCH OF BOTS" I yelled over my shoulder, running with no real direction as I jumped debris, coming close to the dead end that was the ruined door.

I reached it, and turning around, watched in frozen fear as J came rushing towards me,
20ft,
15ft,
10,
7...

I took a deep breath in, and stancing myself,
J was just about to hit me full on, 
staring at her determined, 

I dove out of the way last second, feeling the wall shake as J hit it full on.

I rolled into a crouched position, 
a little unsteady from the impact from J and the wall, 

but overall ok as I shot up to look back at J, now dazed as she tried moving and backing away from the wall.

"Y/n! catch!" I looked over to N, who had V's arm in his hands. He moved his arm back, before launching the arm in my direction.

There was a reason I never took up football, and as the hand came spiraling towards me just like the sport's ball, 
I prayed N's throw would at least be spot on.

I jumped to catch it as it came near, hugging it in my arms to secure it as J brought herself back up.

I started running away again, J screeching as she turned back towards me.
Uzi jumped into action as she perched herself ontop of J's body,
some of it anyways,
and started scuttling around it, laughing like a mad women until she found the perfect spot to start absolutely clawing at.

J stopped, shrieking as she turned her head to look a little further down her centipede like form, seeing Uzi already creating a large hole. 

"Y/n!" I looked over to V, who was now flying above everything,
She pointed to her head, then down to J, 

I followed her pointing, looking at J in slight confusion, 
Before I noticed the yellow glowing sensors.

The sensors! thats what she was pointing at!
One of them was damaged, probably from the collision with the wall.
I gripped the arm like a bat, and taking in a sharp breath,

I dashed back towards J.

J was trying to shake Uzi off, about to just launch herself at Uzi,
when N dove at the back of J's head, holding onto her tightly as if that had all the power in the world.

J did get confused, and starting writhing her body in panic, much like a snake.

"Y/n! Nows your chance!" N yelled, seemingly on the same page as V and I.

I gave him a nod as I was finally close enough to try and jump up, 
Just as J dipped her head,

I scowled with determination, and launched myself off the ground, 
Time slowing as I floated for a moment, J finally noticing me as she faced my direction.

I landed square on her face, scrambling to hold on while trying not to pierce myself on the teeth protruding from her upper jaw.

J kept on writhing, even more now as most of us clinged to her.
I lifted the arm up, the hand switching out as I did, a hammer like mace taking its place.

I didnt have time to contemplate its handiness as I brought it down on J's sensors, 
Cracking another one, causing glowing liquid to pour out.

Her visor glitched, and I continued trying to hit her.
I struggled to hold on with only my legs and one arm, but stayed put for dear life as I kept whacking her.

It wouldve been a comical sight, if not the terror that coarsed through me at not only J herself, but the sickening height she's brought me up to.

J screeched again, this time shocking us as she threw herself back into the wall, 

face first,
with me only understanding what was going on too late.

I hit the wall,
The sudden force causing ink to surge out from my mouth, accompanied with a choked 'ACK-' 

J drew herself back, I myself falling to the ground, Uzi and N in temporal shock before J started writhing again.
While I, was dazed. Again.

I had crumpled when i landed, 
My visor glitching as it was once again cracked, this time really doing it in as I tried to recognize my surroundings, 
to no avail.

Yelling was blurring into the background,
If I knew what being in water was like, I could say it was akin to being under that,
but that'd certainly kill me faster.

I tried getting up, 
The light from the roof shining down on my friends,
As they fought J, still lashing around as they flew about like flies.

Friends...? When did I start seeing them as that...

When Uzi shown me the tree-?
When uzi and N came to check on me-?

When.....?
I tried getting up again, the large bits of wall and debris I was on not making it an easy task as I looked around for anything thatd help.

I clutched my chest as I did so, looking in confusion as one of the side doors we hadnt got in started to open.

Out poked a face, visor a bit cracked too, holding onto his side as if wounded.
I drew in a shaky breathe when my father made eye contact with me.

He looked over to J, and the others fighting, fear on his visor as he started motioning for me to come over,
to him, to safety.

I Looked at him, my breath heavy as my gaze wandered to Uzi, fighting, 
she was helping N as he launched her towards J, who was higher up now, more of her body keeping her tall as she tried dodging attacks, screeching again.

I looked back to my dad, still a little slow and dazed, worry in my expression.
He couldnt stop looking to J too, and continued motioning me towards him,

But I couldnt just leave them.
I shook my head, shocking him.

I had to continue helping, no matter what, no matter the cost, and I was more fueled by that knowing my father was safe now.
But...

I tried getting up again, my vision glitching out, 
memories of when my visor was last cracked like this flooded my mind, 
Fighting in one of Cyn's holographic simulations,

Or the halloween event, feeling so...so useless.

I staggered as I stood, 
And as if my thoughts summoned them,

A glitchy voice spoke out behind me.

"i̶̍ͅẗ̷̳́ș̷̍  ̵̞͝b̶̝̕e̴̙͝ë̵̖́n̴̪͝ ̸̳͊  a̵͜͝  ̸͕͒w̴̱̚h̴̡̍ï̶̮l̸̗̐e̶̢͛ ̷̰̏ s̶͍͐i̶̲̊ń̴̖c̸̨̈e̵̺̍ ̸̮̚ I̴͑v̶͙͂è̴̟ ̷̭̆ s̸̯̓ĕ̷̱e̸̡̋n̷͎̋ ̶̺̂  y̸̺͑o̸̠͑u̸̬̾ ̶̆ͅ l̸̟͆i̴͒k̴̬͊e̶͊ ̸̡͠ t̴͉̚ĥ̵̪i̷̭̓s̶̛̬,̴̢̍  ̶͔̍Y̴̠͠/̴̙̍n̶͍̓!"
Cyn chirped behind me.

I turned as fast as I could in my state, quick to eye down the cat-like mass of black mist.
My gaze searched her frantically, confused,
What was she doing here-?

Cyn was glitching out here and there, looking past me at J.
I followed her gaze, watching as J got hit my V, right in the face again,

And how right at that moment, Cyn glitched out.
"W̶e̵ ̶d̶o̷n̴t̷ ̵h̶a̴v̶e̶ ̵t̸o̴ ̷b̶e̸ ̵e̸n̷e̶m̴i̸e̶s̷,̷ ̷w̴e̶ ̷c̷a̴n̸ ̶g̶o̶ ̷b̴a̶c̶k̶!̴ ̶D̶i̶d̸n̸t̶ ̵y̷o̷u̵ ̵l̶i̸k̶e̸ ̷i̵t̴ ̶w̶h̸e̵n̴ ̷w̷e̴ ̵w̵e̶r̵e̸ ̷f̴r̷i̵e̵n̶d̸s̶?̵" Cyn asked, tilting her head at me.

I looked at her wearily, then to my Dad, who was watching the encounter behind his partially closed door, seeming more confused and panicked than I was.

He was still hurt, I recalled as I looked down at Cyn, untrusting.
"You...You tried to kill me." I reminded her, stepping back.

"t̴h̸a̴t̸s  ̶j̶u̸s̵t̴  a̶ ̵f̷r̶i̴e̴n̶d̴ly fi̷g̷h̴t,  r̸i̶g̴h̵t̶ ̷n̷o̴w̴,̴ ̵y̷o̶u̴ ̴n̸e̵e̴d̴ ̶m̴e̶!̷" I couldnt tell if her voice was supposed to be cheery or not, 
not that it mattered much as I squinted at her in disbelief.

"Cyn- No, who I used to know, Thesis, what happened to you?? What happened from when I found you, to now, that made you so- So- INSUFFERABLE?!" 
I asked, taking a step towards Cyn angerily.

"I̷  h̸a̴d̷  l̶e̸a̸r̶n̶e̵d̷, a̷n̸d̵ ̵s̷o̴ ̸ h̴a̴v̴e̴ ̸y̷o̸u̵,̵ I̴ ̶w̴a̶s̵ ̵t̵r̸a̶i̷n̷i̷n̷g̴ ̵y̷o̸u̸ ̸f̵o̷r̷ ̴a̸ ̶r̵e̷a̵s̷o̶n̵," Cyn continued, still glitching at every hit to J.

"AGH!" I whipped back around, through my own brken vision, seeing Uzi caught in J's claws, J starting to pull at her limbs as N was powerless to fight through J's many appendages, V about to dive towards Uzi before being whipped to the side by part of J's body.

"Fricken- Let go of me you ugly-!" Uzi was caught off when one of her arms started detaching, 
I started panicking myself at the sight, before turning back towards Cyn, almost desperate now.

"What...How can you help..?" I asked, anxiety rimming my voice.