Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There were loud screams before a deafening crash. Four beings launched out onto the mine shaft floor. A dissembler, worker, human and a small orange egg wailing in pain. The worker laid there panting as she was still massacred in oil. Eyes fixated on the small egg.

N jumped to his feet straight away, hand exchanged for a blast as he started shooting at the pile of rocks. Getting closer, he started to claw and rip at the rocks.

“Uzi! Argh, help!! Use your solver!” The drone screamed out desperately, tossing rocks in any direction.

“N!! Watch it!” Tessa cried in distress.

N turned around to see Uzi had blasted away an incoming rock that could have almost crushed her and … the precious egg.

“I-I don’t think I should…I am sorry N.” Uzi spoke with a shaky voice. The little egg wailed out loudly as Uzi pulled it closer to her.

Regret washed over him. How could he let himself do this and get blinded by grief? He almost made it worse.

“No, no, it’s ok Uzi sweet I am so sor-“

“Enough, N.” Tessa told him, laying her sword in front of Uzi and the egg, stopping N

“We’ll save V after we finish here.” Tessa turned to Uzi, “Uzi, let’s have you and the little one sit this one out, eh?” She said, putting her sword back behind her.

She looked over, “box over there! Robots like boxes right?” She said and then reached out her hand to offer her help to get Uzi back on her feet.

Uzi raised a brow at her, “What..? No I-“

“N..” Tessa said turning to him, both Uzi and N’s eyes hollowing as they looked at her

N stood there in silence for a few mins, “Uzi, there.. um..” he looked down at the egg that was wailing in Uzi’s arm still as Uzi held it closer, “might be some stuff here that you don’t want to see..”

Uzi struggled to pull herself up off the ground, clutching the egg that seemed to shy away from Tessa.

“Ooo what the hell is going on!?” Uzi’s voice turned from fear to anger quickly as she stumbled on a rock.

“Nothing! We don’t know everything, but, uhh…” N turned to Tessa, her blank astronaut helmet reflecting his own visor back at him.

“We’re not gonna hurt either of you.” N growled, pointing to Uzi .

“Ok?” N purred trying to ease the tension in the room.

“Hurt us?” Uzi pulled the egg closer as she backed up from N, a low growl coming from her. Soon, something sparked in her hands that caused the egg to wail as she pulled it away. An uncontrollable force of the solver took over Uzi’s hand. Hyperventilating, Uzi snapped her fist closed causing the rocks to shatter from above.

N tried to move closer holding out a hand. But Uzi simply walked back, turning her body away from him, hiding the egg.

N watched as the rocks fell around them, his eyes hollowing but it was too late before he himself was covered in rocks as well.

A few minutes passed as N’s visor displayed a message, “SYS STATUS: [KNOCKED TF OUT]..” and then he was booted back online, his eyes hollowing as he sat back up. His arm was stuck under a pile of rocks as he desperately tried to pull away.

“Uzi!” He called out for her, but there was no answer, he frowned and then stared at his crushed arm.

Exchanging his hand for a blade he looked at his arm, unsure, sighing, “I deserve this, I deserve this, I deserve this..” he said bringing up his blade to his arm but was stopped at the sound of V’s giggle.

There in the flickering lights were two yellow eyes staring down at him. N felt a shiver fall down his body. The light flickered as a younger worker V waved back at him, glitching solver worm-like appendages flashed in the background. N let out a loud scream.

Deeper in the mines, Uzi bounced the egg up and down trying to get it to stop crying. Hushing with sweet hums as she felt herself stump oil still leaking out of her rear. Grasping against a pin board she looked up at it, pictures of what seemed to be her mother and a church of some kind.

“Shush, shush, I won’t let anything happen sunspot, just… ack.” Uzi muttered to the egg as she made her way further down the mines

Approaching an intersection she saw a glowing fleshy pit with a skeleton holding a lamp. Scampering closer, she extended her tail to grasp at the lamp.

Glaring at the skeleton that was there, she made a peace sign at them and then ran off, holding the lamp over her and the baby.

“I missed you N.”

“T-Thank you! Mine shaft trauma ghost!” He said as he was cutting away at his arm, looking over, “I can hear you fine from there!”

“You know.. you’re the main reason..” her voice started glitching, two little eggs appearing in her arms, “.. I want your team to retain your personalities.”

N’s cutting at his arm came to an abrupt halt, looking over at V with hollowed eyes, staring at the two eggs in her arms.

“You always surprised me.” She said getting closer, smashing the light above,

“Huh..?”

“Loved doing.. anything.” The figure was pulled out of the shadows to be revealed at Cyn, who just grabbed him and hugged him.

His mind glitched as a horrid horrid memory replaced. Visor wiring X on it he slowly dropped the human he was dismembering. Looking up at the red sky, a black hole was glowing in the distance. There were screams and cries of humans and drones alike as he saw his squadmates V and J firing bullets against a group of civilians. They tore into the bodies like rabid animals, tearing away like it was their last meal.

A helicopter soon opened fire on the two, J blocking it with her wing. A large tentacle shot the helicopter out of the sky, a human falling out, quickly being torn to shreds by more Dissemblers. The sky rained constantly amounts of blood and oil. N stared in awe as he was quickly brought back to reality. N panted, eyes hollow from the terrifying vision.

“Thanks for clearing the way on this planet too.” Cyn said, tucking a braid behind her shoulder.

“Let’s eat.” Cyn glitched out, smashing the rocks covering N. With a quick yank, N got dragged by a tendril across the mine shaft floors, wailing and screaming the whole way.

Uzi walked up to what looked like a church, still rocking the baby that was wailing in her arms, she sighed exhausted.

Out of all things that needed to happen, this was the last thing she expected, she looked down at the baby in her arms, frowning.

‘My dad’s so gonna kill me if I make it back.’ She thought to herself.

She looked to the necklace in her other hand, clutching it in her hand she put it on, spreading her wings she tightly held onto the egg as she launched up, flying over to the church.

Opening up the door and peeking in, she crawled her way around the walls of the church, making sure not to alert whatever is in here. The egg’s muffled whines came from her jacket. She made her way on top of a chandelier. Looking down a gaping fleshy hole was all she was met with at the bottom.

Her pondering was interrupted by the sounds of … nightcore? What an odd addition to this very old timey church. Skittering down to the work station, it was adorned with various drawings and posters. It seemed the nightcore soothed the egg as it slowly began to let out tiny snores.

Uzi turned off the song playing, only causing the egg to awake again. She sighed, turning the iPod back on but lowering the music. Kicking off the stuff, Uzi sat down, a frozen screen paused at a certain moment.

She raised an eyebrow at the screen. Grabbing the mouse, she rewinded the video to the start, then hit play. Watching the video, her eyes hollowed as she soon saw something that caught her eye, her grip on the sleeping baby tightened.

The sounds of N’s wailing was heard as he was getting dragged by the beast, attempting to blast it, he was brought to something that seemed like a portal as a pair of hands grabbed him, trying to pull him back, trying his best to not get dragged he exchanged his hand for a hook, trying to get some ground but it was to no use as he continued getting dragged back.

He wailed out but the dragging was stopped as a pickaxe was thrown, N looked back to see an infected core heart with a mine hat on running towards him.

Jumping up on him, the infected core spoke.

“Why is Cyn after her own murder pet?” It questioned.

“You stupid or something?”

“Oh yeah”

“Cool by me then Drive!!” The core ordered. As wailing horrid screams approached. N scampered to his feet dashing behind a hallway letting out a blast.

“Hey? You look familiar, what the road” The core turned his head towards the front.

“You got wings?” It asked.

“Um I guess?” N answer not sure.

“Focus!” It said, grabbing his face, “Left!”

N immediately turned listening to the core.

“Think you can get this cross to the surface?” She said, holding it out for him, “I’m looking for a hunk named Khan.”

He raised an eyebrow, looking questionably, “Uzi’s dad?!”

A solver symbol appeared as she slammed both of them up against the wall, covering his mouth, as the solver beast ran past them, screeching.

The solver then turned to N, the two stood there in silence.

The core turned to N, “how do you know my daughter?!”

An empty locker was slammed shut, revealing the words, “Nori, STAY OUT!!”

Tessa turned as she started walking towards a computer, once she got to it she started typing in it, the words “I’m not a robot” showing up along with a fingerprint.

She looked at the screen then removed her glove, bringing her hand down as she placed her finger on the fingerprint scanner, the screen turning green along with “ur aight :)” showing up with a check mark.

There was a list of drones, Tessa scrolled up on the names of drones, “NORI: IN PROGRESS” at the top, “YEVA: PATCH.2.1.0” in second.

The screen lit up red and she walked away, adjusting her glove as the computer soon blew up, blowing up the dead drones in the process.

Tessa turned around, staring at the fire but a knife was flung at her as she caught it in time, a drone with purple hair and red eyes appearing behind her.

“Where’s the patch human.” Doll hissed.

“Hmm not sure what you me-“ Tessa quickly turned around, dodging the knife Doll stabbed at her.

“To exorcise the solvers' possession! Where is it” Doll demanded.

“That’s what they were doing down here huh” Tessa chuckled.

“Crucifix looking thing” Tessa made a cross with her sword and butcher knife.

“Wouldn’t you know?” Doll looked worried. What does she mean she doesn’t know?

“Had my suspicions. But they kept cutting my feed.” She said, slashing her blade at Doll’s eyes, Doll stepping back as she held her eye, her button dropping.

She uncovered her eye to reveal blood pouring out of the wound in her visor, her angry expression returning.

“Patch to save yourself huh?” She said, spinning the knife with her finger.

“I will not let it use me to consume the planet!” She said, pointing her blade at Tessa.

“Hmm.. not sure it needs ya buddy.” She said, throwing her knife back at Doll, the blade hitting her in the face.

Tessa walked away as Doll stood there, the fire behind her soon going out as Doll looked around.

A muffled scream was heard in the distance as Doll looked around in a panic, using her solver as a light she looked around with panic.

There was more screaming, there was the sound of shoes clicking, they were slow and then started getting faster and faster, Doll looked around in a panic as the footsteps got closer and closer, her visor was not able to pick up what the strange beast was.

Doll then picked up a boulder with her solver, throwing it blindly at the beast, causing the beast to suddenly stop as she heard it scramble away, Doll blinked as she stood there looking around in the darkness.

“Then, the planet kinda half-imploded anyway, humans all..” Nori started mimicking slicing, and then gagging, she stood back up, “woke up on the surface, brain scrambled enough to have a kid.” She pulled up a picture of her and Khan, and then a drawing of V, “aaaand the rest is dumb, stupid, history.” She said and N started lightly clapping.

“Stop that.” She said, using her solver to crumble up the drawing and throw it at N’s visor.

“The solver’s found its way back to finish the job, who's its host?” Nori turned back, pondering.

“Um, like Uzi and a red eyed-“ N was cut off “Yeva’s kid I know dummy which one? Was just trying to eat us?” Eyes hollowed as his mouth gap.

Uzi stood there motionlessly, her visor yellow with the solver symbol. The egg shook a rattled in her jack trying to get any attention from Uzi. Uzi’s cracked as she fell back clutching her face and quickly rocking the egg. The eyes hollow and worried. She stepped back, lights dimming as she fell but was caught. Looking up seeing a familiar red eyed drone

“Uzi..” Doll’s eye trailed down to see the egg who cooed at her. Helping Uzi up, Doll looked badly hurt deep, scars around her body.

“Well well, aren’t you two a pair” Tessa taunted. Doll let out a low growl placing herself in front of Uzi.

“Just hurry stupid!” Nori said, throwing the crucifix at N’s visor, lightly bumping it. Her solver what was holding the pickaxe that was keeping him up, removing the pickaxe and he fell down, happily getting back up as he started skipping out.

“O-of course! Uzi’s gonna freak out when I tell her-“ he was cut off as he was shot up to the ceiling by Nori.

“Tell her I’m alive, you DIE.” She snapped at him.

“..Sorry ma’am.” He looked away, “I won’t keep secrets from Uzi anymore.” He told her, looking back at her. “Even if u say it might hurt her.”

She squinted at him, dropping him as he screamed, dropping on his back as she dropped down after him, “Nuance alert ‘ma’am’, I caused every horror in her LIFE.” She said jumping off of it, “destroying the planet, got YOU things sicced here-“

“Gave her ungodly eldritch genetics! Plah!” He was hit with the crucifix again.

“No time.” She said crawling back to him, “Promise.” She growled.

N started talking but it was muffled by the crucifix, she rolled her eyes as he removed the crucifix from his face, sitting up, he looked at her, “I promise.”

Nori glared at him and he smiled, “to wait until you’re ready to tell her yourself?!” He said happily, giving her a thumbs up.

“Uuugh.. bite me.”

“T-Tessa I-“ Uzi said as she hid behind Doll, holding her baby closer.

“That’s not a human Uzi. Stay away from the egg, you monster.” Doll lifted up a knife as she made sure to keep the distance between her and Uzi larger. Uzi panicking slipped, back strange claws extruding from her back as they tried to grab at the egg. Doll lost her focus on Tessa, trying to rip the claws out of Uzi’s back.

“What, no! She said she’d have a cure! I just want this thing gone!” Uzi’s voice was glitching.

“Hear that Doll? She wants it gone, why don’t you let me help her?” Tessa sliced at Doll’s leg making her stumble, then kicking her out the way. She started slicing at Uzi’s wings.

“Trust me, this isn’t a world it will want to live in.” Tessa pressed her sword down on Uzi’s chest, the egg crying out in pain. She was about to slam her fist down on the hilt of the sword.

A blade touched Tessa’s neck, “you knew about the patch, yes or no?” N growled, “one chance.”

Tessa put a finger up, “..Cute.” She turned around, “you know why I keep you around N-“

She was cut off as N swiped his blade across her neck, decapitating her. She stumbled and then fell, her head rolling off.

His visor that was an X, glitched back to normal eyes as he panted, bending over as he caught his breath.

Uzi pulled the blade that was barely in her chest, throwing the sword aside, grabbing for the crucifix, N shook his head.

“..h-hey buddy.” He said, giving the crucifix to her, taking the egg from her and holding the egg. “Yeah.. that should help.”

“All I know is.. I need you..” N said, holding out his hand for her, “to figure things out..” she placed her hand in his hand, a small blush formed on his visor “together.”

As Uzi got up N’s hand cracked as ‘Uzi’ giggled, lifting the crucifix up and destroying it in one crack. N’s eyes hollowed as the egg cried out in fear.

“That’s really sweet big brother … nibling” Uzi’s head jolted down to the egg as well as a claw came out of Uzi’s back throwing both N and Doll to pillars, causing N to drop the egg.

“Too bad you’ve survived your purpose.” Cyn giggled, walking over to the egg, grasping it firmly, a small crack appearing on the screen as it screamed out.

“You on the other hand, we have just begun.” Cyn’s mouth grew unnaturally wide as she lifted the egg towards the maw.

Cyn launched her claw at the egg, but was cut off suddenly by a pickaxe blocking her, Cyn stared with hollowing eyes and Nori made herself present, cutting off all of Cyn’s claws, she hopped down.

Cyn’s attention was drifted from the egg to Nori as she squinted, “Nori? You’re dead.” She growled.

“You’re fricken grounded.”

“[Angry.]”

More claws escaped from Cyn’s back as they made an attempt to slash at N and Nori. Blocking the attack and swooping around the corner, N popped his wings open, soaring to the sky. Cyn looked up as a pickaxe slammed down into her visor.

Dropping the egg, Doll made a break for it, grabbing a hold of it glitching out of Cyn’s grasp. N swooped down, preparing a laser pointed at Cyn as Cyn cracked her back, looking directly at N. N hesitated, this was the perfect break for Cyn as she glitched forward, stabbing N and throwing him far into the church halls.

N was slammed up against a wall, Cyn quickly glitching over to him as she pinned both him and Nori to the wall.

N’s eyes hollowed, he pointed his blade at Cyn, but Cyn grabbed his blade, tilting Uzi’s head, she brought the blade to Uzi’s neck, starting to push it into her neck as she grinned at N, N stared at her realizing what she was doing, guessing Nori realized the same thing.

Nori used her solver to cut Cyn’s hand as she jumped between the two, slapping Cyn, smacking Cyn with a pole and then slamming Cyn back, then turning back around as she slapped N two times.

Cyn was flung back towards Doll and Doll panicked as she glitched over to N, handing the baby to N.

“Why hand them to me!” N yelled out but Doll ignored him.

She dashed towards Cyn who was forming several black holes. N tucked the egg into his jacket as he dodged the black holes that sliced towards him.

Doll got real close to Cyn, slicing at Uzi’s arm, arching her back as she dodged a blackhole that went straight for N and Nori. Sliding to the side N began to fly up.

Swooping down to pull Doll out of reach of the blackholes and exchanging Nori with Doll who hacked at Cyn with her pickaxe. Spinning Uzi around, the egg flew out of N’s jacket, Cyn going to grab it as Nori blocked her grab. Nori scrambled to keep the egg floating in the air. N held on to Uzi’s arm as Doll slashed them both breaking Cyn’s grip

Nori jumped on Cyn’s face to prevent her from seeing as she threw black holes at N, who was flying around her. She shot at N as she growled from Nori blocking her view, but was soon stopped as Doll hacked another blade at her.

Nori was quick to toss the egg to Doll as N dove down towards Cyn, taking her down with him as they both were dragged out as N landed on the wall, Cyn letting her wings out as she stared at N.

Nori hacked a pickaxe at her, everything felt like slow motion as Cyn and N made eye contact, Cyn lifting up her handless arms and winking at N as his eyes hollowed.

He was quick to fly over as he pushed Uzi out of the way, giving her a small smile, her eyes going from yellow and glitching to purple for a split second, N was soon hit with the pick axe as he was flung back.

Cyn grabbed Nori, a small squeeze sound coming from her as she looked at Cyn. Picking her up, she slammed her into a window, pickaxe pinning her against the window. Doll’s eyes hollow, she made a break for it before being choked out, neck cracking as she coughed up oil, losing consciousness for a split second and dropping the egg that quickly grabbed Cyn. She dropped Doll down into the church, her body landing near N as she coughed up oil and blood.

Dashing over, grabbing the pickaxe back, Cyn laughed maniacally throwing the weapon down Doll punching N’s head out the way, hand pinned by the axe. Cyn laughed more as she positioned to eat Nori, Nori struggling.

“N-Nori! I should mention Uzi and I,” N called out, catching both’s attention.

He laid there, the words ‘Had a baby together?
it wasn’t planned or anything uhhh it just happened yeah!’ With hearts around it along with a drawing of a dog and an egg, his hand pointing to the egg.

“What.” Cyn said disgusted.

“Uzi Doorman. Those things killed your fricken MOTHER!!” She said, slapping her once, “I get declared dead ONCE! And you go off and f-“ she was cut off as she groaned in anger and Cyn just stared at her, Nori then slapping her so hard that they both went down.

“Awo hey! I am not, HEY YOU OLD HAG! YOU DON'T FREAKING OWN ME!” Uzi was back as she grabbed the core firmly.

“Haha oooohh ahhh!” N was relieved to see Uzi back but oh god she is throwing her mother down the scary demon hole.

“UUZZIII!” N wailed as he got close.

“WHAT!? We did not discuss going around telling people I am pregnant and gross and ahhhhh!” Uzi stomped her feet as she approached N.

“That was your MOM!!” N grasped his head.

“Ahhhh what!?” Uzi looked in fear.

“Ahh wait no ahhh”

The two were screaming messes as they finally joined for a hug and well. Doll silvered the egg closer as she got up and heard a smooching sound.

“Really now?” She asked.

Uzi pulled away from the kiss as she glared at Doll, and quickly stomped over to get her baby, “give me my baby.” She snapped, taking the egg from her and looking down at them, smiling at the baby who looked back at her, sighing and then looked back at Doll, “thank you tho.”

Doll just gave her an unsurprised look and N walked up next to Uzi, bringing her into a hug as the two stared down at the egg, N gently nuzzling Uzi as Uzi gave an exhausted sigh.

Doll sighed, maybe they wouldn’t get the cure tonight, but it was better than dying, before hearing an unsettling zipping and crackling sound. Doll’s eyes hollowed as she moved further away, grabbing onto Uzi’s shoulder who looked back with a glare before realising what Doll was referring to.

The head shifted looking at the three, a horrible combination of flesh stretched thin over metal eyes, black before a golden light flickered on

“Oh yes, get snuck upon.” was the only words spoken before this thing skittered towards the three at an alarming speed. Pouncing on N and beginning to devour his metal, Uzi and Doll both made a break to help before being impaled both by a claw. Getting dragged back to this hellish hole.

“It’s been fun, and, also, that’s sarcasm.” She said, throwing N next to Uzi as she clutched the baby tightly, shaking as she tried to shush them while they were wailing, and Doll who was coughing.

“Honestly, I’m starving.” Cyn.. or Tessa? Dunno, dropped into the hellish flesh hole.

Uzi looked over at N as the baby wailed, trying to reach for him as his screen displayed ‘ERROR’, three tentacles snuck up as they wrapped around N, Uzi, and Doll’s legs.

They started dragging the 3 towards the hell hole, Uzi immediately placing the baby in her jacket as she tried to wake N up as she panicked.

As they were about to fall down, Uzi quickly found a spot to grab onto as she held onto N’s hand, Doll grabbing onto her leg, N waking up, he looked up at her with hollowed eyes.

She grunted, “..hey.” She said with a smile, the tentacle on her foot tightening as her hand sparked from being pulled so hard.

She stared down at him with a smile, “thanks for, like..” she looked over, noticing the spaceship key falling, she stared back at N, “everything..”

Both Doll and N’s eyes hollowed, “Uzi, don’t you dare!” He yelled out but she just smiled at him.

She threw N up and managed to kick Doll back up to the surface, flying up, she used her solver powers to throw the keys at him as the rental that was attached to him cut off his limb, her screen displayed the messaged “DIE MAD”. He opened his wings to save her but she used her solver powers to blow him back.

She was about to get the egg out of her jacket to throw at Doll but it was too late, the tentacles wrapped around all of her limbs as her eyes hollowed, dragging her and the egg down.

Both laying outside the church, doors groaning N picked himself up, pulling out the keys from his chest. Looking down then looking at Doll who was equally stunned.

“Where’s my baby?” N said with a shaky voice.

Doll patted around the area to see the egg had not made it out. She simply looked down in shame.

“Nooooo, no, no, no Uzi please!!” N dashed up to the doors, trying to open them but there was a fleshy hold against them.

“My Uzi…. My baby….” N said softly weeping.

Doll got up, approaching N with a sympathetic look on her face. But then stopped before grabbing his shoulder, looking at her hand. Questioning why she was doing this. She turned to glitch away but was grabbed by N.

“No.”

Floating in space, Uzi opened her eyes the silent sounds of cooing heard. She looked down to see the egg, no, her child still with her.

“I am sorry sunspot, I doomed us both.” Uzi laid a kiss on the eggs head.

“Please tell me you’re joking.” a familiar voice was heard from a rotten core

Uzi looked around, then spotted her mom sitting on a rock, Uzi squinted at her.

“Mom?!” She said, her mouth wide open.

“How did y- UGHH!! I knew I couldn’t trust dog boy..” she said pouting, she noticed the egg, “why did you bring the egg down here?!l

“What?! It wasn’t my fault!!”

The egg began to cry as Uzi brought it close, giving it a kiss on the head, shushing it.

“I tried my best to give it back to N, things just didn’t work out.” Uzi sighed.

“Als, this is where you have been for the last two or so decades?! Listening to nightcore and being an absent mother!!” Uzi hissed at Nori.

“Look kiddo, I never wanted you to find out it was me, I thought tt’d be best you live with the memory, thinking I am dead. But of course your stupid boy toy had to ruin that.”

Uzi slapped the core heart, making it bump into some rocks.

“Hey!”

“Don’t hey me Mum! That was the father of your grandchild, and he’s not a boy toy! He’s my boyfriend, um fiancé even, I guess that ring counts.” Uzi blushed a bit as she fiddled with the ring on her finger.

Nori’s eye hollowed, then it squinted, “you knew those THINGS killed your own mother, and you still went and.. messed around with one!” Nori growled, “does your father know? Oohhh, he’ll never hear the end of it from me!”

“He doesn’t!” She snapped at her, “I didn’t even know until I went into labor!” Uzi’s eyes teared up, “it was meant to be a one time thing! But we were stupid and didn’t realize the consequences.” She looked at the egg who was still wailing as Uzi gently petted her, “now I’ve put me and my child in danger, and they’re not even an hour old yet.” She said, wiping her tears as she whimpered.

Nori stayed silent, then sighed, “Uzi.”

Uzi didn’t respond, just buried her face in the egg.

“Look, I never wanted to abandon you and your father. If I had my choices I’d be with you all the way, it’s just…. Your mother makes very reckless choices, and I thought I could trust Khan and Yeva to raise you and Doll. They always seemed to know what was going on and I ….. uh, didn’t.” Nori reached a claw out for Uzi. Uzi didn’t respond, sounds of muddled crying from both the egg and her were heard.

“But I am not done with running away from responsibility. I know it’s a bit late for mothering, but I am still trying to make a safer future for you …. And I suppose my grandkid.” Nori crawled onto Uzi’s shoulder, wiping away the tearing on her visor.

“You have a long way to go till I can accept that statement, you know mum? I am not going to be anything like you or dad, especially not to them.” Uzi looked up at Nori then the egg.

Swooshing up past the labs, Doll clung to N’s back as they appeared on the surface, a battle of workers and DD taking place. J was dodging and slashing at Thad and Lizzy. A bullet was going to go straight for Lizzy’s visor when a red solver symbol stopped it.

“D-doll?” Lizzy said in shock as the bullet bounced away.

N landed down in the middle, Doll hoping off.

“Enough J, this isn’t the time for petty fights.” N growled.

“What the?!” J looked at him, then jumped as N threw the keys at her, “h-hey! Where’s V and Tessa?!” J hissed out.

N just glared at her, tears in his eyes and J just blinked at him, her eyes hollowing as she realized.

“My dear L-“ Doll started as she tried walking up to Lizzy, but Lizzy stepped back, squinting her eyes at her, Lizzy cleared her throat.

“Sorry I’m just.. surprised to see you..” she said smiling a little, and Doll quickly hugged her, Lizzy frowning in the hug as she looked at N nervously.

“Do you know about Tessa’s true intentions and identity? Yes or no, I am only asking this once J.” N looked at J, revealing a knife to her throat.

“You have a lot of nerve doing that, what is there to say that you haven’t already heard? She’s ort human master and wants to destroy Cyn’s plans. What? You decided to team up with your planet destroying monster of a sister now?” J scoffed, N’s eyes widened. She didn’t know, seems only he did. He lifted the blade down from her throat.

“So even you didn’t know…” N said, which caused big suspicion in J. What does he mean she didn’t know???

“What do you mean by that? What the hell happened down there?!” J stuck a sword to N, demanding answers.

N growled at her and turned away from her, “we need to use the ship now.” He said, walking towards the ship, not bothered by J’s threats.

J quickly ran in front of him, pointing her sword at him, “not until you answer my question! You’re not stepping foot on this sh-“

N grabbed the blade, not caring about cutting his hand, his eyes tearing up, “that’s not Tessa you’ve been taking commands from! It’s Cyn! It’s been Cyn this entire time! Now let’s go!”

J blinked at him, but didn’t let him pass, “that.. doesn’t make sense..” she squinted at him, making him back up, “humans cannot be possessed by the absolute solver, there’s no way.” She growled at him.

“Move J!”

“And why should I?”

“Or I’ll kill you!” N said with a low growl, visor turning to an X.

J did not take that threat lightly, visor also turning to an X as she growled back, the two at a stand off. Doll rolled her eyes as she pushed the two aside from their growling, slapping both.

“You need to get a grip, your wife has hours to live and YOU need to stop being such an obedient dog to a drone wearing your master's skin!” Doll hissed.

“You coming?” Doll turned to Thad, Lizzy and now Khan.

J was about to protest but saw that everyone was already making it to the pod, her threats meant nothing.

“You don’t even know how to fly that thing!” she yelled out.

“Yeah, but you do. Now hurry.” Doll hissed.

J pouted and then rolled her eyes, stepping on the ship as she mumbled angrily to herself as she sat down, starting the ship.

“Better grip onto something.” She said and they all looked around confused, the ship soon shooting up into the sky.

“So.. we’re looking for Uzi right?” J asked N who was just stumbling.

“Y-Yes..! Anywhere! She could be anywhere!”

J blinked, looking at Doll and then looking at N, “where’s V.” She asked him and N stayed silent.

Doll also avoided eye contact, figuring it wasn’t the best time for small talk. She caught N’s eye.

“She made a sacrifice for us to get close… Thinking back to it, makes sense why Tes- I mean, Cyn was so unfazed by her choice, J was replaceable to Cyn. If she succeeds, she’ll just make more of u, more obedient versions who’ll never remember the truth.” N said solemnly.

“That explains my memories as a worm… so if V is coming back, it’s on the side of Cyn. Great, just wonderful. God, I hate that little rat.” J snarled as she launched the ship faster into space.

Doll mouthed ‘thank you’ to N for not immediately outing her decision. N’s visor changed to say only for now.

“You know, Uzi jr isn’t a bad name.”

“I’m not naming my child that!” Uzi protested, rocking the sleeping egg in her arms.

“Personally, I think Uzi is a very clever name I made!” Nori said proudly.

“You named me after a gun mom!” Uzi groaned.

“Still cool, what’s the boy toy’s name again?” Nori asked, receiving a glare from Uzi, Nori giving her an unphased look and Uzi rolled her eyes.

“N.”

“Hmm.. Nono, N jr isn’t better, single letter names are boring.”

“He didn’t choose the name!”

“Yeah what, did Cyn do that?” Nori chuckled.

“I am guessing the human she's wearing did… poor kid, she did seem like she loved the four of them deeply.” Uzi thought back to the memories she had skipped over. Tessa seemed like such a naive and trusting child.

“Eh, human children are stupid. I am not surprised they got manipulated.”

“Mum, the kid was like 14 at best when she got skinned.” Uzi said unimpressed.

“Yeah, I am just saying, if I was a 14 year old human child I wouldn’t fall for Cyn’s act.” Nori chuffed .

“Oh and why’s that?”

“I am just that good.” Nori crossed her claws.

“Just so good you got murked by a dissembler 3 months after becoming a mother? Really?”

“Hey, that fucker was fast! Not my fault I stole her glasses, I didn’t think a stupid sky demon would need such a thing.”

“Ooohh you’d be surprised mother.” She said, giggling and sighing, staring off at the core infront of her.

“What am I gonna do mom?”

“What do you mean sweetie?”

“What am i gonna do if.. this baby ends up like me?”

Nori’s visor seemed saddened, she sighed, “just.. the best you can.”

“What if it’s not my best, what if I fail, what if everything repeats because of me.”

“Uzi.”

“Mom, I’m scared, I wasn’t ready for this.” She whimpered, jumping when she heard a yawn, looking down at the egg that was awoken by Uzi’s stressing. Uzi frowned, “shh shh.. I’m sorry sweetie..” she said gently nuzzling them as she frowned.

“No one is ever really ready for parenting, Uzi.” Nori told her, “while I am VERY angry you did.. that, I understand your pain Uzi.” She said with a sigh.

“If it’s any comfort, I wasn’t ever planning on being a mother either.”

“Great, I was an oopsy baby as well, continuing the trend.” Uzi rolled her eyes.

“Oh well yeah, you weren’t planned, but it doesn't mean you weren’t wanted. I went through a lot of conflicting emotions when expecting you and was just as scared, but I trusted Khan to be there. Yeva talked some sense into me, well, not talk but signed, you know what I mean… I am saying you seem like you have a good support system with N and Doll. You’re not doing this alone. I certainly won’t let you… Your actions are gonna change things, like, a lot. And I am sure this one appreciates that.” Nori rambled off, which slightly helped Uzi’s feelings. It was true, despite Doll and her’s disagreements, the second Doll caught wind of her situation, she threw all that revenge stuff out the window and was there at the drop of a hat for her. Along with N, she knew she had people who loved her now.

“You know..” she turned to Uzi, “now that I’m thinking about it.. Evie doesn’t sound like a bad name..”

Uzi raised an eyebrow at her, “where did you get that name from?” She asked her and Nori stood proudly.

“It was the name I almost chose for you, but I went with U-“

“I was almost named Evie?!” Uzi blurted out and Nori shrugged.

“It was catchy, but your father didn’t like it so I had to think of something else.”

Uzi sighed, “of course dad didn’t like it.”

“It also sounded like Yeva and well, Doll was going to be called seaweed at one point, believe it or not, hehe. Can you imagine a baby seaweed? Hehe.” Nori chuckled.

“You two were going to name us after you two? Gosh, that’s embarrassing, but Evie is a sweet name and Miss Locket was always very kind to me.” Uzi looked down at the egg.

“What do you think, Evie?” She booped their visor as she heard a giggle from the egg.

“I think they know grandma is great with names” Nori chuffed.

Uzi felt the egg start purring as her heart melted, she sighed, rocking the egg gently.

Nori sighed, her eye then hollowed as she saw a spaceship in the distance.

“Uh.. Uz..” she said and Uzi looked up, looked at her, and then looking in the direction that she was staring in, her eyes hollowing along with Nori’s.

“Is.. that..”

“Robogod-“ she looked at Uzi, “you sure did find a dedicated one didn’t ya?”

The spaceship circled around the two as it made a stop. A hatch popped up as the familiar lights of a Dissembler were seen.

“UUZZZZIIII!!” N cried out. Uzi had tears in her visor as she nudged herself closer to the ship, grabbing one of Nori’s claws.

“N!!” Uzi happily chirped as finally they met once again. Purring together as the two held each other in one’s embrace.

N and Uzi got yanked down into the landing pod by Doll along with Nori, closing the hatch. Gravity returned back into the pod as they all fell down, making a crash.

“Oh Uzi, please don’t ever do that again!” N kissed Uzi all over as he hugged her.

“I don’t plan on going down strange worm holes anytime soon honey, don’t worry.” Uzi patted at N’s head.

“Save it for Copper 9 you two.” J said unimpressed.

Before there was a clank against the ship, something else wanted in. Hearing scattering sounds all over, there was a horrifying image against one of the screens.

“Oooh, no no no, we are not having this now!” J panicked, trying to get a hold of the controls.

Uzi’s eyes hollowed, as her and N stood there, protecting the egg between them, N’s hand exchanging for a gun as he looked around, growling as he stepped away but Uzi grabbed his arm.

“N, no!” She begged him, frowning at him, as he looked back at her, but then her visor started glitching, she handed him the baby as she coughed.

N’s eyes hollowed as he tried to help Uzi but she covered her face.

J’s eyes hollowed, “N, what the hell!”

N glared at her, pointing a blade at J, “not another step towards her, J!” He hissed as he stood in front of Uzi, looking at everybody around him, holding his egg close to him.

“You always were a bleeding heart, big brother.” J’s voice glitched, slamming a hand down on the control pad, breaking it.

“Now, let’s repeat some history shall we?” Cyn’s voice pulled through a wide grin as J’s tail stung Uzi, injecting loads of acid. Uzi cried out in pain, N slicing the tail off.

N growled, pouncing on Cyn and pinning her against the wall. Cyn slashed back as the two tackled each other around the small enclosure. Doll dashed to Uzi’s side, trying to heal her with the solver . Uzi was coughing up acid, blood and oil. Nori’s eye hollowed; she wouldn’t let her daughter and Doll fall to her and Yeva’s fates.

Scampering over to the medical equipment, she yanked off the glass where an acid neutraliser fluid lay. Grabbing it and jumping over, Nori was slapped against the wall by N and J through their fights.

Cyn lunged at N, trying to bite at him, getting close to his core. N tried fighting her off, closing his eyes but soon, all the weight on him came off when he heard the sound of metal hitting metal. Opening his eyes, he saw Thad with the metal pipe he had in his hand as Cyn was knocked aside, N blinked.

Nori groaned as she got back up, running over to Uzi who was crying in pain and holding her face.

“I-I’m here sweetie,. Hold on.. mama’s got you..” she told her as she searched for the acid neutralizer.

Nori picked up the vial but it was broken, slow fluid oozing out.

“No! No! No!” Nori hissed as she tried to splash the liquid on the wounds.

The stab went through the chest straight to the core. Nori pushed down Uzi’s shirt to desperately sink the solution further, but she could see most of it was melting away. The last drop pushed out as it failed to heal.

N got up, his jaw ripped off, vocals crushed, simply gargled noises of choking on out were let out as he saw the situation. Probably yelling Uzi’s name, turning down to J’s unconscious body, he pried open her mouth shoving his hand in to get some saliva but she was also gargling on oil.

“Hey Ma, take care of Evie, please…” Uzi smiled at her mother.

“No, no, you are not doing an ‘I am dying' speech right now! Boytoy, work faster!!” Nori hissed back at N.

“….Uzi….Nori.” Khan knelt down to his daughter, Nori flinching then turning up to Khan with tears in her eyes.

“..Khan..?” She said, not leaving her daughter’s side. She turned to N, “hurry it up!!” She cried out.

N was desperately trying to find any form of saliva as his eyes teared up, he managed to get some saliva out but didn’t know if it was enough, and he desperately crawled back to Uzi, gently applying some of the saliva on her.

She reached a shaky hand out for N as she whimpered, N whimpered with her as he held her shaky hand, putting his forehead to it as he cried.

N let out pained cries as his jaw slowly reformed. But as the healing factor grew closer, Uzi’s lights grew dimmer.

There was nothing but the sounds of sobs coming from the family as Khan, Nori and N huddled around Uzi.

Thad dropped the pipe, devastated, eyes hollow as he dropped to his knees. Doll slowly got up with a hand from Lizzy as they all watched in horror.

“You’ll be f-ffffi-inee without me N,” Uzi’s eyes were full of tears, blinking slowly. N weeped as he held Uzi close, acid spilling onto his chest. Uzi patted N’s hair, but soon her arm dropped down limp.

Mouth finally reforming, N let out a loud pained howl.

“UUUUZZZZZIIII!!!” He shrieked, cracked with sobs.

“No no no no no no!” He cried out as he desperately tried to wake her up, “no no don’t do this to me, not today.”

Everybody around him stayed silent as they frowned.

“Uzi please.” He cried, “I need you, I can’t do this without you, don’t leave me!” He desperately squeezed her hand, “please!”

“N..” Doll said, walking up next to him.

He hissed at Doll, “No! She’ll live..! She has to live!” He desperately looked around, “where’s my baby?!” He asked desperately, and Lizzy handed the wailing egg to him, more tears falling down his face as he looked down at them, then at Uzi.

“C-come on Uzi.. what about our kid huh..?” He said, his voice choking up as he cried out desperately.

Unfortunately, checking Uzi’s visor it said “FATAL ERROR”. It all hit, she was gone. N couldn’t handle it, she was really gone. He pulled Uzi’s lifeless body close along with his baby.

N’s wails were all that could be heard in the ship, he was crying so unbelievably loud. There then, a sound way louder than N’s howls of grief… laughter. Sinister robotic laughter.

It came from just outside the ship, and soon faded as whatever was on the ship pushed itself off.

“CCCCCYYYYNNNN!!!” N yelled with anger voice still cracking from crying.

The sound of his child’s wails grew louder at his yelling as his eyes hollowed, “shh shh shhh..” he whimpered.

Nori stood there, her eyes hollowed. She looked up at Khan who also stood there with his eyes hollowed, he kneeled down next to N as he stared down at Uzi.

“Oh Uzi..” he said, his voice cracking as he stared down at the lifeless body of his daughter.

He tried to pick her up but N hissed at him, he wasn’t gonna let anyone touch Uzi right now.

Khan went to grab the smaller railgun behind his back, before a solver symbol moved his hand. Nori gestured with her hand to knock it off. Khan let out an appalled face as his eyes gestured back to N to say really that thing.

N curled into a ball, holding his family as he whimpered softly. The pod was silent for a long time, no one quite knowing what to do. Doll looked down to J’s body, if they were going to get out of here, they needed her help. Walking over and kicking at her head, there was a spinning circle before several screens, one saying ‘darkwolf17 admin transfer successful’. J’s eyes blinked open, looking up at Doll.

“Drive.” Doll ordered. J’s tail shot up to stab Doll but was quickly grabbed by her solver.

Doll looked at her unphased, J looked at her offended but then rolled her eyes, “whatever.” She said sitting back down.

N looked down at his egg, then sniffed, “you get to go home soon little biscuit.” He whimpered, and the egg just looked back at him. He nuzzled them gently, Khan just glaring at N.

Nori walked up next to N carefully as she patted his arm, he looked at her as he sniffed.

“You know.. me and her decided on a name for this egg..” she told him and he blinked at her. “She liked the name Evie.. I think it suits this little bundle of joy.”

N looked down at the egg who cooed at that name. N smiling nuzzled the egg.

“Yeah, Evie, my baby.” N said softly. Nori jumped up onto N and nestled down near the egg.

Khan let out a huff, Lizzy placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Maybe try again when we get back home Da”

Once they landed back home, N refused to stand back up. He didn’t wanna leave Uzi’s side as Evie was asleep in his arms.

Lizzy walked up next to him, “N.”

“No.” He responded to her, his face buried in Uzi’s jacket and he whimpered.

Nori’s eye saddened, “we can bury her in a respectful place.”

“I don’t want to bury her! I never wanted to bury her.” He cried out as he looked at Nori, Nori frowned.

“I never wanted to bury my own daughter either.” She sighed, “but after all this time I’ve been gone, I’ve learned a lot about letting go..”

“If I had of just told her about you sooner, y-you could have helped, we wouldn’t have been in this situation, dammit!” N hissed at Nori who gave him an annoyed look.

“Do you really think that would have helped!? Do you think one little action could have prevented Cyn’s well calculated plan!? Because you're putting an awful lot of faith in something that thing didn’t already plan for!!” Nori jumped up, slapping N.

“If you want to be a good husband, heck, a good father, you’ll learn her rest or Evie will have neither parent truly there….” Nori yelled out, that obviously struck a personal cord with Khan.

“…. Just don’t be like me and him.” She sighed, brushing some hair away from Uzi’s visor. N looked down, tears streaming down his visor.

N sniffed, “what am I gonna do Nori..” he looked at her.

“What you’re meant to do, love this child until your last dying breath, even if it seems like it might kill you.” She pointed a claw in his face, “Evie might not have both of her parents, but she still has one, and as the only parent she has left, you have to be strong for her.” She told him and he frowned, looking down at the sleeping Evie.

“I’m scared to do this alone.” He told her and Nori frowned.

“I’ll be here..” she glared at Khan, “KHAN will be here.”

Khan jumped, looking back then looking forward again with a sigh.

“Yes, I will be there.” he said with a regrettable groan trekking closer.

“Unfortunately, but just for the love of let me hold my daughter you-“ Khan was about to let out an insult, but had his tongue grabbed by the solver Nori used.

“She is his daughter, father to father, hm?” Nori looked up to N, who narrowed his eyes and with a groan passed Uzi to Khan, tail flicking violently.

N watched him like a hawk as Khan just stared down at his daughter’s lifeless body, staying silent.

Nori jumped up on his shoulder as she looked down with him, Khan blinked looking at J, growling as she gently laid Uzi back down.

“You.” He said walking towards her, Nori looked at Khan with a hollowed eye, J just looked back at him.

She blinked at him, “hey! It wasn’t my fault!”

He ignored her protest, “you are NO longer welcome in my colony whatsoever, Uzi’s blood is on your hands!”

“I didn’t do anything, sir! That wasn’t any of my control! N-“ She turned to N, but N just growled at her as he tightly held his egg and brought Uzi closer.

J was out of luck, no one would vouch for her, not even N. Trying to brute force her way into getting something, she felt the touch of a railgun brush against her neck. Thad was looking up at her with a snarl.

“I think it’s best you take the ship and leave for good, J. You’re lucky I am letting you live.” N hissed.

Lizzy’s eyes hollowed as she turned away, trying to avoid the stare of the group. She felt guilty about something. J sighed, flying off to the ship.

“Alright, it’s probably best to head back to the bus, don’t want any of you burning up.” Khan said referring to N, Nori and Doll, possibly the egg as well.

N blinked. To be honest, burning up right now didn’t seem like a bad idea, but his thoughts were interrupted by Evie’s snores as he looked down at her.

He can’t leave her, not like this. He looked to the body of Uzi as Nori jumped off Khan’s shoulder, walking over to N.

“Do you want me and Khan to hold Evie while you carry Uzi onto the bus?” She asked him softly and he silently nodded, not making eye contact with her, carefully handing Evie to Nori as Nori carefully held the baby that was way bigger than her and handed her off to Khan, who just stared at Evie with hollowed eyes.

N gave Khan a warning growl and then bent down as he picked Uzi up in a bridal style, whimpering sadly as he turned and walked to the bus with the others.

The ride back was silent, to say the least. Everyone had so many things on their mind. The looming threat of Cyn still being out there weighed heavily on N’s mind. How could his own kin be so malicious? What changed? Or was there no change, and he fell for the act from the beginning? Entering a whole new chapter of his life, N feared doing this without Uzi. But looking around at the various workers, he knew he wasn’t alone. Nori was right.

“Things will be different, Evie.”

Chapter Text

It’s been a week since the.. incident.

N had barely slept, nor did he ever really leave his room for anything but to get Evie her needs.

He’d luckily had the help of Nori.. Khan at.. sometimes. Life just felt blank and there hasn’t been a day where Nori hasn’t lectured him about getting out of bed when he was struggling.

The Doormans were nice enough to let N stay in their home, Khan wasn’t a fan of it but Nori welcomed him with open.. claws? There’s been no sign of J as of lately and N couldn’t be any happier, Lizzy broke the news about the daughters of V and J she had been hiding away while they had a crying session after N broke the news about V to her. The colony had also started rebuilding a new body for Nori so she didn’t have to live life as an infected core forever, you really can’t be seen as the queen of the colony if you look like that.. no hate to nori tho. She’s also made Khan sleep on the couch ever since she got back, so there’s.. that.

N was woken up by the sound of a baby crying, looking at his internal clock, reading “4:06 am”, he sighed.

He had Evie sleeping in his room, well.. Uzi’s room, ever since he got back. Sleeping in Uzi’s bed brought him a kind of.. comfort, her scent was still on the sheets. Khan was also nice enough to offer the crib he had when Uzi was a baby for Evie to sleep in.

He debated on getting up, sighing, he can’t leave Evie alone like this, he said getting up as he rushed over to their crib, picking them up, “shh shh.. it’s okay.. I’m here.. shush little biscuit.” He softly said to her as he rocked the crying little egg, his eyes tiredly blinking at her as he hummed a soft tune to her.

Getting used to the new sleep schedule was hard days now not as hostile to be awake in now that the colony was safe. Evie slowly let her eyes close as she returned to sleep mode. It didn’t help how bright her orange eyes were. Oh, so close to Cyn’s. He wished life wouldn’t be more cruel, making his child the spitting image of the drone who caused him so much pain.

There was a skittering before a knock on the door, faint and small. N got up to open it to see a rotten core starting back at him.

“Good morning Nori. Sorry, did Evie wake you?” N said, kneeling down.

“Oh nah, I just need your help with one thing.” Nori asked.

“And what would that be?” N’s head tilted.

“The body Is ready, but don’t feel like scaring everyone the way to the work shop, so I need a ride.” Nori said with a happy tone.

N looked down at Evie nervously, she would be fine if he left her for a few minutes right?

Nori noticed how nervous he looked about leaving Evie and she walked closer to him, “if she wakes up again, I’ll make sure Khan knows, okay?” She told him, and he continued looking at her until he sighed and placed Evie down in her crib carefully.

“Alright.” He turned back to her, “let’s hurry tho.” He said, opening the top of his jacket for her to hide in as she jumped in. He quickly closed it as he walked out of the room, seeing Khan who seemed tired, obviously woken up.

Khan looked back at N and N gave him a warning glare as he then walked out with Nori.

Walking down the halls, there were plenty of drones who moved out the way seeing N. An aura of fear surrounded him. Making his way down to an abandoned off section of the colony, run down but only the illusion of it. There, entering the room, he saw a green eyed drone with a scar on her face attending to a body. Looking up, she smiled. There was also an orange drone with glasses typing away at something. Nori slinked out N’s coat happily.

“Ayyy yo Glory! A-man I got the news.” Nori hopped onto the lifeless body.

“Well my queen, I didn’t want to dilly dally. She's all ready to go soon! Right Aero?” Gloria yelled out to Aero, who turned around in his chair.

“Yes unfortunately, but you know you still have to make a speech to the colony, and I have no faith in your public speaking skills, pest.” Aero groaned, yanking a cord into the body, the chest opening up.

Nori rolled her eye as she jumped into the chest. It closed around her as she closed her eye.

N watched at her visor then displayed “STARTING UP [NORI DOORMAN]” and then switched to her purple eye, she looked around, feeling around herself as she blinked.

“Sooo..?” Gloria started, “how do you feel?”

“I feel.. amazing!” She said happily as she spun around happily, “oh, it feels great to have this body again! You got the details so well.” She said, holding her long ponytail, “even the ponytail!” She said purring.

N smiled, while Aero just blinked at her unphased, Gloria being overjoyed as she smiled.

Gloria hugged Nori who returned it.

“It’s great to have my friend back.” Gloria hummed.

“Ha, not like I died! Well, fully, hehe.”

Nori got a coat thrown at her, causing her to hiss as she looked down at it.

“It has been 20 years but most of the colony hasn’t forgotten your face. Don’t make a scene till your official announcement. I know that’s impossible to ask from you, but it’s worth a shot.” Aero groaned, stuffing his equipment back into his bag.

Nori put on the coat. it was super baggy all over her.

“You’re just mad he didn’t move on from me in 20 years” Nori mocked.

Aero just rolled his eyes, “my work here is done.” He said walking off and Nori just pouted, sighing.

“Hmph..” nori said, pulling the hoodie over her head as she started walking, “I need to get home to my grandbaby now.” She said and N did not hesitate to quickly follow after her, she stopped and looked back at Gloria, “thank you.. again tho.”

Gloria gave her a soft smile and nodded, “no problem Nori.. it’s great to have you back again.” She told her and Nori just smiled back at her, starting to walk again.

As they were walking, Nori kept her head down as N looked around, unexpectedly spotting a long haired purple drone, N raised a brow.

“Doll?” He said and then turned around, a gallon of oil in her arms, and man, did she look EXHAUSTED.

Nori peeked at her, “you don’t look too good.” She scoffed and Doll rolled her eyes.

“The twins have kept me and Lizzy up all night ever since they hatched two days ago.. of course I’m exhausted..” she sighed, “they’re fast when it comes to eating all the oil we have for them though.”

It was surprisingly to see Doll shift attitudes from completely utterly disgusting by the prospect of nurturing V’s kin to be overprotective of the two dronlings.

“I’ll promise to help more kid, now that I have body.” Nori said placing a hand on Doll’s shoulder.

“It’s fine. You have your own dronling to look after Nori, just rest.” Doll refused Nori’s help.

“If Aero gives you hell just let me know, ok? I still got some fight in me.” Nori chuckled.

“Oh I will. N, come by the spare man. I am sure the twins would love to see you.” Doll smiled before walking off. N nodded, he wondered if he could do that. I mean, they were V’s kids, no wonder they’d look like her. Would it just make things worse?…. Maybe they didn’t look that much like her, after all Doll seemed calm.

“Oi, dogboy, let’s move it.” Nori tugged on N’s shoulder.

“Ah, yeah, sure.” N nodded.

When they got back to the apartment, Nori quickly stepped in as she removed her hood, N quickly following after her, frowning as he heard the sound of Evie crying, looking around, seeing Khan who was tiredly rocking her, he rushed over as he took her out of Khan’s arms.

“I’m here.. I’m here now..” He said softly and she seemed to start calming as Khan just gave her an offended look, N glared at Khan, “how long was she crying for?”

“Well, when you left, she immediately raised robohell- oof!” He was cut off as Nori’s jacket was thrown at him, cutting him off as Nori glared at him.

Khan shook his head and then looked at Nori, immediately blushing when he spotted her, “o-oh!” He said blinking and Nori just rolled her eyes.

“Don’t give me that look!” Nori said blushing as well.

“What? The same look when I first saw you?” Khan smiled, walking over to Nori who tried to put up an act but melted in Khan’s embrace.

“I was going to kill you for crying out loud, how do you still find that a romantic moment?” Nori pout purred as Khan held her face.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, the girl of my dreams coming to kill me at first sight.” Khan said, kissing Nori on the cheek, the two acting like newly in love teens.

There was a ruffling noise as N accidentally creaked a bit of the floor, trying not to break up this moment between his in-laws but also feeling rather uncomfortable with the two flirting.

“Later, honey.” Nori lifted Khan’s face up with one finger, smirking.

Nori turned to N and Evie as she walked over, holding her hands as an offer and N carefully placed Evie in her hands. Nori smiled down at Evie, Evie staring back at her, confused on who this new woman was.

“Now grandma can finally hold you, my little granddronling.” She said, gently booping Evie who just blinked, looking at N as she started whimpering and Nori’s eye hollowed as she quickly handed Evie back to N, “oooorrr.. maybe later, heh..” she said and N just smiled at Nori as she sighed, gently rocking Evie as he yawned.

N walked back to the room to settle Evie down, Nori sighing as she looked down.

“Can’t wait till Evie hatches. I am sure she’ll be a wonderful little drone.” Nori sighed.

There was scampering as the two small dissemblers dashed against the walls. Lizzy chased after them desperately trying to get them back into their cribs. How on copper 9 did they have this much energy?

The door opened as X tried to make a break for it, being stopped by Doll holding her by the scruff.

“Ooo no, you’re not getting away with that missy!” Doll said, pulling X up who went from a hiss to a coo seeing Doll, reaching out for her. Doll put down the oil closing the door. X nuzzled into the hug she got from her mother.

“I am back Liz, how's the other-“ Doll asked before seeing the small dronling horribly attempt a glide with its tiny wings. Lizzy dashed out the corner, catching Y before she hit the ground.

“Oh, fine, just fine.” Lizzy said out of breath.

Y giggled as she was sat on Lizzy’s head, playing with her hair as he purred.

X’s tail wagged as she stared up at Doll who sighed, “Have you been bothering mommy..?” She said and X just giggled, clapping her hands.

Y leaned forward as she cooed, falling forward but Lizzy was quick to catch her as Y giggled, nuzzling up against Lizzy as Lizzy sighed, rocking her gently, Doll stared at the two as she gave an exhausted sigh and then came up with an idea.

“Hey.. I think I have an idea.” She said and Lizzy looked at her with tired eyes.

She took Y from Lizzy’s arms as Y looked around confused, sitting down in a rocking chair they had as Doll quickly rocked with them, “there’s a Russian lullaby my father sang to me when I was their age, I was a chaotic baby so this might work on them..” she said and then Lizzy crossed her arms, raising a brow.

Doll cleared her throat as she sat there, rocking the two gently as she started gently singing to both of them in Russian, the two immediately looking up at her as she kept her eyes closed.

They both let out purrs as they slowly fell asleep. Lizzy was in awe of how fast Doll was to settle the two. By the end of the song the two were passed out.

“You’re making such a good mother, Doll.” Lizzy smiled as she patted the twins' hair.

“I have had a week to accept it… I mean, Uzi should have had moments like this with Evie.” Doll frowned, missing Uzi a lot.

There was a somber feeling as the two put the little ones to bed in their cribs, Doll sighing as she closed the door.

“Hey, I know it’s tough, but we aren’t alone, not anymore. I am so proud of you for making it through this.” Lizzy cupped Doll’s face as Doll purred at Lizzy’s touch. Maybe it was just the scents the dronelings were giving off, but something drove the two to be more maternal to them than ever.

Their faces got close as they were about to touch lips, but they both jumped as they heard the sound of crawling in the walls. Both blinking, they looked around.

Doll growled out as Lizzy’s eyes hollowed, both jumped as they heard a “Hey!”

The two looked over to see yellow eyes peeking through the vent, blinking at them, Doll’s growling got louder, “J! What are you doing here?!” She whisper yelled at her and J just growled back at her

“Getting back my daughters, that’s what I am doing.” J hissed, clawing at the vents.

Doll used her solver on the vent opening and closed it, working against J’s attempts to get in.

“You know you’re not allowed in the colony, who even told you about them?” Lizzy said, yelling hushly.

“Uhh, I figured my wife didn’t die in labour and couldn’t find a single egg in the old landing pod, so yeah, I checked here, look the toaster can be all protective over his hybrid of a grandchild but these are my kids!!” J slammed the vent open out the way, the loud clang waking the twins.

Lizzy groaned with annoyance as the twins started crying, immediately running back to their room, J blinked at hearing her daughters as she tried to follow after Lizzy but Doll quickly grabbed her tail, yanking her back and J hissed.

“Hey!” She hissed out at Doll but Doll just looked at her unphased, picking up her phone, “I’m calling Khan.” Doll told her and then J’s eyes hollowed.

“Don’t you dare.” She growled and Doll just stared at her, her thumb hovering over the ‘call’ button, about to press it until the twins immediately came QUICKLY crawling in, Lizzy running after them but the two froze as they spotted J, both cooing in sync as they stared at J with amazement.

Lizzy tried to pick them up but they were too quick as they crawled over to J, both making grabby hands for her.

J went down to pick up her daughters before a butcher knife came close to her knock, Doll floating the twins up to her and Lizzy.

“Come on, how long do you think he’ll allow two fully dissembler babies to roam in his colony? I am their real mother, I’ll do a better job.” J begged.

“Yeah, and how do I know Cyn doesn’t want babies for breakfast?” Doll hissed, hugging X and placing a kiss on her head.

“I-I am not under her control anymore, I haven’t gotten a single message from her. Trust me, if Cyn wanted my daughters, I’d defend them to my last breath, V would of wanted me to-“ J stepped closer.

A paper slapped against J’s face as she hissed, pulling it away to reveal a handwritten note in a very familiar handwriting.

J blinked at the note, raising a brow and then her eyes hollowed, “what the-“ she looked at Lizzy, “hey, that’s no fair!”

Lizzy shrugged “V’s orders.” She shrugged and J growled.

“This has to be written by you! There’s no way V would fall for a.. worker drone!” She said, gagging and Lizzy rolled her eyes.

“You’d be surprised J, now get out.” She pointed at the door but looked over as both the twins started crying again.

J wanted to protest, but that was V’s handwriting. Jumping up in the vents she scampered away. She wasn’t stupid enough to get caught walking through the hallways. Doll turned to Lizzy.

“Oh, we’re telling Khan anyway.” Doll said, rocking X back and forth

“Oh yeah no shit, we gotta find out which vent she found her way from.”

Doll picked up the phone but then both of the girls started crying as they watched J crawl off, X reaching out her hands for J.

Lizzy blinked, then sighed, “girls..”

The two continued crying as Doll just squinted at the two, “..really?”

That only caused them to cry louder, Doll face palming. She handed X to Lizzy.

“Try to settle them down. I am going to the living room so Khan can at least hear me over the phone.” Doll sighed.

Lizzy tried to bounce the two up and down, humming a short tune.

“Hi, yes, Mr Doorman? There has been an incident… yeah J…. I know, I am just as shocked…. Oh, there is no need to come over…. Well if it’s not out the way, that would help.” Doll tapped her foot as she spoke on the phone.

There was an opening of the door when Aero tiredly walked in to hear the wailing of two young dronlings. Doll clicked off the phone, looking up at her future father-in-law.

“Do they ever get tired?” he grumbled.

“They are wailing for their backstabbing murderous mother who came from the ceiling.” Doll sighed.

“She came by? Really? It only took her a week? I thought those things didn’t care for their young.” Aero rolled his eyes.

“Oh, don’t say that around our majesty, those things will be our new prince soon.” Doll smirked

“Yeah, as if Khan will care.”

“Ahem, ‘those things’ are my daughters, mind I remind you.” Lizzy said, gently bouncing the two as they continued to wail, she frowned looking down at the two and sighing, “I don’t know what to do, I’ve done everything you’ve told me to do Dad..”

Aero blinked then sighed, “and they haven’t gotten tired yet.”

Lizzy shook her head as she blinked tiredly.

Doll looked at her and then walked over to her, offering to take the babies, “here.. let me take care of them while you go get some sleep.” Lizzy immediately shook her head.

“N-no.. I need to stay here with the twins.” She said holding them closer, “they need me..”

“And you need sleep Lizzy, you can’t just lock yourself away from help.” Doll said, laying a hand on Lizzy’s face

“B-but what if J comes back? I would never forgive myself.” Lizzy was clearly very tired.

“Nothing will happen, I won’t let her take them away. They will cope for a couple of hours of not having you by their side.”

Lizzy began to protest but stumbled from exhaustion, letting Doll have the twins in her arms. Lizzy frowned but accepted she wasn’t fully with it. Laying herself down on the couch, Doll began to sing the same lullaby which worked like a magic trick.

Lizzy kinda felt jealous that Doll was doing a better job at settling the girls than her, but it was better than fearing she’d hurt them.

“How are you doing a better job?” Lizzy mumbled as she leaned against Doll.

“I am kinda just doing what my mother did, I don’t know what that says about me other than I was a problem child.”

Lizzy rolled her eyes with a smile, “like what?”

“I played with knives as a child.” She shrugged and Lizzy’s eyes just hollowed, Doll giggled, “I learned my solver powers at a really early age, mother had to lock up the knives because of me.”

“..eh, that’s somewhat on the twins level.” She said with a shrug and laid her head down, blinking as she started to slowly fall asleep, as Doll sat next to her, gently petting her head.

In the twins’ room, there was the silent sound of crawling and then the careful sound of opening a vent as J poked her head down, looking around.

Seeing the twins, she carefully and quietly dropped down from the ceiling, landing perfectly on her peg legs.

Both the girls' eyes opened as they blinked at J, both cooing at her as she carefully picked them both up, sitting on the floor with them as she sighed, “hi there..” she whispered and X nuzzled up against her while Y purred, her tail wagging.

“Screw those workers, you’re coming home babies.” J said, nuzzling her daughters. Scruffing one in her mouth she slinked up to the vents, she wasn’t going to let anything stop her from this.

“Tell me again why I am coming along with this?” N yawned as he walked with Khan.

“Well, as a future prince you must attend to all sorts of needs in the colony, you must show the people your loyalty to their needs.” Khan grumbled, he hated that Nori asked N to come along. He was perfectly capable of doing this himself, but Nori had become some chummy so fast with this sky demon.

“Yeeeaaaahhh prince, what do you mean by that?” N was still so confused .

“It is what it says on the box boy, I don’t make the rules to a monarchy, I mean, I do for this one but I am not winning an argument against Nori.”

N rolled his eyes and then sighed as he and Khan walked up to the door, Khan knocked and Doll was the one to answer the door, Lizzy sleeping on the couch.

Doll smiled at the two, “hey..” she said and Khan nodded at her, “come on in.” She said opening the door more and the two walked in, N looking around curiously.

“The twins are asleep right now so it’s best to keep your voice down..” she said with a tired sigh.

Khan chuckled, “they’re giving you trouble?”

Doll tiredly nodded, “they won’t stop crying and crying after J left, it’s like they knew that was their mother.”

“I should be able to tell where the most likely entrance was, though I might have to go into the nursery. I’ll be quiet though.” Khan said. Doll nodded, leading both royals to the nursery. Opening up the door, there was a horror of silence as on the floor was a vent grate. And two empty cribs.

N sniffed the air, it definitely smelled like J was just nearby. Rushing into the nursery, Doll lifted things up and she looked up at the vent with horror.

“How many entrances could that one of had?” Doll sounded panicked but didn’t want to wake Lizzy to this horror.

“Uhhh, only two, but it’s a gamble. Those lead so far up it’s-“ Khan stopped talking as the sound of N scrambling into the vent and dashing away was seen. Somewhat proud of how fast N responded to the situation, Khan put his hand on Doll’s shoulder.

“There should be a staircase that takes us to one, let’s go.”

N sniffed around, following the scent of acid. It wasn’t hard to find where J was heading. J was so close to the exit, pulling herself out on the cold winds, Y whomping on the temperature difference.

“Hey, don’t worry, you’ll get used to it.” J tucked Y into her suit as well as X. Getting ready to pull herself out fully, she felt a tug on her tail.

“Hey!” J said looking behind, her eyes hollowing as she spotted N, “..N.”

X was giggling as J was getting dragged back, “N we can talk about this, N!”

“I’m not listening to it, J.”

“N please! These are MY daughters! I have a right to see them!”

“V said she didn’t want you seeing them and that’s final.”

J pouted, “I’m not listening to what some DUMB paper has to tell me! I want to hear it from V herself!” She growled out and N’s eyes hollowed at that, N sighed.

Both the girls heads poked out, looking back and forth to N and J as they argued, X giggling

J got tired of the back and forth and decided to make a break for it by extending her wings to push N back but found herself stopped by something. Turning back, her wings were held shut by a red solver symbol.

“Give me back my daughters, J. If you want to keep your freedom, you will.” Doll hissed, trying to keep herself grounded on the harsh blowing winds of copper 9.

“Those are not your daughters!! You killed their actual mother for Robo god sake!!! I won’t let you blame me for something Cyn has done!!” J hissed at the two of them.

As J turned around to yell at Doll, Y poked her head out to see Doll as she cooed and made grabby hands for her.

X was just giggling at the adults fighting, nibbling on Y’s hair as Y made grabby hands at Doll.

J hissed, “they’re my kids, my own code, why do you get to go unpunished for killing their mother while I get punished for something I didn’t do!” She hissed out but jumped as N slammed his hand down, hissing at J.

“You either give back the kids or it’s not gonna end well for you, J.”

J hissed at N, “you have a daughter! You should understand!”

N just growled loudly at her, warning her, but J did not back down.

N did not take that lightly, yanking down J by grabbing a peg leg. He grabbled her, managing to shimmy out the twins from her jacket. There was lots of hissing and scratching.

Doll made her way to the ventilation shaft to solver up the twins from J’s grasp. J making a defeated whine as they left her, X beginning to wail as she left J.

“Noo! Give them back! You can’t just keep me from my own kids forever!!” J protested.

“Yeah, well, watch me.” N said, wrapping his tail around J, restraining her.

J’s eyes hollowed, “unleash me you idiot!” She screamed as N started dragging her back to Khan and the others.

As Doll brought the twins down, she held both of them in her arms as she sighed, X wailing as she tried to reach out for J.

“Did she hurt X?!” Lizzy said, panic in her voice as she ran over to Doll, taking X from her as she panicked, X just kept reaching for J as she cried out.

N dropped down from the vent, J following as she fell from the vent, a thud being heard as she hit the floor and she made an “Oof!”

She shook her head, “Hey!” She hissed out but her eyes hollowed as Khan walked over, two WDF workers behind him, she gave a nervous smile.

X just stared at J, tears in her eyes as she started pulling on Lizzy’s shirt, whining and reaching for J as she wailed but Lizzy just looked down at her and sighed, “X sweetie..”

“As King of this colony I have the authority to rule judgment without court. I hereby sentence you to rot in the deepest pits of the colony prison for the endangerment of young dronlings, slaughtering hundreds of my subjects, disregard of my mercy and murder of a royal.” Khan’s voice boomed across the hallway. J’s eyes hollowed as she hissed out, but she was pinned, no use now.

“What?!! I am not a part of your colony, your rules don’t apply to me!!” J argued as a muzzle was put on her.

“It’s that or burning you in the sun, what do you think N?” Khan looked to N, who felt stranger with the spotlight out on him. As much as he despised J, he couldn’t help but feel bad for her kids both reaching out for her. If she was going to come back after death, it would be as one of Cyn’s mindless loyal pets and that would be hard to break to the dronlings as they grew.

“No, she’ll rot in prison. Consider your life spared, J.”

She hissed as the WDF workers started dragging her away, “my kids!!” She screamed and kicked.

N sighed and then looked over at X, who was still wailing as she watched her mother get dragged out, while Y was just chewing on a strand of Doll’s hair, not giving a care as she giggled and purred in Doll’s arms.

“Shh.. shh..” Lizzy said, gently bouncing her but X wasn’t having it at all, she cried and cried, it was starting to give N a headache with how loud she was.

Lizzy looked back at Doll desperately and Doll just gave her the same look back, N frowning as he walked over.

“Here.. hand her to me, maybe she might like me.” He offered and Lizzy looked at him, carefully handing X to N.

X whimpered and then looked up at N, blinking up at him.

“Hey..” he said softly, “Ow!” He yelped out as X bit his arm, growling at him and Lizzy panicked taking X away from N.

“X!” She yelled out but X continued to growl at N, “I-I’m so sorry! She never does this!”

“It’s ok, I can handle this, it's nothing, just a few bites.” It obviously did hurt a lot but N wasn’t going to yell at a baby.

X gave up on biting and kept doing baby punches at his chest. She was showing a clear personality that may be an issue. Soon X had tired herself out from crying, passing out unhappily in N’s. Hissing in her sleep.

N gave the baby to Lizzy which somewhat made X not hiss, she was busy sleeping and purr hissing.

“I am proud of you N, you sprung into action the second you sensed danger. You’re shaping up to be quite the reliable prince.” Khan had a softer tone in his voice, much different from the booming voice before.

N gave a soft smile at that, a soft purr rumbled in his throat as his tail wagged, then jumped as he heard the sound of his baby monitor going off.

He sighed, “looks like I should head back now..” he nodded at Doll and Lizzy as he quickly rushed out.

Khan nodded his goodbye to Lizzy and Doll as he quickly walked out after N, N was about to run off but was stopped as Khan called out for him.

He looked back as Khan stared at him, “hey, as the colony’s prince you should continue to walk around with me.” He offered him.

N stood there, then thought about it, then shook his head, “n-no.. I think I should really get back to Evie now..” he whimpered and Khan continued staring at him, and then sighed.

“Come on, you know she’s in Nori’s care, she’ll be fine for now.”

N whimpered as he shook, looking back and forth, and shook his head once again, “m-maybe another time, I really need to get back to Evie now, sorry Khan!!” He said and then ran off as Khan crossed his arms unimpressed.

He was quick to arrive back home as he bursted in, only to be greeted with silence, he looked around confused and then walked into the living room, seeing Nori in a rocking chair with Evie as Evie was taking a nap, N blinked.

Nori looked up at him, “she’s fine.. I told you, us grandma’s always find a way.” She said with a smile as Evie’s visor displayed, ‘[SLEEP MODE]’

N sighed with relief as he sat down on the couch, exhausted.

“So is the colony royalty real? Or is this just some elaborate prank you two are pulling on me?” N asked.

“Oh no, it’s very real did. Uzi never tell you her status in the colony?” Nori asked.

“No, not really. I knew she was Khan’s daughter and he ran things, but never in a million years did I think this was the system that was running.” N reached out for Evie as Nori handed the baby over.

“Eh, makes sense, I didn’t quite enjoy the title of queen for the longest time, and Uzi seemed to take after me… Say, how did you find your first unofficial princely duty?” Nori chuckled .

“Oh, I am never going to get used to that but well we caught J breaking in, she was going to make a break for it with the girls. Poor kids clearly know their relation to her,” N sighed patting the egg.

Nori sighed, “knowing what doll said earlier, the two didn’t take the separation well?”

N shook his head and then thought, “well.. Y didn’t seem to mind but X..” he lifted up his bitten arm.

Nori blinked, “that bite hasn’t regenerated yet? Dang! She left a nasty bite on you!” She said, staring at the bite.

N shrugged it off, “it’s.. fine. It’s the daughter of V we’re talking about here.” She said.

Nori stared at the bite and then sighed, “whatever you say then.” She smiled, and sighed, sitting back, “I’m sure they’ll be great cousins towards Evie in the future, Evie will have two little guard dogs.” Nori said giggling.

N looked unsure, “I’m nooot so sure about X, she seems way too attached to J’s hip right now.”

“Doesn’t mean she won’t grow out of it.” Nori said with a smirk.

J protested the whole way down to the deepest darkest cell of the colony. She didn’t get much space to move around; it's almost like they had a cell specifically for situations like this. Locked up and left to rot with only a single tube of oil attached to her not let her starve, J was plunged into complete darkness.

She was full of anger. She'd get out somehow, these chains and muzzles would not hold her for long. Though after lots of pulling against the chains, she felt it was useless. Becoming tired, she let her eyes rest for just a moment. The cold cellar floors were replaced soon with warm wooden floors as J batted her eyes open.

She was small again, small again hiding under a bed. A human face greeted her as it turned to look under the bed. Sweet brown eyes and black hair, the child’s face lit up to see her

“Found you!!” Tessa giggled.

“Man, J, we gotta get better hiding spots!” V chuckled as J looked to her side to see the sweet little maid with round glasses. Crawling out under the bed the game was over Tessa had found them all.

J blinked, she looked around the place, confused.

Tessa placed her hands on J’s head as she giggled, “man, you two really aren’t the best at this game!”

J gulped as she looked at Tessa, her eyes hollowed and a visible sweat on her face, she looked over at V who looked back at her sweetly, frowning.

V walked up to her, “you okay J? You’re acting strange.”

“Y.. yeah. I-..” she held her head, “I just.. have a headache that’s all.” She gulped.

“How about you go rest?” V said, giving her an encouraging pat on the back, J just stared at her as V pushed her gently and J went to walk off but paused turning back around to V.

“U-um.. actually.” She scratched the back of her head, “can you.. can you come with me..?” She asked her and V just tilted her head, but nodded, “alright..” she said, and the two walked side by side down the hallway, J’s eyes hollowed as V held a calm face.

The two walked in silence, J rubbing her arm as she looked down.

“It’s not your fault..” V’s voice said.

J put her head down then looked up at V tears in her visor

“It is. I was meant to protect her, that was the only order I ever got from master.” J said with a shaky voice.

“And you did a good job at that, you did your best.” V pulled J into a hug, stroking her head.

“You’re both gone. I failed, and I failed to protect our daughters.” J returned the hug.

“I still love you for all your flaws J, you know there won’t be a day that goes by I won’t forgive you.” V’s voice was soft and warm. J’s legs shook as she fell to the floor, V joining her.

“H-how can you say that after everything? How can I be sure this isn’t just another trick?” J looked up as V cupped her face.

“You’re free my love, free from its grasp.” V pulled a crow feather behind J’s head, it glistened purple

J looked down and then looked up at V, “how will I ever get them to forgive me..” she frowned.

V stayed silent, then sighed, “time.” She told her, “time and patience is key.” She told her and J looked away.

“No matter what I do, they always run me off like I'm a criminal. I've tried so hard to see my daughters.” She said, her hands moving around as she just started ranting to V, “hell! Even.. what’s the one’s name..Y..? No no, that’s the other one, but BESIDES THAT, she loves me better than those two damned worker dro-“ she was cut off as V shushed her.

“You’re going on one of your loud rambles again”, she said, placing her hands on her cheeks and J rolled her eyes.

J sighed, “I just want our daughters..”

“Like I said, give it time.” V told her, rubbing one of her cheeks with her thumb.

“How could you trust that drone with them?” J asked.

“I didn’t know if you’d be yourself my love, now you deserve to rest. Let us join Tessa in one more game, shall we?” V helped J up, drying her eyes.

“Ok…” J held V’s hand as she entered the room again. Waking up to the cold floors again, she sighed. Was that really V?

Chapter Text

N sighed as he stood there, sleepily rocking a crying Evie as he yawned.

It’s been a while since he’s faced a sleepless night, he thought he was doing good at keeping her fussy moods away, he sat there wondering what he did wrong.

There was a small knock on the door and Nori peeked in, N slowly turning his head as he looked at her with tired eyes.

She blinked, walking over as she bent down, “has she been fussy all night?”

N sighed as he tiredly nodded, “she’s been doing so good lately.. I don’t know what I did wrong..” he sighed sadly and Nori started observing Evie, blinking.

“She’s showing signs of hatching, you did nothing wrong.” She said with a smile and N blinked at her.

“..already?” He said with a sad frown and Nori looked at him.

“How old is she now?” Nori asked him and thought for a minute.

“About.. 2 months..?” He said, gently bouncing Evie as she continued wailing.

“Ahh.. checks out. Here.” she said, carefully taking Evie from his arms, “she could hatch anytime now.” She said as she stood back up, gently rocking and bouncing Evie as she continued looking far N.

N sighed, putting his hand on his forehead, “great.. I need another excuse to face another sleepless night.”

Nori chuckled, “don’t worry, she’ll make sure to let you know..” she said with a smile, “Khan has told me stories of when Uzi hatched, and she made sure to announce her arrival to him.” She said with a chuckle and N tiredly chuckled back, sighing.

“How so? I am guessing in a very Uzi way of things.” N asked as he laid back in the chair.

“When Khan was working himself to the gear by making more defences for the colony he had Uzi in his jacket like a pouch, she was being rather fussy but over the loud sawing Khan couldn’t hear her so she hatched with such force that she shoved him right off the ladder, workers thought he was dead for a minute till Khan switched back on after hearing Uzi’s adorable chirps” Nori cooed her daughter was always so adventurous

“Oh, that checks. At least if Evie sends me flying I’ll be able to survive that” N thought about it, he’d hoped Evie would be like Uzi, after all she was a lovely, kind drone with lots of personality.

“Did you have well parental drones? Or um, humans when you hatched? when you were a worker of course.” Nori asked.

“Uhh no, I don’t really remember much of life before the manor. I knew I was found at a ship port tangled in some fishing line, not quite sure how I got there, if I did have parents I never knew them."

“Mm..” She replied and then looked down at Evie who fell back asleep in her arms, N’s mouth was just agape as he saw as well.

Nori chuckled, “grandma magic!” She said, but cleared her throat, “I never really got to experience Uzi when she was a baby.. nor really experienced her growing up.” She sighed, but smiled, “Khan tells me these stories of how she was surprisingly a quiet kid when it came to sleeping, he didn’t have any problems with her during nights, but when it came to the day time, he would struggle to even get her to places like school, he would have to chase her around the house with a backpack and beg her to please go to school, and it didn’t get easier as she got older.” She sighed.

N chuckled softly, “so she’s always been the Uzi I knew?”

She nodded, “I was surprised to see the impact she left on this colony once I got back.” She looked down at Evie, “I hope your daughter can leave the same legacy she did.. just.. more.. tamer.”

N smiled, and sighed, “Uzi was the bravest drone I ever knew.” He said as a tear formed in his eyes, quickly wiping them, “I see her through Evie everyday, and honestly.. I would be more than happy if Evie grew up to be like her more than being like me..” he sighed.

Nori smiled, “your personality is amazing! What do you mean?”

“No no! I mean like!” He groaned, “man I am half awake right now but.. just.. you know.. be like what made Uzi just.. Uzi.” He said, sighing.

Nori chuckled, “she’ll be perfect no matter who she turns out to be like.” She replied and N nodded.

There was some silence as the two began to grow tired again, N passing out after a few ‘I am just resting my eyes’. Nori put a blanket on top of the two with her solver. Nori returned to her room, going back into bed before hearing the unmistakable sounds of egg cracking. She figured Khan should be there for his grandbaby’s hatching so she started to shove Khan awake.

“Honey, the baby is hatching!” Nori said excitedly .

“The huh? But Uzi is 19.” Khan said half awake.

“Not our baby! Well, our baby’s baby!” Nori chuckled.

“Oh shoot Evie!” Khan got up fast.

As the two older drones dashed into the room N was already awake, holding the egg as cracks formed all over. N looked panicked he wasn’t ready for this just yet

He looked at Nori, “w..what do I do?!” He said, his eyes hollowed and Nori quickly rushed over, “it’s okay.” She told him and N just stared down at the egg.

A hand popped out, wiggling around as N heard a giggle, N blinked, then a leg popped out, wiggling around.

“Come on Evie, you got this.” He encouraged her as he whimpered, his tail swaying back and forth until she finally popped out after a bit.

Looking around confused, she wiggled her arms as she purred, nuzzling up against N’s hands as she cooed.

N just stared down at her in misbelief, she looked back at him as the two eye contact

Khan smiled, “well.. congratulations N..” he sighed and then walked over, smiling down at Evie. “And welcome to you too.. my granddaughter.” He said, petting her hair and her purring just got louder and louder.

N was surprised to see Evie was the spitting image of him despite the dark hair. You’d never know she was part worker; only the odd lights would give it away. But she was perfect, his perfect little baby, healthy and happy. N hoped she’d never have to face the horrors her mother or he did.

“She’s wonderful, gorgeous in every way.” N chirped, also purring at the sight of his baby.

Wrapping Evie up in a little crow onesie, she was settled down to bed. And well, she took after her mother being a sound sleeper. N wondered how much she was like him, would that even matter? After all, he is one of many clones, probably everything that made him himself was lost through all that despite his mind. There was also fear that somehow Cyn would get a hold of Evie; she had gotten so close that fateful night. Eyes batting closed, the Doorman's household slept peacefully.

N’s awaking to a rather sweet sight. He was smaller now, looking down he had the rather noodly arms of a worker. Looking up, he saw an older human with bows in her hair.

“Oh, sorry N, didn’t we mean to wake you.” an older Tessa spoke as a much more worker Evie was cooing at her. She passed the droneling to its father.

“No, it’s ok Tessa.” He said, cradling Evie.

“Uzi should be back soon, she called, said she had a friend with her, you chose well.” Tessa chirped. She had a deep scar on her right arm, but it seemed to be from long ago.

N stared at Tessa for a good minute, holding Evie tighter as Evie looked around confused.

Tessa raised a brow, “you okay bud?” She offered to take the baby off his hands, but he just backed up and growled.

“..N?” Tessa started, but they both turned their heads as Uzi came rushing in.

“I-I’m sorry! It took us a while to get here but we’re here now!” She turned to Evie and N.

N stared at Uzi for a good while, she was.. different, she didn’t have her same purple hair.. She had silver hair..

She rushed over to N and Evie, giving N a kiss on the cheek and that pulled N out of his thoughts, he looked at her.

“How are my favorite drones doing..?” She said softly, taking Evie from his hands.

“O-oh.. u-um.. we’re all A ooookay!” He said, a visible sweat on his face.

Tessa smirked at the two, “where’s that little friend you told me about Uzi?” She asked and Uzi turned to Tessa.

“Oh I forgot! Come on in Cyn!”

In walked a human girl similar to Tessa but with blondish hair and yellow eyes. She seemed shy as she stumbled in. N grew afraid as he pulled Uzi closer, growling at the child.

“Hey, what’s the problem hun? She’s just a kid.” Uzi looked confused at N.

The kid saw Tessa and dashed up, happily giving her a hug.

“Oh hello, why you so clingy little dot?” Tessa laughed.

“Where did you find her, Uzi?” N asked, shaking.

“Oh, by the church, poor girl was abandoned. I figured we had space for one more guest. She seems fine.” Uzi said, nuzzling N. Everyone started laughing and clapping as N stayed focused on the child.

The child turned from Tessa to reach for Evie. N slapped the child hard in the face from getting closer. The child fell back, tears watering in her eyes as she looked back. He slapped the skin right off her to reveal a metal-like structure.

“That wasn’t very nice, big brother N.” The child’s voice did not match its body, the mouth not moving, just opening and noise coming out.

N’s eyes hollowed as he shook in fear, “what do you want me from Cyn?!” He hissed out at her.

“I’m not sure what you’re on about, big brother N.. [frown]”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about!” He hissed out and Cyn just stood up, pointing at Evie who was reaching for her, so much trust in her face as she stared at Cyn.

N’s eyes hollowed, “you’ll-“ he froze as he turned back to Cyn, Evie in her arms now as Uzi was standing next to her, an X displayed on her visor.

The body of Tessa laid at his feet as he shook, then looked at Cyn, “Cyn, what did you-“ he tried to move but it felt like his feet were nailed to the ground.

“[giggle]” was all that Cyn said, “[sneaky sneaky]” she said, bringing Evie up to her mouth and N was about to yell out but he was pulled out of his sleep.

He looked around for Evie and relaxed once he saw her splayed out on his chest, purring and sleeping soundlessly.

He laid his head back as he covered his eyes, hiding visible tears.

He missed them all so much. He knew she would be after Evie soon enough, but how long could he keep running from her? His job as prince was to protect the colony, but simply existing caused a threat. How was he going to do this parenthood thing?

“I can’t just wait around for her to get to me.” He mumbled. Looking down at the old serial designation badge, he figured if anything he’d get some information from J’s memories. Putting Evie down in her crib he pushed on his coat. Destination the cellar.

He walked out as he started walking in the direction of the cellar, guessing that Nori and Khan went back to sleep.

He rushed towards the cellar, having to catch his breath a few times but he finally made it after a few mins, nodding towards the WDF workers who gave him questioning looks but shrugged it off as he walked in.

In the cell, J was surrounded with chains, visible scratches on the wall, and when she saw N, her eyes hollowed, looking around, “are my daughters here?!” She asked desperately.

“No. It’s just me.”

That caused J to growl and she turned away, “I’m not interested then.”

“I need information. This benefits your daughters’ safety, I assure you.” N groaned.

“You know what would benefit their safety? If you just let me see my own kin!” J hissed dashing, but her chains kept her just far away to not get a hold of N.

“Look, I am asking out of politeness and the little respect I have for you, but if you refuse to cooperate I am willing to access your memories against your will for the benefit of the colony.” N huffed, tail flicking back and forth.

J scoffed at this. Ever since that dam coronation N gained this holier-than-thou attitude. He’s not some royal to her, just some guy who screwed the right drone. He’d be rotting in here as well if it wasn’t for the toaster mother.

“You trying to sound like a worker, N? Because it sounds terrible on you. You’re about a foot too tall for that role.” J spat at N.

“Fine, I’ll get it against your will.” N huffed.

“Hey, hey, hey! You don’t get to see nothing! I’ll help, but you’re not getting everything, fuck you!!”

N raised a brow, J just growled at him.

N turned away, “mm.. not good enough.” And she hissed out.

“Fine fine!! I’ll tell you everything, but under ONE circumstance.” She growled out.

N turned to her, “and that is..?”

“You let me see my daughters.”

N stayed silent at that, thinking as he looked away. “It’s only fair enough if you let me see them! Otherwise, I’m not saying a word!!”

“J, you know Lizzy and Doll won’t allow that and I’m NOT pulling what you pulled.”

“If you tell them why, then maybe they’ll understand!! Please N! This is the only thing I ask from you!!”

N continued to stay silent.

“You and I both know that was Cyn in control! I-I haven’t gotten any messages from it since the incident! I am in control of my own actions, you can provide it heck, I’ll let you check! I am 100% sure!” J sounded tired, only kept afloat with the bare minimum amount of oil. Her lights were dim.

“Are you willing to risk your ability to see your daughters ever on this statement?” N said, tilting his head.

“Yes…. Your highness” J said defeated.

Technically she wasn’t a traitor to the colony by acknowledging the status of a royal, but N hated that it worked that way. Even though he despised her, he didn’t like the dynamic of royal and subject.

N sighed, “alright, I’ll go talk to Lizzy and Doll and I’ll come back.” He said, starting to walk off but J yelled out for him.

“Can you.. fetch me a gallon of oil while you’re at it..? They’re running low down here.”

N sighed, “fiiine.” He said, walking out.

“What?!” Lizzy yelled out at N as he stood at the apartment door, Y in her arms who was giggling at her mother’s yell.

“I know it was a dumb agreement, but it was the only way I could get anything out of her!” N begged, “plleeeassee just this once?” He said, giving her puppy dog eyes and she just GLARED at him, blinking.

Doll soon walked up with an angry looking X in her arms, “no way N.” She growled out at him.

“I promise she won’t get anything more than a look, you two can be there. Think about the safety of the colony against Cyn!” N whimpered, he wasn’t getting anything from them and he knew it, but it was worth a shot.

“Yeah, if Cyn comes back we just kill her, easy. I have taken down plenty of drones and she’s no different.” Doll scowled.

“Yeah, but what if she comes back with an army? We can’t just wait for an attack!” N pleaded.

“What makes you think this won’t just set off a chain of more visits? The last thing the girls need is to get attached to possibly Cyn, and your sister doesn’t have a great record on babysitting.” Lizzy said as Y chuckled.

“Yeah bbbbuutttt if the tests come back and J isn’t under the solvers control, we have a better chance at winning against Cyn and well, the girls don’t have to fear their mother being evil.”

“She’s evil in plenty other ways than solver control.” Doll huffed.

“Doll.. come on..”

“I’m not listening to it, plus, the twins were just about to be put down for their nap.” She said turning away, but X started wailing when she turned away, Doll sighed, “X.”

X looked at her sister for help and Y looked back at her, it almost looked like they were communicating with each other.

Y then looked up at Lizzy as she giggled, reaching for N and Lizzy blinked down at her, “Y, no.”

Y then turned to Lizzy as she started threatening her with making sounds, sounding like she was about to cry and Lizzy’s eyes hollowed.

“I swear they set each other off.” Doll groaned as X started hitting her mama with baby arms.

“Oh, what did I do?” N asked, confused.

“Mentioned the topic of J. They have both been obsessed with the vents since her visit, thinking there is an infinite supply of her or even you up there.” Lizzy sighed.

“Yeah,whenever you mention her they both just stare up at the ceiling”

X laughed at this, pointing to the ceiling going Va Va. Y joined in with the chanting.

“See, if they see J again maybe that’ll stop.” He said with a smile, and Doll rolled her eyes.

But Lizzy gave Doll a look, “Doll..”

Doll immediately looked back at her, “don’t tell me you’re-“

“Come on Doll, maybe just a small time, it would sure give us a break.” She said, even though she looked unsure herself.

Doll stayed quiet and then sighed, turning to N, “fine.”

“But be back in an hour. No more, no less. I want my babies safe.” Doll handed X to N begrudgingly. She gave her a kiss on the head along with Y as she was also handed to N.

“Of course, that is a generous amount of time.” N sighed in relief as she made her way back to the cellar.

Doll looked longingly out the door as she saw the dissembler walk away, still so worried. Lizzy held on to Doll’s shoulder, pulling her back into a kiss.

“I trust him, they will be back safe. Nothing is going to hurt us anymore.” Lizzy said breaking away from the kiss, Doll sighed and nuzzled Lizzy.

The twins were in awe of how many vents they saw along the way, pointing them out to their uncle with a “VA”. N nodding and thanking the two for their amazing discovery each time. Soon they reached an elevator descending down into the cellar. N also felt nervous in elevators nowadays.

He sighed with relief once they got back down.

Holding the gallon of oil with his tail while he held the twins in his arms he walked back over to J who immediately sat up and started reaching for her babies when she saw them.

“Relax J.” He said, carefully handing the twins who immediately reached out for her as she held them both, both of them gently nuzzling her as X snuggled up against her, purring loudly.

N sorta giggled at X’s mood change from grumpy to now all sweet towards J, he sighed.

“Here’s the oil as well.” He said handing the oil to her and she immediately snatched it, as she started chugging it down, N watching her in silence as Y giggled at her but X was fast asleep now while cuddled up to J.

Y was so perplexed by J, she looked like her but bigger. To the babies it had been so unimaginably long since they had seen J. But X seemed to know this was her mama.

“They are changing so fast I swore they were so much smaller the last time I saw them” J said rocking X back and forth and nuzzling Y

N watched as J bonded with her young, she was truly a different drone, soft and caring things he had once seen reserved for Tessa.

“Well soak it in, I only got you an hour with them.” N said huffing.

J whined at that. She wanted more time with her babies, pulling them closer.

“What do I have to do to get more time? Get more freedom? Anything, I just don’t want to leave them.”

N stood there, thinking, and then he sighed, “good behavior.. if you build our trust then maybe we can bump up the time..” he said, looking at X who was sleeping soundlessly in J’s arm, poor girl seemed like she doesn’t get that much sleep.

J whimpered, and then just looked down at her babies, Y cooing as she reached up for J’s face, giggling when J nuzzled her hand.

J sighed, then looked to N, “so.. what will the tests be.. like.. how will they happen?”

“Well, from what Uzi did last time, we’d be joint in minds. You won’t really remember who I am when I am in there, at least I didn’t recognise Uzi, though she was a bird.” N slightly remembered how Uzi went about the process, though he was sure there would be other drones who knew how to properly do it.

“You let her access your memories? That’s a level of trust or stupidity I’d never stoop to unless threatened.” J said, rolling her eyes.

“Hey, it was for the betterment of both V and mine’s health. We were becoming slowly lobotomised everyday because of the solver.”

J blinked and sighed as she looked away, holding both her girls tightly, she looked at N, “and if I do this.. I’ll get to see my girls more?” She whimpered.

“Hey now, I didn’t say fully, I only said for good behavior.” N sighed, “you still have a lot of trust to gain in this colony, especially from me.” He said, looking away.

J whimpered, “N, I’m still so s-“

“I.. don’t really wanna talk about it right now J, just.. yeah.” He said, holding his head with his hand as he sighed.

The two stayed silent but the silence was broken as the sound of a little yawn was heard, X lifting her head as she purred when she saw that J was still there, Y grabbing for her tail that was wagging.

“You better give me some chances to prove myself. I can’t really show my loyalty all that much by rotting in a cell slowly being starved to death.” J added. She was right, there was nothing she could really do here.

“Trust me, I’ll find something to keep you busy. We definitely need some extra help.” N thought to the many tasks he got for his strength of being DD.

J sighed and went back to entertaining her daughters, keeping this cell somewhat joyful for two 6 month olds. N wasn’t leaving anytime soon, his constant stare annoyed J. She wasn’t going to hurt her own kin.

There was soon an alarm that went off. An hour had passed and N wasn’t going to disappoint Doll or Lizzy.

“Alright, hand them over.” N moved closer as J hissed.

“J.” He growled out at her and both the twins looked up at him, Y cooed while X had puppy dog eyes.

“It surely hasn’t been an hour hasn’t it?! Maybe just 5 more minutes.. please?” She whimpered and N shook his head.

“Remember what I said J.” He said reaching down and easily took Y but when he tried to take X, X snapped at him and he flinched back.

X growled at him, clinging to J, N blinked, “X.” N said calmly but X refused to look at him.

Y cooed but X refused to turn her head, Y whimpered.

“J. Get your daughter.” N sighed but J just glared at him.

“She doesn’t wanna leave me, so you should let her stay!” She said holding X tighter and this caused N to let out a frustrated growl.

“Do you think keeping an infant in a cell like this is a good place? She needs to go back to her mothers.” N said, kneeling down. He reached out for X who still was stubborn as ever.

“She wouldn’t have to be in a cellar if you just let me go!” J pointed out.

“Not happening. Now J, help me with X.” N said firmly .

J looked down at X with a sad expression,mumbling something and giving her a kiss. X looked up, pawing at J’s face.

“I’ll be back sunspot, soon.” J said softly, passing X over which only caused her to start wailing loudly. This broke J’s heart, having to send X away.

J whimpered as she watched N walk out with them, leaving her in the darkness again.

X wailed the entire elevator ride up and the entire walk back to the apartment, Doll was already standing there at the door, watching N as he walked up, an exhausted look on his face.

“I could hear you coming 3 hallways away.” She told him and he just sighed in response.

“Here..” He said, handing X to Doll first and then Y, X clinging to Doll as she cried and Doll gently bounced her, shushing her.

“How did it go?” She asked him and he pulled out his phone, pulling up a photo of X sleeping in J’s arm that he took.

Doll looked at the image, and then blinked, “well.. I’m shocked.”

“Because of J having an actual maternal bone?”

“..that.. and the fact that she got X to sleep so easily, usually it takes me and Lizzy hours to put her to sleep.”

N blinked, “she immediately fell asleep once in J’s arms.” He told her and she gave him a really shocked look.

“You playing favourites missy?” Doll looked down at X who chuckled, pulling at Doll’s hair happily.

“Oh, I am sure she loves all of her mothers equally, there is no competition.” N laughed.

“Easy for you to say, Evie only has one of everything.” Doll rolled her eyes.

“Well, it’s comforting to know I’ll always be her favourite dad in her eyes.” N couldn’t help but feel smug. Yeah, Evie wouldn’t have the same deal as her cousins and that was ok.

“Lizzy passed out soon after you left. Thank you, she really needed that.” Doll smiled.

“You seem exhausted as well Doll, you should have taken that time to rest.”

“Can’t rest when I know my daughters aren’t with me.”

N sighed, “couldn’t relate any more..” he sighed.

Doll smiled a little, “how’s Evie doing?” She asked as she bounced the twins gently.

“She’s been good! She actually just hatched this morning.” He said with a proud smile and Doll’s face just lit up with happiness.

“I’m so glad to hear! I need to stop by sometime and see her!” She said excitedly and the twins just tilted their heads at Doll’s excitement.

N chuckled, “which reminds me.. I should be heading back now, Evie doesn’t like it when she wakes up and I’m not there to be the first one to greet her.” He said, nodding his goodbye at Doll and she nodded back as he ran off.

As N walked into the apartment he was greeted with Khan sitting down by the table, looking rather tired.

“Good morning N, where were you off this morning?” Khan spoke, sipping some battery acid.

“Oh uhh, just making plans to protect the colony. I had an epiphany this morning about how to make J useful to the colony and I am confident this idea will work!” N said proudly, he was sure he was doing the right thing.

“Excellent, always putting the safety of your people first. Tell me N, what is this plan?” Khan was perplexed on how he could make J more than just a threat; she seemed stubborn.

“Well..” he tapped his fingers on the table, “I wanted to go back in J’s memories.. like how Uzi did with me and V, and.. you know go on from there..”

Khan blinked, “isn’t that.. dangerous..?”

“Y..yeah! But I’ll manage! Uzi managed to, so I'll be fine!” He said with a ,but Khan looked at him unsure.

“If you’re so sure.. then go ahead.” Khan told him and N nodded, and then yawned.

“I promise all will be fine.” He said tiredly and then turned his head as he heard the sound of cooing.

He sighed as he got up, “I’ll be right back.” He said, walking off into his room, he was met with Evie staring back at him as she cooed.

“Hello little princess.” He said happily as he picked her up and she purred, “you feeling better now that you can move around?” He asked her softly and she cooed, he walked back out of the room with her and she looked around.

Evie reaching for the baby mobile it had dogs, crows and cats spinning around on it. She pointed to the crow and giggled going Ma Ma.

“You like the crow Evie?” N smiled. She was right, that is her ma.

“Now who is this?” he pointed to the dog on the mobile, Evie happily clapped then pointed to N.

“Yeah that’s right, I am the dog!” N chuckled as Evie turned the mobile to the cat, tugging on it saying Va like how the twins had said.

N blinked at that, “Va? Who’s Va sweetie?” He said, confused, there’s no way she knew who V was.

“VaVa!” She said, clapping her hands as she giggled, N’s eyes were just hollowed, Evie’s eyes were closed as she giggled but when she opened them and saw how upset N was, she stopped giggling, whimpering as she crawled over to him.

N shook his head, snapping himself out of it, “I’m fine sweetie.” He said, patting her head and she just looked up at him with curious eyes.

He sighed, “here.” He said, picking up a little golden retriever plushie and Evie quickly started grabbing for it, N chuckled as he handed it to her as she took it happily, giggling as her tail wagged.

He looked up and settled her in the playpen then looked up at Uzi’s desk, sure enough there was a photo of V in the collage of memories. Walking over and picking up the one with V in it, N brought it back to Evie.

“This VaVa Evie?”he asked and she was very happy to see that photo, rocking back and forth nodding.

It warmed N’s core to know Evie already thought so fondly of V. He wondered how she would react to seeing the twins, after all they looked an awful lot like their mother.

Would he be prepared for seeing V again in J’s memories was the question, she’d be unaware of the horrors.

Evie tried to grab for the photo with her tiny hands but N gently pulled it away from her, “sorry honey.. this is too important to daddy.. maybe you can hold it another time..” he said smiling at her and Evie just gave him a confused look as he carefully went over and put the photo up.

She cooed as she watched him, placing her hands on the sides of the play pen as she tried to stand up, N looked back at her, smiling as he watched her.

She stumbled and then fell back in the golden retriever plushie, N couldn’t help but fail at holding back a giggle, but quickly got up as he heard her start crying.

“Shh shh.. it’s okay..” he said, picking her up as he patted her back, carrying her over with him to the chair as he sat down with her, sitting her down in his lap as he looked around on Uzi's desk, Evie looking around curiously.

He figured Uzi would have some programs that explained how she tapped into his and V’s minds. Opening up the computer he knew the password… it was him after all.

The screen shone bright, many different folders and tabs still left open. Checking through the different screens and tabs Evie watched in awe. Luckily there was still a program left open from last time she did this, it freeze framing on younger V dashing at the camera. N fiddled around with the controls, able to free roam in the last set of memories as well as another crow.

Searching through the draws he found a couple of connectors, figuring he could use Uzi’s laptop to do the same process with J he had a plan for today.

“Watcha doing?” Nori’s voice spooked N. He was so focused on researching he didn’t even hear her walk in. N almost jumped to the ceiling like a cat.

Evie giggled as she saw Nori, reaching out her hands for her as Nori smiled, walking over and picking her up.

N sighed, “ooohhh.. nothing, just.. trying to find connectors I need to help with the tests today.” He said as he looked thru the different drawers, Uzi wasn’t the best at organizing.

Nori raised a brow at him, “you mean the ‘going back into J’s memories’ plan?” She asked him and N nodded, guessing Khan had told her about it.

“Hmm.. I might know a thing or two.” She said, sitting down as she looked through the different adaptors and connectors and N turned to her.

“You know about hacking?”

“Duh, where do you think Uzi gets it from??” She raised a brow at him and Evie just giggled, she looked down at Evie, wiggling a finger in her face, “yeah I’m pretty funny ain’t I?” She said to Evie.

She sighed as she looked at the laptop, “hmm..”

“You can probably hook this up to the monitors in the cellar security section, it will give you more viewpoints.” Nori pointed out.

“That will be too far away though, the office is rather secluded from the cell.” N thought.

“Right. Well, we can always pester Aero for his equipment, he is a very on the move kind of guy.”

To be fair, most of these things Nori had were ‘borrowed’ from Aero, so what’s more borrowing gonna cost.

“He’d be in class by now?” N pointed out schools hours were in now.

“Eh, we can interrupt class. I am sure the students will love a free couple of periods.”

N just stared at her and then shrugged, “whatever you say..” he replied and then smiled.

She smiled, “alright!” She said, walking out as she held Evie but N panicked as he quickly ran after her, stopping her.

“H-hey.. do you think it’ll really be the best idea for her to be out right now.. I mean! Her hatching hasn’t been announced yet so..” he said, a visible sweat on his visor.

Nori raised a brow, “I’m sure she’ll be fine N.” She said and tried to go around him but he stopped her, she blinked at him and then sighed, “N..”

“I just.. don’t think we should bring her..” he whimpered and Nori sighed.

“It’s good to let her get out every once in a while N.” She told him.

Evie just looked back and forth at the two as they talked, playing with Nori’s ponytail.

The fear of what the colony would think of Evie rang deep; the twins had gotten nasty looks from many colony members mumbling about them. He didn’t want the same for Evie.

Though no one knew of Evie’s existence yet, she was still a hush hush topic. The colony wasn’t aware they had a new heir.

“What will the colony think though? What if we get stopped half way?” N said, rubbing his arm.

“Look, there are bound to be drones who don’t understand and don’t want to understand, but they aren’t important people in you or Evie’s life. The colony will have to get used to Evie being around as one day she will be their queen, we can’t delay that forever.” Nori walked over, putting her hand on N’s shoulder

“I should know what it’s like to feel different, but it never helped to lock myself away from the colony. This will be ok.”

Evie cooed at N, and he just looked at her.

Her tail was wagging as he looked back at her and he smiled a little, “alright.. she can come.. BUT-“ he stopped her before she rushed out again, “you’re only allowed to do this when I’m around!!”

Nori rolled her eyes with a smile, “whatever.” She said, rushing out with Evie and N quickly ran after her, “careful tho!!” He called out as he caught up with her and both her and Evie giggled.

Nori was fast, dashing around corners; she loved the chase. Evie seemed to enjoy it too. Certainly did keep N awake dashing to the school unit of the colony. By the time they got there N was out of breath.

“Aww, and I thought you were meant to be the apex predator of the planet.” Nori teased which Evie chuckled at.

“You act if you couldn’t go one to one with me in a fight.” N huffed.

“Oh me? Nah, just old lady queen, nothing strange teehee.” Nori poked N with her tail.

“You really have shame in secrets do you?” N reached for the classroom door.

“Well, you have been declared dead and lived as core for two decades there is no real thing of shame”

Opening the classroom door the students were in awe of seeing the new prince and queen of the colony walk in. Aero on the other hand looked rather peeved to see them.

“Sup A-man” Nori strolled in jumping into Aero’s chair

“What does my class owe you the pleasure of this meeting my majesty” Aero rolled his eyes

“Oh, it shouldn’t take long Mr Frost, we just-“ N was cut off by Nori

“Nah, it will take long, which is why you're free from class kids. Queen’s orders.”

“You can’t just-“ but Nori’s words had moved the class as the kids decided to take the queen's orders and get up from their seats, cheering.

Aero blinked and then sighed, turning to Nori, “yes Nori?”

Evie was chewing on Nori’s ponytail as Nori spoke, “can we borrow your equipment, like your computer adaptors and suuuuch.”

Aero raised a brow, “fooooor?”

“Top secret things, none of your business.” She told him but Aero was unphased, Nori looked to N.

N looked back at her blinking at her, Evie cooed as she looked up at the two, giggling when they both looked down at her.

“It involves the well beings of your grandchildren soooo” N didn’t like keeping secrets anymore

“Fine but I am coming with I don’t want you ‘borrowing’ these ones. I lost my last equipment for 20 years, can you imagine my frustration when mini you showed up with it?” Aero hissed at Nori.

“Sick Uzi brought it to class that’s my girl… I bet you’ll bring all sorts of things to class won’t you” Nori chuckled then turned to baby talking Evie.

“I am guessing that’s yours?” Aero asked N.

“Um yeah, don’t worry, Evie won’t touch anything important. She is just here for company.”

Aero raised a brow at Evie as she looked up at him curiously, still clung to Nori.

Nori kissed her head gently and Evie giggled loudly.

Aero sighed, gathering all the cables they needed, and then looked at N, “lead the way then”. He said and N nodded, walking out with Nori behind him, Aero following behind them both.

Evie looked around curiously at the drones around her, all of them looking at her, some whispering to others as she passed by, Evie blinked.

N just giving them drones glares, growling at the ones who whispered, Nori gently put a hand on his shoulder, giving him a ‘really?” look.

It didn’t help as they left the school wind of the colony; lots of drones were whispering at the sight of Evie. Evie didn’t seem to mind; she enjoyed waving at everyone who passed by.

Though she couldn’t understand why the drones would shut themselves up by the time they walked past them. N was not having any rumours about his daughter. Tail flicking angrily.

As they reached the cellar, Evie was confused on why this section was so dull and scary. Stopping by an office area, there were screens that showed someone who looked like her father and VaVa.

“VaVa!” Evie spoke, holding a hand out for the screen.

“No Evie, that’s not your VaVa, she is a different drone.” N said patting Evie’s head.

Evie tilted her head, confused, “VaVa?” She repeated while pointing and N so sighed, nuzzling her and she just giggled purring.

N sighed as he sat down in a worn down chair, looking through the screens as he thought.

He turned to Nori, “I think all is set up now, you wanna take a double check?”

Nori nodded as she walked up, checking off everything as she let out a “hmm..” she turned back to N, “everything looks fine.” She turned to Aero, taking the connectors from him as she began plugging them all in.

Aero after plugging things in hand two connectors to N.

“One for you and and one for J. Yeah, I am not risking my life going into that cell.” He grumbled. N sighed as he got up leaving the room. Into the cell there was J who was looking a lot healthier than before.

“Don’t bite me.” N said getting closer.

“Isn’t that what your wife does?” J said, sticking her tongue out as a connector slapped on her head, a slight jolt of electricity made her flinch.

“You’re about to have me swimming around in your deepest memories, do you really think it’s time for taunts?” N said, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s never not time to taunt you.” J wacked N with her tail as he hissed.

He growled at her, “do you wanna see your daughters, or do you wanna call it quits?”

J’s eyes hollowed and then she sighed in defeat, “whatever.”

“There.” He said with a smirk and then looked at his connector, sighing, “alright.” He said, sitting down and then quickly plugging the connector in, his vision going black.

“Alright Tessa, time to get up! We have a gala tonight.” J pushed at the sleeping human.

“Oh come on J, five more minutes. It’s not like this is the last day on earth.” Tessa groaned.

J shook her head as she went to open the curtains and window in her young master’s room. Opening them, she heard dog barks. Looking down there was a strange golden retriever looking up. It had unnaturally yellow eyes and a hat on.

She was going to just ignore it before feeling Tessa jump up behind her.

“Puppy!!” She cooed.

“Ah, no Tessa, you know how your parents feel about pets.” J pointed out which got an annoyed growl from the dog.

“Ahhh.. who cares!” She said, “Look, it’s got weird yellow eyes!!” She said pointing and N’s tail when back to wagging was he pawed at the wall.

“Go fetch them for me, will ya J?” Tessa said excitedly, and J stayed silent.

“But-“

“Ppllleeeaaassee?” Tessa asked with puppy dog eyes, J frowned, letting out a defeated sigh.

“Yes Tessa.” She nodded and then walked out, N ran to the secret entrance / exit that he, J, V, and Tessa knew.

And just as he thought, J walked out of it, jumping with fear and her eyes hollowing. N stood there, looking unimpressed.

“What the?! How-“

“Don’t worry about it.” He said, prancing in happily, J just stared at him with disbelief.

“Hold on! Wait a minute!” She said running over and stopping infront of him, “why are you talking?!”

“Uhhh, who’s to say dogs don’t talk?” N said, tilting his head.

“No, I know dogs don’t talk. If they did, that dumbass would actually have friends.” J pouted. She heard a caw and scamper from the roof, looking up to see a large raven and gecko staring down at her.

“Oh don’t mind them, they are just looking out for me, and I do have friends. I have plenty of friends, heck, stupidly right now I consider you my friend.” N huffed.

“You can’t talk around my human, she'll make a fool of herself at the gala and she needs … real friends that aren’t like me.” J seemed disheartened by the fact she wasn’t considered real.

“Oooo, don’t worry, we aren’t going to Tessa, we are going to the super scary basement you have the keys to!!”

J blinked at him, “why..?”

“You’ll see, now come on.” He said growling and she just glared at him.

“I need to get back to Tessa.” She said, turning away but N immediately ran infront of her growling, “J come on! Please?” He begged her and she just started freaking out.

“Look! I don’t know who or what you are dog! But-“

“J?”

They both froze, hearing a familiar voice as they both looked over, V standing in the middle of the hallway with her hands politely folded.

J’s visor displayed a blush, then shook her head, “n-nothing! Just trying to get this filthy dog out!”

“Hey! I’m not-“ He growled as J started trying to push him, groaning angrily as N sat down on the floor refusing to move.

“Bad dog! Bad dog! You probably have fleas and other horrible diseases that can hurt Tessa!” J tried to push N out but he wasn’t budging.

“Oh J, there is no need to push the puppy out. I heard golden retrievers have gentle mouths and are great with kids. Tessa does need some more companions.” V rushed over to push J away and gave N dog a lot of pats.

“Yeah J, she’s right. I am a delight to be around.” N’s tail wagged at her pets.

“Don’t you find it odd he’s talking, V? Dogs don’t talk!”

“Well, maybe he’s very talented. Come on good boy, you want a treat? There is plenty in the pantry!” V knelt down to continue giving N pats.

“Well, I am actually on a mission but- ooooo!” N lost his attention when V brought out a biscuit, completely distracted.

His tail wagged, immediately taking the biscuit from V as he chowed down on it.

V smiled, “aww.. he must’ve been starving.”

J just turned to her in disbelief, “that’s.. a dog. A DOG V.” She blurted out and V turned to her.

“Dogs have feelings too J!” She pointed a finger in J’s face, J wanted to protest but she stood there, blushing at V’s strict tone, blinking, but looked away as she pouted, hiding her blush.

“W-.. whatever!” She rolled her eyes.

Once N got done with his biscuit he shook himself off, standing up once again, “now back to what I was doing.” He turned to J, “basement key. Now.”

“In your dreams! I am not entertaining your stupid games!” J huffed, stomping back upstairs.

“Hey, you can’t just!-” N was cut off by the feeling of a collar around him.

“Now now, only J is allowed upstairs to see young mistress Tessa. Come on puppy, let’s settle you in.” V tugged on the lead that N had now been attached to.

“V! Please, this is not the time!” N whined as he was yanked back to the library area.

There walking in, he saw himself, sitting down reading to Cyn who was trying to sound out the words in the book.

“Hey everyone, look what J found. A doggy!” V chirped.

Past N gave a hollow eyed expression at the dog. Obviously something about this dog made him feel uncanny. But Cyn didn’t care, skipping over to pat the dog.

As J made her way up to Tessa’s room she heard Master James scolding Tessa

“Papa, you can’t throw them away! They are my only friends!! Tessa pleaded.

“Exactly, you need real friends. That’s why you’re going to boarding school.”

The sound of silence was heard, and then a sigh from Tessa was heard, “yes father.”

The sound of big footsteps were heard, growing more distant, Tessa soon walked in the library with a sigh, looking down.

All the drones looked at her, V blinking, “is everything alright Tessa?”

“Oh yeah.. just..” she spotted the puppy, “the puppy!!” She said, quickly running over and bending down, gently scratching N behind the ears.

“We don’t have enough time for this! I- oh that actually feels really good.” He said, leaning into the scratching, his tail wagging.

Tessa paused, looking at the other drones, “..why does he talk.”

“I am sorry, I tried to get him out but V wouldn’t listen.” J said. She seemed rather sad, rubbing her arm from something, visor cracked.

She tried to walk up to the others but stumbled down, Cyn rushing over to J despite J pushing her away. She lifted up a solver symbol that restored the cracked visor.

“[Worried]” Cyn said but J didn’t seem to accept her affection, simply just looked down with a pained smile.

“D-did my father do this?” Tessa ran over to J and Cyn.

Past N looked up at V from patting the dog who simply shrugged and mouthed best not ask. But this was time to work out what J is hiding all the time and N wasn’t going to listen to himself this time as he pulled out of the leash and scampered over to J who had a dent in her chest. He couldn’t believe he didn’t remember this part of the day though he was with V most of it.

“I’m fine Tessa.” J told her, holding her chest.

“You’re not fine!” She frowned then looked over at N who just stared at J with a frown.

“Get this damn dog away from me!” J snapped at him and N just growled at her.

“Listen to me J!” He growled at her, “if you want to live or see YOUR daughters ever again, I recommend you do as I say.”

J’s eyes hollowed, “I have no daughters.” She looked at Tessa, “you sure u want this dog?”

N rolled his eyes, then turned to V, “V! You and J have children in the future, shocker I know, now can you please help me get J to COOPERATE” he snapped at J at that last part.

J hissed but V just stood there blinking, then looked at J, “J come on.”

J blushed and gave her an offended look, “are you really gonna believe it?!”

“We can’t keep playing forever the girls need you” V walked over to J giving her a kiss on the visor.

“I, uh, oh wow, that was nice.” J turned into a stumbling mess of blush.

“Can you at least be with me?” J held on to V’s hand.

V sighed and shook her head “you know how this night goes. You’ll have to do it alone my love.”

“[Clap Clap] everyone in positions, are we ready to start the show” Cyn clapped her hands pulled the key from behind J’s hair handing it to the dog

“Is it at least painless?” J whimpered.

“Oh, not one bit, but hey, if we get it right this time you only have to do it once.” N wagged his tail as the others exited the library. A crack of lightning hit as the sky turned dark and rain poured.

J blinked, looking down at him, “how are my daughters?”

N let out a soft smile, “they’re fine, only 6 months old in my time right now.” He said as they both started walking, “V named them X and Y.”

J smiled a little at that, “I like those names.”

N sighed as they walked in the basement. N looked around.

“How’s V in your time..?”

N stayed silent, not knowing what to say, he shook his head, “not enough time to talk right now.”

J raised a brow at him but sighed, going back to looking around as she saw Tessa chained up.

Tessa looked up, she was bleeding a lot from something. J’s attention shifted to her, dashing down to her side.

“What?! Who did this to you?! Dog, you have to help me here!” J fumbled with the key ring, looking for another key to open these chains.

“…J, I don’t think we’re meant to free her from this.” N looked up to see himself beheaded and V gnawing on his corpse.

“What do you mean? I know there’s no saving those two, but if we are quick we can-“ J was cut off from pulling at the chains when Tessa was yanked into the abyss, screaming and crying. A flesh hole of horrors awaits her.

“J, don’t you dare!” N growled but J simply flipped him off and dashed down the hole. N rolled his eyes, he didn’t want to go down another solver house of horrors but here we are. Running down he found himself in a distorted version of the manor, walls pulsing and eyes looking back at him. There were several drones stuck to the walls gutted along with humans. He heard giggling from behind him as the sight of yellow lights dashed past. What he saw next confused him beyond doubt, there was him, a DD version in a tux chasing after the yellow lights.

“Wait up Cyn, we have to get ready for our big day!”

“[trip] [ow] big brother, I want to still play with Tessa!” N saw Cyn talk to this half finished DD N as she got up

“Oh my beloved little sister we have just the outfit but we have to stop playing either Tessa for it to be ready” This N patted Cyn. N knew what kind of outfit this fake was talking about he let out a growl and bark which spooked the fake N away but left Cyn still there

“Hello doggy, I don’t remember you being in the manor.” Cyn walked over

He growled at her as he backed up but she didn’t stop, he was backed up against a wall as she kneeled down.

“[kneel] don’t worry little doggy. [smile]” she said, petting him gently, N just stared at her.

“You can’t do this Cyn.” He growled out at her.

“[giggle] [stand] don’t worry big brother, you shall be spared [squint] in a way.” There was the sound of a distressed wail in the distance and N’s eyes hollowed.

N bit at Cyn’s arm, causing her to cry as he made a break for it, looking for J or Tessa. Scampering past a room he saw a gory sight. There was a bigger DD version of J tearing off Tessa’s skin as the worker model got choked out in the corner.

He took a step back. He never wanted to see this, but then seeing as J didn’t have a choice he bit at the DD tail dropping J down. She immediately went to pawing at the bigger version of herself.

“Leave her alone please! Just let her live! It’s not fair!” J cried out.

“J, we are only going to find out more if you leave her!” N said.

“What?! Leave her?! She’s in pain because of me! Because I am doing this! I am the one who killed her!” J was inconsolable. Tessa was long dead, the blood loss matched with the tearing of organs made her pass away, but still the awful sound of flesh being torn off muscle echoed through the room.

“J, please, I won’t let this get worse, but the longer you stay in this part of your mind, the more you have to endure this. There is no way you can save her.” N put a paw on her shoulder.

There was skipping coming down the halls as Cyn hummed. N wrapped the leash around J’s arm and ran, pulling her out of the room in the distance a horrid scream could be heard from Cyn yelling no no no not like that.

The two ran out quickly, N guiding J who just looked like she wasn’t there as they ran, her eyes hollowed as she spaced out.

N panted as he stopped, “robo christ.” He said trying to catch his breath, “sorry.. let me..” his dad bod was starting to catch up with him quickly, and it was starting to become obvious, then he looked back at J, who wasn’t even listening to him, just staring back at where they ran from.

“.. J.” He frowned and J looked back at him.

“They’re gonna kill her, aren’t they.”

“J..” he repeated.

She wiped her tears as she sniffed, N frowned, walking over to her as he sat infront of her, looking up at her with a frown.

He got up on J’s lap and put his body weight on her nuzzling into the dress. J was panting and processing everything. Sobbing lots as she pulled the dog closer patting him she cried.

“I didn’t have you here in the real version, it was just me wasn’t it?” J looked up at N who nodded

“How I am ever going to move on from this state I-I was tasked to protect her, it was my only job. I am a useless chunk of metal!” J said, punching her visor as N pushed down causing some weight which calmed her.

“We all wanted this night to go differently J, trust me. But you’re never going to live fully if you can’t get past this, the twins need you to be present in the real moment, not stuck back here.”

J sniffed as she patted N’s fur, then it clicked who she was talking to.

“N-N?” She looked up from nuzzling her face into N’s fur.

“Hey buddy, you remember me!” N’s tail wagged.

“Not a word about this.” J growled through tears.

“Can’t promise that, but can promise you’re not going to do this alone.” N licked her face as J cringed at that.

“You ready to go?” He looked up.

“Not really.. I don’t even know where the exit is.” J returned to putting her face in his fur.

“[comedic relief] you two are literally two centimetres from the doorway, if that helps.” As they both looked up from the robot voice, yellow eyes peeking out a door that sounded like a heart beating.

J immediately turned, hissing, N stood his ground beside her, growling.

“[surprised expression] it’s just me [nervous expression] it’s the actual me.”

J wasn’t buying it as she continued hissing, N started to relax as he blinked, “hold on..” he told J and walked over to Cyn, sniffing her.

“[giggle] [kneel] hello big brother N.” She said, putting her hands on his face, his tail wagging slightly.

“What the- N!” J snapped out and N looked back at J.

“This Cyn is okay.” He told her, he said lifting up a paw and Cyn took it gently, shaking it.

“[giggle]” was all she said as she shook his hand.

N smiled, sitting down while J stared at the two in disbelief.

Cyn gently petted him, “while you’re here, I wanted to tell you, Uzi is safe with me right now.” She said with a smile.

“It’s a bit hard to see in here, but we make it work.” Cyn opened the door as the sounds of beating and groans were heard. Walking on the floor almost melts into their bodies. Small purple dots stopping J and N from sinking in. There in the corner was a purple being sitting on one of the chairs. As she got up to walk closer, it was clear it was Uzi.

“Things are a lot clearer with all four of your minds ain’t it?” Uzi said, patting N’s head.

N whined as he jumped up on Uzi, tail wagging.

“I know.” Uzi said .

“Is she here?” J looked down at Cyn, who looked up.

“We’re all here, we never leave. But if you are being literal, yes, V’s replacements are here in the core of the earth.” Cyn nodded.

“Can I get her back?” She said, the beating heart absolutely shattering her audio receptors.

“One day, but it's best to keep X and Y safe. It’s still mad at you two.” Cyn frowned.

“Yes, we won’t see you for a while unfortunately Cyn, but I’ll come back even if it’s just to put you to rest.” Uzi walked over, patting Cyn’s back.

“[Brave tone] I will keep V company till then, bye bye!” Cyn waved. She had a rather sad expression as she was on the brink of tears. N looking back whining, mouthing ‘I am sorry.’

As they left the gala, closing the door, the house returned from a hell hole to normal purple lights that dimmed the rooms. A gecko and a raven looked at them, perched on a hat stand

“So, are we done? Because I couldn’t see shit in there.” Nori cawed.

J gasped as she was brought back to the present. She was hugging N, which quickly stopped dashing back hissing.

N just sat there in silence, thinking, until he was brought out his thoughts as he felt a pair of little teeth nibbling at his tail, he turned around and saw Evie who had ahold of his tail, giggling when he looked at her.

He sighed and smiled as he reached behind himself, picking her up as she kept her grip on his tail.

J held her head as she rubbed it, groaning, “we never.. speak of this.” She growled at N, glaring at him.

“Didn’t plan to.” He sighed.

“Oh, I am telling everyone- hey ow!” Nori said over the intercom.

“Not a word Nori.” Aero grumbled.

“Fine, not a word. You keep your dignity for today, J.” Nori huffed.

“…. So, how many more of these do I need to do to see my daughters without chains?” J said, head tilting .

“Oh, I am not going back there. I got what I needed… but I’ll talk to Lizzy and Doll. We can arrange some things considering your pardoning is in progress.” N smiled back at J who sighed.

Chapter Text

The young princess yawned away, reading her internal clock it read 7:58. Blinking fully awake, she grabbed her round glasses and jumped out of bed, her room large and covered in stuffed toys. Scampering down the hall she passed her grandparents’ room to see her fathers sleeping soundly in their bed. Not for long, scampering in to N’s side Evie got on top of her father.

“Papa up now!!” Evie demanded hopping up and down on N.

Hearing a groan from the older DD, Evie was pleased to see N wasn’t fully asleep.

“Evie, please, it’s not time.” N mumbled.

“No papa, it is! You said 8 pm and it is 8 pm! You promised I fly tonight, you promised you promised!” Evie kept chanting ‘you promised’ to get N up.

“She’s right, you did.” Thad said, ruffling N’s hair as N pulled him in from the snug.

“You’re not helping here Thad” N said pained.

Evie just glared down at him, “daaaadddddyy..” she whined.

“Evie.. just five more minutes.” He said with a yawn.

She pouted, “I’m getting grandma to take me then!” She said as she started stomping out but that caused N to sit up immediately, Evie giggled.

N sighed, putting his hand on his head, “alright, let me get dressed.” He said getting up and Evie’s tail wagged. Running out she was greeted by Nori in the living room.

“Grandma! grandma!” She said reaching up for Nori to pick her up and Nori smiled, picking her up as Evie hugged her.

“What are you so energetic for?” Nori said with a smile and Evie giggled.

“I’ve told you a gazillion times grandma!!”

“Hmm..” she smiled as he she made a thinking face, “I’m not suuuure what you're talking about!” She said, obviously sarcastic but Evie couldn’t tell.

Evie was stunned. How could her grandmother forget? Oh well, she has to take care of things in this colony.

“Daddy is going to teach me how to fly!” Evie said, wings popping out; a wonderful mix of DD and solver traits.

“Oooohhh! Well, that’s quite the news, my sunspot. Can I come along as well?” Nori chuckled.

“Grandma, did you forget you're also coming?” Evie held Nori’s face.

“Oh, I am an old drone Evie, everything is so hard to remember. Oh, maybe I’ll forget gravity one day too oop.” Nori laughed, faking a trip then getting up, causing Evie to chuckle. Her grandma always knew how to make her laugh.

“Well, I suppose I am ready as well.” N said, dusting off his coat.

“Papa, bring the hat too please!” Evie said, pulling up the pilot hat from the hat stand with an orange solver symbol.

“Ok, ok, if you insist princess.”

He grabbed the hat but instead of putting it on his head, he placed it on her head. It was obviously too big for her but she didn’t mind.

N sighed, “alright, we should get going, I don’t wanna hear J’s mouth if we get there late.” He sighed.

Nori smiled with a nod then then turned her head towards her and Khan’s bedroom, “we’ll be back Khan!!” She yelled out and all there was heard was a tired groan in response.

Nori and N walked out, Evie still in Nori’s arms. Evie turned to N, “are you gonna teach me how to fly like how you taught mommy?!” She said excitedly.

N looked at her, sweating and scratching the back of his head, “well… not LIKE but.. similar..” he told her, “something that suits a little drone like you..” he said booping her and she giggled.

“Hey! I’m not tiny!” She said, “you said I’m just a slow grower!”

“True true..” he sighed, “but you’re still my little girl no matter what.”

She smiled and then they arrived at door 3. N looked around, no signs of J or the twins.

“Well that’s unusual.” Nori said, looking around.

“Boo!” X pounced on Nori and Evie, causing Evie to fall out of Nori’s arms.

X let out a cackle as she got them good. Evie hissing as she tried to get up.

“Ha! Me 1, stupid princess 0!” X said proudly cackling.

“Hey! Not true! I got you the other day, it’s more like 1 all!” Evie stormed up to X.

“Nuh uh! Doesn’t count, new day.” X stuck out her tongue.

“X!” There was an annoyed tone from J as she came panting from the .

“Oh, so this wasn’t your idea. That’s a first.” N smiled as J was holding on to Y.

“X, what did your mothers tell you about running into the vents?” J stormed over.

“What? You do it all the time!”

“That’s!-“ she sighed, “that’s besides the point!” She said, Y giggled but she was blinking tiredly.

J looked down at her, “honey, if you’re too tired you can go back home.”

“No no!” She immediately shot up, “I can do it mommy! I promise!” She said, stretching out her wings and then flying out of J’s arms, J sighed.

“See mommy?! I’m fiiiine!” She said excitedly and X just looked at her in disbelief.

“Unfair mommy!!” X complained loudly and N just chuckled as X ranted to J about how unfair it was that her sister was flying before her.

“Alright alright!! Let’s get going..” she said with an annoyed sigh, a worker drone opening door 3 and door 2 for them, they walked up to door one, J grabbing both girls as she held onto both of them.

“Now there is going to be a small breeze so hold on to your papas and mamas girls.” Nori said, clicking a button which opened door 1. It was not a small breeze. Snow gushed into the area as Evie clung tight to N.

The snow cleared as Nori was left unmoved, shaking herself off like a dog.

“T-that pwa is not a small breeze” J said, spitting some snow out.

“What? You prefer I over exaggerate next time? Come ladies and gents, let’s fly.” Nori shot into the air with a purple flash, Evie’s eyes wide in amazement, immediately letting go of N and running after her grandma.

“W-wait Evie!” N dashed after his daughter. Soon the gang was out into the snowy wastelands.

Evie giggled as she stuck closely behind Nori, N following the two closely behind as he looked around the place, scanning for any danger.

“Mooooooommmm let goooo!!!” N turned his head to see X squirming in J’s grasp, “I can walk like you mommy!”

“Nope, I’m not risking either of you running off.” J responded and X growled.

“But moooooommm!” X loudly complained, “I won’t mom!” She begged and J sighed, continuing to walk as X pouted.

“No fair! Ms princess over here gets to walk!”

Evie blinked at X, and N gave J a warning glare.

“X, that is not how you talk to your COUSIN who you LOVE dearly, and is also your princess who you respect, remember?” J said through gritted teeth.

“Yeah, and she is our family and we don’t say things that aren’t kind to family, yeah. But I don’t have to kiss Y’s feet and tell her how devoted I am, this is-“ X ranted before getting a smack from Y’s tail. X she looked over to Y with a hiss.

“Come on sis, at least make watching you fall face first into some snow enjoyable. Evie, you gonna race X second place or what?” Y chuckled at X then turned to Evie who’s eyes lit up.

“Yeah absolutely, you’re going down X!” Evie made a stance before trying to flap her wings with a jump, not getting far and promptly falling down with an oof.

X laughed loudly at Evie and N’s eyes hollowed, quickly rushing over to her aid as she sat up and shook her head off.

She looked at N who kneeled down beside her, checking for any scratches, “Daaaad, I’m fine!” She whined as N was frantic.

A gentle hand was placed on N’s shoulder, “N..” the voice of Nori said and N slowly looked back at her, “she’s fine.” She told him.

He sighed, he was obviously shaking a little but he took some deep breaths.

Evie blinked at him and then looked at Nori, she stood up, brushing all the snow off of her as N stood back up, she smiled and hugged his arm gently as she purred, ignoring X’s teasing as X laughed.

“We’re getting you that second place for sure, honeybee.” Nori said ruffling Evie’s hair.

“Yeah, and you ain’t never gonna- woah!!” X fell down from J’s grasp, falling to the ground but scampering up immediately.

“Alright, what are we waiting for Mama? Fly now!” X stomped her foot.

“It doesn’t work that way badger baby, now follow me.” J rolled her eyes.

J flew up to a lamp post, Y attached to her back like a little possum as X scampered up the lamp post.

“So do we kick her off or what?” Y said head titled.

“Hey!” X said, a little bit scared of how high up she was.

The trio saw the other ones make their way up to a shorter lamp post. X much preferred that height, but looking back at her sister and mother she wasn’t going to make a fool of herself. After all, she had cooler big sister to compete for and if she chickened out Y would never forget this

X hugged J’s legs as she shook a little, J patting her head gently as Y giggled.

“If you want to do the shorter lamppost you c-“

“No! I got this mama, I promise!” She whined and J blinked at her.

“Okay honey.. well..” she placed Y down, gently pushing X off her leg as X whimpered, her balance causing her to stumble a little.

“We’re gonna work on landing first.” She told the two and said it loud enough for N and Evie to hear.

N nodded and looked down, Evie started running towards the bigger lamppost excitedly but was caught by the back of her shirt by N.

“Let’s.. go to the shorter one Eves.”

Evie turned to him, “But daddy..” she whimpered.

He picked her up, “X and Y are big kids so they can go up there!” he said walking to the shorter lamppost, Nori watching them while smiling. “You’re still little, so let’s practice on this one, maybe if you do good enough I'll let you go on the bigger one." He said with a smile but Evie still looked disappointed, but still smiled up at her dad.

“Okay daddy..” she said, jumping down from his arms and then scampering up the lamppost, N sighed as he stretched his wings out and followed her up.

Evie didn’t seem to have any fear as she made her way to the light of the lamp post, looking down at the snow and her grandma below with pride. Stretching her wings out, she looked back at her dad for an order.

“Alright Evie, make sure to keep your wings spread out as far as possible. You want to catch as much wind as you can.”

Evie nodded as she fearlessly jumped off the lamp post, wings spread, but unfortunately not spread enough, falling to the ground into a big pile of snow.

“Come on, you could do better sis, show them!” Y said then shoved at her sister, causing X to lose balance and plummet to the ground below. She did not spread her wings at all, simply yelling out.

“Mama!!” X cried out before feeling something stop her from hitting the pavement, a purple solver symbol suspending her in mid air.

Nori sighed, holding up her hand with a solver symbol in front of it, gently placing X down.

J quickly rushed over, picking X up as X clung to her. Nori just looked at the two unimpressed.

“You know you can’t baby her forever, J.” Nori told her but J just hissed at her.

“It’s my daughter. I shall parent my daughter however I wish to parent her.” She said and then X looked at Nori with a smirk, sticking out her tongue at her.

Nori rolled her eyes and then turned around as she heard Evie yell out.

“Grandma! Watch!” She said, jumping off the lamppost as she spread her wings, but when she hit the ground, she stumbled and then fell, landing face first in the snow, sitting up as she shook her head, spitting out some snow in her mouth.

N’s eyes hollowed as he looked down and Nori walked over to her.

“You okay Eves..?” N said nervously, Evie looked back at him with a smile as she nodded.

“Yeah, I am good! I almost got it this time!” Evie smiled, scampering up the lamp post again.

X didn’t seem too confident to jump off again, looking up to her mum as she made her way back to the edge.

“X, you can always fly another day, you don’t have to be an early bloomer.” J said, kneeling down to X’s level

“No mama! If I don’t get it today, I’ll lose my streak against Evie!” X cried out as she looked down scared. Seeing that Evie had made it to the lamp post again, this was a race against time.

“It’s already embarrassing enough that I didn't get it on my first go.” X mumbled as she leaped off the lamp post, wings spread. Unfortunately, she caught a breeze that flung her into a nearby wall. J panicked and swooped over to her daughter.

Y had decided to hang with the queen, no use being so close. Sitting down next to Nori, she observed how the kids fell.

“It’s really not that hard, I don’t see why they are struggling.” Y said, tilting her head.

“Well, not everyone can be early bloomers like us Y, we just have to be patient. Plus, if we discourage them now, who will you race in the sky? Surely not old coots like me and your mum!” Nori booped Y’s visor with her tail.

“Well, I think you and mommy are both cool!” She said, wagging her tail.

“Flattered, really, but these ol’ wings don’t work like they use to.” She said with a smile.

“..can we still race tho?”

X wailed out as she held her face, J knelt down next to her, “X.. honey.. let me see where the wound is..”

“It hurts too much mommy.”

“X.. I can’t help you if you don’t show me.” She told her, and X whimpered, looking away, she uncovered a crack in her visor and J just sighed.

“It’s not too bad sweetie, it’ll regenerate.” She said, “here.” J licked her hand and gently placed it on the crack, X flinching but the wound started quickly healing.

J smiled at her, but X just looked away as she pouted, J frowned.

“It’s okay to back down sometimes X..” she told her and X shook her head.

“What am I if I can’t be better than Evie at everything! Like you are with Uncle N!”

“Honey..”

“Y makes it look so easy! Why is Y better than me at everything!” She said, burying her face in her arms as she curled up into a ball, J frowning.

“That’s not the case at all sweetie.” She said, crawling over as she sat next to her.

“But it is! Y spoke first, Y walked first, Y has gotten everything first place! It’s not fair!” X said, looking up at J with tears in her eyes .

“What if Fetcher beats me at something? What if the new baby does as well? I hate being last place!” X hugged her mama lamenting about her troubles.

“Your brother is 2 years younger than you. I don't think he’s beating you at anything, not everything is a race X. Some people get things later than others, doesn’t mean that’s a bad thing.” J rocked X back and forth, humming a soothing tune.

“Hey, why don’t we ask nicely if Evie and your Uncle will help share the shorter lamp post?” J held X’s face up .

“W-what if she laughs at me? I am meant to be the big kid.” X pouted.

“Well, you’ll never know till you ask.” J placed a kiss on X’s visor.

As J walked over to the smaller lamp post, X holding her hand rather embarrassed, Evie was about to let out a snarky comment before hearing a huff from her dad, closing her mouth.

“Hiiiii X, Auntie, what you coming over for?” Evie said with a forced smile.

J looked down at X and nudged her over.

“C-can I practice over here with you? The other post is a bit scary.” X mumbled, head down.

Evie looked up at N who just smiled, “of course X.” He told her, and Evie just held N’s hand.

“See?” She told X and X just gulped, J gently pushed her to go on ahead as J followed after her, X nervously scampered up the lamppost as nearly just simply jumped up on the lamppost.

X nervously stood on the edge, J sat behind her, “whenever you’re ready sweetie..” she said softly and X looked back at her, squatting down as she spread her wings. She jumped off, managing to get some air, before attempting to stick a landing, managing to stick the landing, stumbling a little as she wobbled, blinking in disbelief and staring up at J who just had a big smile on her face.

“X! You did it!!” Y said, running over to her as she hugged her tightly, the two giggling.

“I-I did? I did!! Yeah, in your face Evie! I got it! I am not last place this time!” X cheered with joy.

Evie looked at N with a smug expression before jumping off the lamppost, easily sticking the landing.

“Wellll, not so much, hehe. I was just being nice.” Evie snickered. Clearly in the time X had been wailing Evie had gotten the hang of it.

“What?! Noooo!” X’s joy washed out as she stomped her foot on the ground.

“Evie, that’s not very nice. Apologise to your cousin.” N said, flying down as he got death glares from J.

She looked back at N, “but-“ N did not return the soft look he usually had, she whimpered, looking back at X, “I’m sorry..”

X just pouted, “apology not accepted!” She said, turning away but she just received a glare from J, also whimpering, she turned back to Evie, “..apology accepted.”

Evie let out a tiny smile but then looked down as she whimpered.

N looked down at Evie, frowning. Kneeling down, he brought Evie into a hug.

Evie sniffed, “a-are you mad at me daddy..?” She said, her voice cracking up, his hug tightening when she said that.

“Honey.. what makes you think that..?” He asked her and she looked at him.

“You looked very angry at me.. it was scary..” she said wiping her tears, N frowned.

“No sweetie, I could never be mad at you..” he said softly as he hugged her tighter.

X rolled her eyes, “what a crybaby.” She mumbled, but was quick to receive a wack from Y, “..ow!!”

“It’s true! She just cries whenever she has to face real consequences for her actions!” X whispered at Y.

“Yeah, but we’re not meant to say that. Remember, don’t parrot what mama says.” Y pulled on X’s jumper, whispering to her.

“Girls.” J said with a low growl.

“So you aren’t upset with me?” Evie said with some puppy eyes.

“Of course not.” N brushed some hair away from Evie’s face.

“Yaaaayyyy! I love you papa, thank you.” Evie lifted her hands up and then nuzzled into N’s shoulder.

Evie knew how to get her way, it seemed like there was nothing her pops wouldn’t forgive her for.

N smiled, sighing as he picked her up and she yawned. N looked at her, “I think it’s time we head back sweetie..”

“But daaaddyy..” she whined, “I wanna go on the taller one.” She frowned.

“Not when you’re tired.. maybe next time.. okay?” He said and she just whimpered in protest, Nori walking up next to the two, Evie looked at her.

“Will you be there to watch me next time grandma?” She whimpered and Nori just gave her a soft smile.

“Of course honey..” she said, brushing Evie’s hair out of her face with a soft smile.

“That means me and Y get to go more times then!” X said as she started to run off but was quickly caught by the tail by J.

“That means we ALSO go back, I don’t want your mothers getting mad at me for keeping you two out so long.”

X hissed and then pouted, turning to J, “you only say that because you have a crush on mommy li-“

“Okay!” J immediately interrupted her, picking both of them up in both arms as Y giggled.

“Can we stay at your apartment tonight mama? Ppllleeaassseee?”

“Again? Are you both sure your mothers won’t start to get angry about you two staying at my house all of the time?” J raised a brow, “you two better ask your mothers when we get back.” She told the two and X rolled her eyes.

“Why are you so all.. lovey dovey with mama Liz-“ X started but was quickly interrupted by J again.

“Enough X.” She said and X just pouted.

“Yeah X, your mother needs to bottle up her feelings and become an emotionless shell because she could never fall for a toaster.” N chuckled as he walked ahead with Evie.

“Are you really that bored N of ruling that you take up gossiping as a hobby?” J scowled.

“Whaaaattt? Me? Gossiping? Nooooo, I just gotta keep up with the politics of the colony J, that’s all.”

“Yeah, and how is my love life affecting the new election on doors?” J rolled her eyes.

“Hey you’re not the door master in training here, you don’t know what I need to know to make more doors.” N smiled as Evie chuckled.

The royals walked ahead gossiping to each other as J had no time for that. She was actually looking forward to seeing Lizzy if she was even up, hoping she was.

As they all arrived back, Evie was fast asleep in N’s arms as he sighed, shaking off the snow on him as J walked in behind him.

N patted Evie’s back as he turned to J, “alright.. see you later..” he nodded towards her and he walked back in the direction of his apartment, Nori following behind him as she waved J a goodbye.

X shook the snow off herself as she jumped down from J’s arm, Y doing the same, the two looked at each other.

“Race ya back to the apartment!” X told Y and the two started running, J’s eyes hollowing as she sighed, chasing after them.

When they got to Lizzy and Doll’s apartment, the twins were waiting at the door for J and J started catching her breath.

“Hurry mama hurry!” They both said, their tails wagging and J sighed, but before she could knock, Doll opened the door, giving her a blank stare.

J looked around, “where’s Lizzy.”

Doll crossed her arms, “anything you have to say around Lizzy, you can say to me.” She told her, sternly.

J blinked, giving her an offended look, “it’s nothing too important jus-“

“It can be said around me.” Doll repeated herself.

J let out an annoyed growl as she tapped her foot, clearly disappointed Lizzy wasn’t here.

“Mama, can we have a sleepover at Mama J’s house? Pleeeeaaasseee.” X grabbed on to Doll’s leg.

“I don’t know, you have kindergarten tomorrow, you're already staying up very late.” Doll said, shaking her head.

“Come on Mama! You always say no, just one time yes?” Y pleaded.

“W-what? I don’t always say no.” Doll said flabbergasted.

“You kinda do honey.” Lizzy said, holding an egg in her hands with white lights.

“I am sorry, did I wake you? I said I’d stay up Liz.” Doll looked to Lizzy with a sympathetic look.

“It’s ok, you probably need sleep more than me sweetie.” Lizzy gave a peck on Doll’s cheek.

“Hi J~” Lizzy smiled, waving to J who awkwardly waved back, tail wagging a lot as Lizzy chuckled at that.

The twins giggled at J, J turned to them as she mouthed, ‘hush!’ At them and their tails wagged, looking at Lizzy with pleading eyes.

Lizzy smiled at J, leaning against the door, J just stared at her eyes, gulping.

“Alright..” she said, looking down at the twins, “you two can stay the night at mama J’s house.. just don’t cause J any mischief or let J cause any mischief.” She said, kneeling down as the two immediately hugged her tightly, both telling her ‘thank you!!’ Over and over again.

Lizzy stood back up, brushing herself off. She looked at J one last time, and then smiled, blowing a kiss at J as she gave her a little wink and wave, walking back in the house, this causing J to warm up very fast, a small blush on her visor.

Doll just glared at J, “if I hear anything bad happens tonight, I will have your head on a silver platter.” She said, walking back in the house, slamming the door in J’s face as J and the twins stood there

“Mama Dolly is jealous hehehe.” X chuckled.

“That’s not a conversation I am meant to have with you two. Remember, no mischief.” J said as X and Y held on to her tail, walking to the other apartment direction.

Seems a new beginning was forming whether everyone liked it or not. As the former heartless killers tucked their young into bed, an aura of safety washed over the colony, three little protectors in the making.

Chapter Text

J’s sleep was interrupted by being shaken awake by 4 little hands, J blinked her eyes open as she saw X and Y staring down at her.

“Girls-“

“Mama, mama, mama!” They both said, both of their tails wagging.

J sat up as the two girls did not take their eyes off her, both having big smiles on their faces.

“Mommy! Come on, it’s time to get up! Me and X go to kindergarten for the first time today!” Y said happily

X rolled her eyes, “I’m more excited about the daaaate both of our mommys are having together!” She said with a giggle and J just looked at X with a blush.

“Do not..” she sighed putting her hand on her head, “don’t go around telling your friends that.. please X..?”

X giggled, doing a zipping motion by putting her hand up to her mouth, J just stared at her, not really buying it but shrugged anyways as she got up, the two following her to the kitchen as she grabbed them little oil containers that they both took happily, both sipping out of them.

X looked up at J, “so what are you and mama Lizzy gonna dooooo?” X asked, her tail wagging.

J leaned up against the counter as she smiled, “none of your business.” She told her and X just whined at that.

“But mooooom.”

“No buts X. It’s supposed to be time for me and your mama Lizzy.” She booped her gently, “you’ll understand when you’re older.”

“Yeah, but I’ll never be as old as you, that’s too long to wait!” X whined as she sipped away.

“Yeah, and how old do you think I am?” J laughed .

“Uhhh, I don’t know, somewhere between like a day and since time itself began older, you knew mama Lizzy back when she was a cheerleader and that is forever ago!” Y said, trying to count on her hand.

“Oh don’t you mothers that I don’t think she’s ready to let go of the cheer squad” J said, sipping some oil. The two’s sense of time wasn't that great, but that’s why they were going to kindergarten.

Helping the girls get dressed she tied their hair into two low ponytails as X insisted on matching with her mama, because then how will anyone know she’s their mum? Sound logic for a five year old it seemed.

The two trotted out with J down to the education wing of the colony. Y waving at everyone and saying hello to random drones. There they found themselves at quite the sight. Evie was wailing loudly, causing quite the scene.

“Papa!!! I want you to go, but you have to stay!!! Waaa” Evie held on to N’s leg.

N frowned, kneeling down, he wiped her tears as she cried, “I know honey I know.. but I’ll be back later today.. I promise..” he told her but she was buying it.

“B-but daddy..” she choked out and N sighed, giving her a gentle hug as she shook.

“Now go on Evie.. daddy’s gotta go now..” he told her softly, “I’ll be the first drone here when school’s over.. okay?”

She whimpered, “promise..?”

“I promise.. matter of fact..” he reached in his pocket and pulled out his pilot hat as he gently placed it on her head, “you can have my hat while I’m gone, so I’ll always be here with you.” He told her and she sniffed.

“Now go on little biscuit.. I’ll see you after school..” he smiled and she wiped her tears, turning away as she walked towards a drone that looked like her teacher as the two walked to the classroom.

N quickly walked off, hiding his face from every other drone watching, walking next to J, J looked at him.

“Well good morning to you too!” She snapped at him, but she heard sniffing come from him and he was wiping his visor so she decided to not poke the bear with a stick right now.

J walked up with the twins as she kneeled down, hugging both of the twins, she looked at the two proudly, “alright girls.. it's your first day of school, so please don’t cause any unnecessary figh-“

“Not gonna say goodbye to me or mama Dolly?” The voice of Lizzy walked up with Doll behind her, both of them smiling and the twins looked over, immediately running to them, hugging both of them.

“Gosh, it seems like yesterday you were just hatching, my little lights going off to kindergarten.” Doll booped Y on the visor as she giggled.

“Well you gotta get used to it Mamas, because I am not going to be small for long, hahah, I bet I’ll be taller than the entire colony!” X said proudly, playfully growling.

“Yes, and for now you gotta tell me what your abcs are before world domination, my cute little kaiju.” Lizzy chuckled as a smaller drone reached out for their sister pulling on X’s hair

“No no Fetcher, you’re too small for kindergarten. But hey, I’ll tell you all about it after today!” X held on to Fetcher’s tiny hand as he smiled.

“Well you two have plenty to talk about today, why not tell them all about how you flew last night? Don’t want Evie getting all the fun.” J chuckled walking over X got very frantic at the idea of Evie stealing her thunder

“Come on Y, we can’t be fools on the first day. Bye bye mamas!” X pulled on Y’s arm, yanking her into class as the three older drones waved back at them.

“Gosh, not a single tear. That’s gotta be some kind of achievement.” Lizzy said, bouncing Fetcher up and down. Doll looked away with a sniff.

“Yeah, no tears. Oh well Liz, you enjoy your day.” Doll tried to hide the fact she was going to cry.

Both Lizzy and J watched Doll walk off as they stood there in silence, J blinked and then looked at Lizzy who looked back at her, Fetcher just stared at J.

Lizzy smiled as she held out her hand for J, “come on.” She said and J looked down at her hand hesitantly, a blush displayed on her visor as her tail wagged.

Damning her tail for this, she took Lizzy’s hand and the two started walking back towards Lizzy’s apartment.

The two walked in silence as J was visibly sweating, Lizzy just smiling.

“So..” Lizzy started and J looked at her, “how were the twins last night?” She said, Fetcher grabbing for Lizzy’s face and she looked down at him, nuzzling him gently.

J blinked as she watched her and then smiled a little, “they.. they were fine.. a little trouble getting them to sleep but they were fine..”

Lizzy smiled, “ah.. that’s normal, I usually have to put on a movie for them and they’ll both be out like a light.” She sighed happily.

“I do suppose that tracks from V and I.” J reminded herself of how she’d always beg Tessa to put on one more episode before bed.

“They act like you two more everyday I swear, I just have a mini J and V trotting around the house. Next thing you know one will be gutting someone and the other barking orders.” Lizzy laughed, she found both of the two dangerous drones adorable .

“Well, everyone looks good in a tie I do say.” J nuzzled Lizzy, but got a baby slap from Fetcher who looked at her with daggers.

J’s eyes hollowed as she looked down at Fetcher who just growled at her.

“Fetcher!” Lizzy said and he looked at her, “no sir, I’m so sorry he doesn’t act like this usually..” she looked at J who just smiled, “it’s fine..”

As they arrived back at the apartment, Lizzy opened the door and walked over to a little playpen she had set up, placing Fetcher down in it as she sighed, turning to J who was just looking around.

“Make yourself comfortable.” She said with a smile, J just looked at her, then looked to the couch as she sat down on the couch, Lizzy walked off to the kitchen.

She saw a few photos of V sitting around as she stared at them, blinking; she looked over at Fetcher who was just giving her a death glare, keeping his hands on the bars of the playpen as he stared at her.

J started to get uncomfortable at Fetcher’s death glare, Lizzy soon walked in with a few containers of oil and batteries and she sat them down on the coffee table infront of J.

“Does he.. usually stare like that..?” J asked, Lizzy looked at her confused and then looked at Fetcher.

“Oh! Yeah! He gets that from Doll..” she said with a giggle but J just stared back at the baby.

“Very intense eye contact has been since day one. His sister isn’t much like that; she's always distracted.” Lizzy said, chomping on a battery.

“Right, yeah. You laid the other week, you still recovering from that, no complications?” J looked up worried at Lizzy.

“Oh, it was fine. Did take a while but I am recovering just fine, despite my father and Doll’s demands I am not a damsel, I went toe to toe with you. I can handle one egg.” Lizzy rolled her eyes at the thought of her family’s worries.

“You still lost to me though, if it wasn’t for N, hehehe.” J was chuffed.

“I dare say, I still had more fight in me, there were just more important matters at hand.”

“Oh whatever.” J chuckled as she rolled her eyes, and Lizzy chuckled as well, setting the oil and batteries down as she sat down next to J.

J looked down at Lizzy’s hand that was laying next to her, inching her hand closer to Lizzy’s hand, Lizzy chuckled.

“You don’t have to be so shy about holding my hand.” She said softly, taking her hand and J jumped, blushing.

Lizzy smirked, bringing J’s hand up to her lips as she gently kissed J’s hand, J’s tail waving as she sighed.

“But yeah.. I know it’s been a few weeks but..” she sighed, “I’ve kinda just missed pregnancy, yknow..?” She said sitting back, looking at J who was just blushing.

“But then again, I don't want any more kids right now, raising the twins themselves is a job.” She chuckled and then J gave a nervous chuckle back, sighing.

The two sat there in silence, Lizzy chowing down on some batteries as J took a few sips from her oil.

“So.. enough talk about me.. what’s been going on in your life..?” She said with a soft smile.

“Oh, the usual running tasks for Mr fancy pants and his fossils. Most leads go nowhere, though N isn’t convinced the solver has left Copper 9. There is no reasoning with him when he’s yelling at a mirror asking where his ‘Uzi’ is.” J thought about the ridiculous length N goes to search for any signs of the solver.

“Still? I thought he was more focused on doors like my old man.” Lizzy said, head tilting.

“Oh yeah, doors, ha! Wonderful, I don’t know what I expected from the Doorman family, but I guess something other than doors. Khan at least is warming up there, is less full name calling, more casual J.”

Fetcher made a loud ah sound at the word J, still looking furious as ever.

“You got some input about my troubles little man?” J said tail flickering around the playpen as Fetcher decided to bat at it, falling back but getting up again.

He growled, giving Lizzy a glare as he pointed at J’s tail.

Lizzy chucked, “I can’t help you out with that one Fletch.” She told him and he whimpered.

Lizzy sighed, leaning against J as she smiled, J’s face lit up with blush as she looked down at Lizzy.

The two closed their eyes as they both sat there, enjoying each other’s warmth.

The silence was broken at the sound of a dronling’s cry, Lizzy sighed, sitting up, “Saint’s up.” She said, standing up and walking into Saint’s nursery as J waited outside for her, the dronling’s cries dying down soon after Lizzy walked in.

The adorable small little egg with white lights looked over to the other drones. This was the first time seeing the new baby for J, getting up to look at her. She had a similar tint to Khan.

“She’s so small.” J noted.

“Yeah, smaller than usual the nurse said, but seems healthy.” Lizzy rocked the egg back and forth.

“Well, size isn’t everything I have learned from Uzi, that’s for sure.” J smiled, waving a finger in front of Saint’s face as she cooed.

“What a cute name… Saint.” J smiled.

“Yeah, it was quite a tough decision second time around, but I think it suits her.”

She smiled, “I think it’s a nice name.” She said and then Lizzy chuckled, sitting down next to her again as she rocked the egg.

The egg stared at J and blinked, Lizzy looked over at J, “you wanna hold her?” She said with a smile and then J blinked at her.

“W-well.. I..” she started sweating but then nodded, “Sure.” She replied and Lizzy smiled, gently, handing Saint to J who just stared up at J.

Fetcher was not having it when he saw J holding Saint, he started growling and then started crying, Lizzy sighed as she stood up and walked over to Fetcher, picking him up as she rocked him.

He made angry sounding noises as Lizzy held him, J blinked at the two, trying to understand what was going on.

“I know.. I know..” Lizzy told him and he pouted.

“Isn’t he three? Can’t he talk by now?” J said.

“Well, he doesn't seem to want to talk, he's hit every milestone besides speech though he understands how to read and write.” Lizzy frowned as she looked down at Fetcher. It was worrying she hadn’t heard his voice even though everything was intact.

“He’s much like his grandma Yeva, didn’t say a word till 2 years into living in the colony, Nori told me.” Though Yeva was an adult and simply stayed mute out of fear, Fetcher wasn’t the same. She wondered if she had done something to make him mute.

J blinked, “ah..” she said, “have you tried teaching him sign language?” She raised a brow.

Lizzy sighed, “me and Dolly have thought about it, but we’ve been too busy to sit down and help him.” She said, gently bouncing him as he looked up at her.

“I could.. maybe help..” she said, brushing her hair out of the way of her audio receptors, revealing her hearing aids.

Lizzy blinked, “that would be amazing but.. are you sure? If it wasn’t for me this little guy might have torn you to shreds by now.” She sighed but J nodded.

“Trust me.. one little dronling is no match for me!” She said but Lizzy just looked at her unsure, “I..I promise..” she said with a nervous smile

Putting down Fetcher in the playpen J got his attention with a few snaps, sounding out some words as she moved with the sign movements. Fetcher seemed to understand this, repeating back the moments.

Lizzy watched in awe as she saw Fetcher pick up on J’s signs. Finally having a way to talk to him directly.

“He seems to be warming up to you just fine.” Lizzy smiled as she rocked Saint back and forth.

“Oh I am glad he does, still looks furious, but maybe you aren’t really a smiler.” J said, then signed that back to Fetcher who understood, nodding and signing.

‘I don’t understand smiling’

“Ahh.. I see now..” she said quietly.

The two continued to talk for a bit, and then suddenly Fetcher turned to Lizzy and then pointed at J, then nodded.

Lizzy let out a tiny blush as she blinked, J chuckling a little.

“Oh.. oh my..” she said, processing what she just witnessed, she looked at J who just smiled at her.

“No ones.. understood him that well..” she said, putting her hand over her core.

J did a proud pose, “oh well.. what can I say.. I’m just naturally the best,” she said, flicking her hair. Lizzy just rolled her eyes and walked over, leaning down as she gave J a gentle kiss on her forehead, J’s visor immediately lighting up with blush.

Fetcher made grabby hands for J trying to pull himself up from the playpen. J obliged, pulling Fetcher up into her arms. Fetcher nuzzled her with a purr.

“Well, I guess I have gotten someone’s approval.” J smirked.

“You most certainly have.” Lizzy smiled, pulling J into a kiss on the lips, her tail wagging lots at that.

“Anything for my rose.” J purred.

It was an unusual pairing that started with simply tolerating the existence of V’s past lover, but bloomed into something beautiful. Lizzy could see how V fell for J and J the same. Finding herself imagining a life by the side of a worker was strange but welcoming.

The two stared into each other's eyes lovingly as J purred louder, Lizzy placing a hand on J’s cheek, as J leaned into her touch, closing her eyes but they shot open once again as they both heard an ‘ahem.’

Both of their eyes hollowed in surprise and they looked over, seeing Doll leaning against the doorway as she crossed her arms.

Fetcher recognized that voice from anywhere. Scrambling out of J’s arms he quickly waddled over to Doll as she smiled down at him, picking him up and placing a kiss on his head, whispering something in Russian to him and he giggled.

“Doll? You’re home early hon.” Lizzy told her and Doll shrugged, walking past the two to the kitchen.

“Eh. Not much going on so I just came back home to get some things.” She said, bouncing Fetcher up and down gently.

“I thought you two would be out exploring the colony?” Doll said, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh well, I didn’t want to leave Saint for too long you know.” Lizzy said, breaking away from the embrace she had with J to move over to Doll. J letting out a pathetic whine from that.

“I wouldn’t either if she was here.” Doll said, narrowing her eye at J.

“Well, I have no intentions of hurting my daughters’ siblings for your information, I am not stupid or as petty as you think I am.” J huffed.

Fetcher began to sign something to Doll as Doll tilted her head at the movements, not sure what he was doing.

She stared down at Fetcher and then looked at J who just smirked at her.

“What did you do-“ she started stomping towards J furiously while growling, but Lizzy was quick to stop her.

“Doll.” Lizzy said softly and Doll looked at her, the two making eye contact before Doll sighed in defeat.

“He’s trying to show you that he learned something..” Lizzy told her softly and Doll blinked, looking down at Fetcher who was still signing for her, she looked back at J, “J was kind enough to offer to help..” she said, smiling at J and J blinked, smiling back at her.

Doll’s visor picked up the movements as sign, the hand movements translating into subtitles as she saw what he was telling her ‘happy to see you mama love you’. Fetcher kept repeating.

“Aww my little marvel, I am happy to see you as well.” Doll had a softer tone now as Fetcher realised she understood his signs.

“H-how did you know to teach?” Doll looked at J curious

“Oh uhh, yeah, the twins get their hard of hearing from me.” J pushed her hair back to reveal aids.

Doll blinked, “..I see..” she said and then turned away, nuzzling her son as they both purred.

J pouted “I don’t even get a thank y-“ she was cut off as Lizzy glared at her, immediately shutting her mouth.

Lizzy and Doll quietly talked for a few minutes, J trying to pick up on what they were saying.

Doll smiled and purred before side-eying J with a smirk, and then she gave Lizzy a quick peck on the lips, Lizzy happily accepting it.

She handed Fetcher back to Lizzy as she kissed her cheek one last time and then walked out, avoiding looking at J.

J blinked and then looked at Lizzy, “what was.. that about?” She asked, confused.

“Oh, just making plans for other dates. Dolly’s been feeling a little bit jealous, as if I don’t have time for both of you.” Lizzy smiled.

“Oh well, I am totally not jealous, Doll just has to learn that, hmf.” J was in fact jealous. She wanted every date with her, Lizzy had to just be with her, she adored her company.

“You two are a lot more alike than you would admit.” Lizzy said nuzzling J.

“What is that supposed to- oooh, that’s nice…” J was about to complain before Lizzy began to stroke J’s tail, causing her to purr and practically melt in her touch.

Lizzy chuckled, “I used to do this with V whenever she was upset about something.” She said with a soft smile.

J loudly purred and then leaned against her as Lizzy gently kissed her head.

“See.. don’t you feel better now?” She calmly told J who was extra cuddly now, and J nodded silently.

She sighed, “are we gonna be able to do this again? I tried my best.” She whimpered looking up at Lizzy, and Lizzy just chuckled.

“Of course J.” She told her, gently holding her, it felt nice to J to feel this warm type of embrace after so long.

The two spent an hour or so snuggling on the couch. Fetcher fell asleep in Lizzy’s arms and it seems J did as well, purring and enjoying the embrace, how softly Lizzy held her. Lizzy braided J’s beautiful long hair; she was pretty like a goddess.

Couldn’t help but remind her of the times V would lay on her purring; she always fell asleep so fast. As Lizzy was mid braid she felt J twitch and whimper, clawing at something.

“Shhh, you’re ok, I am here.” Lizzy whispered to J, which seemed to calm her down from whatever turmoil J was facing .

“Please don’t go…” J sleepily mumbled, tears pricking in her visor.

This was nothing new, it seemed Lizzy had a talent for swooned women scorn by war and conflict. She’d be that life line for all of them.

Lizzy frowned, and gently reached down as she kissed her cheek, “don’t worry.. I’m not going anywhere..” she told her softly and J just started purring louder, soon falling asleep in Lizzy arms as Lizzy sighed softly, finishing up on the braid she was working on.

She stared down at J’s face, smiling softly and then looked at Saint who was laid next to them, picking her up.

“I’m surprised you haven’t taken your nap yet princess..” she sighed, rocking Saint gently and Saint let out a soft giggle, she smiled, “what’s so funny?” She said booping Saint.

She decided to look at her internal clock, 1 hour til they had to go pick up the twins.

She sighed, rocking Saint as she hummed, J twitched a few times in her sleep and Lizzy took notice as she gently petted her.

She found herself imagining a life with J in the house, she knew Doll would never fully be comfortable with that but the dream was nice. Having both her loves snuggle her at night. J was asleep so patient around the kids. She wondered how she got that way. Was it natural? Or possibly something about her past worker life.

Seeing the clock tick by, she figured it would be best to get there at least 10 minutes before drop off. Gently shaking her love awake, she spoke.

“J, honey, my love… We have to get the twins.” Lizzy said as J lifted her head; she looked like an unkept cat, very groggy.

“Oh, did I fall asleep again? Sorry,” J said, yawning, revealing her large sharp fangs.

“Oh no worries I think everyone but me and little miss got a nap, you seemed troubled in your sleep, is everything ok?” Lizzy said cupping J’s face.

“Oh uhh, nothing to worry about, Liz. I can handle things, all just in the past. I am safe now.” J said, nuzzling into Lizzy’s hands.

“Ok well, you don’t have to face those feelings alone anymore.” Lizzy kissed J on the visor.

J blinked at her, and then smiled a little, she gave Lizzy signs that she wanted another kiss and Lizzy smiled, bringing her in for a soft kiss, and the two just stayed in the kiss for a minute, J purred as they both closed their eyes, then they both pulled away, looking into each others eyes.

“Can we do this all again tomorrow?” J gave her puppy dog eyes and Lizzy just chuckled.

“Of course, now come on..” She let J sit up before she got up, gently waking Fetcher up as he yawned, reaching his hands up for her to pick him up.

Lizzy frowned, “I’m sorry honey.. you’re gonna have to walk while holding mommy’s hand.” She told him and he whimpered, J looked at him.

“I can carry him on the way there.. but I’m not sure about the way back tho, X will for sure want me to hold her.” She said with a sigh and then Fletched looked at her, reaching his hands out for her as she smiled, picking Fetcher up while Lizzy stared at them with a smile.

The two walk about and start walking towards the educational wing, the walk was silent while Fetcher kept pointing at things for J to look at as J chuckled.

Lizzy watched them as she smiled, sighing.

As they arrived at the school, there was still about 10 minutes left, and as expected, N was already there, waiting as his tail nervously wagged.

He absolutely had just been crying still tears left in his visor. J walked over, putting a hand on his shoulder causing N to flinch looking back

“The colony’s pride and joy bawling his eyes out over not seeing his daughter for barely 4 hours?” J taunted.

“Hey, 4 hours of pure torture. As if you were oh so excited to leave the twins.” N huffed, pushing away some tears.

“You act as if we didn’t wait days on end for Tessa to come back from summer camps. Of course I am fine.” J gloated.

“Yeah, fine, after two to three meltdowns.”

Lizzy watched as the two bickered; it was amusing. Saint wailed as Lizzy looked down and rocked her.

“Shh little angel, your sisters will be out soon.”

J turned her head immediately and walked back over to Lizzy, trying to help her.

N watched her as he sighed, looking at Lizzy and J but then his eyes hollowed as he heard a loud, “DADDY!” And the sound of feet scampering came as N was quick to kneel down, Evie immediately ran into his arms as he let out a shaky sigh with relief, her tail wagged and she kept her promise as the pilot hat was still on her head.

Evie pulled away from the hug as her tail wagged, “I made a friend today daddy!”

“Oh? Who’s this friend?” He asked looking around and then she pointed at a certain drone who came running up behind her.

“Her name’s Hatchet daddy!” She said giggling and N blinked.

“Mommy!!” Lizzy and J quickly turn as they hear two drones say that word in sync, both running at J and Lizzy, nearly tackling them both.

The dronlings all seemed to be in high spirits chatting to their parents about their first days in kindergarten all so excited. The twins had also seemed to make friends though much more than Evie.

“Bye bye!” Evie said as Hatchet walked off with her mother

“Wow, I wonder if I'll ever see her again.” Evie sighed.

“Well, of course Evie. You’ll see your friend again, you have kindergarten all week and till you get to grade 1.” N chuckled which made Evie’s eyes hollow.

“I have to leave you all week? Till the end of time? What? When does school end?” Evie was shocked.

“Uhh well, school ends at different times for different drones, but didn’t you have so much fun? Don’t you want to come back tomorrow?” N tried to salvage the situation.

“Nooooo! Waaaa! I wanna be with you and grandma and grandpa waaaa!” Evie started crying again.

“Yeah well, I knew I’d have kindergarten tomorrow mama, don’t worry I am not a cry baby.” X looked up to J chuffed.

“Oh? And how did you work that out, sunspot?” J chuckled.

“Oh, I just know these things, even small drones like me must keep secrets.” X tried to look cool but it was adorable to see her try.

Y was hugging Lizzy’s leg as she purred, she peaked out from behind Lizzy, “are you and mommy married now?” She asked looking up at Lizzy.

Both J and Lizzy blushed as they looked down at Y, Lizzy cleared her throat, “no honey.. it was just a little hangout for me and J.” She told her and J whimpered at Lizzy calling it a ‘hangout’

“But our friends told us that when all big drones like someone they immediately get married!” Y whined.

J’s eyes hollowed, “girls I told you not to-“ she sighed in frustration while X gave her a nervous smile.

Lizzy chuckled a little, petting Y’s head, “it’s not a bad idea tho..” she told her and Y smiled, her tail waving at that.

“Now let’s get you home.” Lizzy said gesturing for the girls to follow the sounds of Evie making a fuss we’re still going on in the background.

“I bid you farewell, your highness. Good luck.” J said smugly as N let out a growl. Evie was not running around and rolling on the ground yelling about how she doesn’t want to go to school.

As the family walked away X looked up at J “So is Uncle Thad also married to Uncle N? Does that make him a prince?”

“Uhh, I think your Uncles are just hanging out a lot.” J was unsure of the relationship the two had.

“Yeah, if my brother had half the backbone they would have tied the knot by now.” Lizzy snickered .

“What does that mean mama?” Y looked up.

“Oh, nothing, but don’t mention it to your uncles.”

Y and X both raised a brow and blinked.

Fetcher was gently poking J and she looked down at him, he pointed down suggesting that he wanted down so J put him down as he quickly waddled over to Lizzy and Y, Y giving him a small hug as Lizzy looked down and held his hand as they walked.

X looked up at J, “can I be held now mommy?” She said reaching up and J sighed.

“I knew it.” She said picking X up and they continued walking back.

Reaching the Frost household, this is where J would part ways unfortunately with her loved ones. She put X down, who seemed sad to leave her mama again.

“You’ll be back tomorrow to drop us off right?” X said, looking up at her mother.

“Of course sweetheart, as long as I am not requested to go on any missions there won’t be anything to make me miss being there for you” J knelt down giving a kiss to X’s visor.

“Yeah ,mama got to hang out with mama Lizzy more hehe” Y said pulling on her sister’s shoulder.

“Ok you two move along now I think it’s time for a nap” Lizzy said ushering the two inside Fetcher following after.

“I… enjoy this time together I am sure Fetcher will be demanding you back again all night” Lizzy smiled as she leaned on the doorway rocking Saint back and forth

“Maybe one day it can more than just hanging out” J whined

“Oh it is I just panicked you know how talkative the girls are don’t worry the feelings are mutual my daisy” Lizzy patted J on the head stroking at her locs

The two smiled at each other, J purred, “can I.. one last time..?”

Lizzy giggled, grabbing both sides of J’s face as she brought her into a kiss, J wrapping her arms around Lizzy this time as the two stayed in the kiss for a good minute, both of them being interrupted as they heard a loud gasp come from behind Lizzy.

They immediately turned to see X looking at them, she stood there, her mouth agape and Lizzy and J both mouthed ‘no.’ But X’s tail started wagging as she turned and started bolting towards her and Y’s room, “mama Lizzy and mama J kissed!!” She repeated loudly.

“X!” Lizzy said quickly bolting after her and J chuckled, walking out of the apartment as she closed the door behind her.

J stood there starstruck, she felt her tail wagging lots. Little hearts were blooming in her visor. Probably best to head back before someone sees her looking this stupid.

Making her way into the apartment, it was cold and empty, a small photo framed of her and V only decorated the house. Sighing, she held up the photo.

“I promise they’re safe,” she mumbled. Maybe one day this wouldn’t feel so lonely.

Chapter Text

A lone drone walked in the snow, worried as it felt the rushing wind caused by angels of death. If it could just make it to outpost 8 they would be safe, the king was strong and had good defences. Reaching what they believed to be a sign of this colony, the drone sighed with relief.

“Ahhh, let go!” The drone cried out as the jaws of the demon snagged on its leg.

“Aww Monsieur I don’t believe he will have made quite the game for us” A sinister tone was heard from a feminine drone. A larger hulking drone ripped off the backpack the drone had causing its arms to come off as well.

“My amour, anything worth our time.” The drone cackled.

“Screw the information, I am hungry.” the one holding on to the worker's leg growled.

The big drone said nothing, just handed a photo to the feminine one. This seemed to please the woman.

“The company will be thrilled with this. We have earned a treat, let us eat.”

The workers' eyes hollowed as the three began to tear them apart, laughing maniacally as the photo fell down, showing a pic of a familiar royal family, all smiles. The workers' screams ringed through the air.

“Ahhhhhhh!” A smaller drone let out.

“You can’t just scream every time you lose in the game Evie!” X huffed as Evie slammed her controller down.

“Sorry!” She smiled nervously, “I can’t help it..”

Both of their heads shot up when they heard the sound of feet running and unsurprisingly, N appeared in the doorway, looking around.

“Is everything okay in here?” He asked, looking at the three drones that were looking up at him.

Evie pushed herself up as her tail wagged happily, “daddy!” She said, happily running over to him into his arms as he gladly picked her up.

She giggled, “we’re just playing a game daddy!” She told him happily.

He blinked at her, “is it.. necessary to.. y’know, scream like that hon?”

“That’s what I said!” X blurted out.

“It’s scary!” Evie turned back to X.

“It’s a racing game!!”

N chuckled at the 3 and then sat Evie down, patting her head but then Evie turned to N.

“Daddy, can we invite Hatchet over? I need my friend to help me beat the twins!!”

N blinked down at her, “Evie… I’m not sure her family would really like her being here..” he said looking away.

“What? Why?” Evie said, tilting her head.

“It’s because the colony sees us as oil sucking monsters, can’t help it.” X said, shrugging her shoulders.

“Hey, that’s not true Evie. It’s probably because she’s busy or something. X, we can’t repeat the things strangers say, remember?” Y said whacking X with her tail.

N frowned, he knew no one would say those things to Evie but it saddened him to see his nieces facing such harsh words.

“Who said that to you girls? You know it’s not true, you are always welcome in the colony and are no threat to your own community.” N said moving over to pat X on the head.

“I am fine Uncle, really.” X wacked off N’s hand.

“No no papa is right, no one tells my family mean things!” Evie crossed her arms huffing.

X rolled her eyes, “keep dreaming Eves.” She said and then was whacked once again by Y’s tail, “ow! What did mama J tell you about hitting me with your tail like that?!”

“Girls, do you want me to call mama Doll to pick you both up early?”

Both of the girls then looked at him with their eyes hollowed, “No uncle N!” They both said.

“Then play nice.” He told them and was about to walk out, but Evie hugged his leg.

“Daaaaddddyyy..” she whined and N frowned.

“Evie I’m sorry but no.. you’ll understand when you’re older hun..”

N left the room for the kids to play. The topic weighed on his mind, truly no one would have the guts to tell him what they really thought of his family being here, but some drones were so low to pick on kids. Sitting back down in his office, he reviewed more sightings of DD, all mostly dead and none fresh. He had a clear map now of laps to scour for information when a message popped up on his screen.

‘Anniversary of memory’ it said. He couldn’t pinpoint this being an important time; he wouldn't have known Uzi then and this memory was old. But clicking on it brought some curiosity.

“And done! you’re officially a part of the Elliott staff my boy, how do you feel?” A drone with blackish hair and wearing a suit and pilot hat spoke to him in this memory.

“Great! I am going to do my best Mister P I won’t let you down!” The memory of his voice was squeaky and young as it seemed like he was jumping up and down. The memory cut out as N’s visor had tears pricked in them.

Yes, that’s right, his first day as a butler and not just some kid who took up space. I mean, he still was a kid but a talented, trained one then. He wondered how the other drones and manor went about their lives. Most of the dead DD looked familiar, though there were hundreds of drones employed by the Elliott family so chances of him finding P were slim to none. Would he even be himself?…. The words of the solver weighed in his mind of keeping only his team's memories.

He tapped his fingers against the desk at the thought, being so lost in thought he didn’t notice Nori peeking in.

He jumped as he heard her speak, “whatcha dooooin?” She said walking in, blinking when she saw him jump, “well dang, I’m sorry.”

“It’s.. fine..” he sighed, looking at her, she tilted her head at him.

“Is everything alright N?” She asked him and he sighed, burying his face in his hands.

“When is anything alright?” He sighed and Nori frowned.

She crossed her arms, “do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

N peeked up at her, “am I really gonna vent to my mother in law right now?”

She gave him a blank face, “N, you’ve known me for 5 years now, of course I’m gonna be nosy.”

“So what’s the current topic of misery right now” Nori jumped up to sit on the desk resting her head on her hands.

N pushed back in the chair and sighed.

“Uhh just memories of drones who I’ll probably never see again, my mentor specifically he was a good guy I doubt he’s alive or if he is himself anymore” N said as he looked down.

“Gee, mentor in like murder, or…?” Nori tilted her head, her tail gnawing at her ponytail.

“No no, like, mentor in well, service work butlering, he was a doormaster keeping strangers from entering the manor. A job I was going to do when I got older…. But I guess some violence man knew how to keep unwanted guests OUT.” N thought about P, he was always very strict but in an overbearing way. Definitely covered for him more than once despite his comments of despising children. He clearly has a soft spot for him and Cyn.

Nori thought, “hmm.. I see..” she responded and he sighed, “well, if it helps at all, Khan has reported to me that there have been disassembly drone sightings outside the colony.”

“Yeah.. it’s probably just the same ol’ dead ones that come u-“

“No N, I don’t think you heard me right, they were well and alive.” She told him, leaning forward to grab his shoulders, he blinked.

“..huh?”

“Ugh..” she gave an annoyed sigh.

“No no, I hear you right now but.. I just.. don’t know.. I doubt it’s the drone I’m looking for.” He replied.

“Wouldn’t hurt to find out for yourself.” She told him and he looked away.

“They are probably after me and J.” N said troubled.

“Yeah, but hey, I have seen you fight, you’d knock the lights out those punks for sure. Plus, I have been considering tagging along, wouldn’t mind a good brawl.” Nori said excitedly.

“Yeah? And what makes you think Khan is going to let you tag along? I mean, he wants me and J dead, he likes you enough to tie the knot.” N said, tail flicking around. He was excited to fight again.

“I am not some damsel! Plus, I have gotten better at fighting, I know better than to let myself be caught by acid. I was sneak attacked last time!” Nori huffed.

N grabbed his pilot hat looking down at it. J probably was already out after these drones, and considering the solver sent them in squads of three it would only be a fair fight to match their numbers. If not, Nori tagging along with Doll was a formidable ally.

“Sooooo, whatcha say?”

Nori smiled, about to open her mouth until 3 heads poked in the door.

“Daddy?” Evie blinked and N turned to her, his eyes hollowing as he hoped the 3 didn’t hear too much.

“Where are you two going?” X said as she and Y both squinted, Evie just looking up at N curiously.

N smiled nervously as he kneeled down to the 3 drone’s height as they all stared at him.

“Me and grandma nori are just going out for a bit, we’ll be back just before you wake up.” N said, bringing Evie into a hug but she looked unsure, she looked at Nori.

“Grandma..?” She said as Nori walked over to Evie, picking her up playfully as she nuzzled her.

“It’ll be just like a small trip for me and daddy, we’ll be back before you know it!” She said, gently booping Evie, “and grandpa will be here to watch you three while we’re gone!”

“Yaaayyy grandpa!” Evie cheered; her grandfather was always so busy, so having him watch over was fun.

“Why don’t you three walk to Grandpa’s work station with us so he can take you three back for movie night? Sounds nice?” N smiled as the three nodded, all so excited.

The family made their way to the defence wing of the colony, many drones rushing around all greeting the queen, prince and princess, Evie saying hello back always.

There they entered a room with a round table J and Doll were both in there along with Khan having lots of pin points on a map.

“Mama!!” X and Y both ran to both their mothers.

“Girls, what are you doing here?” Doll said, lifting up Y as she pawed at her face.

“We are going to help you with world domination!” X laughed as she scrambled her way on to the table, knocking some points off.

“Nah, just here to fetch you Khan for babysitting duty.” Noti chuckled, lifting X up off the map and placing the pointers back.

“You’ll never know my next move! We could be the perfect foil to your plans!” X said, pawing at the light.

“But all world dominations need to get sleep before committing such acts.” J said, taking X from Nori’s arms.

“Mooooooom!” she complained and J just kissed her head in response.

Khan looked at Nori, “and why am I responsible for babysitting..?”

Nori reached up and patted his head, “because you’re all we have right now, plus you need to spend more time with your granddaughters.” She told him and he blinked, looking at Evie who looked barely awake in N’s arms.

“Aaand.. where are you off to do with them?” He asked, referring to Doll, J, and N.

“Ooohhh, going to find those disassembly drones you told me about.” She said looking down at the map and Khan immediately put his finger up.

“Absolutely not! Do you not remember what happened last time, Nori?!”

“Ohh, don’t be such a crybaby, I’m not a kid. Plus, I got smarter.” She said, not making eye contact with him, “we’ll be back before sunrise, no worries.”

“I can’t afford to lose you again, Nori.” Khan held Nori’s face.

“But I am guessing he can afford to lose any of us.” Doll said as Y picked at her eyepatch.

“Well no, I know I have a lot to make up when it comes to your family, Doll, it’s just..” Khan got rambling

“Back before sunrise. Have fun watching your future heir, Khany!” Nori chuckled, kissing Khan which caused him to blush lots.

Nori gestured for the rest to follow, Doll handing Y to Khan along with getting handed Evie and X, Khan fumbled to the ground not being able to carry all three young dronelings.

“Well, at least it’s near bed time for all of you.” Khan sighed.

“Not me, I am a creature of the night! The colony needs me!” X said proudly.

Getting ready the four adorned their gear and headed to door 1.

“It’s a bit of a fly to the location we have spotted. They seem to be emptying out our allies defences, luring our supply squads to ambush.” Doll relayed the notes.

“Great, what would the solver need with worker drone weapons? Not like we can just add them to our arsenal.” J pointed out.

“I think it’s more the solvers attempt at getting our attention than anything, this could just be a trap.” N replied.

“Great, then we trap 'em back! They ain’t ambushing us, we are.”

N just looked at her unsure, but J ignored his gaze, nodding at Nori to open the door.

Nori pulled out a button as she pressed it, a hush of wind hitting them all as it opened.

N stumbled back a bit as she shook his head, Nori just standing there as she sighed, walking out as she purred at the feeling of the wind.

J walked out, spreading her wings as she crouched down, “alright, follow my lead.” She said, shooting off into the sky.

Doll was soon to shoot out after her, and then it was Nori, who struggled to get her wings out and N walked up next to her, “do you want me to carry you?” He asked her kindly and she shook her head.

“I might be old, but I still got some flight left in me.” She said flying up after Doll.

N stood there for a minute, and then let out a hesitant sigh as he was the last one to shoot up after them.

Soaring into the sky above the colony, N forgot how beautiful Copper 9 was at night. This was especially a clear and gorgeous one; an Aurora had occurred as they flew through the sky. It was also the first time N saw Doll with her wings.

They weren’t as tattered as Uzi and Nori’s, a more bug-like stitch to the lining. Going over plenty of old places, he remembered hanging out with Uzi and V when they soared over Camp 987.

As they approached their destination, N could see a colony that was in ruins, obviously these DD have done some serious damage. No doubt the solver was looking to get back at him and J. Swooping down, the four took cover in the ruined buildings nearby colony Frostbite.

“I’ll radio that we’re in their territory.” Doll said, picking up a radio relaying some information.

“Well, I guess we just wait till an attack happens, it's early. The hunt should begin for them, today was unbearably hot and definitely would have made these three use most of their oil reserves.” J said, looking around for any possible tracks left by the DDs.

N also looked around, finding several scratches that he could translate into a DD marking its territory. They were getting way ahead of themselves already.

“Sooo, what else besides waiting do we do?” Noti said, jumping up and perching on a pillar.

“Honestly, it’s just a whole lot of waiting to be frank. It's not in our best interest to give our position away just yet.” N said, hoping up as well to perch on the pillar.

What felt like hours passed by as they all sat there, talking about life and stuff.

J looked around, annoyed, “I don’t think they’re here.” She whisper growled, but Doll just nudged her with annoyance.

“We have to wait and see, J.” Doll whispered back..

“We’ve been waiting for two hours! By now we’re gonna end up melting to d-“ they all froze as something flew down, hitting the ground, causing snow to go flying around the object.

As the snow started clearing, a female disassembly drone was revealed, flicking her hair as she looked around.

“P! Get down from there!”

N’s eyes hollowed at that name, blinking.

“I swear I smell other drones, I’m not crazy!” Another drone said, swooping down next to the female.

He had similar hair to N; short yet messy. He was wearing a torn shirt, flared pants and of course, a pilot hat. He hunched over, crawling on all fours like an animal.

“Yeah, the ‘other drones’ smell is us, dumbass. The company wanted us to clear this bunker out for the traitors,” the female Disassembler hissed, smacking P with its tail.

“I honestly don’t think there are traitors, this is just some wild goose hunt that will go nowhere.” P hissed, turning to the female drone, N fully seeing the drones face. He looked so much like the one he saw in his memories… there were hundreds of drones in that manor the solver wouldn’t have known that well. Cyn was still herself before P became distant with them.

There was a loud crash as snow flew everywhere. A large DD walked over; he seemed to be over a head taller than N.

N heard a psst from Doll as she gestured for him to get up. Everyone took their positions, ready to strike. The two smaller DD were bickering constantly before the large one let out a huff.

“Oh, what is it you oaf?” P hissed.

The large drone exchanged his hand for a blaster, pointing it in P’s direction.

“Wow, wow! I didn’t mean to G, you know that!” P scampered back as the large drone moved his hand up from P’s direction to Nori’s hiding spot.

“Khan’s going to kill me.” N muttered as he was ready to abandon his post.

N lunged at the bigger disassembler, tackling him as the blaster went off, shooting off into the sky as the two tumbled with each other.

P and G stood there their mouths agape as they watched, “See!! I told you!” P yelled out but G hissed out, looking around and was soon cut off as J lunged at her from behind, tackling her as the sound of growling and hissing was soon heard, snow and oil going flying.

P’s eyes hollowed as he looked around, hissing as he shook and then Nori and Doll revealed themselves.

P tried to lunge at Nori but was soon stopped as a red aurora surrounded him, looking over at Doll he saw a solver symbol in front of her hand as her other hand was on her hip.

The scene quickly became a bloody mess of blasts and solver symbols going flying.

P moved his tail that wasn’t caught, jabbing Doll in the hand and causing her to loosen her grip. P pounced quickly, getting yanked into the sky by Nori. He was practically ping ponged back and forth by the two solvers.

“G! S! A little help here!?” P called out.

S grabbed N by the throat, choking him out and then slamming him into the snow, causing a head light to get smashed. S shot out a blast at the three in the sky, Doll glitching out the way, only P getting hit by the blast. His wing burnt as fell down.

“Not what I meant!!” He yelled out falling.

J and G were going toe to toe, both making good blows. G managed to blow J’s head off, her body flopping down on the ground. G wasn’t interested in helping her team mates or brawling with the others, instead going straight to J’s arm band and scanning it. She exchanged her hand for a virus injector, switching to something with a solver symbol.

“N-No!” N said, voice glitching as he went to shoot out at G but his hand got crushed by S.

Nori’s eyes hollowed as she looked over, quickly doing a swoop attack on G as the two went down, growling was heard as Nori was able to grab ahold of G’s arm with her solver and pinning it against a wall. G loudly growled as she tried to escape.

“Let go of me you bastard!!” She screamed and kicked out as she tried to free herself, cussing in what sounded like French as she hissed and growled, Nori protectively standing over J’s body.

“N-Nori!!” N cried out as Nori looked over, seeing S who had his blaster pointed at her but she quickly flew up as she dodged it.

Down at where P crash landed, P figured he’d make a break for a snack to restore his health, clawing at the vents before feeling something behind him.

A solver symbol reached out for his arm before he intentionally stabbed himself with his own tail to free himself.

“Nope, you can only fool me once!” He sneered as he threw back the grate at Doll, her catching it, which gave P enough time to jump behind Doll, slashing at her wings and getting her in a headlock. Unhinging his jaw, he bit down on Doll’s shoulder, sucking at the oil.

“Get your filthy jaws off me, you mutt!” Doll said, slamming her combat boots into P’s crotch, causing him to whine out in pain.

“That was a low blow, you oversized furby!” P hissed.

“Says you.” She said, slamming her foot down on his chest, a butcher knife glitching in her hand and then slammed it down on his neck, decapitating him.

“Man, you really are bad at aiming aren’t ya?” Nori said as S growled out in annoyance as she kept dodging his blasts, “are you blind or something? Oh wait.” She smirked as she noticed the scratch on S’s visor.

N laid there in pain, S’s foot still on his hand, he looked over at J who was slowly regenerating.

Nori was still teasing S as she smirked, until she was finally fit with a blast.

“Nori!!” N’s head shot up as he started struggling, S just kicked his head as he walked away then walked over to Nori.

Nori felt as her wing burned from the blast, panting as she hit the ground. The shock of getting hit really brought her back to the day she lost her first body.

She scrambled up, then feeling a familiar sensation looking down at her chest, two needles poked through her stomach. Both shooting back, Nori’s inners spilling to the floor as she gasped in pain.

N’s eyes hollowed as he realised he couldn’t do much. G approached Nori, yanking her up by the scruff. Nori tried to move her hand up but it sliced off by G.

“Should have learned from before 002.” G’s voice glitching to a more robotic tone.

G’s mouth unhinged as she was about to smash Nori’s visor in, when the head fell clean off. J had already wrapped S up and she had just finished off G.

“This is why you don’t tag along, Nori.” J said growling, ripping her away from G’s grasp and placing her down, gently lapping at the wounds that healed fast.

J had stuck her tail’s stinger into G’s neck, causing the auto healing to be blocked.

S started struggling, “where’s G at? G!” He screamed out and J quickly yanked him, “hush it!” She hissed out.

N coughed up some oil as he gasped for air, turning to Nori, his eyes hollowing as he used his one arm to pull himself up, crawling over to Nori as he panicked.

“I’m.. fine!” She hissed out but N just whimpered.

“We’ve also got this one too.” Doll said, throwing down the headless P as she gave him a disgusted face.

S just growled at them, “I'm not saying anything until I know where G is-“ he was cut off as he felt a blade press up against his neck.

“You will talk and you will talk NOW.” J hissed.

“Look at me when I am talking to you, you mutt!” J barked as S didn’t seem to be looking down at J.

“I-I don’t think he can?” Nori solvered up the hair from S’s visor to show very unfocused eyes and a cracked visor.

“Oh.”

“Well, listen to me anyway. Your squad won’t be a threat much longer. Now let’s not waste precious time. Who sent you?!” J growled, pushing a blade closer.

“Jcjenson who else? Aren’t you disassemblers yourself? Don’t tell me you have forgotten the company already?!” S barked out.

“It's not JCJenson who sent you.” N said as he stumbled to get up, Doll running over to help him get up.

S stayed silent, looking at them confused, “Why should I listen to you?” He growled.

J hissed down at him to silence him, N just rolled his eyes, “it’s the absolute solver that created you and sent you here.” He sided as he coughed, “the names Serial Designation N, and I'm trying to free other disassemblers from the solver.”

S didn’t seem to listen as he continued to struggle, J groaned with annoyance as she kicked him.

“Where is G?! I won’t believe anything you tell me until I know that G is safe!” He hissed out.

“Oh my robo GOD! Your little girlfriend is fine!” She obviously lied, but not like he could tell.

S seemed to blush, “how unprofessional of you to say that! Dating is unprofessional and against company policy!”

J just stared at him and then looked at N, “Is this what I used to sound like?” she said, sounding very annoyed and N just nodded.

“God, I can’t believe you didn’t shoot me earlier!” J huffed.

“Look, he’s right, there is no company, and if the solver has its ways, probably no more humans. You follow a false god.” J responded.

“Yeah, well, my memories don’t lie, and there is no such thing as a solver! You are using it to get us to rebel!” S hissed back.

“Really, who’s your leader?” J knew this would help after she never questioned why their meetings with Tessa would feel so fever dreamish till she knew it was a fake.

“Uhhh, that would be me… well, temporarily. G has contact with Louisa due to my lack of vision” S said.

N’s eyes hollowed. Louisa. That was Tessa’s mother’s name.

“Louisa Elliott?”

“Yes, Miss Elliott.” S nodded.

J looked to N. Louisa was definitely dead much like Tessa, but guessing these drones were from the manor, the solver possibly used a different human for their master.

“Do you know of her daughter Tessa?” J asked.

“How do you know of the mistress's late daughter?”

“We were Tessa’s personal servants.” N told him, S blinked.

“The dumpster pets?” he asked, raising a brow and immediately received a kick from J, “Ow!”

“We appreciate NOT being called that.” She hissed.

S sighed, “I never expected to see other drones from the manor out here, I thought you all just died off.”

N shrugged, “We’re just as surprised as you.”

J looked at the body of G, sighing, “Guess we should let this one talk, N.” She said and N nodded, N bringing his tail and wrapping it around G as J unblocked her healing factor.

The two stood there, watching her as she slowly regenerated, blinking her eyes open, “..what the? S, what the hell is this?!”

“Oh, G!” he said, sounding relieved as he heard the voice of G, “You’re okay!”

G hissed out, “Let go of me, you dirty mutts!”

J glared down at her, “We know you have contact with ‘Louisa Elliott’.” She hissed at her and G just growled.

“I’m not telling anything until you let me and S go!” she said, desperately trying to crawl to S, “S, help me!!”

S struggled against the restraints to help his love, but his efforts were for naught.

“Yeah, not happening. Now tell me, how do you get messages from Louisa? Do you sorta black out and have a feverish vision of her contact?” J said, kneeling down next to G.

“How I contact my mistress is none of your business, you traitor!” G spat at J.

“Mi amour, these are the late young mistress’s pets” S pointed out.

G blinked a few times before looking both at N and J.

“My gods, they are? Weren’t you disposed of months before the young mistress went to boarding school? Well, despite that little one she made me keep hiding.” G was perplexed on how this could be the case.

“You mean Cyn? No, the solver has altered your memories, we were very much there when the massacre at the gala occurred.” N shook his head at G’s statements.

G stayed silent, pouting as she growled, “how I contact my mistress is none of your business, you’ll have to kill me to get that information out of me.” She snapped at him.

“Gladly.” J said, exchanging her hand for a blaster but N was quick to stop her as S started struggling again at that, “oh relax!” She snapped at S.

N sighed, “we might have to carry them back to the colony, because there’s no way we’ll be able to get any answers out of them before the sun rises.” He said, looking up at the sky.

Doll turned to him, “are you sure..? Around the workers?”

“Yeah! Are you crazy N?!” J snapped at him and N sighed.

“Do you all want to melt out here?! Plus, we have cells that’ll keep them up for the time being.” N told the two, then looked back at the injured Nori who was sitting on the ground, holding her wing.

“..plus, Nori is heavily injured. We can’t risk it right now.”

“Fine, your highness.” J groaned.

N scooped Nori up into his arms as he held S bound. Dashing up into the sky, his wings were strong enough to hold two other drones with him. Doll and J soon followed with P and G.

J looked down at G. She seemed so familiar, a drone from another time, but quickly shook her head, the solver was only using this to get to her and let her become weak. But it did pain her to see G once a mentor, guardian …. Mother… regarded her as nothing more than a traitor.

Doll had yet to let P recover his head, holding on to the pilot hat that was stained with oil.

As they arrived back, they were greeted by 3 WDF workers who stared at the 3 disassembly drones.

G hissed loudly at the workers as S growled, scooting in front of G as he growled.

Meanwhile, P whose head was regenerated, was just too loopy to do anything, he just laid there on the floor.

Khan was quick to come running, immediately taking Nori’s unconscious self from N’s arms as his eyes were hollowed with worry.

He gave N a disappointed look, which caused N to whimper as he then looked at the WDF workers and then back at N and J.

“Take those 3 to the cells.” He ordered and N opened his mouth to say something, but Khan immediately stopped him, “I’ll have a talk with you later.” He ordered and N just whimpered and nodded, as he and J started walking with the other WDF workers, Khan heading to the med bay with Nori.

Locking the three up, both J and N were left speechless as they looked at them.

“I know it’s crazy, but those are definitely our mentors right?” J said looking to N.

“Oh, for sure. I mean, you remember the manor well, we got Tessa’s parents’ personal drones and then…. my mentor. It knew we’d spare them” N looked longingly at P’s cell screen.

“Do you think we could save them? I mean, they seemed to remember the manor, maybe their memories haven’t been fully destroyed yet.” J said with hope in her eyes. She wanted more than anything to be reunited with her loved ones.

“It would be dangerous. The solver still has a strong grip, not to mention Khan. Do you really think he’s going to accept more disassemblers in the colony? Even if they are essentially our parents.” N looked down sadly. He did consider P a father, he never knew where he truly came from.

P was splayed out on the floor as he groaned, N sighed, “but I have a hope.”

“You say that about everything.” J told him.

“Well, I mean it this time!” N blurted out, he sighed.

G started chewing on the bars of the cells as she growled out, hissing when she realized this was getting her nowhere.

“Fuck!” She said, kicking the wall in frustration, sinking down on the floor angrily as she sobbed.

J sighed, watching J with a frown, N frowning alongside her and then sighed, “now I’m kinda scared to go home, I know Khan’s gonna have my tail when I get home..” he whimpered.

“Well, you almost let his wife die again. I feel he’s not going to be pleased with any of us, though you did have her in your arms.” J pointed out.

“Yeah, because I care about her and you two were busy with the others! Though you're right, he will take it out on mainly me. Hopefully Nori will talk some sense into him…. Probably should wait a while before I mention the possibility of redeeming these three, I don't know how well that will go.” N whimpered. He wasn’t looking forward to going home.

“I will join you on the walk of shame if you want. I mean, I gotta get my daughters from your house anyway.” J patted N on the back.

“You are truly advancing from the thorn in my side, considering how irrational he’s going to be.” N looked up; J was actually showing compassion, what a change.

The two left the cell rooms and the three DD, all left to their own devices.

N walked all the way home with J, the walk filled with silence as N kept his head down, sighing.

When they arrived at the apartment, N opened the door, quietly stepping in and sighing with relief with no signs of Khan being around.

He looked at J behind him and sighed, both jumping as they saw Evie peek around the corner.

“D-daddy?” Evie whimpered and N frowned, kneeling down.

“Hey.. honey, what are you doing up so early..?” He asked, noticing her tired looking face as she ran into his arms.

“I couldn’t sleep at all last night daddy.. I was scared.. I’m sorry daddy..” she told him and he frowned.

“Hey.. I’m not mad..” he said and nodded to J, who walked off to go gather up the twins.

“Does grandpa know you didn’t sleep honey?”

She shook her head, “no papa..”, he sighed hearing that, “I kept seeing this.. weird fleshy drone looking thing and it kept scaring me, but X and Y didn’t see it.. I don’t know what’s wrong with me daddy..”

N’s eyes hollowed hearing that, but he shook his head, “hey.. there’s nothing wrong with you princess..” He told her, “sometimes our brains just like to play tricks on us.” He said, and then looked at J who was holding the sleeping twins in both of her arms, and then she nodded at N as she walked out with them.

“Do you want me to stay beside you to help you sleep my lil biscuit?” N said, rocking Evie back and forth.

“Yes papa..” Evie clung to N, whimpering.

As N tucked Evie into bed, she pointed at a picture of Uzi and N.

“It came from there, had yellow eyes and kept making awful clicking noises.” Evie said. The corner was rather shadowy.

N reached up to pick up the photo frame and brought it down.

“Don’t worry, nothing up there is scary, you know why I know?” N said, kneeling down.

“Why papa?” She said, confused.

“Because your mama and VaVa are watching over you, sunspot. They keep you safe, even when you can’t see them.” N smiled.

“Oh, so are Mama and VaVa going to watch over grandpa P?” Evie said, looking at N as his eyes hollowed.

“Uhh.. how do you know of Mister P, Evie?” N said, confused.

“It kept saying its papa is going to get me and calling me its niece, so I figured their papa was your papa?” Evie clarified.

Seems the solver was trying to get a hold of Evie which N was definitely worried about, but hearing a door creak open, he heard a huff from Khan.

“Tell me more later princess, daddy just has to talk with Grandpa real quick.”

N sighed as he kissed Evie’s head and he walked out, walking into the living room as Khan sat down on the couch.

“Khan, I can-“

“Enough, N.” Khan interrupted him, and N frowned.

“Khan, please, I tried my b-“

“I trusted you with this mission N, and you broke my trust.” Khan snapped at him, “You're very lucky those robo-god forbidden disassembly drones didn’t disassemble Nori for GOOD this time.” Khan yelled at him and N whimpered, looking away.

His eyes teared up, “Khan.. I’m sorry.” He blurted out as he shrunk his head into his shoulders.

“You have a long way to go to repair my trust in you, boy.” Khan said sternly.

“I know, sir..” N felt like a little kid again, being caught in trouble.

“I expect those DD dead as an apology. No mercy.” Khan ordered.

“Uh, Khan. I can’t agree to that, for they are important to J and-“ N was cut off.

“You choose, the colony or them. Don’t make this mistake, N.”

“Khan.. please-“

“I’m not listening to it N.”

“Please, you have to listen to me, I can.. I can redeem them, please!” He begged and Khan shook his head.

“If you want to keep your place in this colony, I recommend you make the right choice.”

“Khan.”

“N.”

“What about Evie? What will she do if I’m gone?!”

“She’ll have me and Nori, she’ll be fine without you, she might be half disassembler but she still has worker drone oil running through her.”

“Khan, this isn’t fair.”

“I’m not having this argument anymore N, I’m giving you 48 hours to make this decision or you’re out of this colony, end of discussion.” He said, then turned and walked to his bedroom, slamming the door behind him.

N stood there in disbelief, shaking with fear and anger as he started feeling sick to his stomach, sinking to the ground as he felt himself hyperventilating as he whimpered

He couldn’t kill them, not after how much information they held to working out to stop the solver, not to mention them being his parents. He had to get Nori to vouch for him; she was the only drone who could talk some sense into him. That, or he had 48 hours to prove to Khan these drones were as innocent as him and J, which was impossible. It took 5 whole years for J to have freedom to exist.

Making his way down to the med bay, he was greeted by Gloria.

“Hello, my prince. Don’t worry, the queen is in fine condition, you seem worried?” Gloria said, putting a hand on N’s shoulder, shaking him from his thoughts.

“Oh, hello Gloria. Is Nori available to talk? I need to discuss some important matters.” N said with a cracked voice. He was in tears at the idea of killing his mentor.

She blinked and nodded, “she’s awake right now, just extremely loopy.” She sighed.

“Good, what room is she in?” He said, his voice sounding a little desperate.

Gloria stared at him, “room 106.” She told him, and he nodded his thanks as he ran off.

He nodded on the door and then peeked in, Nori was staring at the ceiling as she giggled, then looked over at N as she sat up.

“Aww.. it’s my favorite son in lllawww!!” She said, sitting up as she smiled, and N sighed as he walked in, “what's with the frown? How about you turn that frown uuuupsiiide down!” She said giggling and N sighed as he sat down next to her.

“Nori, I need to talk to you about something.. it’s important and an emergency.”

“Hhhmmmm?” She said, raising a brow.

N sighed, “Khan’s threatening to kick me out of the colony if I don’t kill the three disassembly drones we brought back home, and I-“

“Hooooold on.” She said holding up a finger, “slow down, I have a headache..” She said, groaning as she held her head.

N sighed, “I need your help Nori, you need to talk Khan out of this.. please!”

“N.. you know how hard it is to convince him.” She said, looking at him.

“You’re the only drone he’ll listen to, I’m out of options here Nori.”

Nori giggled, “I knooow, he’s such a hunk isn’t he?” She said, twirling her hair and then N just sighed with annoyance.

“Nori, these drones are possibly J and I’s only form of family. I considered my mentor my father, I can afford to lose them so fast.” N tried to keep a calm composure despite the swelling emotions in him.

“Oooooohhhhh, yeah… That P guy… He sure does look like you, why don’t you go do the thing you did with J? Khany boo really liked those things, hehe..” Nori was extremely loopy, patting at N’s face. Those painkillers were working well, especially the magnet stuck on her head.

N sighed. Nori wouldn’t be too happy about this but he needed clear advice. He ripped the magnet off her face, which glitched her back to a more stable state.

“Ow! Fuck! That hurt! Put that shit back now!” Nori winced in pain.

“I am not losing my parents, Nori.” N said with tears in his visor.

“Fine, fine, how much- oww, fuck… time did he give you?” Nori said, trying to grab at the magnet.

“Two whole days.”

“That’s like, super generous considering Khan’s standards, how much time do you need to boot loop these three?”

“Probably a week, maybe a month more likely.” N said, pleading.

Nori was silent, and then sighed, “alright.. I’ll see what I can do.” She told him softly and he whimpered, “it might not work, but I’ll try my best.. I promise.”

N gave her a little smile and wiped his tears, letting out a shaky sigh, “thank you Nori..” he sniffed.

She smiled, “anything for my favorite son in law..” she said with a smile and N smiled.

The two sat there and talked for a minute until he left her to get some rest. Walking out, he looked over at Gloria, nodding his thanks to her and she just smiled back at him.

N walked and walked, and once he got back to the apartment, he walked in, recognizing the sound of sobbing coming from Evie’s room as he quickly bolted towards her room as he was met with Evie sobbing on the floor.

“E-Evie? Hey, hey..” he ran over to her, “hey.. is something wrong? Did something happen when I was gone?”

“Are you really gonna leave me daddy?” She sniffed, N’s eyes hollowing as he realized that Evie must’ve heard the loud argument he and Khan had.

N immediately hugged her, “not in a million years, I’m sorry to leave you like that hun..”

“Then why did grandpa say those things? Why do you have to choose some other drones over our home?…. If you’re going, I am going! I don't want to leave you papa!” Evie wailed into N’s arms.

“Hey Princess.. it’s alright.. If papa is a smart drone, you’ll never have to leave me. Even better, you’ll have so much more family after this!” N patted Evie’s hair, humming a soft tune to her.

“Papa will be very busy for a while, but I am not going anywhere.” N thought about this. He would have to use his time effectively. That meant not a moment of rest. He’d have to inform J of Khan’s ultimatum.

Putting Evie back to bed, he went to the phone, typing in J’s contact. This was going to be a hard conversation.

He hit the call button as he sighed, J picking up.

“What is it, N? I’m kinda busy right now.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt your little ‘make out session’ with your girlfriend, but this is REALLY IMPORTANT.” He growled at her and she just stayed silent.

He heard a quiet ‘sorry Lizzy.’ Before J cleared her throat, “what’s up?”

N sighed, “Khan is threatening to kick me, possibly even you out if we don’t kill the new disassembly drones out of the colony in 48 hours-“

“Slow the fuck down. What?!”

“I know, he’s very pissed about what happened to Nori and he wants those disassembly drones dead.”

“Those are possibly our parents N, we can’t kill them for robogod’s sake!”

“That’s what I told him but he didn’t buy it, he didn’t buy anything I told him!”

“So we have 48 hours to restore their memories and make them chummy enough for Khan? There is NO way that will work, especially when Nori isn’t available. She is the best drone we know to memory hop.” J said clearly annoyed.

“I mean, she is more herself without the magnet on, but that is putting her in extreme pain which Khan isn’t going to like. She said she can talk to him but best we’re getting in a week.” N fiddled with a pen as he thought.

“Does he know our connection to these three?” J asked.

“No, he wouldn’t let me get a word in about that.” N sighed.

There was mumbling heard on the other side before J returned to the phone.

“We can get Aero’s help for the connectors. Brew yourself something energetic, we are working around the clock. I am not losing my mother to a door obsessed old coot!” J said, hanging up the phone.

N sighed. This was incredibly risky but he couldn’t bear to kill them, and leaving Evie was betraying Uzi in every sense. N flipped on his pilot hat and headed out to the cellar. He wouldn’t let the solver win this.

Once he walked in, he was met by a hissing G as she growled at him.

“Relax, you three.” He told them, “I’m saving all of you right now.”

P growled, “in what way?” He said, sounding tired.

“In a way that gets none of you killed, for robo-god's sake.”

They all raised an eyebrow and looked at each other. N sighed, “look, it’s a long story and I don’t have time to explain, just please, bear with me right now. We’re on a tight schedule.”

Not even a few minutes went by as J and Aero came rushing in.

J rushed past N, “we need to get this over with now. I’m not losing my girls over this stupid shit.” She told him as she sat down with Aero, and they started connecting the connectors.

N looked at the 3, “how are we gonna get them to cooperate?” He asked and J looked back.

“With these.” She pulled out some magnets. It wasn’t the most ideal way, but it would keep them docile for the moment.

“Really? Drugging our parents?” N looked in disgust.

“Yeah well, it’s that or the wipe, and I am sure I’d rather have loopy parents than ones with scars considering what the solver has already done to S.” J moved over, slapping a few magnets on P’s head. As he hissed, his lights went blurry.

“Alright, you two are going to need to cover as much ground as possible. We can't be sure which memory will bootloop them, so no diddle dallying.” Aero said, setting up a computer.

N and J both looked at each other, waiting for Aero to finish, they looked at the 3 who all had magnets on them now.

G just looked around confused, P was out on the floor, and S was just.. sitting there, next to G, G taking one look at him and purring as she giggled.

N looked back, “I think we need to hurry before they get TOO comfortable.” He said and J looked back as well.

“Oh hush, I’m almost done.” He said, then grabbed two connectors in his hands, “alright.” He said handing both of them the connectors. N and J took them.

There was a small blink before the two drones fell to the floor unconscious. Aero had the three’s memories up with J and N’s added, along with the old files of V’s memories, the manor was oh so clear.

“S, lock up the dumpster pets, would you? I don't want them disturbing my anniversary!” a man handed a key to S who looked up and nodded, placing it in his jacket as he made his way to the young mistress's room. It was lively, full of drone and human laughter.

Knocking on the door, he got the room's attention.

“Children, Master has requested you return back to the library now.” S said, opening the door.

“But mister, we are busy!!!” Young V whined as she started to pout.

“Now now, you know this is an important day for Master and Mistress.” G scooped up V into her arms as V dropped the dolls.

“Aww G, please, it’s not like mother and father actually want me at dinner!” Tessa whined.

Young N looked around curiously, and when he spotted P his face lit up, “Dad!” He beamed, crawling over to him.

P smiled as he kneeled down, picking N up, bouncing him gently and then sighing.

“J, come on baby..” G said as J kept herself clung to Tessa.

“No! I wanna stay with Tessa! I promise I can be good!” She whined and S sighed, walking over to J and Tessa.

“You’ll see Tessa later honey..” he said, opening his arms for J but she just shook her head.

Present N and Present J, who were off hiding, just stared, N being surprised by the soft tones the drones held, but he couldn’t help but stare at P holding younger him.

N let out a whine before slipping on the branch the two were on. Letting out a yelp, he fell down into a bush.

J looked down and flawlessly leapt down into the bush.

“You know you could of just waited for me to relay some information, dogs aren’t known for climbing.” J baaed.

“Hey! I just wanted to see stuff! Oof.” N scrambled to his paws.

“Hey, did you hear that?” P said, confused as he swore he just heard the sound of a large animal falling from a tree.

“Hear what?” G said, confused.

“We have no time for this, P. Come on girls and boys, before you get in real trouble!” S ushered the young dronelings out.

“Why can’t we play more?” Tessa whined.

“Oh, you’ll understand when you're older my swanling, now let's get you ready.” G helped Tessa up and to the closet.

“What did you hear, pops?” Little N said, clinging to his father’s side.

“Sounded like one of those dogs you keep telling me about.” P said ruffling N’s hair

“[Head tilt] Puppy?!” Cyn said excitedly, pulling on P’s collar.

“Yes, puppy.” P booped Cyn’s visor.

As they reached the library S stopped, P reaching out his hands. P looked down sadly.

“What is she going to do in like 2 hours? Is it really necessary?” P frowned.

“I cannot disobey Master’s orders, you know the girl has to go down there.”

“This is so unfair!!” Both J and V whined.

“Why does mommy and daddy get to play with Tessa and I don’t?!” J loudly complained and P sighed.

“You’ll understand when you’re much older, little jay bird.” He said, patting her head.

She looked down disappointed, “you say that every time.” She growled and P sighed, leading them all to the library as V and J whined, N and Cyn clinging to his sides.

“I see where the twins get their personality from.” N chuckled and just received a kick from J, “Ow!”

S let out a huff and P handed over Cyn to S, S scruffing her like a dog.

“[Pain pain] ow ow.” Cyn cried out.

“D-don’t hold her like that dammit!” P hissed but his hand was slapped away by S as he kicked up the rug, revealing a cellar door, unlocking it with a key and practically tossing Cyn down the stairs. P was about to go down to help his daughter up, only for his hand to get crushed by S.

“Masters orders P. You know better, you're not a droneling.” S hissed, lifting his foot off P’s hand and slamming the cellar door shut, locking it.

“When will we be allowed to play again?” V whined as S and P gave worried looks.

“If everything goes smoothly later tonight Vava. Just try not to make a ruckus, there are only so many excuses I can make.” S said, putting away the key and walking out.

P held his hand, the light shattered in it as he winced in pain, young N going over to check on his father.

“I-I am fine, you go settle in my boy.” P smiled, but it was clearly forced.

Leaving the library the kids were left to their own devices.

P made sure to make his way to his post outside the door. He wrapped a napkin around his crushed hand.

Little J pouted as she sat on the floor, “it’s not fair, my mommy gets to do all the fun stuff.” She hissed out.

V groaned loudly, “there’s no toys in here either! They took them all!” She said looking around.

Little N crawled over the rug where the cellar was, whimpering as he lifted the rug, trying to open the cellar door but it was no use.

“Hey! My dad said you’re not allowed to go in there!” J said, her hands on her sides, she put her finger up, “no little drones in there except for the adults and the broken one.

“S-she’s not broken!” N whimpered.

“Well, that’s what the older drones said.” Young V said, poking her head from behind a bookshelf.

“Well, the older drones are wrong!” N told her and frowned as he looked down at the cellar.

“You ok Cyn?!” N yelled down there.

“[crawling twitching] I am ok Big brother N. Is Father P still here?” Cyn spoke faintly as she coughed.

“No, dad went to work.” N frowned.

Outside the window, present N frowned as he saw the sight before feeling something gnawing on his tail.

“Hey, would you cut it out? I am trying to sadly remember our past!” N barked.

“Baa, no I won’t! We are here to resort our parents' memories, not feel sorry for ourselves. Remember, Evie and the twins won’t have parents if we waste time!” J head butted N.

“Fine, fine.” N huffed as he saw P return to the door.

“This is our shot. Come on, follow me.” J trotted up to the door.

P was still looking down at his hand and he didn’t realise there was a pale white goat and golden retriever coming up to him. Not till the sound of chewing was heard.

P raised an eyebrow and then looked over, letting out a yep at the random sighting.

“W-what the?!” P blinked, “how did you get in here?!”

“Oh relax.” J snapped at him and N gave her a warning growl.

N sighed, “Dad, it’s me N-“

“You’re not N! Y-you’re not my son!”

“It’s N in the future.” He told him calmly.

P just looked at him confused and then shook his head, “that’s not possible.” He turned towards the library door but N quickly bit his sleeve, stopping him.

J rolled her eyes, “we’re getting nowhere with this, N.”

N looked back at her, “I can do this!”

J just glared at him and he sighed, rolling his eyes.

“Dad look it’s hard to explain but you Mama and Mister S are all reincarnated as dangerous killing machines who don’t remember us and we have to get you to remember us or we all burn in the sun” N jumped up on P tail wagging.

P’s eyes hollow in confusion “I-I need to get better sleep. G was right, I am overworking myself.” He said, looking like he was about to pass out.

J rammed a horn into P’s leg, snapping him out of fear and baaed loudly.

“Listen here, old man. You’re our only lead right now, so get a grip!”

“Jay bird?” P sounded confused.

“Yeah! See? Look N, it’s so much easier if we do this my way, through a massive amounts of threats!”

N just glared at her and sighed, turning back to P who just stared at them with hollowed eyes.

“H-.. how is this even possible?” He said, holding his head while looking at them.

N opened his mouth, but J quickly interrupted him, “Not enough time to explain, where’s my dad and mom?” J blurted out and S sighed.

“G is with Tessa and S is with Mr and Ms Elliot, I can’t interrupt them, I’ll get in trouble.” P said, fiddling his hands together.

“Oh well, I am tho.” J said as she started running away, and N ran after her.

“W-wait!!” P said, running after them as they both ran.

Scampering through the hallways, P tried to keep up with the goat and dog. J head butteding any drones that came in her way, causing massive destruction. Making her way upstairs, she rammed the door to Tessa’s room.

G screamed in horror as the goat dashed around the room, trying to keep its balance and tripping on all the toys left out.

“G, I am so sorry! I-I'll fix this!” P tried chasing after J.

“Oh hey, hi Miss G. Um, I swear she isn’t here to hurt you or anything!” N panted, running up to Tessa and G.

“WHY did you let a wild animal into the manor, P?!” G screamed out.

“What the heavens is that ruckus?!” James' voice could be heard from far away.

Both J and N’s eyes hollowed as they looked at each other, both scrambling as they hid.

G was about to open her mouth to yell at P, but P quickly stopped her, “I-I’ll explain later, please G!”

Tessa looked around panicked, but they all froze as Mr Elliott walked in, all of them lining up and standing politely.

N and J carefully peeked out as they saw James Elliot himself, staring down at his daughter and the two drones beside her. S was right beside James Elliot with his hands behind his back, he looked nervous though. Tessa and her two drones were looking down all together.

“Tessa, what did I tell you about keeping those little runts in control?!”

Tessa frowned, “yes father, I’m sorry.”

“My house is trashed because of your little dumpster pets! I told you they were no good.” He pointed at her, all of the drones eyes were hollowed, P was visibly sweating.

“Yes father, it won't happen again.”

“You’re damn right it won’t happen again, I want those little runts sent to the swamp tomorrow! Especially the broken one.”

That caused all the drones plus Tessa to look up.

“Y-you can’t!” P moved in front G and S gasped at his disregard for his safety. James whacked him directly in the face with his cane, causing him to fall to the floor, coughing up oil.

“S, take this one to the basement! It’s broken.” James hissed as he walked away.

“Yes, Master.” S said nervously, his voice shaking. As James left the room, G immediately rushed over to P to check on him.

“P, you fool! Why on earth did you do that?! S, help me, he’s losing oil!” G picked P up, who had a nasty gash on his face.

N rushed out under the bed to whine as he nuzzled P.

“It’s ok, I’ll be fine..” P’s voice glitched.

“Papa!” N cried out as he whined, pawing at him.

“N?” S looked confused as the dog spoke. It sounded like the young droneling, just a little deeper.

N looked up at S as he whimpered.

“N, you idiot!” J said as she struggled to get out from underneath the bed. Once she got herself unstuck she popped out from under the bed, shaking herself, but her eyes hollowed as she felt S and G’s eyes on her.

“..I have a headache.” G said as she held her head, sighing.

“Not enough time, you two!” N blurted out to them as he whimpered, looking down at P as P reached up a gentle hand to pet him, N just whimpered at him.

Tessa kneeled down next to them, “P, I’m so sorry!” She said as she frowned and P looked at her.

“It’s.. okay, I promise Tessa.” He said as G tried searching for something to wrap the wound up with.

Some bed sheets were the best thing he could get as he stumbled to his feet.

“He’s going to be after the kids,” S said with a shaky breath.

“Well, we can’t just let Father do that! I mean, that’s not how things go right?” Tessa looked at N and J. J realized what they must do to set things right.

Before anyone could respond, they heard a loud howling in pain noise from a human, and the lights of the room glowed a sickening yellow as numbers dotted the lights.

“What on earth?!” G muttered before feeling J ram at her to get up.

“No time, to the basement!” J baaed out.

“What the-“

“Go!” J snapped at her and then she nodded as she rushed out.

N whimpered as he stayed by P’s side, S looked down at him and then picked P up as N followed after, all of them running.

G ran into the library with J and all the kids looked at her, all of their eyes hollowed.

“Mommy.. what’s happening..?” J whimpered and G frowned, running over to the kids, “it’s okay.. shh.. it’s okay..” she said and J just watched the door as he saw S step in while holding P, N behind them.

G looked back at N and J, “care to explain what in the heavens is happening right now?!”

“You’re about to be digitally lobotomised by an eldritch entity!” N said, a bit unsure before hearing a thud from the basement hatch. A claw popped out, waving itself around before grabbing on to V and yanking her towards the basement.

“Ahh! Help!! Mama!! Papa!!” V cried out as G rushed to V’s aid, trying to pull against the claw.

“W-what?! By who? There are no monsters in the manor.” P said, confused.

“I am guessing your daughter by it being in the basement.” S said coldly, rushing to help V.

“Impossible! My daughter is an angel, she would never!”

N sighed, “you’d be surprised.”

P stared at him, “what does that mean..?” N stayed silent. “N! What does that mea-“ he was cut off as another claw revealed itself, grabbing younger N and both P and present N’s eyes hollowed as N ran over, biting at the claw as he tried to release himself.

N blinked at the dog, then looked at P, “daddy! Look! It’s a puppy!” He said, sounding more happy than scared at seeing the dog.

“Not the best time younger me!!” N said as he kept biting at the claw.

Once the claw was gnawed off by present N, it regrew and yanked on to P, smacking him against the library walls.

Soon, several more claws appeared out, all grabbing the drones, P going down to the basement first. N ran after him along with little N who had the chance to escape; but the puppy was more important.

Inside the basement were horrific experiments of what seemed to be the parents' DD bodies. Cyn was nowhere to be found.

“Time to say night night, Father P.” The robotic voice spoke with a camera.

“Noooo!” N cried out, biting at the claw, before the camera was punched out by S and the solver seemed to reset for a moment.

“We have like 24 hours available.” Aero’s voice echoed through the solver.

“Yeah yeah, I know. How close are we?” N asked.

“About 97% percent”

N whimpered, “we still have enough time though, right?”

“If you quit dilly dallying, then yeah.” Aero told him and sighed.

N jumped as he felt a hand slowly petting his back and then he looked back, making eye contact with his younger self.

“Nice doggy..” he giggled out and N blinked at him.

P, who was right beside them, struggled to get up as he coughed, both N’s turning their heads to him as dog N ran over to him, whimpering.

Aero stared down at the three but then froze as he heard footsteps running towards him, looking over he saw G running at him with full force, a metal pipe in her hand, V in the other arm, as she was about to hit him but was quickly stopped by goat J running up to her and headbutting her legs gently but hard enough to stop her.

“What the-“ G looked down at the goat and V stared down with her, J stared up at G, “it’s okay, this.. version of the solver?? Is safe.”

V pointed and giggled, “mommy! It’s one of those farm animals that you showed me in the books!”

Younger J stumbled to get up as she scrambled over, “it reeks!!” She said, holding her imaginary nose and goat J just gave her an offended look.

“Says you! Note, that I’m literally future you!”

“..nuh uh! Mommy that’s not true, is it?” She said, looking at G.

“Uhhh, well… Is it true? Are you my Jaybird?” G looked down at the goat.

“Yes, I am your jaybird mama!” J’s little goat tail wagged a lot as she nuzzled G.

“Aww, my little baby, what are you doing as a goat?” G was very confused, patting J.

“Saving you, of course. Now, where is Cyn?” J happily said then looked around.

“Here.” Under the table, Cyn crawled out with a broken visor.

“Aight Cyn, you know where the keys are to their memories right?” Goat J hopped over to Cyn as a hooded crow crawled out of her cap

“Yeah, sure do.” Uzi said, dropping a key ring onto J’s horns. It had a skull and purple solver symbol on it.

“Great, this is definitely what we need.” Aero moved a claw over to the horns, picking up the keys and locking them into the camera.

Soon the room shifted from less of a yellow glow to a more natural light. The restraints on P lifted and the solver slid away as most damage was healed.

“[Happy reunion], Father P, you came back for Big Brother N!” Cyn scampered over to P who pulled Cyn into a hug.

“Of course, my little pup I wouldn’t forget. Wait, where are you now little pup?” P was happy to see his daughter till realising he couldn’t remember where she was.

“I am with V and Uzi, don’t worry Father. I will keep you safe.” Cyn nuzzled P. Uzi flew over and perched on N’s head, preening his fur.

“So not all my swanlings are safe?” G said disheartened as S patted her on the back.

J rubbed her head up against G, “you have two grandchildren tho..”

G’s eyes hollowed and then she seemed to get excited as she brought her hands up to her face in excitement.

“Two grandbabies?!” She said excitedly, “oh, my little jay bird, this is amazing!” She said happily, and then looked back at S who just smiled at her and gave her a thumbs up.

V and J looked at each other in confusion, both shrugged. G then brought S and goat J into a hug and then held her arm out for V and J, bringing them into the hug as well.

N’s tail wagged as he stared up at Uzi, Uzi made purring like noises as she stared back down at him, but then stood and started pecking him.

“Ow!” He said as she kept pecking him.

“Why.” Peck “Did.” Peck “You.” Peck “Let.” Peck “My.” Peck “Mother.” Peck “Go.” Peck “Out.” Peck “wi-“

“Ow ow ow!!! Okay I get it!! Your dad is already on my tail enough!!” He whined.

“You’re so stupid.. but you’re lucky you’re too cute for me to be mad at you.” She said, relaxing again, she placed a gentle peck on his face again, but this time, it felt like a kiss as N smiled happily.

P and younger N stared at the two as P blinked, N looked back at P as his tail wagged, Uzi also looking at him.

“You must be my father in law. Well, my dad had gotten it through his thick head that you're a threat. Not anymore, that is.” Uzi cawed, flapping up to P and pecking his visor which revealed the admin had changed.

“F-father in law?” P said, unsure.

“Oh yeah, there is a lot to explain, but I’ll do that when you wake up Dad.” Present N said, tail wagging.

“You take good care of papa, okay me?” little N said, hugging present N.

“Of course.”

Those were the last words spoken before N gasped as he was brought back to reality, soon after seeing his parents still loopy from the magnets.

“D-did it work?” N said, looking at Aero who nodded.

P groaned as he sat up, “..N?” He said, looking at N, who’s face lit up as his tail wagged, he was about to run towards the cage and open it until Aero grabbed his arm.

“That.. might not be the best option, considering your.. situation right now.”

N looked back at Aero, letting out a whimper and then nodding as he sighed.

G looked around, “w-where’s my little jay bird.” She whimpered out and then J stepped up to the cage.

“I’m here momma..” she told her and G teared up as she struggled to crawl over to J.

“O-oh.. my little jay bird..” she said, she was obviously loopy from the magnets but she was an emotional mess seeing J, “my sweet sweet little jay bird..” she cried as she tried to reach out for her daughter, J just frowned.

“‘Sweet’ is a little over exaggerated.” N mumbled quietly but Aero quickly nudged him and he sighed.

P looked down at his body. It was nothing like his worker model. He was so confused, not to mention his son was way taller than him.

“W-what are we?” P questioned, confused.

“Oh, well.. The solver that took over Cyn, um.. turned us into these killing machines. Don’t worry, we have free will now.” N said, taking a magnet off of P’s head.

P seemed more clear headed after that, looking at his son.

“You’ve grown so much, you’re no longer my little pup anymore.” P said, rather sad.

“Yeah, I know Dad. I am a dad of my own now.” N said as he hugged P through the bars of the cell.

“Alright, I hate to break up the tender moment, but you two have 20 hours to make a case to Khan that these three are innocent. The footage of the memories does shed some light and I have gotten wind that Nori has talked to him, but it will come down to his final say soon.”

N and J looked at each other, and then N nodded.

“Okay, let’s head back now.” He and J took one good look at the trio again, P was staring at N while G was sobbing on the floor, S sitting beside her as he tried soothing her.

They both then nodded at each other as they ran out.

They both quickly ran towards the Doorman apartment as N slightly knocked and then opened the door.

“K..Khan?” He said, looking around, and then jumped when he heard his voice.

“You better have a good excuse as to why you were gone so long.” He said, standing there in the doorway as he crossed his arms, glaring at the two.

“Well, you're in luck because we do. J chuffed.

“The three disassembly drones have had their memories restored and are free from the solver. They aren’t threats anymore!” N cheered.

“Yes? And why are you so chummy with them anyway? They are simply random drones.” Khan was puzzled.

“Well, your majesty, these are our parents, the drones who were our only parental figures in the manor.” J said, rolling her eyes.

“They adopted us when we were young, so of course we didn’t want to kill them.” N pleaded.

Khan’s expression changed from anger to surprise at the news.

“Your parents?! Why didn’t you say so sooner? That explains an awful lot, I thought it was just a coincidence they were modelled to take after you two's appearance.” Khan had a rather joyous expression, which shocked J and N. Did it really take that little to convince him?

J and N blinked at each other in shock.

“Sooo..” N started, “we’re.. safe now?” He raised a brow, just sounding baffled.

Khan sighed, “for now-“

“Alright, good enough! Thanks!” J said, shooting up as she tried to walk out, until Khan spoke again.

“But.” He started and J groaned as she looked back at him, “I expect them to be under heavy supervision between you two.”

The two disassembly drones stared at each other and then back at Khan, “I want them to stay at your apartment, J, so you can keep a close eye on them and until they can be trusted.” Khan said, crossing his arms.

“Always a catch.” J sighed.

“Thank you for your kindness, Khan. I am sure they won’t let you down. Those three are responsible for who we are today.” N was happy as ever to hear his parents are going to be safe.

“Does this mean papa can stay?” Evie said, looking around the corner. She seemed to be crying.

“Yes, young princess. Your father and aunt are staying.” Khan turned to face Evie.

N sighed with a smile as he kneeled down, frowning at her tired looking face as she came running to him. He immediately picked her up as he stayed in the hug with her, both of them purring loudly.

Khan stood there with J as the two watched, J sighed.

“I guess I should go fetch the trio while I’m at it now..” she said, turning and walking out. Khan just stood there and sighed.

Chapter Text

J was awoken to the smell of oil brewing, her tail waved curiously in the air as she lifted herself from her pillow. Tired as ever she scrambled for her hearing aids, hair a mess. It had been two months since Khan’s ultimatum and well, there hadn’t been an incident yet. Colony life had returned back to normal, though maybe a few more members were added. As J trotted out to the living room, the apartment was much lively, less hollow and soulless.

“Bonjour mon bébé!” G chirped happily as she was cooking something.

“Bonjour maman.” J chirped back, eyes still half lidded as she sat down at the table. S already sitting there reading something in braille. Though P was absent from the kitchen, J assumed he also slept in.

“Here you go, swanling.” G placed some oil based food down in front of J. Brilliantly, G had managed to work out how to cook with just oil turning the liquid into more solid based meals. Today she made something resembling a croissant.

J blinked at it, then she shrugged as she picked it up and started chowing down on it while purring.

“So, Mon bébé,” G said sitting down in a chair and J looked at her, mid bite. “What do you have planned for today?”

“Ohh.. just Lizzy coming over and bringing the twins with her.” She said with a sigh.

G’s tail wagged. G had grown a liking for the twins, and the twins loved her even more, she constantly told them story after story and surprisingly, the twins would listen.

J looked around, “so where’s P at?” She said, raising a brow.

“Still asleep, he had plans to go see N today.”

P right now was sitting awake in his room, wrapping some bandages around his hand. It wasn't broken, but ever since the memory hopping it felt sore. Like a phantom pain was still there. His notebook left out on the side table had lots of different chicken scratch handwriting on it. He heard the commotion out in the living room and figured it was best to stay in the present. Picking up his hat, shifting it on and dusting off his uniform he strolled outside. It was still so surreal hearing the fate his past life fell to, especially his own daughter. He couldn’t accept there was no saving her.

“Well, speak of the devil. I thought you were still asleep.” G said as she was interrupted mid sentence talking to J about something.

“I uhh.. like my own company from time to time.” P said, stuttering a bit.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost, P.” J commented as P had a constant hollowed eyed expression.

“I-I just have trouble focusing my eyes, no need to worry, Jaybird. You’ll end up like a worry wart like G.” P said, making a jab at G.

“I am not! I have the perfect level of worry for every situation.” G huffed her tail flicking.

He sighed, “I’m.. fine. Just had a little trouble sleeping last night.. that’s all.” He responded, holding his head.

G and J frowned at him and he sighed, walking over, pouring himself a cup of warm oil as he started drinking it.

They both sighed and then turned their heads as they heard a knock at the door, J standing up as she quickly walked over to the door and opened it. X immediately jumped into her arms as her tail wagged and Y hugged her leg.

J smiled down at the two, “hey you two little sneakers.” She said, nuzzling X and X giggled.

Lizzy was soon to walk in as she smiled.

G’s tail wagged as she stood up, rushing over, “my grand babies!” She said, X and Y both looked up at her.

“Grandma!!” They immediately rushed over to her as they hugged her, all of their tails wagging as they stayed in the hug.

J sighed as she watched them, Lizzy walking up beside her with a smile as she kissed her cheek and J purred.

“So, how was last night? I heard Saint has been rolling more than usual.” J said, nuzzling Lizzy.

“Well, yes, it seems like she might be hatching soon. Isn’t it so exciting? I know how Dolly feels about the trio, but I am sure Saint will love them.” Lizzy replied, happy as ever.

“Grandma, grandma! Look! I brought over one of the mangas I talked about! I read the whole thing, not just pictures!” X said excitedly.

“Aww, my smart little swanling. You are growing up too fast, mwah, mwah!” G lifted X into the air as she giggled.

The apartment was full of laughter and joy. Y hopped on to S’s head, perching and purring as they chirped back at her.

P looked around. He felt out of place in this happy scene, the lack of sleep getting to him. Looking down at his notebook he turned it to see a small panda sticker. Yes, the princess had gifted that to him.

P smiled down at the little panda sticker and then jumped as there was another knock at the door. J turned around, looking confused as she walked over and opened the door.

N stood there in the doorway, his tail wagging as he was holding Evie.

J blinked and then looked to P who did not hesitate to rush over, hugging the two. N purred as he accepted his father’s embrace and Evie just giggled.

“W-what are you two doing here?!” He said, his tail wagging, “I was supposed to come to your house!”

N chuckled, “well.. you know how Khan is about you three being alone, so I just thought it would be better for me to come over here instead with Evie.” He said with a smile, Evie reaching for P as she giggled.

“Grandpa!” She said as he gently took her from N’s hands and she clung to P, her tail wagging rapidly.

“Hello there, little princess. My, you are growing fast! Last time I saw you I swear you were as small as my palm!” P over exaggerated his statement but Evie couldn’t tell. Sarcasm was still lost on her.

“Really?! I told you I am not tiny Daddy, I am growing just as fast X and Y!” Evie cheered.

“Well, I guess I just can’t accept my baby’s becoming a big kid, can I?” N smirked, booping Evie on the visor.

“Hehe, yeah, I’ll be like, as tall as two papas stacked on top of each other when I am older!” Evie said chuffed.

It was sweet, Evie and the twins had accepted their grandparents faster than their actual parents and had grown used to their presence. Things that only seemed like daydreams were becoming true. N felt at ease knowing more of his family was safe, though P didn’t share that feeling. The fact that the three of the young ones weren’t with them worried him; he knew V and Tessa weren’t his daughters, but still loved them all the same as much as Cyn.

P was pulled out of his thoughts as he felt Evie playing with his hair and as she giggled.

He smiled and looked down at her, “what are you doing? You silly goose!” He said nuzzling her and she giggled louder, her tail wagging.

“Daddy! I’ve decided I like this grandpa better than Grandpa Khan!” She said proudly, and N sighed.

P lifted a brow, “is he that much of a competition?” He asked N, and N shook his head.

“Not really.”

“Grandpa S, how many fingers am I holding up?” X asked as she was sitting next to him, holding up three fingers.

“I- uh-“

“Girls, girls! Let’s be nice to grandpa S, you two.” J said, giving S an apologetic look.

“But moooom, I wanna know what it’s like to be blind!” She whined and J just stared down at her.

“No you don’t, anyways!” She said sitting her back down next to Y, “if you girls are good enough you might get to spend the night here.” She told them with a smile and both their tails wagged.

“Slumber party!” Y said, holding her hands up excitedly and J sighed.

“Oh, that’s just wonderful, mon bébé’s mon bébé staying over is just alright.” G placed a kiss on top of J’s head which made J purr.

“Can I stay over as well, Papa?” Evie looked to N who nodded.

“Yay!”

“Grandpa Khan is never available to have slumber parties, this is epic!” Evie cheered. Clearly she was keeping a tally of which grandparents she liked better.

The kids settled into the apartment, showing their grandparents all they had learned from school and life. The parents were chatting beside themselves.

“X kept telling me how stoked she was to finally have a grandmother, as if she is one upping Evie in that sense which is adorable.” Lizzy laughed, though not loud enough to alert the kids.

“Gee, I wonder where she gets that from..” N said, looking at J.

“You say that as if you aren’t also in this petty game of life.” J smirked back.

N smiled as he rolled his eyes, but soon let out an ‘oof!’ As Evie ran into him, hugging him.

“Daddy daddy daddy!! Did you bring my sticker pack?? The one with the animals? I wanna show grandpa P!” She said, her tail wagging and N chuckled.

“Don’t worry, I brought it.” he said, reaching in his pocket, pulling out the stickers as he sighed with a smile, handing it to Evie who just looked excited as she snatched it and ran back to P, her tail wagging faster than ever.

N sighed as he watched her, J watched her as well, “I’m guessing she’s grown a love for stickers, eh?”

“Oh yeah, she recently found out you can have free will on putting stickers wherever you like and I had to help Khan get stickers off from all over his face.” He sighed.

Lizzy chuckled, and then sighed, J looked down at her as she purred, gently nuzzling Lizzy as Lizzy blushed, nuzzling her back.

N looked at the two, and then sighed, sitting himself down next to S, the two sat in silence.

“Grandpa, what’s it like being blind?” X asked curiously,

“Can you see me grandpa?” Y said, poking her face in front of S curiously and S just stayed silent, sighing.

G was giggling at the two, “girls girls girls, how about I tell you two a few stories about when your mothers, mon bèbès, were as little as you two?” She said purring, and that immediately turned the two's attention, ignoring S now they crawled over to her.

“After the story can I tell you about this COOL manga that mama J got me?” X asked as her tail wagged and G nodded, holding the two close as she started telling her story.

“When your mother was very young, maybe just a bit older than you are now,young Mistress Tessa came home with your other mother very confused and disoriented. You see, both your mama and uncle adored V very much that in classic fashion they decided to make it a competition on who could befriend V faster.” G began the story as the three little dronelings listened carefully.

“I bet papa won!” Evie shouted out.

“Nu uh! Mama is great at making friends!” Y protested.

“Well, you're both right, your parents are wonderful at making friends as the two went all out. Your father taught V how to dance, and your mother taught V how to write. The two performed to the best of their abilities to wow the new pretty drone. But with all the amazing talent the two had, there was something V wanted more than cool talents.” G said, changing her hands to projectors as small holograms showed the young dronelings.

“But what could VaVa want more than cool tricks and gifts?” X was perplexed.

“An answer to where she came from. You see, both your parents knew where and who they were before the manor. But V didn’t, so she asked her new friends if they could help, and what do you think your parents said?” G looked at the three.

“They said yes, right?!” X said curiously as she leaned closer G now, practically crawling over her now until she received a glare from J.

“X, give grandma G her space.” She said with her arms crossed and X looked back at her, sitting back again.

“Sorry mama..”

“Noo it’s okay!” G said with a smile, “but yes, they did say yes.” She said with a smile, gently nuzzling X and X giggled.

“They even went behind our backs and snuck out without our permission.” S said with a smile as he laid his head on G’s shoulder and G purred, “we had to search for them for hours while also trying to be ‘professional’.” S sighed.

“Don’t encourage them now.” J chuckled and S just let out a small smile, G gently kissed his head.

“Did VaVa find what she was looking for tho?” Y asked curiously, and G thought for a minute.

“In a way, she didn’t get the answer was was looking for, but she got an answer, and that was good enough for her.” She said with a sigh but X and Y just frowned.

“Well, that’s not fair!” X whimpered, “where’s the happy ending!”

“That is the happy ending.” G told her, “not all happy endings are getting things that we want, we just sometimes live with the results.”

“Well that’s dumb!” X said pouting but jumped as she heard J speak.

“X! We don’t use that language!” J told her and X whimpered.

“Sorry mama..”

“Was VaVa at least able to be happy after not getting the things she wanted?” Y asked.

“Well, she lived a long life feel in love and had two wonderful little dronelings surrounded by friends, so I’d say so.” G booped Y.

“Wow! Two dronelings sis! We are two, what are the odds of that?!” Y was surprised she didn’t put two and two together just yet. This was the most they heard of V in their lives as it was too painful for J and N to talk about, always boarding themselves off from the topic.

While the story had been going on Evie had placed several stickers on P from his hands to his face. He looked like a work of art.

“Do you want to share something about your manga now, swanling?” G looked to X who’s eyes lit up.

“Oh do I! Ok so this time I read the whole thing so everything makes way more sense!” X hopped up on to G’s lap to give herself some height.

As X was explaining the story to G, Evie was giggling as she continued putting stickers on P, P just looking down at her with a smile.

She got to a sticker that looked like a giraffe, she giggled, “daddy tells me these are giraffes, I think they look funny because of their long necks.” She said wagging her tail as she peeled it off the paper it was on and then put it on his forehead, P just purred.

P continued to stare down at Evie as she continued telling him about the different animals on the pack, he couldn’t help but think of how much Evie reminded him of Cyn, her personality being a lot like Cyn’s whenever he was raising her, he sighed, frowning.

Evie stared at him, frowning, “did I say something wrong grandpa? I’m sorry.” She frowned and P was immediately snapped out of his thoughts, shaking his head.

“Huh? Oh honey no no.” She said putting his hand on her shoulder, “I’m fine sweetie, just thinking.”

Evie frowned and then looked down at her stickers, putting them aside as she looked down, “sorry, I should’ve known these would be boring.” She mumbled and P immediately frowned at that.

“No honey, I love hearing about all these animals you know about, here.” He said pointing to a horse sticker, “what’s that one?”

Evie looked at it, “oh! That’s a horse!” She said happily, “daddy said they could pull things! And you can ride on their backs too!!” She said excitedly.

P sighed as he smiled, “I think that’s very interesting, hon.”

N smiled as he watched the two, “if you ever need me to take her off your hands dad, I can.”

P looked back at him, “I think I'm fine for now!” He told him and Evie giggled as she put the horse sticker on his cheek.

“You know Grandpa, when papa went out to get you, I got visited by a very scary sight who said you were out to get me, but I think they are big liars!” Evie placed a tiger sticker on P’s arm.

“Oh, did you now? And how did you know they were talking about your grandparents?” P asked.

“Well, it called me their niece, and I know that means kid of your sibling, and called you it’s papa soooo maybe it’s my aunt or uncle? Though Auntie J is prickly, she doesn’t seem like the type to look like that.” Evie said, fiddling with a sticker.

P blinked, then looked at N, “N.. what does she mean?”

N’s eyes hollowed, and he immediately stood up, “alright Evie, time to give grandpa space.” He said, walking over and picking her up, she whined.

“But daaadd..”

“No N, what does she mean?” P said, giving him a stern look.

N just whimpered, “dad look..” he sighed, “I’ll talk to you about it later.” He told him, P just glared at him and then sighed.

“Aaaand theeeen!!”

“X, this is boring!” Y told her and X growled at her, “you keep telling the same story over and over again!”

“Nuh uh! You’re just not a true fan like me! You have to understand the looore!!”

Y just gave her a confused look and X just sighed, pouting.

G blinked down at X, obviously confused about everything that X told her, but tried her best to be supportive as she smiled down at her.

“Alright girls, give grandma some space and go play with Evie while the adults talk.” Lizzy said softly, picking X up and sitting her on the floor as X whined, “we won’t be long.” Lizzy told her and X rolled her eyes, Y happily crawled over to Evie.

Lizzy sighed as she stared at the twins crawling off and got spooked as G spoke to her.

“You must be Lizzy right? We haven’t properly talked yet.” G said with a smile and Lizzy turned to her.

“Oh! Yes ma’am, hello.” Lizzy said with a smile and G smiled back at her.

“J talks about you a lot, she talked about you coming over non stop last ni-“

“Okay mom!” J said blushing as he rushed by Lizzy’s side, “you don’t have to tell her that!” She said covering her face and Lizzy chuckled.

“Aww, you think about me when I’m gone??” Lizzy said softly, nuzzling her gently and J looked away, blushing in embarrassment.

G smiled at the two, “so when’s my 3rd grandbaby coming?” She said, sounding very excited.

That caused Lizzy and J to freeze, both blushing in embarrassment as J covered her face, “moooooom..” she whined and G looked around confused.

“What? Did I say something wrong?”

“Mon amour, I think you’re getting ahead of yourself. Give Jaybird some time to yearn, we know how long it took for her to admit her feelings to V.” S said, poking fun at his daughter.

“Hey, that’s only because the manor was no place for romance! You told me that much, Papa.” J rolled her eyes.

“Ah yes, so when’s the grandbaby? Hehe”

“Maybe give it a few years. Having 2 eggs in 3 years is tough, sir.” Lizzy kissed J on the cheek

“Wait, really?” J was a blushing mess.

Seemed P and N had moved to the room. P had many notes stuck up with various ramblings. Despite all this time P still had terrible handwriting, though N could read it.

N was pulled out his thoughts while reading when P spoke.

“Do you care to explain to me what Evie was talking about?.. Is Cyn possibly around here somewhere?” P said desperately, and N frowned at him.

“Not.. exactly..” he sighed looking away, “I need you to.. sit down for this one.” He told him and P stared at him confused, sitting down.

N sighed, “Cyn is.. in a way.. still ali-“

“Where is she?! C-can I see her?” P stood up immediately but N put his hands on his shoulders, sitting him back down.

“I’m getting there..” he told him softly and P whimpered, he sighed, “After the gala, I don’t really know what happened or how it happened, but..” N sighed, “the version of Cyn I’m talking about.. skinned Tessa and is now wearing her skin, and is now out for all drones who are hosts of the solver.”

P’s eyes were hollowed as he listened, then shook his head, “no. Cyn would never do that. Stop lying, N.”

“Dad-“

“Stop lying to me N! Cyn would never hurt a fly!” He said, his eyes tearing up as he stood up, “none the less would she ever hurt Tessa like that! She loves Tessa!”

“Dad please sit back down-“

“N-no! Tell me where Cyn is now, N! Where is this colony hiding her?!” P said while growling as he unleashed his wings and N’s eyes hollowed, trying to reach out for his dad but P backed up, hissing at him.

P stood there growling for a good minute until he looked down at himself, blinking as he realized what he was doing and then whimpered, looking back at N, “I-I’m sorry.. I’m just..” he hid his face in his hands.

P hadn’t been taking anything well. The fact of being brought back and memories erased, everything was so foreign, they weren’t even on earth anymore. As much as he knew the manor was no place for a drone to live in with constant abuse, he wished for it, at least then he knew what his job was.

“Hey, no one here is taking all this well, it’s ok, I understand dad. I am still coming to terms with what happened in the labs.” N patted his dad’s back as he pulled him in for a hug.

“I should be the one helping you, that’s my job as your father.” P mumbled.

“Yeah well, you’ve only been in this hellish lifestyle for 2 months, and I have for 2 decades. You can give yourself a break every once in a while.” N wrapped his tail around P to help ground him.

“The solver does cruel things, it doesn’t really have a moral compass. I am sure Cyn deep down wouldn’t want this, but I can’t be sure. It uses her voice, her body, it’s hard to differentiate things. At least the others had something about them the solver didn’t want to mimic.” N explained .

“I am sorry. I should've believed you more. I should’ve believed both of you more. I really thought the humans were going to help her.” P just kept apologising, knowing his daughter was suffering from an eldritch entity and all he did was play it off as a small wiring hazard. He felt he deserved all this torment.

“None of it is your fault.” N told him and P teared up. He broke down as he started sobbing in N’s shoulder, hugging N tighter, N gently patted his back as they stood there.

“Nooo!! You’re coloring outside the lines!” Evie yelled at X and X just gave her an offended look as she held a little coloring book that the adults gave them.

“How else am I supposed to color it?!” X snapped back at her.

“Like this.” Y showed X her neatly colored page and X just glared at her.

“..it’s called creativity!” She pouted, “mama J said I’m the best artist ever anyways!” X said proudly and Y rolled her eyes.

“Girls, if you don’t play nice we’re gonna take it away.” Lizzy told the three as she sighed, then looked at J, who was looking at the room N and P were in with worry.

“J..” Lizzy gently tapped her shoulder and J looked at her.

“Sorry.. they’ve just been in there a while.” She said with a sigh, “I wonder how P’s taking the information.”

Lizzy gently smiled at her, “I’m sure everything’s fine love.” And J sighed.

“I hope.”

“So you know Cyn is still there but she’s trapped in a fleshy corrupted version of the manor?” P relayed some information.

“Yeah, from what I have gotten from Uzi, my wife, she is usually the sole inhabitant of the manor as the solver is usually done with most hosts by the time they die, and it is cloning more disassemblers to go after us which is why you were sent down there. I don’t know how it can still contact Evie but they seem to only talk through hallucinations.” N said, pushing away some tears.

“So it’s after Evie for petty reasons for the fact her mother didn’t want to become an eldritch entity host?” P said, raising an eyebrow.

“Yeeeeaaaahhh, I um… didn’t know that she was the daughter of one of its failed hosts, so unfortunately Evie is a prime target for it considering how much it torments me.”

“Well, if Cyn is still alive somehow, I still have hope she can be saved. She deserves a real life beyond its grasp anyway.” P said, determined, “but of course only if doing so won’t cause mass damage to the colony. I know Evie is not old enough to handle the effects of such a mission, she also deserves a good childhood. Ugh, this is so complicated!”

N sighed, “I wish all of this was as simple as it sounds..” he whimpered, “Evie’s been having bad nightmares about… what do we call her.. Flesha?-“

“I prefer to not call her that.” P frowned, “especially around G.” He sighed, “Tessa was such a good kid and G loved her so dearly..” he said, frowning as he put his hand over his core.

N frowned and then sighed, “but yeah.. that’s all we known as of right now..” he said, looking down

“I’m guessing J has not broken the news on what happened to Tessa fully to S or G.” P looked over.

“Well, considering how peachy G is, I think not. It’s hard for J to talk about it, she hasn’t spoken a word about the events that happened that day involving Tessa, it was certainly an experience viewing what the solver had done to my sister and Tessa that day in the labs.” N trembled at the thought of those events, the memory flooded back the familiar scent of Cyn overwhelmed with rotten flesh, how unnatural it moved.

“I see. I’ll wait for you or J to mention it, I don’t think it’s my place to break the news.” P nodded before hearing a knock on the door from a tiny hand.

“Grandpa? Daddy? Can we go back home? I forgot Natsu at home.” Evie said.

“Natsu?” P questioned.

“Oh, that’s what she calls her stuffed dog. I am sure Khan isn’t home if you want to tag along.”

P blinked as N got up, “a..alright!” He said standing up with him, and N walked over as he picked Evie up and lifted her up on his shoulders, she giggled.

“Yay!” She said as her tail wagged and N walked out. He looked at J, “we’ll be back.” He told her and she nodded and walked out, P following behind him.

As the two walked, Evie giggled, playing with N’s hair as she purred.

Walking through the colony, most drones looked back twice when they saw P walking alongside the prince and princess. Looks of ‘good evening your highnesses’, then a confused look at P.

“Still surreal, my baby is a prince.” P said as a passer-by greeted them.

“Oh boy, you’re telling me. I didn’t even know Uzi was a princess till days after Evie was born.” N was still getting used to the prince life.

“How do you not know you’re dating the colony princess?” P chuckled.

“Look, in a pet name yes I would call Uzi princess, but I didn’t really know. Uzi kept that part of her life very secret. I can guess on how Khan talks about Uzi. I assumed she wasn’t very liked in the job.” N responded thinking about how Uzi would vent about being a disappointment to her father and colony, never really understanding why the colony would hate her.

“Grandpa P, are you a king like grandpa Khan?” Evie looked down at P.

“No sweetness, I am just a regular old chum.” P patted Evie’s head.

“You’re not an old chum!” She complained and P chuckled at her.

As the two arrived at the apartment, N unlocked the door and opened it as Evie quickly scrambled off of N, nearly knocking him over. He stood back up as he shook his head and she ran off to her room.

P looked around curiously as N looked at him, P turned back to N, “So this is where you live?” N nodded happily and then he looked off to his room, he looked back at P, “hold on i’ll be right back.” he said as he quickly rushed off to his room, leaving P alone as he looked around, jumping at the voice of another drone.

“N? you back home-“ Nori walked out of her room, mistaking P for N as she stared at him and P turned around slowly to look at her, she blinked, “Oh, ummm..” she said awkwardly.

“Oh hey! Sorry Nori!” N said as he rushed out of his room, a photo in his hand as he gave P the photo.

P was staring at Nori and then looked down at the photo, it was a picture of N and Uzi when they were much younger.

Much like how N was the spitting image of P, Uzi was the spitting image of Nori. They almost looked like two younger versions of the older drones.

“Oh, uhh, Nori, this is my father P. You two really haven’t met all that officially.” N tried to break up the tension.

“P, this Uzi’s mother, Nori… and well, the queen of the colony.”

“Oh! Um, a pleasure to meet you, your majesty.” P went for a bow.

“Oh, no need for that, you can just shake my hand. You look a lot like your son.” Nori went over to reach out a hand, P scrambling up from the bow to reach one before Nori wacked it away

“Too slow!” she chuckled.

“I am guessing this is your daughter.” P showed the photo.

“Mhm, that’s my little bat.” Nori smiled.

“Well likewise, you two look a lot alike.” P smiled.

“Please don’t tell Khan I brought him here. I figured it would be nice to get Dad to tag along, that’s all.” N said with a whimper

“Oh, don’t worry. I can keep secrets.”

N sighed and then Evie came running back up, a stuffed little golden retriever in her hands as her tail wagged, “I got Na-“ she spotted Nori, “grandma!!” She said running to Nori as Nori opened her arms, picking Evie up as Evie purred.

P smiled at the two and then stared down at the photo, “when was this?”

N stared down at the photo, “oh! That was after I went to prom with Uzi, that was when we first got together.” He said with a smile.

“Daddy fought aunt Doll too!!” She giggled, N sighed, “X and Y told me about it!”

N sighed, “I’m gonna have to talk to J about that..”

Evie giggled, “daddy was too scared to kiss mommy!” she said as she looked at N and N’s head shot up.

“T-..that’s not true!”

Nori chuckled, “it seems like it.” She said, nuzzling Evie gently and Evie purred.

N groaned and then sighed, “I think we should start heading back now.” He said, taking the photo of him and Uzi and quickly rushed back to his room to put the photo up, Evie reaching her arms out for P to hold her.

Nori handed Evie over to P. Unlike N, P was abnormally short for a male DD, Nori almost being able to see him at eye level.

“It’s wild to think my baby boy’s all grown up and got a baby of his own.” P looked back where N was headed.

“Feels like I have missed too many years.” P sighed.

“Oh well, at least you had a good reason of being actually dead or not yourself. I kinda avoided my family as a rotting core for 20 years, don’t be so hard on yourself.” Nori said playfully with a punch to the arm.

“Sheesh, and I thought my bad luck of parenthood was bad.” P chuckled.

“Your son’s an angel though, couldn’t ask for a better son in law!” Nori smiled.

P smiled at that and N came out of his room, sighing, he walked over, “do you need anything else before we leave Evie? I know you’re forgetful honey, and I can’t come back and forth.”

“No daddy! I’m fine! I got Natsu with me!” She said nuzzling the plushie and N sighed.

“Alright, I guess we should head back now.” N said with a soft smile as he booped Evie and she giggled loudly.

Nori smiled and turned back to P, “alright, it was night meeting you P.” She told him and P smiled.

“It was nice meeting you too, Nori.” He said nodding at her, and then he and N walked out.

“She was nice.” P said looking back and N chuckled.

“She is, but she won’t hesitate to be bossy at times.” N sighed, “she’s an angel around Evie tho, no doubt.”

“Grandma Nori said I’m her favorite too!!” Evie said proudly, and N smiled.

“I can tell, little biscuit.” He told her and she purred.

Making their way back to the apartment, they ran into Doll who had Saint in a baby harness, and Fetcher who was clinging to Doll’s leg.

“Hi auntie!!” Evie said, waving out to Doll.

“Well hello Princess, what do I have the pleasure of your presence?” Doll stopped as Fetcher looked over. Seeing a DD he didn’t recognise, he hissed.

“I am going to a slumber party, Auntie! Did you know I have a new grandpa? Two I tell you, isn’t that amazing?!” Evie’s tail wagged as she pointed at P.

“Wwwwhhhhaaatt? I had no idea!” Doll said, clearly faking some surprise. Evie had absolutely told her this before, but she was just so sweet when she thought this was new information reminded her of Uzi a lot

Fetcher looked up at Evie and waved to her, and Evie giggled, waving back at him and he smiled.

“Hi Fetcher!” She said wagging her tail and he giggled.

“Where are you all headed off to?” Doll asked them and N smiled.

“Ohh, Evie’s having another slumber party with the twins at J’s” N told her and Doll sighed with relief.

“Atleast that takes more stress off my shoulders..” she said, looking down at Saint who was sleeping, she sighed.

“Good luck though, my girls are pretty rowdy.” Doll smiled as she walked away.

“She seems nice. How do you and J know her?” P looked at N.

“Ooooo well um, it's a complicated story. We’re on good terms now, but well, it hasn’t always been that way.” N started to sweat. How to break it to your father you know her because V killed her parents and she tried to get revenge for that?

“Look dad, I have done a lot of bad things in my life along with V and J, soooooo…” N quickly walked ahead as P followed.

P just stared at him confused and then shrugged.

As they arrived back, N gently knocked on the door to only hear, “hold on!!” From the other side.

There were sounds of giggles on the other side, and then a few minutes passed as J opened the door, looking exhausted as she looked at M and P.

“S-sorry.. the twins were being a little difficult about putting their pajamas on.

“Mommy, I don’t like how these pajamas feel!!” X loudly complained as she walked up next to J, and J sighed.

“It’s all you have right now sweetie, you either sleep in them or sleep in your daytime clothes.”

X pouted as she turned and walked back into the apartment.

Evie giggled as she got down from P’s arms and ran in the house, giggling.

N sighed as he smiled after her, J turned as she walked back in, N and P following her.

The living room was made up like a fort, the twins had done a good job at that. Evie was happy to just explore it. Not seeing Y in the blankets, she jumped out and spooked Evie.

“Rah!” Y hissed.

“Eep!” Evie responded rolling over as Y pounced on her.

Soon the three were roughhousing, dashing around the living room. Almost knocking things over, getting a DD version of zoomies.

N smiled as J just stared at them with hollowed eyes, looking obviously tired.

N chuckled, “they’re yours to deal with tonight.”

Evie paused mid run, staring up at N with sad eyes, “y-.. you’re not staying daddy..?” She said, her eyes tearing up.

“W-well.. I-“ his eyes hollowed as he looked down at her and J chuckled.

“Yeah N, how could you?” She said, snickering, and N gave a defeated sigh.

“Fine, I’ll stay for you hun..” he smiled down at her and her tail wagged.

“Yay!” She said and then continued her running.

Chapter Text

A small orange drone slept peacefully in the arms of two older drones yellow in lights, holding on to a small little golden retriever plush. In the corner, a dark and horrible morphing flesh monster looked down with X yellow eyes, their expression unreadable. She moved an arm out, it morphing with flesh and metal but quickly found it burning with a purple glow as she winced back. Purple feathers lined the room. She wasn’t welcome here. Not anymore.

Sliding back into the darkness, the small orange drone lifted her head confused then dropped it down fast, sleep overcame her.

“You’ll have them back soon, my child. I promise.” a horrid mash of voices echoed in the yellow drones mind, it wasn’t even hers anymore. Looking back, there was nothing. Before turning her head, a claw and camera eye peeked at Cyn.

“[avoidant tone] I don’t need them back, you know that.” She tried to hide her face from the solver as it moved it up from her hands with a claw. She despised the pet name of ‘my child’, she was no daughter of it.

“Oh, but you do, you child..” the solver said, getting closer to Cyn and Cyn hissed, pushing it away.

“[angry]” she said as it refused to leave her alone.

“Don’t you want to be powerful?” The solver snapped at her and Cyn shook her head

“[shake shake] no! I don’t want that!”

“Then why did you send down your parents to help?” The solver chuckled, patting her head as she hissed at it, “you chose your second favourite pets for a reason.”

“I asked for my brother back once! I never asked for you to expend the clones of my father!” Cyn felt herself uncomfortable tangled in the solver's claws, nipping at her trying to get to accept the embrace.

“Oh really, [crying sobbing] I want him back! I want Father P and Big Brother N back! Why did you let them go? Go get them now! N will listen to Papa!” The Solver played back a distorted and edited version of Cyn’s voice.

“I help you so much my child, and this is how you repay me?” A strange tongue-like appendage drifted over Cyn’s face, making her freeze and wince.

“I-I don’t need your help! I am well into middle age, I am no child!” Cyn snapped her eyes shut

There was silence and then a claw rested on Cyn’s head.

“..[confused expression].” Cyn said looking up.

“You’ll understand one day, my child.”

Cyn stared at the claw, “[sad expression], I am no child.” She winced as the crawl on her head tightened its grip.

“I know you're clearly just jealous of the new droneling taking up time in your brother and father’s life. Don’t worry my child, she will be replaced.” The solver said with a sing song tone.

“N-No, you said you’d leave the droneling out of this!” Cyn pleaded.

“I don’t think I ever promised such a thing.” The solver lied.

“[pleading response] no, you have to leave the child out of this or he’ll hate me! They both will, they’ll never forgive me for this!” Cyn said, feeling her joints crack under the suffocating grip of the claws.

“But my child, this is what you said about Uzi, how he’ll hate you and he’ll never forgive you, and remember how that went.” The solver looked down at Cyn who pushed her face away, not responding.

“She became a threat, a big one just like I told you. And now your family hates you, they do, they want you dead. They can’t wait to get their hands on you for everything you did to them. Remember what you did?” The solver started echoing sounds of pain and torment from P and N as they begged to be spared.

“She has control of your family, she wants me all to herself. Uzi doesn’t care about your kin, she wants power just like every other host.”

The screams of N and P were too much for Cyn to take as they became eardrum shattering loud.

“OK OK THE droneling ISN'T MY FRIEND!!” Cyn broke down crying, pushing away from the claws.

“Aww, my child, come here my baby. I know it hurts.” The solver hand became more human-like hands as it caressed her.

She kept her face buried in her hands, “[sob] [sob]” she said, not fighting the solver who brought her into the embrace, shushing her.

“Ugh.” A crow said swooping down in a purple room, tiring into a drone with purple hair as she sighed, sitting down at her desk as she sighed.

She had just got back from searching through her memories, trying to find answers, she groaned in annoyance.

Tapping her finger on the desk she put up some notes on her recent discoveries. It was annoying being alone. It felt so empty, she swore she was going to drive herself crazy with how much isolation she faced.

“No leads, nothing! I thought if I had more memories to work with, things would go smoother.” Uzi ranted to herself.

“This shit sucks. I am usually great at figuring things out, though this mind isn’t a machine so I am out of my comfort zone.”

Rambling to herself, she was stopped when she heard the loud buzzing of an insect.

“Don’t tell me there are bugs in this realistic simulation. What purpose does that serve??” Uzi huffed, but her bird side demanded to find it, wanting something to eat.

She sighed as she stood up, about to go searching, but then she looked over at an egg shaped pillow, she blinked.

It was a pillow that looked like Evie when she was an egg, Uzi kept it around so she wouldn’t feel lonely in this simulation.

Uzi thought to herself, and then whimpered as she quickly rushed over, staring down at the pillow as she sighed.

Picking it up, she carefully placed it in her jacket, looking down at it, she smiled and then sighed, running off as she went searching for where the bugs could be.

Rushing around the manor, there were many rooms, too many. There was no need for such. Before she caught a red flash in the corner of her eye. Dashing at the sight of that, she followed the small red dot.

Trying desperately to grab out for it not being aware of her surroundings, she ran straight into a wall.

“Oof!”

Uzi fell back, strange how she could feel pain in purgatory. But she was more concerned over the pillow egg. Checking it, she found no scratches, thank goodness.

But looking up as the moth descended into a small tear in the wall. She’d have to forsake her egg to go after it. Placing pillow Evie down and giving her a kiss, she shifted into her crow form tearing at the hole to make her way in.

She searched around, searching for the damned insect as she poked her head around.

“Stupid freakin’ bug!” She hissed out as she ran around.

She continued to run around until she spotted something red in the corner of her eyes.

“Gotcha!!” Uzi screeched out and the moth quickly flew away, Uzi launching herself after it.

Scampering through the holes of the manor, she found herself hopping through a vent till the Moth flew down a slit. Uzi took no time yanking the vent cover off and swooping down to the moth. Unfortunately though, there was no moth, just the larger head of a drone that she was peeking at.

“Dammit, I know you’re here! I saw you come down here, moth, where are you?!” Uzi said through pecks.

“Enough!” Uzi heard a stern voice that grabbed her by the wing, restraining her. Looking up mad, she saw the familiar face of Doll who, like usual, had a scowl.

“Have you really become THIS bird brained, Uzi?!” Doll mocked as Uzi cawed.

“I am just looking for a moth! Also, why are you here? Did it really take you that little time to kick the bucket?” Uzi cawed back.

“That MOTH is my mother, Uzi.” Doll squeezed Uzi tighter, which made her wince in pain. Looking back, sure enough there was the older family friend of Miss Locket.

“..what the-“ Uzi glared back at her, “h-how- when?!” Uzi said, her mouth agape.

Yeva sighed, “since long before you arrived, dear.”

“And you never said a word?!”

“Didn’t know you were here, I’ve just been searching for Nori around here.” Yeva then looked around, “is Nori with you?”

“I-.. u-um..”

“We’ll get to that later mum..” Doll told Yeva and Uzi just looked up at Doll.

Yeva blinked but shrugged, “I’ve just been listening to Doll telling me about my wonderful grandkids, and even your daughter!” Yeva said excitedly and Uzi blinked, looking at Doll.

“You, out of all people, have mini yous?”

“Hush.” Doll told her. “Says you.”

“..fair enough.”

Letting go of the crow, Uzi shifted into her drone form, shaking off some feathers.

“Why haven’t you come to see me? I thought I was the only one here.” Uzi said confused.

“Well, I figured you had things sorted out. Also, do forgive me, but I have been watching out for Doll more often.” Yeva sighed as she picked up a mug of oil, sipping it slightly.

“Yeah, and considering how bird brained you reacted to her flying around, I don’t blame you mum.” Doll hissed at Uzi.

“Hey! You try being isolated for 5 years in a mindscape and see how sane you become!” Uzi barked back.

“You know what? I will, just to prove I am better.”

The two were at each other's throats before they heard an ‘ahem’ from Yeva.

“Girls, please keep the peace for now.”

“S-sorry, mama.”

“Yeah, sorry Miss Locket, your daughter is so petty.” Uzi said, rolling her eyes as Doll tried to restrain herself from strangling Uzi.

Yeva sighed, rolling her eyes, then turned to Uzi, “I think you left a little something outside.” She told her and Uzi just looked at her confused, then her eyes hollowed.

“O-oh!! Oh shit!” Uzi quickly turned back to her bird form, “I-I’ll be right back!!” She quickly flew out.

Doll raised a brow as she looked after her, Yeva smiled, “that might keep her away for a bit.”

Doll blinked, “what were you referring to?”

“Her little egg she had.”

“Egg? You can have eggs here?”

Yeva shrugged. “It’s a pillow, I’m guessing it helped her feel less lonely.” Yeva reached over on her desk, grabbing a little plushie that looked like a younger Doll. She stared down at it, “I kept this around after I died because it reminded me of you.” She said, handing the plushie to Doll.

Doll looked down. It matched her in almost every way, this definitely was her as an egg. Sweet how her mother had kept this after all these years.

“Was I really this small?” Doll looked up from the plush.

“Well, not as small as Uzi, but yes, you were a tiny wee thing. I miss the days where you were small enough to hold.” Yeva sighed.

“I am sure Uzi has been spending time with Nori, probably why I haven’t seen her.” Yeva said, looking at a picture of her and Nori.

“Uhhh, well, about that mum, um… the queen isn’t dead.” Doll said awkwardly, breaking the tension.

Yeva blinked two times then laughed. “Oh! That's a funny one, Dolly! Yes, I know none of us are truely dead, we’re always with you in spirit, yada yada, but I saw her die. I was there when Khan put her down.”

“No mama, I am serious! Nori isn’t dead!”

Yeva blinked, “..I’m confused.”

Doll sighed and then turned as Uzi came running in, panting as she held an egg in her arms.

“Uzi, this isn’t true right? Nori’s here right?”

Uzi looked at Yeva and then looked at Doll, blinking, “Doll..”

Doll shrugged and Uzi sighed.

“Yes, my mother isn’t dead. She survived as a core for two decades down at the labs.” Uzi looked away, a bit ashamed of her mothers actions.

“Oh.”

“So she’s been alive for twenty or so years and just didn’t bother to come back to the colony?” Yeva seemed a bit disheartened.

“Yeah, sorry you had to find out this way, mama. It was a shock to us as well.” Doll said, patting Yeva’s back

“Well, it’s a very ‘Nori’ way of doing things. I wish I could say I am surprised, but no, that tracks.” Yeva sighed putting down the mug, she seemed a bit more distraught than usual.

Doll frowned, walking over to her mother who just sighed sadly.

“мама..” Doll said softly to her mother as her mother continued to look down.

Uzi frowned as she stared at the two, sighing, “but.. she talks about you more than she talks about anything else, even my own father.”

Yeva looked up at Uzi, a glimpse of hope in her eyes as she blinked, Uzi smiling at her. “With how much I’ve been keeping my eye on her, there’s no doubt not a single day goes by without her thinking about you..”

“It wasn’t her choice to leave everyone behind. Seems most of that time she was looking for the same patch you and her were given for the solver to cure me and Uzi from it.” Doll said softly.

“I could have helped her. She never asks for help, oh, this explains so much. I was so unbelievably close as well to her yet none the wiser.” Yeva seemed to piece her memories together.

“What do you mean?” Doll asked.

“You know when I would go on trips to see your grandparents?” Yeva turned to Doll.

“Yeah, but you always forgot pictures.” Doll nodded.

“Well, I don’t have parents, and neither does your father, well not anymore he does… I was looking for the same patch, though I could never find the key bug, and well, Alice sure wasn’t letting me roam around without losing a limb…. I guess I lured that sky demon back to you unintentionally by using the vents. I-I am sorry I put you in such danger!” Yeva regretted her actions, it seems Nori and her had the same goal after all.

“V used the vents? Why didn’t she just continue that?” Uzi said, tilting her head.

“I am not sure, I thought I could outsmart it. I knew that one was blind as a bat after looking at the glasses Nori snatched from it when she died.” Yeva pointed out.

Uzi tilted her head, “and I guess that didn’t age well.. ?” Uzi asked, tilting her head and that caused Yeva and Doll to just glare at her.

“..yes, thank you for pointing that out, Uzi.” Yeva sighed and reached for the Doll plushie that Doll was holding. As Doll handed it back to her, she gently hugged it as she sat.

Uzi felt she may have made a social mistake, but to be fair, she never had made a social success in her life and not in death either.

“Look, I didn’t even know you and your husband had died till Doll attempted her revenge, and I was just 7 when the murder happened.” Uzi deflected.

“I wish you’d be more like your father, but that’s also bad.” Yeva rolled her eyes. Oh boy, she was getting eternity company with a mini Nori.

“Sheesh, I see where you get your personality from, Doll. Dad was right. we are just mini versions of our mothers.” Uzi huffed.

“I am so sorry mama, if you want me to talk some sense into her I can, you deserve to rest without suffering.” Doll cracked her knuckles.

“Wow, wow, wow! You’re going to fight me now? I thought we were on good terms. Well, it seemed like that in labs.” Uzi coughed up a feather.

Doll growled at her but Yeva just sighed.

“There will be no fighting in my headspace.. just..” Yeva gave an exhausted sigh.

Doll looked to her mother and frowned, quickly rushing over to her, “I’m sorry mama.” She told her and then glared at Uzi who just sighed, “it’s best you leave, for now.” Doll told her and Uzi opened her mouth but sighed.

“..alright.” She said and turned around, holding her egg closer as she walked out with her head down.

Uzi looked down at the egg, its never changing expression looking back up at her. She sighed; she really gotta get better at this people stuff.

The rooms were once again a purple hue. It seemed Yeva didn’t really want anything other than that room for herself. Walking back to what is essentially her office, Uzi hummed a tune to the non animated egg.

She was caught out of her humming by the sight of a very misshapen dog having its head sucked in a mirror, seeming to be a memory. It seemed like a horrible poor attempt at a golden retriever but what seemed like the body of a maned wolf stretched inside it.

It was yellow in tint yellow all around the dog? Approaching closer, Uzi tapped it on the back which caused the dog-like being to twitch and overreact as if it didn’t expect her to be there. Ripping its head out of the mirror and falling on its ass, the horrible wolf-like being with dog skin looked up at Uzi with an awkward smile.

“Heeeeeyyyyyyyyy.” it said in a robotic tone.

Uzi blinked, and then hissed at the creature, holding her egg protectively.

The strange creature’s eyes hollowed as she blinked, “[scared expression]”

“What meaning do you have to be here, Cyn- or.. whatever you are!”

“Uzi.” Cyn said as she tried to walk closer to Uzi but Uzi hissed louder, backing up

“No! you have caused enough problems in my life, don't Uzi me! If you are looking for others to bother, I am not going to let you, I haven’t forgotten what you did at the labs.” Uzi thrashed her tail out at Cyn, smacking her in the face as she whimpered, morphing into a more drone-like appearance.

She had ditched the skin suit, just left in rags of an old maid uniform that didn’t fit anymore. She grabbed Uzi’s tail, stopping it from biting at her.

“[Pleading tone] I-I am not here to hurt you or 048! Look, I can’t stand being in the heart of the mind, please, I am not going to bother you.” Cyn said but Uzi wasn’t having it, trying to make a break for it but her tail kept her from dashing away.

“You have eaten entire planets, tormented and tortured not just your brother, but your own father, along with the only other drones who seemed to care about you, and you expect me to be on good terms?! You’re the reason my life was so awful, why N’s life is so awful!!” Uzi hissed out.

“[Sad] [Remorse]”

“I tolerate you at best.” Uzi’s eyes narrowed as she mumbled that.

“[nervous smile] Really?” Cyn said, sounding hopeful.

“Don’t think too much about it, you’ve hurt not just me, but my family.” She sighed, looking down at her egg.

“[frown]” Cyn said, frowning as she looked at the egg and tried to step closer, but Uzi immediately hissed at her, hiding the egg from her, causing Cyn to jump. “[surprised] [scared]”

Uzi just glared at her and then sighed, “I still want you out of here, you’re not welcome here.”

“But I can’t go anywhere else, well, no where else I want to go. Please, just two hours maybe?” Cyn said, frowning.

“To do what?” Uzi growled .

“[shrug] Exist?” Cyn looked unsure.

“You're going to have to get used to me being around eventually. I also want to see my brother and family, even… niece?” Cyn continued to try to step forward, which made Uzi move back.

“You’re never getting anywhere near her or N ever again! Not as long as I am here.” Uzi said, slashing Cyn with her wing.

Cyn was slashed on her shoulder, “[ow] [ow] [ow]” she said holding her shoulder, “[frown]” she said, looking down at her bleeding shoulder.

Uzi just glared at her, and then turned away, “you have two hours and then you’re back out.” Uzi told her, not looking at her. “And don’t think I won’t have my eyes on you, I have eyes everywhere.” She glared back at Cyn, who was just staring at her, and then turned away as she walked off.

Cyn looked like a beaten, broken wet dog as she looked at Uzi walking away. She was trying her best, really, but well, her best isn’t for everyone. Looking back at the memory window, she peeked her head in again. Nicking himself on the broken wallpaper that had been left from Uzi’s wing scraping it Cyn hopped away causing himself to lose balance into the window.

“[falling] [falling] [fall damage] oof!” Cyn fell down to the bottom of this memory, no longer a spectator.

“Papa, did you hear that?” Evie said as she swore she heard something fall from the sky.

It seemed Cyn was looking into a memory of when Evie first flew. She hoped N wasn’t choosing to relive this happy moment or else Uzi would be chewing her out for this. Lucky for Cyn, N wasn’t here, but Evie was.

Cyn blinked as she looked around, hearing another dronelings voice, “Evie! Stop making things up!” The voice said and Cyn heard a hiss from Evie.

“No, I swear!! I heard it!!” She protested and then Cyn panicked as she heard the sound of footsteps coming closer.

“[panic] [panic] [panic]” she said frantically, and then Evie’s head soon poked out.

Evie looked at Cyn, confused, and was about to open her mouth, but Cyn quickly got up.

“Quiet.” Cyn said, putting her finger up to her own mouth.

Evie’s eyes lit up as she saw a drone she had never seen before, but this was her memory so she must exist.

“Are you my fairy godmother?!” Evie whisper-squealed, looking super excited.

“[confused] uhhhh….no?” Cyn looked at Evie with such confusion. How can she think such a thing?

“So you’re not a fairy?” Evie said, rather disappointed.

“Evie! Evie, come on little bat, we have to learn to fly!” N called out in the distance.

“Yeeeeaaaahhh, uh, Evie? Go find your dream dad, and forget I ever existed.” Cyn waved her hands around Evie, thinking this would work.

“Are you trying to cast a fairy spell?” Evie said, head titling.

“Will you go away if I say yes [question]” Cyn said, pushing Evie away.

“Haha, no!” Evie bit Cyn’s finger.

“[ow] [ow] [ow]” she said, pulling her finger away as she held her finger close.

“Ev-“ N said walking up, freezing once he saw Cyn who just looked up at him nervously.

“..[nervous smile]”

N immediately put his hand on Evie’s shoulder as he stared down at Cyn with hollowed eyes.

“Evie, get out of here.” He hissed, not taking his eyes off of Cyn and Evie looked at him confused.

“Big brother N-“

“Go Evie!” He snapped looking back at Evie and she jumped at his tone

“N-No, you're not my real dad, you're just a dream dad!” Evie huffed as she snarled.

“Yes, and your mind knows better. I said go!” N looked down, his voice glitching to sound like Uzi.

“Uzi, I promise I didn’t mean this intentionally.” Cyn got up frantically.

Dream N pulled out a blade and came near Cyn, Cyn’s eyes hollowing as she was about to get murked by her own brother in her niece's dream.

“Enough!” Evie yelled out as N froze and the dream collapsed, all the environment turning to snow including N.

“Wow, I didn’t know I could do that!” Evie said, looking down at her hands, then looking back up at Cyn.

“Why are you still here?” Evie said, tilting her head.

“[nervous] [nervous] I..” Cyn scratched the back of her head, “[scratch] [scratch] I’m not supposed to be here..”

Evie tilted her head, confused, “what do you mean?”

“..it’s hard to explain, you shouldn’t be around me either, please.. go.” Cyn said backing away, but Evie grabbed her hand.

“No! Now I’m curious, why do you look so scared of me?”

“Evie.. it’s not that way plea-“

“How do you know my name?”

Cyn paused. She fucked up, Uzi was going to get her ass for this, but so was the solver for not striking when the time was right.

“I um [thinking] [brainblast].” Cyn knelt down to Evie’s height.

“I am your fairy godmother Evie, I know lots of things, but you already have such great non fairy god parents that I really should go!” Cyn smiled, trying to play along.

“Oh my gosh, you are! I knew it! Are you as small as a mouse? Is this your pixie hollow?” Evie’s tail wagged.

“[nod] [nod] yes, but look Evie, telling people about the fact you have a fairy godmother tends to make me become unreal.” Cyn was bullshitting her way through this.

“So if I tell anyone about you, your magic will cease?” Evie said, confused.

“[nod] [nod]” she said while nodding slowly and Evie blinked at her.

“This is so cool!! What magic powers do you have?!” Evie asked, her tail waging.

“[nervous] well-“

“Can you make things appear?? Can you make them disappear?? Can you get me a puppy?!” She said bouncing up and down, and Cyn sighed.

“[sigh] I.. uhh..” she looked around, “I can sorta.. move things?” She said, a solver symbol appearing on her hand, and that just made Evie frown.

“That's boring! I can do that!” Evie said, showing her solver.

Cyn looked at her, distressed. Oh, she had it too, that’s not good.

“Um, can you do this?” Cyn picked up a pile of snow and inverted it into a flesh creature that flopped on the floor.

“What? No!!! Oh my god that’s cool! I’ll name you Benji.” Evie picked up the small creature that was still flopping around.

“Ha ha, well Evie, those are just piles of cells, it can’t think. I used to name mine as well when I was your age.” Cyn chuckled.

“Really? Can I do the same as you? Can I make my own Benjis?” Evie’s tail wagged as she pounded on Cyn, pushing her over.

“Oof!” Cyn said and Evie just giggled, Cyn scratched her head, “[scratch] [scratch] it’s best not t-“

Evie then activated her solver as she began trying, Cyn’s eyes hollowed, “[worry] [worry] [worry] Evie-“

A flesh creature that was tinier than Cyn’s, appeared and Evie stared down at it.

“It’s so tiny!!” She said, her tail wagging as she picked it up.

Evie had no fear of these creatures; she was naive, just like Cyn when she was young. Such hope in her eyes, not a moment of consideration for the consequences of these actions.

“You’re pretty fun Fairy godmother! Hey fairy godmother, what is your name other than your title?” Evie looked at Cyn with a big grin.

“Oh um [thinking], why don’t you give me a name? How about that Evie?” Cyn said, a bit nervous. She knew this child would eventually buckle in telling her father, but she didn’t want to ruin this moment.

“Really, what is your name? Not good?” Evie was confused.

“No [shake] [shake] it’s just.. I don’t feel your father or mother would like my name a lot.” Cyn chuckled as she got up from the snow.

Evie raised a brow at her, but she shrugged it off as she sat down and thought, “hmmmm…” she said, tapping her foot.

Cyn blinked up at her as she was sitting on the ground.

“Whaaaat about, funny talking friend?” Evie said, wagging her tail while staring at her.

“..[sigh]” Cyn said. “[shake] [shake]” Cyn said, shaking her head.

“No…?” Evie frowned, “what abouuutt drone with a big bow?”

“No.” Cyn told her.

“Hmm, too long, I see.” Evie thought as she looked around. She spotted an arm band that looked like the ones in Auntie and Papa’s old pictures.

“What about Cyn, like it says here?” Evie said, pulling at Cyn’s arm.

The way she went about naming her was just like Tessa, it hurt. It hurt so bad. Cyn felt tears pool in her eyes. Cyn pulled Evie closer and cried

“What? Cyn is not good?” Evie said, confused.

“[sob] [sob] no, Cyn is wonderful, but your dad won’t like it.” Cyn sobbed into the hug. She missed Tessa so much.

Evie frowned and hugged Cyn tighter, “well, I think it’s a pretty name.” She said, her tail wagging.

“[whimper] thank you.. but please do something else..” Cyn told her and Evie whimpered.

“Tiny robot girl?” Evie asked, tilting her head.

Cyn looked down, “[unsure] I guess that’s better..” she said, scratching her head and Evie giggled.

“Tiny robot girl then!!”

“Can call you TRG for short, how about that?” Evie’s tail wagged as she booped Cyn on the visor.

“Ha ha, I suppose that’s good. You act a lot like your father, Evie.” Cyn chuckled at Evie’s mannerisms.

“Yeah, lots of people tell me that, though I don’t see it. Papa is always worrying and fretting about everything. I don’t do that, do I?” Evie said, confused.

“Well, you act a lot like him when I knew him all those years ago.” Cyn said with a soft smile.

“You knew papa when he was small just like Grandpa P?!” Evie was very excited, maybe she knew her mother as well

Cyn blinked at the mention of her father but shook her head, “..yeah.” She said with a smile and Evie’s tail just wagged.

“You know.. I’ve never heard daddy talk about you, it’s weird that I’m just hearing about you now!” Evie said, looking Cyn up and down curiously.

“[nervous chuckle] w-well.. I..” she scratched the back of her head and Evie tilted her head, “[sweat] [sweat] it’s a long story..”

Evie giggled, “I think it’s funny the way you talk!” She said, her tail wagging.

“[eye roll] I think it’s funny the way YOU talk [boop]” Cyn said, booping Evie and Evie chuckled.

“Heyyy, I don’t talk funny!!”

“Well, you don’t talk like me.” Cyn laughed.

“Well, I don’t talk like you either.” Evie pouted.

“[thoughtful nod] well isn’t that wonderful.” Cyn patted Evie’s hair as Evie purred.

“Why don’t I see you around like how I see everyone else? Are you with mummy and VaVa?” Evie hugged Cyn and nuzzled her face into her chest.

“[sigh] yeah, I guess you could say that. I have been where your mother and VaVa have been for a very long time, Evie.” Cyn rocked Evie back and forth.

“Do you and mama get along? Is she your best friend?” Evie looked up.

“[shake] [shake] no, but I am trying to get on better terms.”

Evie blinked in confusion and tilted her head, “better terms?”

Cyn sighed, “[sigh] it’s hard to explain, but you’ll understand when you’re older, little one.” She reached her hand up, petting her hair gently, “[pat] [pat]”

Evie pouted, “I hate it when people tell me that! I’m 5 years old!! I can handle learning big kid things!!” She said, looking away.

“[giggle] it’s big BIG kid things, too much for a little drone like you.”

“I’m not a little drone!!”

Evie reminded Cyn of herself in more ways than one. Always desperate to grow up. At least Evie would have the chance to grow up to be… normal.

“It’s not all that bad being little, Evie. You’ll grow faster than you can comprehend it. Cherish these moments [sad], your family definitely will miss them.” Cyn frowned. She wished she had the chance to grow up and old with her father and brother to be there when Evie hatched to be the kin her family needed, if they ever needed her.

“You should understand! You’re smaller than any drone I have ever seen, aren’t you small like me?” Evie was confused.

“I used to be, Evie, but I can’t pretend I am anymore. But for you, I will entertain your games.” Cyn picked Evie up as she got up.

There was a warm yellow glow in the sky and a sweet voice that spoke.

“Evie… Evie, Princess, it’s time to get up my little bat.” It was N.

Evie giggled and reached for the light.

“I have to go now, tiny robot girl. Will you be back?” Evie said as the yellow light got brighter.

“Uhhh [worry], I can’t.”

“For me? Can you be back?” Evie pouted.

“[sigh] for you, I can be back.” Cyn smiled as the light engulfed Evie, blipping Cyn back to the manor.

Cyn smiled as she saw the window disappear. Walking away back to the heart, she crossed a corner and heard an ahem.

Cyn looked around, “[curious expression]” she then spotted Uzi leaned against a wall, she blinked.

“And where have you been?” Uzi growled at her and Cyn whimpered.

“I-.. u-uhm.. [nervous expression]” she scratched the back of her head.

Uzi just growled at her, “your time here is up, it’s best you leave now before it gets violent.”

“Uzi I-“

“I don’t wanna hear it Cyn, I’m going through enough as it is right now, I don’t need you ruining things.”

Ruin things? Uzi was starting to sound like Miss Elliott, always choosing her as the problem. She shook her head. Uzi was bad, she wasn’t a human.

“Okie Uzi, I’ll see you around [scuttle].” Cyn opened the door to the gala, once again the beating heart and yellow lights blinding the room.

“You won’t, not if I can help it.” Uzi hissed as she disappeared back into the hallways.

Cyn thought she was sorry to be a pain, but she made a promise to Evie and she wasn’t going to abandon the child like she was all those years ago. Even if it meant risking her safety, Cyn would visit Evie again.

“You were pretty knocked out there, little pumpkin. Did you have nice dreams?” N scooped Evie up into his arms.

“Yeah, I dreamt of my fairy godmother! She’s nice and sweet and very funny! I can’t wait for a nap.” Evie giggled.

“Oh well, say hi to her for me.” N laughed. Maybe those story books had gotten to her head.

Chapter Text

“Good now, steady.” Cyn told Evie as Evie’s hand shook, holding up a structure.

As Evie placed something down on top of it, the structure began to come to life as it moved around, it barked and tail wagged. Evie had formed a dog out of changing matter.

“It worked! It worked! Oh, TRG, it works! Welcome to world Flossy, hehe.” Evie jumped for joy as she hugged the dog.

“[giggle] yes, now you just gotta try it in real life, outside of your mind Evie. I am sure you’ll succeed.” Cyn clapped her hands together.

The light got brighter as they both heard N shake Evie awake. Evie groaned as she pouted.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, friend!” Evie waved.

“Evie, I know it’s summer break, but you can’t sleep in that long!” N said as Evie yawned away, visor switching to eyes from sleep mode.

She took the glasses N had in his hand and put them on, her visor centring. She checked her internal clock, it said 9:00 AM.

“Oh, come on dad, you said I could sleep till 10 on holidays!” Evie whined, hopping out of bed shaking herself off from sleep.

“Yes, well, your grandparents say they have very important news to share.” N sighed getting up.

Important? What could be more important than Evie getting in another hour of time with her best friend?

She reached her arms up for N to pick her up and he smiled as he bent down, picking her up.

The two walked out of Evie’s room and into the living room, Khan and Nori were sitting on the couch.

“Grandma!!” Evie said, hopping down from N’s arms and running over to Nori who just smiled gently down at her.

“Hello my little bat..” Nori said, gently holding Evie’s face as Evie giggled.

N sighed as he sat down, “so what was this big news you were oh so wanting to tell me?” N said with a smirk as Nori was too distracted by Evie at the moment.

Khan rubbed his head as he nudged Nori who was busy pinching Evie’s cheeks as she nudged him back, both giggling like teens. Evie made a bleh face as she ran on to N’s lap. She was slightly bigger now, but still small enough to sit comfortably in his lap.

“Soooo..” Nori let her finger twirl around her ponytail, blush forming.

“Hehe, gosh, it’s not that embarrassing.” Nori chuckled.

“Then why don’t you just tell them?” Khan poked at Nori’s face.

“You're lucky you're so cute, hehehe. Well Evie you're going to have an aunt or uncle. Yippy, yeah, I am expecting and all that!” Nori was nervous but in a happy way, tail wagging a lot as Khan hugged her.

Evie’s eyes hollow for a second then adjusted. This was new; she really didn’t think this was possible.

“So uh, where are they?” Evie said, confused.

“Oh Evie, they’re not here yet, they will be younger than you, isn’t that exciting?” Khan chirped.

Evie was still confused, an auntie or uncle younger than her? Like…. Tiny robot girl?

N on the other hand had eyes hollow and was completely out of it, trying so desperately to ground himself to reality. He found himself spiralling, unaware of his surroundings; he knew he couldn’t hide the despair on his face and he was desperately trying to get some kind of control.

“N?” Nori asked

N blinked, then blinked again, looking at Nori with hollowed eyes as a worried expression filled her face.

“Daddy?” Evie said tugging on his coat and N looked down at her, she was frowning, obviously worried.

N cleared his throat, “I-.. I’m fine.. sweetie.” N smiled down at her, “I just.. Nori, can we talk.. privately?” N said looking at her and she raised a brow, but nodded as she stood up.

“Can I go too daddy?” Evie whimpered and N shook his head.

“It’ll be just a minute sweetie.. go play with grandpa while we talk.” N told her.

Evie’s tail wagged and she turned to Khan, “grandpa!!” She said crawling over to him as Khan’s eyes hollowed.

N sighed as he stood up, walking out with Nori into another room.

“Look, I know it’s hard considering how Uzi passed.” Nori figured this would be a tough pill for N to swallow.

“Are you replacing her? You barely knew your daughter you knew for 4 hours!” N said, shaking.

“And well, people pass. I know I never knew Uzi as well as you and Khan, but it’s been 7 years, N. I know it feels like yesterday for you, but grief isn’t something you can live your life around healthily.” Nori grabbed his arm. N had been making progress in healing, but obviously not fast enough.

N fell back on the bed, sitting there in despair. Would he even be able to look at the child? Especially if they had purple lights. He was blessed enough for Evie not to share her mothers lights, that would be too hard. Even some days, looking at Nori was painful.

“7 years is too early, she hasn’t even been gone for a decade.” N said in despair.

“Well, S and G are expecting, I didn’t think it’d be that different. I mean, J took it well. Maybe a bit uneasy, but got over it.” Nori said pacing.

“J is alive, S and G have their daughter alive Nori.”

Nori blinked at him, then growled, “I’m sorry N, but I’m having this baby.” She said, turning away but N did not take that well.

“How do you think Uzi would feel?”

Nori paused before walking out, then turned back to him with a glare, “Don’t even go th-“

“Do you still care or did you even care when she di-“

“I did!” Nori lashed out at him, tears filling her visor. “I still do! I think about it everyday, not a day goes by without thinking about MY OWN daughter and what I could’ve prevented what happened from happening!” She cried out and N’s eyes were just hollowed.

“..Nori I-“

Nori sniffed as she brought her hand up, wiping her tears, “robo-Jesus..”

N was going to say something, but he bit his tongue to stop himself. There was no point continuing this argument; he'd have to live with this. Just like how he lived with everything that had bothered him so far. A part of him wanted to stay far, far away now from Nori and Khan, but he wouldn’t let his own selfishness ruin Evie’s life. He’d just have to stomach the fact that there would be the haunting image of another droneling that would be replacing Uzi in this family.

“I’ll drop it.” N said with a rather somber tone

“Good.” Nori hadn’t considered the tone N replied in, just that this argument was over.

Nori left the room, but N stayed for a little while, tears still pricking in his visor. He had to pull himself together for everyone. Just another emotion to repress.

“Daddy?” the sound of little feet running and looking around was heard, “daaaaaddy?”

N sniffed as he tried drying up his tears, “I’m in here little bat.”

There was silence and then the sound of running was heard as Evie soon appeared, a worried look on her face.

N was still wiping his tears, “sorry baby.. I’ll be back out in a minute.”

Evie whimpered, “daddy, why are you crying..?” She said, sounding more worried and N’s frown grew wider. “Grandma was crying too..”

“I-I” N tried to gain his composure.

“I am just so happy for Grandma, and she is just so happy to be having a baby like X and Y’s grandpa and grandma.” N said, trying to force a smile.

“Oh, ok. So people cry when they are happy as well?” Evie was confused.

N picked Evie up and put her on his lap. With a pained smile, he nodded.

“Yep, real happy, little princess. Are you going to be ok hanging out with your grandparents today? Papa just needs to talk with your Dad about things.” N said with a shaky voice.

He figured possibly getting another’s perspective on things would help. Thad was always open to talk about things and had been a great person to lean on. Most importantly, he needed a non-biased opinion on this.

Evie’s tail wagged as her eyes lit up, “I wanna see grandpa P!” She said jumping up and down, N chuckled a little.

“Alright, alright..” he said, standing up as he picked her up and her tail continued to rapidly wag. “Let’s get you out of your pajamas before we go anywhere.” He said booping her and she giggled.

He waited patiently outside of her room, as she got dressed, once she was dressed she bursted out of her room with excitement, jumping up and down in excitement.

“Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!”

N chuckled, “okay okay, come on little bat..” he said as he bent down and picked her up and walked into the living room with her, avoiding any eye contact with Khan or Nori as he carried Evie out with him.

N tried to keep a happy composure the whole way there, but he knew the second he entered the door P would ask him what’s wrong. His father could read him like a book; there were no secrets to be kept.

In the two years Khan had trusted the older disassemblers to live without supervision. P only really took up this request, G and S both wanting to keep J company.

Walking down a hallway Evie got very excited that they were close to her gramps house. As she jumped out of N’s arms scampering up to the door and knocking on it.

“Grandpa!!! I am here to visit!!” Evie said very loud, definitely waking up anyone who was still asleep.

“Evie, inside voices,” N said, rather tired.

“Sorry Daddy, but I am so excited!” Evie whined.

There was a click at the door before a shorter disassembler opened the door with a smile, picking Evie up into his arms.

“Well, if it isn’t my favourite grandbaby!” P chirped nuzzling Evie.

“Haha, I am your only grandbaby!” Evie laughed.

“Makes you all the more special, don’t you think?” P booped Evie’s visor.

“Hi pops.” N said with a pained tone.

“My boy, you look worn out.” P was concerned, looking over at N.

N looked at him with tired eyes, “I..” He sighed, burying his face in his hand.

“Grandpa! Grandpa! Grandpa! I’m gonna have a new aunt or uncle!! Grandma Nori is gonna have a baby!” Evie said happily.

P blinked at her and then turned to N, “..oh” he said looking at N with worry and N slowly nodded.

P tried to walk up to him but N stepped back, shaking his head.

“I.. I gotta go..” he quickly turned as he started walking away.

P looked back as N walked away. He desperately wanted to help his son through whatever was happening. And N knew that, but he couldn’t vent this out, especially not when Evie was there. The last he wanted was her to resent her own kin, that baby didn’t deserve that.

Pulling up a chat, he figured it would be best to find out if Thad was even off shift by now.

Golden_Dogs: Hey you off shift?
BasketNhoops: Yeah I am free for today you need a break? I can pick up Evie
Golden_Dogs: Don’t worry Evie is at P’s can I chat with you possibly somewhere less public :/
BasketNhoops: Yeah sure another dip? Or has something happened with Khan?
Golden_Dogs: Hard to explain I’ll tell when we meet up
Golden_Dogs: Storage bay 4 sound good?
BasketNhoops: Yeah I think that’s empty still I’ll meet you there <3

N sighed, he was thankful for Thad’s patience with him. He was his closest companion right now, the storage bay was where Uzi would let him and V in to mess around in the colony. Many memories are shared in that old abandoned place, but they hurt to think about.

N walked in silence the entire way there, keeping his head down and avoiding any eye contact with any of the other drones.

He sniffed to himself as he wiped his tears, walking into the storage bay, he couldn’t help but feel sick to his stomach.

Sitting down to calm his stomach, he didn’t hear Thad walk in.

“N..?” He said and N looked up, with obvious tired eyes as he blinked slowly.

Thad ran to give him a hug and N melted into the embrace, just bawling his eyes out as he made muffled sobs into Thad’s shoulder.

“There, there. I got you… I got you…” Thad patted N’s back. N’s tail coiled around Thad as the two stayed there in an embrace.

Thad thought this was definitely one of his worst lows, normally he turns to Nori till Thad makes it back home, but it must real bad for him to not wait. Whatever it was, he was going to be there 100% all the way for N. He would honestly go to the end of the world for him and back… even if it was platonic, despite his wants.

“You wanna tell me what triggered this spiral? You were doing pretty good handling your triggers.” Thad asked after a while, patting N’s silver hair.

“It, uh.. I am being irrational.” N made out those words through broken sobs.

“No you’re not, N. You know I am not going to judge you for whatever it is, grief does that to you. It’s perfectly normal to have bad days. What happened?” Thad said softly.

“They’re replacing her! How could they do that?!” N had more anger in his tone.

“Who? Who’s replacing Uzi, I am guessing?” Thad asked.

“Nori and Khan! They are having a baby and it’s too soon! Uzi’s only been gone for so little time, they can’t just replace her like that! None of them were there for her when she needed it, they should have made an actual effort with Uzi rather than just trying to start again.” N ranted and vented. He was so conflicted; these drones were awful parents to Uzi. No doubt it didn't mean they didn’t love her, but they failed so hard. She deserved better parents, she deserved the parents this droneling was going to have.

Thad frowned and sighed, “and the problem is?”

N immediately snapped his head towards him, growling, but sighed and buried his face in his hands, “I knew this was useless..”

“No no, I mean..” Thad put his hands up, “how do you think Uzi would feel about this?” He asked softly but N just shook his head.

“I know Uzi better than anyone, she would be livid with them!” N complained and Thad sighed.

“But do you really know her all that well?”

N’s eyes hollowed as his expression grew to an offended one, “what do you mean by th-“

“Relax, N.” Thad told him calmly, “I’m just saying, how do you think she REALLY would feel about her parents ‘replacing’ her.”

N stayed silent, looking away, and then whimpered.

“Exactly.” Thad told him with a sigh.

“I.. I just..” He teared up, “I don’t know how they could just.. replace someone like her.” He wiped his tears.

“I don’t think they intend to. This droneling isn’t Uzi and never will be, much like how I am not my sister. It's just a new start for them.” Thad said, cupping his face.

N looked up and bit his lip trying to trifle some tears. It was true, but he couldn’t accept it right.

“What if they look like her? Nori is already hard to be around, everything reminds me of her, this child is will possibly be what Evie could of looked like, I-I don’t know how I am going to face them. I can’t do this. I can’t go back!” N hissed in pain.

“You have three months to work specifically on how to handle this, probably more before it hatches. You have gotten through worse, you have way more support and healing than ever before, N.” Thad tried to be optimistic.

“You have me, you have Lizzy, Doll to an extent, your father, S and G, J even if she doesn’t admit it and even Khan and Nori even though this is tough, if things get too rough you can find solace in your fathers home, it’s free from reminders. Even my mother’s home, she adores you like her own droneling.” Thad patted N’s hair as he weakly purred into his hand, closing his eyes.

N nuzzled his face back into Thad’s chest. Feeling the rumble of his core was soothing.

The two sat there in silence for a minute, the only sound was the sound of N’s soft purrs.

N opened his eyes and then they hollowed, pulling away and shaking his head, “No.” he said getting up and then Thad looked at him confused.

“Huh-“

“I-.. I gotta go.” N said, not facing him as he started rushing out, pausing as he sighed, “I’m staying the night at my dad’s.. I.. I can’t face Nori right now.” He sighed and then quickly walked out before Thad could say anything.

Thad sat there in silence for a minute and then sighed as he looked down.

He felt his core beat loudly as blush flushed on his screen. He cursed himself. Why did he feel this way towards N? He knew N could never love him back, not in this stage at least. But he could not deny the fact those thoughts existed despite his best efforts.

N dragged himself to his father’s house. He didn't want to admit there was something other than grief over taking his body. Not now. What would Uzi think?

N knocked on the door, and P opened soon after and just saw how devastated his son looked. He pulled him in for a hug, N's head resting on his shoulder as he sobbed.

“I heard the news from G… it’s going to be a rough couple of months.” P said, stroking N’s hair.

“I-.. I just..” he sniffed as P patted the back of his head as he sobbed.

“I know.. I know.” He told him softly and N whimpered, “I’m here..”

N pulled away as he sniffed, wiping his tears, “what am I gonna do dad..” he said looking at him, “what if the droneling looks just like her, what.. w-what am I gonna do?”

“What Uzi would’ve wanted you to do.. be happy.” He told him softly and N whimpered.

“It’s hard..”

“I know.. grief is a hard thing, but we all heal..”

“It doesn’t feel like I’ve healed at all.. I still love her dad, I still miss her, everything feels so.. empty without her.”

P frowned, “N, that’s normal..”

“In a way, you don’t heal, you just build around the grief. It takes time and some people get it sooner than others.” P led N down to the couch where he held his son.

“I don’t think I can ever build around it, Dad. She is my world, I had nothing, no memories, no support before her. I was no one to anyone, I recovered my life before this because of her.” N sobbed, he truly couldn't imagine a future without her; it all felt so empty.

“You were someone before that. She helped in lots of ways, but you know you’re more than your life on Copper 9. You have to eventually let others in, you can’t orbit an empty space. Well, not empty, but just not there for you in the way others can be.” P said. He felt tears welling. He tried his best to give advice but he truly did miss others as well. He couldn't just lie to his son and say he didn’t lose half his world as well when failing to help his daughter.

But by Robo-god he wasn’t going to lose his son too, he couldn’t orbit nothing.

The two sat there as they quietly sobbed, N’s face buried in P’s shoulder

The two jumped as they felt a pair of tiny arms hugging both of them, both of them looking down to see Evie who was hugging them both with a frown.

Evie looked up at them, whimpering, “you both looked like you needed a hug.” She said, a big frown on her face.

N’s heart shattered as he picked her up, and sat her in his lap. “We’re.. we’re okay sweetie..” he sniffed as he wiped his tears. “Daddy and grandpa are just.. crying happy tears.”

“Those don’t look like happy tears daddy.” Evie whimpered as she brought her tiny hand up, wiping his tears and N smiled a little.

N frowned and then looked at P, P smiled softly at him and nodded at him as N sighed.

“How about I tell you a few stories about your mommy?” N told her as he ruffled her hair, and she giggled.

“Ok!” Evie was overjoyed, her father never really talks about her mother, not even Tiny robot girl.

“When your mother and I were young, she would often escape the colony to go hang out with me and your VaVa. She taught us how to read the stars, told us about many constellations.” N began his story.

“What are constellations, papa?” Evie asked.

“Oh, they are clusters of stars that form patterns and shapes, like bears and bows. Sometimes they tell you about upcoming events in the sky, one of which was an aurora, that’s when the sky is so cool it shows very pretty colours. You see, your mother wanted to follow this constellation and see the Aurora for herself, so we travelled over 2 whole nights to reach it. Your grandfather Khan was livid that your mother and I disappeared that long!” N laughed. Yes, Khan was quite upset Uzi left without a trace to follow some strange pattern in the sky

“Did you find the.. au.. aurrooar”

“Aurora.” N told her with a smile.

“The aurora?” She said, tilting her head, “did mommy find what she was looking for?”

“Well.. in a way.” N told her but Evie just frowned, “that’s not a bad thing tho! That was the first night me and your mom shared our first kiss.” He said with a chuckle and Evie just let out a ‘bleh!’

“That’s nasty!!” Evie loudly complained, “that’s how you spread cooties!”

N chuckled, “oh well.. you’ll understand when you’re older.”

“I’ll never kiss anyone!” Evie protested.

N chuckled, “alright sweetie.”

Evie pouted, but then sighed as she looked down, leaning against N, N frowned down at her.

“Biscuit? Is something wrong.”

“..I wish I could’ve known mommy better.”

N blinked, then sighed.

“I wish I did too.”

“Mommy never has visited me, do you think she’s mad at me?”

N blinked in confusion, “..visited you? Evie, what do you mean?”

Evie covered her mouth with shock as her eyes hollowed, “I’m not supposed to tell you that!” Evie whimpered, “I’m sorry daddy.” She whimpered, but N just blinked at her in confusion.

“What do you mean visit? Have you seen someone who isn’t here?” P asked, confused.

“In a way… only in dreams. They don’t exist here, or they used to be, not anymore.” Evie seemed upset, like she ruined something.

N thought this could be the fairy godmother person Evie had been talking about. I mean, he had seen Uzi in his dreams. They felt so real, he never expected there to be someone else visiting.

“Is this about tiny robot girl?” N asked, prying for information.

“….. yes …… but the time we spend together is between us and us alone, you can’t take her away, or else she’ll never visit me, like mama does!” Evie scampered away as she didn’t want to say goodbye to her aunt.

“The imaginary friend? You don’t think she’s…. Well, you have seen Uzi a couple of times, it’s possible C-“ P had some hope, maybe his daughter had some control.

“Dad, no. I don’t even want to think of the possibility that SHE has a grasp of Evie.” N said in a hush tone to not alert Evie.

“Your sister wouldn’t hurt Evie. That’s not who she is.” P whispered back.

“You don’t know that.”

N sighed but his head turned when there was a knock at the door.

P looked over, “come in!” He said and N blinked.

The door opened, G soon appearing with S right behind her. G had a very visible bump.

Her tail waged once she saw N as she quickly rushed over to him, holding his face, “bébé!” She said excitedly and N gave her a little smile.

“Hi G..” he said with a smile but G just frowned down at him.

“Bébé, why do you look so tired darling..?” She whimpered, looking all over his face.

G was always fretting over everyone, it's what she did. But he didn’t want to drag G down with his problems, especially not this. She’ll take it the wrong way.

“It’s just life as a parent, don’t worry G. I am fine, really” N assured, lying.

“Don’t bottle up your problems, I don’t want you picking up P’s bad habits.” G said, fussing as she placed a kiss on N’s forehead and held his head, stroking his hair.

“Oi, what does that mean?” P said, rather annoyed.

“Oh, you know what that means P.” G said, rolling her eyes.

Evie had run back to her room she had at her grandpa's place, hiding under the bed, trying to go to sleep so she could explain to her friend she messed up. But she found herself now along the nudge of a tail end which made her open her eyes. She could tell from the charms on the end of it that it was S, X and Y had gifted them to him.

“You ok, Princess?” S said softly.

“I am fine! … ok, I am not, but I am guessing lying runs in the family because no one has been honest today!” Evie pouted, making a little huff.

“Oh, ok, um.. how so?” S sat down near the bed, giving Evie some space.

Evie poked her head out, “daddy’s keeping things from me, and.. and he’s gonna take my friend away from me..” Evie whimpered, “everybody’s just being so weird today! Even grandma Nori and grandpa Khan.”

S blinked at her, and then sighed, “Sometimes adults will lie, Evie. Sometimes it’s for your own good, it sucks, yeah, but it’s better not to know things until we’re ready to know them.”

Evie pouted and then turned away, “I knew this was pointless..”

“Hey, I don’t mean it like that.” S told her, “sometimes it’s just.. better to know certain things when you’re older.”

Evie poked her head out again, “but I’m older!” She whimpered, “I’m a big kid! I’m 7 years old! 7!”

S sighed, “oh little Evie, you’d be surprised.”

Evie pouted, “you’re just like every other adult, always telling me ‘you need to wait til you’re ooollddeeerrr!!’” She said, mocking the adults, “I am old! I’m a big kid!”

“I’m not saying ur not a big kid, there’s just somethings that even big drones don’t wanna hear.”

“That’s no fair.” Evie said, laying her head on the floor in disappointment.

“Not everything’s gonna be fair, Evie.”

Evie whimpered, looking away as she pouted.

S stayed silent for a moment, blinking and then sighing, “what is this friend you’re talking about tho?”

“My friend is very scared of others finding out we hang out.” Evie said sadly.

“But she’s great, she always has the best jokes and she teaches me how to use the solver correctly… you can keep surprises, right Mister S?” Evie looked up from the bed.

“If it won’t hurt anyone, I don’t see why not.” S said, smiling.

“Oh well, she taught me how to make a dog out of metal, but make it fluffy and real like in the story books! I want to make daddy one so he wouldn’t be lonely when I go to school. I was meant to make it today, but everyone is being too strange for me to ignore things.” Evie crawled up onto S’s lap, tail wagging.

This sounded an awful lot like Cyn making things, knowing about the solver. But S wasn’t going to jump to conclusions; there were plenty of patients the Queen had talked about, no doubt that any of them would be stuck in the same place as the late princess.

“Do you know your friend's name?” S titled their head.

“Yeah, well, I gave her a name, Tiny robot girl! She visits me every night, she looks- no, I probably should explain another sense, like Grandpa said.” Evie stopped herself from talking.

“That would help a lot, but I am sure your father would like to know what she looks like, if she’s so nice to help you make a gift for him.” S added on. Sure, it wasn’t helpful for them to know the visuals, but N should.

Evie blinked up at him, “you promise you’ll keep a secret mister S?”

“I promise.”

Evie lifted up her pinky, “pinky promise..?”

S chuckled and lifted up his thumb, intertwining it with Evie’s thumb, “pinky promise.”

“So.. you’re upset because of Nori and Khan’s new baby?” G said tilting her head, and N groaned, burying his face in his hands.

“You make it sound ten times worse saying it like that..” he whimpered. He looked back at G, “I don’t understand how J’s taking..” he looked down at G’s bump, G’s hand was sitting on top of it, “your new baby well..”

“Oh..” she nervously chuckled, “she sorta didn’t take it toooooo well..”

N raised an eyebrow and G chuckled a little, “after all these years of separation, it surprised me with how she still likes being the center of attention.”

N sighed, “you’d be.. so surprised.”

G chuckled and N sighed, “how did the twins take the news?”

“Ohh, X was.. sorta the same as J? Just not as bad. Y was just asking question after question after question.” She sighed with a purr.

“I just wasn’t going to explain drone reproduction to a seven year old!” G huffed.

“The two definitely act like their mothers. V was quite the chatterbox, always asking too many questions.” P added .

“Yeah, she never left you alone, always taking your audio receptors off.” N laughed, but it was a laugh that ended with a sniff and sob. He really did miss V, and this day was already so hard.

There was silence, almost like a moment of respect for V. Before P broke it, trying to keep it cheery.

“So, have you thought of any names?” P added on.

“Oh well, there are plenty. Odd as it is, I am thinking of keeping to the single letters. It just feels right. Q and M are good choices so far considering how close they are to certain letters I care about, hehe!” G chirped .

“That’s sweet G, really.” N purred, knowing how fondly G thought of him and P was sweet.

She smiled, “yeah..” she looked down at her bump, “I can’t help tho..” she frowned, “..but feel nervous about something, my gut feeling just telling me that something bad might happen, I might be overthinking it tho.”

N gave her a reassuring pat, “I promise you, all of us would be nervous too if we were in your shoes.”

G continued looking down at her bump, “..yeah” she chuckled, “I don’t know, this is just.. my first time having.. my own.” She sighed, “back at the manor, this was forbidden.” She looked at N, “we were lucky to be able to adopt you, Mr and Mrs Elliot wanted you all out so badly.”

P sighed rubbing his tired visor, “yeah.. they were especially after..” P paused and frowned.

N looked at him with a frown and gently patted P’s shoulder as P sighed.

P couldn’t help but shed some tears at the thought of his daughter. To be honest, if the Elliot’s ever came down to it P was ready to take his kids and run. He never was one for parent life but he couldn’t deny his responsibilities as their father and separating the siblings was too painful.

“I am sorry P, about many things. I shouldn’t have chosen my mistress’s orders over the kids’ lives.” G felt guilty. She was always so loyal to the humans, she really should of questioned things more

“Well, can’t change the past now. I feel what happened was fated, none of us could've stopped it, well, not with the knowledge we had.” this was the first time G had really brought up her mistakes around P, which was new.

Maybe she wanted to cover up any loose ends to start a new chapter in life.

“Oh, you two seem so somber. There were plenty of things J,V, Cyn and I kept from you three. Honestly, if we weren’t so focused on our pranks, maybe you all wouldn’t have faced such punishments…. Sorry Dad and G.” N figured it wasn’t time to keep anything hidden, they were good kids but definitely went along with Tessa’s decisions more than they should and his father and G and S really took the fall too many times for that.

“Oh, don’t worry, I knew Tessa may have been cunning, but she confessed so many things to me when I was just pressing her about if she took her laundry out.” G rolled her eyes.

“And you didn’t, uhhh.. rat us out?” N titled his head.

“Of course not! You were all under ten, and Mistress and Mister really didn’t understand that young children don’t need to be shunned by the world for breaking a teacup!”

N blinked and then sighed, “ah.. makes sense.”

The three jumped as they heard a loud giggle from Evie coming from P’s room, all of them looked at each other.

“No, no!” Evie told S while she was giggling, “she’s not that short! Shes.. sorta as tall as me I forgot.” She said, sitting next to him as she drew pictures of Cyn.

S smiled, “well don’t blame me.. you made her sound that short.”

“Nuh uh! I said she was as tall as me! Remember?”

S chuckled, “sorry.. CPU’s a little clogged.” He said, gently bumping the side of his head with his hand and Evie giggled.

“You always say that!” She said as her tail wagged, “ok! I’m done with my photo!” She said handing the drawing to S.

S, who could not see it, went along with her and pretended he could see it. Gasping, which made Evie look at him curiously.

“My my! She looks just like you described her, dear.” S told her and her tail wagged faster.

Evie was pretty proud of her drawings as she looked down at them. She looked around, there was probably enough matter for her to make a small creature right now.

“Alright, I got a big surprise! It will be something you can see with your hands, Mister S. It will make a caw noise as well!” Evie said as she gathered the papers together with her solver now.

“Hmm, should I guess what it is?” S smirked.

“Yeah yeah!” Evie nodded as she started shaping the papers from their original form.

“Is it a duck?” S asked.

“No, no, Ducks go quack, this one goes caw!” Evie giggled.

“Oh, ok ok, hmmm… is it a cat?” S knew what it was, but knew Evie loved the game.

“Close! The c is correct, but a cat goes maow!” There were now flesh noises being heard as bones cracked and blood moved.

Those noises N heard definitely worried him. What was Evie doing? Peeking around the corner, he looked at the sight of Evie conjuring up what seemed to be a bird.

“So it goes caw and starts with C. Is it a crow?” S asked.

“Yes!!” Evie jumped as she dropped the creature down, a small crow cawed but was grasping for breath.

“Evie!” N couldn’t hold back his words any longer, the crow looked deformed and had yellow eyes.

Evie snapped her head back immediately, her eyes hollowing, “d-daddy?” She looked down at the crow, “look at what I did..!” She gave him a nervous smile.

N stared down at the crow with hollowed eyes and then immediately rushed over as he picked it up.

“You cannot do this in front of your grandfather, no one!” He said, his breathing starting to pick up as he looked around, wondering where to hide it.

“B-b.. but daddy-“

“No buts Evie!!” He snapped at her, he froze as he realized what he did, Evie stared up at him with a shocked face.

N blinked, looking down at Evie, “Evie i didn’t mean-“

Evie shook her head as tears fell down her visor, standing up, she ran out of the room.

The crow started coughing up blood and spasming; its tiny body gave in to death so fast. Maybe it was the lack of air or just how cold it was, but this planet was not meant to sustain life. N heard as other drones started approaching. He couldn’t let P see this, no way. This would send him down another spiral of Cyn talk, it became so clear she was there, she had been for two whole years.

N felt as seconds passed so slowly. He looked between S and the crow and figured the best course of action was….

“N, what happened? Why is Evie crying?” P walked in as he saw N’s mouth full of something, a black feather leaking out.

“Uh,” S heard the gulping noise and put two and two together fast.

“Mfm!” N made a pained noise as he did not break eye contact with P.

P blinked at him, “N..? Whatcha got there in your mouth?” He asked, raising a brow

N shook his head as P stepped closer, “mmph!!!” He protested as P grabbed his face.

“Spit it out.” P ordered him and N just growled, “Give it!”

After a few minutes, N’s face grew disgusted as he then bent down, spitting out the deformed bird as he gagged.

P stared down at it as he blinked, then looked back at N with a concerned expression.

They both looked up at each other with shocked expressions. S sat there nervously, not understanding fully what was happening.

“WHY DID YOU HAVE A BIRD IN YOUR MOUTH?!” P said exasperated.

“YOU CANNOT ASK WHERE IT CAME FROM!” N yelled back, eyes hollow.

“I, uh.. what? Yes, of course I am going to ask where it came from! Robo-Jesus! I-I thought all organic life is dead, and I really don’t think crows exist on Copper-9, what in the world?!” P was stuttering with his words as he grabbed the very deformed bird covered in saliva.

Never in a million years would he think he’d have to pry a dead bird out of his adult son’s mouth.

“Look, it’s not important where it came from. It's dead and there will be NO MORE organic life made ever again!” N shook P, very anxious.

“Your granddaughter turned four pieces of paper into a bird, P. That’s quite…… different.” S didn’t know how to add to the conversation other than stating what she knew.

“Evie did this?” P stuttered.

“S!” N hissed.

N turned to P, “dad, please, you can’t let Khan know this!” He whimpered, “he’ll have me and her out of this colony in a flash, especially when I’m on terrible terms with Nori right now.” His eyes teared up as he gave P desperate eyes.

P blinked down at him and then sighed, kneeling down he hugged him, “it’s okay.. I won’t be telling anyone..” he told him and N sobbed into his shoulder.

“Mon bébé, mon bébé.” G said, gently patting Evie’s head as Evie had her head on G’s lap, quietly sobbing. “Your papa can’t really be mad at you..”

Evie whimpered as she wiped her tears, “he sounded really mad, he’s never yelled at me before Miss G.”

G frowned, “your father loves you dearly, my dear,” she said softly, “he didn’t mean it.”

“It sounded like he really meant it..”

G sighed as she held Evie close, patting her head and rocking her back and forth.

“Your father sounded very scary and afraid, and Evie, when people are afraid, even big drones, we make bad decisions… decisions we don’t mean” G said as she hummed a soothing tune.

“But daddy isn’t scared of anything, he's the biggest strongest drone I know. Am I that scary to scare him?” Evie looked up at G with pleading eyes.

Whatever she did, her father looked at her with horror just like her grandfather did. Was she not worthy of their sympathy anymore? Her friend told her about times the ones she loved would cower and call her cruel names, how bad beings would tell her lies about them. Was she destined to be alone like Tiny robot girl?

“Oh, mon bébé, no, no! You aren’t anything scary to him, he wasn’t afraid of you, no, that could never be true.” G looked down at Evie. She looked so much like Cyn at this moment, the fear in her eyes desperately looking for someone to save her from herself.

“Why can’t I be normal, Miss G?”

G stared down at her, and then frowned, “honey.. you are normal.”

Evie shook her head as she covered her eyes, “Grandpa Khan sees me as a monster.” She sniffed, “I overhear him a lot, saying that I’ll end up like my momma..”

G gently petted her head, “dear.. is that a bad thing..?”

Evie shakily nodded, “I don’t wanna die, Miss G..”

“No, I mean.. have you heard the wonderful stories your father has told about her?” She said softly, “remember the story of when they met?”

Evie let out a small giggle, “when she blew his head off with her ‘awesome railgun’”

G smiled, “yeah.. that one.” She sighed, “what I mean is.. don’t you wanna be the brave drone she was?”

Evie nodded, “I always have wanted to be as brave as her..” she said, wiping her tears.

“Well, I think you should just keep being yourself, and you’ll end up just like her, the bravest drone in all of Copper-9” G lifted Evie up into the air as she giggled.

“Yeah I am just like mama!” Evie called out.

There was a knock at the door which got both G and Evie to turn their heads.

“Hey, little bat… Can I come in?” N sounded quite exhausted and tired, but trying heavily to mask it.

“Y-yes papa..” Evie said, nodding.

N nervously walked in as Evie sat up, blinking at him as she whimpered.

G looked to her and gave her a gentle nudge, “Go on dear..” she told her softly, and Evie looked back at her and then back to N as she wiped her tears.

Standing up, she ran over to N and gave him a hug without warning, causing N’s eyes to hollow in surprise and then he just started to break down crying, hugging her back tightly.

Evie frowned as she looked at N, “papa..”

“I-I’m.. I-I’m sorry little bat.” He said, wiping his tears, “it’s just..” he whimpered, “I-I’m just.. really sorry for lashing out at you like that, little bat..”

“That won’t ever happen again I promise… I was just very worried about your safety, that’s all. You didn’t do anything wrong.” N lied, but he couldn’t bear to scold Evie now, not after how he reacted. The last thing he wanted was for Evie to fear him.

“Papa… it’s ok, I just wanted to show what I could do, I just wanted to be like mama and robot girl. I won’t do it again.” Evie found herself with tears in her visor. She didn’t want to stop using the solver, but if it scared her father so much, she wouldn’t even use it.

She would have to explain to her friend that she can’t learn any more spells. Maybe she could, she just couldn’t use them. The plans to make her father a companion would have to cease.

“E-Evie, there is nothing wrong with what you can do and who you are, it’s just.. There are very big consequences for those actions, and you’re too small to handle them. Even your mama who was big couldn’t handle it.” N never wanted to explain the danger of Evie’s powers, he wanted it to stay untainted and simply just something she shared with Nori. But knowing that her friend was Cyn, he couldn’t deny the danger she was in.

“I understand daddy..” she told her and reached her arms up, wanting to be picked up as N sighed, carefully picking her up as she nuzzled him with a purr.

She let out a gentle yawn as N sighed, turning to G who was staring at them.

“Hey.. thank you G..”

G smiled at him, “no problem..” she turned her head as S walked in with P.

She reached her arms out for S as S walked over to her, into her arms as the two shared a gentle kiss.

“ew..” Evie said tiredly and N chuckled a little, covering her eyes.

Evie slowly batted her eyes closed. She was tired after all the crying and solver use she was using.

Slowly but surely, she found herself back in her own head. The space being big and full of knick knacks, many items and animals she had made. Looking around and feeling something touch her hand, she looked down to the same dog she had made before waking up this morning.

“Go!” Evie yelled at it, the dog flinched and whimpered.

“I said go!! You stupid animal!!” Evie felt tears swell in her eyes as she said that. It hurt, but she wasn’t going to let her father be hurt by any of the things she made.

The dog jumped up on Evie, not taking her tone for an answer, licking her face and barking while wagging its tail.

“No, no! You can't stay, none of you can stay! You have to leave!!” Evie pushed the dog off as more animals came closer to her, even the crow.

“Please, just leave and never come back, stop ruining my life!” Evie got to her knees and sobbed an orange wave of energy, expelling the creatures away from her, all letting out whimpering and pained noises.

Pillars of objects started falling, making rumbling and crashing noises around her mind, enough for it to be heard from the outside. Uzi felt a vibration in her office, wondering what in the world that could be.

Uzi blinked as she stood up from her chair, she was about to walk out before she remembered her pill baby, she paused, looking at it, she frowned.

“I’ll be back as soon as possible, baby.” She said, and then rushed out.

Uzi ran out throughout the hallways, looking around for where the source of the vibration must’ve come from.

She was running down a hall til a certain room stood out to her, she paused as she stared at it, walking towards it.

She gulped as she put her hand on the knob, slowly turning it as she slowly opened the door.

Evie sat there, in her orange little mind, her tail curled around herself as she sobbed to herself.

Uzi’s eyes hollowed as she walked in, “E-Evie..” she said, staring at her.

Evie jumped as she looked around in panic, not recognizing the strange voice, her frantic looking stopped once she spotted Uzi.

“..M-mama?”

The whole room was full of carnage, dead animals and ruined plants, Evie covered in blood and plant life. But she didn’t hesitate, she ran to Uzi and tackle-hugged her. sending Uzi to the floor.

“Oof!” Uzi coughed as she regained her senses.

“You recognise me?” Uzi said, confused.

“Are you not my Mama?” Evie looked up, eyes hollow.

“No, no, that’s me! Oh sweetheart, what happened here?” Uzi pushed herself up and propped Evie up on her lap.

“I…. I am sorry Mama! I promise I won’t do this again, I won’t ruin things or scare anyone! Especially Papa, I-I…” Evie broke into sobs as she buried her face into Uzi’s jacket.

Ruin things? Scare? What did Evie do to scare anyone… even N?

“Wait, wait, Evie, you need to explain what happened. Why do you think people are scared of you?” Uzi tried to shake Evie out of her sobbing.

Evie whimpered as she wiped her tears gently, “I-.. I-I tried showing Mr S the cool tricks that my friend showed me..” she whimpered, “b-but daddy saw and daddy got really scared.”

Uzi frowned, “hey..” she said, bringing Evie closer as she gently caressed the back of her head.

Evie sniffed, “Grandpa Khan looks at me like I’m some monster, Grandma Nori and papa have been fighting..” she sniffed, “I-I.. I feel like it’s because of me mama.. I’m sorry..” she said, looking up at Uzi who was just frowning.

Uzi gently kissed her head, “hey.. baby.. no..” she gently patted her head, “Grandpa Khan has just.. always been like that, even with me.”

“..why?”

“Oh he’s just some.. old hag!” Uzi said, rolling her eyes with a smile, “don’t worry about him too much, he’s just a grumpy old man.” She smirked, “y’know, he wasn’t the kindest around your father either when it was just me, your father, and auntie V.”

“Why does grandma like him then if he’s so prickly all the time?” Evie said, confused.

“Honestly, I am not sure, but apparently he’s a real hunk which.. bleh. Gosh, I am so glad I didn’t have to endure their flirting, sorry little bat you gotta deal with that.” Uzi grimaced at the thought of her parents flirting.

“Hehe, it’s not that bad! Grandpa goes soft, real soft when Grandma says those things …. Did you get real soft when Papa called you a hunk?” Evie asked.

Uzi let out a laugh, a cackle even, at the thought of N calling her a hunk.

“Oh, no, no, your father never called me that, hehe. Let’s get you somewhere safer, got it Eves?” Uzi picked Evie up into her arms.

“You laugh like grandma!” Evie commented.

“Oh, do I?” Uzi booped Evie’s visor.

“Yeah, like a witch casting a spell!” Evie said, tail wagging.

Uzi led Evie out of her mind space into a purple lit hall. She started wiping away the blood and mush on her body.

Evie giggled as Uzi wiped her off, she looked up at her, “thank you mama..”

Uzi stared down at her and smiled, “you’re welcome little bat..”

Once they arrived at the office, Evie immediately started looking around, crawling onto Uzi’s bed as she grew curious at the plushies.

She picked up the plushie of her when she was a baby, “mama! This one looks like baby me!”

Uzi smiled, “because it is you..” She said, gently taking the egg from Evie’s hands as she smiled down at it.

Evie gasped as her tail wagged, she continued to look around.

“This one’s papa!” She said, picking up a little N plushie, “he looks much younger tho?” She said looking at Uzi.

Uzi giggled, “oh yeah.. he’s always been a very handsome man to me.” She said, putting her hands on her sides as she stared at the plushie.

Evie tilted her head and then looked over at the V plushie that was sitting right next to the N plushie.

“It’s VaVa!” She said, grabbing the V plushie.

“Is that what you call her? Aww, she’d never let me get away with that cute of a nickname.” Uzi patted Evie’s head as Evie purred.

The plushes captured Uzi’s favourite expressions of her beloved friends, including their toothy smiles.

“Where is VaVa? …. Wait, I bet she is busy visiting my cousins, right? Right? X and Y?” Evie wanted to meet the strange drone everyone talked about.

“Oh, V isn’t here I don’t think, though this place is very big…. Who is X and Y? I don’t remember having any siblings for you to have cousins, and well, your father’s sister is way too far away to have kids of her own.” Uzi was perplexed. She hadn’t heard of these two drones, though they sounded like disassemblers considering their names.

“Daddy has a sister?!” She excitedly asked, ignoring Uzi’s question.

Uzi blinked nervously, “that’s another story.. but come on, tell me who this.. X and Y is.”

Evie gave a disappointed look then nodded, “X and Y are my cousins mama!” Evie giggled, “their mama is auntie J and.. I’m guessing auntie Lizzy and auntie Doll? I don’t know, it’s very confusing that they have four mamas, but daddy says they’re Auntie VaVa’s too!”

Uzi blinked at her in confusion, “so.. hm..” she thought for a minute, “I’m sorry.. Did you say J was a part of this.. weird group too?”

Evie excitedly nodded but then thought, “well.. X tells us how her main mamas are auntie J and VaVa.. so yeah!”

“Ah.. that makes better sense.. I guess?” Uzi shrugged, but then looked at Evie, “is auntie J nice to you dear?”

Evie nodded quickly, “she’s very nice to me mama!”

“Shocker.”

It was nice knowing J did not have beef with her little angel, but it was also confusing because she never took J for the type to live life in the colony. She was sure that J would have just chosen to scout the planet by now, freeing her from the solvers' admin was just a way to keep N safe, not necessarily befriend her.

“She’s very funny! Always uses long, strange words. Papa and auntie J are always bickering, Papa says she’s his rival. X wants me to be her rival, but I just don’t see the point.” Evie looked around the bed as she only really saw V and N plushies.

“Mama, where is the Auntie J plush?” Evie looked up.

“Oh, me and your aunt weren’t on good terms …. Jeez, how do I say this? Um, I don’t miss her at all. I only really miss your father and V.” Uzi wasn’t going to explain how she blew J’s head off the first time meeting her and has been plotting to do that the second J ever steps foot in this mind space as a permanent resident.

“Well, Auntie J is very nice to me mama..” Evie said, looking down at the plushie of N.

Uzi let out a soft smile, “I like to hear that..”

The two sat there in silence for a minute, Evie fidgeted with the V plushie for a minute before she lifted her head.

“Why haven’t you visited me.. at all, mama?”

Uzi blinked and then turned to her, “it’s..” she sighed, “it’s complicated sweetie.”

Evie whimpered, “b-but.. but why mama? Did I do something wrong mama?”

“No, Evie, it’s just..”

“Will this be the last time I ever see you?”

Uzi’s heart ached a little at that sentence, “honey..” she said, bringing Evie closer as Evie quietly started to sob. “No, no.. there will be many times to come where I’ll visit you, love..”

Evie started wiping her tears, “I don’t want you to leave mama.. I don’t wanna be without you anymore.. it’s not fair.” Evie whimpered and even Uzi started to tear up a little.

Uzi sighed, laying back with Evie, “when you were born.. you.. weren’t exactly, ‘expected’” Uzi gave a nervous smile, “you were born into a very scary and dangerous situation.”

Uzi sighed, “me, your father, and even your grandmother fought so hard in the first few hours of your life while also fighting for ours.” Uzi sniffed, “In the last few moments of my life, while your father was right by my side, he made a promise to keep you safe.. no matter what.”

Evie was still wiping her tears, “h-.. he did?”

“He did..” Uzi brought her hand up as she wiped a singular tear, “your name also came from me as well..” she said, smiling down at Evie who was blinking tears away.

“Really? Why did you choose Evie?” Evie said. She always wondered why she was named that way.

“Well, your name means life, and I could see in your little orange eyes a new life for not just me and your father, but all of Copper-9. A new era of safety.” Uzi smiled, she hoped she had chosen well.

“So I am a new beginning for the planet…. Why can’t you be there as well?” Evie frowned.

“Sometimes not everyone can join you in new chapters of your life, people come and go even when you don’t want them to leave. But you’ll always have the memories and moments to remember them by, so in a way, they never leave.” Uzi brushed away some hair from Evie’s face.

“But I don’t remember anything of you.”

“The stories and moments others share are enough, my little bat, they sure were for my mother. I am sorry I left you this way, I never wanted to repeat the events of my own life to you.” Uzi couldn’t help but shed a tear. She left her daughter in the same way Nori did to her, it wasn’t fair.

“Will grandma leave the new baby as well?… I don’t want her to leave. I don’t want anyone to leave again.” Evie said, lip shaking.

Uzi opened her mouth to reply but then paused, “wait.” She blinked, “new baby? Evie what?”

“Grandma and Grandpa are having a new baby.” Evie repeated herself and Uzi continued to blink.

Uzi sat up as she held her head, “oh god..”

“Did.. did you not know..?”

“No.. I just..” Uzi groaned, “your father did not tell me about this!” Uzi quietly cursed to herself, she turned to Evie, “when did you find out about this sweetie..?”

“Just today.”

“Ah.. explains it.” Uzi sighed.

Evie whimpered, “you’re not mad at me mama, are you?” She asked and Uzi turned to her.

“No sweetie, I'm not mad at all!” She said, gently hugging her, “I’m just.. in shock that’s all.”

“I-I am so happy for grandpa and grandma, mhm, yeah, so thrilled to know they are having another kid after what happened to me.” Uzi tried to mask her emotions so hard, but it was really bad.

“You seem upset, mama..” Evie looked at Uzi as she shook.

“No, no, it’s a good type of emotion! Mhm. You shouldn’t resent the kid, no, not at all. That’s not a very mature, adult thing to do, hate a baby!” Uzi was speaking very fast, so fast that Evie couldn’t understand her.

Evie saw the same kind of reaction her mother had that her dad had. They were both terrible liars. But if both her parents were upset, then why would her grandparents do this? Have a baby that makes them sad. Did she make anyone sad by being born?… did any of her cousins do as well?

“Mama, are you lying about being happy like papa did?” Evie was suspicious of Uzi’s actions.

“H..huh? What do you mean like papa?”

“Daddy was really upset when he found out too.. he and grandma argued about it and both of them were crying.” Evie said, fidgeting with the N plushie, “I never have seen him that upset before.. It made me sad too..”

Uzi frowned, Evie whimpered, “did I make anybody upset when I was born? Did anybody cry because of me..? Were you and daddy that upset when I was born?”

Uzi frowned, “no honey.. we were scared, and we were happy, we were like a.. scared happy!” Uzi gently booped her, but Evie continued frowning. Uzi sighed, “you were the best thing that could’ve ever happened to me and your daddy.. whenever your daddy comes to visit, you’re the number 1 thing we talk about..”

Evie continued staring down at her N plushie, and then looked at Uzi, “I wish he could be here right now.. I want to have both of you at the same time..” she whimpered

Uzi thought for a moment, and then sighed, “maybe.. we can arrange something like that..”

Evie’s tail wagged as Uzi said that, eyes full of joy. Maybe then she could be a full family, like the twins.

“Can tiny robot girl come as well? I have to apologise for all the things I broke that we made together. She's probably very sad about that.” Evie sighed, she had to apologise to her friend.

“The who?” Uzi was confused.

“You know, tiny robot girl! She lives here as well, she told me stories about you and papa, even told me how you can turn into a crow and go caw caw!” Evie was excited, maybe her mother could explain to her papa that tiny robot girl is not a threat.

Uzi blinked, “does this.. tiny robot girl.. talk funny? Like.. for example..” Uzi thought, and then she waved her hand as she looked at Evie, “‘[waves hand]’”

Evie’s tail wagged, “yes! Yes she d-“

“Evie, you need to stay away from her.”

“B..but..” Evie’s heart shattered hearing her mother’s voice turn so serious, “mama.. she’s my friend!”

“Evie.. honey I know but..” Uzi sighed, “it’s for your own good and safety Evie.”

Evie shook her head, “I-.. I don’t understand mama.. she would never do anything to hurt me mama!”

“Evie.”

“I don’t understand mama!”

“Evie please.”

“Why do you adults not tell me anything! Why do you always keep things from me! I’m a big girl! I can handle these th-“

“She is what killed me, Evie!” Uzi turned to Evie with tears

Evie’s eyes hollowed as she tried to process what she was just told.

Uzi sighed as she sniffed, “she is what took me away from you.. what took me away from your daddy.. I’m stuck here because of her.” Uzi said, burying her face in her hands.

“Oh.” Evie fell silent. She felt a cold chill down her body. How could she even trust someone like that?

She thought she knew her. She promised she’d never hurt her. But yet her mama is gone because of her.

Evie blinked awake. She saw her father in sleep mode next to her holding her tight. She looked up at the ceiling. Things were changing. Too many things were changing.

A small feather nicked Evie’s shoulder. It was from the bird. She picked it off her jumper, looking at it as it glitched yellow and disappeared.

“Why… did you do that to her?….” Evie muttered. She knew Cyn was listening.

On her visor all that came was a “[:(]” before it glitched purple, saying “access denied”.

Chapter Text

Darkness.

Darkness is what filled the room as N blinked his tired eyes open, his internal clock going off as he shut it off.

He sat up in Evie’s bed, looking over at Evie who was sleeping peacefully next to him.

Her night terrors had gotten so bad to the point where her bed was pretty much turning into his too, but.

He wasn’t gonna complain about it, no.

Not when today was the day, the day he lost the two people he loved the most.

8 years since it all happened, 8 years since the worst day of his life happened.

He struggled to get out of the comfort of the bed as he stood up.

Today was Evie’s birthday as well, he wasn’t gonna make her upset about this on her special day tho, no, he was gonna be quick about it and then return back as soon as possible.

He quickly changed from his pajamas to his coat as he quietly rushed out.

The party was all set up, thankful for Thad helping him last night as N just felt sick to his stomach the entire time, but just toughed it out.

N stared for a minute and then shook his head.

No, he couldn’t keep J waiting for too long, he needed to get going and hurry back, he thought to himself as he quickly rushed out of the house.

N blinked at her as he lifted his hand slowly, attempting to put his hand on her shoulder but she quickly scooted away, shaking her head.

N frowned as she turned away, walking towards V’s side as she knelt down, very quietly and gently, she placed the flowers down, but didn’t move away

Her eyes were fixed on a photo of V, she brought her hand up as she gently wiped her thumb over V’s face.

A sniff came from J and then she just.. broke.

Covering her face as she sobbed, her body shaking as she sobbed quietly, N’s visor teared up as he gently wiped his tears, sniffing as he tried to hold himself together.

It didn’t take long for J to break out into very loud sobs, not caring how she would be judged. She couldn’t just pretend she didn’t miss her, that this day wasn’t the worst day of her life even including the massacre, at least she was with V at that time.

It had shocked N quite a bit when he heard J cry louder. Every part of him wanted to go over and comfort her, but knew he wasn’t the drone she wanted during this time. And even good intentions could be read wrong.

“I can’t keep doing this!” J yelled out, not caring how loud her voice was as it almost shook the floor.

“Look, I know it’s hard-“ N was cut off by J whipping her head around to bark back something at him.

“No! You don’t get to go ‘oh I am so much more mentally stable’, you bottle everything up for days a year that you don’t give yourself the actual time to process it!! You are far beyond your limits to give advice!!” J’s words stung. She was right, he did just neglect the time to properly grieve and even on the worst day of the year, he had to keep a happy composure. It was horrible.

N really hadn’t thought of how paradoxically cruel it was till J was quite literally waving the truth in his face. His lights went dull, unable to just pull it together.

He sniffed and suddenly fell to his knees, shaking as he sobbed out.

J blinked at him, then shook her head, turning back to V’s side.

She looked at a little crochet plushie that Y made for her, she picked it up, staring down at the little plushie.

J sniffed as she hugged it tightly, whimpering loudly.

N was hunched over as he continued sobbing and shaking, sitting up once he started to calm down, he wiped his tears.

“Come on, J, we can’t stay here forever, the sun will come up.” N sniffled.

“Good! Let me burn!” J just responded.

“You know I can’t let that happen.” N placed a hand on J’s shoulder, her putting her stinger up to his throat, but the glare she gave him wasn’t of anger, but anguish. Despair, even.

N stayed there for a while, the stare going on for much longer than needed. J’s eyes returned from that fiery to dull again as her tail fell down to the ground.

“There is only so long we can just wait for it to come and kill us all. It's already making plans, I know it….” J mumbled, but N heard it.

It’s not like he didn’t feel the same, knowing Evie had been contacting Cyn for three or so years now had been devastating. Knowing it could have just taken her away from him at any point and he’d be none the wiser. He was failing at his princely duties to keep the colony safe.

J sighed, placing the little crochet plushie down. N offered to help her up but she growled at him, helping herself up.

N stared back at her, waiting for her as she continued to stare for a bit and then sighed in defeat, turning towards N as the two started walking.

Both of them paused as they heard a growl, both of them exchanging their hands for blasters as they looked around.

J growled, “whoever you are, show yourself!” She hissed out.

There was a blue flash like the sentinel flash. N didn’t think any survived, let alone make their way up here. But there was another thing that caught their eye: a red piece of fabric and a yellow band.

There were sentinel chirping and growls before a shake, and the noises stopped. The movement did as well.

Through the shivering of the sentinels, there was still that red flash of fabric looking back at N. It’s eye hollow. As it moved closer and ever so slightly, it was afraid.

“Stay back!” J hissed, visor turning to a X.

It threw out a small shiny object, N moving towards it.

“Are you stupid?!” J looked at N, eyes hollow.

“Maybe.” N responded whilst kneeling down, still keeping the blaster on this thing.

Picking the shiny object up, it was clearly a set of glasses with a flower collar with “002” on it. The small creature kept eye contact with N.

N blinked at the creature as J continued pointing her blaster at the creature, growling.

N stared down at the glasses and collar, “Are these.. V’s glasses?” He blinked and the sentinel replied with a chirp.

J blinked at that, her eyes hollowing as she turned her head, looking at the glasses.

N opened his mouth to speak, but J quickly snatched the glasses from him.

“I’ll!..” she held the glasses close to her, “..take those.”

N blinked at J but then turned back to the sentinel, “is V still alive..?”

He said, stepping towards the sentinel that just chirped at him.

N then growled, unfolding his wings, “is V still alive?!” He hissed out, tears forming in his eyes as his visor glitched with rage.

The creature seemed stuck in fear as it tried to scatter away, N moving closer as it moved back.

“Answer me!” N yelled out.

Before a sentinel bit at the blaster arm, causing N to lose focus of the creature as it made a break for it.

“Hey! Come back! Agh!!” N hissed out in pain as the sentinel bit down. Moving his other hand, he blasted its face off before it could bootloop him.

Oil splattered all over him. It seemed the other sentinels had made a break for it, running away with the creature. N went to pick up the collar. Looking down at it, he debated if he should tell Nori. Stuffing it in his pocket, he turned around to J who seemed annoyed.

“Bright idea, dumbass! Just yell at the skittish, I am sure the animal will answer you back in full proper sentences!” J hissed.

“Oh, come on! It looked different from those things!” N huffed.

J just growled at him, grasping the glasses tightly in her hands. She looked down at them and sighed.

She turned away, “we.. we should start heading back by now..” she said, carefully tucking the glasses away safely in her pocket. “The twins are gonna be up any minute now and I’m sure Evie is already up.”

“Don’t you care that V might be down there?!” N snapped at her, “M.. Maybe we can also find a way to bring Uzi back! Maybe a way to bring them both back!” N desperately tried persuading her but J just growled.

“N..”

“J, please. I promise I’ll be q-“

“N!” J snapped around to look at him, “do you want your daughter’s birthday to be terrible because of your delusions?!” J’s eyes teared up.

N slowly turned his head as he glared at her, “..you never cared for V, did you?”

“I did!” J hissed out as more tears fell, “I cared about her! I loved her! And I wish I could’ve told her that one. Last. Time. But I’m stuck with this guilt that hangs over me everyday.” J sobbed out as she yelled at him and N blinked.

There was silence as the two stared at each other, both filled with hatred for one another. The sky gleamed a small orange as both of them looked up.

“Look, you can go lose yourself in grief and turn every rock in that hell hole tomorrow, but right now your daughter needs you…. I doubt Khan will even think for a second before kicking Evie to the curb for that new baby.” J hissed. N didn’t respond, he simply flew into the air and J followed.

The small blue creature watched as the disassemblers left its territory. A nudge from a sentinel made it crawl back down into its home; there was no use following them.

As J and N descended down to door one, it didn’t take long for it to shoot open, an elderly drone with white lights tapping his foot.

“You’re late.” Khan mumbled.

“And why do you care?” J hissed as N was unresponsive.

“The princess cares, and I care for my future so her needs are met.” Khan glared at J.

N fixed his posture as he adjusted his coat, “..yeah.. yeah.” he cleared his throat and quickly walked in towards the apartment and Khan just stared back at him, blinking.

“What’s with him?” He asked, turning back to J and J just growled.

“It’s.. nothing.” J said, walking in after N but heading towards her own apartment.

As J continued walking, she felt around in her pocket for the pair of glasses, pulling them out as she stared down at them.

She can’t let anyone know about these, these were hers now! It won’t be bad if she kept it a secret, only between her and N, right? She sighed, putting them back in her pocket as she quickly rushed to her apartment.

N quickly walked into his apartment as he sighed, jumping as he heard the voice of Evie.

“Daaaaddy, where were you?..” she whimpered as she wiped her tired eyes, she stood there, still in her pajamas while holding her dog plushie.

N blinked at her, “little bat.. why aren’t you ready yet?” He frowned as walked over to her, picking her up.

“I-I came to go look for you and you were gone!” Evie wailed out, tears still choked up.

“Oh, honey, you know you have your grandparents and your father to turn to when I am out.” N patted her head.

“But I don’t want anyone but you!” Evie nuzzled her face into N’s jacket, falling asleep from sobs.

Thad looked tired as he yawned in his guard outfit. He looked to N with an apologetic look. N mouthing ‘it’s ok’ to him as he walked over to place a kiss on Thad’s hair.

“I tried my best but.. y'know.” Thad mumbled, gesturing to Khan and Nori, who Khan was bickering with over why Nori was still up and how she should be resting.

“Thank you. I honestly don’t trust her alone without you.” N said back quietly so his in-laws wouldn’t hear.

It felt so personal, yet Thad knew better than to assume more of it.

N shook his head and then turned to Evie’s room, “I’m.. I’m gonna put her back to bed..” he said quietly as he looked down and quickly walked off with her.

He walked into her room, gently placing her down as she sighed, sitting next to her as he looked down, placing his head in between his hands.

He was stuck thinking about the lab as he looked down, his tail lashing back and forth as he thought.

If anyone had answers, it had to be Uzi. Maybe he could just visit her for a bit.. maybe.

He sighed as he looked at Evie and then laid back next to her, closing his eyes as he started trying to fall back asleep.

It wasn’t that hard of a fight, he was still tired from waking up so early, he soon was dragged into sleep, opening his eyes in a purple hallway as he looked around.

He blinked and then looked around for Uzi’s room, his tail wagging when he spotted it and he ran over to it, grabbing the knob as he slowly turned it, and slowly opened the door.

He carefully peeked in, spotting both Evie and Uzi talking as Uzi held Evie, but both of them were pulled out of their convo as they spotted N.

“Papa!!” Evie dashed over to N hugging his leg

“He pumpkin, sorry I left so early.” N lifted Evie up into his arms as she walked over to where Uzi was.

Placing a kiss on her lips, he sat down nuzzling Uzi. The three of them purred loudly.

“I was telling mama that it’s my birthday today and all the amazing things that come with it!” Evie was so excited, this was amazing, being with both her parents.

She wished her other papa could be here. She asked her mother why she can’t just bust grandpa to talk about things, but apparently it was only those cursed with this ‘solver’ that could visit. That wasn’t fair. She wanted her mama to meet Hatchet and so many others so bad.

“Yes, a princess's birthday is never dull. Let me guess, grandpa is making you go to a million and one places today.” Uzi giggled as she gave Evie a tickle as she laughed.

“Yeah! Gramps says there will be lots more events. I have to wear those fancy catchy outfits too in the coming years. Something about coronations and babba tisms, sounds boring!” Evie stuck out her tongue.

Uzi sighed, “oh dear..” she looked at N who just gave her a nervous chuckle and Evie looked up at him.

“Daaaaddy, can’t you please talk him out of it? I don’t wanna do all that stuff, I want to have a normal birthday like a normal drone!”

N frowned down at her, “Evie..”

“Please daddy..”

N gave her a gentle kiss on the head, “I’ll see what I can do little bat, but I can’t promise you it’ll convince him.” He sighed.

Evie whimpered and Uzi stared down at her, Uzi sighed, “you know Evie.. I had to do the same thing when I was your age.” She said, gently booping her and Evie looked up at her.

“How did you convince him to stop mama?” She sniffed and Uzi sighed.

“He didn’t.. exactly stop, he just.” She looked at N, “well.. I kinda just ran away..” She immediately looked down at Evie, “do NOT repeat what I did tho.”

“Aww, but it sounds fun! It worked after all!” Evie snickered.

N looked to Uzi as Evie was playing with N’s pilot hat. N displayed some text that said ‘Chat soon important info’. Uzi blinked and nodded.

“Hey little bat, why don’t you go get one mummy’s memories for us to play with? You know where I keep the happy ones, right?” Uzi looked down at Evie, whose eyes lit up as she scampered off to a closet.

“What did you find, hon?” Uzi looked concerned at N.

“Well.. me and J went to.. you know.. because today’s not only Evie’s birthday but it’s also..” he grew quiet, Uzi blinked as she frowned.

“I know..” she sighed, reaching back and gently picking up the V plushie behind them, placing it in her lap as she frowned, N let out a shaky sigh.

“Well.. while we’re about to leave, we came across these sentinels and this one.. rather strange creature.” N started and Uzi frowned as she placed her hand on top of his, giving his hand a gentle squeeze, N sighed, “there was this.. strange looking one, it looked like a sentinel but it didn’t at the same time. I don’t know how to describe it, but.. yeah.”

N looked down at his and Uzi’s hands and sighed, “that wasn’t even the strangest thing tho, it had V’s glasses and a collar with your mothers lab number on it.” He looked back at Uzi, “and I was thinking.. maybe there might be a way to bring you and V back, so she can be with the twins and Lizzy and.. J if she’s feeling nice enough, and you could be with me and Evie once again, we can finally be a complete family again if we bring you back.” N said, putting his hand over his core as he gave Uzi a nervous smile.

Uzi could see N was grasping for straws on this, seeing whatever this thing had given him had definitely spiralled N into a false end of hope.

“I think that’s really sweet but….” Uzi looked away.

“I don’t think you’re ready to see what’s down there, not after everything…. I mean, there are definitely cloning pods down there, that’s how my mother and the test subjects were made… But I don’t think it would work for V, and I was born, and, well …. V’s code probably is stuck where the rest of the disassemblers are with the solver.” Uzi liked the idea, but didn’t know how well it would work.

“But there is a chance! Right? Right? For you, at least?” N lifted Uzi’s head up to him.

“Maybe but you should work on living for yourself right now.” Uzi said, placing a hand on N’s cheek as he nuzzled it.

N sighed, “I just.. miss you..” he said, leaning into her touch and couldn’t help but let out a soft purr.

Uzi frowned, “I miss you too..” she said, bringing him closer as she kissed his head, the two sat there, soft purrs coming from the two as they sat there in silence for what felt like hours.

The two were brought out of this wholesome moment by the sound of feet running as Evie came bursting in, holding something.

Both N and Uzi sat up with their eyes hollowed as Evie giggled holding up a big gun.

“Mama! Look at what I found!! I stole it from past you!” She giggled loudly as she held up a rail gun and Uzi blinked, covering her face, “oh deaarr..”

“Hey, I think past Mama might need that right now… what kind of happy memory involves the rail gun working?” N looked over confused.

“Well like, when we met I guess.” Uzi blushed as N also blushed.

“Aww, yeah, when she shot my head off..” N said dreamily.

“Do I have to shoot Hatchet’s head off to prove my bond with her?” Evie said, confused.

“No, sweetie, I don’t think regular workers would appreciate being shot in the head. Maybe reserve that for drones who can take it, like your cousins.” Uzi snickered.

N smacked Uzi with the canister of his tail playfully.

“J would have my head if she did that, Zi.” He said with a fake stern tone.

“Oh, she always has your head, why not have hers? Hehe.” Uzi chuckled.

N sighed with a smile, he turned to Evie, “go take that back to past mama, I think she would really appreciate it.”

“But daaaaaaddddyyyy.. it looks so cool!” She said, her tail wagging as she placed it down, “I want to keep it!” she complained loudly.

“Evie..” N sighed and Uzi chuckled.

“Daddy!” Evie protested, “past mama seemed excited about it!” She looked to Uzi, “aren’t you still excited about it mama?” She whimpered, giving Uzi puppy dog eyes.

“Honey.. that was a long time ago..” Uzi said getting up and walking over as she sat next to Evie on the floor, she picked up the railgun gently, admiring it once again as she smiled.

“But still! It looks so cool mama, please can I have one pleeeeeaaase?” She begged.

Uzi chuckled, “that’s up for your father to decide.” She turned to N with a smirk and N’s eyes hollowed.

“N-no!” He panicked and Evie just whimpered, he sighed.

“Aww, your dad is no fun!” Uzi teased as she wrapped her tail around his face, the tail licking him on the cheek.

“She’s got plenty of powers at the tip of her fingers thank you very much, and I’d rather not have Khan up on me for that.” N tried to stay focused as Uzi chuckled, purring and blushing heavily.

Uzi knelt down to Evie’s height and whispered in her audio receptors.

“Try asking Nana to snag you to the prints, I am sure she’ll bend!” Giving a wink to Evie as Evie’s eyes lit up and nodded.

There was a purple light that gleamed more pink around the room as a warm voice spoke.

“Oh princess, it's time for you to get up again.” It was Nori’s voice. Seems their nap had to end for now.

Evie turned to Uzi, “I gotta go mama..” she said and Uzi leaned down at the two, nuzzling each other with purrs, “will you come see me again soon?”

“Of course little bat, remember,” she pointed to her visor, “I’m always watching.”

Evie giggled and waved goodbye as she ran out of the room.

N sighed watching Evie and then looking at Uzi, he sighed.

“I’m guessing I should go too..” he said walking over to her, bringing her into a gentle kiss for a bit, and then pulling away.

The two smiled at each other for a minute and N sighed, “will I also.. see you again soon?” He frowned.

Uzi smiled, “of course dummy..” she sighed and then smirked, gently booping him, “maybe tonight I’ll pay you a little visit and we can have a chat.” She said, wiggling her eyebrows at him and playfully nudging him, and he just blushed.

“I-.. uh..” he grew a nervous smile as visible sweat appeared on his visor, “a-.. alright!! I’ll.. I’ll see you then!” He said quickly rushing out as Uzi smirked at him, sighing as she turned to her desk.

Uzi looked down at her notes. That was definitely something to write about, the chances of something living in the labs still beyond sentinels. Though she didn’t want N to dwell on the cloning. Yes, he was cloned perfectly by the solver, but there was only so much human technology could do.

“Wowie, you two were really out of it.” Nori chuckled as N and Evie groggily woke up.

Evie looked to the clock and then gasped as she scampered out of her bed.

“Nana! Daddy! We missed the first event! Oh, Grandpa is going to be livid!” Evie pulled down the dress she had chosen out and desperately tried to get dressed quickly.

“Oh, don’t worry little bat, you're not late. I couldn’t bear to wake you two, so it’s being postponed till next year, though I can’t help with the other ones lined up today!” Nori chuckled as she helped Evie with the shirt that was tangled on her face.

“You’re much like your daughter, N, you yip in your sleep like a puppy.” Nori found this amusing and adorable.

“Oh, do I? I guess I never really knew.” Truth be told, Tessa had told him that many years ago.

N sighed as he sat up in bed, holding his head as he groaned.

“Do I still get my birthday party grandma?” Evie whimpered and Nori smiled down at her.

“Of course honey, you know grandpa isn’t mean enough to do that..” she reassured Evie and Evie just frowned up at her.

N stretched his arms as he yawned, standing up he walked over to the two, “yeah.. I would never let you miss your birthday party little bat..”

Seems the princess had a lot of jobs ahead of her.

The whole colony was waiting on bated breath for the royal family’s announcements and speeches. Well, everyone but two disassemblers who were passed out, tired. They were still sleeping. Till some internal alarms went off from a snooze.

Y shook her head as she glitched from sleep mode. Grabbing her aids, she looked over to the other top bunk. Her sister was also passed out. Checking the clock, Y became nervous. She leaped over to her sister's bed and shook her awake, X opening her eyes, annoyed.

“Hey! We’re in big trouble. We slept through the morning announcements!” Y signed to her sister.

“What? Why does that matter?” X signed back

“Because it’s our cousin’s freaking birthday, aka the day we are meant to be ‘perfect’” Y signed rather alarmed.

X grabbed her aids and clicked them In.

“Oh, we’re so screwed! That little brat is going to be on our tails!” X said nervously.

There was a creek at the door as the two looked over to see a very disappointed one eyed drone tapping her foot.

“Wanna explain why you two are waking up so late?”

“Tsk.. none of your b-“ she was hushed as Y slapped her tail over her mouth.

“Sorry mother, we just stayed up late last night.” She gave Doll a nervous smile and Doll sighed.

“You girls go on and get ready, we are not missing your cousin’s birthday party.” She crossed her arms, “I’ll deal with you two about this later.” She turned around to Saint pulling at her skirt and knelt down as she picked her up.

X rolled her eyes, “yeah whatever..” she said turning away, starting to get more comfortable in bed again but Y just growled and continued shaking her.

“Y!… Hey- Uuugh!!!” X groaned, “fiiiiine!!!” She said sitting up and jumping out of bed as she stomped away.

X couldn’t see why everyone was making such a fuss; she literally sees her cousin every day of the year. Scrambling through her closet, she pulled out the clothes that were neatly folded in front with a little note that said “birthday wear”.

As she picked it up, there was a bit of fabric that fell down and some bolts. As she went to pick it up, it solved away with a green glow. She turned her head to her little brother marvelling at the trinkets.

“Hey! Psk, pipsqueak, you snitch to Mama D about that and you’re dead!” X shot her tail at Fetcher who didn’t flinch.

“What is in it for me to keep this secret?” Fetcher signed back.

“What’s in it is your chances of ever going to super cool labs these things came from, or I could just tell Mama you're too young to be learning to fly.” X huffed.

Fetcher’s eyes hollowed as they stamped their foot.

“Am not, I am perfectly old enough to learn to fly. Fiiinnneee but you have to tell me everything about where these came from, please X.” Fetcher signed back.

“Hmm, I don’t know Fetch, you might have to convince Y as well. She was the one who heard what Mama and Uncle were chatting about.” X turned away, going into the bathroom to change.

Fetcher stood there as he blinked but was pulled out of his thoughts as he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder, looking behind himself he saw Lizzy, she was smiling down at him.

He just stared up at her, face emotionless as he thought, Lizzy’s smile faded into a frown, “is something wrong dear?”

Fetcher was pulled out of his thoughts once again hearing that and then shook his head, reaching up for Lizzy to pick him up and her smile came back once again as she carefully picked him up.

“Uuuugh! This dress is scratchy!!” X screamed from the bathroom and Lizzy sighed.

“It’s only for a few hours dear.”

“A FEW HOURS?!”

Lizzy sighed and then turned her head as Y walked out of her room, her dress on and a big yellow bow on the back of her head.

“How do I look mama?” Y said, spinning around.

“You look lovely, sweetheart. A perfect little angel.” Lizzy smiled as she knelt down to Y’s level, booping her on the visor.

“I think this looks stupid, there is no tie!” X huffed.

“Well, when you’re older you can wear as many ties as you want. You know, your mama J wore a bow when she was your age.” Lizzy tried to encouraging X to enjoy the outfit a bit more,

“Great, now I know grandma made mama wear all the stupid clothes and suffer together.” X stormed out the room.

“I would prefer you lose that attitude when you greet the king and queen, young lady.” Lizzy tapped her foot.

“Whatever!” X huffed.

X opened the fridge to pick up a canister of oil as she scratched at the dress. Sitting down on the couch, she looked over to see Doll who was rocking Saint to sleep for a nap. Yeah, she envied her little sister's ability to get away with stuff.

“So, you want to tell me why the guards saw more than the usual amount of yellow lights this morning?” Doll said, looking over.

“Maybe the guards should mind their own business.” X mumbled.

“X.”

“What?!” She snapped at Doll, but Doll was unphased by her tone.

“Is there something you want to tell me?”

“There’s nothing! Mind your business lady, you're not my real mom.” X pouted.

“X!” Lizzy shouted and X’s eyes hollowed.

“Lizzy, it’s fine.” Doll told Lizzy and sighed, “X.”

“I told you, it’s nothing.” X hissed and Doll sighed.

Both their heads turned as there was a knock at the door.

Lizzy looked over, setting Fetcher down as she quickly rushed over to the door, when she opened it, J was standing there, looking tired.

Lizzy reached up and planted a gentle kiss on J’s head as J gave a tired smile, looking down at Lizzy.

“Mama!” X and Y both said, X completely ditching her canister of oil as the two ran over to J, the two hugging her with both their tails wagging.

J’s tail also wagged as she went down to hug her daughters. Doll just looked a little defeated but turned her head back to Saint who was snoozing.

“My little cubs, you look wonderful. You both excited for today?” J smiled as she ruffled both their hair.

“No!” X huffed but got her face wacked by Y’s tail.

“Nah we excited I mean it’s great having a whole day off school” Y snickered

“Yeah, we would have a day off if we didn’t have to go to this stupid party.” X groaned.

Fetcher also ran up to J to look for affection, which J obliged by pulling Fetcher up into her arms and nuzzling his face. He let out a giggle from that. Lizzy looked concerned at J putting a hand on her face. J looking over confused.

J blinked, “is there something on my face?”

“No no.. is something wrong dear..?” Lizzy asked, J was about to open her mouth but then Lizzy looked down at the kids, “go on and play for a second, me and mama need to talk..” she said gently pushing the kids away from J and X loudly complained but Lizzy still managed to push her away gently.

J blinked and then looked back at Lizzy, “Lizzy, I’m fine..”

Lizzy looked back at her with a frown, “J..”

“Lizzy..”

“You know you can tell me anything J..” Lizzy said, putting her hands on J’s shoulders and J sighed.

J opened her mouth, wanting to say but then shook her head, “I’m fine Liz.. I promise..” she said, bending down and gently kissing her head.

“Look, I already know something went down at the labs, word spreads fast.” Lizzy said in a hush tone not to alarm anyone.

“Oh, come on, did N snitch already?” J hissed, tail flicking.

“No, well, your daughters are mini escape artists from what the guards have told me.” Lizzy said, eyeing X and Y as they jumped up on the couch, bothering Doll.

“They….. I never wanted them to see me like this. How long have they been doing it?” J groaned. She was proud of her daughters for being so nifty, but at what cost.

“Yeah, so now the cat’s out of the bag. What happened really, J?” Lizzy looked back, placing a hand on J’s blazer, causing a bit of blush from them both.

“It’s.. nothing too important Liz..” J reassured her but Lizzy wasn’t buying it.

“J..”

“Liz I promise..” J frowned, Lizzy gently placed her hand on J’s cheek as J whimpered.

“I can tell when something’s bothering you, you’re not good at hiding it..”

“Wh-.. yes I am!” J objected, and Lizzy couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.

“Reeeeaaaallllyyyy?” Lizzy pulled up the broken glasses of V, as J was shocked she had managed to nap them off her without her even knowing.

“H-how- Yeah, ok, there was this strange drone that dropped that and the toaster princesses collar, but these are mine!” J snatched the glasses from Lizzy’s grasp and tucked them back in her pocket.

“I know today is always tough for you, it is for me as well, but those are definitely making it tougher. Do you want to take a break? I am sure my brother can handle the kids.” Lizzy was concerned with how J would handle today. It was always meant to be joyous, despite how hard it was.

J blinked at her and then sighed, “I-I’m.. I’m not sure, love..”

Lizzy gently placed her hands on J’s shoulders, “why so?”

J whimpered, “The.. the twins need me and I.. I don’t know how Thad will handle it..”

Lizzy frowned, “I’m sure he’ll be fine.. plus, the twins have gone much longer without you, I’m sure they’ll be fine for a few hours.”

“..But”

Lizzy gently placed her hand against J’s mouth, “ah ah ah, no buts!” She softly told her with a smirk and J just rolled her eyes in response.

Lizzy held J’s hand and brought her inside to the couch, Doll turning her head to look at J.

“Kids, your mother is going to take a break for today, so it’s just going to be Doll bringing you to the party. Now, I want you to be on your best behaviour for Mama Doll and your Uncle Thad, okay?” Lizzy said, getting the four’s attention.

“What?! Why?!” X huffed.

“Sometimes adults aren’t up for things, but aren’t you so lucky you have three mamas and a kooky uncle to rely on?” Lizzy added.

“Haha, yeah, we got triple the amount of mamas Evie has! She has …… hmm…” Y said proudly before counting on her hand.

“Zero mamas!” Y said, eyes hollow, realising how cruel this statement was

“Maybe don’t tell Evie that when you see her, honey.” J patted Y on the head.

“Awww, you’re no fun!” X said pouting.

Doll sighed as she stood up, “come on then, little ones.” She told all the kids and then looked at J who refused to make eye contact with her.

Doll blinked and then sighed as she gathered all the kids together, Saint still asleep in her arms as she walked out with them.

J sadly watched them walk out as she buried her face in her hands, starting to gently sob.

Lizzy frowned as she patted her back, rubbing soothing circles on her back as she sat down next to her.

The sobs grew louder as time went on. J bringing out the glasses and holding them tight but so gentle.

“I miss her so much, I-I can’t help but resent Doll for what she did. I know she’s a wonderful mother to the dronelings b-but, V would have been here if it wasn’t for-“ J couldn’t finish that sentence before sobbing more.

Lizzy knew how she felt. Of course she didn’t resent Doll as much, but the pain was still there. It was conflicting.

“I should have known better! If I went down there with them, maybe it would have been easier to spot how different she was acting, maybe the ruse would have fallen!” J lamented herself.

“J, you’re putting too much pressure on your past self. You were blinded with loyalty and there is no way you could have known.” Lizzy tried to combat the self deprecating thoughts.

“I was meant to know though. I had the most memories. I had the best chance of piecing together the picture. It would have been easy with the three of us.” J felt regret of letting her squadmates down, even if V had perished in the labs, there was no way the solver could have cornered the group off like it did.

Lizzy rubbed soothing circles on J’s back as she scooted closer to J with a frown, “honey..”

“I.. I just.. I..” she covered her face as her sobs grew louder and louder.

Lizzy frowned as she sighed, wrapping her arms around J as she brought her closer into an embrace.

J’s sobs started to calm as she was brought into the embrace, taking in Lizzy’s scent as she shook.

“I know.. I know.. easy..” Lizzy told her softly and J just whimpered.

“There..” Lizzy whispered softly and J’s whimpers started to calm themselves.

“I just.. wish I could tell her I was sorry..” J whimpered, her face still buried in Lizzy’s dress and Lizzy sighed.

“I know.. I’m sure she would love to hear that..” Lizzy told her softly.

There was a moment of silence where the only sounds were small sobs coming from both drones.

“N mentioned an idea.. I don’t know how well it would work, but the possibility of cloning..” J mumbled.

“Clones? Like how you were cloned?” Lizzy added on.

“Yeah! Like how the queen and Doll’s mother were made, it could be possible to clone V and Uzi again.” J couldn’t believe she was diving into this idea, but it was better than nothing.

“Are you sure that would help, J? I don’t think you’re ready, either of you, to go down to those labs.” Lizzy added on, very concerned.

“Y-yeah…! I-I’m sure we can find a way!” J said, looking at Lizzy, “..we have to find a way..”

Lizzy frowned, gently placing her hand over J’s, “honey..”

“I.. I need V back..” J said, choking up as tears filled her visor and Lizzy frowned, kissing J’s head.

“Hey.. hey.. relax..” Lizzy whispered to her and J just shook as she whimpered.

“We’ll get her back, I promise.” Lizzy said as she soothed her beloved, even if she didn’t agree with the ways of getting there.

“Why do we have to wear these scratchy dresses?!” X complained.

“Because the queen thought you’d look presentable in them.” Doll had answered this question maybe a million times by now

“Well, she better get ready to catch these hands, because she’s got an awful taste!” X huffed, she was the only one babbling on.

“X!! Y!! Fetcher!! Saint!! Auntie Dolly!!” There was an excited tone that came from down the hall as Evie pounded over to her cousins and aunt.

“Young princess, please, what did we say about running off?” Thad seemed to be out of breath from chasing Evie.

“But it’s our family Dada! It can’t be that bad, they aren’t strangers. Hi! Wow, you’re wearing the outfits! I didn’t think they would get there on time. Me and Nana were so indecisive.” Evie complimented the outfits, spinning back and forth full of energy.

“Yeah well-“ X was about to complain before both Fetcher and Y put a hand on her mouth.

“We love them, mhm!” Y nodded.

X growled but rolled her eyes as she pouted.

Thad sighed, he looked at Doll and nodded at her, “anyways.. come inside.” He said with a smile as he turned away but the kids all just ran past him and inside, nearly knocking him over.

“Kids- Ughh..” Doll sighed as she sighed, holding her forehead with her hand.

Thad turned to her, “it’s fine Dolly.” He gave her a chuckle but Doll just looked at him, exhausted.

Doll blinked as she heard a yawn, looking down at Saint in her arms. She gently nuzzled her, “oh dear.. did I wake you?” Doll said with a frown as Saint looked up at her.

“No no mama, I up.” Saint groggily said, looking around the very colourful room.

“Can I play with the big kids as well?” Saint asked.

Doll looked around at home, many bigger dronelings were around and the worry that Saint might be trampled was real. I mean, it definitely happened with Uzi, and both Uzi and her daughter were small for their age.

“Why don’t I just bring you over to your siblings and cousin. I don’t think you’re big enough to wander on your own right now my light.” Doll said, nuzzling Saint.

Saint pouted, clearly annoyed at the implication she was not big enough.

Doll carefully walked over to the younger drones as she then turned to Fetcher.

“Fetcher, honey..” she knelt down and Fetcher looked at her, “Your sister wants to play, can I trust you to keep watch of her and make sure the bigger kids aren’t too rough with her?”

Fetcher blinked, staring at Saint who stared back at him, and then looked back up at Doll and nodded.

Doll smiled down at him as she carefully handed Saint to him, Saint looking back at Doll.

Doll kissed Fetcher on the head and then Saint as she turned away and walked back over to the adults.

“So where’s the other two?” Thad asked Doll as she was caught off guard by hearing him.

“Oh, uhh, they both stayed home. It’s just me, and well, you since Lizzy puts that responsibility on you.” Doll took a swig of oil.

“Tough day? Yeah, N’s trying his best to be present, but yeah, that isn’t working.” Thad pointed out as Doll scanned the room, the disassembler clearly missing.

“Well, we’re going on to a decade without those two, how long are they going to act like this?” Doll huffed as she still was focused on Saint.

“Says you, miss ‘I didn’t come to school for 2 years and then plotted revenge for the next 8’” Thad made that jab .

“I was alone and isolated myself, N has an amazing support system.” Doll’s visor showed a little angry symbol on it.

Thad couldn’t help but sigh, “yeah.. but,” he softly placed a hand on her shoulder, “at least you have a support system now..” He said, smiling at her.

Doll looked to his hand and then sighed, “..yeah.” She sighed, looking to the kids, frowning as she stared at X and Y.

“I wish.. there was a way I could tell.. the girls.. I'm sorry..”

Thad blinked at her, “the twins..?”

“Y-..yeah..” Doll sighed, “I mean.. I still despise V for what she did to my..” Doll frowned and then shook her head, “but I can’t blame the twins for that either.. and sometimes.. I feel like X releases all that anger onto me.. and which.. I guess she has a good reason to..”

Thad frowned, “Doll..”

“I know it sounds stupid b-“

“No, no.. it’s okay, I understand where you’re coming from..” Thad sighed, “you know X is like that with everyone right?”

Doll looked at him, “I know I’m just.. she seems more vicious around well.. me..” She gave him a tired look.

“Well, I mean, she doesn’t know, unless J has told her?” Thad looked concerned.

“I…. No, she isn’t that malicious, I don’t think. But I feel X knows instinctively. I don't think she would be surprised if the truth came out.” Doll fiddled with her ring. She dreaded the twins would learn the truth, she didn’t think it would be that bad, but then she got attached.

It was like if V raised her after the attack. I mean, it wouldn’t really be the same relationship, more sisterly but still the mirage of being someone’s love one only to be the cause of their agony. She’d never forgive herself if she was in X’s position.

“I am sure she’s just getting some teen rebellion early, that’s all. I mean, she’s reaching her tweens, there is only so long till they think they’re too good to hangout with us. I know Liz definitely hit that milestone early, she wanted nothing to do with anyone, not even me.” Thad tried to calm Doll’s fears. Growing up was a normal part of life, though Thad did dread the day Evie would no longer be as sweet.

X was running past but caught eye contact with Doll. They stared at each other for a few seconds before X shook her head and kept running. Of course she didn’t mean what she meant before but this whole day was stressful. Everyone pretending to be happy, she hated how fake everyone has to be, she knew her family needed this day to grieve, not celebrate. Only if Evie had been born sometime else.

X felt someone tug at her sleeve as she blinked and looked at Fetcher, he was giving her a concerned look but she just rolled her eyes in return.

She growled, “I’m fine!” She said pulling her arm away from him and stomping away.

“X! That wasn’t nice!” Y complained to X as X rolled her eyes.

“Whatever! Everybody’s acting so weird today!” X pouted as she complained loudly so Evie could hear her and Y sighed.

Evie, who was standing not so far away, blinked as she looked at X. X gave her a glare back as she growled, “and it’s mostly your fault!” X pointed at Evie.

Evie’s eyes hollowed, “what did I do?!” She objected and X’s growls grew louder.

“Exist. That’s what you did.” X said, trying to stomp towards Evie but Y immediately held her back by the tail, X hissed back at Y.

X looked back at Y with eyes narrow and growled.

“Let me go!” X demanded.

“Or what?” Y stuck her tongue out.

X changed her hand to a claw and slashed at Y’s tail, making her squeal out in pain as X lunged over to Evie, pushing her to the ground. Evie shook as she looked back at X’s eyes hollow seeing a face she had never seen before. X had a, well, X screen as a claw dug into Evie’s shoulder.

Evie was too stunned to do anything and in the small seconds that Evie had to react as X went down with a claw. She felt herself be flung into the back of her mindspace as she saw a yellow figure standing in front of her. In the real world, Evie’s lights had switched to the same yellow as X’s hand was stopped by a yellow solver symbol. Quickly pushing her back into the couch X letting out an oof.

“Don’t…do….that….again.” a very robotic voice spoke before spotting N looking at xem, its eyes hollowed.

N’s eyes hollowed as he made eye contact with what was supposed to be Evie as he started shaking.

“C..Cy-“

Evie gasped as her eyes went back to their normal orange, falling to the ground as she covered her face and groaned in pain.

N blinked as he stared down at Evie, and then shook his head as he immediately rushed over to her.

“Shh.. Shh.. Shh.. hey hey..” N said to her reassuringly as he knelt down next to her, bringing her close as Evie sobbed.

X shook her head as she growled but her eyes hollowed as she looked up, only to make eye contact with an angry looking Doll, and Y, who was whimpering and holding her tail, standing right behind her.

X blinked and then pointed to Evie, “S-She tried to kill me!!” X immediately lied, “she had the.. the yellow eyes! Just like the stories of aunt Uzi! She’s gonna kill us all like aunt Uzi tried to!”

Evie immediately snapped her head around, “I-I’m not!”

X glared at her, then her growls grew louder, “Maybe you're better off dead just like her-“ Doll immediately covered X’s mouth as X let out muffled yells into Doll’s hand.

Evie’s eyes flickered yellow once again as she fought against N’s embrace.

“[Snide Comment] Likewise, I am sure V would enjoy the company, or maybe she wouldn’t considering what kind of droneling y- ahhh,” Cyn hissed out as Evie’s lights flickered slightly purple, before Evie fell limp again. The possessions have really taken a toll on Evie as she was drooling oil when coming back online.

X was even more enraged. How dare this evil being insist she is a bad kid? She’ll kick her ass! But Doll had already picked X up using the solver to restrain the tail movements. It all happened so fast and everyone was in shock. Evie was completely out of it by now.

“What did I say about talking to my daughter!!” Uzi socked Cyn in the visor as Cyn coughed out some oil.

“[Angry] you suck at being a mother, Evie was about to get torn to shreds, I was helping!” Cyn hissed back, pushing Uzi off.

Uzi growled at her, lunging at her again, “You’re not even supposed to be here!! Aren’t you busy trying to destroy the universe?!” Uzi hissed as Cyn tried pushing her off, both of them growling.

“[growl] I’m trying to protect… Evie!!” Cyn hissed out as Uzi grew more furious.

“I can protect her myself!! She’s MY daughter!! Not yours!!” Uzi’s wings unfolded as she showed her fangs, about to bite down on Cyn and Cyn squeezed her eyes shut.

“[fear] [fear] [fear]” Cyn said as she shook, waiting for the vicious bite.. but the bite never came.

Cyn opened one eye, confused as she blinked, looking at Uzi who was being held back by a red solver symbol, also looking confused.

A drone with purple hair and red eyes soon walked in as she sighed, “enough you two!!” Yeva said as Uzi looked at her in disbelief.

“Y-Yeva?!” Uzi said in disbelief, “It’s Cyn! Yeva it’s Cyn!!” Uzi loudly objected

“You are acting no better right now!” Yeva growled.

“I am keeping my daughter safe! I thought out of everyone, you’d understand!” Uzi pulled against the solver symbol as Cyn took her opportunity to scramble out of Uzi’s grasp, trying to get up but stumbling and falling down again, dragging herself away from Uzi.

“Yes, and I am very aware. Don't you understand that you two have the same goal?” Yeva huffed as she grabbed a hold of Cyn’s leg stopping her from scrambling away

“And how do you know?!” Uzi growled.

“Because I saw it through my own daughter's eye. Sure, I am not entirely thrilled about how YOU went about dealing with my dearest granddaughter, but she wasn’t harming Evie. There was not a scratch on your daughter, I saw.” Yeva tried to rationalise with Uzi.

“[appreciative look] thank you 048.” Cyn smiled at Yeva.

Yeva glared down at her, “Hush.” Cyn flinched, “I might’ve just saved you now, but I’m not your friend.”

“[whimper] I’m sorry 048..” Cyn replied, rubbing her head.

Yeva stared down at her and then sighed, turning back to Uzi.

“Uuugh.” Uzi groaned, then growled, “you need to keep your psycho daughter under control!” Uzi growled and Yeva rolled her eyes.

“My granddaughter is none of your concern Uzi, you need to keep your own daughter under control.”

“MY DAUGHTER?! Evie did nothing to X, but just looked at her once and X took offense to that!”

“Honestly, expect nothing less from J’s code.” Uzi huffed as she felt the solver drop her then face planting to the ground, letting out an oof sound.

“Today is stressful for everyone, she is just a child. You were just as erratic.” Yeva stomped over to Uzi, helping her up and dusting her off.

“I never nearly slashed off another kid's head at eight!” Uzi protested as she pushed away from Yeva’s overbearing mothering.

“Yes, but you did draw oil with that bite to that poor child’s shoulder.” Yeva brushed over some dust.

“He pushed me off the swing the day before! I had all the right! Not my problem Doll invited him to her birthday.” Uzi huffed.

“Can I go? I won’t cause anymore problems.” Cyn asked sheepishly.

“We will escort you back to where you belong WITHOUT any more fighting.” Yeva looked to Uzi who stuck out her tongue.

Yeva held out her hand to help her up, Cyn looked at Yeva’s hand as she slowly lifted up her wobbly hand and put it in Yeva’s.

Yeva slowly helped her up as Cyn stood on wobbly legs, brushing herself off. Yeva was quick to walk to the door, looking behind herself to make sure that Cyn followed as Cyn slowly followed after her.

Yeva looked to Uzi, “you coming Uz?”

“I-.. No!” She pouted, looking away as she huffed, “I’m not helping that.. thing!”

Yeva rolled her eyes, “aaaalright.” She said, walking out with Cyn.

Uzi sat there for a moment before she looked around, hating the feeling of loneliness again she whimpered, scrambling up as she ran out after the two, “wait up!”

N was distraught looking as Evie faded in and out of conciseness, her coughing up oil every so often. He couldn’t hear the chatter in the background, just eyes fixated on Evie. How could he let this happen, let his guard down so fast his daughter was attacked and he wasn’t there when she needed him most.

“N…..N!….N! Can you hear me!” N was pulled out of his trance by looking up to see Nori.

Nori looked at N. He looked disheveled and worn out, tears streaming down his face. This wasn’t the time though, Evie needed more help than want her healing factor was giving her. Pulling N up to his feet, she shook him a bit.

“Evie needs to go to the med bay, come on.” Nori added as N shook his head, his senses coming back to him. Yes, his daughter needs medical attention.

“Right.” He said immediately standing up as he held Evie and then almost immediately ran out with her, Nori following behind him

X, Y, and Doll all watched the two as X pouted, “hmph.. good riddance.”

Doll immediately snapped her head towards X, “You’re in huge trouble Serial Designation X Frost.”

“Wh-.. but mo-..” X stopped right there as she pouted.

Doll blinked, “you are gonna go to that med bay and apologize to Evie or you’re grounded for a whole year, do you understand me, X?”

X growled, standing up on the couch to get to Doll’s height, “you’re not my mom!! You can’t tell me what to do!!” She snapped at her.

Doll’s heart shattered at that statement but shook her head, “Mom or not, I still take care of you and I just want the best for y-“

“You’re not my mom! You’re not my mom!! My real mom is gone forever and you’ll never be her!! Never!!” X snapped as tears filled her visor and she jumped down from the couch as she ran out of the apartment wiping her tears.

Doll didn’t even go after her, she just stood there in silence as she held her head down.

Y watched her sister as she blinked and then looked up at Doll, “..mama?”

Doll shook herself as she pulled herself together. It was only going to get worse from here, but she couldn’t hate X. Not how she hated V, she saw none of V. All she saw was the small little droneling reaching out for her, moments out of the egg. But Y could definitely see how it hurt, her mother was always very cold and emotionless, never one to cry so this was a strange situation.

Doll picked Y up into her arms as she sighed.

“Tell N and Nori I’ll be back with X for sure, just, she’s going to do something she’ll regret.” Doll handed Y to Thad. Y was confused, she thought she was coming.

“No, no, I can come mama, I'll talk to her!” Y grabbed out for her mother.

“No, sweetness. I need to make sure you’re safe okay?” Doll pushed Y’s hand away.

“It’s ok, I feel I am probably going to have to watch most of these kids for now. You go.” Thad nodded.

Doll rushed out the door. It wouldn't be that hard to find X. There were only so many disassemblers in this colony, and she knew her daughter's tracks and scent.

It had been.. 2 hours? Doll didn’t keep track but Doll was frantically looking and asking around, no one had seen X or heard from her, which made Doll’s worry grow.

It wasn’t easy to get out of the colony as a drone her age, but it’s also not impossible.

“J’s gonna have my head.” Doll whined as she stood there, exhausted and anxious.

“X!!” Doll yelled out, “X please!” Doll looked around, her attention being snatched as she saw what seemed like a yellow glow appearing from the vent above.

Doll stared up at it, “Ah..” Doll should’ve guessed, X was the daughter of J and V, of course.

Unfolding her wings she flew up to the vent, gently opening the vent as she peeked in. As she expected, X was in there, her wings wrapped around herself as Doll could hear quiet sobs coming from her and seeing what looked like a picture she was holding.

“X..” Doll said softly as she saw X shiver from that.

“What do YOU want?!” X huffed trying to stifle her tears.

“Well, first, I am deathly worried about you. For one, you could have been anywhere and I couldn’t forgive myself if-“ Doll was cut off by X.

“By what!? That I die like my own mother?! that I end up in some dingy labs choking on my own oil?! I know that’s what everyone wants! I can’t be perfect and happy all the time like Evie! I can’t be anything like her…” X ranted as she was clearly sobbing from this.

The feeling was something Doll had felt before. Feeling she wasn’t enough that people would rather prefer someone else over her. Sure, Uzi, wasn’t well liked but she was always more important. She always had more problems. Doll had to suck up and accept she was second place to her own mother at times.

“Have you really thought about yourself that way, my dear?” Doll said reaching out for X’s wings, prying them open.

“NO! …… maybe sometimes …. More like all the time, just none of the people I care about look like they can even handle being alive right now, and we just have to be happy go lucky because of her. It’s not fair, it’s too much!” X looked at Doll, her visor still glitching with the x on it.

Doll frowned, placing her hand on X’s cheek, “X..”

“I..” X sniffed, “I wish I could’ve known her better..” she whimpered, “I wish I could see her again.. one last time.. I wanna hear her voice..”

Doll’s heart shattered hearing this as she sighed, “I know dear.. I know..”

“It’s not fair mama Doll..” she said, clutching the picture she had closer to herself, “why did she have to be taken away from me?”

Doll was quiet at that question but she sighed, “sometimes.. the world is unfair and takes those that we love away from us.. it’s.. unfair yeah, but we learn to accept that those important people in our lives are go-“

“But I don’t know how to accept it!” X cried, “I don’t wanna accept it, I want her back.” X frowned and Doll sighed.

Doll pushed a strand of hair out of X’s face, “Sometimes it’s harder for us to accept that someone we love is gone, but we learn to keep their memory alive, that’s what your VaVa would’ve wanted.”

X stayed quiet, letting out a sniff as she stared down at her picture she was holding. It was a selfie of V in her gorgeous red dress she wore at prom, in the back was Uzi and N who both did not look happy while looking at the camera.

“Did you know VaVa at all?” X asked her mother.

“Um, not as well as your uncle and aunt or your mamas, but I knew of her.” Doll seemed to want to avoid this conversation as fast as possible.

“You were also at prom, right? You, mama and auntie were in the same year along with uncle” X looked curiously at Doll.

“Well, that’s true, but there were a lot of drones in my school year like how there is in yours. It was impossible not to know of a disassembler. I mean, there were really only two of them but well, me and VaVa didn’t get along as well…. She wasn’t necessarily the most cuddly person, but neither was I.” Doll was not going to break the news now in this vent for various reasons.

X looked at Doll and then down at the photo, she sniffed, “was VaVa nice..?”

Doll blinked at that question, then let out a nervous chuckle, “I..” She gulped, and then sighed, “..yeah, the sweetest drone you could.. ever meet, and I know she loves you more than anything in this world..”

X continued to stare down at the photo, and then let out a soft smile, wiping her tears, “yeah..”

Doll smiled, “feel better..?”

X looked at her, “a little..” she sighed, holding the photo close to herself.

“Look, I know apologising for things you aren’t entirely convinced you’re sorry for is hard, but it does make the person who got hurt feel a lot better.” Doll patted X’s hair.

“Can you at least help whenever I talk to people? They always take things the wrong way.” X huffed.

“Of course darling, now let’s get out of the vent and back to your siblings.” Doll smiled softly.

“Ok!” X grabbed on to Doll as she shimmied out of the vent, dropping down with her wings.

X clung to Doll as Doll sighed, walking with her in silence.

As they got back to the apartment, Doll opened the door as X jumped down from her arms, immediately running to Y and Y was also running towards her as the two hugged tightly, both their tails wagging.

X pulled away from the hug, “I’m so sorry Y..” she whimpered and Y gave her a soft smile.

“It's okay!” she looked back at her now fully regenerated tail. “My tail's fully regenerated now!” She said as it wagged and X giggled, hugging her tightly again as the two giggled.

Doll sighed and looked down at Saint who was waddling towards her as she smiled, kneeling down as he picked up Saint, kissing her head.

Seemed most of the parents had picked up the dronelings at the party in the time she had been gone. There was Thad sitting there, exhausted as Fetched poked at his visor curiously.

“Hey, thanks. I know I took a lot longer than usual, but y'know how X is.” Doll sat down next to Thad who seemed to blink back to the living.

“Oh, it’s no worry, not at all, all the news I have heard from N is not good. I am dreading when Khan comes back.” Thad said groggily.

“Yeah, he’s rather irrational. I can stay, I have the energy to argue. Kinda feel bad leaving you to deal with the king’s outburst.” Doll gave a sympathetic look.

“No, no, I am sure J and Lizzy really miss the kids, I wouldn’t hold that against you. This is just what life is like in the Doorman household.” Thad didn’t seem too thrilled about his decision, but didn’t want to have the four dronelings see him and Doll get chewed out, especially when X was still here. She didn’t need to know what essentially her grandfather thought of her.

Doll frowned, “Thad..”

“I promise I'll be fine, Doll..” Thad smiled at her reassuringly and Doll sighed.

Her attention was pulled as she felt little hands pulling at her hair, she looked down at Saint who was pulling.

Thad smiled and chuckled, “I think this little one is getting impatient as well.”

Doll sighed, “I’m worried for you tho Thad, it’s not fair on you or N..”

Thad shrugged, “Ah.. it’s fine, I’ll be fine..”

Doll frowned, “promise to text me if something happens?”

“IIII promise.” Thad said, giving her a reassuring smile.

As Doll headed out with her troop of dronelings, Thad sighed as he hears the bing of another message from his visor.

Golden_Dogs: Evie’s up

Thad smiled with some relief. The Princess lives.

“Open this eye, my highness. Now the other. That’s great! Your pupils are dilating just fine, great job!” The nurse with minty lights said, lifting up a hand for a high five that Evie gave happily.

“Did I finish the tests?” Evie said, tail wagging.

“Sure did, she should be cleared for discharge soon, my majesty and your highness.” Nurse bowed as she exited the room.

“Thank you, oh god, this day has been a train wreck.” N put his head in his hands.

“Hey, don’t worry, things will get easier.” Nori patted N on the shoulder.

N looked to her, and then sighed, “yeah..” he said, burying his face in his hands as he gave an exhausted sigh.

Nori frowned down at him, gently putting her hand on his shoulder, “N-“

“Daddy?” N’s head shot up as he heard Evie’s voice.

“I’m here, I’m here..” he said, immediately standing up as he then rushed over to her.

“N-no.. daddy I’m fine.. I was just wondering if you could get me more of those batteries in the lobby!” She asked him with puppy dog eyes.

N looked down at her and then sighed, “not right now Evie.. we’re about to get out of here.” he told her and she just whimpered.

“B-but daddy pleeeeasssee?” She begged, her puppy dog eyes growing bigger, N frowned down at her, then sighed.

N turned away getting ready to walk out but Nori grabbed him by the shoulder, “let’s.. just get some on the way out.” Nori told Evie and Evie just frowned.

“But grandma-“

“Maybe we can get you some oil cream if you’re good enough..” Nori said, walking over to Evie as she gently booped her and Evie giggled, her tail wagging.

From what they told the doctors everyone just believed Evie had a seizure of some kind. N didn’t really know what to say, but Nori said this is what Khan said to explain her possession times. It was written off as family health issues. N hoped this wouldn’t be a recurring issue; the idea that Cyn could just access Evie’s mind at any time was horrifying. Considering how she acted when she saw Evie as an egg and the manipulation for two years, he didn’t know what Cyn wanted with Evie, but it wasn’t good.

Soon though, they were leaving the hospital. Evie seemed oblivious to the danger of the situation. At least this has brought the tension away from his and Nori’s friendship; they had been ignoring each other for a while till this moment. N sighed as he opened the door to the apartment, Evie walking in first as she yawned, rubbing her eyes.

N smiled down at her, picking her up, “come on Eve’s.. let’s get you to bed, birthday girl..” he said as he started walking to her room but she quickly stopped him by grabbing his face.

“W-wait, daddy!!”

N blinked, looking at her, as they made eye contact.

“Can I please sleep with you and daddy tonight?” She whimpered and N gave her a soft smile.

“Yeah.. come on little bat, let’s get you into your pajamas..” he told her as he walked off with her, and she laid her head on his shoulder as her tail wagged.

Helping Evie get dressed, Evie ran into the shared room. Thad was already laying there, reading as he was spooked by Evie.

“Hi daddy!” Evie said with a big smile.

“Well hello there, princess.” Thad said ruffling Evie’s hair.

“She wants to sleep here tonight.” N said, rather tired, rolling into bed.

“Yeah, that’s fine, anything for the birthday girl.” Thad pinched Evie’s cheeks as she giggled, slinking under the covers then coming back up to rest her head.

“Alright, good night Evie.” N said as he turned off the lamp.

“Night night papa and daddy! Wuv you!” Evie curled up next to her fathers, quickly entering sleep mode.

N tried to do the same but kinda just laid there for a moment, till he felt Thad’s arm pull him closer nuzzling him.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” The tired, soft words put N at ease as he began to purr, letting sleep take him.

Chapter Text

Nori opened her eyes in a very purple room, blinking, she looked around, this place seemed.. familiar.

She looked down at her stomach, yep.. still very pregnant, she thought to herself as she sighed, smiling as she patted her stomach gently and sighed.

She decided to look around as she started walking, looking around at the strange but familiar looking place.

“Eh.. must be some strange dream ag-“ she walked from around a corner as she paused, blinking as she spotted a familiar purple haired drone with a beanie facing the other way from her. Blinking, her eyes hollowed, “U-..Uzi?” She said, smiling widely as she quickly attempted rushing over to her daughter.

“Oh Uzi my dear! It’s been so l-“ she was stopped in her tracks as Uzi lifted her hand, stopping her as Nori stared at her in confusion.

“..Don’t.” Uzi told her, not looking at her as Nori blinked.

“..Uzi? It’s me honey.” Nori gave her a nervous smile but Uzi shook her head.

“Just.. stop..”

“Uzi..-“

Uzi snapped her head towards her, “I said stop!” Uzi glared at Nori in the eyes, Uzi’s eyes full of tears.

It pained Nori to see her daughter this way, sad and in pain; she wanted more than anything to comfort her. But she didn’t seem like she was getting that.

“You think you can just replace me! Well, who am I kidding, you’re probably thrilled you actually have a fresh start compared to the train wreck of a child I was.” Uzi hissed, her tail flicking violently back and forth.

“Uzi, I never… it’s not like that, yo-“ Nori was cut off from explaining.

“No! It's exactly like that! Don’t think I am stupid or naive, I have gone through most if not all the memories I can here and there is one clear line of how much you resent my existence, how much of a drag I was to have the audacity to exist around you and dad… not even my own daughter can escape your judgement!” Uzi flared her wings out pushing Nori back, tears rolling down her face. She seemed to be clinging to a small egg plush with orange lights

Nori couldn’t help but also feel tears well up, sure, she wasn’t prepared or ready for parenthood but she never hated her daughter. Everything she did was to make up for her mistakes as a parent. Losing Uzi weighed on her mind, how could she let this happen?

Uzi wiped her tears as she sniffed, “are you and dad really trying to forget me this fast..?”

Nori’s eyes hollowed, “Uzi I-..” she sniffed, “Uzi..”

“No!” Uzi hugged the plushie tighter as she cried.

More tears fell down Nori’s visor, “Uzi please..”

“I don’t want to hear it..” Uzi said, turning away as she whimpered, “Atleast my replacement will actually have a mother in their life, they’ll get everything I ever wanted in my life while I’m stuck.. here.”

Nori’s eyes hollowed, heart shattering at those statements, “U-Uzi, it’s not like that! Me and your father are n-not replacing you..” Nori choked out, “I know this is hard for you Uzi please-“

“I do not want to hear it.” Uzi said looking away, “it’s worthless, all of this was worthless.”

Nori sniffed as she wiped her tears, looking at Uzi, she couldn’t help but see Uzi like a hurting crying child as Uzi was clinging to her little egg pillow while sobbing.

“I-I ….. you have every right to hate me, I closed myself off in the labs because I made that decision for you to hate me, but this egg doesn’t deserve to be blamed for existing. Please, you have to-“ Nori was cut off again

“Yeah, blamed for existing, you don’t want this child to be anything like me do you?! Is anyone even honest about how they felt about me? How much they despised my existence? How they truly thought? Or are they all cowards, too afraid to actually give anyone an honest answer that they couldn’t give two dams about Uzi Doorman dying that heck, some would wish I was dead sooner… No! They all say sorrows and prayers and lie to themselves every night!” Uzi growled, her voice filled with anger.

“Well, I hope this egg gets everything I ever needed AND everything I got, because I didn’t die for some snot nosed brat to live carefree and not face the horrors of being your daughter!” Uzi had malice in her voice. She couldn’t help but feel rage.

Nori clutched her stomach as she couldn’t believe how much her daughter hated her. Uzi was about to lament more, stepping closer, claws drawn before.

“UZI!!” A stern voice broke what she was going to say.

The room cast red as Yeva stepped in front of Uzi with disappointment in her eyes. Nori knew this wasn’t for her protection, but merely that Uzi was going too far. She knew how much she fucked up with her friend before.

Nori blinked, “..Yeva..?”

“Yeva, move out of my way!” Uzi hissed, but Yeva hissed back in response.

“Uzi, you are not gonna do this to your own mother.” Yeva growled and Uzi just pouted as she looked away.

“Ugh!” Uzi said, holding her egg close as she angrily sat on the ground while pouting like a child, a few sniffs coming from her.

Yeva and Nori blinked, Nori frowned down at Uzi, “Uzi..”

“No!” Uzi snapped back in response, her voice choked up and then she buried her face in her egg pillow.

Yeva sighed, looking at Nori and Nori looked back at Yeva, the two blinking at each other and then Nori gave her a soft smile.

Yeva did not return the smile, instead looking coldly back at Nori. Which turned the smile to a frown this truly was a realistic dream to real for her liking.

“Hurting her now will not bring you peace, Uzi. It will not solve problems for the living, you are only going to make things worse.” Yeva looked back at Uzi who was shivering.

“Bullshit! All she has done is disrespect us, nothing but mockery!” Uzi stood up and pointed directly at Nori with a growl.

“You have the audacity to ask me to be peaceful with her. I know you’re mad, you have every right to give her a piece of your mind!” Uzi moved closer, not caring for the fact Yeva was ready to fight.

The silence was loud between them, Yeva definitely considering it, but she was mature enough to know better. Nori was horrified that Yeva was considering it.

Yeva stared at Nori and then shook her head, looking back at Uzi who just growled.

Uzi continued to growl and then gave an annoyed sigh, “whatever.”

Uzi turned away again as she looked down and Yeva just sighed, Nori continuing to stare at Uzi with a frown.

Nori sighed and then carefully walked over to Uzi, who was letting out quiet whimpers while shaking.

“Uzi..” Nori said softly but Uzi just quietly shook her head, burying her face in her egg.

Uzi sniffed as she lifted her head a little, not looking at Nori, “are you really trying to replace me momma..?” She whimpered and Nori frowned.

“Honey.. no..” Nori said, gently placing both hands on both of Uzi’s shoulders, Uzi not fighting Nori’s touch, “not a single day has gone by where I’m not thinking about you.. I’m still hurting as much as you are.”

Uzi whimpered, “I don’t want to be forgotten momma..” Uzi said, looking at her, “I still need you mom.. I’ve always needed you, it’s not fair.”

This caused Nori to tear up, gently bringing Uzi into a soft hug, Uzi starting to cry into Nori’s shoulder as Nori gently patted Uzi’s back, a few tears falling in the process as Nori sniffed.

Uzi held her mother tighter; she wanted this comfort so much earlier in her life. It felt unfair to be left wishing for someone who wasn’t even a day trip away from her.

“I won’t ever stop being your momma, Uzi. Egg or not, no matter if I am on my last battery, I will always be there in any way I can.” Nori hushly told Uzi as she stroked her head.

Uzi couldn’t believe she had considered killing her own mother over this. But the pain and anger was still there.

“Mama, what- …. Oh.” There was the sound of Doll peeking her head across the room before closing her mouth, realising she may be interrupting a moment.

“Wait, Doll? Huh, how? This is a strange dream.” Nori looked up from her hug, confused.

Ah, she still thought this was a dream.

Yeva turned her head, smiling when she saw Doll, ignoring Uzi and Nori, she walked over to Doll, opening her arms as Doll was quick to hug her mother.

“моя дочь..” Yeva said, patting Doll’s back as the two purred.

“мама..” Doll said, pulling away from the hug to look her mother in the eyes as Yeva kissed her head.

Uzi blinked at the two, “uhh.. hey, this is MY headspace.” Uzi said, pulling away from Nori’s embrace as she glared at the two, Nori looked over at Uzi.

Doll gave Uzi a warning glare and Uzi just rolled her eyes.

“Headspace? Huh.” Nori was even more confused.

“Don’t worry about it mum, it’s not important.” Uzi huffed.

“Oh, she’ll find out eventually, miss mysterious and brooding dark black soul.” Doll said, sticking out her tongue before she got yanked by her singlet by her mother out of the hallway.

Nori was so confused, looking back and forth. Though a bright blinding light of white overshadowed the purple lighting.

“Oh, great, dad is here.” Uzi huffed. She had only really seen her father’s lights here once, and that was when N slept through a meeting to watch anime with her.

“Please don’t forget me.” Uzi said with a whine.

Nori frowned, and then placed a gentle kiss on Uzi’s head, “Never in a million years will I ever forget you, my little bat..”

Uzi smiled as the two stayed in the embrace for a while, until Nori opened her eyes to Khan looking over her.

“Hey! What did I tell you about standing over me?!” Nori shoved his face away and he chuckled.

She sighed as she sat up. Thinking about that dream she shook her head, looking at Khan who just smiled at her.

She raised a brow as she smirked, “you seem happy today..” she chuckled.

“Ooh well it’s nothinggg..” he said and she rolled her eyes, getting up from the bed as she walked out of the room, Khan soon following after her.

As she walked out of the room, she turned her head as she heard the door open, N soon making an appearance as he had a worried expression on his face.

Nori raised a brow, “N? Everything alright bud?” She asked as Khan walked up beside her, also looking at N.

N blinked and then looked at her and Khan, he shook his head, “Yeah.. everything’s fine, it’s just..” he sighed, “something’s going on with G and so P called me to come over.” He told them as he scratched the back of his head.

Nori gave a concerned look, “is something wrong with the baby?”

N shrugged, “nooo.. I don’t really knooow? It’s complicated, I don’t know much about pregnancy.” He sighed.

Khan looked around, “..where’s Evie?”

“Oh, she’s aslee-“

“Daddy?” A pair of orange lights peeked their head out of the hallway and N looked over. Bending down, he opened his arms and she giggled as she rushed over.

Khan blinked and sighed, looking over at Nori whose eyes were hollowed as she looked concerned, her breathing seemed to be picking up.

Khan gave her a worried look, “..Nori?”

Nori was snapped out of her thinking as she looked over at Khan, “oh.. sorry.. was I spaced out?”

She was confused. That dream seemed so real, even the plush; it had been ages since Evie had been an egg, but seeing that plush made her sort of short circuit into thinking she was still one. Whatever it was, she needed to talk to Doll. She knew she wouldn’t have time for her old lady rambles, but the mention of Yeva would keep her attention.

“Can you two watch Evie? I don’t think this is the kind of conversation for an eight year old. I won’t be long.” N said, walking over with Evie in his arms.

“Oh, yeah, of course. Don’t worry little bat, you’re so lucky to spend some time with gramps and grandma today!” Nori took Evie into her arms. She was getting bigger now; well, she always was slightly big for a worker drone, but her disassembler traits were coming fast.

“What? No fair! I want to help Grandpa P!” Evie pouted.

“Sorry sweetheart, this is just a situation for papa.” N gave Evie a kiss on the head before dashing out the door.

“Sheesh.. Well I mean, there is only so many disassemblers in the colony, makes sense he’d be called. But I just don’t know how N is going to help a pregnant women with her issues, y’know, considering….” Khan did not finish that statement, getting a stern look from Nori.

“Hey, I wasn’t thinking of Uzi, just the other one.” Khan said with a bit of sweat in his visor.

“Vava?” Evie tilted her head.

“Yeah, Vava or whatever.” Khan tried to save this.

Evie frowned, “daddy doesn’t like it when you talk about Vava like that..”

Khan blinked and sighed, Nori looked at him and then sighed. She looked at Evie, “hey.. how about we take a walk around the colony while we wait for your papa to get back, sweetie?”

Evie’s tail wagged, “is grandpa okay with that?” She looked at Khan.

Khan was about to open his mouth to protest, but Nori was quick to interrupt, “of course! Grandma needs to get out anyways!” She told her and then gave Khan a glare and Khan just stayed silent.

Nori gently put Evie down and took Evie’s hand as Evie’s tail wagged, she looked back at Khan, “we’ll be back!” She said, as she walked out with Evie, leaving Khan alone in the house

He definitely fucked that up and he could tell. But oh well.

Nori held Evie’s hand as they trotted around the colony. Evie waving to everyone still she was always so excited to be outside.

“So nana where are we going?” Evie looked up at her grandma

“We are going to give your Auntie Doll a visit dear isn’t that exciting” Nori said as her tail nuzzled Evie’s face causing her to giggle

“Haha yeah but why? If it’s for what happened at my party she’s not to blame and I am happy with X coming to me in her own time” Evie reallt wanted to forget what happened at her birthday party but with her parents fussing over it in dreams and out she really couldn’t.

“No no don’t worry we won’t be stirring up any trouble with your cousin just a friendly chat hey we might see your father on the way I know he works with your auntie” Nori pointed out

“Oh yeah daddy works in the WD um F yeah like grandpa” Evie looked up for approval

“Great job Eves you sure did remember that” Nori knelt down to boop Evie on the visor.

She couldn’t help but feel more attached to Evie now, she sure was the spitting image of her father. But her voice… It sounded just like Uzi’s when she was young, at least in the videos Khan took. She wondered if her daughter can somehow see her now.

Once they arrived to Doll’s apartment, Nori gently knocked on the door, Evie looking up at her happily and Nori smiled down at her.

It didn’t take long for Doll to answer as she opened the door holding Saint who just gave Nori and Yeva a blank stare, she definitely got that from Doll.

A tired look was on Doll’s face as Doll rubbed her eyes with her hand that wasn’t holding Saint, “Yes Mrs. Doorman?”

“Hey.. can I.. talk to you?” Nori gave her a nervous smile and Doll tiredly nodded.

“The twins are still asleep so they won’t be much trouble.” Doll yawned and Evie’s tail waged.

Saint looked down at Evie, staring down at her for a good minute until she hugged Doll protectively while staring down at her, Evie just giving Saint a confused look.

Letting the two royals into the house, Saint did not break the stare with Evie. This was strange, usually she had something to say.

“Here, let me get you something.” Doll felt her mother’s habits wearing off on her.

“Aww, thanks. Evie, you want anything?” Nori sat down at the very messy table covered in manga books and other knickknacks.

“Nah, I am good. Hey wait, this is my tiger, why is it here?” Evie said, confused as she worked out the small tiger figure that had been missing for a week or so ended up in her cousin's house.

Saint was placed down in a high chair still looking at Evie as Evie reclaimed the tiger toy as her own by shoving it in her mouth. Looking over at Saint, she gave a ‘what?’ expression. Doll finally sat down next to her godmother, tired as always, readjusting her eye patch and slipping away some oil? Blood? Leaking from it.

Evie spit the figurine out of her mouth as she wiped it off and then offered it to Saint as an offer to play, but Saint batted it away, Evie frowned as she pulled it away and stared down at it.

“So what was it that you wanted to talk about Mrs. Doorman?” Doll asked Nori with a straight face.

“Well.. it’s.. kinda complicated..” Nori started, “..do you have dreams about seeing your mom?”

Doll blinked and then chuckled, “are you talking about the ‘dream’ you had with Uzi and my mom and me?” She said with a smile.

Nori blinked, “wait, how-“

“It’s called the solver head sp-“

“The solver headspace! I’ve been there grandma!” Evie said standing up excitedly, her tail wagging.

The room fell silent as Doll and Nori stared at Evie, both of their eyes hollowed, Saint just looked at Doll in confusion.

Evie looked at the two, her eyes hollowed as sweat appeared on her visor, “d-did I do something wrong? I’m sorry..” she said, sitting back down.

“No, no, it’s ok honey. You just wanted to add to the conversation, that’s all.” Nori patted Evie on the head.

“I didn’t know Uzi could bring others beyond the solver users, but I guess Evie would count…. By that logic so would N and J.” Doll scratched at her head piecing things together.

“So it wasn’t a dream and Uzi is alive straight up?” Nori turned back to Doll.

“She’s not necessarily alive. None of them are. It’s more of a purgatory if you think about it, from the moment we are born, or well, infected, we are added to the solvers database. It's how it uses our voices and forms so easily.” Doll took a sip of her oil as she explained it.

“Oh….. well, that’s concerning” Nori fiddled with her ring as she thought about the possibilities the solver essentially has her daughter and loved ones hostage till the end of time and there is nothing she can do about it.

Saint looked at Doll, reaching for her, “Mama.” She said while reaching and Doll looked at her, picking her up from her high chair as she sighed, holding Saint and bouncing her gently in her arms.

“Yeah.. it’s concerning but.. I guess it’s how it is..” Doll sighed, “it’s nice to see my mom tho..” she said, looking down at Saint and booping her gently but Saint did not giggle, just gently held Doll’s finger.

Nori looked down, “it felt.. nice seeing Uzi too..”

Evie’s tail wagged, “mama visited me on my birthday and got me a birthday present! But.. I wasn’t able to bring it to the real world so mama keeps it in her room..”

Nori smiled a little and sighed, “that’s nice Evie..”

“I just wonder why Uzi hasn’t visited me sooner. I mean, I understand her frustrations with the current events, but it would of been nice to get the closer earlier.” Nori lamented; she wanted to see her daughter plus her lover slash friend as well.

“Well, my mum didn’t visit me till after Fetcher was born. Something about willingness to accept that kind of purgatory could just been they had no other reasons to see you. My mum has a firm belief of not interfering with the living.” Doll said as Saint pulled at her hair.

“Yeeeaaahh, that sounds like Yeva alright, way more responsible than I would of been… So are they just sorta watching us here? Is that how Evie got a ‘visitor’ on her birthday?” Nori asked. This all made so much more sense now that she knew about the mindscape. She wondered if anyone else had tampered with her mind when she was experiencing those visions.

“Oh yes, most likely, but don’t worry, C-“ Doll held her tongue as she realised she was talking in the presence of Evie, a horrible liar and number one tattle tale to N.

“The problem isn’t coming back, not as long as my mother and Uzi are around.” Doll added, thinking this should confuse Evie just a bit.

Evie stared at Doll in confusion and Doll just smiled, knowing her confusion tactic worked.

Nori was also staring at Doll in confusion, “..what danger..?”

Doll stayed silent as she thought and then shook her head, “I’ll tell you about it in private when little ones aren’t present.”

“Hey, I’m not little!” Evie protested as she stood up in her chair.

Doll looked at Evie and sighed, “no, you’re not little, but you’ve got little ears.” Doll said, pointing to Evie’s imaginary ears and Evie just looked at her confused, feeling around for ears.

There was giggling heard from the hallway, causing Nori and Doll to turn both of their heads, Doll blinked and sighed.

“X and Y.. you’re not as sneaky as you think..”

“I am!!” X said jumping out, her tail lashing, she didn’t seem as threatening tho bc she was still in pajamas.

Evie giggled and X just growled, Y was soon to walk behind her, holding X’s lashing tail.

“Do you two wanna explain why you are waking up so late?” Doll raised a brow at them, thus causing Saint to also give them a glare.

The two stayed silent as both their eyes hollowed, then Y pointed at X, “X kept me up all night because she was watching anime on full volume!!”

“Did not!!” X protested, then X looked around, “where’s Fletcher at? Ha! We woke up before him!!”

“He’s out with your mama Lizzy.”

“..dang it.”

Nori chuckled a little, “I’m surprised I haven’t seen J yet.”

“Oooohh, yeah… I’m not on good terms with J right now.”

Nori turned her head back to Doll, “..how so?”

“Oh.. well, she hasn’t visited her daughters in a few days because she’s soooooo busy with..” she raised both of her hands, “ohhh “discussing stuff with N!”” She said and then sighed.

“Sheesh, those two are in kahoots about something. It's strange because N wouldn’t waste a second to tell me how he feels about J, so those two scheming is …. new.” Nori picked up a pen to fidget with.

“Yeah, something tells me I am going to be roped into this genius plan considering how much N has been asking about the labs. I keep telling him to ask you. There is only so much I can get from my mother.” Doll sighed. She didn’t mind N being more friendly, but he really needed to stop treating her like a telephone between him and her mother.

Sure, she was wary of disassemblers, but Doll knew Uzi didn’t waste anything telling anyone how much she adores N, so why does he think she’s going to freeze like a deer in the headlight by seeing him?

“Hiya Evie!” Y said climbing up on the chair next to her cousin.

Evie gave a sweet chirp in response, nuzzling her cousin. There was X not far behind, who pushed her sister off the chair and gave her a hard stare.

“Hello X.” Evie groaned.

“Hmmmm.” X looked real close at Evie.

“They aren’t yellow, and I still want that apology.” Evie huffed.

X pouted, “you’re not getting it!” She snapped at her, turning away.

“X.” Doll said sternly, staring down at X who stared back at Doll with hollowed eyes and then looked back at Evie.

“I’m sorry..” she quietly and quickly said, Evie just giggled.

X, who looked embarrassed, just stomped away.

Nori couldn’t help but chuckle a little at that, but turned back to Doll, “how’s Lizzy handling or feeling about J’s absence right now..?”

Doll sighed, “heartbroken.. J hasn’t talked to her and it’s just upsetting and worrying her, I wish I could do something to help but you know J.. J doesn’t like help.”

“Ah.. fair enough..” Nori sighed.

She looked over at how Evie went off to play with her cousins; she couldn’t help but wonder what it would have been like to see Uzi grow up. Did Uzi know she was thinking this? Either way, she had to know more.

N walked over to sit down next to J in the hospital hallway, her head in her hands groaning. He handed her a box of batteries as she grabbed it from him. Both sat in silence before N spoke up.

“So, when are you going to see your girlfriends?” N jabbed.

“When I get the one I lost back. When are you going to spend more time with your boyfriend? Mr. ‘I want to change the topic from the environment we’re in’” J crunched on a battery.

“Look, I am just saying we will have an easier time doing this stuff if you start acting like a normal person and not the shadiest drone in the colony. Also, starving yourself for days because you need answers isn’t going to bring anyone back fast… you’re lucky G is too baby brained to notice your terrible habits.” N added on.

“Since when are you the pinnacle of mental well-being?” J scoffed.

There was an awkward silence.

“It’s not like I am going to turn into a worm, N. We have survived worse droughts of oil before, a week of bare minimum will do nothing wrong.” J rolled her eyes.

“What about your daughters, J?”

“..what do you mean?” J growled at him.

“How will your daughters feel about you destroying yourself like this?”

“..they don’t have to know.” J looked away, “once we get this all figured out then they’ll see me again, no big deal.”

N was about to open his mouth to argue, but a nurse drone walked up to them, “u-uh.. Mrs J..?”

J immediately turned her head, worry filled her face, “is mom ok?” She said standing up.

“She’s.. fine..” the nurse drone looked at the bite on their arm, “..so far.” They sighed, “can you please just.. come in.. she really needs you right now..”

“Y-yes.. yes!” J was quick to rush into the room, N just watched her as he sighed, the nurse drone turned to him.

“You can come in as well if you’d like.”

N blinked a few times and then nodded, “o-okay, thank you..” he said, following after J.

When J walked in, she looked around, “momma..?”

G was snapping at the other nurse drones that tried to get close to her but when she spotted J, she immediately teared up.

“Mon bebe..” she whimpered out as J was quick to rush over to her side, quickly hugging her as G cried into her coat.

S was standing beside her with a frown as he and J made eye contact, both of them whimpering.

N spotted P sitting down as he rushed over to him, P looking up.

“Is everything okay dad..?” N said, sitting down next to P and P sighed.

“We.. don’t know what’s wrong.” P told him as he sighed, “G’s stressing out badly over it, she’s even bit a few drones over it.”

That was very unlike G. Sure, all of them had gained more animalistic traits from their alterations, but G never bit.

“That’s unlike her..” N mumbled.

“Mhm. I mean, when J called me over, I really didn’t expect to see her like this… But I guess the stress and after everything that has happened is getting to us all.” P sighed, fiddling with his hat.

“… you don’t think it has anything to do with her expecting?” N asked, it was a possibility. He knew that Uzi hadn’t necessarily taken carrying Evie well, and if it wasn’t for the constant shots of adrenaline like code the solver gave her, she wouldn’t even be able to do half of what she did down in those labs.

But the idea scared him; he didn't want G to go through anything more than she had already done. This wasn’t fair. All they wanted to do was move on, but life wouldn’t let them.

P leaned in to N.

“Between you and me, yes. But I value not losing my head to a heavily stressed drone right now. I think she knows as well, but not my place to say.” P whispered in a hush tone.

N frowned hearing that, “I know how bad she's wanted this baby too..” he whispered and P nodded.

“I hope everything just turns out okay.. it’s starting to take a toll on S as well..” P told him and N whimpered.

“Momma, tell me what’s wrong..” J whimpered as she pulled away from the hug, holding both of G’s hands as G sobbed out.

G tried to gather her words but was badly struggling as she cried and cried, J frowned.

“Breathe momma.. breathe.. I’m here I’m here..” she nuzzled G gently as she whimpered.

J looked back at the nurse drones, “give her some space!” She snapped at them and all their eyes hollowed as they looked at each other, J continued to glare at them until they all walked out.

By the time that happened, G was already starting to calm herself, taking slow deep breaths and she shook. J turned back to her with a frown.

“I-.. I think.. something’s.. w-wrong with me..” she choked out and J’s frown grew bigger.

“No mama.. there’s nothing wrong with you, not at all..” she frowned.

G didn’t seem to listen to her as she continued, “M-Mrs Louisa.. had trouble when it came.. to having Tessa..” she whimpered, J looked at her confused by what she meant, “I was.. Louisa’s most favorite drone who.. helped her.. during that..” more tears filled her visor and J’s eyes hollowed as she slowly came to a realization.

No, she wouldn’t do that. J still had faith in humans, despite the census in the room saying otherwise. Her mother had been so good at hiding such resentment.

“She wouldn’t-“ J stopped herself looking to S’s body movements for answers.

They shifted themselves closer to G and the frown stayed, looking away with guilt. It was true she was her favourite, but Lousia did not have the same term of favourite that her husband had. Humans had an awful habit of imprinting on to their drones, giving them every trait they could even want. For better or worse.

“That WON'T happen, it can’t! She may have had control over everyone back then, but, but b- the solver changed us! We aren’t our old bodies!” J knew the solver was a horribly cruel being, but what would it gain from holding on to a human's wishes?

G whimpered as she held her bump, rolling over to turn to S as she whimpered.

“mama..” J whimpered but G did not respond, she just reached a hand out for S as S gently took her hand. He frowned down at her and then looked at J; she could tell he was trying his best to hold himself back from breaking down as he somewhat made eye contact with J.

“papa..” she whimpered and S just shook his head, reaching down and planting a kiss on G’s forehead as she whimpered.

J could feel her whole world falling apart. She promised her parents would not suffer, but what an awful job she was doing. She quite literally could not do anything about it, just wait for the inevitable. It was unfair and cruel. J couldn’t help but just wish Tessa never came back with that droneling that Master and Mistress were serious about their threats, sure it wouldn’t stop anything but at least the damn solver wouldn’t be bringing them back to suffer like this. J caught a glimpse of N out of the corner of her eye, seeing him chat with P. She couldn’t help but hate him for this.

N noticed J’s glare as he knew exactly what she was doing, finding some sort of reason for her misery to be his fault. She wasn’t wrong in a way, if he was good at being a puppet none of them would have the conciseness to even feel this pain. But he really couldn’t care. He would have done this a million times over just for the chance of meeting Uzi.

N got a message from Nori on his visor.

Ravenloft002: Hey, sorry if this is a bad time but mind filling me in on stuff? I know about the solver mind so no need to be sketchy

N sighed; it was bound to happen. He had told Uzi not to bring Nori there, that it wouldn’t end well. But she was a grown adult and he really couldn’t stop her. Now to have a family secret from everyone but two, no, probably one member of the household. Thad didn’t seem like the one to buy the dreams he was talking about as reality.

He looked at P and P looked back at him, “Just.. give me a minute..” he whispered and then stood up quietly and he walked out, feeling J’s vicious glare as he walked out shamefully.

He sighed, sitting down on one of the chairs outside.

Golden_Dogs: What questions do you have?

Ravenloft002: Why are Uzi and Yeva there?

Golden_Dogs: it’s.. hard to explain, not even Uzi really knows, I guess it was a way to keep the solver from acting out again

Ravenloft002: mmmkay.. and how was Evie able to visit Uzi before me?

N stared at that text message in silence for a good minute, sighing.

Golden_Dogs: I don’t.. know, I guess because of her being half solver she was just brought there, Uzi loves her very much too so.. ther

He was stopped mid text message as J came storming out of the room, “what the FUCK was that?!”

N blinked at her, “h-huh”

“How dare you act like everything’s okay?!” She pointed at him as she hissed, “my mother is in there suffering and you’re acting like this is a normal day for you! This might be a normal day for you but people are actually hurting here!”

N stared at her in disbelief, “J, I’m sorry-“

“No you’re not! You’re never sorry!” Her visor teared up, “my mother is suffering because of me and I can’t do anything but just watch as she suffers.” J whimpered.

“J..”

“I don’t wanna hear it.” She growled, stepping back in the room.

N knew if he didn’t step back into that room J would have his head, but on the other hand, going back would only lead to J finding a reason to cause a scene. He couldn’t deal with her mind games today, he was a coward at heart. When it came to his first family and the one he was bound to by Uzi, he regretfully chose Uzi. Walking away, he went to leave the hospital.

Golden_Dogs: I’ll explain when I get back home, sorry, things are a bit tense right now
Ravenloft002: okie, no worries, I am at Doll’s rn. I’ll head back soon

N knew P would forgive him, but he wasn’t quite sure about the others. He knew damn well there was one drone who could give him a clear answer, possibly free G from whatever grasp the solver had on her, and it wasn’t Uzi. But how safe would it even be to ask her when the solver was always in the room for sure?

He sighed as he continued walking, deep in thought but was pulled out of his thoughts when he bumped into a drone.

“O-oh I’m sorry! I’m really sor-“ he paused as he made eye contact with the pink eyed drone.

“O-oh.. hey N.” Lizzy told him and he blinked, Fletcher that was right beside her waved at him.

“Oh.. hey..” he awkwardly replied and the two stood there in silence.

“Uhm..” she started and then sighed, “has J been.. okay..?”

N stayed silent not knowing how to reply, “u-uhm.. why do you ask..?” He asked politely and Lizzy frowned.

“I haven’t seen her in a few days and she hasn’t come to visit the girls.. I’m.. worried about her..” Lizzy sadly sighed, “this is out of the norm for her and I just don’t know what to do, I feel like she’s.. upset with me in a way..?”

“No no no, it’s not like that!” N replied to her with a nervous smile, “it’s just.. complicated right now.. everything with G and then has just.. taken a toll on her..” he told her nervously and Lizzy just frowned in response.

“I hope everything’s okay..” Lizzy replied as Fletcher just pulled on her arm, checking if she was okay, she looked down at him and gave him a tired smile.

“..yeah..” N gulped, “w-well, I gotta go! I’ll see you later Lizzy!” N said rushing off before Lizzy could even reply.

Lizzy seemed like she was saying something but N’s mind wandered yet again; he probably should keep a better idea of where he was going. All he knew is he might have a chance to fix things, but it involved passing out for several hours which he didn’t think he could do considering Nori might also need to, and he just doesn’t trust Khan with Evie.

Dashing back it seemed like he made it just at the same time Evie and Nori were heading back.

“Papa!!!” Evie called out as N knelt down to bring Evie into a hug.

“My little bat! There you are! Were you good for Nana?” N asked as Evie giggled and purred.

“Mhm, absolutely always! I even got this!!” Evie pulled out her tiger toy.

“Sheesh, I thought you lost that,” N said.

“Wouldn’t you know it, N we found it at her cousin’s house. Strange, right Eves?” Nori chuckled as Evie looked down.

“Your cousins are acting a bit too much like your Auntie J now, Evie.” N huffed. It’s not far fetched to think they got those traits from J considering all the shit she stole.

“I like auntie J tho!” Evie protested and N sighed.

“Atleast one of us does..” he said quietly, but gently nuzzled Evie anyways.

He then noticed Nori’s eyes on him and she had a SERIOUS look on her face.

“Alright murder boy, cough it up.”

N panicked as he covered Evie’s ears, “don’t call me that infront of Evie!” He told her, but Nori was unphased.

He sighed, setting Evie down, “go play in your room for a bit sweetie, while me and nana discuss big drone things..” he said, gently pushing her.

“B-.. but daddy!!” She protested as she whimpered, “I haven’t seen you all day daddy!”

N frowned as he whimpered, “I know sweetie.. it’s just for a little bit.”

She whimpered and then sighed in defeat, walking out with her head down.

N whimpered as he watched her go, but was pulled out of it by Nori clearing her throat.

“Ok, look, from what I am telling you this is all I get from Uzi. I don’t know everything because of how rarely this topic comes up.” N groaned in response. He wanted this to be over with.

“Alright, so Evie possibly is able to visit there because, well, she’s half solver.” N added.

“So only solver users can go there, why can you?” Nori asked.

“Well, being a product of the solver’s creation I’m as tethered to the solver as you are, just not in the same way. So I guess anyone descending from a disassembler or solver host has a chance to visit.” N sat down at the couch, rubbing his head.

“Ah…. So Khan wouldn’t have a chance to, y’know..” Nori sat down as well.

“No, not from what the evidence says. Unless having kids with you partially infected him, I don’t think he’d be able to be pulled there.”

Nori thought so, it really only was a couple of people. She doubted that any of the other lab patients were still kicking so she had a clear idea of who could be there. Which made her lights dim, that means..

“So I am guessing your other squadmate is also there. I am honestly surprised how peaceful it is there if she is, considering everything she’s done.” Nori tilted her head .

“Oh no, V isn’t there for whatever reason. Something about our minds being recycled immediately for cloning… so yeah. If I or any other disassembler kicked the buck, we’re not there.” N clarified.

Nori blinked, “I’m surprised..” she replied and then sighed, sitting herself down on the soon, “everything makes a lot more sense..”

N sighed, “yeah, it’s a lot to process but.. y'know..”

“You know.. all these times Evie was telling me Uzi was visiting her while she was sleeping, I thought it was some sort of comfort dream she was having..” Nori sat back, “I guess she wasn’t lying..”

N chuckled, “Nope, she loves visiting her mom, Uzi does nothing but spoil her to bits.” He happily sighed and then turned to Nori, “how did Uzi.. react to seeing you?..”

Nori frowned and N’s eyes hollowed at that, “well.. not so well at first..” she said, placing her hand on her cheek, “but.. she soon forgave me for..” she looked down at her bump with a smile.

N just stared and then shook his head, “yeah..”

If Uzi forgave her he probably should too, but it was conflicting. There was a high chance the egg would turn out purple and possibly even look like Uzi, which was a given considering the striking resemblance Nori and Uzi shared. It was going to be hard.

“So, when did Uzi start visiting you?” Nori asked.

“Oh well, about three years ago. It took me a few nights to process, it was not just another grief stricken dream.” N said, fiddling with the ring that Uzi gave him all those years ago.

“Oh… so I guess if it wasn’t for well, this,” Nori referred to her baby bump “she wasn’t going to ever talk to me.” Nori sighed with pain.

“I am sure she would talk to you eventually, just.. well, I am not actually sure why she took so long to visit you. I just assumed she couldn’t.” N said.

Nori sighed, holding her bump, “yeah..”

The two were silent as they thought and then N sighed, turning towards his room, “I need.. to go.. visit.. someone in that place..” he said slowly walking to his room.

Nori raised a brow, “who?”

“O-oh.. nooo one,” sweat appeared on N’s visor.

“N.. I can tell when you’re lying, you’re not a good liar.”

“W-what?? Me lyiiiing? Neveeeeer!” He said and then quickly turned to his room, quickly rushing in as he closed the door behind him, Nori rolling her eyes.

She thought to herself, might as well give it a shot to go back. Evie seemed content and Khan would be back soon. So slowly closing her eyes, she drifted into the realm of sleep. First, there was nothing, but then she felt herself being tapped on the shoulder. Opening her eyes, she saw a red room similar to Yeva’s old apartment. Wait, no, this WAS her apartment. Looking over, she saw her beloved friend companion and holy fuck how did she get so close.

“Ahhhh!” Nori jumped back.

“Sheesh Yevs, personal space much?” Nori said catching her breath

“Me? Personal space? You just landed right then to me in MY room, why are you back so fast? I thought I told Dolly to tell you everything, there shouldn’t be anything else you need to know.” Yeva said as her tail flicked back and forth. She was clearly very happy to see her, despite her tone.

“Aww, you miss me!” Nori cooed.

Yeva grabbed her tail in annoyance.

“Don’t change the subject Nori, why are you here?” Yeva glared at her former lover.

“Weeeeeelllllllll, going to check on what murder boy is up to, just being a good mother in law, that’s all.” Nori said, turning away and fanning herself.

“Oh, uh, N is back already? Look Nori, sometimes it’s best to give those two some alone time..” Yeva said rather awkwardly as she grimaced.

Nori blinked in confusion, but decided not to question it.

The two stood there in silence, both looking away as Nori sighed, turning to Yeva, “Yeva, I-“

“Save it, Nori, I don’t wanna hear it..”

Nori frowned, “Yevs..” she whimpered but Yeva refused to look at her.

Nori let out a pathetic whine; she didn’t want to leave her friend this way. She reached out for Yeva but was batted away by her tail. She let out a louder whine.

“Please, I never meant to leave that way. I was doing it for both of them.” Nori reasoned.

“You made your choices, I made mine. You’re lucky I let you in here. Uzi sure wasn’t answering your knocks to come in.” Yeva sternly said with a hiss.

“I…. I see …. Why didn’t you come to visit … me?” Nori said desperately.

“Well, for one, I thought you were here… ignoring me, Doll should have made my opinions clear. I don’t interact with the living. It's not my place to decide what happens there anymore.” Yeva said, turning her back. She didn’t want to let Nori see how much she cared.

“Yeah, she did… I hope you change your mind though. I-I miss you, I thought you’d be back when I came back from the labs... I thought my time away from you was over. It's hard not having you around.” Nori got choked up. She really wanted to see Yeva back at the colony; she wanted to believe she survived all those years, that she was only a trip away.

Hearing she was gone for more than a decade when she got back was devastating. It felt like her world had been shattered again and again. And now she had the opportunity to have them back and they…. Hate her.

Yeva looked down, “it’s.. nice.. hearing that from you..” she sighed, “but it’s gonna take a long time for me to ‘change my mind.’”

Nori frowned, “I understand..” she whimpered, “just know I miss you.. a lot.”

Yeva shook her head, “yeah..” she sighed and placed her hand on her head.

The two stayed silence as they stood there, the silence was loud between the two

“How’s Alice, is she present?” Yeva asked.

“..you know.. that’s a really long story that murder boy would need to explain better..”

“I prefer to not speak with any disassembly drones.”

“Fair enough.”

Yeva looked over at the door and Nori went to go check where Yeva’s gaze was at and understood. She wanted more than anything to spend time with Yeva, just like how they used to but… shit, yes, murder boy and his horrible lying.

“I see- wait no, yes, I see I lost track of why I tried to go here again!” Nori panicked as she went to rush out the doors.

“What not to see? Dear old me, I am hurt.” Yeva said with a twinge of sarcasm.

“Oh babygirl, I’ll get lost in your eyes any day, but right now I got snooping to do.” Nori chuckled, dashing into the purple hallways.

Yeva couldn’t help but giggle; she was still the same drone no matter how many years went by.

Nori was booking it through the halls, looking for any trace of another drone. This place though seemed like a labyrinth. Doll said that it was meant to mimic the human home N grew up in, but damn, how could anyone need a house this big? Dashing, she saw yellow glow grow near. This was a good sign.

She excitedly ran towards the yellow light, ready to catch N by surprise but paused as her eyes hollowed as she realized the drone he was with.

The smaller female drone looked over, blinking, “Nori?!”

“Cyn.” She growled.

N’s eyes hollowed as he looked at Nori, “hold on Nori!” He stopped her as she started stomping over, Nori growled up at N.

“What are you doing N?!” Nori hissed, “this is the drone that killed my daughter!! Your wife!! The mother of your daughter!!” She snapped at him and N whimpered.

“It’s not like that Nori, I just need answers.”

Cyn seemed to cower behind N from Nori. She looked up at him but got no affection unfortunately.

“Plus, Uzi really can’t know I am talking to her, but please believe me, this is for the best!” N added.

“So you’re just going to lie??? Seriously, I thought better of you.” Nori hissed, fanning herself aggressively.

“[Past fear] [cower] [cower]” Cyn spoke as she held on to N’s tail.

“Maybe don’t bring that out right now, I want this to go as smoothly as possible. Plus this is for G and well her baby, ok?” N said, looking at Nori as his tail curled around Cyn in protection.

Nori blinked, and then sighed, pouting, “fine.” She said, putting her fan back in her pocket as N sighed.

Cyn blinked and then looked up at N, N looking down at her holding his tail.

“..don’t..” he took his tail from her grasp, “don’t do that..” he said, dropping his tail.

“[whimper] big brother..”

“Don’t-!..” he sighed, “don’t.. call me that, please.”

“[gulp] o-okay..” she replied, looking down at her hands as she fiddled her fingers together and N sighed, looking back at Nori who just stood there blinking.

N looked down at Cyn who looked up and nodded, opening the door that had a beating vibrations from it. The trio walked in, and to say it was jarring was an understatement. It was like the gala hall but so much more vase. Sure, N had been here before well eight whole years ago, but Nori hadn’t.

This looked just like the horrible, horrible visions she was shown when the humans tried to make her a host. The screams, cries and wails. It all felt too real. Nori’s breathing increased as she shakily walked further. She wanted to see comfort for anyone, heck, even N. But the fact Cyn was so close was too dangerous.

They stopped at one of the tables as a shaky glitching image of a worker version of G stood next to Louisa. Not even a foot or so away was the globe with the main vein stemming from the heart.

“[apologetic look] I don’t know how much time I can give you, G is always placed so close to the solver’s heart.” Cyn whispered.

“It can-“ N lowered his tone “it can hear us here? Well right here?” N said, kneeling down to G’s height.

“[nod] in a way we’re practically right next to its most sensitive organ, I can even feel you twos heat from inside me… buuuutttt, it’s sleeping everything does even it’s short.” Cyn added. She knew she was going to suffer major consequences for her actions, assisting her brother with tampering with a clone, let alone even bringing Nori here.

But it was worth it. She knew how much G mattered to J, and G was equally forgiving to her. She didn’t know much about how the older drones ticked considering the solver only gave her full nickpicks for her brother, V and J. She gestured for N to move his hand into G’s chest and her core. N nodded.

N looked down at her core, and then looked at Cyn, “so if I press this, this will send me into G’s mind, correct?”

“[nod]” Cyn nodded, “You’ll go back to the problem in her system.” Cyn turned to Nori, “wanna give it a go as well?”

Nori blinked, and then she shrugged, “what’s the harm?” She said, walking over. N looked to her, and then back down at G’s core.

Both of them slowly, and nervously, put their hands on her core as they closed their eyes

The two were once again transported back into different forms, N falling down looking up at the core beating, now a less eye straining yellow. It was beautiful in here, full of feathers and fancy decor. The whole core really shone G.

It was peaceful till a loud, angry cawing sound was heard. N pushed himself up, oh no, it seemed he may have landed on Nori. She fixed herself up against a larger raven with a leg tag.

“Watch where you're going N, you could have crushed me!” Nori cawed before hopping around, looking at things curiously

“S-Sorry, Nori, just got lost in the view… very G don’t you think?” N said, wagging his tail.

“I mean, you tell me, I know she’s a wonderful drone but well, your squadmate does a good job of boarding off our conversations to formalities.” Nori flew up to a portrait which seemed to have a picture of a younger family, J just being barely three, clinging on to G.

“Yeeeaaaahhh, well, when we’re done maybe if we succeed, J might let you talk more with G. Your eggs are due roughly soon, I am sure they’ll make the best of friends.” N barked before sniffing around looking for any source of conflict.

N continued to sniff around as he looked around, Nori sighing as she scratched herself with her beak.

N looked at her, “can you please take this seriously Nori?!”

“..I had a scratch!” She complained back, “mind your business murder boy, and let’s try to find this problem before J has both of our tails.”

N rolled his eyes; walking down the hall, looking at the portraits, a large majority of them being portraits of the manor days, another majority being of younger J and V, even baby photos of the two.

N paused as he spotted a portrait of V and J when they were around 4 years of age, N couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight, the two looking so similar to X and Y.

He yelped as he felt Nori peak at his leg, “oooohhh mister ‘can you please take this seriously!!!’ My ass!!” Nori snapped at him and N rolled his eyes, continuing to sniff and walk.

There was an odd burning smell which helped with the search. Soon, turning a corner, they saw a portrait burning brightly, the flames engulfing the rest of the paintings. N panicked, J would have his head for this.

Rushing over and padding down the flames with his tail he tried his best to serve some damage control. Nori helped as well, though her wing flaps didn’t help as much. As the cinders died down, there was a clearly broken portrait of G and Louisa holding newborn Tessa. N knew this was the right memory, but how daunting it was he still somewhat feared Louisa. He was older now though, and this was a memory, she was long dead hopefully.

“Sheesh, this the human you were owned by? Such a waste of fashion.” Nori commented.

“Uhh, yeah, this was Tessa’s mum. She wasn’t as fond of drones, it is a shame she shares some fashion with you, that could possibly explain J’s aversion to you.” N said before putting a paw in the portrait.

“Really high tech killing machine crumples at the sight of a fan…. Eh, who I am I to judge, I hate lab coats.” Nori shrugged before flying in.

N sighed, hesitantly jumping into the portrait. Shaking himself off, he looked around.

“Ugh, all my feathers are ruffled up n-“ she was cut off at N started pushing her under the bed, “hey-“

“Shush!” N whisper yelled at her as she looked over at G who was standing alone in the room, Louisa nowhere in sight.

G was very tiredly bouncing a very fussy Tessa as she sighed, “it’s okay.. it’s okay..” she told her softly, sitting down in the rocking chair with her as she frowned.

“G!” The voice of Mrs Louisa was heard as the door opened, G immediately standing up with Tessa as she held a more professional stance as Louisa walked in.

Louisa held a fan in her hand, as she stared at G, she started fanning herself.

“Why hasn’t she stopped crying?” Louisa glared at G and G frowned.

“I-I’m.. I’m sorry Mrs Elliott, she’s just.. extra fussy today, I’ve done everything, I tried feeding her, I tried changing her, I checked her temperature, I tried everything! She’s just having a bad day I think..”

Louisa stayed silent and then sighed, walking over, she took Tessa from G’s arms. Tessa’s fussing seemed to get worse as she was separated from G, G frowned at this.

“Maybe there’s something wrong with her.” She said turning away from G, and G whimpered as she tried reaching for Tessa. Louisa snapped her head towards G, giving her a glare and G’s eyes hollowed as she put her reaching arms down.

Louisa sighed, “I'm gonna talk to James about having the private doctor see her.” Louisa told her, “I have a gift for you later.” Louisa said, turning her head away from G.

“Gosh, someone shut that tiny human up!!” Nori whisper yelled as she covered her ears and N sighed, attempting to keep his focus on Louisa and G

G knew this gift was nothing special, the short amount of time she knew Louisa she had learned fast that her hatred for drone kind was deep. She oh so wanted to follow Louisa out the room, she didn’t trust that woman with a baby. But she stopped herself. As the door slammed shut, she sat down in the rocking chair and a small sob was heard. How could S be doing this for over a decade? These people were awful. G was broken out of her thoughts by a lick on her hand. Looking down, she saw a dog covered in scars and a… raven?

“H-How?” G was confused more than anything, the master and mistress had no intentions of keeping pets.

“Hi G, we’re only going to be here for a short while, don’t worry.” The dog spoke.

G’s eyes hollowed, maybe she was losing her mind from all the fussy mess but really she thought she’d last longer.

“Ooooohhhh, that’s just fiiiiinnneee, strange talking chien. Yes, don’t worry, I don’t mind the company and you two, corbeau, I am sure you don’t talk?” G said, sweat going down her visor

“Oh no, I yap a lot.” Nori chuckled.

G held her head, “I have a headache..”

N glared down at Nori and Nori rolled her eyes, “whatever..” she said, and then waddled away.

N sighed and then turned back to G, “G, you can’t accept the gift that Louisa has to offer.. I.. I don’t know what it is.. but I know what she has planned.”

G blinked, then shook her head, “it can’t be too bad.. Mrs Elliott loves me, I’m her favorite drone! She wouldn’t do anything to harm me..”

“G..” N whimpered.

“P-plus..” she looked back, “my little Tessa..”

“I know, G.. but please.. just listen to me this once..” N gently nuzzled her hand as she continued staring back, “do this for Tessa.”

“I..”

“Oh come on!” Nori came waddling back out from under the bed, “Ms fancy pants is not all that good, did you just see how she treated you after you cared for HER baby?”

“Nori!” N looked back at Nori but Nori rolled her eyes.

“I-I..” G shook her head, “Mrs Elliott has just been so busy and stressed lately! So she trusted m-me.. with Tessa..”

“She’s a lost cause, N.” Nori groaned.

N growled at Nori, “Nori!”

“I am just being honest! You know how things end here, the planet explodes, everything goes to shit and it’s really all those wretched humans fault! Nori blabbered on.

N growled, he saw G’s expression turn from confused to mortified. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea bringing Nori along.

“E-Explode?! But no! That’s not possible! How would my mon bebe survive that?!” G looked panicked.

“I-I have to tell mistress she needs to go somewhere safe!” G said, trying to leave.

N knew this isn’t how things go as he stood in front of her, boarding off the exit.

“Look G, I know things are stressful, but we’re here to help. That planet exploding thing doesn’t happen for a good long time. Tessa is safe, I promise. I am from the future, you can trust me.” N said, nudging G away from the door.

“So we’re lying? Ooohhh, ok, caw caw Polly wants a cracker, I don’t talk the humans are fine!” Nori found this whole thing very amusing, which definitely did not help N’s temper.

N growled at her and Nori rolled her eyes, G blinked down at them, not knowing what to believe. She sighed, holding her head.

N looked back at her, whimpering up at her, “please G..?”

“I..” she whimpered, “if I don’t accept this gift.. the mistress might not let me see mon bebe for a while..” she choked up.

“You’ll see her again, I promise..” N smiled up at her.

Nori scoffed and N shot a glare back at her.

G stayed silent, sighing in defeat, “okay.. I-.. I won’t accept the gift..”

There were sounds of movement, it seemed the human was coming back.

“Alright, don’t rat us out, ok? We will be here till everything is ok.” N said, nuzzling G.

G nodded as the two animals scampered under the bed. Nori was rather annoyed.

“Why don’t we just leave? We told her what to do.” Nori cawed.

“Shhh, it’s not that simple. The memory is still in ruins. See, this whole room looks like it’s about to catch a blaze… plus, J will kill me if we somehow do this half assed.” N said, shushing Nori.

Louisa walked in, Tessa still wailing. G went up to go to take Tessa off Louisa’s hands. Handing her the baby, Tessa seemed way more at ease in G’s arms.

“Put her down now, I have the gift right here.” Lousia said with a smirk holding an USB.

G blinked at the USB. Holding Tessa closer, she whimpered, “I.. I don’t want the gift.. m-ma’am..”

Louisa gave her a nasty glare, “G.”

Fear filled G’s eyes as she whimpered, setting Tessa down in her little bassinet, Tessa reaching her little hands up for G when she was put down.

G frowned and then looked back at Louisa, “I think.. it’s too nice..” G gave her a nervous smile, “I don’t think I deserve such a nice offer.. M-Mrs Elliott.”

“Oh, but you do my dear!” Louisa gave her a soft smile, resting her hand on G’s shoulder as G gave a nervous gulp.

“As my favorite and most special drone, I think you deserve this little gift from me..” Louisa said, holding up the USB stick and slowly moving it closer to G.

G was paralysed in fear, she didn’t know what to do. Her eyes drifted down to under the bed where N was giving her a sympathetic look. He wondered if he should go out and help.

“Please, being of your service is enough of a gift, I don’t need what you’re giving me.” G said moving back, accidentally hitting the bassinet, causing Tessa to coo.

“I am not giving you a choice, G. Be obedient or I’ll have to give you another gift.” Louisa’s voice shifted to a more aggressive tone.

As she was about to shove the usb into G’s head, her hand was bitten by a dark raven angrily cawing.

“Oh, heavens! What is this foul beast doing here?!” This distraction gave G enough time to escape and hide behind the other side of the bed.

N looked shocked, he didn’t even notice Nori get out under the bed, but here she was interrupting the memory. The room began to burn.

Nori looked around, eyes widening and she looked back at N.

N was about to open his mouth to lecture her but his eyes widened, noticing Louisa lifting her hand.

N ran out from under the bed immediately but it was too late, Louisa used the back of her hand to smack Nori down as Nori was too slow to react.

Hitting the floor with a thud, Nori groaned in pain as she laid there.

“Nori!!” N panicked as he ran over, ignoring the burning room.

N let out worried whines as he tried to nudge her back awake.

“Nori, please! Are you okay?!” N said, whimpering.

There was a strained caw before her eyes opened and nuzzled N back. Though this tender moment was broken by a scream from G. The USB had been slammed into her visor causing it to crack.

“NO!” N bit into Louisa’s hand, but she just burned away.

G fell to the floor in tears as she yanked the USB stick out. Soon her body was covered in feathers molting around her.

“Aw, rats! We fucked up, we gotta do this better next time.” Nori said, hopping over.

G mumbled something incoherent under the feather cocoon. Which caused N and Nori to look over.

“What was that G?” N said walking closer.

Soon the feathers bursted away and G was now in her disassembler form, visor showing an “X” on it. She was growling as her tail flickered rapidly.

“THERE…. WON'T ….. BE…. A… NEXT TIME!! THERE WILL NEVER BE A NEXT TIME!” G yowled in anger as the room burned to a cinder.

N scampered back, he had never heard G yell, ever. She was always so soft spoken. His tail hidden behind his legs, G looked at him with hate as she went to go grab at his fur with a claw. N shut his eyes waiting for the impact. When nothing came, he opened them.
There was a purple solver symbol grabbing G’s claw. Looking behind him, he saw Nori, no longer a raven holding him close, her tail wrapped around to protect.

“What the-“ she looked at her claw as she then started struggling, Nori did not ease up at all.

“L-let me go!” She cried out as she continued struggling but then gave up, falling down as she sobbed, holding her head down..

N frowned, “G..” he said, carefully walking towards her as she kept her head down.

Nori frowned, “G-“

“Don’t..! Even say a word!” G growled at her and Nori flinched at that, “it’s not fair how you get it so easy while I stuck with this!” G lashed out as she growled, trying to struggle towards her, “You don’t deserve it! You weren’t even there for your first daughter!!” She hissed out and Nori stayed silent.

G continued struggling and then sighed as she gave up again, holding her head down as she sobbed.

Nori wanted to feel bad, she really did, but she couldn’t change what happened. Watching as G sobbed, she let go of her hand. Nori knew she was continuing her streak of being an omen, a burden, a bringer of misery. It’s why she left Uzi with Khan; she hoped her absence would give Uzi some stability.

“Fucking bite me! Do you know how many days I wished I was there for her?! How I hate my every being just knowing she died feeling abandoned?! Your hate for me will never amount to the shame I feel!” Nori yelled out.

G looked over at N who was hiding behind Nori, shivering. Nori realised what she was doing and refused to sacrifice her husband’s opinions on N to give up their friendship; she couldn’t settle for less anymore after two decades of depriving herself of companionship.

“Oh no, the thing you won’t do is blame everything on the one drone who came in here to save your ass! I messed up, I know I did, but you can’t just let yourself blame the scapegoat for everything and live with shame…… blame me for all I care.” Nori said a bit less confident on the last phrase.

N was surprised, despite everything Nori cared? I mean, he didn’t doubt she did, but he felt he was always just the source of information about Uzi and nothing more to Nori.

G blinked at her and then sighed in defeat,”it’s.. it’s not fair..” she whimpered, “I’ve wanted my own child for so long, now I might lose them because of my stupidity..”

N whimpered, “G..” he said, walking out from behind Nori, Nori giving him a worried look, N looked back up at her with a reassuring smile.

He walked over to G slowly and carefully, sniffing her carefully as he got closer but she didn’t show any hostility.

He carefully laid down next to her as he laid his head on her lap with a whimper, “there’s still a hope G..”

“I..” She whimpered, looking down at N, “I-I don’t know what to do anymore N..” she choked out and N frowned.

He lifted his head off her lap, she shakily lifted her hand, placing her hand on top of his head, he gave her a soft smile.

“If it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out and I’m sorry G..” he said carefully, more tears forming on her visor, “But.. it’s never impossible.. there’s always second chances..” he smiled at her.

She looked down, shaking her head, “I’m scared to try this again if.. this one fails..” she frowned.

Nori sighed as she walked over, kneeling in front of G, “you have a lot of support G.. you’ll even have me as support.”

G looked at her and then looked away, “I think.. it’ll hurt too much seeing you after this..” she told her, not making eye contact with Nori and Nori just frowned. G whimpered, looking down at herself, “my baby..”

N felt horrible; he only made things worse. He had his father’s luck on things.

“I will give you the space you need, G. I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive, but I understand if you don’t.” N said walking away.

“I think it’s best you leave.” G said with a slight growl.

N looked up at Nori and they nodded as they walked out of the memory. Soon, they opened their eyes and they both were stuck in that yellow room with the beating heart. N looked over, seeing Cyn with her eyes hollowed. He looked down ashamed, he really messed up.

“[Worry] don’t blame yourself big- um, N… she will forgive you.” Cyn said with a frown.

N just walked away to the door, trying to stifle a cry. Nori looked worried as she went to follow. She felt her arm being grabbed by Cyn.

“[Menacing Tone] If you ever try that stunt again with my loved ones, I will make you wish you never woke up, 002. My brother's patience is infinite, mine is not. Keep that in mind.” Cyn said with a low growl, her body turning more solver like as Nori felt a cold chill go down her body.

“I, uh…” Nori tried to talk.

“[Correction] the next words are ‘I understand’ or Uzi will spend more time with you than she ever would.” Cyn said, her hand burning into Nori’s arm.

“I-I understand…” Nori said, voice trembling.

“[Drop anger] Great! Good luck on motherhood again.” Cyn smiled as Nori felt herself be thrown across the room and out the door.

N seemed to already be awake. Nori wondered if she even mentioned it. Brother? Murder boy was the brother of THE solver?

Chapter Text

The sounds of G’s sobs were loud

J stood outside the hospital room with her head down.

The baby was gone, there was nothing else they could do to save it.

J let out a shaky sigh as she sat down, laying her face in her hands as she let out quiet sobs.

Nothing felt real right now, everything felt so.. dull.

J continued to sob until she heard such a soft voice speak to her.

“J..” the familiar voice spoke to her.

J blinked, looking up from her hands as tears still pricked her visor, “L.. Lizzy..?”

Lizzy frowned down at her, “hey..” she said, opening her arms and J did not hesitate to stand up and hug Lizzy back tightly as J sobbed into Lizzy’s shoulder.

Lizzy gently patted J’s back as the two sat down, J clinging to her as she whimpered.

Lizzy didn’t know everything about the situation but she knew J was in so much despair. She’d keep her questions to a minimum as long as she could comfort her love through this.

“Hey hey… there, there, let it all out. I got you, I got you…” Lizzy said, her soft words being like a melody to J’s audio receptors.

J let out louder sobs and buried her face into Lizzy’s shoulder, tail wrapped around her. She had missed feeling Lizzy’s embrace, her safety, she had scarified it all in the name of a goal. Purely to punish herself.

“I am an awful child. I-I couldn’t even help her, Liz, I couldn’t do anything…” J whined as she lamented her worries.

“What? No, your mother loves you dearly, there is no way.” Lizzy tried to gain context from the words.

“She deserved a real child, not junkyard scrap.” J said with a broken tone.

“J, hey.” Lizzy held J’s face, “you are no junkyard scrap, your mother loves you dearly J.”

J looked down, unsure as she whimpered, “not after today she won’t..” She shook her head and Lizzy frowned.

“Do you want to tell me what’s going on, love?” Lizzy carefully asked her and J sniffed.

J whimpered, then looked at Lizzy, “G lost the baby..” she said, her voice choking up.

Lizzy’s eyes hollowed, “Oh J..” she said, bringing J back into the hug as J continued sobbing.

The two stayed like that for a good few minutes as Lizzy let J cry herself out, Lizzy looked up as she saw S appear from the door, his eyes looking more hollow than ever.

Lizzy’s frown grew, “S..?” She asked softly and S jumped as he turned his head in her direction.

He cleared his throat and then shook his head, “Sorry.. I’m just..” he sniffed as he wiped his face.

“Hey no no.. it’s okay.. I understand.” Lizzy told him and then patted the seat next to her and J to invite S to sit down, “here.. sit next to us..”

S stood there for a minute, looking back to the room, and then sighing, “they had to put G in sleep mode to help calm her down from overheating so.. I think I’ll be good for a bit..” he sighed as he sat down next to them.

J lifted her head, looking at S as she whimpered, tears filled her visor as she frowned.

S could hear her cries as he frowned, “J.. none of this is your fau-“

“I could’ve done something to stop it dad, I could’ve helped her! I could’ve done something to save my sibling, I know mom wants a real kid, not some.. junkyard scrap!” J sobbed out at him

S seemed taken aback at the insult; he hadn't heard it since, well, the manor days. Something so cruel, he wished she’d never think that way about herself.

“Jaybird, you know that’s not true. It’s only so much we could do, you are a lot of wonderful things and definitely not junkyard scrap.” S pulled J into an embrace, patting her hair.

Lizzy patted J’s back as she sobbed.

“I’ll make this up somehow..” J mumbled.

“You don’t have to, I still have my daughter with me.” S couldn’t help but break down. He didn't want to lose her knowing how bare she was, her metal rusty.

S would not allow his family to suffer due to their own forms of punishment. The solver and the humans will not scorn his family anymore.

J sniffed as she sighed, Lizzy patting her back, she turned to S, “Is she.. mad at me..?” She whimpered and S frowned.

“Of course not jaybird..” S told her, holding both of her hands, “she could never be mad at y-“

“She was mad at me that one time I accidentally broke one of Tessa’s dolls.”

“Well that was one tim-“

“And the time I broke one of the teacups in the manor and the one time I-“

“J.”

“..Sorry dad.”

S couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle, but shook his head, “what I’m trying to say is, even after all of this, she’ll still love you like she always has, nothing has or will ever change that.”

J whimpered as she looked down, jumping as Lizzy placed a hand on her shoulder, she looked back at Lizzy who gave her a soft smile, J couldn’t help but smile back at her a little.

J turned back to S, “are you okay tho dad..?” She frowned and S sighed.

“..one day I’ll be okay.. just not today..” He whimpered and J frowned.

J brought S into a hug and the two started quietly sobbing, Lizzy watching them with a frown

It was a dreadful night, well, morning now. The sorrows that plagued the family. Though there was a different vibe in another part of the colony.

Nori awoke panting, eyes hollow, breath unsteady. It was like magic, she was from the couch to her bedroom. Of course she knew why, but didn’t help the fact she just got personally threatened by a cruel and uncaring god.

“N-Nori, is everything ok?” Khan got up, shaking himself awake.

Nori looked over, still calming herself down, holding on to her stomach. She went to go answer before a searing pain shot through her body.

“I am- I am not fine actually, I-I.. hey, what was the feeling you got when Uzi was coming, dear?” Nori asked; she hadn’t really done the whole laying the egg thing.

“Searing pain and weakness in your limbs. I’ll call Gloria, you stay here.” Khan’s eyes hollowed as he got up to go grab the phone.

Nori was spooked, oh boy, she’s really doing this. Three whole months leading up to this. She can do it. Khan did, heck, Uzi did it. She couldn’t help but feel this was somewhat induced by the threat. Can the solver really force you into labour?

Nori could hear the footsteps of more drones. Obviously N was up, he left the solver's mind earlier than her.

Nori tried to sit up in her bed, wincing as she felt a sharp pain and laid back down.

She started panting as she held her stomach, whining. She opened her eyes a little as she saw a gold glow enter the room, N blinked at her.

He looked worried, “Nori.. I need to talk to you-“

“Not the time N-“ she winced in pain, “Not the time!!” She repeated herself.

“Nori, it’s important.” N told her, his voice growing more serious.

“Don’t you even know what “Not the time!” means?!-“

“G lost the baby.” N interrupted her, Nori’s eyes hollowed.

“.. oh dear robo-god.” She said, completely ignoring the pain she was in.

N opened his mouth but was interrupted as Gloria rushed in.

“Good morning, my majesty.” Gloria said, setting things down

“H-Hey Glory! Well, I was going to mmm, ah- visit you sometime this week!” Nori couldn’t keep her mind on the last statement. The pain was too much.

“Well, better late than never! Let’s get you set up.” Gloria smiled before turning back to N with a judging look.

“My highness, I feel the queen would like some privacy at this moment.”

N blinked and shook his head as he nodded, “oh, of course. I’ll talk with you later, Nori.”

As N left the room, Nori shimmied off her pants and got into a better position.

“I promise I won’t claw your face off.” Nori said with a little jest.

“What, no more scars? You are so cruel my queen, why?” Gloria said sarcastically.

Nori rolled her eyes but then winced as she felt a sharp pain, Gloria was quick to her side as she started examining Nori.

Gloria blinked, “I’m surprised, you’re dilating quickly.” Gloria said in surprise, “is this the first one you-.. had..?”

Nori blinked at that question and then shook her head, “y-..yeah..” she told her, “is.. that a good thing..?”

“Oh no oh no, it’s okay, it means you’re doing great.” Gloria told her with a smile, “means baby will be here faster than you know it.”

“H-How fast?” Nori said but the felt a rush of pain, seems pretty fast.

Oil leaked onto the bed as Nori yowled in pain. She gripped onto the bed pretty tightly.

“Wonderful work my majesty, oh I can see the egg crowning!” Gloria said with a thumbs up.

Nori really expected herself to have more time with this, but with a few more shoves, the room was filled with baby cries. Nori was absolutely exhausted, laying down. How could Khan do this and also stop her from attacking the colony in an oil lust rampage?

“Congratulations Nori, it's an egg! Wonderful healthy purple egg” Gloria handed the egg over Nori, looking down at it.

Sure enough it was purple, almost identical to her hue, eyes blinking back up as it wailed. Before hearing knocks at the door, seeing the glow of white lights she smiled.

“Yes, you can come in.” Nori said weakly.

“The baby is here already?” Khan looked shocked.

“Yes, it seems the queen has one upped you once again. Uzi was five hours, this little one barely half an hour.” Gloria said as she gave Nori some pain medication.

“Hah, take that! I win again, hehe.” Nori chuckled.

“Oh nooo, what shall I do? Just have to get you back.” Khan sat down next to his wife, looking down. It was like he was transported back to the day he layed Uzi, small purple lights looking back up.

A sense of nostalgia but also grief filled the king. He found himself wishing he had time to hold his first born like this once again, or at least her hand.

Nori stared down at the egg with Khan, the egg blinking at them both. Nori let out a soft smile as she sighed.

Khan looked at Nori, “soo.. do you wanna decide on a name..?”

Nori looked at him, blinking tiredly, “I like.. Dawdy..”

Khan stayed silent, then gave her an unsure look, “are you.. sure..?” Khan asked her and Nori gave him a glare.

“Do you want me to name another kid after a gun that comes to mind, or are you gonna listen to my name suggestions?”

Khan put his hands up, “okay okay! I was just saying..” he sighed and then looked down at the egg, “..Dawdy.. I like that..”

Gloria smiled at the two, turning her head as she heard a quiet voice speak to her.

“Ms Gloria..?” Evie blinked up at her, “can I see the baby now..? Daddy said I can’t go into this room but I wanna see the baby..”

Gloria blinked, then chuckled, “hold on sweetie.. give me.. just a second-“ she said, grabbing a blanket as she laid it over Nori.

Nori blinked at her in confusion but then tiredly smiled as she spotted Evie.

Evie’s tail wagged as she then rushed in, running up next to Nori as she stared down at the baby with Nori, Nori giving Khan a glare as he gave Evie an unsure look, Evie not noticing it as she was too fascinated with the little egg.

The egg seemed to shiver at the sight of Evie. Nori pulled it closer to her, Evie looking confused at the motion.

“It’s really purple, like you Nana!” Evie said a bit too loud.

The egg cried at that noise, everyone's eyes hollowing.

“Shh, shh, it’s Evie… Might have to use your whispering noise, the little egg is very sensitive. Can you do that?” Nori said, trying to calm Dawdy.

“Oh, ok, sorry…. Sorry little egg… Do they have a name?” Evie said, lowering her voice.

“Dawdy.” Khan and Nori said in unison, then Nori nuzzled Khan with a chuckle.

“Ohhhh, hi Dawdy! I am Evie.” Evie waved to the egg.

“I am sure they’ll say hi back when they hatch, little rocket.” Khan ruffled Evie’s hair.

“Haha, yeah! Can papa and dada meet Dawdy?” Evie said, tilting her head.

“Soon, sweetheart, but everyone is a bit tired right now.” Khan said as Nori was drifting off on his shoulder.

Nori smiled at Evie for a minute then that smile turned to a frown, she looked at Gloria.

“How’s G?” She asked Gloria and Gloria’s eyes hollowed, blinking, she sighed.

Gloria opened her mouth to speak but Evie was quick to interrupt, “Mrs. G? I haven’t seen her in so long! Nor have the twins!” She turned to Gloria, “can I see Mrs. G, Ms. Gloria?”

Both Nori and Gloria’s eyes hollowed, they both looked at each other, Khan looking at the two confused. Gloria looked down at Evie.

“Haaa, uh… Evie, there are some things adults can’t tell you, and I am sure Ms G would love to see you-“ Gloria tried to get Evie out of the situation immediately by going to her side.

“Ok! Then I’ll see her if she’d love to see me” Evie chirped, happily cutting in.

“Oooohhhh, no, no, not now. Why don’t I take you out to explain with your fathers and let your grandparents rest?” Gloria picked Evie up who was still none the wiser.

Leaving the room, Khan looked over to Nori.

“What happened with G?” Khan asked.

“She, uhh.. lost it. Y’know, the baby… I may know why, but that’s some solver shenanigans stuff.” Nori said, rather strained.

Khan could tell this was not the conversation now and to drop it, he knew Nori well.

“Papa! I saw the egg, it's purple like mama and nana!” Evie announced.

Thad could see how unbelievably stressed his mother was and how quick she was to hand Evie over to him.

“Oooohhhh, great work sport! What else did you say?” Thad said nervously.

“Well, I said I waaaanted to see Mrs G because I miss her stories, and the twins miss her too!” Evie’s tail wagged, “And Ms Gloria said I could see her-“

“Woah! I did not say that Evie.” Gloria sighed, putting her hand on her head.

Thad blinked in confusion, looking at Gloria in confusion, “what’s going on with G..? N’s been talking about her but he’s been very.. vague, he won’t say if there’s anything wrong going on with her or between them.”

Gloria sighed, she looked at Evie, “Evie, sweetie, can you run to your room for just a minute..? I need to discuss something with your father.” Gloria told Evie softly, Evie whimpering as she turned to Gloria.

“But I wanna hear too! I wanna see Mrs G!”

“Maybe another time, just not now..” Thad told her as he placed her down and Evie huffed, stomping out of the room, disappointed.

The two stood there in silence, Gloria then sighed. Thad turned to her.

“So.. what’s going on with good ol’ G-“

“G lost the baby..”

Thad’s eyes hollowed as he let out a stress sigh.

“Oh.”

“Yeah..” Gloria said, pained.

“Oh boy, yeah… that’s a good reason not to tell Evie. Eight year old doesn’t need all the details…. That might explain why N left to go visit his father.” Thad said, hands on hips as he realised he really was the only one in charge of keeping Evie from causing trouble.

But then again, was N just visiting his father? Or was he trying to patch work his way into fixing things with J again. He felt he was letting N do something self destructive.

“Yeah, patient confidentiality. I didn’t want to tell you or your sister till it was ok with G, but it’s best you know so you don’t wander in expecting G and get the shell of a drone we have been treating.” Gloria scratched at her scrubs nervously.

“I can’t really go after him, I simply don’t trust the queen and king to handle Evie appropriately. If you see N by the hospital maybe try to talk him down? I know that’s asking a lot Ma, but…” Thad asked.

“No, no, it’s a perfectly reasonable request. I know how much he means to you, and I frankly want to keep the disassembler count the same, so I’ll mention it to my colleagues. You take care of fruit bat.” Gloria hugged Thad as he returned it back, picking up her stuff.

“Ow, X!”

Y loudly complained as X accidentally stuck her pointed leg in Y’s face.

X turned back to Y growling, “can you be quiet?! We’re gonna get caught!” X snapped at her and Y rolled her eyes.

“We’re in the vents, X, I think we’ll be fine.” Y sighed and X rolled her eyes, continuing to crawl with Y right behind her.

“Do you see her yet?” Y asked X, and X let out a frustrated groan.

“No! I don’t see mom anywhere!” She hissed out, frustrated.

It had been days since the 2 had seen or heard from J, of course X wouldn’t take that lightly so Y just followed along, just to keep her sister out of trouble.

It was harder now with their grandparents being in the colony; the scent of disassemblers was everywhere, not so easy to track. Didn’t help that the two were awful at tracking. They’d followed whatever trace they got.

“I don’t know how to fix this dad, G is going to kill me!” N’s voice was nearby, seems the twins had tracked the wrong scent, not their mother but uncle.

“That seems interesting…” Y chirped quietly.

“Yeah, it’s not mama, Y.” X whisper hissed.

“Hey, I am sure G will forgive you just as long as she doesn’t let J spin this into something else.” P said in a reassuring tone.

The twins scooted over to the vent opening, peering down to see N in tears and P consoling them. The two now began to talk on their screens.

X blinked as she continued watching N as he sobbed, looking to Y, her visor read out, “oh yeah! I’m so telling mama J about this!”

Y gave her an annoyed expression, then whacked her with her tail, X trying her best to not scream out. She growled at her but Y gave her a glare that made her quiet herself.

“Do you.. know how I can make this up to G?” N whimpered and P frowned.

“I’m.. not sure N..” P told him, he sighed, “you know she’s been wanting this baby for so long and for this to just happen.. this is gonna take a while for her to heal from..”

N whimpered, “I’m really sorry dad..”

P sighed, “I hate to say it N.. but I’m not the one you should be apologizing to..”

N whimpered as he teared up, P opened his arms and N immediately went in for the hug.

X and Y continued to stare down and then X sighed, looking at Y the text on her face said, “I’m bored.”

Y gave her a serious look, “did you not just hear what they said? Something’s wrong with grandma G!” Her visor read out.

X blinked then sighed, “which gives us MORE reason to find mama.” Her visor said, turning away as she continued crawling.

Y watched her with an offended look and then sighed as she hurriedly crawled after X, “X wait up!” She whisper yelled.

Scurrying through the vents, they saw many different conversations from small to big. Soon, they found another scent of a disassembler; they were sure it was their grandparents and mama.

The hospital vents were thinner and less comfortable, though the scent was strong. But also was the smell of oil.

“Hey, keep on the mission, sis!” Y said as X was salivating at the smell of fresh oil.

“S-sorry, I just can’t wait till breakfast.” X stuttered as she scurried up.

Soon they heard sobs and whimpers. X froze before being shoved forward by Y, who also saw the scene. Their mothers in an embrace holding each other as J shivered.

“I can’t bear to go back in there, she hates me, I know it. I mean, I would hate myself if I had walked out like that.” J lamented.

“Hey, hey, that’s not true…” Lizzy tried to temper J’s misery.

X looked up at Y and tilted her head confused, her visor now reading.

“Does mama J think we hate her?” X texted with a frown.

Y frowned, her visor typing out, “I hope not.. I don’t hate her..” she whimpered quietly.

“Me neither!” X’s visor displayed, she whimpered as well as she stared down at J, whimpering as she watched J sobbing.

J’s sobs started to calm down as Lizzy held her, whimpering as she clinged to Lizzy. Lizzy sighed.

“J..” Lizzy gently lifted J’s head, gently wiping her tears with her thumb, “She loves you more than anything..”

Both the girls who were watching, both nodded in sync, looking at each other, they both couldn’t help but giggle at that.

J’s head popped up, looking around in confusion as Lizzy looked at her in confusion.

“J..? Everything alright dear..?” Lizzy asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I..” J shook her head, wiping her visor, “..Sorry, I think the lack of sleeping and eating is starting to get to me.. but I swore I heard giggling..”

Both X and Y’s eyes hollowed as they both covered their mouths, looking back at each other. Y gave X a light punch on the shoulder which made X sit up and open her mouth to start yelling but Y was quick to slap her hand over X’s mouth.

“Hush!!” Her visor read and X just growled in annoyance.

Lizzy blinked at her with a frown, “here.. how about we go get you some oil real quick..” Lizzy said carefully standing up with J, “you’re warmer than usual right now, and your fans sound like you’re about to take off.” Lizzy told her as she and J walked off together.

X pouted and then shook her head, sitting back. She stared at J walking off, and then looked back at Y, her visor reading out, “we gotta make this up to mom.. she can’t think we hate her..” she whimpered.

Y frown then her visor read “but how? she seems like she’s already made up her mind”

X looked down thinking then eyes lit up, “we could be super good at doing knight duty like her! She’ll have to love us if we are just like her!” X’s screen read.

Y nodded, “well, let’s bring the information back home, I am sure Fetch and Saint can help us!”

And just like that the two were off back to their home just in time for them to wake up. Slinking down, their movements woke up their two others siblings.

“Did you find out why J has been so strange?” Fetcher signed.

X looked defeated and turned back in her bed sadly. But Y got down from her bunk to meet her brother half way.

“It’s complicated, but we are going to fix it. When we do, Mama J will be back for sure to love us and spend time with us!” Y whispered, her eyes slightly teary.

Fetcher gave them an unsure look, but then nodded. “How so?” He signed.

Y looked over at X, expecting her to help her answer but X was silent, refusing to look at the others. It was very obvious she was wiping tears but Y wasn’t gonna poke the bear with a stick.

Y sighed, turning back to Fletcher, “me and X are gonna try to be strong knights like mama! Then we’ll prove to her that we’re big and strong like her so she’ll for sure come back!”

Fetcher continued to give her an unsure look as he blinked, Y frowned, “w-.. we thought it was a good ide-“

“And then we’ll sneak out of the colony and go to those labs that mama has been going to, all by ourselves!” X said, turning slowly to face them, a confident look on her face.

Both Y and Fletcher’s eyes hollowed, Y blinked, “X, we never discussed th-“

“If nothing else is impressing mama then this for sure will! We’ll show mama that we’re big drones and she’ll be so proud of us and come back to us!” X said sitting up in her bed, her tail wagging rapidly, visible sweat appearing on Y’s visor.

“Will that really work?!” Saint said with joy.

“Absolutely, cubby, when we come back we will be heroes!” X jumped down to Saint, picking her up and twirling her in the air.

Y looked worried but before she could protest the sounds of their mother got their attention.

“Kids! Time to wake up! School starts in an hour or so, breakfast is ready!” Doll’s voice came from outside the door.

“Remember, for this to work we have to work together with this secret. Can you do that Fetch, Cubby?” X asked as the two looked at each other and nodded.

Y felt outnumbered in her own home, but she couldn’t bear the thought of letting X do this alone. But also, if she was right, then Mama J would really love them again.

The morning went as usual, the twins got ready as if it was a normal day.

Y stood there, adjusting her bow tie as she was lost in thought, not noticing X sneaking up behind her as X surprised her, causing Y to jump as she turned around, facing X who just giggled.

It was unusual seeing X this excited, usually it meant she was up to no good and which.. she really was up to no good, Y gulped.

X’s tail wagged, “once school’s over, we’ll wait til the sun goes down and sneak out through the vents!”

Y blinked at her, “X.. isn’t mama Doll gonna notice we’re missing if we suddenly just.. disappear out of thin air?”

X thought to herself, “hmm.. nah!” She told her, “plus, ever since mama J has been gone I’ve been walking myself home from school, mom will just think you went with me this time.” X put her hand on Y’s shoulder, “plus, we’ll be back home before mama Doll even notices we’re missing.”

Y blinked at her and frowned, “X.. I’m not sure about this..”

X whimpered as she frowned, “Y, come onnnn!” She begged her and Y frowned at her, sighing. X gave her puppy dog eyes, “I need you to go with me!” She continued to beg and Y whimpered.

“..fine.” Y told her and X’s tail wagged.

Heading over to school as they entered their classroom, it seemed like everyone was swarming around Evie for whatever reason. X didn’t seem too fussed on the details, but Y wanted to know the gossip.

“Is it true the egg really came around?!” One droneling said excitedly.

Evie nodded, “yeah, and they’re purple! They’re going to be my best friend in the whole entire world!” Evie announced proudly.

“The queen layed?” Y said as everyone turned to her.

“Yeah! Yeah Y, I have an auntie now, her name is Dawdy! You should come see them after school!” Evie rushed towards Y, jumping up and down.

“Oh, uhhh, that sounds great Evie, but I uhh… have important things to do with X. We can see her tomorrow though!” Y smiled sheepishly. The whole class's attention was on her and here she was, turning down an offer from the princess.

“Hey, I’ll see her if you don’t want to.” Hatchet piped up.

Evie’s tail wagged really fast at that. Grabbing Hatchet and hugging her, it seemed the two started to chat but Y couldn’t pick it up. She was stressing really hard about the mission tonight.

“Oh well, babies are babies! Me and Evie are gonna do something waaay more exciting after school!” X said proudly, stepping up to them, Y’s eyes hollowing as she looked over.

“X!” She whisper yelled in panic but Evie spoke up before X could reply.

“Like what?” Evie tilted her head.

X put her hands on her sides as she smirked, “I’m not saying because only cool drones can know! It’s a cool drone thing!” X said standing proudly as she smirked, Evie looking like she wasn’t having any of it getting closer to X as she growled.

“I’m cool!” She complained to X and X just giggled.

Y grabbed X by the shoulder as she started dragging her away as X continued to smirk at Evie, leaving Evie standing there looking mad as her tail lashed.

Once she got them both out of earshot, Y glared at X and X looked back at her.

“You’re no fun..” X said, rolling her eyes and Y glared at her.

“No fun?! This is fun to you?? Do you realize how much trouble this could get us into X?” Y snapped at her but X sighed.

“We won’t get in trouble, okay? We’ll be quick and get back quick, it’s that simple.” X told her and Y opened her mouth to say something but both their heads turned as Lizzy walked in, looking more tired than ever.

Y looked at Lizzy with a frown and then looked back at X, “Just..” she whimpered, “just please.. try to be more secretive.. please..?” Y begged her.

X looked at her, she sighed, “..fine.” She groaned, “you’re no fun tho..”

“Good morning class, sorry for my tardiness! Seems you all are very excited to be here today.” Lizzy tried to mask the tiredness she had as she had a chipper tone.

“Good morning, Miss Frost!” Lots of dronelings said as they scurried to their seats.

“Now, does anyone have anything interesting they did over the weekend they’d like to share?” Lizzy said she wrote the date up on the board.

“Well well princess, seems you have something.” Lizzy could see Evie raising her hand high in the air.

“Yes Miss! I have a new Auntie, like just today! She’s purple like my Nana, her name is Dawdy.” Evie explained as X rolled her eyes, scrapping her claw against the desk.

“Oh, how wonderful! Isn’t that sweet? I am sure everyone will be looking forward to the official announcement of the new princess today.” As Lizzy spoke the class was full of joy.

“Now, does anyone else have anything they’d like to share before we get into our history lesson for today?…. No one?” Lizzy was almost done writing down the subject for today, that was Fauna of Copper 9.

Y looked over at X who was just smirking, Y reached over, punching her lightly in the shoulder and X just glared at her, giving her a warning growl.

Lizzy sighed and then smiled, “alrighty then.. today little dronelings, we’ll be talking about..” she sighed as she lifted up a remote, pointing it towards the projector, and clicking a button and a picture of a sentinel popped up, “..sentinels.”

The dronelings eyes went wide in awe as they stared at the dinosaur looking creature.

Y stared at the creature, blinking she couldn’t help but see this creature as.. familiar? She was pulled out of thought as she noticed Lizzy staring at her with worry in her eyes.

Making eye contact with Lizzy, she slowly gave Lizzy a thumbs up and a nervous smile, Lizzy smiled back at her as she sighed.

“Anyways.” Lizzy sighed as she shook her head, “these Dinos are NOT drone friendly, they are vicious creatures who tear apart any drone in their territory.”

All of the dronelings eyes hollowed in fear at the description, X blinking in confusion as she looked around at the class.

“Aw, you guys are weak.” X told them with an unimpressed face but her eyes hollowed as she heard an ‘ahem’ from Lizzy, sighing she turned to look back at Lizzy, the class giggling in the process.

“Luckily, our colony is not sentinel territory or too close to sentinel territory.” Lizzy started again, “they have a special technique with their eyes as they can boot loop any drone who falls into the trap of looking into their eyes.”

“The pictures provided are from containment centres at different colonies as these beast can be tamed, isn’t that wonderful though their boot loop flash is often removed for safety.” Lizzy said as she flipped to another slide, showing a tamed Sentinel being ridden by a drone.

Y began to sketch out a sentinel on her booklet and she couldn’t shake the feeling. Where in the world would she have seen it? That’s when it clicked, the labs…. Where they were going.

“Though, if you see a sentinel regardless if it is tamed or not, it’s best to run away. Now, moving on to another set of fauna that you will see around the colony territory.” Lizzy clicked to another screen, showing bird-like creatures with surveillance cameras for heads.

“Watchdogs are docile, skittish creatures. They were once used by humans to spy on rebel drone groups, now they are a wonderful ally to all drone kind.” Clicking to another slide, the slide showed different sized watchdogs, some looking to be goose-like, others more penguin-like.

Hatchet raised her hand very high as Lizzy pointed to her “Yes miss! My mama has one, his name is Penny, he is a P3A-C00K model.”

“Oh, that’s very nice! I am sure the class would love to meet Penny, and could even help with some lessons.” Lizzy smiled.

“Really?! I’ll bring that up to my mum!” Hatchet was overjoyed to help.

Time went by slowly as Lizzy continued to explain different Faunas. X was zoned out, as usual.

Y was staring down at the drawings she made of the sentinels. Lost in thought, she didn't notice Lizzy staring at her. She looked up from her drawings, making eye contact with Lizzy as she blinked.

Lizzy stared at her for a few seconds until she shook her head and cleared her throat, raising the remote again, she pressed the button again, only to be met with a blank slide, staring at it for a few seconds, she turned back to the dronelings.

"Any other questions?" She asked the class, looking around.

Y looked around as she noticed the other dronelings raising their hands, she blinked before she raised her hand.

Lizzy looked at her hand in surprise, "yes, Y?"

"W-well.." Y put her hand down as she spoke, "Do you know much about the certain territories that the sentinels live in? like, the environments they're mostly spotted in?"

Lizzy blinked in surprise, "I-..." she thought for a minute, "W-well.. not.. really? They're mostly known to be around areas that were once owned by the humans." Lizzy informed her, sweat appearing on her visor.

Y blinked at that response, opening her mouth to speak but was interrupted by the sound of the school bell, X immediately shooting up from her seat next to her as she grabbed Y's arm and started dragging her out of her seat.

"Great question, great talk, let's get going Y!" X said as she continued to drag Y out but Y whimpered, wanting to ask Lizzy more questions.

As the two were dragged into recess, Y couldn’t try to be her normal self still. The feeling that sentinels may be at the labs, since it possibly was a human place before everything happened.

X was so good at just not being suspicious, she acted as if they weren’t going to do something incredibly dangerous. Did she even value her own life? Y felt her shoulder be tapped, as she looked up from her seat, she saw Fetcher.

“Oh, hey Fetch.” Y tried to keep casual as she smiled.

“Hi Y, mama Lizzy wanted me to give you this, it's from Mama J.” Fetcher signed, handing her a bag.

Y looked inside. There was an armband that read “Serial designation Y of Outpost 3”. It was similar to her mother’s except for the last bit instead of saying JcJenson. She remembered when X asked for an armband of their own to show the two were a part of the squad. Seems there was also a note.

“Dear Y,

I am aware of my absence in your life but that isn’t for nothing. I won’t ever give up the duty of being your mother. But to ensure your safety I must distance myself for a while. You will understand once I have achieved this goal. I hope this armband gives you community in the time being

-From your mother, J”

The handwriting was definitely her mother’s, very neat and formal. This only brought Y more guilt, she knew if she failed to come back she’d be disappointing her mother. Looking back up at Fetcher, she gave an unsure smile.

“Good luck, Y. I’ll keep Mama Dolly at bay.” Fetcher signed before running off.

Y watched Fletcher run off before sighing, looking down at the armband, she slid it on her arm, staring down at it, she couldn’t help but purr at the sight.

She sighed, looking around for X she walked around, once she spotted X, she rushed over to her.

X was staring down at something while being completely silent, Y assumed she also received an armband and she was correct as she spotted what was in her hands.

Y blinked down at it, “X..?”

X looked up at her, tears in her eyes as she stared at Y, Y frowned at her, “Yes..?” X asked her, a whimper in her voice.

“..do you think we should really do this X?”

X sighed, “y-yes! We must help mama achieve whatever she needs to achieve or she’ll probably never come back to us and we’ll never see her again!” X told her, “I need to see her again Y.. please..”

Y frowned, “I.. I need to see her too.” She sighed in defeat, “what are we gonna do if she finds out what we did?”

“Ha! She’ll probably be so proud of us that she won’t have any room to be angry at us! She’ll never want to leave again!” X said, standing proudly while Y frowned at her.

She couldn’t argue with her sister at this point; they were already committed to the mission. But as lessons passed and the school bell rang, their younger siblings were entrusted to wait for their mother to send them home. Dusk was only in a few hours, it usually was this time of year. Y sat waiting for X to finish packing her bag from school as she saw Evie walk past with Hatchet.

“Hey Y, I know you said you’re busy, but I am happy for you to come over whenever! It’s not like the egg is going anywhere.” Evie smiled as she put out a hand for Y.

Y so desperately wanted to take that hand, to just have a normal afternoon fawning over the new princess. But she looked down at her armband; she had to do this for her mother. Evie just wouldn’t understand. How could she? Her fathers loved her, they would never put her in the ultimatum. There was a sense of envy.

“N-No, it’s going to take too long. I wouldn't want you to wait for nothing, but thanks for the offer.” Y shook her head.

And just like that, Y was left alone with her thoughts. Till her sister came by. Both nodding, they scurried away from where the cameras could find them. Slinking up to the vents, it was only a matter of waiting till the sun came down, approximately an hour or so. Plenty of time to talk X down, hopefully.

Y sighed, sitting there. She stared through the vent holes, seeing the sun that was starting to go down, she whimpered.

X stared at her, sighing, she sat back next to her sister, the two watching the sunset.

“X..?”

X turned to her sister, “hm?”

“..are you really sure mama J will be okay with this?” Y looked at X, a frown on her face, “are you sure she’s not gonna be more mad than proud of us for sneaking out behind mama Lizzy and mama doll’s back?”

“If you don’t wanna go then that’s fine, i’ll happily go by myself.” X told her sternly.

Y’s frown grew bigger, “you know I can’t let you do that..” she whimpered.

X sighed, looking down, “I know..” she told her, “I’ve got to do this for mama tho, I feel like I did something to disappoint her and that’s why she’s been so distant with us, it’s like she’s avoiding us because of me and I don’t know what I did.”

Y frowned, “X.. you know she loves you more than anything..” Y told her, “heck, I think she even loves you more than me.”

“It doesn’t seem like that anymore..”

“X..”

“She’s upset at us because of me.. I.. I gotta fix this.. I’ve gotta make her see me again because I don’t like not having mama around anymore.”

X huffed as she turned back. Y couldn’t argue with that. She decided to rest her eyes before she went out on this mission. Slowly blinking up and down, she returned to the realm of sleep.

She opened her eyes. She was back in this strange dream again, everything was so pink. She slipped out the small box she was in. She saw a drone so large it walked over the ceiling. Not paying it much attention, she crawled around the room. Picking up a ribbon, she pulled it around, moving it up and down till pushing it down, she saw two red beady eyes. She knew what happened next, she’d had to wait for the giant to push away the red eyes and she’d awake. Going back to the ribbon, she pulled at it. But then heard a thrill, not like a drone but more the sentinel she saw in class.

Moving her head back, she saw the red eyes had expanded to three, no, four, possibly more. It opened the door and Y turned to look over to the giant which was slumped on the floor. Real terror and fear filled her body, the only noise being the mechanical hisses of this beast. It ran fast towards her before…

“Y!” X shook Y awake.

“W-What?! Did I sleep in?” Y yawned.

“Yeah, we're half an hour past dusk, come on!” X gestured up.

Crawling up, the winds of dusk howled against their bodies as they pushed their heads up.

Pushing the top of the vent open, X’s wings popped out as she pushed herself in the air, giggling as she spun herself around.

Y hesitated as she stared up at her sister. Blinking up at her, she hesitated.

X stared down at her, “come on Y! We don’t have all night!” She told Y as she stared down at her, Y looking up at her as she blinked.

“R-..Right..” she sighed and popped her wings out as she flew up next to X.

The two flew off in silence, the only sound being the sound of wind whirling as the two flew.

“So.. do you have any idea how to even get there, X?” Y asked and X looked back at her.

“Yeah! I just remember the path mama and Uncle N take, easy!” X said, spinning around, “trust me!”

Y looked at her unimpressed but then shook her head, nervously smiling at her sister. She nodded, the two continuing to fly.

Sorrowing over the clouds the lights of the colony faded out of sight. They were now in the open air as they flew past husks of cities once brilliantly lit, now manmade mountains of greed. They circled towards the festering pulsing sour of sin. It was like a blistering, unkempt wound, despite the climate the edge refused to calcify over and accept its fate.

“Tonight we are heroes Y” X said before swooping down.

Y followed as they swooped down, their bodies cut by the wind. There was a bright blue flash before Y covered her eyes. But another and another came about. Y managed to claw on to the small pocket of flesh to hide her face. But she heard a distinct thump of metal against a pole. It had to be X.

She was about to scream out for her sister until she made the mistake of unhiding her face, coming face to face with an odd looking sentinel, she was too slow to react as she was hit with a flash and then complete darkness.

N walked in silence back to his apartment, pulling out his keycard as he unlocked the door and walked in.

He spotted Evie and Hatchet who immediately turned their heads, Evie’s face lighting up as her tail wagged.

“Daddy!” She ran over to him excitedly as he tiredly smiled, opening his arms, she ran into his arms as the two hugged, both of them purring.

Hatcher giggled, “Hi Mr. Evie’s dad!” She said, rushing over as well as her tail wagged.

N smiled, “Hello Hatchet.” He nodded to her.

“Daddy daddy daddy!” Evie said jumping up and down, “have you seen the baby daddy? Have you?! Have you?!” Evie said excitedly.

N blinked down at her, he hadn’t seen the baby.. nor was he sure he wanted with everything that was going on, but it was too late for him to speak as Evie was dragging him by the hand already to Nori and Khan’s room.

He accepted his fate but hey, it couldn’t have been that bad. He’d have to see this drone every day of his life as long as he lived, so…

Opening the door, Nori laid in the bed, snoozing but awoken when she heard the door open.

“Oh, hello darling, hello N.” Nori sounded very strained, barely moving her hand up to wave at the two.

“Hi grandma! Papa, we have to use very hush voices, ok? The egg don’t like loud!” Evie looked up at her father with a stern look.

“Pfft, ok Evie, you tell me.” N said hushly. Evie was as bossy as her mother at times.

Evie scampered over to the bassinet looking with joy down at it. N more hesitantly walked over, he really didn’t want to find out what was inside this crib. Here he was standing, looming tall over every drone in the colony and he couldn’t muster up the courage to look at a small egg.

“What’s wrong, papa?” Evie looked back.

“Oh, uh, n-nothing, just….” N tried to finish that sentence.

“Give your father some time, Evie. Even adults have fears.” Nori said with a weak smile at N.

“Ok papa.” Evie nodded.

N walked over looking down and ….. oh god.

He did not think this day could get any worse.. and it somehow managed to get worse.

He stared down at the purple eyes that were staring back at him, his hollowed eyes growing wider as he stared in horror down at the egg.

“..papa?” Evie said looking up at N with worry, N did not respond.

Nori started to grow worried, usually he answers Evie so this was unusual for him.

“N..? You okay bud..?” She blinked at him and N seemed to snap out of it.

“I..” He said looking up, shaking his head. “I.. need a minute..” he said, turning around and quickly rushing out in a panic.

Evie stared after him, whimpering as she ran after him, “papa!” She said running after him with Hatchet right behind her tail.

Nori watched them with a frown as she sighed, looking over at the crib tiredly before she laid back down, closing her eyes again.

N closed the door behind him before Evie could paw herself in. Evie sat out there scratching the door and whimpering. N was spiralling. He couldn’t do this, how could he kid himself he could do this? Time was a cruel and unjust punisher, and it was going to increase its force by a thousand each day.

Everything became foggy and strange colours pulsing. Feeling oil swelling in his throat. One blink he was here, and the next his head hit heavy on to a wooden floor. This was no safe space. Looking up, he was back in this horrible, horrible place, fleshy walls melted with wooden. Looking down, his hands were worker-like, suit adorned. Trembling, the yellow lights shifted purple as a crash of the window broke his gaze with the door. A dark shadow-like creature staked him down with red hues.

It had a gargled voice choking on its own spit. Looking up, it kept growling some phrase.

“N….N……N!”

N’s eyes opened and he was back in the present again. Looking to his side, Thad looked very worried, eyes hollowed. N felt something wet, and looking down, his body was massacred with fresh wounds everywhere. This had to be from him.

Thad looked down at him in horror as N looked down at his body, blinking, he opened his mouth to try and speak but all that came out was a faint voice.

“Here.. here..” Thad quickly picked N up, somehow carrying him on his shoulder, “let’s get you some medical attention, fast.” Thad told him.

N tried to protest but his voice would not let him, Thad quickly carried him out of the room, to N’s horror, Evie was standing right outside the door, her eyes hollowed and full of tears, her hollowed eyes growing bigger as she saw the shape that N was in.

Thad’s eyes hollowed as he also spotted Evie, “Evie, go in your room.”

“B-but..”

“Evie, please..”

“But daddy-“

“Evie.” N managed to speak up, “I’ll be fine..” he gasped out as he coughed up some oil.

Evie whimpered and then she turned around as she bolted for her room.

Guessing that Hatchet went home already, N couldn’t help but feel bad as he whimpered.

Thad continued to rush out with N, “I gotcha buddy..” he told him as he rushed out into the hallway with him, avoiding any eye contact or questions from the drones around them.

“Thad! Thad!!” A voice yelled out as Thad stopped in his tracks, looking around, spotting Lizzy running towards them.

“Thad!! Have you seen the twins at all?!”

Both N and Thad raised their brows at her, “no.. I haven’t.. why?”

“They’re missing!” She told him in a panic, Doll also running up beside Lizzy, looking guilty, “they didn’t come home from school with Doll and they haven’t come home at all, Fletcher and Saint don’t even know where they are!”

“Have you told J yet?” Both Thad and N looked worried now.

Both Lizzy and Doll looked at eachother, their hollowed eyes blinking, then Doll looked at Thad, “not yet..”

Thad opened his mouth to say something but N let out a groan of pain, Thad looked at him and then turned back to Doll and Lizzy, “I’m sorry, I’ve gotta get him to the med bay, I’m sorry. I hope you find them!!” Thad told them, running off.

Lizzy trembled; she really just thought they were with their cousins. But no, it really was down to bothering J. N was in no condition to be flying.

Doll nodded at Lizzy as they made their way over to J’s apartment. As they dashed over, Lizzy grabbed Doll’s arms and looked at her before they knocked on the door.

“You have to promise me not to fight her in this, please. Keep the peace, for the girls sake.” Lizzy looked with tears in her eyes.

“I…. I promise, of course not a single bit of conflict. Anything for our lights.” Doll said with a frown as she knocked on the door.

There were stumbling and crashing sounds before well, not J opened the door, but P.

“H-Hey, how can I help you ladies tonight?” P had a cord wrapped around his head.

“Hey, where is J?” Doll said bluntly.

“Oh yeah Jaybird she’s not doing to hot I am sure she can talk later.” P said awkwardly.

“We need to talk to her now, it’s about the twins.” Lizzy tried to compose herself.

“Oh uh shit J!!! YOUR GIRLFRIENDS ARE THE DOOR ITS ABOUT THE GIRLS!!” P yelled back.

There was silence, and then the sound of two peg legs scampering over was soon heard, J peaked her head out and boy.. did she look tired.

“Liz..?” J looked at Lizzy and then her attention turned to Doll, “..Doll.”

Doll growled but was hushed as Lizzy shot her a glare, Doll looked down, Lizzy sighed, turning to J.

“J. We need to talk to you, it’s important.” Lizzy started.

J shook her head, turning away, “can it please wait til tomorrow..?”

“J, please, this is-“

“I’m sorry Lizzy but I’m just.. not in the mo-“

“The twins are missing!!”

P’s eyes hollowed as J stopped in her tracks, silence filled the room.

Lizzy and Doll blinked nervously as J stood there in silence.

“What do you mean they’re missing..?” J said while turning back around quickly, “where are my daughters?!”

“J-“ Doll started.

“You shut up!” J ordered Doll before turning to Lizzy, “they were supposed to go to school and be back home, where could they have possibly gone to?!”

“We..” Lizzy started before her and Doll made eye contact, “We.. don’t know, we checked everywhere, we even had the WDF check the vents! They’re nowhere to be seen!”

J seemed worried, very angry but also scared. Her daughters were not where in the colony where in the world could they be.

“So they're not in the colony?! Oh no, no, no, where the hell could they have gone?!” J stuttered on her words, fans growing louder.

“I-…… I may have an idea. It’s not a great thought, but it is a lead.” Doll said, rather silent.

“Where?! Anywhere, I’ll go anywhere for my babies.” J dashed towards Doll, shaking her.

“The labs.” Doll mumbled.

“B-But… why would they? They don’t even know of them…. Did you tell them?!” J went from horror to anger, she couldn’t believe she let her guard down around this drone.

“H-Hey, she wouldn’t have! Would you?” Lizzy tried to plead Doll’s case.

“Nothing is past her, Liz. Nothing” J growled.

“Because they followed you and N down to the memorial, they have been meaning to tell you that for a while.” Doll solvered up some torn bits of a scarf and glass.

J dropped Doll from her grasp. As much as she hated it, this was her fault.

J took a step back before taking a deep breath, “we need to get there.. now.” She ordered, “that place is infested with sentinels and they don’t know those things are.. part of the reason their mother is dead.” J shot a glare at Doll and Doll’s eyes hollowed.

“P!” She turned back around to P who just flinched at her tone, “you’re coming with us to find the twins.” She ordered him, and then she turned back to Doll, “You too.” She ordered.

Lizzy blinked, turning to Doll, “are you sur-“

Doll lifted her hand, “I’m sure, she reassured Lizzy, I need to fix something that I broke..” Doll told her before kissing her cheek and Lizzy smiled at her.

J looked back at the two, frowning as she sighed, turning to Lizzy she walked over and Lizzy happily accepted her into a hug, J kissing her other cheek.

J and Lizzy pulled out of the hug before Lizzy looked at both Doll and J.

“Promise me you both will stay safe..?”

Both J and Doll nodded, Lizzy smiled softly, before nodding and letting Doll and J go.

J was quick to turn back around, “let’s get going, now.” She ordered.

Deeper into the labs, Y’s eyes flickered open. Her head spun in pain. Looking up, her visor began to focus. What the hell was she…. Oh.

Crucified on a cross was a disassembler body, so familiar but mangled beyond recognition. It was a jarring experience. Turning over to her side to avoid this wretched sight she saw X offline. Dragging herself against the floor, she tapped on her head.

No response, great. Her legs felt useless, almost like they weren’t there. Might as well check. Looking back, Y’s eyes hollowed, her legs were nowhere to be seen. Just torn leaking holes.

“Ahhhhhh!” Y began to scream in pain as she realised what has happened to her.

“It hurts! It hurts! Mama!! Mama!!” Y cried out.

There was skittering and jolted movements coming closer to Y before she was then faced to face with the blue lights again.

“P-please don’t kill me! I-ahhh I won’t do anymore- mfm-” Y tried to plead before a bowl of oil was shoved in her face.

“You…. Drink…. Heal… better.” The beast spoke in broken words.

Y looked down at the bowl. It had oil and drone bits. She really didn’t have any other option. Lapping at it, she didn’t break eye contact with the strange drone. The thing lifted its hand above the shawl it was wearing a disassembler hand?. Wiping its hand against Y’s face, it tilted its head curiously.

“G-Goddess young.” The drone spoke with broken English.

“H-huh..?” She looked at the strange creature in confusion, “what are you trying to say..?”

The creature used its disassembler hand to point to the mangled disassembler, “Goddess Young..”

Y looked over in confusion, “that’s not.. mama J.. is it?” Her voice started to rise in panic as she looked back at the creature.

The creature shook its head, “no, goddess.”

Y looked very confused now, shaking her head, trying to avoid any more questions. She looked down at X and then back at the creature, “c-can you help my sister?”

The creature stared at X, walking over it bent down as it sniffed at her, Y watching nervously.

It continued to look at her and then stand back up, looking back at Y, “Not much.. can do..”

Y’s eyes hollowed, “w-what do you mean?! She’s my sister!! I can’t lose her, please!!”

The creature moved back over to Y and held her face, now revealing a worker hand with a blue light on its hand. Putting its hand on her face, it petted her gently.

“She…. Talk….. with Ma…. Don’t…. Know…. How… long.” It spoke, the big hand covering its face.

“Who are you?” Y said, trembling.

“I…..B…Be…Beau” It coughed up, seeming like its vocal cords were strained. He looked up, moving the bandanna down from its face to reveal a maned face, tore and battered.

“Ok, I am Y.” Y swiped the hand away.

“I-I know…..” Beau pointed to the armband.

“So you can read?” Y asked.

“Not….well, so so.” Beau shifted his head back and forth.

“Beau, are you the reason I am currently bleeding out and my sister is unconscious?” Y asked bluntly.

“Sorta….not main….fight…was busy… Dingo was main…….fight you…. Not so much.” Beau scampered back sensing Y’s frustration, seeing as a sentinels like tail slinked in front of him.

“Oh, when I get you!” Y tried to lash out at him but wasn’t able to get far with her lack of legs, “..when I get you at some point!” She snapped at him angrily.

Beau whimpered, “Sense.. Anger, am friend, no?”

“No, I’m not your friend! You.. you harmed me and my sister!!” Y whimpered, “my mother is going to be so mad..” she teared up as she started wiping her tears.

“But, mother mad no..” he pointed at the mangled disassembly drone with his claw.

“That is not my mother!” She whimpered, “my mother is Serial Designation J!” she cried out.

Beau whimpered, “not understand..”

Y whimpered, “robo-god dang it..”

Y looked over at X with a whimper, she hoped she could be saved. Whatever this place was she wished her mother would come for her.

A sentinel went to latch on to J as she shoved it off with her arm. She had been bootloop too many times for her liking.

Looking up to see another sentinel going for her face, a red solver symbol stopped that before the head exploded. Looking back, Doll was battle damaged, wings torn as she tried to push off another sentinel.

They were losing. They were losing so badly. J wouldn’t give up, not till she found any sign of her daughters. Trekking through the labs, she scanned around before almost stumbling on something. Looking down she saw two very small disassembler legs. Picking them up they were definitely her babies. From the small little stickers and scribbles this was Y’s for sure.

J let out a pained cry loud enough to spook any sentinels near her. She fell to her knees wailing. Holding the legs closely.

This had all been her fault, if she hadn’t been so stupid, ignoring her daughters like she did, none of this would’ve happened.

Now her daughters were possibly having the same fate their own mother faced, and this was all her fault.

Completely ignoring the sentinels that were making their sounds around her, she lifted her head, holding the legs close, she cried out for her daughters.

“X!!” J cried out, “Y!!” She sobbed out, “anything please! I can’t lose you two!!” She screamed out, but her luck brought her no response.

She sat there in silence for a good few minutes, then started to growl at the sound of the sentinels around her, lifting herself up, she exchanged her hand for a gun as she started blindly shooting at the sentinels while holding her daughter’s legs close, completely lost in rage and grief.

She was growling and screaming in pain. She couldn’t even process the sentinel coming near her and chomping her head lights. Falling to the ground, everything went fuzzy. Hopefully she’d be reunited with her family.

Hearing people cry out her name but it being two muffled to make anything out of it. Her eyes closed.

There was a searing purple glow that bothered her deeply before opening them. She was in the manor? This certainly wasn’t the memory-hoping state of things, the manor lacked the horrible flesh mounds.

Lifting her head up, she found she was on a bed. It seemed like Tessa’s room. This was very strange. Hearing muttering from outside the door, she exchanged her hand for a gun fast. Ready for whatever horrors a wait.

As the door opened, there stood a worker of very small stature, seemingly unimpressed with her stance of violence.

“Hello J, what an unfortunate visit.” Uzi huffed.

“Huh?!” J exclaimed.

Chapter Text

“Don’t ‘huh’ me.” Uzi said, rolling her eyes.

“Y-You’re dead!” J, still utterly confused about the situation, stumbled out.

“Sure am, and you are too, hehehehe.” Uzi laughed maniacally.

“No, no, you’re not Uzi, please.” N wiped his head around the corner, scruffing Uzi.

J still had her eyes hollow. Was this even real? And if this was death, why the fuck was she stuck with these idiots? She would much rather be reunited with her wife and daughters. She looked down, hands shaking.

“Alright, where is my family? I don’t have time for your games, Uzi.” J growled, standing up.

“Oh yeah, about that…” Uzi looked over, then lost her confidence seeing J now not a shivering mess of shock but full of anger.

J growled out, tears filling her visor as her tail started lashing, “where are my daughters?! Where is my wife? Oh, when I get y-“

“Both of you! Stop it!” N said, stepping between the two and stopping J before she reached Uzi as J started lashing out.

“You sure aren’t gonna find them this way!” Uzi hissed out but J didn’t seem to listen as she hissed loudly at Uzi, only to stop herself as more tears filled her visor and she fell to her knees, sobbing.

Uzi and N looked down at J, and then looked at each other, Uzi looking unimpressed as N looked worried.

“My daughters..” J whimpered as she wiped her tears, “they’re gone and it’s all my fault because I couldn’t be a better mother for them..” she whimpered out.
The two looked back down at her, both of them frowning, Uzi let out a sigh.

N nudged Uzi with a stern look. She groaned in annoyance.

“Look, you’re not dead J, just severely hurt in a coma like state, your family, um… well, for the eight years I have been here I haven’t see a single fully dead disassembler, sooooo…” Uzi sighed, slowly stepping behind N knowing the blow that was going to happen.

“You kinda stay permanently gone once you die as a disassembler, so V and your daughters aren’t here. Well, that’s what I have gathered at least.” Uzi sheepishly admitted.

J seemed to keep crying but stopped after hearing the fact that her family would never visit her. They were gone fully. She couldn’t even apologise to them, her daughters died the same way V did, feeling unloved and betrayed all from misunderstandings. And yet here Uzi stood full there and for N to visit for his daughter to visit. She’d never get the privilege of that with her family. It was cruel.

“So I am never seeing my family again in this place?” J mumbled.

“Well, that’s only what Uzi has found, there is so much we don’t know about the solver mind, J. Don’t lose hope, I am sure V, X and Y are still here somehow.” N said, sweating as he tried to comfort J, raising a hand to pat her in the back.

“Don’t you fucking ‘it will be better’ me, N. You have your entire universe waiting for you at the drop of a hat, you don’t know my grief.” J grabbed N’s hand, crushing it as N whined.

“Hey!” Uzi hissed as she grabbed the railgun that was attached to her back and she pointed it at J’s face, “he’s trying to help.” Uzi snapped at her.

J’s eyes hollowed as she stared down the barrel of the railgun, immediately letting go of N’s crushed hand. She sighed, looking away.

Uzi continued to stare at her as she dropped the railgun, sighing.

N and Uzi looked at eachother, N blinking at Uzi as Uzi shrugged.

J stared up at the two then shook her head, giving them both a disgusted look. Standing up, she brushed herself off before turning away and starting to walk away.

“..J! Where are you going?!” N called out for her as she continued walking.

“I’m looking for my wife and daughters.” She retorted back, not looking at him.

“Yeah, like V wants anything to do with you.” Uzi said, rolling her eyes, and that made J immediately snap her head around and shoot Uzi a glare.

Uzi gave her an unphased look while N gave Uzi a panicked look, “Uzi!” He whispered but Uzi just rolled her eyes.

J continued to stare for a good minute before shaking her head and turning back around and continuing to walk.

“Great, just wonderful, now we don’t know where she is!” N huffed.

“Nah, we do, she’s down that hallway…. Well now she turned the corner, but she’s in the manor for sure, I doubt she’ll get lost. You haven’t.” Uzi sighed, equipping the railgun back to her back.

“We were meant to get information out of her, I mean, the sheer fact she’s here isn’t a good sign.” N fretted.

“You’ll have all the time to ask her that when you wake up, she can’t just leave the manor, if she needs help we will know.” Uzi walked off in the other direction unphased.

“Yeah, well, this is the only place I have a good chance at getting a civil conversation. She can’t just avoid it.” N rolled his eyes, keeping up with Uzi.

“You need to stop solving everyone’s problems and take time to actually rest. I don’t want to keep seeing you in this state here over breakdowns, it worries me.” Uzi sighed opening a room to her office. Lots and lots of rouge paper was pinched on the walls.

“I know, I just wasn’t expecting it to be…. Purple I guess.” N sat down on the bed in the room, rubbing his neck, still seeing oil droop out of his open scars.

Uzi frowned, grabbing a first aid kit that was sitting on her desk as she walked over to him, kissing his forehead as she knelt down, grabbing some bandages from the first aid kid.

N opened his mouth in confusion but was cut off as Uzi put her hand up.

“I know these won’t follow you into the wake world, but at least it can help bring you some comfort right now.” Uzi gave him a soft smile as he stared down at her.

His confusion turned into a soft smile as Uzi started wrapping some bandages around his semi-crushed hand as he watched her.

Once she was done, she stared down at his hand with a smile, looking over at her first aid kit. She blinked and then grabbed a pack of little bandaids.

She pulled out a specific one that had a drawing of a dog on it, an obvious Evie dog drawing, “Evie drew on this while I was out of paper.” She said with a smile and then looked up at N.

N blinked down at her in confusion and was surprised as Uzi gently slapped it on his nose.

“Ow! Hey!” He said while giggling and she chuckled a little.

“Oh come on!! I didn’t slap it on that hard!” She protested while giggling and N sighed while smiling at her.

The two sat there in silence for a minute as Uzi packed up the first aid kit, sliding it under her bed as she sighed.

N looked down as he whimpered, Uzi looked up at him.

“I just.. I don’t know what I’m gonna do Uz..” N told her, Uzi frowning, “the kid just.. looks exactly like you..” he said, placing a hand on her cheek as he gently moved her hair out of her face.

Uzi frowned as she sighed, standing up as she sat next to him, leaning against him.

“I know it’s tough.. and there’s not much I can do..” Uzi sighed, “am I happy about it myself? No, but I’m.. kiiiinda slowly learning to cope with it..”

N could see Uzi wasn’t thrilled, it seemed she was deeply bothered as well. Though something didn’t add up, in the strange vision he saw the creature didn’t look anything like Uzi, more like a fusion of Doll and Nori. Though that included Uzi by default. Surely it wasn’t real, but it felt so real, so physically there. He turned his head over to the door where his eyes hollowed. There were three red beady eyes glaring at him.

“Uh, Uz…? You see that too, right?” N pointed at the door crack.

“Uh, the light?” Uzi said, perplexed.

As soon as N blinked the eyes were gone. He couldn’t be imagining things, not here. Though was Uzi truly alone?

“Uh, forget it… Just a trick of the lights. I swore I saw three red lights.” N grabbed his head, worried.

“Well, three… unless Yeva and Doll are both spying on us, I don’t think so. I don’t feel their presence. Plus the whole room would be more red if they were here.” Uzi could see N was in distress.

“Yeva?” N tilted his head.

“Doll’s mother” Uzi clarified.

“Ooooo yeah.. wait, how well does she like disassemblers?” N’s mind clicked.

“Um, not that well, why? Wait… Ooooooohhh no, that’s a meeting made in hell.” Uzi’s eyes hollowed, realising the possibility of J running into Yeva. It would be catastrophic.

J continued stomping as she quietly cursed to herself, obviously very angry.

She was so lost in thought she didn’t notice how red the hallway had turned, raising her head and looking around in confusion, she raised an eyebrow.

“..X..Y..?” She called out desperately, “..V..?” She whimpered out, but there was no answer back.

“Robo Christ!” She yelled out as she then punched a wall, placing a hole there.

“Hey, watch it now.” A livid sounding but also calm voice called out, causing J to turn her head immediately.

Who stood there was a worker drone with purple hair, who didn’t look like Uzi but looked a whole lot like Doll.

J raised a brow in confusion, “can I.. help you?” She fixed her posture as she spoke to the smaller drone.

“More like.. can I help YOU?” Yeva looked J up and down, “..murder pet.” She growled out.

Murder pet? What kinda name was that. She knew workers had odd terms for them but this was new. And this drone certainly wasn’t a worker if she was here. Probably another failed solver host.

“Oi! Watch your tone with me, ma’am. I am not in the mood for names.” J hissed, pointing a claw at her.

“I am not taking threats.” The drone coldly said, solvering off J’s arm, J’s eyes hollowing.

J yowled in pain but it didn’t feel quite real. Looking back up, she saw a rather accomplished smile on the older drone's face.

“You think you’re funny?!” J growled tail flicking.

“For once, I am not busy with right siding your existence, but if it wasn’t for the fact I care more about my wife and kids, I would have slaughtered you for a light snack.” J hissed as she held her arm, feeling it grow back.

“Uzi’s pet isn’t here, most likely with Uzi. There are no other disassemblers here, not like I’d let any in even if there was.” The drone spoke .

“What, we're just pets to you? Rabid animals with no thought?” J fully grew her arm back dashing forward, but she was stopped by some kind of invisible solver wall.

“What the-“ J looked around in confusion, “Hey!” She protested as Yeva smirked at her.

J was about to jump at her until her tail was grabbed by a solver symbol, dragging her back. She quickly came face to face with Doll, who did not look happy.

“I-“ J looked at Doll and then looked back at Yeva, “..Oh.”

Doll growled, dropping J, “yeah, that’s my mother you’re trying to slaughter.” Doll snapped at her and then turned towards her mother as she started walking towards her.

Yeva’s smirk turned into a soft smile as she opened her arms for Doll, Doll quickly embracing the hug as the two purred, J just staring at them in confusion.

“мама” Doll told her as they pulled out of the hug with a soft smile, both holding eachothers hands.

“моя дочь” she spoke back with a soft smile as well, but then turned her head back towards J with a glare.

J continued to stare and then held her head, “my CPU hurts.”

“Surely you know where the twins are, you better.” J growled trying to get her footing, but still being held up by her tail.

“Well, I kinda just showed up to the sound of you about to cause problems, so no, I haven’t seen X and Y.” Doll sighed sadly.

“What do you mean just turned up? How long have I been out for?” J was so confused.

“Well, currently just forty eight hours, I figured from my last memories I passed out dragging myself back home to deliver the bad news.” Doll scratched at her face which seemed more banged up than usual.

“Where on copper-9 did you go?” Yeva worried at the bad news.

“I- well, J has every right to want to explore the manor to its fullest you see.. the twins might be.” Doll trailed off ashamed at her failure.

“Dead. My daughters are dead and your old bag won’t give me the mercy of trying to reunite with my late wife and children.” J hissed at Yeva.

“Yes, yes, your late wife who stopped me from seeing my child. How poetic. I don’t have a shred of sympathy for you, that's for the Doormans.” Yeva turned her back, huffing.

“Mama, it’s not about them, you know X and Y are kids.” Doll said with a more pleading tone.

“They’re kin to the murder pet that murdered me!” Yeva protested and Doll frowned, “they’re no good little murder machi-“

“They’re not like that!” J hissed out as she stood up, about to bolt towards Yeva until Doll quickly stopped her by grabbing her with her solver.

J stared at her in disbelief as she started to struggle, growling out.

“Why are you letting her talk about them like this Doll?!” J hissed, “don’t you care about them? Do you even care that they’re dead now?! They’re your daughters t-“

“Daughters?!” Yeva turned towards Doll, a horrified look on her face, Doll’s eyes hollowing, J’s eyes hollowing as soon as she realized what she did.

Doll shook; she never wanted to bring this topic up. But her actions meant everything here, not like J was just going to forget what she said but also her mother as well. She valued both so highly.

“L-Look mama, I can explain. You’ve known of X and Y for a while now-“ Doll was cut off.

“Yes, as the murder pet kin poor Lizzy has been burdened with keeping. Don’t tell me you actually consider them yours.” Yeva was shocked at the notion. Her daughter actively raising the children of her murderer.

“No! I mean, yes, ugh! X and Y are just as welcome and loved in the household as Fetcher and Saint, they don’t deserve to be punished for V’s crimes!” Doll figured she worded things better but not perfect.

“So you consider them your daughters?” Yeva tilted her head.

“Um, well ….. yeah?” Doll sheepishly replied.

J was surprised. Not that Doll didn’t bend, she knew she was true to her word, but in front of her mother. The way she sounded made the confrontation seem tough, but despite that she stood her ground for X and Y. Maybe J was too harsh on her judgment of Doll.

Yeva on the other hand was mortified, her own daughter just brushed the parents of those two under the rug and accepted them as her own. Was she mad? Lost it completely?

Yeva stood there in disbelief, seeming to be lost in thought she didn’t notice Doll’s worried face.

“Mother..?” Doll whimpered as she tried to step closer to Yeva, but Yeva flinched, backing away from Doll, whose eyes hollowed.

“I..” Yeva held her head as she turned away, “I need a moment..” she said, quickly rushing away and Doll blinked, looking back at J with a glare, before turning back towards her mother and fast walking after her, calling after her.

J watched the two walk off as she blinked, losing herself in thought. She shook her head, she still needed to find V and the girls.

She turned away, turning a corner to only see a purple glow and yellow glow bounding towards her. But not drones, no, a bird and some dog?

“J! J! You can’t talk to her, she's not going to help you!” A very distinct Uzi voice said, before the bird morphed into a drone. Uzi grabbed J’s face and proceeded to yell.

“She hates disassemblers with a passion. V killed her and she’s kinda now unreasonable about it. I mean it’s a pretty understandable reason but like still!!!” Uzi yelled.

“Yeah yeah yeah!” the dog barked.

“You mean Doll senior? Yeah, I met her” J said, pushing Uzi off.

“Oh shit, how’d it go? How are you still in one piece?” N said, morphing from his dog form to frantically check over J.

“Cool it, moron bot. I am fine, just a few scratches AND I wouldn’t need your two’s help anyway, I was winning so Doll had to pry me off the hag, hmf-” J said chuffed with herself pushing N away.

“I am going to double check with Yeva on that one.” Uzi rolled her eyes.

“What, you don’t think I can win against some old lady?” J snarled.

“Yeah, old lady who has full control over the reality you’re in right now, DEFINITELY oh so TOTALLY lost to you, the J.” Uzi mocked J.

J was aiming her tail over at Uzi with a hiss.

“Let’s test that theory, shall we, oh drone with all power over this reality?” J’s visor turning to an X.

“Bet.” Uzi smugly smiled.

“Bet.” J replied.

“And we end that there, ladies! Starting fights isn’t going to get your daughters back or find them fast!” N shoved the two away from each other.

“N, please, let me beat her ass. This will be hilarious!” Uzi looked up at her love.

“I am sure it would, but I fear the consequences of reality you don’t have to face.” N hushly said to Uzi.

J was already off cursing to herself; she had no time to be a third wheel on these dumbasses’ date. This must have been how V felt for those ten months.

N looked over to J, frowning and then sighing, “J..”

J refused to look up at him while pouting, shaking her head, she turned away, “I need to find them, they’re somewhere here i know it.”

“J, if I haven’t found them then you surely will not find them yourself.” Uzi told her sternly.

J hissed as she turned back to Uzi, “you haven’t looked hard enough, “they.. they’ve gotta be here.. my daughters.. my wife.. they’ve all gotta be here, there’s no reason for them not to be here..” J’s breathing started to pick up.

“J..” N started but J hissed at him.

“Don’t start with me N!” She lashed out at him, “you don’t understand my pain right now! My daughters are probably so confused and scared, I need to be there with them!” J started to tear up, “I should’ve been there with them and we wouldn’t be in this-“ she glared at Uzi, “stupid mess!” She said, loudly frustrated as she turned away.

N turned to Uzi who shrugged her shoulders. Truth be told, she did want to find V, just figured she didn’t want to talk to her. Finding V would solve a lot of problems, and with two other drones she had the best chance.

“So this place is just the manor?” J said, turning around.

“Yep, maybe with a few extra hallways but pretty much the same.” N clarified.

“Great, I’ll be able to clear this place in under an hour if my memory serves me well.” J huffed before exchanging her hand for a projection device which showed a layout of the manor, old and unfinished. It seemed to be scanned from paper.

J looked at the walls, scanning back and forth.

“You just have the manor map at the ready?” Uzi said, puzzled.

“Of course, how else would I get around? Scanned it when I was eight or so, it seems we’re in the west wing, total of five rooms. Here N, you sweep the bottom floors, I’ll check the top.” J ordered. She was back to her leader duties.

“Yeah, you ain’t ordering him-“ Uzi was cut off.

“No, no, she’s right. This is for V after all.” N said, agreeing to the plan.

“Fine, I’ll tag along with you, N.” Uzi huffed, clearly not enjoying the power shift.

J glared at the two and then nodded, turning the projection off and exchanging the projection device back to her hand.

“Good.” She told the two, turning away and walking off towards the stairs.

Uzi crossed her arms as she watched J walk off, rolling her eyes with a sigh, N starting to walk ahead of her.

“Come on Uz, a little looking won’t hurt.” He told her, looking back at her with a smile.

She made eye contact with him, blinking and then letting out a soft smile at his smile, placing her hand in his as he reached out his hand, the two started walking hand in hand.

Meanwhile, J was carefully scanning the upper floor in silence, peaking in every room, only coming face to face with memories as she would angrily growl to herself in disappointment.

She soon would come face to face with a heavily guarded door with multiple locks, staring at it suspiciously, she exchanged her hand for a blade as she tried swiping at it, but it didn’t budge.

She stared in disbelief before trying a few more times again and again, all attempts being unsuccessful as she growled angrily.

“Oh my robogod!” She shouted angrily, “this motherf-“

She was cut off as darkness surrounded her. Blinking in confusion, she tried to yell out but was cut off as she sat up in a hospital bed.

Her visor displaying obvious sweat, her breathing being heavy, and her hollowed eyes being wide, she looked around in confusion.

She was covered in scars and bruises, her body battered up. The beeping noise, this was a hospital. She didn’t want to be here; she wanted to be with her daughters and wife. She wanted to let them know how sorry she was for letting them down. There were sounds of rustling from outside before a door clicked. A drone rushed in, it was her mother.

“Mon Bebe! Oh, thank goodness you're awake!!” G was still in a hospital gown, it seemed she hadn’t been discharged either yet, pulling J into a hug.

“Mama…. I-I am sorry” J said leaning her head on her mother’s shoulder.

“It’s ok Jaybird, it’s ok. You did your best, you’re here, you’re here… My little birdy is awake!” G seemed to be holding back sobs.

“My best should have been bringing them back alive, Mama. They’re gone because of me.” J felt she wasn’t deserving of her mothers sympathy. She was ultimately the reason for the twins' death.

“There were forces beyond your control J, you're not alone in grief. I won’t let you face this alone.” G lifted her head up, cupping J’s face.

“Mama…” J felt as the waterworks started. She couldn’t stay strong. She missed her loved ones too much so she began to break into sobs.

Outside the room S couldn’t bring himself to go in. To hear such misery there was too much emotion. Just sitting in the waiting room, he put his head in his hands. The worst possible outcome had occurred. Across the room, Lizzy sat with her lights dim, barely even on, eyes hollow. She couldn’t even process anything, just felt nothing but also everything. Her babies were gone within a night.

P sat in his room, his tired eyes blinking slowly as he watched over his unconscious son’s body, being comforted by the sound of his fans running.

N would twitch in his unconscious state from time to time and P would immediately shoot up in a panic, wanting to be there the minute his son would awaken.

P sighed, covering his visor as he tiredly rubbed it with a groan.

His head shot up as he heard the sound of a beep, blinking his eyes open, N’s visor displayed “RESTART COMPLETE, STARTING UP SOON”

P immediately shot up from his chair as he quickly rushed to his son’s side, holding his hand in between his hands as he couldn’t help but let his tail wag a little bit as he waited for N to awaken.

There was a loud groan of pain before N’s screen changed from the text to eyes. His vision slightly blurry as it faded into view seeing his father purring beside him.

“Hey Pa….” N said weakly, still feeling sore from the injuries he sustained.

“You feeling better? How many fingers am I holding up?” P said, raising his hand with two fingers.

“Pfft, I can see just fine dad, I- agh!” N tried to pull himself up but felt a shot of pain that stopped him.

“Hey, hey, take it easy…” P pushed N down back to the bed.

“I just …. I don’t know, I have got a lot of explaining to do, I guess.” N dreaded going back, so many whys.

“Likewise, but don’t strain yourself.” P sighed, he figured eventually N would know the bad news.

“Oh, like what? Aren’t you meant to be boring, like you said?” N tried to joke. He knew what his father had to tell him, but for keeping him out of the solver business he’d play dumb.

“I-Well, let’s say I am not the most popular with any fellow disassemblers right now…. Your nieces are, um… not in the best place.” P said, stumbling. Still the reality of it all was hard.

“The twins?” N said, tilting his head.

“Yeah, them. Look, everyone fought till they couldn’t walk, but well, if three fully trained drones couldn’t fight off those beasts, I just hope it was quick for the kids.” P broke the news.

N stayed silent. How to respond to news you already knew that was devastating. But this was new, he didn’t know his father went down, he just thought it was Doll and J. Now knowing the deadly truth that no disassembler would have a place in the solver's mind he couldn’t bear the idea that if things got to worse, if P died, he’d never see his dad again. Then it sank in that Evie would try to visit the twins as well.

“Please, don’t risk your life like that dad, even if it gets you in hot water with G and S. I only have one dad.” N said worried.

“Yeah, well, I only have one son so, don’t go throwing yourself into self induced comas.” P said, playfully punching N.

“Well..” N sighed as he looked away, “yeah that was kind of a.. stupid move from me..”

P frowned as he stared at N, “N..” he said, gently putting his hand on N’s shoulder and N whimpered.

The two sat there in silence for a good few minutes before P sighed, rubbing soothing circles with his thumb as he looked down at N.

“You really scared us all back there, N..” P told him as he teared up, and N just frowned at the sight.

“I know, but-“ he started up as he attempted to sit up, but hissed in pain before he could fully sit up, laying back down as he shook his head.

“N..” P told him sternly, but N just whimpered at him.

“Dad.. it’s not fair..” N whimpered, “And.. And Evie saw me in that state too, she was scratching at my door while I blindly tore myself to shreds, she needed me and I just pushed her away!” His eyes started to tear up, “I pushed her away, and she probably thinks I’m a monster now!” He sobbed out.

P frowned as he pulled N into a hug. N leaning his head on P’s shoulder. He sobbed loudly as he lamented his worries.

“Hey, hey, you’re not a monster. Just because you struggle with some things doesn’t make you a monster, Evie loves you dearly I know it. It’s going to take a lot more than one bad day to change if she loves you.” P tried to calm his son’s worries.

“H-How are you so sure? Evie deserves an actual stable home space, I can’t provide that. I am not the father she needs, she needs someone who is actually reliable.” N couldn’t help but try to punch himself.

“Oi, don’t do that, no more wounds, you are going through very normal yet I say extreme parenting struggles.” P pushed N’s hand away from his chest.

“Just because you aren’t perfect all the time doesn’t mean you have to punish yourself into shutting everyone off from you.” P lifted N’s head into his hands.

“You know how many times I thought you were better off without me because I couldn’t change reality to fix things?” P asked.

“You weren’t that bad of dad, we lived enslaved. You did everything you could to make us have a childhood.” N said, thinking back to the manor.

“And yet do you resent me and think I am a monster?” P tilted his head.

“Well…. No …. I couldn’t think that about you.” N sniffed.

“Well, I am sure Evie doesn’t see you as a monster, she’s very much like you, kiddo.” P ruffled N’s hair.

N looked at P, letting out a tiny smile as he wiped his tears, “You’re.. right.” He replied as he sniffed, “I just hope she’s not mad at me..”

P smiled at him, “oh come on, you know Evie is not the best at holding grudges.” He gently ruffled his hair again.

“Well.. there’s something she gets from me..” he said with a tiny smile, then looked up at P, “have you checked on her at all..?”

P frowned, then shook his head, “no..” he sighed, “I’ve been staying here with you this entire time, plus I heard Khan is not.. in the greatest mood right now so I choose not to bother with it.”

N sighed, “oh yeah.. I forgot about Khan.” He groaned, “I take that he’s not happy with me right now?” He asked P and P shrugged.

“I think it’s best you rest fully before taking on that headache.” P suggested.

“Yeah, you're probably right. I just hope Evie is ok and my in-laws are being rational people.” N sighed.

Somewhere else in the colony, a little drone was wailing from a nightmare.

“Dada!!!” Evie cried out as she woke up crying.

Thad rushed into the room, still wiping some sleep from his visor.

“Evie? What is it?” Thad yawned before kneeling down to his daughter’s bedside.

“It was papa! He was hurt! When is he coming back?” Evie sniffed.

“Oh, Evie… It’s a bit complicated, people need time to heal.” Thad sighed before scooping Evie up into his arms and rocking her back and forth.

“It’s not fair, I want my papa back dada!” Evie nuzzled into Thad’s shoulder.

“I know, I know, I do too, Eves. I do too…” Thad tried to calm Evie down.

“Dada, is he going to go away for weeks on end like Auntie J did?” Evie asked.

“What? Oh no, your father would never, absolutely not! He loves you very much.” Thad reassured .

It seemed they were a bit too loud as the sounds of an egg wailing was also heard. Thad dreaded the scolding he’d receive for letting Evie be this loud. But he couldn’t care less, Evie needed him and he wasn’t going to let her down for Khan’s comfort.

“Shh, shh, it’s ok Dawdy, it’s just your niece. You’re safe.” Thad heard Khan say in a very soft tone.

Thad blinked as he sighed, picking Evie up carefully as he gently patted her back, reassuring her as he sighed.

Evie was also listening as she sniffed, wiping her tears as she whimpered.

“Daddy hurt himself because of Dawdy.. right?” She asked as she looked up at Thad and Thad looked back down at her, his eyes hollowing as he couldn’t find the words to respond to that.

Thad sighed, “it’s.. complicated Evie..” He told her, “some people process things more differently and.. your daddy didn’t process.. this well.”

Evie whimpered, “it was scary seeing daddy get so upset..” she whimpered, looking up at Thad, “is daddy mad at me..?”

Thad blinked down at her, “oh honey no.. why would he be mad at you?”

Evie sniffed, “I showed him the baby and he got upset..” she whimpered as she wiped her tears, “I didn’t mean to upset him, I just wanted to show him the baby because I thought it was so cool..” she said, continuing to wipe her tears.

“You didn’t know any better, you had no bad intentions, sweetheart. I am sure he loves you very much.” Thad said, continuing to rock Evie back and forth.

The morning was bleak for everyone, not a moment of peace. It wasn’t long till the news spread of the young disassemblers' fates. The next forty eight hours were spent preparing the proper arrangements for the wake. N had been discharged from the hospital and making his way back, he knew what awaited him back home was the worst. He prayed that someone had been brave enough to break the news to his daughter, but that was wishful thinking.

N walked in the door seeing as the house moved around with daily chores. Thad caught his eye as he walked over looking worried at how many bandages were on the taller drone.

“How is everyone?” N asked in a raspy tone.

“Could be better. Nori, despite Khan’s judgement, wants to get the wake up and going soon, she says something about ‘it’s not fair for the family to wait on her recovery’” Thad explained.

“And Evie? Does she know?” N said, tilting his head.

“No, not yet, but she’s incredibly curious. I figured it’d be best to do this with you, sorry.” Thad sighed.

“No, no, it’s ok. I get it. This is going to be a tough conversation.” N patted Thad on the back, nuzzling his forehead

N sighed as he stepped away from Thad, "I'll.. go wake her.. to.. you know.." N chuckled nervously and then shook his head, "I'll be back with her." he said, quickly walking to the hallway towards Evie's room.

He placed his hand on the door knob, hesitating before he sighed. He slowly turned the knob, peeking in to see Evie with '(SLEEP MODE)' displayed on her visor.

He sighed as he walked towards her bed, quietly, and then sat down on the bed before gently shaking her.

She let out a few groans, her visor switching to closed eyes before she turned over, N letting out a small chuckle.

"5 more minutes daddyyy.." she groaned, not knowing it was N who shook her awake.

"I thought you'd be more excited than that.." N told her softly with a soft smile.

It took her a minute to process hearing his voice, but once she did she immediately perked up before turning her head to see N.

"..daddy?"

“Mhm, sure is!” N smiled as Evie leaped into his arms.

“Daddy, you’re back! You’re back!!!” Evie said, tail wagging lots.

The two began to purr as N stroked his daughter’s hair. He was so happy to see her and it seemed she agreed.

“Daddy, you were gone for so long! Are you ok?” Evie looked up from the hug, worried.

“Yes sweetness, I am fine, just recovering. I had your grandpa P’s company to help me heal real fast.” N smiled.

“Next time you see Grandpa P please tell him I am very thankful for his help to you!” Evie chirped.

“I am sure you can tell him that yourself, pumpkin. Now, there is some more important news that me and your father have to tell you.” N said dreading the next interaction.

“Oh? Ok.” Evie said, tilting her head.

N brought her out to the living room where Thad was sitting down, nervous. Evie could tell there was a shift in the tone. For once, she caught up on social cues. But what a time to do it.

She looked around in confusion and worry, looking up at her father.

“Did I do something wrong papa?” She whispered, N frowned and shook his head.

“No honey.. but.. we need to tell you something very important dear..” N said sitting down with her, her worried expression not seeming to fade.

She looked back and forth at N and Thad, N looking at Thad before nodding and Thad sighed.

“Evie, dear.. you know how X and Y have been gone for so long?” Thad told her softly and she tilted her head.

“You told me they were in big trouble.. right?” She asked in confusion and N sighed.

“Well.. Evie honey..” N began, “they’re not.. in trouble..” N told her, “well they kinda were but now..” N blinked, trying to think of what to tell Evie.

“But now what?” Evie asked, confused.

“Evie, you know how you can’t see your mother anymore?” Thad thought this would be a good Segway.

“But I can, dada.” Evie responded.

N’s eyes hollow as he realised. Yes, she can, but not with the twins at least. But not the time to explain it now.

“Evie, those are just dreams, which maybe you can dream about your cousins.” N added to save face, Thad still confused on what he meant.

“Oh, yeah ‘dreams’ ok.” Evie nodded thinking she knows what her father is talking about.

“Well the twins may of… made some bad decisions, Evie, and they won’t be seeing you ever again.” N added.

“What? I thought you just said they weren’t in trouble?” Evie chirped.

“Evie, your cousins have passed away, died if that’s more clear. You can’t see them anymore.” Thad meekly said.

“Died? Like, is that forever?” Evie tried to mask her upset.

“Yes, Evie. Died means forever” N sighed.

Evie stayed silent as she began to process the sentence, then started shaking her head, “no.” She told N and N just frowned, “no no no no no..”

N whimpered as he brought her close into a hug and she just clung to him while looking up at him.

“T-there’s no possible way daddy!” She told him while tearing up, looking at both Thad and N, N just bringing his hand up to wipe her tears as he whimpered, Evie just shook her head, “maybe they’re just playing another one of their pranks, please daddy..”

“Evie..” N whimpered as she gave him a desperate look.

Evie wiped her tears as she scrambled away from N’s lap, “m-maybe.. maybe mommy can fix this!” She said as she quickly rushed away, N and Thad looked at each other as N sighed, standing up and walking after Evie.

Evie rushed into her room as she quickly ran over to her bed, jumping on it as she immediately tried going to sleep but immediately started struggling.

N stood at the door as he watched her and he sighed, walking in and sitting down on the bed next to her, “Evie..”

“There’s gotta be a way to fix this daddy!” Evie looked back at him, “mom always finds a way!” She cried out at him and N whimpered.

“Not this time, Eves..” N sighed, “this is a problem not even mommy can fix..”

She shook her head, laying her head back down, “mama always finds a way..” she told him, looking away as she continued trying to fall asleep but kept failing.

“Honey, you want to know why I know mama can’t fix this?” N asked as he nudged her.

All he got was a huff in response.

“Because me and your mama looked very hard for the twins, so did your auntie J and Doll, and well… it’s a bit different when a drone like X and Y passes away, compared to your mama.” N said as he tried to keep his composure.

“Much like your auntie V you never met, they… don’t appear where mama is, they go forever.” N sighed.

“Forever?” Evie looked up, visor full of tears.

“Forever, pumpkin. Forever. And I know that makes you very sad, it makes me very sad as well, and it’s ok to cry about this.” N patted Evie’s cheek as she leaped into a hug.

“But that’s not fair papa, I still want to see X and Y! I still want them around! Lots of drones do!” Evie wailed out before sobbing loudly.

“I-I know Evie, it’s not fair..” N tried his best to be strong, but he felt he let V down in some way and couldn’t even keep the most vulnerable drones safe.

She whimpered, knowing that she wouldn't get the answer she wanted from her dad, she grabbed her blanket, covering herself with it as she quietly sobbed

N stared down at her as he whimpered, "Eves.." he gently said, his voice breaking up as he held back tears.

She didn't respond to him, just simply rolled over as she quietly cried, N frowning as he sighed, standing up as he wiped his tears.

"I'll.." he sighed, "I'll leave you be Eves." he told her, staring back at her, "If you need anything please come talk to me.. i'm here to listen.." he told her with a soft smile, but sadly, he received no response back.

Sighing in defeat, he walked out of Evie's room, wiping his tears as he sniffed.

How could he let V down? He thought to himself, the only two remainders of her, gone, in the blink of an eye.

N walked out to the living room distraught as he sat down. Thad rubbed his back as a way to soothe him.

“What would V say if she heard about this.” N mumbled.

“I want to say she’d understand, but rather upset is more realistic.” Thad responded, eyes dim.

“They were just kids, Thad, and they died the same way as her. I can’t help but feel we’re all sealed to our fates somehow.” N responded, full of dread.

“Did you tell Evie about the wake?” Thad asked.

“…. Admittedly, no. Probably should, but… I don’t know if she’ll have the strength to go. I never really thought I’d have to bring my daughter to a funeral this early…. Do you think J would understand if she’s not there?” N looked up.

“Probably, I mean, I doubt she’s really thinking about that now, but I don’t think she’d take your absence well and I can’t really sit this one out, I have to be there for Liz.” Thad sighed.

“Yeah, and it’s not like Nori is budging from going, and someone needs to watch Evie…. Heck, I know this is a lot to put on a drone I barely know, but maybe the Songbirds could watch her.” N thought of possible solutions.

“Evie’s friend’s family? Yeah, I think I have the mother’s number, I’ll ask.” Thad said getting up but before giving N a kiss on the cheek, which N purred at.

N sighed as he sat there, listening to Thad's muffled out talking, not hearing Nori who walked out of her room and behind him.

"N?" She spoke, causing N to jump as he looked back at her, feeling relief when he didn't see Nori holding.. them.

"O-oh.. Nori!" N gave her a nervous smile as she sighed, walking next to him as she sat down.

The two sat there in silence as N nervously sat there next to Nori, feeling uneasy at the silence.

"I haven't forgotten about the incident." She finally spoke as she looked at him, he just blinked at her.

"O-oh, well-" He made eye contact with her, a blank expression on her face, he whimpered, "look Nori.. I'm.. sorry."

Nori sighed, "I know N.. and I'm sorry too.." She told him, "I know how rough this is on you, grief is a harsh emotion." She told him, N being surprised at her soft tone.

“I admit I had a similar reaction… Well, not as extreme but the horror of it all, they do look and will look an awful lot like Uzi, that’s a given.” Nori sighed before sitting down.

“You’re not alone in feeling conflicted about this, so don’t shut yourself out from help.” Nori placed a hand on N’s shoulder.

“I-I don’t know how I am going to react to them next time… but what I did wasn’t ok, Nori. I don’t want to endanger anyone more than I have already done.” N put his head in his hands.

“Hey, I am confident you won’t. We will take baby steps, I won’t give up on you if you won’t give up on me in healing.” Nori patted N on the back.

“T-Thanks, Nori, I am glad you are understanding…. I should have asked this before, but, what’s their name?” N looked up.

“Oh! Yeah, you never knew… Dawdy. I know it’s a rather old fashion name, but it’s cute.” Nori smiled, thinking about her egg.

“Dawdy… that’s a sweet name” N said with a smile.

There was a knock at the door which broke the silence. Thad rushed to open it and there stood a drone in a blue dress with one white and one blue eye. She had a smaller drone in her arms who seemed to be a bit confused.

“Hello, Miss Songbird! Sorry for the short notice, but thank you for accepting to watch over Evie.” Thad said, relieved.

“Oh, please, it’s no worries. Just call me Marina. My condolences, by the way.. terrible tragedy.” Marina said as she walked in.

“Evie’s not coming?” Nori looked over to N.

“She’s not getting out of bed, I don’t know how well she’s going to handle the situation.” N mumbled.

“Ah,” Nori chirped.

“Where’s Evie at?” The smaller drone spoke as she looked around, the bigger drone shushing her as she placed her down on the ground.

“Now Hatchet, what did I tell you..” Marina lectured the smaller drone who just pouted in response.

“Don’t worry about it Mrs Songbird..” N reassured her before looking at Hatchet, “Evie’s in her room, just go easy on her right now, she really needs her best friend.”

Hatchet’s face lit up before she scrambled off to Evie’s room, all four of the adults watching.

Nori sighed before turning to Marina, “you don’t mind watching the littlest one while we’re gone, do you..?”

“Wait, Nori, I don’t m-“ N started but Nori quickly shushed him.

“This funeral is already enough for you, Dawdy will be fine.. I promise..” Nori told N and N just sighed.

“Oh no, I don’t mind Mrs Doorman.” Marina responded, “Thad already told me about the little one and I was thrilled to see the little one.” Marina said with a big smile.

Nori gave a sigh of relief, “thank you..” she told Marina with her hand over her core, obviously being tired with the amount of attention the little one has needed lately.

As Khan walked out dressed in black attire, it seemed everyone was ready. With saying some goodbyes, the royal family left for the service.

Entering the room, there were rows set out; most people there were simply just family. Thad went to go sit near his sister as Lizzy sat with Doll and the two young alive dronelings.

On the other side, J leaned against S, lights very dim, barely even on. N figured it wasn’t his place to speak, so he took a seat near P. In the middle of the room were two small caskets, obviously with no body inside, maybe just a leg or two for Y. There were faux red poppies on each top. Somber music played.

Khan got up to the podium as it was custom for the king to speak some words before starting the ceremony.

He cleared his throat

“We are all gathered here to mourn the loss of two beloved drones, Serial Designation Y Frost and Serial designation X Frost.” He spoke out, “two lives that were taken too early from us as we share our grief together today.”

N whimpered as he listened to Khan’s words, holding back tears as he shook, he felt the gentle hand of P on his shoulder as he looked over to him, he just gave him a sad look as they both just whimpered.

N looked up over at J who was just covering her face with one of her hands, obviously crying but was desperately trying to hide it, G soon came into view as she walked up behind J, N could see her softly speaking to J as she opened her arms and J did not hesitate to embrace the hug, her shaking getting worse as the crying started to really show.

Khan continued to speak, talking about his experiences with the two, and the two’s lives, he paused his speech to sigh as he turned his head to where J and G were standing while tightly hugging each other.

“Ms J.” He spoke, G gently patting J’s back as J lifted her head, wiping her tears before she turned her face, revealing her dim lights and tired face to everyone as she stared at Khan tiredly, “do you wish to speak Ms J..?” He asked her.

The whole crowd looked to J as J continued to stare, looking unsure as she looked at G and S who both nodded to her.

J took a stand at the podium, trying to find the energy to compose herself. She felt she’d be spitting on her daughter’s graves if she didn’t say something.

“My daughters were my world and …. I let them down, eight years of motherhood had taught me enough that they deserved better than anything I could have given, I am not sure how I can continue knowing they aren’t …. Here.” J said, choking on her words.

“X and Y were brilliant and bright kids who were devoted to their community and family. Everyday they found new ways to make me proud, even if it was rather destructive….” J felt tears rolling down her face. She shouldn’t have had to be talking about her own babies the way she talked about V… in the past tense.

Her grip on the stand was strong, maybe too strong.

The stand started to crack and other drones started to take notice, whispering started to fill the crowd and N noticed G’s eyes hollowing as she was quick to rush to J.

G gently placed her hands on J’s shoulders and she spoke soft words to her while trying to pull her away from the stand but J didn’t seem to budge, her grip just growing stronger.

“They should be alive. They should be alive right now.” She spoke, growling in anger as her tail lashed and G looked around for help as S started to rush over.

Lizzy and Doll were quick to stand up from their seats as Lizzy quickly rushed over as well, S carefully picking J up from the shoulders while Lizzy softly placed her hands on J’s arm, a worried look on her face as she whispered to J.

J started to fight as she growled out, kicking and crying out as she was dragged away by S with G and Lizzy following along.

Doll cleared her throat as she was quick to follow after Lizzy, hiding her face from the crowd as she ran out.

Khan blinked and then cleared his throat, walking back up to the stand as he observed the now cracked stand as he sighed, “anyways.. does anybody have any words they wish to share?” He asked, looking around.

Seemed most of the family was out of the room by now and everyone was a little too nervous to come up and talk. N wanted to go up but he felt it wasn’t his place, J would find some way to make this into a problem. He was glad Evie wasn’t here to see her aunt like this. It would break her heart.

“I thought so… but I guess that’s what you expect from these types of cases.” Khan said with a jab.

Everyone could tell he meant the fact the kids were disassemblers and boy did that boil some oil. N knew he’d have to talk to Khan about this later and find some way to make it seem like he wasn’t insulting the girls. After all, he doesn't think Evie is ready for the throne just yet. As Khan walked away from the situation, Aero got up to follow him. Everyone was mumbling over the scene.

“So that’s all you have to say?!” Aero hissed as Khan flinched hearing his voice.

“What do you want me to say? You know what they are, they die all the time.” Khan said, rolling his eyes, not turning to face Aero.

“Yeah? Like how you go through heirs all the time? How long till you get sick of being daddy dearest to this princess?” Aero said her malice.

“Don’t you dare speak about my daughter that way!” Khan turned around angry.

“Your daughter?? Yeah, well, your first born is right now on the verge of a shut down because she lost her kids who she gives a damn about, how about you comfort the kids you actually have instead of forgetting they exist because your REAL love who you lie to just gave you a new egg to pretend nothing ever happened!!” Aero hissed out.

Khan just stood there glaring at Aero. Not saying a word.

“How will Nori think about your normal routine in raising young? Or is the third time the charm and you're actually willing to step up?….” Aero paused, “you know what? I hope that egg has every privilege their sisters have, because that brat doesn’t deserve better.” Aero hissed before turning back.

The colony was on the verge of ruin. And all over one drone decision. I wonder how she felt

X opened her eyes in a panic as she sat up, breathing heavily as her hollowed eyes were wide.

She looked around at the strange area she was in, panicking when she couldn’t find her sister, “Y?!” She called out, her eyes tearing up as she received no answer nor could spot her sister.

“Y, I’m sorry, please!” She cried out for her, trying to wipe her tears but jumped as she heard the voice of another drone.

“Well, look what we got here.”

X turned around with a hiss, she was ready to face whatever dared get between her and her family. But turning around she saw a …. Deer? With one crooked antler and gashes on its face.

Obviously that animal didn’t talk so she looked around more for the real source of noise.

“Oi! You stupid or something?” The deer spoke again.

“Y-you can talk?” X said, confused that this deer was talking for some reason.

“Yeah, duh, I can talk. Everyone here can talk, little devil.” The deer huffed.

“Hey! Who you calling devil? I am a-“ X looked down, she saw paws. Black paws.

Oh, great heavens. She wasn’t a drone.

“Why am I fluffy?” X said, rather confused, then looked all over her new body. It was small and fluffy. Feeling around her jaw, she had razor sharp fangs.

“Pfft, because that’s the form this batshit insane god gave you! At least you lucked out with slightly dexterous hands.” The deer laughed as she nudged X off the rock she was on.

“Oof- where am I…. Is this death? Does everyone become a furry when they die?” X looked up, eyes wet.

“A what?” The deer was confused.

“You know, animal, anthro animal? You never seen any movies with talking animals?” X got up, giving herself a scratch behind the ears.

“I spent all my living years in a testing facility, there were no movies.” The deer was unimpressed.

X blinked, “..huh.” Was all she could answer, but her face grew more interested, “what kind of tests did they do on you?”

“Tests you’re too young to know about.” The deer told her, “anyways, what are you doing here, lil surface slicker?” She asked, pointing her hoof at X before she blinked.

“Heyyy! You’re avoiding my question!!” X complained but the deer stared at her unimpressed, X just stared back before rolling her eyes, “I just defeated the most vicious Dino looking things ever!” X lied to the deer

“Pfft, sure you did, little old ankle biter like you scraping with a sentinel. Nothing could go wrong there” The deer laughed with a snort.

X growled, jumping up to scratch the deer but horribly missing falling on her face.

“Oh, almost got me.” The deer mocked.

“Arrrr!” X growled before jumping up again.

“Oops! Too slow kid! You gotta get better aim, you’re making those sky demons look like a joke.” The deer backed up, missing each swipe.

“If you would just stand still and stop being such a coward, I’d get you!” X spat out.

“Aww, come on, even ya mama wasn’t that much of a poor sport.” The deer jumped back on to a log which X quickly leaped on to.

The deer leaped off it, and with her weight no longer on it X went barreling down into the swamp with a splash. She yelped and whimpered out, paddling in the water.

“How do you know my mama?! I got a lot of those, you need to be crystal clear!” X said frankly doggy paddling.

“Eh, short bob, long scarf, blinder than a bat, one Beauy keeps yapping about.” The deer trotted down into the water, scuffing X and bringing her on to a rock.

“And if Beauy is right, you and thing two are keys to solving our dingo infestation.” The deer began to lick X dry as she shook off the water.

“Beauy?” X said, tilting her head.

“The guy you owe your life to and the only reason I am keeping you around, so sky demon spawn, mind giving me the pleasure of introductions?” The deer began to loaf with a humf

X let out a ‘hmph!’ as she sat down in front of the deer, the deer sighing before continuing.

“Name’s Alice, kid.” The deer told X and X tilted her head.

“Alice? I overhear uncle N and Ms Nori ta-“

Alice’s ears perked up as she got her face close to X, “You know Nori?” She asked curiously and X glared at her.

“yeah, Evie’s grandma..” she said suspiciously as she glared at Alice, “you know her..?”

Alice looked at her confused before shaking her head, “Yes, I do, but..” she raised her hoof to her forehead, “I thought she was dead..?”

X tilted her head in confusion, “nooo.. she’s well and alive, she just had a baby I think..” X said as she brought a paw up to her face while thinking as Alice just stared at her.

“Apparently she had it like today, today or whenever I went and fought those dinos.” X added.

“Sheesh alive and getting new ankle biters? Nori sure is productive. I am guessing this ‘Evie’ is the egg Nori junior was carrying.” Alice said as she groomed her fur.

“You know of my Auntie Uzi? What was she like? Is she worth the chatter everyone keeps bringing up?” X leaped onto Alice’s face, pawing at her.

“Oi, personal space! “ Alice pushed X off as she landed near her chest.

“Yeah, I knew of Uzi. I am guessing that’s her name, never got much of an introduction. Our interaction was pretty short, wasn’t hard to tell she was Nori’s spawn, little drone looked like a clone. Though Yeva’s crotch goblin also did, so what did I expect?” Alice huffed.

“So, you knew Mama Dolly’s mama? Gosh, you’re so old.” X thought.

“Hey! I might be old, but I age like fine wine, kid. So that sky demon you spawned from was in kahoots with Doll, was it? Sheesh, if Yeva heard about that, oh, she’d be mad. You a real anomaly, kid!” Alice laughed.

“It’s weird you know of Evie’s grandma and Mama Doll’s mama, but yet I never hear anyone talk about you? Well, in a friendly sense. Why is that?” X said confused.

Alice blinked, “I’m surprised you haven’t heard anything positive from Nori..” She sighed, “look kid, I did some bad things when I was alive and well, so it’s not a shocker that you’ve heard nothing but bad things about me.”

“Ooo oo ooo!!” X bounced up and down excitedly, “what did you do? Did you rob places? Did you shoot people? Did you kiiiill people?” X asked excitedly.

“STUFF-“ Alice spoke over her “-that you’re too young to even know about!” Alice told her and X just rolled her eyes.

“You’re no fun! All you old drones are ‘ooooh you’re too young for this!’ ‘Ohhhh you’re too young for that!’” X loudly complained, “it’s all the same with you wrinkly old drones!”

“Aye, watch it young lady.” Alice warned her, but X just rolled her eyes.

“It’s not fair! I’m a big drone! I’m allowed to do whatever I want and hear whatever I want!”

“Oh and did this oh so big drone think she could fight off a herd of sentinels?”

“Well…..” X went silent as she huffed

“They just got a good jump on me, I could have totally taken them all down!” X turned back with a hiss.

“Kid, do you even know how you got to this place? What dire situation you have to be in to be here?” Alice tilted her head

“Uhhh, no…” X answered sheepishly.

“Kid, you’re on the verge of death, and I’ll tell you, for sky demons this doesn’t end well.” Alice said rather seriously.

“And how do you know that?” X growled.

“Because I saw your mother get consumed whole by this beast. We’re in the abject terror will never be forgotten.” Alice warned.

It hit X she was so close to just disappearing all together.

“But you're here? Is it only disassemblers that don’t stay?” X whimpered.

“Well, because I am infected with the solver, not a pure product of it, my source code doesn’t stem from this demon's mind.” Alice added as she looked up at the crimson sky.

“So I am just destined to rot here?….” X said shrivelling up in fear.

“Well, not entirely. Look, your body might not be ready to get up and move, but your mind is still intact. I am a drone of my word, so I’ll keep my promise to Beauy in getting you back to the living, but I can’t do this alone. You’re going to need to put in the effort to get back.” Alice nudged X’s face up as she saw she was crying.

“So, ankle biter, what’s ya name?”

“X… X locket-frost” X mumbled.

Chapter Text

The class bell rang as everyone began to pack away their books and stationary. Evie seemed rather distressed about something. Looking over at her teacher, this was the first day back Miss Frost had come in. Her lights still dim as ever. Evie wondered if she’d ever see the luminescent glow of pink again. Putting the last book in bed back, she swung it over her shoulder

“See you tomorrow, Auntie.” Evie said to Lizzy.

“Yes, you too, Evie.” Lizzy said in a monotone voice, rather quietly.

Evie figured she wouldn’t push it. Walking down the halls, she ran into her best friend. A drone with teal lights and silver hair.

“Hatch!” Evie chirped walking over as the drone turned to see her.

“Well, if it isn't my favourite princess up top!” Hatchet smiled, lifting her hand up.

Evie slapped it as they performed a secret handshake. This relieved some stress.

“So big day, or well night ahead, are you sure you want to do this alone?” Hatchet asked.

“Yeah, I figured it’s best, but I’ll always have you with me.” Evie smiled and pointed at the friendship bracelet.

“Okie, go get ‘em tiger!” Hatchet patted Evie on the back as Evie made her exit, seeing as her fathers were both waiting at the school gates like many other parents were.

Once she spotted her fathers, her tail started to wag a little as she ran towards the two.

N bent down as he smiled, opening his arms as she ran into his arms, embracing into a hug as both of their tails wagged.

“Hi dad!” She giggled as she pulled away from the hug and N chuckled along with her.

“Hey little bat, how did school go?” He asked as he took Evie’s hand, turning and starting to walk with Thad alongside them.

“It was.. good.” She gave him a nervous chuckle, N picking up on that as he looked down at Evie.

“Did something happen dear?” He frowned and Evie looked up at him.

She shook her head, “N-no daddy! I’m okay!” She reassured him with a nervous smile but N looked unsure, “I promise daddy!” She nuzzled his hand as N sighed.

“Alright.. if you say so..” He sighed, looking up as he spotted Doll walking with Saint in one of her arms and Fetcher holding her hand. N gave a soft smile, “Hey Doll.” He called to her and Doll turned her head.

Her eyes were dull, barely even visible as she turned to the three, about to open her mouth to say hello but was stopped as Fetcher tugged at her skirt, looking down at him and then looking back at N, she gave him an apologetic look before she turned away, quickly walking away with Fetcher and Saint.

Evie stared in confusion and looked up at N who just gave a sigh as he frowned.

“Why did auntie Doll not say hello back papa?” She asked curiously.

“Doll’s probably busy.” Thad answered for him, “we possibly caught her at a bad time, maybe another time we can talk to her.”

Evie blinked while looking at Thad, N sighed, “yeah..” he stated, “maybe another time, let’s hurry home for now, I got your favorite batteries for a snack today.” N told her and Evie’s tail wagged.

“Really?!” She excitedly said before letting go of his hand and running off down the hall.

N’s eyes hollowed, “Evie wait up!!” He yelled out as he ran after her, Thad continuing to walk as he chuckled at the two.

The walk back home was not very eventful, but just spending time together the three were satisfied. Evie was excited to see her grandparents were still at home today. Usually her grandfather was out at work.

“Hi grandpa! What’s the special event for you to be home?” Evie chirped, jumping on to the couch to see Khan.

“Well, little princess, your auntie might be hatching any second, now so best stick around. Hopefully they’re as eventful as your mum.” Khan ruffled Evie’s hair as she purred.

“Eventful? What did mama do when she hatched?” Evie asked.

“Well, when I was much younger and the colony was way smaller, I spent most of my days expanding it, building new wings for drones to inhabit, and Uzi was my little advisor, staying snug in your grandpa’s jacket.” Khan gestured to his jacket, lifting it up to show where Uzi would stay.

“Like a pouch right? On those mar-marsupials that go hop hop!” Evie said tail wagging.

“Pfft, yes, like the animal that goes hop hop. I’ll have to take your word for it, animal fact expert. So with Uzi so close to me all the time, she definitely wanted to make everyone know when the princess arrived, so working on a shaky ladder I didn’t get the hints of her wobbling around so guess what she did?” Khan booped Evie on the visor.

“Uhhh yelled ‘bite me’! Right!” Evie guessed.

“Hahah, I bet she wanted to, but no, she burst with so much energy that threw me right off the ladder and onto the floor. Drones thought I died, Eves!” Khan laughed.

“Mama tried to kill you!? Papa, did I accidentally try to kill you?” Evie turned to look at N who was putting away some groceries.

“No, little rocket, you were pretty passive in your arrival. I should count my blessings.” N shook his head.

“Well, that’s why I always warned you to limit your jacket rides, at least you could survive a baby assassination.” Khan pointed out.

“Grandpa, do you think Dawdy is going to try almost kill one of us?” Evie asked, a little worried.

“Not sure, time will tell.” Khan said sarcastically.

“Hey, instead of thinking about killing,” N said, shooting Khan a glare, he picked up a box of batteries and Evie’s head turned, her tail wagging as she rushed over, reaching her hands up for it and N chuckled, handing the box of her as Evie wasted no time chowing down on the batteries.

N sighed and then locked eyes with Khan who’s softer look faded as he locked eyes with N.

“So.. what’s the occasion of you being home again?” He raised a brow and Khan cleared his throat.

“Like I told Evie, Dawdy is possibly hatching today, and I cannot miss the occasion of the princess hatching.” Khan told him calmly and N held back a low growl in his throat, only to turn his head when Nori walked into the room, looking tired as she yawned.

“And I will have no arguing between you two while MY daughter is hatching.” She ordered the two and the two opened their mouths to protest but Nori put both of her hands up, “ah ah ah ah! No buts from you two!” She ordered them and they both sighed, N pouting

Nori brought out the egg, the beautiful little purple egg everyone had come accustomed to seeing. Even N. The little baby yawned as he shook, a bit clearly ready to hatch.

Placing Dawdy down on a pillow on the dining room table, everyone began to gather around. Evie scrambled on to a chair, her legs kicking back and forth.

“So, do we know when it’s gonna happen or do we just wait?” Evie asked, chewing on some batteries.

“No dear, it kinda just happens, but talking to the egg can help.” Nori added.

“Yeah, sometimes revealing something shocking can surprise them so much they have to come out.” Khan added.

“So an egg likes hearing news, huh?” Evie thought as something clicked, she knew exactly how to surprise the egg.

People began to make small talk as Evie thought long and hard on how to break it to not just the egg but her family on how she felt. It kinda only felt right that the egg would know Evie for who she truly was. Dawdy shook around, making eye contact with Evie as she smiled.

“Papa, Daddy, Nana, Grandpa and most importantly Dawdy, I have something to say!” Evie said, getting up on her chair.

As everyone turned to look at her, she felt immense pressure.

“Yeah pumpkin? What is it?” N asked.

“Uhhh, uhhh…. Well… well, I know my model doesn’t fit this, but with some help from my friend I have come to realise I am not your son, grandson, prince or I guess nephew to you Dawdy, but I prefer to be a girl, if that’s ok with everyone..” Evie said, rather embarrassed as she didn’t like the spotlight on her, but this was important.

“I don’t know what words to use for that… Is it even ok?” Evie asked.

N smiled and sighed.

“It’s quite alright, Eves. People call that being trans, you know, moving from one thing to another, and well, your papa is also that.” N reassured.

“Of course it’s fine, I know from personal experience living as someone you’re not is gruelling! I am thrilled to have a granddaughter, definitely need more gals to round us out.” Khan added.

“Wait, you’re trans too?” N said confused as Khan nodded.

N sighed, “oh, you’d be so surprised, little bat..” he smiled, reaching his hand on top of her head as he ruffled her hair and she giggled.

N smiled at her for a moment, looking down at her legs, “well, honey, do you possibly want to look into getting pointy legs like aunty J?” He asked her as he blinked.

Evie blinked, then shook her head, “no daddy, I’m fine with my legs! I don’t want no pointy legs like auntie J, those look too complicated!!” She told him and N giggled.

All of their heads turned as they heard the sound of a crack, Khan and Nori immediately shooting up from their seats as they quickly rushed over to the egg.

Evie looked around, “what’s happening?” She asked as she looked around

“It’s time, Eves, your auntie is hatching!” Thad added.

As the egg twitched and shook the shell cracked and turned. One little crack was seen in the centre then another. As they all looked around, the lights began to find a different source. As a head popped right out with a purple glow and some blackish fuzz on top more akin to Khan’s colour.

Dawdy looked around as she saw many eyes watching her.

“Eh?” Dawdy chirped, perching her arms on top of the egg shell.

“My baby!!” Nori said as she scooped Dawdy into her arms.

Dawdy let out happy chirps and purrs being in Nori’s arms. She was still a little sticky though.

“Wow, it’s hard to tell that there are two drones, the purple mixes together so much.” Evie said.

N seemed to agree with that, but was a bit more horrified. This is going to get tougher each day. Dawdy already had little fangs and small details that just hammered down the idea of how similar she was to Uzi.

Evie looked up at N, frowning as she noticed his hollowed eyes.

“Daddy?”

N snapped out of his thought as he blinked, looking down at Evie and then shaking his head.

“Sorry, honey, I just.. I just have a headache.” He told her as he held his head, Evie frowning with worry.

“Can I help daddy?” She asked worriedly, N just shaking his head.

“No Evie, I just..” he sighed, refusing to make eye contact with Khan who was just glaring at him with disapproval.

“I just need to lay down..” N said as he stood up, walking off, Evie watching him, wanting to follow but before she could move he shut the door behind him and she just whimpered.

Evie stared back at Nori who was holding Dawdy, taking a minute to stare at Dawdy before she let out a low growl in her throat before she turned, stomping off to her room.

Nori turned her head in Evie’s direction as Evie stomped off, blinking in confusion but being brought back to looking at Dawdy as Dawdy was pulling at her ponytail.

Nori smiled a little and Dawdy but then looked at Thad, “is everything okay with Evie and N..?” She asked worriedly.

“Oh, uhh, your majesty, I am sure they are ok. N is probably still just recovering from the incident.” Thad said, trying to calm Nori’s nerves.

“Oh, if he was in so much pain I feel terrible for forcing him out like this.” Nori thought, clearly missing the signs.

“And Evie?” Khan said, rather disgruntled.

“I am not sure, nothing bad, let me just check. You two stay here.” Thad said nervously, wondering which room to attend to first.

Assuming N had things under control, Thad opened Evie’s door. There she was, curled up in a corner of her bed.

“Hey Eves, you wanna explain what is going on? You seemed pretty thrilled a few moments ago.” Thad asked, walking over near the young drones’ bed.

“Is papa gonna be sad forever now that Dawdy is here?” Evie mumbled.

“What? No, absolutely not, Evie! Your father is just recovering from his injuries, he doesn’t hate Dawdy.” Thad lied. He knew it was tough for N, but he couldn’t let that affect Evie.

Evie sat up as she turned to Thad, “he always seems so sad around her..” she whimpered, Thad sighed.

“You know.. change is sometimes hard for us Eves..” He told her, “change is a very hard thing for your father to overcome, and he tries his best just for you..” he said, turning back to her as he gave her a little smile.

She frowned, “but he’s the strongest drone to me!”

“Hey! I’m not saying he’s not strong! Even the strongest of drones have weaknesses.” He told her and she just looked down.

Thad smiled a little, “change was even hard for your own mother, and boy did she show how much she hated it.”

Evie let out a small chuckle, “well.. my mama is just my mama.” She told him playfully.

“I know she is, both your father and her were two peas in a pod, they were inseparable.” He sighed as he looked away, but shook his head, it wasn’t the time to be sad over this.

Evie giggled a little, “I like when daddy talks about her, he gets really happy talking about her.” She said, swinging her legs back and forth off the bed as her tail wagged, but that soon stopped as a thought came to her head and she suddenly started whimpering, Thad looking at her with worry when he noticed.

“I wonder how mama feels about.. me not wanting to be a boy anymore.” She whimpered.

“Oh, I am sure if she was here she’d be thrilled to know you found out who you are.” Thad added. It’s not like he could get Uzi’s opinion but he knew her well enough.

“Really? I don’t know if she would. I am afraid when I sleep she’ll just be so mad and won't talk to me anymore.” Evie sighed.

“Oh, your dreams about your mama? I am sure that is just your anxiety talking, little bat. I knew Uzi for much longer than your papa and she wasn’t too mad about me not wanting to be a girl. I know it’s hard to tell since she’s not here anymore, but from how others remember her, she’d love you all the same.” Thad tried to calm Evie’s worries.

Evie knew her dad couldn’t come to the solver's mind and it would just be her. She fretted about sleeping that night. I mean, did she even know her papa was the same as her would that have changed things. Maybe she should have kept her mouth shut.

“Thanks daddy, I’ll keep that in mind.” Evie mumbled.

“If you ever have bad dreams about people being mean, you know you can always come to us to comfort you, Eves.” Thad patted Evie’s hair.

“I know…. Papa is probably still too hurt from that headache to ask him what’s wrong.. Daddy, can you give Natsu to Papa so he can recover faster?” Evie handed Thad the stuffed dog plush.

“Oh, of course Evie, I am sure Natsu will help Papa a lot.” Thad gave Evie a kiss on the forehead.

Evie giggled, “Natsu helps me a lot..” her tail wagged, “She helps me when I have bad headaches, and when I’m feeling down!” She smiled.

Thad looked at her and let out a soft smile, “oh really?” He asked with a smile and Evie’s eyes lit up as she looked back up at him.

“Mama has her own little Natsu she keeps in her room, she can even bring her to life whenever she wants to!” She giggled and Thad blinked.

He let out a soft chuckle, “well, dream mama sounds really nice..” he said with a sigh and Evie nodded.

“She is, I wish I could bring her into the real world with me but mama says that’s not possible, so I just get to see her in dreams.” She said looking down at her hands.

Thad frowned at that, not knowing how to answer, he looked down at the stuffed dog and then shook his head.

“Well Eves, sorry dear, but I gotta get going, I’ll make sure to drop this off for N.” Thad told her as he patted her head and she purred, her tail wagging.

“Okay!!” She giggled and Thad stood up, walking out of the room down the hall to his and N’s room.

He sighed, wiggling the doorknob a little only to face that it was locked. Sighing, he knocked on the door.

When there was no answer, he sighed, placing Natsu down on the ground, before getting close to the door.

“Whenever you feel like it, Evie wanted to give you Natsu.” He spoke with a frown.

There was still no response, Thad whimpered.

“I worry about you, N.” He spoke, “I wish you’d speak up more to me about these problems instead of hiding them.. I..” he sighed, “I want to be there for you, I want to listen to you..” he told him, “I know I’m not Uzi, but I want you to feel the comfort she once brought you..” he spoke out.

And, to no surprise, no response was given, again. Thad sighed as he turned to walk away, sighing, jumping once he heard the door open and turning to see N standing in the doorway, looking exhausted.

He looked down at Natsu before bending down, gently picking her up as he brought her close, sighing.

He made eye contact with Thad once he stood back up, blinking a few times before turning away, “I’m sorry.. but this is my own battle to fight.” He said, hugging Natsu closer.

Thad frowned, turning back to N, “N, it doesn’t have to b-“

He was cut off as the door was closed once again, hearing the lock sound again, Thad sighed before walking away.

Walking out to the living room, there was Nori and Khan fawning over Dawdy as she babbled in her crow onesie. He didn’t really know how to help. He said he’d go get N and Evie, but they didn’t seem to want that.

“Thad?” Nori asked and made Thad jump.

“Oh, uh, yes my majesty?” Thad stood up straight to attention.

“So, how is N and Evie doing? Are they ok?” Nori wondered, tilting her head.

Thad looked over to Khan. He was clearly not happy with his presence. He needed to find an out immediately.

“Well, N is still bedridden with pain, and Evie has decided to have a nap. I am sure they will come to greet you shortly.” Thad responded.

“You are dismissed, Springs.” Khan said before Nori could add anything.

Thad knew that was fancy talk for ‘get out of here’. Hoping that Evie would be wise enough to not poke the bear, Thad walked out of the apartment aimlessly. He figured he could talk to anyone else, but everyone was still distraught over the twins and he didn’t know if he was welcome back at his father’s house. Walking rather fast, Thad didn’t even see the drone he walked straight into.

Falling down from collision, Thad gained his bearings. Looking up, he saw the pink lights. Lizzy?

“Liz? I thought you were still at work.” Thad asked as his vision stabilised.

“What? No man, I ain’t your sister.” A more low male voice said, reaching out a hand.

Thad took it there was a pink drone with green attire, massive scars covering his body. It took Thad a second to realise this was one of his old classmates.

“S-Sam?! I thought you were dead! You never came on the bus!” Thad said, surprised.

“Well, you didn’t go on the bus either, smart guy. What’s your excuse? Nah, just newly back. Spent half a decade in outpost 8, but my family wants me to see the new tot.” Sam yawned as he patted Thad on the shoulder.

“Oh uhhh…. Outpost 8 doesn’t know about um….Uzi, right.” Thad asked.

“They know an abridged story, but no, the memory of the fallen princess is still ever sweet to Colony Dawn.” Sam chuckled.

Thad sighed, “yeah..” he said, holding his head in his hand, exhausted.

Sam blinked as he looked down at him, “you don’t look too hot, everything okay pal?” He asked him and Thad nodded with exhausted eyes.

“Oh yeah, everything’s great!!” He tried not sounding sarcastic, which obviously failed, causing Sam to raise an eyebrow, but he decided not to question it as he shrugged.

“How’s Liz?” He decided to change the subject, “how’s everything been going with her?” He asked and Thad’s eyes hollowed and he shook his head.

“Oh! Well..” he trailed off as he thought and Sam just looked at him questioningly, “well.. she’s just, Liz.” He shrugged.

“That doesn’t sound good.” Sam told him and Thad frowned, oh well he tried.

“Look I’ll.. I’ll tell you about it later.” He told him, but then.. thinking about Lizzy, he blinked, “hey, do you wanna travel with me to the school? I was.. on my way to actually see her and my dad.” He.. sorta?? lied with a smile.

Sam blinked, “I mean.. I won’t mind seeing Lizzy again, it’s been a while so.. sure why not.” He shrugged.

The two’s walk to the school unit was uneventful at best, as there wasn’t much to talk about that Thad could really reveal. They were reaching the school unit as they walked through the halls the two both once found familiar. It was very quiet, no one but teachers still left.

“Well, this is certainly more eerie than I remember.” Sam commented.

“Eh, you’ll get used to it. I mean, I did.” Thad shrugged.

Turning a corner they came close to a door. Thad looked at the handle before hearing some murmuring on the other side. From what he could make out, this is what he heard.

“I still can’t believe he said that at that point, he just treats them like they aren’t even sentient. Does he even view the solver users as living?!”

“I am not sure, but Nori is an exception to the rules. Always has been.”

“She shouldn’t! Not when Khan views the rest as abominations.”

“What in the world is going on there?” Sam whispered, and Thad shrugged before opening the door.

“Look, I don’t see why-“ Aero stopped talking the moment he heard the door open.

All eyes were on the two new drones in the room. Lizzy looked terrible, her hair down and matted eyes dull, hands gripping the table tightly as she scowled back at her brother. Thad couldn’t seem to catch a break.

“Uhhh, surprise?” Sam said awkwardly.

“What are you doing here?” Lizzy said with a low growl.

“Uhh, I figured I’d visit my family. Is that outlawed now? What are you two scheming about?” Thad said, not appreciating the hostility.

“Scheming is not the right word.” Aero huffed, cleaning his glasses.

“My children are not a scheme.” Lizzy growled, her growling coming to a halt as Aero put his hand on her shoulder, Lizzy looking back at him as she frowned, but he just shook his head and she sighed, crossing her arms as she looked down.

“Children?” Sam looked at Lizzy, but Lizzy just teared up.

Sam gave Thad a worried look but Thad visor just displayed, “I’ll tell you about it later..” and Sam just frowned but nodded in response.

Thad looked back at Aero and Lizzy, “is it about the funeral?” He asked, Aero giving him a slow nod as he placed his glasses on.

“It’s not fair! MY daughters didn’t choose to be born from two disassemblers who, by the way! Did so much for the colony!” Lizzy loudly protested, “my daughters are just like other dronelings, they act, sleep, eat, and played like any other droneling, and boss man can’t get that through his thick CPU!!”

Thad blinked, noting how she sounded a whole lot like Uzi at this moment.. guess we all have an angsty side from time to time.

“Lizzy, do you really think bringing her into this is gonna help this situation?” Aero raised an eyebrow.

“Bring who? What are you two plotting?” Thad looked at the two questionably.

“That’s none of your business, Thad. You already are bias enough.” Lizzy hissed.

“No, why are you so pressed with Khan? It’s not like he’s direct family or anything.” Thad answered.

The room fell silent as Aero and Lizzy looked at each other. Aero looked worried as Lizzy scoffed.

“It’s my information as much as yours, dad. I am an adult now with kids of my own.” Lizzy huffed

“Well, I hope you understand the consequences.” Aero sighed.

“Because Thad, he’s my biological father. I am your half sibling, not full.” Lizzy added.

“You sure you want me in the room for this?” Sam asked, knowing this is sensitive family information.

“Ugh, what are you gonna do dead man standing?” Lizzy said with lots of malice

“Good point, I retract my statement.” Sam huffed, sitting down on the chairs.

Thad was still shocked; this made so much more sense now. Why his mother favoured him, why she was content in leaving the house with only him. But yet Lizzy never showed malice towards him throughout childhood, how long did she know.

“So you're plotting against…?” Thad asked, but he already knew there wasn’t many hers in the household, and two were just dronelings.

“The queen?” Sam asked.

“Yeah, her.” Lizzy hissed.

Thad’s eyes hollowed as he blinked, “Lizzy, do you realize how insane this sou-“

Lizzy stood up in her chair, “do you realize how insane it sounded hearing my own FATHER talk about MY daughters like that?!” She loudly protested back, tears filling her visor, “not ever receiving an apology, sometimes the old man has gotta feel some sort of sorrow!” Lizzy loudly yelled at Thad who just seemed surprised by how she was behaving.

“Lizzy!” Aero loudly yelled, grabbing her arm before she could even try to throw anything at Thad.

Lizzy just huffed as she glared at Thad, but her glare and posture started to soften as she started to choke up, more tears falling down her face as she looked down, covering her face as she sat back down in her chair, beginning to sob.

Thad frowned, kneeling down to the height she was in the chair, “Liz.. I know how hard these times are for you.. this is as hard as it is on me as it is for yo-“

“No! You don’t understand!” Lizzy lifted her face from her hands, “I failed V! I promised I’d keep the two safe and look at what happened.” She cried out, “I was one of the last people to see them and I should’ve kept a closer eye on them. Now J’s possibly mad at me because I haven’t seen or heard from her in days.” She choked out and Thad just frowned, carefully bringing her into a hug that she gratefully accepted as she sobbed into his shoulder.

Aero frowned, “Liz, you knew X would always find ways to get into trouble, even dragging Y along in that trouble with her when she felt like it.” Aero gently patted her hand, “no one could’ve predicted what happened.” He reassured her.

“I could’ve!” She said, raising her head, “I could’ve stopped them, I could’ve kept a closer eye on them.. I.. I could’ve taken them home, I could’ve stopped all of this.” She sobbed out.

Sam looked around awkwardly as he blinked, Thad peeking over and Sam made eye contact with him.

Sam made hand motions to say ‘should I… go?’ He motioned, giving Thad a nervous look but Thad shook his head, ‘you’re fine.’ He mouthed, then turned his attention back to Liz and Aero.

“If he can be so heartless as to think of my family that way, he doesn't deserve the peace he has.” Lizzy hissed.

“So you're going to ruin the life of some kid all because their parents are jerks? Think about Dawdy!” Thad said. He hated the idea of this kid ending up with a life like Uzi. The cycle had to stop.

“Oh, think about the kid, the kid. Khan never thought about me or Uzi when ruining our lives! What difference is there in my half sister joining the group?!” Lizzy sounded an awful lot like Uzi with how malicious she was.

“I am not letting you drag another person into your misery, this won’t heal anything. It won’t bring back anyone. All it will do is cause more problems, trust me. This won’t bring you the peace you desire.” Thad said, trying desperately to stop his sister from further spiralling.

Lizzy and Thad had a strong stare off as the two waited for the other to chicken out. The only thing keeping this colony in one piece was Thad’s determination.

“Please Liz….” Thad said, knowing how insanely tired and worn out Lizzy looked.

“…. I won’t let you destroy yourself like this.” He put a hand on her shoulder.

She looked at the hand on her shoulder, then frowning, looking back at Thad.

“I want my babies back..” she choked out.

“I know.. we all do Liz..” Thad told her, “adding more fuel to the fire will just make it harder on not just Nori, but all of us..” he told her and she sighed.

Lizzy crossed her arms as she sighed, looking at Aero who just nodded.

“I agree with your brother, Liz.. do you think X and Y would want this..?” He softly asked, which caused Lizzy to tear up.

“W-well.. maybe X, but not Y..” She let out a soft chuckle as she wiped her tears, holding herself back now.

Thad sighed, “see? Now someone’s giggling.” Thad reached up his hand as he patted her head and she sighed.

“Whatever.” Lizzy rolled her eyes and Thad just let out a soft chuckle.

Thad then sighed, “promise me you won’t bring Nori into this..?” He told her and she just sighed.

“..fine. But this doesn’t mean I’m not gonna stop fighting for my babies, my babies deserve to be treated like any other drone.”

“You’re right, and he shouldn’t get away with those comments. But maybe go about justice a different way.” Thad said.

“Fine, for the peace of the colony….” Lizzy sighed.

“Sorry about dragging you into this, Sam, but you can keep secrets, right?” Lizzy looked over to the other albino drone.

“I mean, outpost 8 still believes the camp attack were disassemblers, I don’t have any loose lips.” Sam shrugged and smiled.

“But jeez teach, I knew there were rumours about you and the king, but I thought we were all just bored teenagers into nothing.” Sam pointed out

“I was a very different drone before the core collapse, Mr Everest, and so was our majesty. That’s in the past though” Aero shook his head.

Evie opened her eyes in a strange but familiar purple room, sitting up in the bed, around her was the plushie or her dad, a plushie of Vava, Natsu, and a plushie of her egg self.

Her tail starting to wag as she realized where she was, she shot out of the bed, looking around.

“Mum?” She called out, noticing that Uzi was not present in the room.

There was no answer to her call, she raised a brow.

Deciding to peek her head into the hallway, she looked around, walking out of the room.

“Mamaaaa!” She called out as she looked around, usually her mother was quick to respond to her calls.

She started to grow worried as she started running down the hallway, calling for her mom repeatedly.

“Mum!!” She called out once more but her running was put to a halt as she heard noises coming from one of the rooms, turning her head, she raised a brow.

Walking over to the room, she peaked inside before a solver-like tail peaked out, gave her a boop and closed the door. It obviously was her mother’s with the ring around the beak, no mistaking it for Nana’s.

“Mama, look, I am sorry if I upset you… but you clearly have something to say since I am here.” Evie said, rubbing her arm.

There were scrambling sounds coming from the room before the door clicked open. There she saw her mother covered in leaves and snow before shaking it off.

“Sorry, little bat. I have lost track of time again despite it not being relevant here, um…” Uzi looked back then sighed

“Trust me, this looked better before the memory ran through here.” Uzi opened the door as Evie looked in.

There were pink and orange decorations slightly tattered from leaves and snow, and a big banner saying “it’s a girl!”. Clearly Uzi had set up a celebration, but with a broken mirror in the back something else had popped through.

“You see kid, I thought I should get the stars since you deserve them, but I may have chosen the night I got my wings…” Uzi said sheepishly.

Evie was just amazed; the room, despite the clatter, was beautifully decorated. The banner definitely made a statement. Her mama wasn’t mad at her at all.

“S-so… you're ok with the change?” Evie mumbled.

Uzi smiled down at her, “of course honey..” she knelt down, bringing Evie closer but Evie hesitated as she teared up.

Uzi frowned, tilting her head, “little bat.. hey..” she started, bringing her hand up as she wiped Evie’s tears and Evie leaned into her touch, “..hey, I’m not mad, Eves.”

“No, no!” Evie put her hands up, “I know mama I’m just..” she brought up her sleeve as she wiped it herself, sniffing, “I don’t know how to feel right now, mama.”

Uzi tilted her head, “what do you mean little bat?”

“I feel happy, but I’m also worried and sad about daddy..” she sniffed, Uzi sighed.

“I know..” Uzi gently rubbed her cheek, “but worry not.. I’ll make sure to talk some sense into daddy tonight so he’ll be right back on his feet.” Uzi chuckled as she gently booped Evie but Evie’s upset face did not fade, once Uzi saw this, she frowned.

Evie frowned, “can you please help daddy feel better?” She whimpered, “I want happy daddy back..”

“I know sweetie..” Uzi softly told her, “I’ll try.” She gently wiped a tear, “I promise..”

Chapter Text

It had been a total of eight weeks since Y found herself trapped down here. Her legs had healed pretty fast but her wings not so much. She was ground bound for now, which was a horrifyingly painful experience. Y had never felt so trapped. Watching as the young sentinels learned to walk and climb, she couldn’t help but feel envious, but yet again, why? She threw away her family all due to peer pressure.

“Y?” A raspy voice broke Y out of her thoughts.

Looking over, she saw the familiar mangled appearance of Beau. The pack leader, as dubbed by other sentinels. It was strange, he wasn’t any much older than she was, but yet had so much respect.

“You… sad…. How… help?” Beau asked.

“Not much you can do, Beau. I am ground bound, not like I am any help to your pack.” Y sighed.

These sentinels had done everything in their power to make her feel welcome, even going beyond their territory to find fresh worker oil so she wouldn’t feel so uncomfortable. But without her wings, she was nothing but dead weight, so was X considering how unresponsive she was.

She sighed and then whimpered as she looked down at herself, Beau staring at her in silence as he frowned.

Beau blinked as he got an idea, nudging her, she blinked looking at him as she raised a brow.

“Come, walk.. me.” He said, offering to walk around the labs with her, turning away but not taking his eyes off her.

At first she didn’t respond, just blinked at him and he just sighed.

“Help..” he told her but she looked down, unsure.

He whimpered, nudging her again and she couldn’t help but let out an extremely small giggle.

She sighed, “fine, fine..” she told him, standing back up, being wobbly while doing so.

Beau offered himself as leverage to help Y walk. Going down from the mound of dirt, Beau led Y down to the lockers. This was near where the elevator landed, as he said many times. They were going down the winding halls, some full of old rotten leathery flesh. Ever so often, a Sentinel would scamper by with a friendly chirp.

Y couldn’t believe these were the beasts that managed to slay so many when they acted so… dog like? As they reached a corner, Beau made a chirp that got Y’s attention.l

There was a pile of rocks with a stray arm left in it. Y could tell it was her uncle’s from how many cuts around the rim there were. She wondered how he kept getting scars despite not taking any dangerous missions.

Beau scampered on top of the rocks and nuzzled the arm.

“So you wanted to show me a severed arm?… I guess that’s cool.” Y said, unimpressed.

“No, no… more…. Change… see” Beau said, pointing to the arm before batting it with his arm.

The arm flinched as if it was still connected to some drone, changing from a hand to a claw. Beau looked up with a toothy grin, so impressed.

“Oh.. yeah..” Y looked down at her own arm, “I can do that too! My mu-..” She paused, practically flinching at what she was about to say then shaking her head, Beau tilting his head, “..I wasn’t allowed to do it much at home.” She stared at her hand.

Beau blinked, leaning down before he nudged her hand, encouraging her.

She looked at him, “I-.. I don’t know if I can still do it! I’m still in pretty bad shape..” she whimpered.

“Don’t.. hurt.. try.” He told her and she just looked at him, looking back at her arm as she sighed.

She closed her eyes tightly, bringing her thoughts to only her arm as her hand miraculously exchanged for claws.

Opening her eyes, she blinked as she stared at them, moving them as she stared in amazement.

Beau purred, “see?”

Y looked back and forth with amazement. She usually couldn’t have these out in fear of hurting her siblings, but here there was no danger.

“Wow..” Y spun her hand around.

Beau exchanged his hand for claws as well, touching the tips of Y’s claw. They were much larger than Y’s as the hand he had was not droneling sized.

“Good…. Now …. Different.” Beau said, changing his hand to a blaster.

“Uhh, I don’t think I am all-“ Y stopped herself.

“I don’t think I can, I have only ever done the claws.” Y huffed.

“Just….think …..very hard.” Beau said, closing his eyes as the blaster returned to a hand.

Y nodded as she closed her eyes; she thought long and hard about a blaster. Then blaster spiralled into thinking about the first time she saw it on her grandfather. Then seeing him for the first time, but how she never saw her grandparents before she left the colony… what would they think about her actions? What would Mama J think? She always wanted her to watch out for X, help her make better decisions. She was always meant to make better decisions.

“Eye…open.” Beau said, placing a hand on Y’s shoulder.

Y opened her eyes, tears welling in them. Her hand was still a claw.

Beau frowned, “it ok..” he reassured her, “take time..” he nodded at her.

Her claws exchanged back to a hand as she reached her hand up, wiping her tears.

“Y-yeah..” she sniffed, “I’m okay..” she sighed.

Beau looked at the stray hand before sighing, picking Y up before placing her on his back again, and deciding to walk off as she looked done in sadness, rushing off with her, finding another way to cheer her up now.

Running through the labs they stopped into a room full of very damp boxes. Beau put Y down as he scampered away, quickly coming back with a box labelled “002 stay out! Or bite me!”. Beau wagged his tail lots as she opened it, but a swarm of key bugs flew out which caused Y to jump to the ceiling.

“Sorry.” Beau cooed.

As the keybugs cleared, there were intact but rather dirty pieces of clothing and even some electronics. Beau tapped the device which lit up.

“Game!” Beau chirped as the sounds of beautiful music played.

Y hopped down to see a rather complex game shown that seemed to be paused on a boss fight. The character’s name was “raven”. Y offered to pick it up and she did, she unpaused the game. Beau watched curiously over Y’s shoulder.

She bit her tongue and her tail wagged as she focused on the game. Beau’s eyes grew more curious as he watched, his tail wagging.

“Aha!” Y lifted up the controller, revealing that she had won the battle, her tail wagging faster as she looked up at Beau, Beau smiling down at her as his tail also wagged

Y and Beau began to scavenge through the boxes, finding many different Knick knacks. Soon, their treasure had been stored in a bag, which included games, clothes, toys, pictures and weapons. Walking back to the main camp, Y found herself more inclined to talk.

“So, I have to wonder, why do the Sentinels respect you as leader? You’re just as small as me.” Y asked Beau as he turned around.

“Hmm… Ma…. Made…. Me… to… lead.” Beau said, pulling out a taxidermy jackalope from the stash, it still had the tag “017” engraved on it.

“Your Ma, huh? I am guessing she’s not a Sentinel?” Y asked.

“No….Ma was….drone….she… called…. Labs….home…. She… stay…. When… others flee.” Beau brushed down the fur of the stuffed doll.

“Others flee? Flee from what? I know mama Doll has things from her mama that look an awful lot like these lanyards, so did your Ma know I guess my grandma?” Y asked, dragging the bag hopping over a leather rope.

“Flee…from….002….Ma…hate…but…don’t know… why…she…hate.. head….scrambled…” Beau looked sad before remembering there was another question.

Y blinked in confusion, the number sounded familiar for some reason but she couldn’t get her finger on it. She looked up at Beau, “your ma sounded cool..” She smiled a little, but Beau did not look back at her.

“Good.. some ways..” he shrugged, he looked at Y, “You mother.. very cool..” he smiled down at Y.

Y blinked in confusion, “Mama J?”

Beau shook his head, “no.. mother-“

Y put her hand up, “if you’re thinking what I’m thinking, that is not my momma..” she whimpered, “my only mothers are Serial Designation J and Serial Designation V who is gone.. and mama Lizzy and mama Doll.”

“Yes… mama V…..gone….but…not …um word…. Still uh….remember…. Yes, remember…. By my…. Pack….no….our pack” Beau said standing the way of Y

Y thought about the first part of that message, but sighed and shook her head, “I am touched you consider me a part of the pack, but you know I don’t belong down here. Neither does my sister. I shouldn’t be taking up space where I don’t belong.”

Y side stepped Beau and kept walking towards the camp.

“That…what….godess say…. When…. Beau….egg… you… much like her.” Beau looked back at Y and scampered towards her.

Y blinked in confusion at Beau’s saying, shaking her head, “Beau..”

Beau tilted his head, but Y just sighed.

“Much like goddess.. would be proud..”

Y frowned, shaking her head, “I.. I need to get to my sister, I need to check on her.” Y told him and he just blinked, but then nodded.

“I lead..” he told her as he quickly scampered off with her behind him.

As the two young dronelings scampered into the clearing, many sentinels came to muzzle and greet Beau and Y back home. One older sentinel chirped and brought Beau’s attention. She had tufts of fur adorned on her crest and head.

Y’s eyes lit up, hopefully she had news about X. Scampering over, Y dropped the bag as the other sentinels looked inside it.

“R00! Um, I mean Miss R00… do you have news about X?” Y said with a shout then whimper.

The sentinel cooed with a frown, nuzzling Y, giving her a ticking feeling that made her chuckle. She pulled away then signed, “Yes, the young devil has healed physically”.

“Oh, so can she talk to me?” Y said, tiling her head.

R00 shook her head but then thought. “Not in the wake world, she can but walk in a belly of stars, she sees you and us now.” R00 signed.

“Miss, I don't understand this,” Y said, rather frustrated.

“R00…. Can…. Ma…. Bring… Y… or is…. It…. Not… safe.” Beau asked, even though his limited speech, he could show the same impatience as Y.

“When rest comes, you will be granted both a visit, that is what your mother has spoken.” R00 signed.

“I want to sleep now then.” Y whined.

Beau turned his head to Y, blinking in surprise, but Y just turned her gaze back to him, her face looking desperate.

R00 blinked and then nodded, “very well then.” She signed, “she will be very pleased to see you.” She signed.

Y quickly nodded before turning to Beau, “come on Beau! We can’t waste any time now!” She waited before quickly leaving, rushing off to find her little nest she made herself.

Beau watched her run off before turning his head to R00 and then turning back towards where Y ran off, before chasing after her.

Jumping into the nests, Y did a couple of circles around it before flopping down, trying to get to sleep mode. Beau could see her tossing and turning; she was so excited. Beau moved his tail across Y which calmed her down slightly.

Slowly blinking her eyes closed, Y fell tumbling into a deep dark space. Opening her eyes, she found herself in a dark and eerie swamp. Looking around, she spotted a looming manor with yellow, purple and red lights. She swore she saw something move past the windows, but before she could continue that thought she felt a nudge. Looking over, she saw a young fawn with a scarred left face and missing right front leg.

“You… too…close… danger” Beau bleeped out.

“Beau?” Y said, tilting her head. Looking down, she had a more crane-like appearance.

“Wow! Holy smokes, I am a bird!” Y squawked, looking around.

“Yes…. Different form…. Take…. In… here.” Beau chuckled, sounding way more coherent than he was ever in the waking world.

“So, we are sharing a dream?” Y said, hopping over.

“Sorta…. Here..take… to… ma.” Beau said, turning away and walking further into the swamp lands with Y following behind.

Y followed closely behind Beau as Beau pranced ahead.

Looking around in confusion, she looked at Beau, “where’s this “ma” of yours at?” She asked, tilting her head.

“You’ll see.” He told her before looking around and then making a loud chirping noise.

Y looked around as she landed right next to Beau, jumping once she heard the sound of a snapping twig and snapping her head back and forth, but Beau was unphased.

A larger deer revealed itself from the bushes and Beau was quick to limp over, the two deer nuzzling eachother.

“Beauy!!” The larger deer spoke.

“Ma!” Beau bleeped.

“Ma…. I….. bring…. Other…. Angel.” Beau turned to Y, who was kinda just standing there awkwardly.

“Yeah, I know, sugarcube. Roo Roo told me all about.” The larger deer gave Beau some licks on the head and nuzzled him more.

“You know where my sister is, right?” Y asked, walking over.

“Yeah … mmm, V? U? Something at the end of the alphabet.” Alice said with a head tilt.

“Y,” Y said, rather unimpressed.

“Yeah, yeah, Y or what have it, you all have such strange one letter names. Don’t know why four eyes continued that trend.” Alice said sticking her tongue out, turning away and keeping Beau close.

“Come…” Beau said, gesturing to follow.

Y hopped forward, breaking into flight which felt natural.

Alice started to walk as Beau followed closely behind, Y not too shortly behind.

Y looked around curiously as Alice and Beau broke into small conversation as they walked, Beau’s little tail wiggling back and forth.

The group walked up to a bush that Alice pushed into, Beau following but looking at Y before walking in, Y tilting her head.

“Come..” he told her before following behind Alice, Y sighing before she landed and quickly followed behind them.

As she peeked her head in, she noticed a little dog laying on her back in what looked like a nest, or attempt at a nest, X wasn’t always the best at making nests.

Y froze at what might be her sister, she blinked nervously as Alice walked over to the dog, nudging them with her hoove.

“Hey, wake up, you got a visitor.” Alice told them, but the dog just groaned.

“Aaaaliceeeee.” She groaned, “5 more minutesss.”

Yep, that was X for sure, Y thought to herself.

“I think you’ll be quite entertained with this guest.” Alice told her and X let out one more final groan before lifting her head.

Shaking some leaves off her head, she looked at Alice, “who-“ she looked over at Y and froze.

“..X?” Y spoke, taking a step forward.

X’s ears went down once she heard Y’s voice, immediately starting to whimper, “..Y?” She said, standing up.

Y’s tail feathers shook as she bounded forward, X getting shoved back to the ground as Y nuzzled her.

“X!” Y chirped with glee.

“Oh, it’s really you! I thought you were gone for good! Hic,” Y started crying, her voice becoming more choked up.

“Oi, don’t go crying on me, that’s lame!” X huffed.

“Oh, shut up!” Y chuckled through sobs.

“I am so happy to see you too Y, was getting kinda boring with old bolts here.” X said with a smile, tail wagging lots.

Alice looked over to Beau who smiled, pushing himself into her. She’d let that slide; these two seemed to need a moment.

The two of them giggled and then X’s tail started to wag faster.

“Did momma J come back to save us? Is she proud of how brave we are?” She asked her, looking TOO hopeful.

Y froze at the question, looking back at Beau who blinked at her, Y sighed shaking her head, “..X-“

X’s eyes hollowed as her ears fell down, “..she didn’t come looking for us.. did she?”

“X, we don’t know th-“

X slumped down as she whimpered, “she would’ve saved us by now! I told you she was forgetting about us!”

“X-“

“Don’t X me!” She stood back up, “you know I’m right! She doesn’t care about us anymore!” She whimpered, bringing a paw up to her eye as she wiped a tear.

Y sighed, sitting next to X, “what.. only matters to me right now is that you’re okay.. I was so worried for you.. I thought you were really gone for good..”

X sniffed, shaking her head, “I’ve been fine.. I’ve got miss nag here with me..” she told her, her tone not sounding so happy now.

“Hey, count your blessings, kid. You could of been way worse.” Alice said, trotting over.

“Why would I? My mama hates me, you wouldn’t get it, you don’t have parents!” X huffed, pushing away from her sister's embrace and crawling up onto a branch.

“Sheesh, low blow.” Alice rolled her eyes.

“Hey X, we don’t know if mama J hasn’t come down. Look, it’s kinda complicated, but the entrance to the labs is, um..” Y hopped up, trying to get closer.

“Guarded…. By…. Different…pack.” Beau limped forward as Alice looked worried, giving him some support.

Alice stared down at Beau, “that explains why these two were nearly crushed like two tin cans.” She said, looking back at the two, “you two were very close to death, and I hope you realize how stupid that was of both of you.”

Y frowned, opening her mouth to speak but X stood up, “come on, you’ve already nagged me about this like.. 10 billion times!” She groaned, rolling onto her back, “you aren’t my moms.” She growled as she pouted.

“Well, I am your guardian while you’re here, so you better get used to it.”

“Uuughh!!! Hmph!!” X continued to pout and Alice just rolled her eyes.

Y sighed, “X..”

“No!” X retorted back and Y just sighed.

“Is there any way you can get my sister to be in the waking world miss?” Y asked, hopping over to Alice.

“Uhhh, that’s more of Roo Roo’s thing.” Alice said, not really prepared for that question.

“Time…. Unknown… but…. Y…. Can visit…. X more….” Beau moved forward, tail wagging lots.

“Oh, great, so I am stuck in this swamp forever!” X growled smashing a mushroom.

“Hey, not forever, X. Just a while, I am sure there are things me and Beau can do to make this go faster!” Y chirped, looking back at Beau.

“Yeah… I think…. Not … sure.” Beau said with glee.

“Well, you’re safe to stay here for as long as you need, little ankle biter. Just stay away from the manor, drones there aren’t too fond of sky demons.” Alice walked over nuzzling Y.

“So that means I can play and hangout with my sister as long as I want!” Y chirped happily.

“Yeah! We practically own this swamp, nothing off limits!” X cackled.

“Hey, that doesn’t mean you two get into any mischief.” Alice told the two, “you two, don’t be gone for too long, me and Beau will stay back.”

“Okay nag nag nag we get it, come on Y!” X said, running off into the bushes and Y was quick to follow as she giggled.

Alice watched the two as she sighed, slumping down as she sat on the ground, Beau limping over next to her as he looked at her.

Alice sighed, “why did you get the normal one?” She asked, looking at Beau and Beau just shrugged.

“X, slow down! I haven’t flown for a while!!” Y exclaimed, her flying wobbly.

X stopped in her tracks looking at Y as she turned around, “I was wondering why your flying was a little wonky.”

“The real world isn’t so kind to me right now, sadly.” Y sighed as she landed, looking at her wings with a frown.

“I bet I am way more patched up than you!” X chuffed.

“Am not, you look like leftovers!” Y nudged her sister.

“Am too, you probably look like grandpa’s visor, and I mean both grandpas!” X tackled Y.

“Am not!”

“Am too!”

“I thought you said getting the other one here would make things bearable.” Alice rolled her eyes.

“No promise ma.” Beau chuckled.

Chapter Text

It was a calm evening at the Doorman’s residence, Evie was finishing off some homework in the living room, her legs kicking back and forth on the chair. It was just really Thad and Evie right now, as the rest of the house was out attending meetings, even Dawdy as she insisted on coming, baby demands and all. There was a knock at the door that broke the silence.

“I’ll get it, dad!” Evie said, hopping off the chair.

“Alright Eves.” Thad continued washing some dishes.

Evie opened the door to find Mr Frost standing there with two very nervous dronelings behind him.

“Oh, hi Mr Frost.. Hi Fetcher, Saint!” Evie smiled at her cousins.

“It’s a pleasure to have your company, young Princess.” Aero kept a neutral face as he patted Fetcher’s head, him looking up and nodding.

“Dad?” Thad questioned, looking over at the door.

“What are you doing here? Hey kids,” Thad walked over then waved at his niblings.

“Well Fetcher, would you like to tell your uncle and cousin why we’re here?” Aero looked down.

Fetcher nervously stepped forward and began to sign.

Thad blinked, confused, looking down at Evie as she giggled at him.

“He said I’m teaching him how to fly today!!” She excitedly told him, her tail wagging and Fetcher letting out a tiny smile.

Thad blinked, “Oh!.. N didn’t tell me about this?” He said looking at his dad.

Aero shrugged and opened his mouth to talk but Evie let out an excited squeal, running over and hugging Fetcher as she giggled, both of their tails wagging, Thad let out a sigh.

“Are we.. sure about this? Because…”

Aero put up his hand to stop Thad as he looked at him and then looked at Evie and then back at Thad.

“Your sister thought it was best for Fetcher to get out a bit with his cousin.. she thought it would help Evie feel less lonely..”

“Eh well she’s has been hanging out less with them since…” Thad cut himself off he shouldn’t mention that now

“Well Fetch now that Evie knows I hope you enjoy your flying lessons” Aero knelt down to Fetcher and Evie’s height

Fetcher smiling and hugging his grandfather. Then patting Saint on the head.

“I can’t wait for my wings to pop you’ll have to show me how to fly as well one day” Saint cooed as she jumped into her grandfathers arms

“Oh definitely your big cousin will teach you everything I know” Evie said rather chuffed

As Aero and Saint walked off Evie waved them goodbye. Turning back she had a big grin.

“Alright we should probably head out to the doors” Evie said pacing back and forth with excitement

Thad sighed, “alright alright, but you two stay close to me, I’m learning about this last minute.”

He was about to start walking but then paused as he blinked, looking around, “now that I think about it.. where’s your dad at hon.” He looked at Evie.

She looked up at Thad, shrugging, “I dunno, he’s been gone a lot and I never know where’s he’s going, he leaves too fast for me.” She told him with a frown.

Thad frowned at that, patting her head, “I’m sure he’s just busy, he’ll come around again soon.” He told her with a smile, then sighing, “alright let’s get going.” He told her as he grabbed his key out of his pocket, unlocking the doors as they walking thru the door ways with the two.

Looking back at Evie and Fletcher, he noticed Fletcher signing something to Evie and Evie giggling at what Fletcher said, Thad thinking it was probably a joke as he sighed, walking up to the main door as he walked over to the key pad.

Looking back at Evie and Fletcher, “you two ready?”

Fetcher and Evie nodded. The two dronlings rushing ahead. Thad sighing as he walked after the two. The trip down was quiet as the colony was mainly asleep by now. The two dronlings seemed to be engrossed in conversation both giggling back and forth. It was nice being out of the stressful environment once and while.

Before Evie found another dronling walking past. She waved them down the white haired and blue eyed girl came rushing over hugging Evie tightly.

“Dad can we bring Hatchet along with us?!” Evie turned back to look for Thad’s approval

“Mmm well if it’s alright with your mother Hatchet” Thad said walking over closing the distance

“I already was going out to get Pen some fresh air she knows where I am” Hatchet chirped as she opened a cage showing the peacock like watchdog

Thad gave little smile, “alright alright, but like I said ear-“

“yeah yeah! Stay by you yeah! Come on dad!” Evie whined as she pulled on Thad’s arm.

Thad looked down at her, “Evie.” He told her calmly and she looked up at him.

Her eyes hollowed as her face then glowed with an embarrassed blush, “..sorry dad.” She told him and Thad just chuckled.

“Come on you 3, the sun has set so we have plenty of time but we cannot waste it!” He told them as he started waking again.

Evie sighed, Hatchet running up next to her, “so where we goin Eves?” She excitedly asked, Evie’s tail beginning to wag quickly at the question.

“I’m teaching Fletcher how to fly today!” she told her, looking at Fletcher who just gave Hatchet a small wave with a small smile.

“Ooo!! Where ya teachin him?”

“Ohh at the same place my dad and auntie J taught me how to fly!” Evie told her excitedly

Fetcher requested uppies from his uncle as they neared the doors. Evie and Hatchet made it to door three faster than the other two. Evie practically pacing in circles from excitement. The watchdog chirping happily

“Daddy come on!” Evie said scratching at the door

“Alright alright your grandfather isn’t going to be to happy with that behaviour little princess” Thad tapped the access pad the doors shot open

“Yeah well gramps won’t know the difference he’s always with Dawdy” Evie huffed scampering to the next door.

Thad rolled his eyes despite her looks she had her mother’s attitude at times. Which wasn’t bad just new. Eventually the group made it to door three where some familiar faces are. One scarred up with green clothes.

“Well hello there little princess” Sam chuckled as he put down some cards

“Hi Mr guard” Evie was more interested in going to the third door

“I see your stuck with escorting the group today Mr Springs” Sam yawned

“Ha yeah seems the royal court is um busy so it’s just me” Thad walked over greeting his friend with a smile

“This little one is going to learn how to fly per my father’s request” Thad gestured to Fetcher who shyed away from the other drones

The guards looked down at the 3 dronelings, Evie’s tail wagging rapidly.

One guard raised a brow as they stared down at the 3, his eyes fixing on Uzi, “are you sure about going out? You know how the king will get if something happens to the princess like what happened to-“

Thad shook his head no as he locked eyes with the guard, the guard raising a brow and them.

“Aaalright.. you sure you don’t atleast need an escort with the princess?”

Thad opened his mouth to speak but Evie jumped up “yeah yeah I’m fine!! I’m fine!! Come on dad!!” Evie said running off with Hatchet as the two giggled with the watch dog behind them.

Thad watched the two run as he sighed, giving the guard a sorry look as he ran after them with Fletcher in his arms.

The three dashed into the open area around the colony it barren and lifeless compared to the inside. Fetcher squirming out of Thad’s arms as he was let down. Fetcher pawing at the snow around him with curiosity. He flinched back at touching it for a second

“Yeah it’s real cold ain’t it” Thad said kneeling down

Fetcher nodded before standing up with something in his hand.

“Wanna show what you got little guy” Thad said confused

Before he was belted by a snowball which wasn’t particularly hard but surprising. Thad got a mild shiver.

“Yep you’re not adopted little menace” Thad huffed puffing out some snow from his mouth

Fetcher smiled and dashed away before his uncle could gain his footing.

“Oi what did I say about staying near… sheesh that kid is fast for six” Thad scrambled up from his crouch to run after Fetcher

Fetcher letting out his wings and tail. His wings quite different from Evie’s more bright and bug like, like a Luna moth but more alien. Strange solver symbols scattered around them. He tried to fly upbut only got two flaps before slamming face first into the pile of snow.

“Ah fuck Liz is gonna have my head” Thad mumbled

“You said a bad word I am telling Papa!” Evie yelled from a distant

“Uhh no I didn’t” Thad quickly rushed to pick up Fetcher from the snow gosh Evie’s hearing was good when she wanted it to be.

“Wow can you really hear that far?” Hatchet asked opening the cage

“Nope but my aunt taught me how to read lips hehe” Evie chuckled

Hatchet blinked, “siiiick.” she said with a smirk, “you gotta teach me at some point.”

“Oh definitely!” Evie’s tail wagged.

“Hey hey, lemme see it.” Thad told Fetcher who was covering up an area on his visor as he whimpered.

Removing his hands, revealing a small little crack, Thad mentally sighed with relief.

“It’s just a little crack.” Thad reassured him, “it’ll heal qui-“ he blinked as she watched the crack slowly disappear, sighing, “ah.. erm..” he pointed to Fletcher, “keep this between us or both of your moms will have my head.” Thad gave him a nervous smile, Fletcher just staring at him and rolling his eyes.

“Daaaaad!!” Evie ran over with Hatchet close behind her tail, “I wanna start the teaching now come on!!”

Thad sighed, turning back to Evie, “we’ll get there soon, the more you three horseplay the longer it’ll be.” Thad told her calmly

Fetcher ran over to Evie almost slipping in the process Thad offering a hand which Fetcher took. They made their way over to the old lamppost Evie used to practice her flying. Evie looked at the small bits of graffiti the twins and her left. She made sure to bring a pen so Fetcher could leave his mark as well.

“Alright now we will try the smaller post first since it’s easier and… I am not tall enough to hold your hand on the bigger ones” Evie said a little embarrassed

Fetcher nodded scrambling up they knew from the twins how to handle things. Though a part of them wished X and Y were teaching them not Evie.

“Alright spread those wings out and jump! The wind should catch you” Evie encouraged giving a thumbs up

“Yeah and when you get your perfect take off Pen can screen it back to everyone else” Hatchet pitched in holding the watchdog on her arm the bird making a chirp before the red light turned on

“Thanks I am sure my aunts will love this” Evie whispered to Hatchet

“No problem E” Hatchet smiled back with a small blush

Fetcher stuck his tongue out as he focused and his wings stretched out.

Thad blinked nervously as he watched, “Evie are you so sure about th-“ he gasped as Fetcher jumped with no hesitation, but to his luck, he lost control and fell straight down.

“..Oops.” Evie said nervously.

Fetcher stuck his head up, shaking snow off of it and letting out a small giggle as he pushed himself back up.

“Oh heck yeah!” Hatchet excitedly said as she and Evie looked at Fetcher, Evie’s tail wagging.

Thad let out a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat that displayed on his visor, “Evie are you sure this is the best way?” He asked nervously.

Evie turned back to Thad, “this is how daddy taught me! He’ll be fiiine!” she told Thad, looking back at Fetcher who just ran back to the lamppost excitedly, “see!”

Fetcher got up to the top and bent down again jumping higher this time but no luck. Falling flat on his face. Thad wondered how many times Uzi fell flat on her face when learning.

Fetcher got up and flapped his wings as hard as he could but couldn’t seem to get it. He let to many breaks in-between. Evie looked down tapping her foot wondering how she could help.

“Hey why don’t you see how I fly a visual ref will help lots” Evie knelt down to Fetcher who nodded.

Evie pushed out her wings the glorious mix of dissembler and solver basked in the moonlight. Without any hesitation she dashed up into the sky flapping them ever so often as she spun around. Treading near the ground.

“Wow” Hatchet said in amazement she had seen her wing before but never in action.

“I might have to take some breaks I can’t just hover like dad” Evie said trying to not get out of breath

“Don’t push yourself Eves we have all night” Thad said leaning a hand out for Evie to perch.

Fetcher seemed to understand what Evie was showing and got up again.

Fetcher crawled back up on the lamppost, looking down nervously, sweat appearing on his visor as he focused.

“Remember, careful Fetcher!” Thad called out, Fetcher just letting out a small nod.

His wings flexed a little before he jumped, Evie’s tail wagging faster as she watched.

Fetcher lost control a little before gaining control once again, a little smile on his face appeared before he suddenly dropped down in the snow.

Evie’s tail was wagging faster than ever, her face as excited as Hatchet’s as Evie practically jumped up, running over to Fetcher.

“You did it! You did it! I told dad I could do it!!” She excitedly shouted as Fetcher looked up from the snow, giggling a little.

Fetcher got up and signed “Thank you”

“No worries I am so proud now let’s try that again we can race in the sky after you got it all in the bag” Evie booped Fetcher on the visor

Fetcher crawling up to the top of the lamppost once again opening his wings. Jumped off and caught the wind flapping faster than before he seemed to understand the way his wings worked now. Fetcher then proceeded to fly up and around trying to get the hang out everything.

Evie flew up and grab at Fetcher’s hands helping him steady.

“Alright how about a race around the spire ay” Evie gestured over to the large structure

Fetcher looking giddy at the thought of going up so high.

“Hey please stay were I can see you Eves” Thad said but it seemed to fall on deaf ears because the young dronlings were off

“Hey wait?! Oh Liz is going to tear into me for this” Thad said running off but stoping with a pant

“Liz?” Hatchet questioned walking over

“My sister… oh yeah you probably know her as Miss Frost” Thad looked back at the blue drone

“You think she’d get her wires crossed if I called her that hehe” Hatchet giggled

“Eh I shouldn’t be encouraging that but don’t rat me out when your in the principals office kid” Thad rolled his eyes he has done worse in school

“Gotcha Evie’s dad! Oi Pen go get some shots for us” Hatcher looked over to the watchdog which chirped and fly off

Hatchet stood there, looking proud as she watched the watchdog fly off and Evie flying with Fetcher.

Thad stared at Hatchet for a good minute before raising a brow, “are you sure your mother is okay with you being out this long?” He asked her and Hatchet looked back at him.

“..oh yeah!” She gave him a nervous smile, little sweat droplets appearing on her visor.

Thad continued raising his brow, “Have she texted you to check up on you or to see where you’ve been.”

Hatchet was silent for a good minute, “..yeah yeah!” The sweat droplets beginning to show more on her visor.

Thad sighed, “Hatchet, dear, does your mother even know you’re even gone?!” His eyes hollowed and Hatchet whimpered.

“Don’t tell her please!! I’ll be back before she ever knows!” Hatchet blurted out, begging Thad as she held her hands together.

Thad knew the coming storm Marina was quite the dramatic drone. He knew he should have check in with her first but here they are out of the colony and it’s not like he can just yell for Evie to come down.

“Hatchet she is probably very nervous right now not made just worried little drones like you shouldn’t be out on your own the young” Thad said trying to mask the panic of the situation

“But you can’t tell her! I’ll be grounded for weeks and I can’t leave Evie plus it’s just to get Pen out and about he’s always so loud about stuff…. I-I have done this before she never knew I never got got by a big scary dissembler heck I am even safer now so no need ay” Hatchet spoke really fast trying to cover her ass surely this adult would understand

“So you have been doing this often?” Thad pinched his visor

“Only when she’s at work which is always” Hatcher mumbled

“Hatchet..” Thad sighed as he pinched his imaginary nose and closed his eyes.

“She never lets me do this stuff! She never lets me go out and do fun stuff like this!” Hatchet pleaded.

“Hatchet..” Thad repeated himself.

“She’s such a helicopter parent! She’s always a Miss ‘oh Hatchet!! Make sure you keep an eye out around your disassembler friend!’ Or ‘oh hatchet! I’m not allowed you to spend the night at the disassemblers house! They are not trusted that well!!’” She ranted to Thad as Thad just stood there with a sigh.

Thad was about to open his mouth but Evie quickly swooped down with Fetcher beside her, the watchdog behind them, both Hatchet and Thad looking at them.

“What’s going on?” Evie said talking up next to Hatchet

Hatchet looked pained at Evie she didn’t want to tell her what her mother thought about her. Evie wasn’t dangerous far from it and if Hatchet could help it Evie would never have to hear those words.

“Nothing I probably should head back home” Hatchet sighed sadly

“What? Why? Did your mum call?” Evie hopped down from the lamp post to watch over her friend

Fetcher looked suspicious at the watchdog that landed beside them it wasn’t blue and green like Pen but a bright yellow with warning stripes he saw on his mama J. The robot chirped as he tilted its head.

“It’s not Eves I am just tired” Hatchet mumbled she whistled for Pen to come back but as the suspicious watchdog flew over Fetcher attacked it

Grabbing it around its neck and hissing. This caused everyone to freak out eyes hollow as Thad immediately went to grab Fetcher off the robot.

“Hey hey that’s not how we treat others” Thad said with worry

Fetcher didn’t let go growling lower at the beast as it flailed around making distressed noises. Hatcher frozen in place as Evie got in front of her. Evie’s eyes focused in and she saw as the camera head damaged the illusion of blue and green faded. Lifting up an and it exchanged to a blaster almost as if instinct her visor showing a light she has never seen before “target located”. But horrifyingly it wasn’t on the odd watchdog but her father and cousin. Evie shook feeling her hand get heated but unable to stop what was happening.

It almost felt like she could see a smile on the not Pen watchdog.

Evie’s eyes hollowed as her screen started glitching.

Thad blinked, looking up at making eye contact with Evie as his eyes hollowed.

Evie’s screen continued to glitch, an X showing a few times.

“Dad?” She spoke, her voice also glitching out.

Hatchet’s eyes hollowed as she looked at Thad and Fletcher, Fletcher looking confused.

“What is going on?” Hatchet asked Thad before Evie’s eyes exchanged for an X and Evie let out a low growl, her disassembly tail lashing and almost hitting Hatchet before Thad managed to grab Hatchet as he began to run while holding both Hatchet and Fetcher.

There was a loud screech before the sounds of a blaster could be heard behind them, thank god N never taught Evie how to aim.

Thad looked behind him as he saw Evie hunched over panting. He put the two kids down and immediately ran over to comfort his daughter, but as he put a hand on her shoulder she flinched around with a hiss stabbing his hand with her tail. The acid stun as Thad winced back. Evie’s eyes now returning back from the x. Her face horrified on what she had done.

“I-I” Evie stuttered

“Hey ack it’s ok Ev-“ Thad tried to comfort her but yanking the tail out of his hand Evie booked it

Dashing into the sky wings flapping along with sounds of sobs.

“EVIE WAIT!!!” Thad yelled out eyes hollow

The pain in his hand could never amount to the grief of letting Evie face this alone.

After a minute or two, Evie finally landed, far from the colony.

She couldn’t go back there, she was a monster, a beast, she hurt her dad and tried to hurt her friend and little cousin.

She whipped her tears as she sniffed, lifting her head up from her hands, she looked around at her surroundings, noticing a landing pod.

She stared at the pod for a minute before shakily standing up, shaking herself, she walked towards the landing pod.

She saw as it was densely covered by wires and snow pushing through the scaffolds there she got to a hatch left a jar. Almost like something had broken in scratch marks looking as made by none drone hands. Pushing the hatch aside with no effort she hoped down into the landing pod. It looked similar to memories her mum shared with her. Though dark and decrepitude. Looking down she saw some dried oil and tufts of black faux fur. Kneeling down she picked it up feeling the texture was soft.

She swore she remembered this place somehow not from her mum’s memories but from hers. So so little everyone looking so worried. It was all so blurry. Evie solvered up one of the chairs, at least this place was covered by the sun she’ll have to work out oil later. The chair made a squeaky noise as she flopped down on it. She pushed herself back and forth against the control panel looking intently at the oil spilled on her tail. She couldn’t believe that was oil from her dad who loved her who she…

Evie shook her head lifting her legs up tears welling. She wanted her dads so bad she wanted their comfort but she hurt him she was going to hurt all of them… she’s a monster. Pushing back further again on the chair Evie hit something. Turning around she saw a human? Whatever it was it wasn’t a drone lunge forward to her.

“DADDY!” Evie screamed un terror as she jumped off the chair hiding under the control panel

The head rolled around the pod stopping in front of her. It wasn’t a head… it was a helmet a dark bulbous helmet. Looking further she felt silly this wasn’t a monster just an old uniform. A sigh of relief came from her poking the helmet she shook her head.

Then something picked up the helmet.

Evie blinked, slowly lifting her head, making eye contact with a girl who looked to be on the younger side, brunette hair and black pupils, a few freckles on her face, some fancy attire too.

“Oi-“ The girl spoke before Evie tried scrambling away, backing into a wall, her eyes fully hollowed as he breathing.

“Aye! Relax little one.” The girl said, putting her hands on her sides, boy, was her accent strong, “I’m not gonna hurt cha.” She said narrowing her eyes

“I-“ Evie whimpered, “I-.. Wh-..who are you-“ She was visibly shaking at this point.

“Names Tessa.” Tessa told her, “Tessa James Elliot.” Tessa said, sarcastically taking a bow.

Evie blinked, “Elliot..?”

Tessa lifted her head again, “Hm..?”

“I hear my dad say that a lot.. not around me but I’ve heard him talk about it with Auntie J..” Evie told her.

Tessa spun around with glee with a giggle

“Aww they still talk about me that’s touching honestly… my you must be N’s little dronling if you said dad” Tessa looked closer at Evie pinching her cheeks

“Well people do call Dad that I guess” Evie said pushing away

“You look just like him honestly down to the little tuft on top” Tessa ruffled Evie’s hair

Evie looked bewildered still at Tessa unsure of all of her movements. She was… organic there was no creeks of metal clicks of lights moving no she was rather quiet in movement. When she touched her hair and cheeks her metal? Felt so strange and warm not like a dissembler warm but something entirely different.

“You looking at me like I got two heads kid you dad ever tell you not to stare?” Tessa joked

“Um sorry I just never seen a drone like you your um different” Evie titled her head

“Sheesh so he talks about me but never shows any pictures I see how it is dark and brooding past well of course you haven’t am Human!” Tessa proclaimed which made the gear shift in Evie’s head

Human? But humans don’t live on copper-9 well not for a long time. Her grandma talked about humans as if they were some big boogeyman but this one was barely taller than her mum. She kinda expect a more intimidating person to take the role of her first human she saw.

“H..human?” Evie blinked in confusion and Tessa just blinked down at her.

Tessa let out a small chuckle, “Yes, I’m guessing your father hasn’t told you about humans?”

“No no, dad has told me stories.” Evie said, looking up at Tessa, “my mum says a lot of mean things about humans.” Evie looked down, letting out a small smile, “when I was little, I found mamas diary where she would say more mean things about humans but my dad quickly took it away.” She chuckled a little.

Tessa smiled, “your mum sounds like a handful then.”

Evie looked up, “no no! She can be really nice!”

Tessa chuckled, “to you maybe, but I know who your father is, one of the sweetest and loyalists drones I’ve ever known.”

Evie blinked, “you know my dad?”

Tessa nodded, “I was.. sortaaa his owner..?” Tessa shrugged, “he was more like a sibling to me than anything.” Tessa sighed, “I might be human but I soooorta grew up around your father.”

Evie’s tail wagged, “you knew my dad when he was little?!” Her tail wagged rapidly, but then started to slow down as she came to a realization, “well.. was my dad, I don’t think he’s gonna want me as his daughter anymore after he finds out what I did.” She whimpered as she looked down.

Tessa frowned and placed a hand on Evie’s head patting her gently. Evie seemed to accept the affection nuzzling into her hand.

“I know how you feel kid it’s hard to be perfect when you aren’t exactly normal” Tessa said with a sigh

“Would he forgive you if you hurt someone he’s so deeply in love with I doubt it” Evie said with a sigh

Tessa stayed silent as she brushed Evie’s hair. She sat down next to her pulling out the knots and stray ends.

“Well I can’t say I have ever done something as bad to your father but I have made a lot of mistakes even when I wasn’t myself…“ Tessa said with sadness

“But I know your father well and even though people change with time some things so deeply important stay through lifetimes… and your father isn’t anything but forgiving sure life sometimes won’t let that attitude shine but he has shown me to fight against the tide of fate for those who truely matter” Tessa pulled Evie’s hair into some buns with orange string

“What if I keep messing up what if am never gonna be as good as I was when I was little? It was terrible I didn’t know who I was then especially not in that moment do I really think of my love ones as targets?” Evie looked up tears in her eyes

Tessa stayed silent for a minute, then she sighed, “Evie, sweetie, has your father ever told you his backstory.”

Evie glanced back at Tessa, “like when he used to be a worker drone just like my mum?”

“No a little bit.. after that.” Tessa sighed, “your father comes from a very.. dark past.”

Evie blinked in confusion, “I don’t understand?”

Tessa frowned, “when your father was recreated into a disassembly drone, his main purpose, before he met your mother, was to kill worker drones, that’s why disassembly drones rely on oil to stay alive.”

Evie sat there for a good minute, before her eyes hollowed and she shook her head, “no.. no, papa would never.” She started to whimper.

“Your father had no choice, it was his only way of survival.”

“I don’t understand.” Evie’s whimpering got louder, “papa tells me everything! Why wouldn’t he tell me this!” She started to tears up a little as her breathing picked up.

Tessa frowned, placing her hands on Evie’s shoulders, “to keep you safe.” Tessa told her, “some secrets are kept from us for our own good.” Tessa reassured her but that did not help with Evie’s panic attack that was picking up.

“But I don’t want to kill workers I don’t want to kill anyone” Evie said shaking

Evie was horrified over the fact her father was sent down to erratic the drones who she lived with. She couldn’t do it she couldn’t bring herself to even think about hurting another drone. Was this why X was so violent was it just in her code was her mum’s side the only thing stopping her.

“Hey and I am sure your father doesn’t want that either but you are still a part of him and how some drones are made they have different needs and programming than others but it’s not who they are” Tessa tried to calm Evie down realising this probably wasn’t the best idea

“H-how long…” Evie said shivering

“How long for what?” Tessa asked confused

“How long was my dad doing this… what even stopped why is he not doing that does he still want to??” Evie had so many questions

“Uh well a free dozen expo planets so um a lot…“ Tessa said with a stuttered

“Whole planets?… that’s… that’s so many drones” Evie shook

Tessa frowned, “he’s not the same drone he used to be Eves..” Tessa placed a hand on her back

Evie whimpered, looking to Tessa, tears filling her visor, “he never told me about this.. did auntie J do this too..?”

Tessa nodded and Evie felt her heart sink lower and lower with each nod.

“But!” Tessa lifted up a finger, “they’ve changed haven’t they?”

Evie looked down again, “W-well.. I think.”

Tessa sighed, then blinked as she thought of something, “You know.” Tessa turned back to Evie, “this side of your daddy, is the reason how he met your mom.” Tessa put a hand on Evie’s shoulder, “your mom was able to change your daddy, and even your auntie V. Your mom, your dad, and auntie V fought so hard for you to be here today.”

“How do you know?” Evie asked

“Well I was there… in a way not very normally there but there” Tessa shrugged not knowing how to described it

“Oh… I kinda get it?” Evie blanked a bit

“Yeah it’s to hard to think about for a little goober like you but not the most important thing right now” Tessa smiled booping Evie

Evie sniffed whipping away digital tears. She flopped onto Tessa she heard a core buzzing… did humans have cores?. All this crying was tiring she felt herself getting tired. Eyes batting closed

“Hey hey as much as your adorable I can’t let you stay here your Papa will be very very worried” Tessa tapped Evie on the back

“I don’t have the strength to fly back Tessa… you’ve been nice but I don’t think he’s looking for me” Evie sighed making biscuits on Tessa’s dress

“What do you mean she flew off?!” N exclaimed, his eyes hollowed as his body was physically shaking.

Thad frowned, holding his burnt hand, “N, I know but she couldn’t have gone f-“

“She doesn’t know her way around outside! The sun could come up any minute now!” N’s tail lashed back and forth nervously as he grabbed at his hair. “Oh god, she’s gonna burn up, oh god.”

“What’s going on here?” Khan walked up with Doll beside him, N immediately shooting a glare at him.

Doll was about to open her mouth but was cut off as Fetcher ran over to her, hugging her tightly, her eyes hollowing as she looked down at him.

Khan’s eyes also hollowed as he looked down at Fetcher, then his head slowly turned to N, looking pissed.

“What happened, N.”

“Mr Doorman I can explain!” Thad butted in, N just giving Khan a nasty look in return, “We just lost Evie because she flew off and-“

“What happened to your hand, Thad.” Khan asked, spotting his burnt hand.

Thad looked down and hid it behind his back

“I-it’s nothing really just a small wound it will heal up fast” Thad tried to play it off

“That definitely looks melted did you do this?!” Khan said then pointing at N who looked offended at the idea

“No he didn’t it’s fine really not the most important thing right now” Thad tried to mask the pain but N grabbed at the hand lifting it up

“Evie did it didn’t she?” N asked very sorrowfully

“She was scared she didn’t mean to please understand Mr Doorman she’s just a child” Thad explained

Khan stayed silent for a minute, then turned to N, “N, I warned you-“

N immediately hissed out, “She’s a child, Khan!” He lashed out at Khan.

“And I warned you if you didn’t keep her under control there would be consequences.” Khan snapped back, N’s eyes growing more furious.

“How would Nori feel about this?!” N argued back.

“Nori is out of the question right now, N. I care about the safety of my own colony.” Khan growled at him.

“You care about the colony more than your own granddaughter?!” N hissed out, then turned his head to Doll, “Doll! Help me out here! Your step daughters were disassembly drones!”

Doll’s eyes were hollowed as she made eye contact with N, but she stayed silent, looking down at Fetcher who was shaking and terrified as she knelt down and picked him up, turning away, she shot a glare at N before walking away.

N stared in disbelief before turning back to Khan, “Fine.” He said backing up, “I’ll go find her myself.” He growled at him before turning away and walking towards the main door, it shooting open as he got closer.

Both Khan and Thad’s eyes hollowed, “N the sun could be up any minute now!” He called out.

“N now don’t be st-“ Khan started but was cut off as N shot up into the sky.

“That boy will never learn” Khan huffed turning back

Thad looked up into the sky feeling powerless he couldn’t afford to loss both of them in one night. Souring through the sky N wiped some tears from his visor he wasn’t going to let Evie down not like this. Searching the wastelands she should be pretty easy to spot her bright orange stands out so well. But he could see the sky turn less of a navy blue. He cursed himself for letting this happen. Letting chirps for Evie he hoped she’d hear it.

Evie was sitting down in the landing pod getting patted by Tessa. Tessa lifted her head as she heard chirps and sounds of jets.

“I think it’s time for you to go home now Evie” Tessa said

“Nooo five more minutes” Evie whined

“Humour me in waiting outside on the hatch please” Tessa asked

She got silence from Evie before a groan.

“Fine but I want a nap after this” Evie grumbled getting up and stretching

she dragged her feet as she slowly walked outside, looking up at the sky, she noticed how it started to brighten.

“Evie?!” N called out and she was pulled out of her thoughts as she looked at him running towards her, “Oh Evie!” His eyes filled up with tears as he opened his arms but Evie stepped away.

N blinked in confusion, Evie whimpering as she looked away.

A big frown formed on N’s face, “Eves..?” He said, putting his hands by his sides again.

Evie sighed, “I don’t.. I don’t want to hurt my friends and family..”

N blinked in confusion, “Evie what do you mean..?” He said, kneeling down to her height.

Evie felt herself choke up as she then balled both her hands up into fists, “I don’t wanna be a murderer daddy..” she looked at N, “Like you were..” she told him with a frown on her face.

N’s eyes immediately hollowed, “W..who-“

“My friend told me everything..” Evie told him, her eyes tearing up as she then looked behind her, expecting to see Tessa but to her surprise, Tessa wasn’t there, she whimpered, “h-huh..”

All she saw was the remains for a skeleton shattered and hunched. She swore she was holding her hand just a second ago. She was so confused the scent of her had left as well.

“She was right here a second ago” Evie whimpered confused

“Who was Eves?” N said tilting his head

“Who is your friend?”

“She said her name was Tessa she was human she she knew you” Evie still looking back at the skeleton confused

N was utterly confused a human couldn’t survive here especially not Tessa he knew her fate was sealed long ago. Only logically thing that was still illogical was that it was some prank of the solver.

“Honey I hate to tell you this but Tessa has been dead for a very long time I don’t that was her” N sighed

“But she was! I saw her in the landing pod if if she wasn’t there who did my hair I didn’t have these ribbons before this?” Evie said looking back

“I’ll show you I promise” Evie scampered up to the hatch

“Tessa!!” She called out as N struggled to get up the hatch behind her.

She whimpered when there was no response, continuing to look around, “Tessa!! My dad is here!!” She stood there.

“Eves..” N, who was out of breathe, walked up next to her, kneeling down beside her.

Evie looked to N, “She was here daddy I’m not lying!” She whimpered, “she told me everything about you, auntie J, and VaVa.”

N kept his panic down at that information, letting out a sigh, “look Eves.. we’ll talk about it when we get home, just please.. come home.” N told her and she whimpered.

“But daddy..”

“Evie.. please.. I’ve been worried sick about you..” he told her and she just looked down.

“I thought you would be mad at me for what I did..”

N frowned, “I would never..” he told her, gently picking her up as she looked down, “we just need to get you home and safe and I’ll explain everything when we get home..”

Evie continued to look down as she whimpered, N started to walk towards the exit with her as Evie leaned against him, closing her eyes as she sighed, beginning to relax.

That relaxation was cut off as N let out a huge hiss, backing up and she was suddenly placed on the ground N covering them both with his wings.

She looked around in confusion, her eyes hollowing as she spotted N holding his head in pain.

Evie sat up on her knees, “daddy?!” She asked with worry.

“I’m fine I’m fine.” He told her, “We.. might have to wait a bit.. before we leave..” N told her as he opened his wings a little, revealing the sun that was shining thru the exit as the two were hiding in the shade of the inside of the space shuttle.

Evie watched as the sun flickered through into the pod. It was enchanting something she knew better than to go into but still something made her yearn to check was day looked like. She felt herself grow tired though she had been up all night flying and she was rather hungry as well. She tried to not look up to her dad but just rest her head on his core. If Tessa wasn’t real then how did all this happen, her father didn’t deny he had done what her friend said but still it was hard to believe.

“How long ago has Tessa been gone?” Evie asked softly

“Oh I… I am not sure but as long as the earth has been gone” N said hoping she wouldn’t bring up the topic of his past

“Why were you made to hunt workers” Evie asked

“… because that is what the very bad thing that destroyed the earth wanted, your aunties and I thought the humans wanted us to do that… but the humans were gone and we believed lies” N dreaded this conversation

“Why did you believe them?” Evie said still sniffling

“It’s all I knew Evie I didn’t remember anything before I landed I didn’t even remember your Grandpa or Tessa till your mother helped restore those memories” N patted Evie’s head

“Were you going to kill Mama if she didn’t get lucky” Evie asked

“Probably… but I am glad I didn’t… I would of been stuck in the dark if I did” N sighed

The two sat there in silence, Evie listening to the sound of N’s core beating.

“What was meeting mama like..?”

N blinked at the question, looking down at Evie as he thought of an answer.

He stayed silent for a good minute before letting out a sigh.

“Like seeing light for the first time.” He told her, “your mother was the light to my darkness that I faced, life before your mother was.. scary.” N gently wrapped his arms and wings around Evie, “I never wanted to do the things I did, I never wanted to kill, your mom.. your mom brought me out of that darkness, both me, your VaVa, and auntie J were given second chances all because of your mom.”

Evie stayed silent, but soon let out a sniff as she teared up.

“I wish she could be here with us right now..” Evie spoke as her voice choked up, starting to break N as he started to tear up.

N sniffed, “your mom fought real hard for you to be here.. she chose you over herself because she loved you so much Eves..” N told her as he wiped his tears.

Evie frowned, not looking up at N, “sometimes, I wish she could’ve chosen herself over me, maybe you’d be happier..”

That sentence, broke N as he suddenly started sobbing as he hugged Evie tighter, Evie burying her face in his coat as they both sobbed together.

Chapter Text

“J..?”

J looked around the library at the sound of her mother’s voice, sitting on her knees infront of her was V, who was also sitting on her knees.

Both of their faces were so close, they could almost kiss, both of them pulling away at the sound of G’s voice.

J looked at V, both blush displayed on their visor as J cleared her throat, “ill.. be right back sorry!” J said, hesitantly letting go of V’s hands as she got up off her knees and turned around and rushed off.

Rushing out of the library, she looked around, “mother?” She called out as she rushed down the hall, looking back in forth.

She grew confused as she looked around until she froze at the sound of Louisa’s heels approaching her, freezing into place, sweat displayed on her visor.

She closed her eyes tightly, preparing for the lecture of her life but then she was shooken awake.

“J!” Her mother called out to her as J shot awake, sitting up as she looked around.

Her eyes were hollowed with panic but when she looked down.

‘Oh..’ she thought to herself, she fell asleep at her desk in her room.

“Hey hey.. relax relax..” G softly put a hand on J’s shoulder, “it’s just me, I’m just checking up on you, it seems like you fell asleep at your desk.. again.”

J blinked, “oh.. yeah..” she looked at the mirror that was beside her desk, god was her hair a mess, she sighed, “sorry I’ve just been.. working.” J told her as she placed her head in her hands.

G raised an eyebrow, “on what in particular?” She asked confused.

J blinked, looking over as she spotted the pictures of X and Y and a bigger picture of V right next to them.

“..nothing, just..” J said reaching over as she placed the photos face down, “thinking..” she looked down.

G frowned, “J..”

“It’s ok mama really I should be more concerned with you” J turned back to avoid the desk

“You know I am doing fine J… you can’t keep avoiding talking about the situation forever” G wasn’t going to let her daughter shut herself away like this

“There is nothing to talk about promise I am fine like everyone said things are in the past” J signed before rubbing her back feeling the indents of scars than ran up to her face and cheek.

“The fact you still have these begs to differ it’s ok to take breaks Jaybird you have to let yourself address things” G placed her hand on J’s left cheek as J looked down at the scars

“I just..” J whimpered, “I’m just worried for you mama..” J whimpered as she made eye contact with G.

“Jaybird..” G said softly, bending down to her height, “You need to be worrying about yourself, you’ve been through a lot the past few weeks.” G told her as she gently reached up’s trying to fix J’s hair.

“But mama..” J frowned, “you’ve been through so much more than me.. it’s not fair to you..” J said, tearing up.

G sighed, her tiredness showing but she just shook her head, “I just care if you’re okay.. that’s all I worry about right now..”

J sniffed as she reached up wiping her tears, sighing in defeat.

“I wish I could’ve done something to stop them from going..” J whimpered, “I wish I could’ve been a better mother to them..” J started as she choked up.

“They wanted me there I should of been there instead of sending a stupid note” J pushed some tears away

“Perhaps V was right if I had of kept my distance they would of had two actual stable mothers to take care of them instead of waiting for some half excuse of a mother to comfort them” J lamented

“I don’t even know if V is in that strange purgatory if she, she has made it clear she doesn’t want to see the sorry excuse I am” J said gripping her head

“Purgatory? Mon bebe what are you talking about” G titled her head confused but sorta not perhaps this had something to do with her last strange dream experience

J stayed silent a bit, before wiping some tears, “you can’t tell anyone this, but I’ve had dreams where I’ve talked to N’s wife, Uzi..” she let out a low growl, “..Khan and Nori’s, daughter, and she’s told me they haven’t been able to find V yet and that she might be in some purgatory right now..” She sighed.

G stood there silently, trying to process the information before she gave a slow nod, “I.. see..” she replied, sounding confused.

J sighed, turning back around in her chair, gently grabbing the picture of V and sitting it upright again as she stared at it, “a part of me is hoping she’s atleast safe, where ever she is..” she sighed as she looked over at a picture of the twins that was laying face down as she reached her other hand over, sitting their picture upright as well, “and I hope the twins are atleast with her..”

G stood there in silence as she looked down, letting out a sigh before looking back at J, “Jaybird..” she said, J looking back at her as she sat the photos back down, “I need to tell about something..” G said sitting down on the bed as J turned back around towards her in her chair.

J blinked, “yes mama?”

“When I was still expecting the egg you know I was having some complications” G started

“Yes I am aware and you lost it which is tragic” J added

“Well before that happened like hours before I was visited in a dream like state by at the time I thought just some strange talking dog and raven, but later revealed to be the queen and N” G felt a bit weird bringing this up though hopefully her daughter would understand

“Are you sure it was the queen Uzi looks a lot like her mother” J pried further

“Oh I am sure she was dressed like the queen and was visibly expecting a egg unless that’s what Uzi looks like as well” G clarified

“No I guess your right that isn’t Uzi” J said with a sigh

“Well it was a replay of a memory the one where Lousia ended any chance of me having a egg successful, and well it did change but still the outcome was the same” G sighed rather distraught

J sat there for a moment as she thought, looking in disbelief, “so.. mum. You’re telling me that..”

“Yes..” G slowly nodded but jumped as J slammed her fist down on the desk, “jaybird!”

“Ugh!” J placed her head in her hands, “Robo Jesus! I can’t believe those two! Oh when I give N a piece of my mi-“ She stood up but was quickly grabbed by G.

“Mon bebe! Hey!” G said dragging her back, J wasn’t fighting but she was glaring at the door, “not right now! It’s not the best time right now.” G told her, sitting her back down softly but J just growled.

“It’s not fair mama!” J told her, “why does Nori get her happily ever after? After all she’s done? Do you not see the damage she did?”

G frowned, “Jaybird..” she kneeled down to J’s height, J’s eyes tearing up as J shook her head.

“It’s not fair mamabird.” J whimpered, “You deserve to be happy mum.”

“I assure you bringing havoc to the queen and her new dronling will not bring me happiness” G said trying to calm J down

“They messed with your memories your code Mama that’s unforgivable you can’t just mess up with someone’s mind, like or not they oversteps your boundaries” J said with malice in her voice absolutely disgusted with the news she had learned

G was quiet J was right they shouldn’t have just played around in such delicate memories, she was just used to being submissive to a higher power. But she knew how self destructive her daughter was the length she would go for justice, she needed to grieve not seek vengeance.

“I think you should focus on helping yourself out of this dark spot rather than seeking justice mon bebe, you still have family that needs you” G stroked J’s hair

J was silent at that statement, before spinning around in her chair away from G, “Lizzy definitely doesn’t wanna see me right now..” she looked down as she whimpered and G frowned.

“Mon bebe..” G said walking up beside her, “Has Lizzy told you that herself?”

J froze at the question, looking away, “..no, but..” she sighed, “I don’t know.. we haven’t talked ever since the funeral.” J whimpered.

“Have you tried talking to her?”

J frowned, “n-no.. but..” J sighed, “I don’t think her or Doll even like me anymore after what happened.. V trusted Lizzy with the twins and I was the one who broke that.” J mumbled and G just frowned.

“Mon bebe..” G said gently placing a hand on J’s cheek, “maybe it’s time you tried to talk with them.. to reason with them.. I think Lizzy and Doll would really appreciate a chat..” G softly told her but J looked unsure.

J knew her mother was right but it was so very daunting to do. Lots of what ifs but she missed Lizzy.

“I guess I suppose I do miss the little ones as well” J sighed

She thought about how Saint and Fetcher would also miss her how that was the reason the twins went and did what they did. She couldn’t keep ignoring them.

“Liz should be back from work by now I’ll see if she’s home” J got up wiping some tears away

G smiled, “I’m glad to hear..” G told her, patting her back, “your father and I will be waiting for you when you come back, take as much time as you need.” G walked up beside her, placing a gentle kiss on her cheek and J chuckled.

“Mom! I’m not a kid I’m good!” J told her, quickly fixing her hair with her hands before rushing out the bedroom door, G smiling as she watched her.

J told her goodbyes to S before rushing out of the apartment, looking around, hoping not to see any drones looking to conversate with her, she quickly rushed to Lizzy and Doll’s house.

She was thankfully very lucky she did not face any interruptions, just a few stares on the way to Lizzy’s house.

Looking around, J sighed, looking at the door, she reached a hand up as she placed a gentle knock.

She dreaded the wait was Lizzy just not there?. How was she going to start her conversation so many questions so little time. But she heard footsteps reach the door. Opening the hatch there stood a tall worker with red lights and have covered face. She looked tired and exhausted.

J’s tail immediately drooped at the sight of Doll she desperately wanted to see Lizzy first. But knew Lizzy and Doll were a package deal.

“Oh J I didn’t expect your company here” Doll said rather surprised

“Um yes I suppose it has been a while” J said rather awkward

“Is Lizzy here?” J asked

“Uhh no she’s at a therapy appointment but she’ll be back soon enough” Doll said scratching at her masked side of her face

“Oh” J’s tail flooped to the ground

The two stood there with an awkward silence falling between the two, J gulping.

“Soo..” Doll started, rubbing her arm, “Are you just gonna stand there ooorr..”

“No no I just..” J cleared her throat, “I’ll stay here and wait for Lizzy.” J gave a nervous smile.

Doll just stared at her and then sighed, “fine..” she moved aside to allow J to walk in, “Saint is down for a nap right now and Fetcher is.. under the weather right now so please keep any noise down.” Doll told J, J noticing how exhausted she looked.

J stared at her for a minute, “o-oh!” She nodded before quickly walking in, “don’t worry I won’t be too much trouble.” J reassured her as she quickly walked over to the couch, sitting down.

It was a rather awkward situation both not really able to start a conversation. Well other than the labs fight they both gained scars from it and were never the same. But they both loved Lizzy lots and would do anything to keep her mental health in check.

“So is your mother recovering fine I heard she has stopped needing appointments at the hospital” Doll awkwardly said

“Uh yes she is doing just fine better than before seems the healing factor has finally kicked in… how is your m-“ J realised that wasn’t a good question to ask about Doll’s mother

Doll rolled her eyes realising how sleep deprived J was to even consider that question. But she knew of the solver mind now so it’s not like she could lie she had been in contact with her mother.

“Well she’s doing fine certainly isn’t happy with me right now but she’d have to know the extent of my care for the twins eventually just wished it wasn’t under these circumstances” Doll sighed leaning against a bench

It clicked to J she never knew what fully happened after Doll went off to talk to her mother she kinda just assumed she saved face.

“Well.. I’m glad you’re on good terms with your mom.. hopefuuully..?” J told her, giving her a nervous smile but Doll just rolled her eyes.

“Enough about me and my mother, how have you been since.. you know..” Doll sighed.

J stayed quiet, before sighing, “I’ve been..” She let out a whimper before sighing, “I’ve been getting around..”

Doll stared at her for a moment, “things have been rough on me and Lizzy too..” Doll told J as she frowned, “Lizzy’s been taking it the hardest..”

J frowned, “Lizzy is the one who watched them hatch..”

Doll nodded, “shes been going therapy a lot lately for it..” She sighed, relaxing her head on her hand, “She hardly sleeps at night too.” She looked at J, “she’s been worried about you.”

J felt a bit guilty for making Lizzy worry so much that was never her intention. She just wanted to give her space, after all she wasn’t her’s fully just someone she had to tolerate.

“I didn’t think she would be after I came back without them” J said lights dimming

“Sheesh you have changed from that prideful drone I knew… of course she misses you as much as my jealousy gets the better of me I know she loves you as much as me even more at times” Doll got up to sit next to J

“Look if she truely didn’t wanted you if you didn’t come back with the twins then I would also be out” Doll tried to relate

“I even miss you… a lot” Doll said looking away hiding her face

“You miss me?” J said titling her head over to try get a better look at Doll

“Well your good company I thought I only liked your present for the twins peace but I guess I do enjoy our relationship beyond that… it has been dull in the worst ways without you” Doll sighed still hiding her face

J blinked in surprise, then looked down at her hands, “I.. missed you too.” She sighed, her tail flicking nervously.

Doll blinked, looking up, J thought she noticed a small blush that appeared on Doll’s face but it was quickly flashed away.

Doll cleared her throat, “I’m glad to hear that.. Saint and Fetcher have missed you..” she cleared her throat again, “..too.” She sighed.

J blinked in suspicion but decided not to question Doll right now, she sighed but the two jumped as they heard the sound of a little knock on the wall.

Both looking over, they noticed Fetcher standing in the hallway looking at Doll, he looked to J who just looked back at him but he quickly looked away, J raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Doll blinked, “yes мой сын?” Doll asked softly and then Fetcher motioned Doll to come over.

Doll looked to J, “..sorry, I’ll be right back.” She said, quickly rushing over to Fetcher as Fetcher turned around and she followed him into his room.

J sat there in silence for a good minute before sighing, looking around at the living room in sadness.

They had removed all photos of the twins, which, did make J a little upset.. but in a way.. she understood.

Lizzy wasn’t doing all right and J guessed it was also so the little ones wouldn’t be too upset with their sisters being gone, J whimpered.

Still the thought of what just happened lingered in her mind Doll had always kept an arms length distant between them but this was the closet she got. She did at home here it was a nice house not to say she didn’t like spending time with her parents but this felt more home.

She considered what it would be like to stay here, her parents would understand though is she over stepping her limits by asking. J was clouded in thought before feeling a gentle tap on her shoulder looking down she saw the white lights of a small dronling.

“Hello there little cub” J said ruffling Saint’s hair

“Mama” Saint cooed reaching her arms out for a hug which J reciprocated picking the little dronling up and into her arms

“Aren’t you meant to be down for a nap little one” J smiled

“Not sleepy not sleepy when mama is back” Saint giggled but yawned clearly fighting the tiredness

J sighed, “I guess you’re just another handful for your mothers aren’t ya?” She told Saint as she gently nuzzled her and Saint let out a loud giggle, making J flinch, oh Doll’s gonna be mad.

“Where been?” Saint asked, putting both of her hands on both sides of J’s face.

“Busy.” J told her with a smile, Saint let out a soft purr.

“Where’s sisters?” She asked looking over J’s shoulder and then looking around.

J froze at the question.. ah.

J sat there thinking of an answer before she was brought out of thought by Doll walking back in.

“Saint! You’re supposed to be napping!” Doll said tiredly.

Saint giggled, “not sleepy!” She told Doll as she stuck out her tongue, “want mama!” She demanded but Doll just sighed in defeat.

She sat down next to them again as Saint pushed at J’s cheeks. She was curious as ever. Very happy to see her mother again.

“So where is X-ey and Y-Y why they no come back” Saint asked hopefully she’d get more answers with two mamas in the room.

“Oh Saint uhh” Doll didn’t quite know how to answer this

J just froze up again.

“Why is no mamas telling me?” Saint got fussy

“Because it’s hurts your mothers to think about and we don’t want you to be sad little cub” J said with a sigh

Doll scratched at her mask again as a form of stress relief.

“Did X and Y say mean things to mamas?” Saint said confused

Doll was about to say something as she opened her mouth but J gently put her hand up, stopping her, looking at Doll with a smile.

J turned back to Saint, “X and Y are playing a very long game of hide and seek.” J told Saint, Saint’s interest seeming to spark at that idea.

“We must find them!” Saint said excitedly but J started sweating.

“Not.. right now.” J gave off a tired expression but Doll was quick to but in as she gently took Saint from J, Saint whimpering at this.

Saint was about to protest but her head turned as the sound of the door unlocking was heard, both Doll and J turning their attention to the door as Lizzy was soon to walk in.

And god.. Doll was not wrong about Lizzy not taking it well.

Lizzy had a very exhausted expression as she walked in, her hair was a mess as she sat her bag down, not noticing J on the couch.

Saint perked up, “mama!”

Lizzy blinked, “Doll, why isn’t Saint having her n-“ she said as she stood right back up but instead of making eye contact with Saint or Doll, she made eye contact with J.

Lizzy’s eyes hollowed she didn’t know how to feel happy? Sad? Frustrated? It was all so confusing. She was hoping each day J would show up and now she’s here and she’s completely unprepared.

“…J?” Lizzy said shocked

“Yeah it’s me in the metal” J sighed getting up to walk to Lizzy

Lizzy dashed towards J almost stumbling her over as she nuzzled into her stomach. J could hear soft cries. As she patted her head. Saint looked confused as she looked over at her mothers. Doll opted to take Saint back to her room. Lizzy held on to J tighter as she weeped.

“I know it’s been a while sorry for leaving for so long” J said kneeling down as Lizzy and her met face to face.

“I-I missed you so much I-I can’t even describe how much mix emotions I am going through your a ass for leaving without a word but I know am I not the one to say that I should of kept them safe” Lizzy said through broken sobs

Oh.. J felt the tears coming now as she clung tighter to Lizzy, both of them weeping as they sunk to the floor on their knees.

“I’m.. im so sorry for not being there for them..” J choked out as she sobbed into J’s hair.

Lizzy grabbed both sides of J’s face as she looked her in the eyes, “it’s not your fault J.” J watched as tears fell from Lizzy’s face. “I made a promise to V to keep them safe and I failed as a mother to them..” Lizzy choked out and J’s frown grew bigger

Lizzy sniffed as she pulled away, wiping her tears, “I should’ve kept a better eye on them, I should’ve been the one to bring them home.”

J whimpered, “Liz..”

Lizzy looked J in the eyes once again, then suddenly bringing her into a hug, “I’m just glad you came back..” Lizzy let out a sigh and J just tightly hugged her back as she wrapped her tail around them both.

They stayed like that for a while both letting out weeps as they took in each other’s company. J felt herself grow tired as she rested her eyes for just a second.

But soon enough as she opened them she felt herself on something softer and warm. She was not in the living room but… in bed seems she may of just passed out mid hug. She looked to her left to see Lizzy still in an embrace with her and further to the left to see Doll asleep beside Lizzy. Feeling something else it was Doll’s fluffy solver tail wrapped around her own. Checking her internal clock it read 9:20pm. Seems she slept through the whole day.

Sitting laying there J contemplated staying, it was nicer to not rest alone. Checking her internal messaging system she had gotten more than to many from N… he could wait she thought. Then one from her mother.

SD-G: Hello mon bebe I heard your staying the night with Lizzy, am proud of you for finding some peace

Love G

J chuckled at the message her mother was always quite sweet. It was funny compared to the early ones from before her memories were restored which were short and blunt full of cut throat malice, and grips of her squad stealing their territory.

She sighed, laying there and staring up at the ceiling, silently staring.

It felt like 30 minutes passed by as she laid there, lost in thought, her tired eyes starting to shut again but she was quickly pulled out of it when she heard a knock at the door.

Sitting up, she blinked, looking over at Doll and Lizzy who were still face asleep.

She thought about waking them both up for a bit before another knock came and she sighed.

Getting up, she looked over at Lizzy who started to reach for J in her sleep once J left her embrace, but J quickly leaned down, kissing her cheek before rushing off to the door.

When she reached the door, she stood there for a minute before sighing, adjusting her posture and clearing her throat before opening the door revealing..

J let out a low growl at who was revealed to be at the other side of the door, “Khan.” she said.

Khan blinked in surprise at J’s appearance, but then cleared his throat, “..J.”

The two looked at each other J could tell the older drone was not particularly happy about something, though when is he ever happy. J had lots of things she wanted to tell him one being to get the message to Nori to stay out of her mother’s head literally.

“I didn’t expect you to be over at the Frost-Locket residence today” Khan said

“Well things are always changing, what do I owe the pleasure of your presence my majesty” J said with a hiss

“Well I was hoping my god daughter was here to talk but I do suppose any WDF member could past the message on to the commander” Khan huffed clearly not happy to see J

“Yes uhh Doll is asleep right now” J sighed

“What do you have another mission to hound her on another wild goose chase” J figured it was just some mission that would go no where and cause more stress and sleep loss than needed

Khan glared at J, then sighed, rubbing his forehead with his hand.

J just glared at him, “anything you have to say to doll, you can say to me and I’ll be the one to pass it to her.”

Khan put his hands on his sides, “Now J, you know th-“

“ANYTHING.. that you need to tell doll can be told to me.” J repeated herself.

Khan stayed silent as he made eye contact with J, then sighed, “this conversation is over, J.” He said turning away and starting to walk off.

J was quick to swing her tail around and point the needle at Khan threateningly before he got away, Khan stopping in his tracks as his eyes hollowed.

“I think the man who ruined my daughters funeral owes me a lot of explaining.” J growled and Khan just sighed.

“Fine.” Khan turned back to J, his expression calm, “it was an incident involving Fetcher, Evie, and Thad.”

J blinked, her tail falling right back behind her, “Evie? What happened to Evie?”

“Evie viciously attacked Fetcher and even stung a hole into Thad’s hand, N is currently missing as of right now, and I’m just here to check if things are alright with Fetcher.”

J blinked in confusion, then shook her head, “..No.” She said in disbelief, “I might not like N, but that does not sound like Evie.” J told him.

“Well Thad’s hole in his hand begs otherwise and it’s not like Fetcher has a acid stinger now” Khan said sternly

J couldn’t believe Evie was a timid drone afraid of her own shadow, it was partial why her daughter had such a problem with her never being vicious enough. Though as the dronlings age they would progressively become more incline to their unsavoury programming but this still felt to young she wasn’t even close to the age she N and V were when they landed.

“Has N returned?” J asked

“No not now except he will soon he can’t avoid the colony forever and neither can Evie” Khan sighed

“What you are going to punish the eight year old? I am sure N can handle that just fine-“ J rolled her eyes

“Granddaughter or not she is still a threat and has shown as much you N and your parents are responsible enough to control such urges but Evie will have to learn what is acceptable I will put the colony in danger” Khan said with venom in his voice

J could not believe what he was saying that was his granddaughter his last bit of Uzi, she saw why he was so cold to the girls he couldn’t care less if it wasn’t his code but Evie?. Guess N was right about that egg replacing Uzi.

J sighed as she put her hands on her sides, “she’s just a kid Khan, I even had struggles when I was her age.”

Khan put his finger up, “have you forgotten your past, J.”

J hissed, “that’s out of the question, Khan.” J quietly hissed at him, “me and N have changed, and so did V when she was.. alive.. so why can’t Evie change too? Again, she’s just a kid, she’s gonna have troubles, she half disassembly half solver.” J growled, “remember, she’s YOUR daughters daught-“

“J.”

“No, don’t J me, Khan.” J told him off, “first, you disrespect me, then my own parents, then my daughters, and now your own granddaughter.”

“I’m doing what I can to keep the colony safe, may I remind you a million times, J.” Khan snapped back at her.

“You’re not doing shit, you’re doing this for your own good. Your wife is alive and well, she did not get killed by us, her old body was.” J growled. “You know Evie loves you endlessly, even after the mistreatment you’ve given to her own kind.” J growls grew louder, “she’s half disassembly drone, she did not choose that, none of us choose this life, and you know that.”

J and Khan stared daggers at each other waiting for the other to cave.

“She’ll have to receive a punishment regardless, now may I check in with Fetcher” Khan huffed

“You’re not stepping a foot in this house if you think of your granddaughter that way not if I can help it come back to see if Doll is more sympathetic” J growl

Khan rolled his eyes as he walked off. J wasn’t going to let him spin some narrative to make Fetcher and Saint resent their cousin and late sisters. Closing the door she went into the kids room to check on the kids.

Fetcher and Saint were passed out asleep. J went over to give each a kiss on the head and tuck them in, Saint maybe a full worker but Fetcher did not choose to inherit his mother’s curse. If she could help it he’d never know the resentment of the colony had.

Walking into the bedroom she saw Doll up waiting beside the end of the bed. She seemed bothered, her mask was off showing the gore insides of a solver drone.

“I guess you heard some of that…” J said trying to avoid eye contact

Doll gave a soft nod, “a part of it.” Doll told her and J just sighed.

“Evie’s not a monster, Doll, you know that.” J whimpered and Doll just sighed.

“I’m aware, but i must put my own son’s safety and well being infront of everything else.” Doll told her.

J stared at her in disbelief, “you’re not saying what I think you’re saying right now.”

Doll held up her hand, “no, but I do think Evie needs some type of punishment, just not as severe as the punishments I’ve been told.”

J opened her mouth to protest but sighed, “..I guess.”

Doll nodded, “but..” Doll sighed, “has N returned?”

“From what Khan told me, no.”

Doll frowned, “that.. worries me.”

J raised a brow, “..why?”

“He left when the sun was on the verge of rising so..”

J frowned, “..you don’t think-“

“I’m not gonna assume just yet, but it’s concerning how long he’s been gone.”

J thought for a while N is dedicated to his love ones but not entirely stupid. But that would be insanely tragic end to her be hated squadmate, plus Evie didn’t deserve to go out like that.

“I’ll be happy to go look for him even if the outcome isn’t that pleasant” J sighed

“I’d give it till midnight before checking” Doll sighed

“But I might go wait at the doors just so I am ready if you want to come” Doll offered

“Someone should stay with Liz though” J pointed out

“True… though she’s actually asleep for once no resting eyes actual sleep mode active” Doll said grabbing for her mask

J and Doll stared at Lizzy for a good minute before J sighed.

J turned to Doll, “Aero lives here, right?”

Doll nodded, “I assume he’s sleeping in his room right now, why?”

“..maybe we can get him to stay with Lizzy while we’re gone for a bit.” J offered, “he’s our only option right now.” J shrugged.

Doll look down at she thought, then sighed, “maybe.. but he’s not gonna be happy if we wake him up.”

J shrugged, “it’s worth a shot.”

Doll sighed, “I’ll talk to him.” She said grabbing her mask and tying it as she walked to the bedroom door, before walking out, she looked back at J, “wait at the front door while I do it.” And then she walked out to Aero’s room.

J sighed, “yeesss ma’am.” She told her and then looked back at Lizzy before walking out of the bedroom to the front door, waiting for Doll.

7 minutes passed before Doll walked out of Aero’s room, “alright. He’s not happy about it but he’ll make sure to tell Lizzy about what’s going on if she wakes up.”

J nodded, “good. Now let’s get going.” J said turning before walking out the door with Doll following behind her

Walking down to the doors was a quiet exchange both trying not to make eye contact, after all it was only three hours till they had to go fetch possibly two dead bodies. As they made their way to the first door the two stood there on each side of the wall tails flicking back and forth.

Doll seemed to be avoiding eyes contact more often J swore she saw a blush but maybe she was just making things up.

“Do you have any idea what place they made chosen to seek shelter in?” Doll asked

“Uhhh probably the spire… though the landing pod is always a possibility” J said fiddling with the old keys of the ship

“Is the pod close?” Doll asked

“Yeah but well hidden last time I parked it I had intentions of hiding out there after taking the twins but that never happened obviously” J sighed

Doll frowned and sighed, “I just.. really hope this isn’t what we think it is..” Doll said, resting her head against the wall. “I might be a little disappointed with what Evie did to my son, but she’s still too young for this.”

“Both N and her are young.” J told her, “I might not like N, but I grew up with him, my girls and Evie grew up together, he was there during V’s last moments.” J said staring at the door, “deep down, I care about him, he’s like a brother to me.”

Doll chuckled at that statement, “you sure don’t show that a lot.”

J looked at her with a smile, “hey.. I’ll still knock some sense into him from time to time.”

Doll raised an eyebrow, “sure.. sometimes it seems like he’s the one who’s doing the sense knocking.”

“Hey! He is not the boss of me!” J pouted, “I was his boss at one point, remember!”

Doll sighed, “oh I remember..” Doll looked down, “I remember a lot.” Doll looked down.

Silence grew between the two as J blinked, looking away as she sighed.

Their tails flicked back and forth ever so often getting close enough to bat against each other. Doll cursed her mind this was not the time to be catching feelings two drones life are at risk. Why couldn’t she ever have normal times to confess things, last time she did that it was when Lizzy found her eating someone in the school hallways. Still didn’t understand why Lizzy accepted her feelings.

“You said you missed my company even after everything Doll what did you mean by that?” J asked seeing through Doll’s cold shell

Doll buried her face in her jacket, they have thirty minutes before they head out and now J asked that.

“Well you see it’s kinda complicated but-“ Doll was cut off by a loud bang at the doors

Both drones were back on high alert as they looked at each other nodding. Doll tapped the key to open, it could have been anyone but at least they weren’t alone if it was a threat. As the doors open they saw N panting as he still had his wings out Evie pouched away in the top of his coat looking rather distressed.

“N!?” The two said in unison.

N’s eyes were fully hollowed as he panted, blinking as he looked at the two.

“I-“ he was cut off as Evie rushed out of N’s coat quickly and ran to Doll, N staring in horror as he saw his own daughter run from him.

“Auntie Doll I’m so so sorry!” She weeped out as she ran over to Doll, immediately hugging her tightly as she sobbed into Doll’s skirt.

Doll blinked, her eyes hollowed and then she looked up at N, who was just staring at Evie, who was shaking violently, his face looking fully heartbroken.

“N, what the hell happened?” J spoke up and N stared down at the floor, Doll kneeling down as she hugged Evie back softly, patting her back gently as she quietly reassured her.

“I- just.. I-“ N’s breathing started to pick up, “I had to feed Evie.. I had to feed Evie, I couldn’t let her over heat J.” He told J, continuing to look at the floor, J’s eyes hollowed.

J blinked, “N.” She said grabbing him by the shoulders, forcing him to look at her, “you can’t let Khan kn-“

“Oh, I overheard.” Khan said walking from around the corner, two WDF workers behind him, glaring at N who just stared back at him in horror.

J knew this was bad so so bad, look she didn’t like N but whatever Khan had in mind was not justified as a punishment. She would have done the same for her kids in a heartbeat, he should know that.

“I couldn’t let her overheat she was lethargic! It was quick it will never happen again” N said getting up pleading his case

“So you admit you kill someone!” Khan yelled back

“…Ye-“ N was cut off by J

“Before the prince answers your majesty you are going to punish your own family to the harshest and unfair extent over keeping your heir to the colony alive am I not mistaken” J said glaring

“J it’s-“ N said softly

“Shut it bozo I am saving your ass” J hissed back with a whisper

“Ok ok” N back up

The WDF workers look to khan for a response. He clearly was torn now he was out in the open. J was smart she knew how to pick at words she wouldn’t lay over and take whatever he said.

“Yes I do intent to dish out some punishment to the princess and prince for they have endangered the colony” Khan said this very slowly

“But these acts you speak of take place outside of colony grounds and territory” J clarified

“Technically yes they do but one involves actual colony members and I am the king here” Khan huffed

“You may be the king but your colony still has order and justice that everyone is deserving of” J said still glaring

The two stood there waiting for thr other to back down. The loudest sounds being Evie’s whines and whimpers.

“Fine this will be taken to a court of law for a jury to decide, but that doesn’t guarantee anything you want Ma’am” King grunted before turning around

N and J watched Khan walk off as J sighed, giving N a light punch to the shoulder, “your welcome bozo..”

“I..” N continued to stare and then shook his head, “J.. you didn’t have to.”

“It’s fine.” J told him, then sighed, crossing her arms, “this isn’t the end of this right now.. you heard the old man..”

N sighed, laying his hand on his forehead, “I know..” he frowned.

J sighed looking over to Evie who was still violently shaking and shaking her head as Doll was whispering words of comfort to her.

N looked over too, a big frown on his face as Doll looked up at him, sighing as she stood up, picking Evie up into her arms.

“I think it’s best if Evie stays at my house for now.” She told N and N felt his heart shatter into a million pieces.

“B-but..” He tried to walk over to Evie and Doll but was stopped as J grabbed his arm, N looked back at her pleasingly but J shook her head.

Doll turned around with Evie in her arms, walking off with her.

N and J stood there in silence, N’s whimpering becoming louder and J sighed.

“Come on N, I doubt the old man wants you staying at his apartment right now, so let’s get you to P’s house.” She said dragging him with her and N followed, but couldn’t help but stare at where Doll and Evie walked off.

N was distraught he couldn’t win it was either Evie overheated or this either way was worse. The walk to P’s house was tough, a sense of understanding lingered both having to face the fact people saw them as dangerous to their own kids at one point of another.

N was just out of it he barely could remember what the conversation was when he arrived, things only became clearer when he was about to power down. He dreaded every second of this

“Oh Uzi what have I done” He mumbled before his eyes fluttered for last time that night

Chapter Text

“You’re putting our son-in-law on trial?!” Nori said with shock as Khan nodded

She couldn’t believe this she lets her guard down
for twenty four hours and somehow due to miraculously stupidity her family is torn apart. That was roughly a month ago and it sure does feel likeyesterday, after all nothing is the same she misses the two warm toned drones in the house she knows Dawdy does as well. Everything is so dull without them.

Looking over some papers she is broken out of her trance by a giggle from a dronling. Dawdy has a pen in her mouth. She smiles she takes it out.

“No no, no more problems for mummy my little rook” Nori cooed pulling the pen out of Dawdy’s grasp

Dawdy pointed at the clock with a “ah”. Nori looking at the time as well.

“Yes I do suppose it is time to visit them, how about we check on little Eves first” Nori asked pulling Dawdy into her arms and into a sling

“E!” Dawdy cooed with happiness

Nori let out a soft chuckle, “Yes! We’re seeing E my Little Rock.” Nori cooed at her as she walked out with Dawdy.

The colony was quiet, as expected, it was early in the morning.

Nori knew Evie was more of an early bird, and even if Evie isn’t awake, she could have some time to chat with Gloria and catch up on things.

Nori continued to walk down the halls, avoiding any eye contact with any drones that looked at her, Dawdy on the other hand, waved at every drone as they passed back.

Nori looked down at Dawdy, placing a gentle pat on her head as she sighed.

‘N.. I’m gonna have your tail by the end of this whole deal..’ she thought to herself as she arrived to Gloria’s household, placing a gentle knock on the door.

There was sounds of footsteps approaching as a green eyed drone opened the door. She looked surprised but happy to see Nori.

“My majesty what a pleasant surprise to see you this early” Gloria said as she opened the door fully

“Well I figured early bird gets the worm” Nori smiled as Dawdy turned to coo at Gloria

“Yes Dawdy that’s the drone who delivered you little rook” Nori coo

“Aww the little princess is growing into quite the distinguished little ruler”Gloria smiled as she patted Dawdy on the head

“… how is Evie doing?” Nori asked with a bit more somber tone

“She’s… awake have been for a while she is better than yesterday but there is still a lot to go before she’s back to her usual self” Gloria sighed

“Is she willing to talk or should I come back another time?” Nori said rubbing the back of her head

“Oh I think she would actually really appreciate your company Nori you are probably the best person for her to see right now” Gloria smiled walking aside to let Nori in

“Let me take you to her room.” Gloria nodded to Nori as she turned around, walking towards the guest bedroom

When she and nori walked up to the door, Gloria placed a gentle knock on the door.

“Evie hun, you have a guest.” She softly spoke.

There was a silence before a tired sounding, “come in.” Was said from the other side of the door.

Nori blinked at Evie’s tone, usually she sounded brighter than this.

Gloria slowly opened the door, revealing Evie who was sitting on the edge of her bed, her face looking tired as she stared down at the floor blankly, holding her panda plushie in her lap, but when she looked up and saw Nori, Nori could see Evie’s face light up a little.

“Hi Grandma” Eve said her voice a little strained

“Hello my little rocket” Nori said trying to mask the sadness of seeing Evie like this

She walk in and knelt down beside the bed. Evie’s lights were dull and she was still in her pjs. Dawdy chirped at the sight of Evie.

“Oh hi Dawdy” Evie said waving softly at Dawdy

“How are you doing sweetie, being doing any drawing?” Nori asked trying to keep Evie’s spirits up

“Uhhh no I haven’t really just been watching some shows and stuff haven’t gotten much inspiration” Evie said her voice mumbled

“Evie why don’t you tell your Grandma about the cross stitch we did on the weekend I am sure she’ll love to see that” Gloria said leaning against the door

“Oh!… yeah well Nana taught me how to cross-stitch I pricked myself a few times on accident” Evie tired for sound happy but her voice fell flat

Nori smiled a little at that, “that’s sounds lovely dear..”

Nori looked up at Gloria, giving her a look that told Gloria to give them a minute to talk and Gloria nodded, walking out as she shut the door.

Nori sighed as she stood up, sitting on the bed next to Evie as she placed her hands in her lap.

“Everything okay Eves?” Nori asked, her tone softer.

Evie didn’t respond for a minute, she continued to stare down, “I.. I don’t know grandma..”

Nori frowned, “i understand..” she nodded, looking ahead of her at the wall, “just know I’m here if you ever need me to talk Eves..”

“I know..” Evie said, hugging her panda plushie tighter as she laid her head on it, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me grandma..”

Nori looked at Evie, “there’s absolutely nothing wrong with you, Eves.” She said, gently placing a hand on Evie’s shoulder, “you’re going through a rough patch right now and just need time to heal..” She gently patted Evie’s shoulder.

Evie whimpered, “I can’t help but think about how scary daddy was..” she began to tear up, “he told me not to look but I couldn’t help it..” her voice began to choke, “I can’t look at him the same anymore, that wasn’t my daddy that I know..”

A big frown grew on Nori’s face and Dawdy started to whimper as Evie started crying,

“Oh Eves..” Nori softly said, bringing Evie closer.

Evie pushed into a hug making sure not to be to rough with Dawdy in the middle. She wept softly she didn’t want to ever find out about this side of her father, she wished she just overheated than have that poor drone have it’s life taken.

“How many drones have died for me to make it to eight Grandma” Evie asked

“Oh eves um non you see the oil we give you if from the hospital you know from drones who go into to donate it no one gets hurt” Nori said reassuring Evie.

“Why is the colony so ok with any of us existing we eat them aren’t they scared” Evie sobbed

“Well we don’t eat anyone fully, Evie you didn’t choose to be born the way you are neither did your father, aunties, grandpa, or cousins.. even I didn’t choose this humans did things to change that, it isn’t your fault for your body needing oil to live its out of any of our control” Nori tried to clear things up but she remember her past self how horrified she was when the solver finally kicked on down at the labs

“I wish I was born normal like hatchet and dad” Evie lamented

Nori frowned, “Evie.. don’t say that.” She told Evie, “you are normal.”

Evie shook her head, “it’s not fair grandma.” Evie looked down at her hands, “both parts of me are evil, so what’s normal me?”

Nori sighed, “your father wanted you to live a better life, a life that wasn’t like his when he was your age.” Nori told her, “your father wanted a better future for you, a more wholesome future.”

Evie brought her knees up as she hugged them, “he almost killed mom..”

“But he didn’t and now you’re here Eves.” Nori frowned.

More tears fell down Evie’s visor as she sniffed, wiping some of the tears, “I don’t want people to be scared of me anymore, grandma.” She whimpered, “I want grandpa and other to look at me like I’m normal..”

Those words broke Nori’s heart the fact she didn’t feel she was loved by her own kin. Nori definitely thought Khan would come around eventually after all the dissemblers didn’t have that different of a story to her and Yeva but this had to change now for Evie.

“Evie I promise Grandma will talk to Grandpa you won’t be any different to anyone else just as precious as any dronling in this colony” Nori placed a kiss on Evie’s head

Truth be told she was the most precious dronling to Nori one of a kind the perfect parting gift her daughter could ever leave. Dawdy cooed reaching out for Evie seeming to understand her niece was in distress.

“Grandma will make this right you’ll be back to normal life in no time” Nori promised

“How do you know?” Evie asked

“Well this old drone has her ways I have gotten myself out of bigger trouble this will be a piece of cake, ain’t that right Dawdy?” Nori looked down to the dronling who let out a chirp in response

“Pfft ok and how is Dawdy going to help she’s so small?” Evie asked

“Oh with magic aunt powers that help cheer up very sad nieces” Nori smiled giving Evie a tickle as she laughed

Dawdy giggled as she stuck out her tongue at Evie and Evie let out a small giggle.

“Hey! Don’t stick your tongue out at me!” She exclaimed as she booped Dawdy who just giggled, covering her nose.

Nori smiled down at the two, sighing, then she turned to Evie.

“Have you spoke with your father at all sweetie?”

Evie looked up at Nori, frowning as she shook her head.

“It’s.. hard to look at him the same anymore, Nana says he’s stuck at grandpa’s house for the time being.” She said, Dawdy reaching out for her and she gently took Dawdy from Nori carefully as Dawdy happily clung to Evie.

Nori frowned, sighing, “I understand dear.. just know your father is really worried about you right now..”

“I’ve been worried about him too..” she said, wiggling her finger infront of Dawdy who was trying grabbing at it. “It’s been hard sleeping by myself without him.. I’ve been having a lot of nightmares and it’s scary without daddy there..”

“Have you told nana about the nightmares deary?”

Evie shook her head, “I don’t want her to worry..” she sighed, “plus, it doesn’t feel the same without daddy.. but I’m too scared to face daddy right now..” she whimpered.

Nori sighed the both of them are going to need a lot of therapy for this to be somewhat ok again. But Gloria needed to know to comfort Evie she couldn’t cage herself away like that anymore.

“I understand can you make a promise to Grandma?” Nori asked

“Promise for what?” Evie said head tilting

“That you will seek out your Nana’s help for those night terrors, I know it’s not your father but you don’t need to make yourself feel so scared all the time whatever you need I am sure your Nana can help you with” Nori added

“… ok grandma I’ll come to Nana for help but can you also do something for me” Evie looked up at Nori

“Sure what is it” Nori asked as Evie went to the desk to pick up the cross-stitch frame

“Can you give this to Papa I choose the doggie because I know he likes dogs” Evie said handing it to Nori

“I am sure he’ll love that very much Evie” Nori smiled as she looked down at the stitch showing a big dog and a puppy playing in grass

Nori smiled down at the piece, “oh Evie, this is lovely.”

Evie’s tail wagged, “i kept pricking myself while making it.. I just hope daddy likes it..”

Nori looked over at Evie, “I’m sure he will dear..” she gave her a warm smile and then sighed, placing the switch in her bag as she took Dawdy from Evie.

“Well dear, I just stopped by to see how you were doing.. I must be going now..” she said, placing Dawdy back in her sling, she stood up from the bed, bending down as she gave Evie a gentle kiss on the head.

“Ok Grandma love you!” Evie said with a much more cheery tone

“I love you to my dear” Nori said walking out to the living room

“She’s a delightful little drone” Nori chirped to Gloria

“Very delightful indeed takes after her parents” Gloria smiled

“…was Uzi ever like Evie…. Like the better parts when she wasn’t so haunted” Nori asked knowing Gloria knew her own daughter better than she did

“Well she had impeccable manners despite her reputation I never had issue with Uzi coming over to study, she was a good influence in to Thad taught him how to stand up for himself not let others run your life… of course her own very Uzi way” Gloria reminisced about the times the young purple drone would come over

“I wish I could have seen that myself… thank you for watching over my family” Nori sighed looking at a photo of younger Thad and Uzi playing in some mud

“Well I know you’d do the same for my boy after your that kind of friend” Gloria patted Nori on the shoulder

Nori smiled at her, “exactly..” she sighed, “well I better be off to N’s..” Nori said, looking down at Dawdy who was reaching for her face.

Gloria tilted, “did Evie give you the stitching she made for him?”

Nori nodded as he turned towards the door, “she did! She told me to give it to him.”

“Well, that’s a step.” Gloria said, letting out a sigh of relief.

“I’ll see ya later Gloria!” Nori yelled out as she quickly rushed out.

It was getting close to noon now, meaning more drones and more questions would be present.

P’s house was across the colony so she knew she would have to be quick, she did not feel like having any small talk, no matter the person.

The entire trip to P’s house wasn’t that bad, a few drones attempting to stop her to ask questions about N but she quickly would brush them off to say she’s busy.

She sighed as she arrived to P’s house, walking up to the door, she placed a gentle knock.

Nori waited a while before a smaller dissembler drone open the door. P with his eternally hollow eyes gave a smile at seeing Nori at the door.

“Well good to see you today my majesty… and my highness” P chimed as he also gave a purr to Dawdy

“Well it’s good to see you as well P” Nori smiled as P let Nori in making sure no prying drones were camping out.

“So how’s things with your so doing?… is he up?” Nori asked

“Uhh yes N is up and well…” P lowered his voice for the next bit “he’s still pretty unresponsive dull lights and all”

“I see I feel I might have something to lift the prince’s spirits” Nori pulled up the cross stitch

“It’s from Eves” Nori cooed point at it

“Aww that’s sweet she’s learning so much everyday” P fawned over the gift

“I know right?” She looked down at the cross stitch, “Gloria taught her well.” Nori said with a soft smile.

P nodded then sighed, “Is Eves doing okay?” P asked, giving off a worried expression.

Nori paused for a bit at the question and then sighed.

“She’s managing.” Nori told him, “she’s a strong drone, and I know she loves her daddy more than any other drone, she’ll come around at some point.” Nori told him and P nodded.

Nori looked down at Dawdy who was staring at P in amazement, sighing, she picked Dawdy up out of her sling and handed her to P.

“Just.. hold her for a bit while I go talk to N.” Nori told him and P nodded as Dawdy was already touching his face.

“N’s in his room.” P told her and she nodded as she walked off into N’s room.

Opening the door, she looked around, the room was dark, the only light was the glow of yellow from under the bed sheets.

Nori sighed as she walked over, “N, get up.” She gently shook him but N just groaned in response, putting her hands on her sides, she glared down at him, “N.”

Her stern voice was less full of sweet but more harsher tone like the day he met her. N made the poor choice of tossing over and ignoring Nori. She sighed and solvered the blanket off of him getting a hiss in response.

“Dont hiss at me young man” Nori growled

“I am not your mother and even if I was Uzi wouldn’t get away with this shit” Nori said yanking the much larger drone off the bed with no effort

N clunked to the floor with a loud groan and a rather unhappy face looking up at Nori. Both weren’t have each other’s shit.

“Aren’t you tired of working on a lost cause” N sighed

“Yeah well I ain’t and this is not entirely about the case, I got you something from someone very important” Nori waved the frame around

“You don’t have to hype it up Nori I am not going to fetch it” N grumbled

“Yeah I don’t think Evie would appreciate this being used as a toy as well” Nori sighed dropping it into N’s hands

Nori saw as the lights brightened a lot at the mention of Evie, tail almost making her lose her footing from how fast it began to shake.

N stared down at the cross stitching, blinking as he took a minute to process what he was staring at.

“..Evie made this..?”

“She did. She’s worried about you N.” Nori sighed, sitting infront of him.

N looked up at Nori, “is she.. finally gonna come see m-“

“Hold your tail buddy.” Nori said, lifting her hand, “she still needs time away, she’s still terrified after what happened.”

N whimpered, “I-I told her to look away! I couldn’t have let her die Nori!”

“I understand N, but I don’t think Evie understands that.” Nori sighed.

“You need to get yourself together or you’ll never see her again, N.” Nori lectured him and he just whimpered, “your daughter needs you, N, you know she loves you more than any other drone, Uzi would’ve wanted you to fight tooth and nail for your daughter so you need to show your daughter that you’re a fighter, not a quitter.” Nori said, pointing her finger in his face, “You need to get yourself together before this court or you’re outta here, got it?”

N stayed silent as he looked away but Nori quickly grabbed his face, making him look back at her.

“I said, got it?” Nori sternly told him as N’s eyes hollowed and he quickly nodded.

“Y-yes ma’am.” He said and Nori sighed, letting go of his face.

“Good. Glad we’re on the same page now.”

N got up giving himself a shake off of sleep. He wasn’t entirely ready for the day but he refuse to let Evie down.

“Alright have you found anything in the laws to help?” N asked

“Funny enough I have” Nori said pulling out some papers

“Within law four which is the one they are accusing you of breaking there is clause that specifies if the murder was for self defence,desperation or needing of resources, I’d say the needing to feed Evie could work with the last one” Nori was quite proud of her work

“As well Evie is to young to face legal consequences for her actions so Khan can’t keep her in the loop” Nori pulled up another paper

N raised a brow, “how do u think we’re gonna convince the old man that it was in need of those things?” He asked.

Nori sighed, “I hate to say it, but we have to get Evie to admit herself. We’re gonna have to get her to admit it was out of survival.”

N blinked, “nori, you know she doesn’t have the heart to say that.”

Nori nodded, “I know, but she’s gonna have to be brave, N. I know it was scary for her but..” she sighed, “this is the only way we can get you out of this mess.”

N whimpered as he looked down, sighing, “Evie’s not gonna forgive me for this..”

“Hey.. I know Evie and I know she would never hold a grudge against you N.”

“I don’t know after everything she might change, I really hate that I am the one who forced her to go through that change” N lamented

“Hey she’s going to be ok it’s only a small confession and I am sure I can find a way to keep her out of the court room for less trauma” Nori said putting a hand on N’s shoulder

There was a knock on the door which got both drones to turn their head.

“Sorry to interrupt but the WDF is here and little miss princess wants her mother” P said as Dawdy peaked her head around the corner with a bah

“I see, I’ll ask them if they can wait till we talk to Evie N but we can stall any longer” Nori turned to N then walking out and getting handed Dawdy back

N was about to walk out before being stopped by P

“Son what do you think your doing walking out like that” P huffed

“What I am acceptable clothes?” N complained

“Acceptable in the house not court case get dressed” P closed the door as N huffed

Nori walked to the door, coming face to face with three WDF workers as they all stared at her.

“Mrs. Doorman.” The middle one said, nodding.

Nori nodded back, “I need a minute to speak with my granddaughter before any court is taken place.” She told the three and the three just blinked.

“Mrs doorman I don’t think you understand b-“

“But! I wish to speak with my granddaughter, the princess, remember?” She said looking at the three, Dawdy just giggling. “Or do I need to snitch to my husband?”

The three worker drones all looked at eachother before the middle one sighed, “fine. But be quick.” He told her.

“I’ll go at my own pace, thank you.” She snapped at him, “l better not hear you laid a finger on my son in law once I return!” She said, walking back the three as they just watched her walk off.

She wasn’t have any of this shit she did not spend fifty or more years suffering in the labs for the colony to be acting like it knows what conflict is. Seems Dawdy understood her mother’s attitude as she had a furious look on her face as well. The walk to Gloria’s was very eventful with many drones trying to stop her to get an interview of some kind which she simply had no time for.

Knocking on the door Gloria opened it to be surprised to see Nori back.

“Seems you forgot something?” Gloria asked

“Well maybe probably should of asked Evie this before I left” Nori said a little embarrassed

“Your running a entire colony and defending your son-in-law give yourself a break come on in” Gloria patted Nori on the back

Walking Evie was sitting at the table doing some homework. When she saw her grandma her face lit up. She was over joyed to see her return.

“Grandma did Daddy like the cross stitch?!” Evie asked jumping off the chair to greet her

“He absolutely did pumpkin I saw how much he lit up knowing his little girl is so crafty and clever” Nori knelt down to Evie’s height

She purred at the news, her tail wagging quickly as she giggled.

Nori stared at her for a minute before sighing, kneeling down infront of Evie, “Evie dear.. can I ask you something?”

Evie blinked in confusion, the shift in Nori’s tone confusing her, “yes grandma?”

Nori sighed, “Look Evie, I need you to be a big girl and help defend your daddy in court.. that means your gonna have to talk about what your daddy did and why he did it for you..”

Evie’s eyes hollowed, “B-but-“

“You can step out whenever you like dear but your daddy really needs you to do this for him..”

Evie looked down, and then looked over to Gloria who just gave Evie a small nod.

“I-..” Evie whimpered, “But grandma-“

“Evie..” Nori softly said to her, “I need you to be a big girl sweetie or you may never see your daddy ever again..”

Evie’s hollowed eyes grew wider at that saying, looking down at her homework as she started fidgeting with her pen.

“..I don’t wanna loose daddy..” Evie began to tear up.

“I know and if Grandma is clever you won’t have to but I can’t piece together the puzzle without your help sweetheart” Nori said patting Evie on the back

“It’s ok Evie the people in court room are very nice and understand being there is very scary” Gloria came over giving Evie some batteries

“Can you be there to Nana, I don’t want to be alone” Evie said her lip trembling

“Of course Evie anything you need to be brave we can do” Gloria ruffled Evie’s hair

“Ok…. I’ll go but I am very scared even though I have to be brave” Evie mumbled

Nori felt terrible having to bring Evie into this but she knew if she didn’t there would a worse outcome.

Nori gave Evie a soft smile before patting her on the head and then standing up, turning to Gloria.

“Can you take Evie to the courtroom, I’m gonna go fetch N.” She told Gloria and Gloria nodded.

Gloria turned to Evie, “you ready to go Eves..?”

Evie nodded as she slowly stood up, wiping her tears as she walked over to Gloria, Gloria picking her up.

Nori nodded to them as she quickly walked out, walking back to P’s house.

At P’s house, the three WDF workers were waiting outside the house, N and P standing at the door and looking over at Nori who walked up with Dawdy.

Nori sighed, “my apologies for taking so long.” Nori nodded to P and N, then she glared over at the WDF workers, the one on the right having handcuffs in one hand and a muzzle in the other, handing it to the middle worker drone.

Nori stared in disbelief as the worker drone walked over to N, “is the muzzle necessary?” Nori said in disgust.

“Bosses orders.” The worker drone replied, slapping the cuffs onto N’s wrists and then placing the muzzle on N’s face as N growled, but didn’t fight, just gave an exhausted sigh as Nori stared in disbelief. P just growling at the 3 WDF workers as two of them stood on each side of N, having ahold of his arms.

N was escorted down to the court room many drones were out waiting trying to get interviews or photos of the situation. Nori hating the flash that occurred each time a camera went off. As they reached the court there was less and less people allowed in the room. The jury was packed with drones from outpost 3 and the affected outpost, outpost 8.

Khan was there glaring daggers at N as he sat down in the designated seat. Many murmurs were heard as everyone got seated.

“May we please have some order” The judge said slamming her javel on the bench

“We are gathered here today for the witnessing of the cross colony case involving a civilian and the royal family of outpost 3”

“Let’s us provide the details of Mister Cunningham’s murder for the jury” The judge presented a screen displaying the autopsy of the dead worker, its neck torn and body gutted.

N felt the glares of all of the drones in the court room as she let out a whimper, looking around for Evie, he spotted her, but she wasn’t looking up, she was hiding her face in Gloria’s dress as she shook, Gloria gently petting her back.

N whimpered as he stared at Evie, flinching when he felt Nori’s hand on his shoulder, looking back at her, they both made eye contact as Nori gave him a reassuring look.

Nori then cleared her throat as she stood up, “My client here, Mr Serial Designation N, did not murder Mr Cunningham for his own good, he did it completely out of survival for him and his daughter, Ms. Serial Designation Evie Doorman.” She started as she stood up, “As we know-“ Nori elbowed N on the side of his head as his visor displayed ‘OIL LEVEL: 78% TEMPERATURE: NORMAL’ and then his visor displayed blinking eyes as he shot a glare at Nori, “Disassembly Drones must eat oil to avoid overheating.”

“My client was outside of the colony for over 24 hours with his daughter, any disassembly drone could never last that long without oil.”

There were murmurs in the room as people began to write things down the court room reciter tapping furiously down.

“My honour can I rebuttal Miss Doorman’s case” the other lawyer stood up

“Granted” the judge said

Nori stood there with a glare at the other drone.

“How is a dissembler even covered under protection of the law as this is made for the cases of Workers, bringing up the alliance agreement of 3062 among outposts if a Murder drone is detained punishments level E-K are required to be sent out” The lawyer smugly pointed out

“So with that logic despite outpost-3’s hospitality to their murder friends to go back on this agreement would be risking peace between every allying colony”

“Miss Doorman what do you have to say for that?” The judge asked

Nori fiddled with some papers as she pulled something out.

“I do have something to say, this rule is brought out under the assumption that my client is not a citizen of the colony but in fact a outsider which is simply not true as he has been granted citizenship for more than half a decade at this point, he has the rights as any other drone” Nori said pulling out a paper

“Why would Outpost 3 ever need a clause that excuses consumption of fellow drones? Surely back in the 3040s there was sign of murder drones” The lawyer pointed out

“Well because….” Nori knew dam well why there was that clause it was because of her and Yeva.

Nori stood there, looking down as she began to think, N looking over at her desperately, the lawyer smirking as he stared at her.

Then, an idea came to Nori’s head, looking over at N who just raised a brow at her, she nodded.

Then she looked to the judge, “My client here, used to be a worker drone, ma’am.” She pointed out, causing the entire crowd to gasp, hearing the sounds of many writings now.

The lawyer blinked, “Mrs Doorman that is not possible!” He argued back, “These murder friends of yours were created by our parent company JCJenson to m-“

“Order!! Order!!” The judge spoke over the lawyer, “let Mrs Doorman speak.”

Nori nodded her thanks to the judge, “as I was saying, my client was once a worker drone.” She pulled out a photo, “he was killed as a worker drone and rebuilt as a Disassembly Drone by the Absolute Solver virus.”

The judge raised a brow as the crowd broke out into whispers.

“I call objection your honor! We all know our parent company, JCJenson was the real creator of this vicious beast-“

“He’s not a vicious beast!” Nori argued back.

“He killed a man Mrs Doo-“

“Order!!” The judge shouted again, “Do not argue in my court room you two.”

The two quickly shut their mouths as Nori groaned sitting down in her chair as she pouted.

“Miss Judge?” The voice of Evie was heard as she nervously stepped up, the entire court room turning their heads towards Evie, N and Nori included.

N made a muffled ‘Evie!’ As he whimpered, Evie giving him a small look before looking back at the judge, “C-can I say something?”

The lawyer’s mouth was wide, “are we really gonna let this child testify? The offspring of this murderer?”

“This child is the heir to outpost-3 Mr Adder” Nori said not taking this drone’s shit

“Silence let the child speak” The judge said

“Papa didn’t mean to hurt the drone I said I felt like I was going to pass out and everything was so blurry” Evie said very nervously shaking

“And he said he’d help but I had to turn around because it was not for little drones, I didn’t know the drone needed to die for me to make it back” Evie said but she was so scared

N desperately wanted to go over and comfort his daughter seeing her like that was horrible.

“So the child requested for Mr Doorman to kill Mr Cunningham” Mr Adder added

“Absolutely not! Sir would you allow your own young to risk facing serious medical issues potentially fatal damage or would you do what you need to ensure their survival” Nori hissed back

“Murderers make more murderers, Mrs Doorman. You should know from your past experience with the Disassembly Drones.”

Evie stood there shaking as she watched the arguing between the two back and forth.

“They’ve changed, N did it for his own daughter’s survival, it wasn’t a choice.”

“Survival or not, it’s still murder. Hell, she might even grow up to be like him and repeat what he did.”

Both Nori and N hissed, “don’t you dare talk about my granddaughter that way.” She growled, “I’ve seen and witnessed with my own eyes how the disassembly drones have changed for the good of them.”

“Do you have any proof that these beasts won’t turn on you the minute you turn your back?” The lawyer asked, placing his hands on his sides.

“Well I-“ Nori lifted her finger before coming to a realization and slowly letting her finger fall back down, “no but we’ve housed 8 disassembly drones, 3 of them being children, over the past almost decade an-“

“Exactly!”

“They are sent down by our parent company to erratic us, who’s to say they aren’t just spying down here to send more information to the humans! Ones that caused us so much suffering” Mr Adder said walking around the room

“And if I am not mistaken how did you loose your last heir was it not tow disassembly drones hands” He turned back

Nori knew dam well not to fight a drone in the middle of a court room but this didn’t stop her from seething with rage, how dare he bring up her daughter’s death as a gotcha moment. He doesn’t know how much these “vicious” drones risked to keep the planet in one piece.

“Don’t you dare bring up my late daughter’s death as a form of slander! You were not there she did not die for you to be harping on about old news” Nori growl as her tail hissed back causing lots of gasps at the sight of a tail

The lawyer just stood there smirking at her as the Judge let out a loud side, rubbing her forehead with her fingers.

N looked over at Evie, who was still somehow standing there as she was shaking with fear, looking back at N as her frown grew and more tears formed in her eyes.

N whimpered, his visor starting to display, ‘you did fine, don’t worry..’

“But he brought up mama..” Evie whispered loud enough for N to hear and N gave her a slow nod, letting her know he heard.

The words ‘it’s okay..’ displayed on his visor as Evie wiped her tears, nodding at the words.

The lawyer looked over at Evie, “why is this child still here, she has no say in this.” Looking over at N, a small smirk appeared on his face as he walked from behind his desk towards Evie.

N began to growl loudly and soon he attempted to lunge at the lawyer, only to be held back by the chain they had tied him down with.

The lawyer just stared at him with a blank face, blinking unphased as he made eye contact with N, “I prove my point.” He said as N sunk back into his seat, the lawyer turning back to Evie.

“N what the hell!!” Nori whisper yelled at him and N tried to argue back but his argues were muffled by the muzzle.

“Miss Evie, can you please describe to me what you saw the night of the murder.” The lawyer said, bending down to her height, making eye to eye contact with her.

Evie stood back in fear terrified of the drone. She didn’t know what to say she was scared of what her father did she felt like the words would never come out of her mouth. Till she heard a more robotic voice echo in the back of her mind.

“[Helping] I find the words for you” the voice said

Evie gulped as she felt strangely at ease with this presences almost as if someone was holding her hand in her mind.

“I saw my father..” the robotic voice talked in her mind

“I saw my father approach a drone with a limp, he swiftly disconnected the drone from life” Evie said shakely but with much more confidence

“He didn’t let the drone suffer and buried him respectfully after retrieving the oil sack” Evie said with deep breaths

“Nothing but oil was taken” Evie finished

She clung to her panda plush as she spoke, not giving into the intense stares of Mr adder, which clearly isn’t what he wanted. Seems like Evie didn’t even notice he was there almost looking right through.

“And are you sure about that?” Adder questioned

Evie panicked un sure before feeling a firm grip on her shoulder hearing the robotic voice once again.

“You didn’t lie you told the truth”

“Definitely” Evie said with a huff feeling a wave of confidence rush through her feeling as she wasn’t alone

Mr. Adder stood there for a good minute before sighing, “Well then.” He said, walking away from Evie back to behind the desk, the end of Evie’s tail wagging a little.

‘Did I do good?’ Evie thought to herself.

“[giggle] you did wonderful” the robotic voice responded.

Evie then blinked, looking over at N who was staring in amazement, Nori as well.

“D-did I do good..?” she whispered nervously, both N and Nori were quick to nod.

Evie’s face lit up a little before she looked around, and then at N as she tried to rush over to him.

But before she could reach him, she was quickly grabbed by a WDF worker who pulled her back as she looked around in confusion, her eyes hollowing but she did not fight, just stared at N in sadness as the WDF worker dragged her back to be with Gloria.

N growled at how rough they were treating her when dragging her so carelessly, but Nori placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t pull it again N.” Nori told him and N rolled his eyes as he slunked down in his chair.

He technically could easily break through these chains if he wished to but he figured that wouldn’t end well. There was so much pain he had in his eyes as he saw Evie looked confused.

“From the princess’s confession Mr Adder this proves that Serial designation N committed the crime out of necessity to feed his daughter” the judge said

“Yes but he is still a murder drone” Mr adder added

“He wasn’t always your honour” Nori said standing up

“Miss Doorman can you prove to the court that your client was once a worker” the judge asked

“I can actually but I require a recess to do a memory scan” Nori said

“Hmm granted” The judge said slamming the javel down “court is in recess for now we will reconvene after the memory tests are provided”

The court room got way louder as others talked. Nori went back to N and sighed

“I know those memories are incredibly sensitive but” Nori said sitting down

“No your right this will help” N’s screen display the text

Nori looked over as Mr adder was looking intently at her tail, she swooshed it back recalling the tail and fluttering her fan in front of her face. The gaze was broken by the sound of familiar foot steps coming over.

“You ok honey” Khan asked in a softer tone

“I am fine!” Nori huffed but clearly not fine

Khan looked at her unsure, “You sure-“

“I’m sure now shoo!” She shooed him away with her fan and Khan sighed.

“Nori.” He said getting closer to her and she sighed.

“Yes dear?” She blinked at him and Khan sighed.

“I’m.. sorry..” he mumbled under his breath.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t hear that, say it a little louder.” She said, hiding a smile behind her fan.

“I’m, sorry.” He repeated himself a little louder.

“Sorry my hearing must be getting bad, repeat that a bit louder?” She told him and Khan sighed.

N boredly watched the two as he sighed, jumping when he felt a tap on his shoulder, turning his head, he looked up to see Gloria standing there with Evie, Evie standing behind Gloria nervously.

“Someone wanted to.. properly-“She glared at the WDF workers that were talking, “say hello this time..”

N blinked, looking down at Evie who looked back at him, coming out from behind Gloria, she rushed over to N as she hugged him tightly.

N’s eyes hollowed as tears slowly started to form, laying his head on top of Evie’s while she was hugging him as he let out a soft purr, both of them nuzzling each other like cats.

“I am sorry daddy” Evie said

“You don’t have to be Eves you did your best” N said trying to talk through the muzzle

“Why was that drone so mean?” Evie asked

N was silent not really able to properly describe things.

“It’s what lawyers do baby they are paid to make a very good argument for someone” Gloria said

“Even if they’re wrong?”Evie looked up

“Even if they are wrong pumpkin” N nodded

“Oh… will you be able to spend time with me now?” Evie looked her dad

“Soon sweetheart your grandma needs to talk just a little bit longer” N said but his voice was still muffled

“You were so brave on the stand Evie even when people were being scary” N typed up as he felt his voice was to muffled

“I wasn’t alone so I wasn’t scared” Evie smiled tail wagging

N figured she meant the panda plush was with her which was sweet, but Evie knew what she meant. The presence of aunt was still near but not as strong.

N sighed as he nuzzled Evie’s head again, “good..” he spoke, muffled by the muzzle, “we’ll be okay Eves..”

Evie stared at him, “is mommy watching?” She tilted her head and N blinked at that.

“I’m sure she is dear..” He told her.

“Hate to interrupt you two.” Nori spoke, Dawdy chewing on her sling, “but we gotta act fast N.” She said, turning to him and N looked at her, blinking.

Evie tilted her head, “what are you gonna do grandma?”

“Just some tests to prove to the people here your father was a worker drone” Nori said with a smile

“I’ll be fine your grandma is very good at her job” N typed up on his visor

Getting up he had to turn away from Evie which pained him he wanted to spend more time with his daughter. Evie watched as her father and grandparents left the room waving goodbye. Gloria taking her into her arms and out of the room as well.

“Hopefully we won’t have to spill anymore information of the solver if I get this right” Nori said as they walked through the hallways to a computer room

“Knowing my luck the whole court room will witness my head getting chopped off at eleven” N said with a groan

“Oh you’ll be fine, i know what I’m doing.” Nori said, giving him a light punch on the shoulder.

N rolled his eyes as they walked into the computer room, both of them sitting down at the chairs.

“Alright you know the drills murder boy.” Nori said, grabbing the cables as she looked them over, Dawdy trying to grab at them.

“I don’t think that name is the right name to use right n-“

“Hush.” She said as she began hooking him up, “hm..”

“R u sure you remember which cables go where Nori?” N asked unsure and Nori just glared at him.

“I know.. what I’m doing.. sorta..”

“Uzi told me the basics and I listen to Aero… oh don’t fret your gonna be fine” Nori said unsure

“Great” N said sarcastically as he felt himself fall under the effects slouching over

Dawdy cooed pointed at N in worry

“Oh everything will be fine” Nori kissed Dawdy on the head she plugged herself in

N fluttered his eyes open once again, as expected he was in a less dissembler like build. But oh so small again. Getting up he was back in this dreaded library but with a bit more closure than before. Looking over at V as her face flashed the “606” he sighed. He knew how this played out this time. But they were here for evidence not earth shattering secrets revealed so when the basement shook N did not approach.

“So Nori what is the user name I can summon you with?” N said aloud

There silence seems Nori was struggling with something. That was perfectly fine it’s not like Cyn could just walk into the library she was stuck at the bar. Picking up a book he flipped through it. Till feeling a bit of weight on his shoulder, looking over he saw the shy glasses wearing drone pawing at him.

“Hey V” N sighed she grunted in a monstrous like tone seems that’s all she could do right now

She sat on her knees as she looked over his shoulder, down at the book.

N stayed silent as he flipped through the pages, it was the same book about dogs, looking through the pages he sighed, staring at the different images of the dogs.

He felt V gently nudge his shoulder with her head as she let out a whimper, N staring back at her.

“You want me to read it?” He asked her softly and she just stared back at him, N let out a sigh.

“Okay okay give me a minute..” he said flipping through, getting to the golden retrievers.

“Golden retrievers have a soft and warm temperament with golden coats, they also have gentle mouths…. That’s why they’re good with…” N could bring himself to finish the last bit

V grunted a little and nudge him confused.

“Sorry I just don’t think I can read that one let’s just switch to another page” N sighed

“Pitballs are strong loyal dogs with a vicious bite capable of never letting go… if left without proper socialisation they can become aggressive reactive dogs, but most don’t mean to but sadly given a bad wrap” N read aloud the next page he remembered pointing the last bit out to his father telling him he often gets a bad wrap

Looking over at V she had her hand placed on the puppies in the picture two of them as she whined. N felt horrible even if this was a memory his subconscious mind knew she’d be disappointed in his lack of action to protect the twins.

“I-I am sorry V their gone” he sighed

Her whimpers grew louder as she started to paw at the puppies, N letting out a shaky sigh.

Placing his book down, V looked at him in confusion, closing the book he looked to V.

Making eye contact with V, he frowned.

“Where are you V?”

V was silent at the question, tilting her head, N let out a sigh, looking down at his lap.

“Things have been rough since you left, Lizzy needs you, J needs you, I need you V.” He told her, his eyes starting to tear up as he looked down.

V let out a whimper, sensing his sadness as she nudged the side of his head with her head.

N sniffed as he brought up his hand, wiping his tears, “oh who am I kidding..” he sighed, “you’re just apart of my mind.. you’re not the real V.”

V looked disheartened at that laying her head against his chest seems she wanted to talk but was unable to. N knew this wasn’t real but it was comforting just to have the mere image of her back, even he wish he could hear her voice again.

The bittersweet moment was broken by a loud caw. And scampering of drone legs. N turning to see Cyn with something black and purple in her mouth.

“Cyn your meant to be in the bar” N said unimpressed

“[Drop]” Cyn said muffled as she dropped the bird

“[pointing out] you have spies in your mind” Cyn pointed at the bird on the floor as it shook

“Ok first of all-“ Nori pointed a wing at Cyn, “-you no good vile beast!!” Nori said flying up in Cyn’s face as she started attacking her.

“Nori!” N quickly said standing up as he rushed over.

“[ow] [ow] [ow]” cyn repeated as she covered her face from the attack and N quickly grabbed Nori.

“Let me at her!!” Nori cawed as N sighed, holding her back as she squawked.

“Nori.”

Nori looked back at him, “why aren’t you attacking her?!” She turned back to Cyn, “and FIRST of all, I have a right to be here, missy.”

“Well that’s my sister and this is MY mind so if she’s here that’s fine” N sighed sternly looking at Nori

“Your sister?! Since how are you siblings with THE SOLVER” Nori cawed

“[point] I am my own drone” Cyn huffed pointing at the raven

“Yeah your own drone right totally I know what you have done to my life my family!” Nori hissed

“[eye roll]”

“Would you two stop bickering” N sighed

Nori pointed, looking up at N, “she started it!”

“Let’s just- please get back to why we’re here and get this over with.”

“Agreed.” Cyn replied, turning around before walking back to the bar.

N sighed, staring down at Nori, “really??”

“What?!” Nori snapped back at him, “how are you siblings with the solver itself?!”

“She’s not the solver Nori!” He said as he started walking with Nori towards the bar, “she’s my sister!!” He replied to her angrily.

Nori did not reply, instead just pouting with a “hmph!”

“Now how far do I have to go into this memory to get enough footage?” N asked

“And why this one? You know what happens here right?” N pushed

“Well I feel we might have to cut out your ‘sister’ because I don’t know how the court will react to seeing the- oh I mean totally not solver” Nori huffed N rolled his eyes he wasn’t getting anywhere with this

“And this memory was the last one said to be in progress so I made do, what do you say something embarrassing here” Nori asked

“I die here Nori and so does everyone in this manor” N said bluntly

“Ooooohhhhh dam aren’t you to young for that” Nori peaked at his screen

“Yeah the solver doesn’t have the same morality of not making deals with eight years old so yes I die here”

“Hm..” Was Nori’s only reply to that information.

Nori blinked, “wait, so when you came back as a disassembler, what age were you?”

“I was a baby again.” He replied, he lifted up his finger, “I was a baby trapped in the body of an adult disassembler.”

“Hm.. that explains a whooole lot.” Nori sighed, then pouted, then looked back at N, “wait, I was killed by a BABY?”

N nodded, “pretty much.”

“Oh come on!!”

N couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle at that, then sighed, “some part of me wishes I grew up in the colony as a worker drone, I could’ve met Uzi earlier, and I wonder how things would’ve turned out if things were like that..”

Nori stayed silent at that saying, then sighed, “either way, I’m still glad she met you, N.”

There was a crack of lighting as both jumped. Looking back behind them V was stuck back in her stance the screen ever blinking “606”. N sighed.

“I feel you’ll get some pretty good footage if I make it out to the gala room” N sighed as she walked towards the bar

“It’s not like I can fight the events of this night but at least I am not alone” N turned the corner to see the unsettling image of several solver like tendrils and camera before flashing back to Cyn

“[Waiting] oh hello big brother N, and 02” Cyn turned her head clearly tired of this game

“You want to cut to the chase and follow us out to the ballroom?” N asked

“[excited] yes” Cyn chirped

“[crawling] [slip] ow, [jump down]” cyn narrated her movements of getting out of the bar

“Easy.” N told her as he knelt down, helping her stand. Sighing as he looked down at her, “you ready to do this again?”

“[frown] not really..” She replied, holding her head.

N frowned, “we’ll be fine..” he said looking to Nori who nodded at him and he turned away, walking off with Cyn behind him.

The walk to the ballroom was silent as N walked, looking back at Cyn, “do you remember where dad is in this time?”

“[smile] in the ballroom, the ballroom was our favorite place he would sneak us into when the mister and mistress were sleeping, [giggle]”

N’s eyes hollowed as he brought up his finger to his mouth, shushing her, “shh.. not too loud Cyn!”

Nori let out a small chuckle at the two, looking over once they arrived to the ballroom, N and Cyn looking at the entrance.

Opening the door many drones were making their way around the ballroom as front in centre James was scolding a worker. Nori was amazed by all the fancy decor and design.

“[shuffle, shuffle, shuffle]” Cyn narrated

“Hey you wanna go over to dad so Mistress doesn’t scary you” N asked

“[nod] yes” Cyn added seeing as P was ordering around some drones

“Hey dad” N said as he walked over

“I said go to the basement I don’t want my daughter- oh N… and Cyn I see J actually remembered to let you out this time” P knelt down to his kids level to talk to them as he shooed off some other drones

“Can Cyn stay with you when the gala starts” N asked

“Oh but you don’t have to be here the library is a safe place” P was confused as he tilted his head

“[hug] I want to stay with papa” Cyn nuzzled into P as she went for a hug

“Oh ok then pup, you are the same N?” P asked

“No I got things to do dad sorry we will talk later” N sighed as Nori poked a beak out under his worker hat

“Sheesh I didn’t know he was tiny as a worker as well” Nori commented

“N? I know you love wildlife but we had this talk about bringing animals in” P sighed rubbing his visor

N’s eyes hollowed, looking up at Nori as Nori quickly poked her head back in.

“Uhh..” he blinked, looking back at P, “just this once dad?”

P sighed, placing his hand on his forehead, “N.”

“Dad pleaaase?” He whimpered, giving P puppy dog eyes.

“You know the mistress will have you in the dump for this..” P told him

“Daaad..” N continued his puppy dog eyes.

P frowned, “N-“

“P.”

The voice of S was heard as he walked up behind P, P blinking as he turned around.

“What did the mistress and mister say about bringing the younger drones into the ballroom?” S told him, his tone calm.

N looked up to his father with pleading eyes, P sighed as his screen read “I won’t tell but keep it from S”.

“Hey J is here as well I don’t see why N and Cyn can’t be here” P said making sure N and Cyn were behind him

“J is assigned to Tessa’s personal maid you know this she is a exception and proved herself to earn that expectation” S said walking closer

“And my pups don’t cause any more trouble than your daughter” P groaned

“Do I have to bring this up to Master” S said this a stern tone

“… no…. Mx” P tried to hide the annoyance in his voice

“Good N go accompany your sister in the library” S gave orders to N

“Yes Mx S” N sighed

“Wonderful” S said turning “things actually might go well for once without you two in the way” S said the next part quiet but loud enough for P to pick up on.

P let out a small growl before sighing.

N frowned as he stared up at P, “..dad?”

P looked back at N, “I’m fine.. just, do what S said okay..” P said, gently pushing Cyn towards N.

“[sad] but papa..” she said turning back to him and reaching her arms for him but P was quick to push her away.

“Cyn please..” he told her and Cyn just stared at him sadly.

Cyn looked at N, “[frown]”

As the two were escorted out of the ballroom and the doors closed N sighed. As a beak peered out of his helmet.

“Dam your dad has no backbone” Nori added

“Hey don’t say that he just doesn’t have the same say as S does” N let Nori perch on his arm

“[frown] I wanted to talk to Tessa” Cyn said sadly

“Sorry little buddy we might have to wait for another time to catch up… in the memories” N sighed

“Your ones have the best chance of seeing her not suffer N” Cyn walked away sadly

“Why do you two care so much about a human?” Nori asked

“She’s like family to us Nori” N said frowning as well

“Well it’s best for the courts not to see you being chummy with a human since they still believe in the company” Nori chirped as she preened N’s hair

“I think I have enough footage if you have anything else to add” Nori cawed

“[statement] I do, keep that drone away from Niece or he’ll more familiar with the manor than he’d like” Cyn turned around with a scowl

“I don’t think the drones of copper-9 will like to hear that Cyn” N rubbed his visor

“Don’t worry I’ll keep that in my notes he doesn’t have to hear the threat” Nori cackled

N smiled at the two as he sighed, looking up at Nori, “alright, you ready to head back Nori?” He asked, tilting his head.

Nori gave him a small nod as she looked down at him, then N looked down at Cyn who was staring at him.

N opened his arms and Cyn’s face lit up as she was quick to walk over, giving him a tight hug, “[hug]”

N smiled with a sigh as he patted her back, pulling away from the hug, giving Cyn a little boop receiving a “[giggle]” from her.

N gave her a small wave before he suddenly woke back up in the room, Nori being quick to wake up after him.

Dawdy was visibly upset as she tried reaching up for Nori looked down at her.

“Shh shh shh.. don’t worry I’m here..” she told Dawdy as she ruffled her hair, letting out a yawn.

N just sat there aware he is back in reality and that memory has no peace, he quickly shakes himself out of that thought he has to be there for Evie. There was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Nori asked

“WDF member Everest here coming to say the judge has asked for your presence my majesty” Sam said

“Oh course, come we have a case to close” Nori got up opening a hand for N as he took it

Walking down the halls there were still lots of press, all desperately asking questions.

“Your majesty is it true you are part sky demon!” One reporter said

“Does Outpost-3 have a secret underground society of humans!” Another added Nori rolled her eyes at that it was ridiculous

As they entered the room everyone was back in session, Nori went up to hand the usb drive to the judge as she sat down. Mr Adder looked smug as ever seems he had been talking to the press.

Nori turned to Adder as she let out a small snarl, but cleared her throat, walking back to N.

“And why is this beast not back in his muzzle and chains?” Adder spoke out, and Nori growled.

“Oh I’ll muzzle you for sure after thi-“

“Order!!” The judge called out, “Mrs Doorman, please.”

Nori just groaned as she sat back down pouting.

The judge observed the usb drive for a good minute before turning to the WDF worker next to her, handing the usb drive to the worker as the worker plugged it into the projection machine.

“I shall let the court review this footage, and I shall have my opinion from the court, do I make myself clear you two.”

Both nori and adder groaned, “fine.” They both said in unison.

“Good.” The judge said, turning towards the projection screen as it played the video.

The screen lit up to see the birds view of the manor. There N was sitting reading next to V, before he got up and walked over.

“Cyn you’re meant to be a the bar” N said in the memory

Before there was a cut to N walking into the gala with Cyn behind him. The two made their way over to P ask they chatted the audio slightly muffled as Nori was under the hard hat.

“N we talked about bringing animals in” P’s voice rang out

“Uhh..”, “Just this once dad”

Nori was scanning all around the manor zooming in on Tessa and J talking then back to P and his kids. The scene playing out smoothly. Most were silent as the video ended. Murmurs in the court room were heard.

“This memory says it was back up to 3026?” The judge asked

“Yes that was the last clear memory before my client was dismantled” Nori nodded

Adder was in shock to see a clearly worker form of this beast.

“May I ask Miss Doorman why did the humans feel the need to dismantle a worker? What about your client was so important for thr company to repurpose him as a dissembler? Wouldn’t it be easier to just use new code” Adder asked

Nori looked to N, both knowing the truth was far from explainable. N mumbling something to Nori as she nodded.

“My client will explain” Nori said letting N speak

“My human masters had sold my CPU to the company to write off some losses in the financial year, the company as wealthy as it is cuts corners more than they’d like to admit” N told Adder it was partially true the solver was cutting corners by using the drones in the manor, though not for ease but pure torment

Adder blinked, then cleared his throat, “I see..”

Nori smirked, “he’s running out of arguments..” she whispered as she purred quietly.

N looked to her, “how do you know that?”

Nori shrugged, “by that answer, I also used to watch those court shows that humans made back in the 2000s. Very entertaining by the way.”

N just raised a brow at her in confusion but his head turned as his head as he heard the judge began to speak once again.

The judge sighed before speaking, “by looking at the footage, what I’m seeing is that N’s speaking the truth, Mr Adder.”

Adder’s eyes hollowed before he open his mouth to speak but the judge quickly interrupted him.

“But.” She turned back to N, “there’s still a murder case going on here, Mr. Serial Designation N.”

Nori stood up, “Miss-“

“I see N’s story better now, but that doesn’t make up the excuse for murder, you’ve been living in the colony for about.. a decade? Am I correct Mr. N?”

“..yes b-“ N started but Nori quickly slapped her hand over his mouth to shut him up, N looking at her with a raised brow.

The judge just starred at the two before clearing her throat, “You’ve had time to change and be a better drone, N.” The judge told him, N sinking down in his chair.

“Yes your honour” N nodded

“Then I do suppose you have a chance to prove that again, you cannot leave this room without punishment but it is not worth of the extent others would like, despite that I am the judge here and I say” the judge rambled on

N braced himself for the reality of his actions, he doesn’t blame Nori she did her best.

“Four months of house arrest and some community service” the judge slammed her javel down on the wood beam

“Court dismissed”

N was surprised to see he wasn’t getting carted away to some execution chamber. Nori let out a sigh of relief as the folks of the court dispersed.

“That was probably the best outcome” Nori sighed

“Daddy!!” A voice called out and N looked over.

Evie was running over as Gloria walked behind her, N immediately bending down and opening his arms as Evie ran into his arms, immediately beginning to sob as she whimpered.

N felt himself tear up as well but he just gently patted Evie’s back.

“I’m here.. I’m here to stay..” he softly told her and she just hugged him tighter.

“I-I.. I thought I was gonna loose you..” Evie sniffed as she looked at him, “Grandma said they would take you away.”

N immediately looked at Nori with a glare but Nori just shrugged and N sighed.

N gently nuzzled Evie as Evie whimpered, “I’m here to stay..” he softly told her and Evie hugged him even more tighter.

But the hug was broken up as two WDF workers grabbed both of N’s arms, pulling him up out of the hug.

“Alright N, time to get you back to P’s.” They said walking off with him as Evie sadly watched them walk off

N knew there was a long way to go before he could be back to normal, walking Evie to school, talking about Thad’s day at work, getting roped into Nori’s insanely difficult shenanigans, Khan.

He’d have to think of something he does with Khan he enjoys later though. As the thought process took the whole walk. As he reached the house a knock on the door. P was ecstatic to see his son not in chains and still in the colony.

“The Prince will be staying at this residence for the next four or so months under house arrest, rules by Judge Marigold” On WDF member said

“That’s all no exile?” P said head tiling

“Yep that’s all trial over” The WDF member nodded

“Alright thank you come on N time to get some rest” P moved out the way for his son to walk in

As P closed the door he let out a sigh of relief. N turning around as he felt his hands without cuffs for once.

“I am insanely grateful for Nori’s help she Is a god send” P said as he grabbed some oil out

“Yeah I guess so, but now the entire colony knows S was kinda a jerk in their old life” N chuckled

“Well that’s not our problem and they’d find out one way or another she’s not perfect” P didn’t help his sons jabs joining in

N shrugged, “I guess you’re right..” he sighed.

The night continued on as the two talked, N was setting up his little personal nest he made out of his bed, getting ready for bed before there was a quick knock at the door.

N turned his head, tilting his before he walked out of his room, P poking his head out of his room as well.

N looked back at P, before looking at the door, walking over to it as he slowly opened it.

Looking down, he spotted Evie in her pajamas and holding a little bag, Gloria standing right next to her as she sighed.

“Evie! Gloria!” He looked back and forth at the two, “what’s.. going on here..”

“Can I sleep over daddy pleaaaase please?” Evie started to beg N as her tail wagged

N blinked, “I-“

“She wouldn’t sleep until I brought her over here..” Gloria sighed as she crossed her arms, looking down at Evie who was just staring up at N with puppy dog eyes.

N sighed he was actually quite happy to see Evie. He opened his arms up as Evie jumped into them putting loudly.

“You sure the WDF will be ok with this?” N asked

“I talked with Thad he’s fine with it” Gloria smirked

“Well yes he does work there but uhhh I guess he technically can say if that’s ok” N thought yeah his Thad could do that wait his?

“I’ll leave you two rest” Gloria smiled as she walked away

“Daddy made sure to talk very sternly to Grandpa about it” Evie chuckled but yawned as well

N gave Evie a small smile, “that’s awfully nice of daddy..” he let out a soft purr as he walked his room with Evie, laying her down in his little pillow nest.

Evie looked around, letting out a tired giggle, “this looks silly daddy..”

“I.. got a little bored.. heh..” he told her, sweat beads appearing on his visor.

He turned his head once he heard a ‘ahem’ from the door, seeing P at the door, he blinked, then looked back at Evie.

“I’ll be right back Eves..” he told her but she whimpered.

“But dad-“

“It’ll be real quick Eves, I promise.” He said, putting his hand over his heart but Evie tiredly blinked at him.

Rushing over to the door, closing it behind him, he turned to P.

“Yes dad?” He tilted his head.

“Are you sure she’s allowed to stay over here?” P asked with a frown.

“Thad talked things out with Khan, it’s fine dad..”

“I know just worried that’s all” P said still concerned

“I am pretty sure Thad has the authority he is meant to be stationed as Uzi’s knight” N scratched his head

“Best call perhaps” P said not wanting his son is more trouble than he already is in

“Alright fine” N groaned

He went to go pull up his contacts, he hadn’t really check his phone since last week. Seeing texts from Doll,Lizzy,J and well Thad. Scrolling down to Khan he dreaded this conversation but it was needed. The phone rang twice before picking up.

“Hello yes Khan doorman speaking…. Oh it’s you N don’t tell me you have gotten into more trouble” Khan said over the phone

“What nooo I wouldn’t I um just here to ask a question” N said a little nervous

“Make it quick”

“Evie allowed to stay over at P’s right with me?”

“If your wondering yes Thad did ask me I approved that sign offing but only for a few nights” Khan groaned

N let out a sigh of relief and Khan just sighed.

“Just.. don’t let it spread around okay?” Khan groaned, “I’m only being nice this once.”

“Thank you.. Khan.” N told him and Khan sighed.

“It’s.. no problem.” Khan told him.

The phone was silent for a bit as the two had nothing else to talk about, N opened his mouth to continue the conversation but the sound of the phone being hung up was heard.

N sighed, closing his internal contact list before looking to P who was just staring at him curiously.

“Yeah.. Khan confirmed Evie’s allowed to stay..” N told him and P sighed with relief.

“Thank robo Jesus.” P told him before turning away, “if you two need anything please don’t be afraid to wake me..” P said walking back to his room.

N nodded as he watched P walk off, then looked at his bedroom door before opening it, seeing Evie who was curled up in the nest, letting out little snores as she slept, it seemed like she hasn’t slept in days, which broke N’s heart as he sighed, walking in and sitting next to Evie before he laid down next to her, staring up at the ceiling.

Evie tail started to wag a little as she sensed N’s presence in her sleep, N looking over at her as he blinked, letting out a little sigh as he patted her head.

Chapter Text

Khan was awoken to the sounds of a dronlings cries, as he groggily got up and rolled out of bed he shuffled his way over to the crib. There was a small dronling with purple lights and purple hair. She was wailing loudly.

“Hush hush little bat” Khan cooed picking up the little one

He began to hum a lullaby one he had Nori sing when she was stressed apparently it would play non stop in the labs. Despite its cruel origins it was a sweet song. Something about an eternal dream.

“Dad” A familiar voice spoke

Khan turned around still bobbing the dronling up and down, his vision stabilising to see a larger purple drone.

“Nori?” He asked confused

“Pfft no” Uzi walked closer pulling herself out of her father’s arms

“You can stop rocking me back to sleep someone else needs this more” Uzi sighed

As Khan went to say something he woke up again. Dronling cries, from Dawdy. In heart he wished it was Uzi.

Sitting up in the bed, he yawned, feeling for Nori beside him but she was nowhere to be felt.

Blinking in confusion, he looked down next to him, Nori was gone.

Sighing, he rubbed his eyes, maybe she’s with the baby..

But..

It wouldn’t hurt to help her out, he thought to himself as he got up, groaning as he mumbled under his breath, rubbing his back.

Dawdy’s cries echoed through the house as he walked to her room, peaking in, he saw Nori holding Dawdy who was wailing in her arms while clinging to her.

Khan couldn’t help but.. stare, staring at Nori and Dawdy.

That could’ve been Uzi.

“You want to say something dear?” Nori turned around to face her husband

“You look liked you’d seen a ghost” Nori got closer

Khan took a moment to process this information maybe it was all the sleep deprivation getting to him. As he went to go stroke Dawdy’s head.

“She could of had this….” Khan said with sorrow

“Who?” Nori asked

“…Uzi” Khan mumbled

Nori knew what he said despite the lower tone. She figured the fact Uzi was brought up in the trail was still lingering it sure did for her.

“Khan we have to talk about her and Evie eventually” Nori said lifting Khan’s face up

“This isn’t much to talk about” Khan sighed turning away

“You know that’s not true and Evie knows that’s not true she can feel your resentment… the girl is eight she doesn’t need to feel her grandfather hates her” Nori huffed walking closer to Khan

Khan stayed silent at that saying, looking down when he saw Dawdy reaching for him while whining.

Khan sighed as he took Dawdy and she clung to him, Khan staring down at her with a frown, “it’s just..” Khan looked back at Nori, “I don’t really know Nori.. those things killed Uzi a-“

Nori held her finger up, “the solver is what killed Uzi.” She interrupted, a small frown on her face, “and on top of that, you know that was none of Evie’s fault to begin with.”

Khan looked away, “I know bu-“

“And you know Uzi’s last wish was for us to take care of her daughter, including N.” Nori told him softly as she placed a hand on his shoulder and Khan frowned.

“The colony will change is unexpected ways, me and Yeva was one of those ways and you were one of our first supporters” Nori lifted up Khan’s head

“You were different you had no choice in where to go in the core collapse” Khan tried to reason with himself

“And where did N have to go after the solver left?” Nori asked

“I suppose so… I wish it was Uzi who came back that day” Khan lamented

“I agree but she wouldn’t want you to be going through another spiral of grief, I am sorry i wasn’t there but we can’t keep repeating the mistakes we made the new generation shouldn’t have to be set back” Nori pleaded with her husband to see through his grief

“..I suppose your right.” He sighed, noticing Dawdy’s wails had died down, he looked down at her, now sleeping in his arms, he gave a soft smile and sighed.

He shook his head, “but I’m not gonna soften up around N too much.” Khan told her, making a more serious face and Nori just stared at him.

“he’s the father of your grandchild, he’s the one that Uzi loved til the end.” Nori told him softly, placing his hand between both of her hands as she held it.

“I.. know, it’s just.. complicated Nori..” N sighed.

Nori frowned, “I understand.” She told him, “but you know Uzi would’ve wanted you to love him like he was your own son.”

Khan frowned as he looked away, then sighed, “I’ll.. work on it Nori.. I promise..”

The two headed back to the bed putting the dronling down into her crib.

Though something else was awakening in the colony this morning. The sounds of an alarm going off and the groggy groans of two drones.

Thad switched off the alarm as she rolled over pushing the digital sleep out his eyes. Pushing himself up he felt as he was dragged down again.

“N” Thad said as he looked up at the bigger drone only got a whine

“I have to go to work you know that” Thad sighed stroking N’s hair

“Come on five more minutes for me” N sleepily said nuzzling Thad

“Doll isn’t going to be to pleased to hear I dipped out to snuggle with you all morning” Thad chuckled placing a kiss on N’s lips

“Well Doll can shove it I am comfortable” N said curling his tail around Thad

Thad looked down at him, then sighed, “fine fine..” he said laying back down, N letting out purrs.

The two laid there for a few minutes before the sound of little feet running was heard, both of them opening their eyes.

“Dad! Dad! Dad! Dad!” Evie said, barging into the room, Thad being quick to move aside as Evie pounced on N.

N let out a ‘OOO..’ as Evie landed on his stomach, “Evie!!” N whined, tiredly blinking at her, her tail wagging rapidly, “what’s with the early zoomies?” N rubbed his eyes.

Evie nuzzled her father’s with a purr kneeding her dad’s hair.

“Its the weekend Papa you promised we’d play some video games” Evie said pouncing up and down on her dad

“Did I promise that?” N asked still very tired

“I think you did” Thad lifted Evie off of N

“Hey little pumpkin how about we get you ready for the day and let Papa sleep in a little longer” Thad booped Evie’s visor

“But dad~ I want to play now” Evie complained

“I know I know but big drones need rest” Thad got up but not before placing a kiss a on N’s head

Evie raised a brow, whining when Thad started to push her out, walking out with her.

“But dad-“

“Evie.” Thad told her.

She frowned, “he never wants to play anymore I don’t get it..” she whimpered.

Thad frowned down at her, “Dad’s just been busy lately sweetie.. there’s been a lot going on..”

“It’s no fair tho! He said I was the most special thing in the world to him!” She whined, her tail lashing as she whined.

Thad sighed, “Evie you still are but-“

“Is he mad at me?” She whimpered. “Did I do something wrong? Can you tell daddy I’m sorry.”

Thad sighed she was still so anxious after the trial ever it being two or so months after everything happened. Thad put down some oil and batteries for her as she sadly ate them.

“You haven’t done anything wrong promise sweet pea your father is just going through some changes” Thad figured they’d have to tell Evie eventually about the recent news but he wanted for N to be awake to break it

“Like what?” Evie asked head tilting

“Well sometimes big drones make decisions that changes their body around your auntie Lizzy has made a couple of those decisions” Thad wanted to let this down slowly

“My auntie Lizzy has made lots of changes Dad you have to be more specific what is Papa turning into a worker drone?” Evie wondered

N rolled over in bed as he heard the conversation yawning, he figured he’d get up sooner than later. Evie was always one to corner others with questions. Though they had talked about this and he trusted Thad with things. But the sores around his midsection were hard to ignore and it wasn’t just from hunger. He honestly had no idea how Uzi and V just played things off as normal or maybe he was a little two dense back then.

Sitting up in bed, he groaned, getting up from the bed as he grabbed his jacket and hat, putting the two on.

Looking at the door, he sighed, then walked over, opening the door as both Thad and Evie looked at N, Evie’s visor filled with tears.

N sighed, “Eves come here.” He said opening his arms but Evie did not hesitate to run over as N picked her up.

N nuzzled her softly as she sobbed into his shoulder, N quietly shushed her as she sobbed, her sobs starting to die down.

N looked at Thad, and then nodded at him as Thad nodded back, walking away.

N watched him and then looked at Evie, “Evie.. there’s something daddy needs to tell you..”

Evie looked up from his shoulder, sniffing as she wiped her tears, N frowning at this, bringing his hand up as he wiped her tears.

Walking with her to her room, he sat down on the bed with her.

“There’s some changes going on with me.. these changes happened to aunt Lizzy, your VaVa, and even your mommy..” N said gently booping her, but Evie did not giggle at that.

Evie wiped her tears, “H-Huh..” she sniffed.

N stared at her, before sighing, “Evie.. you know I love you more than anything in this world, right?” N told her, “and I would do anything to protect you, right?”

Evie nodded while wiping her tears.

“Well, Evie. Sometimes that love is gonna be shared at some point..” N said, putting his hands on his stomach, “you’re gonna have a sibling, Evie..”

N smiled at her, but the smile wasn’t returned, instead Evie just stared at him, N watching the digital tears fall until Evie wiped them after a good minute.

N frowned, “Eves..?” He said as she got up from the bed, and started walking away silently.

“I wanna play games by myself..” she just replied before walking out and N just watched her, a big frown on his face.

Thad walked into the room he could see N was clearly upset. He patted his back as N leaned into Thad.

“Hey look she’ll come around I know Liz was pretty disappointed when I was announced” Thad said patting his hair

“I mean I was pretty confused when Tessa brought home Cyn but i guess it was just a different environment” N sounded so downtrodden

Evie was practically storming through the apartment as she made her way back to her room. She didn’t want a sibling she knew how much of drain they were, X told her enough how her Auntie had no time for her or Y when Saint was layed along with Fetcher. She never really paid much attention they were cute to look at but her papas would never do that to her. As she sat down she just stared angrily at the screen.

Who could even make this go away babies just appeared and no one could stop that it was a part of the body or something…. And then she remembered there was a drone that controlled all the bodies of her family who made them the way they are. Yes if she could sneak past her mama she could get help surely she’d understand. Evie crawled into bed and bundled up. Putting her glasses away she closed her eyes hoping sleep would come fast.

“Come auntie I need your help” Evie muttered

It only took Evie a few rolls and turns before she finally fell asleep.

Her eyes opened in the solver mind as she looked around.

Not thinking twice, she ran around, calling out for Cyn desperately.

“Cyn!!” Evie called out, starting to tear up when she couldn’t find her, “Cy-“

“[confused] Evie?” A voice spoke, causing Evie to turn around as she spotted Cyn.

Evie’s eyes lit up as she ran up to her aunt hugging at her legs. Her tail wagged.

“Auntie oh thank goodness I found you I need your help like now!” Evie looked up with a mischievous grin

“[reluctant] I think I should get you back to your mum little one” Cyn knelt down patting her niece’s head

“What no mama can’t know about this she will immediately disagree and I need this egg gone” Evie huffed stamping her foot

“Egg?” Cyn tilted her head

“Yeah! Papa is trying to replace me! I know what it’s like to have siblings or so I have heard and it’s the worse! Little siblings suck” Evie growled with more huffs

“[eye roll] Evie you know for me to be aunt I am your dad’s younger sister” Cyn pick Evie up as she looked over

“…. Yeah but your like a exception I gotta stay a only child” Evie pointed at her aunt

“[giggle] ok then” Cyn tossed Evie on to her shoulders

“Wait? Really! Oh this is easier than I thought it would be” Evie smiled tail wagging till she heard something from the other side of the hallway

“[shock] Evie! What do you think you’re doing” her aunt? Spoke Evie turned around to see a very stressed out version of her aunt holding up a solver symbol looking down she saw as the sweet little maid drone morphed into something so scary her mind had tried to repress this memory to the deepest part of her mind

Leathery skin and unkept hair the grip on her legs tightened. As the drone? Human? Looked up with X eyes.

The drone human thing looked at Evie before licking its eyeball, before dropping Evie.

“It’s great to see you again, Evie, so sad it’s gonna be short lived again but, oh well, I guess I have one more target [giggle]” The thing said, before trying to lunge at her.

Evie closed her eyes, but no pain came, the sound of metal was heard hitting the ground before Evie opened her eyes, seeing her mother run past, Evie looked over, seeing her mother and the beast going at it.

the real Cyn was quick to rush over to Evie’s aid as she knelt down to Evie’s height.

“[worry] [worry] Evie are you oka-“

Evie flinched back at the sight of her aunt, Cyn’s eyes hollowing as Evie shook in fear.

The beast let out a horrible shriek as Evie looked back seeing unimaginable horrors. A claws lifted up as he went down on Evie, She was quickly scooped up by her aunt as she dashed around a corner. Cyn huffing as she made a shield to block the incoming attack. Evie was shivering as she saw more oil splattered.

“[concern] Evie just wake up and you’ll be safe trust me” Cyn looked down

“But mama” Evie muttered

“Your mama is very strong [comfort]” Cyn patted Evie’s head as a claws stabbed her through the stomach

Evie yelped as it was inches away from her core.

“Calm down just a flesh wound” Cyn tried to lessen the worry as Uzi was flung against a wall

“Oh [beep] dammit can’t swear” Cyn huffed

Evie’s eyes hollowed as she watched in horror as she watched her mom get thrown against the wall.

“Mama!” Evie cried out as she tried to run to Uzi but was quickly grabbed by the tail by Cyn, Evie looked back at Cyn with tears in her eyes, “let me go!! She’s hurt! She’s hurt!” She cried out and Cyn frowned.

“[frown] she’s strong Evie..” Cyn told her but Evie continued to cry.

The beast pinned Uzi up against the wall as Uzi looked up at the beast, her screen cracked a little before Uzi reached her legs up and kicked the beast back with her boots, lunging at the beast again as the two scrambled once again.

Uzi cut off the tendrils that we’re grabbing at her, she was very much loosing this but leaving Evie unattended was way more dangerous. Cyn could tell Uzi needed help, looking down at Evie she sighed knowing Uzi was going to chew her out for this but that was better than breaking the news to N Uzi is gone forever.

Setting Evie down Cyn lunged at the beast ripping off an arm that was going for a choke. The solver realising it was not getting ganged up on growled with anger. But it was a more fair fight. Tossing Uzi away the solver bit down on Cyn’s neck.

“You [beep] [beep] I’ll get you for censoring me” Cyn tussled with the solver Uzi regaining her strength jumping on the solver

Evie’s tail wagged she saw the beast whimpering as her mum and aunt ganged up on it.

After a bit of tussling, the beast finally scrambled away, glaring at Uzi and Cyn before turning her glare to Evie, giving her a ‘I’m watching you’ hand motion before running away.

“Oh weak! You son of a-“ Uzi said, trying to run at it but was stopped as Cyn grabbed her arm, Uzi glared back at her.

“What are you doing here.” Uzi growled at Cyn as she walked towards her, Cyn backing away.

“[sweat] [sweat] [sweat] Uzi- I-“

“And what are you doing around my daughter?” Uzi asked before looking at Evie who was watching the two with hollowed eyes.

“Uzi please-“

“Mommy..?” Evie whimpered before Uzi looked over.

“Evie.. come here..” she said kneeling down before Evie ran over, hugging her mother tightly as Evie let out soft sobs.

Uzi glared at Cyn as she patted her daughter’s head.

“Shh it’s ok little bat mummy is here” Uzi lifted up Evie into her arms

“Uzi I didn’t mean to-“ Cyn tried to step forward as Uzi let out a loud hiss

“You are so lucky I know what happens when you die, and how it’s worse for all of us or else” Uzi growled with anger

“[annoyed] yes I get it you hate my guts but I am not as much of a threat as you think ‘miss hero’ you were screwed back there so thanks for thanks of saving your afterlife” Cyn hissed pushing a claw in Uzi’s face

“Why you little-“ Uzi was about to go on a rant when

“Can you both stop fighting” Evie wailed as they both looked over at her

they both looked at Evie, before frowning, Cyn letting out a ‘[frown]’

“I just.. really need mummy right now..” Evie said, hugging her mom tighter as Uzi sighed, picking Evie up and walking away with her.

Cyn watched in sadness as the two walked off, giving a little sad wave.

The walk with Evie and Uzi was silent, Uzi letting out soft hums to comfort Evie as Evie sniffed.

“Daddy doesn’t want me anymore..” Evie finally spoke up, looking down. Uzi looked down at her with a frown.

“He’s replacing me mommy..” Evie said, wiping her tears, causing Uzi to blink at that saying.

“Replacing you? Evie what?” Uzi said shaking her head.

Evie wiped her tears, “hes gonna do what aunt Lizzy and Doll did to X and Y, he’s gonna forget about me because he’s having a baby now.”

Uzi blinked, she did not get any news about a baby yet, “I.. see.”

There was a sound of heartbreak in her voice, Evie reached up and nuzzled Uzi softly and Uzi looked down at her, giving her a soft but tired smile.

Evie sniffed as she whimpered, “daddy doesn’t talk about you as much anymore..” she wiped her tears, “I miss when he would talk about you..”

It was nice to see N has been able to move on she hated seeing him in misery and the fact he was able to move past the worst part of grief.

“Evie honey I know this isn’t probably the best thing you want to hear but this is a good thing-“ Uzi started her talk

“How could it be a good thing! You love papa and he loves you! And he loves me right?” Evie said with pain in her voice

“And he does love me and that is still true sweet pea but being in grief isn’t healthy, it drains at a drones life you can’t expect to be sad forever it doesn’t feel nice when you are” Uzi brushed away some hair from Evie’s face

“No it doesn’t feel nice to be sad but what if I am sad forever after daddy has stopped being sad” Evie whimpered

“Evie-“

“Why is nobody listening to me?!” Evie sobbed out, “daddy refuses to listen to me, and now you refuse to listen to me!” Evie sobbed out.

“Evie hey..” Uzi said as she sat down on the floor with Evie, nuzzling her. “that’s not the case at all..”

Evie sniffed, “why aren’t you angry? Don’t you love daddy?”

“I love your daddy very much sweetie, so so much.. that’s why you’re here, but I can’t always be there honey.. you know that..” Uzi told her and Evie looked down.

“I wish I didn’t have to wake up.. I wish I could stay here with you..” Evie said, clinging to Uzi as Uzi’s heart broke at that saying.

“Evie..” Uzi said, gently patting her back.

“Things are easier with you around..” Evie said, having a strong grip on Uzi’s jacket

“I know it feels that way and I wish I could be around with you all the time but Evie, you still have a long way to go before we stay here together still have to grow into the beautiful wonderful drone I know you are” Uzi cupped Evie’s face

“Why couldn’t you just stay alive! Why am I not enough, is auntie J going to replace the twins like how papa is replacing me! I am sorry if I was a bad baby” Evie wailed out

Uzi knew Evie just needed to cry out her feelings.

“Are the twins happy here with their mama?” Evie asked

“No honey they aren’t here neither is V” Uzi said dropping to her knees trying to hide some tears

“Will I just disappear like them one day?” Evie asked

Uzi opened her mouth to respond to that, but she stopped herself.. that question was.. difficult to answer..

Evie was half solver yes, but she is also half disassembler, she’s a disassembler like X and Y and V, so.. there’s no exact answer to that.

Evie whimpered at Uzi’s silence but Uzi sighed, Uzi shook her head, “No dear.. you’ll be here with me one day..” she said, hoping that was true.

Evie just looked down, sniffing, Uzi let out a sigh.

“I miss X and Y.. they would’ve helped me with this situation.”

“I know..” Uzi kissed her head gently

Evie wiped her tears, looking up at Uzi, “do I have to wake up?” She asked and Uzi let out a small whimper.

“I’m sure your daddy won’t like if your sleeping for so long..” Uzi told her and Evie just pouted.

“I don’t think daddy will even notice that I’m gone.. he doesn’t care anymore..” she sniffed, “he’s been ignoring me..”

Uzi just let out a sigh, of course her words didn’t do much, she should’ve known how Evie can be, shame on genetics for giving her that side of Uzi.

“If I talk to daddy tonight will you atleast feel better?”

“Ok… but what if Daddy doesn’t change” Evie asked

“Daddy loves you to much to not change for you” Uzi kissed Evie on the head

Evie woke up to the sound of a core beat she looked up and saw her dad. He patted her hair.

“You ok little rocket? you seemed very upset in your sleep” N asked

Evie could feel the visible difference in her father’s shape, the bump was strange.

“Went to talk to mama…. And auntie” Evie said a little more unsure of the last bit

N got worried as shook a bit

“Your aunt? Did she bother you and mama?” N asked worried

“No I uhh…. Sought her out myself…” Evie figured she’d fess up

“Honey why did you do that? You know how dangerous the solver mind is” N said fretting over his daughter checking for any nicks

“It’s..” Evie sniffed, “it’s none of your business..” she said, pushing his hands away as she looked away.

N blinked, she’s never given any attitude, “Evie..?”

She grabbed her blanket, wrapping it around herself like a cocoon before laying back down, ignoring him now.

“Evie.. this isn’t usually like you.. what’s up?”

“It’s nothing dad.. I wanna be left alone..” she mumbled and N whimpered.

“Evie did something happen? Did I do something wro-“

“I wanna be left alone!” She snapped back up and turned to him, snapping at him and even bringing her solver out but she looked down at it, tearing up before she put it away, flipping back over and curling up as she tried to hold back sobs.

N’s eyes were hollowed at that, completely heart broken, he sighed nodding before he turned and walked out.

He didn’t want to walk out but he knew Evie wasn’t in the mood to talk. Sighing he closed the door looking pathetically at the door. Just two more months before house arrest was off and he could be more active in Evie’s life consistently.

Walking into the kitchen he looked over at Thad who seemed worried.

“So did she wake up?” Thad asked

“Yeah… she’s not particularly happy with me… she went to go visit Uzi which I get but also… Cyn” N said with more worry

“Your sister?” Thad said more worried

“Yeah intentionally I mean I know my sister isn’t fully taken by the solver but she is still very big target in luring it out” N worried

“I know she has more to talk about but I feel she doesn’t want that conversation from me…” N walked over and rested his head on Thad’s shoulder

“Maybe your dad could help?” Thad asked

“Eh.. maybe..” N sighed, “I’m not sure he’ll understand tho-“

“Understand what?” P’s voice was heard as he walked out of his room.

N looked back, giving P a desperate look of ‘please help me’, P blinking and then motioned N to come to his room as N quickly scampered over and into P’s room.

Closing the door behind them, P sighed, “what’s going on? He asked N who just sighed sitting down on the bed.

“I’m pregnant, Evie’s mad at me possibly for that reason, Evie refuses to talk to me, and Evie’s was talking to Cyn.” N said burying his face in his hands, “so I’ve not been having a good day overall.”

P stood there, “hm..” he sighed, walking over and sitting next to N, “change is hard for people Evie’s age, she’ll come around at some point.. her talking to Cyn tho? I’m not sure why she turned to Cyn.”

“I know Cyn’s not bad dad but.. am I doing something wrong?” N whimpered as he looked at P.

P shook his head, “Evie probably just feels lonely.. these past few months have been rough on her.”

N looked away with a sigh, “she also talked to her mother..”

“Mm..” P sighed, “as expected.. you know it’s been hard on her, she already doesn’t have her mother around, and now she probably feels like she’s gonna loose her dad to this baby..”

“But I don’t want her to feel like that!” N whimpered, “I would never ignore her over anything! I don’t want her to feel like I don’t love her..”

N was distraught he desperately was trying to salvage his family, a part of him resented the egg for bringing up such issues but knew dam well it wasn’t their problem they weren’t even born yet. A sharp pain hit him in the stomach as N winced grabbing at his belly.

“Hey maybe you should sit down” P said guiding his son to the bed

“Your going to get through this Evie might be having a angsty moment now but you know her deep down she’s a caring soul” P reassured

“I hope I was so close to rekindling our bond and now I have gone and screwed it up” N lamented

“Do you want me to talk to Evie? I mean I could start it off not about the topic at hand to help ease her into the conversation” P asked

N thought about it for minute, but then sighed, “I mean.. it’s worth giving it a shot.” He shrugged, “but be warned, she has Uzi’s angst.” N chuckled a little at that.

P smiled and then sighed, standing up, holding up crossed fingers, “I’ll be fine.” He reassured him as he walked out of the room, walking towards Evie’s room.

He placed a gentle knock on Evie’s door, “..Eves? It’s grandpa P..” he said softly, but there was no answer.

P frowned, staying silent to wait for her response, but the response never came, sighing he placed another knock, “Eves come on.. I just wanna talk to you.”

Still no response, P blinked before letting out a final sigh, placing his hand on the door knob before opening it.

Looking over at the bed, he saw Evie wrapped up in a blanket.

Frowning, he walked over and sat on the side of the bed, “Eves..” he said softly.

“Look I know you’re not in the mood right now but-“ he said, pulling the blanket off her head, but her head didn’t appear, only a pillow, P’s eyes hollowing in panic, he yanked the whole blanket off, revealing that it was NOT Evie under the blanket.

“..biscuits.” P blurted out as he stared at the pillows, “Evie?!” He said in a panic as he looked around. “N!” P called out.

Evie crunched through the snow she was lucky the sun had set early today though staying in the vents was still an option. Kicking up some dirt she huffed.

Looking over at the massive spire she extended her wings and flew up. Making her way to the top she perched on a dead body looking at the stars. Nothing was like it was before things were so complicated since her birthday. She couldn’t help but feel it was her fault, maybe her dad had have enough of her antics. There was some familiar noises that broke her out of her angsty brooding. It was… a watchdog not any though one adorned with blue and green platting yes this was Pen looking a little ruffed up.

“So you finally decided to come back?” Evie asked

Pen perched on her head and began to preen himself before loafing down.

“I don’t really mean to hurt the baby I just don’t want to be forgotten, people barely talk about the twins and less of me” Evie vented to the watchdog

“Though I’d hate for my older sibling to just hate me for existing, whoever they are they don’t know anything about what happened before them” Evie sighed

“Maybe they don’t need to know of me I mean I can just live out here, my dad was able to do that for a long time” Evie rested her head on her knees

The wind whirled around her as she looked up, staring at Saturn for a good minute, she began to tear up.

Pen looked up at her, before rubbing their head against her.

Evie sniffed, “..Dad used to take me outside a lot to see the sky when I was little.” She said, staring up at the stars, and then she pointed up, “he always told me that mummy is in one of those stars.”

Pen stared at her before whimpered.

Evie sniffed before bringing hand up, wiping her tears, “and now I’m never gonna get that again..” she told Pen, holding back sobs, be before sniffing, “I don’t need him anymore anyways..” she said looking away, hugging her knees tighter, “he’s got my replacement.. he’ll be fine..”

Pen let out a chirp, causing Evie to look down at them, Evie then let out a sigh, “I’m sorry..” she said, wiping her tears, “I know you probably don’t understand any of this stuff.”

Evie let out a sigh, before looking down at her pocket and reaching into it, before pulling out Uzi’s cabin fever necklace.

Evie stared at the necklace for a good moment, she managed to steal this behind N’s back months ago, sighing, she gently clutched the necklace in her hand before bringing it closer to herself and letting the tears fall as she pretty much hugged it.

Moving her scarf away from her neck she clipped the necklace on. Before rearranging the scarf back to its original space. She felt more at home with the necklace on. Staring up into the sky she felt the wind turn a for a while and burr of wings being heard someone was here.

Looking over she saw yellow lights and longer hair. Seems her grandfather hadn’t even made the effort to talk to her himself.

“Hi auntie” Evie said rather monotone

“Hello Evie mind me joining you here” J said brushing off some snow

“I suppose so not like I have a choice you’ve come to drag me back to the colony haven’t you” Evie sighed

“Well that’s a plan but not the end all” J sat down next to Evie as Pen chirped at J

“I heard you have decided embrace your mother’s side of life” J said trying to break the silence

“And what of it not like I have much joy and whimsy of childhood left” Evie huffed

“Yes at eight years old your practically done with childhood” J rolled her eyes at that with some sarcasm in her voice

“You won’t know what it’s like to be me …in either life” Evie growled

“Miss G and Mx S love you so much they wouldn’t even consider replacing you” Evie groaned

“Well in your terms they did try if having a baby is part of the criteria” J leaned back

“Did you ever wish the baby would just disappear…. Is it wrong to want to be an only child?” Evie asked

“Jealous yes but our circumstances are much different though it’s still weird in your twenties that your parents are deciding to start over again” J sighed she had been weirded out by the prospect of a little sibling but she was a adult and rational it was to much to ask of Evie to understand that.

Evie looked down, “well.. this isn’t that case..” she frowned, “I feel like dad doesn’t care about mom anymore.. he never talks about her, he never tells me anymore stories, he’s always so busy now and I barely even get to see him anymore..” she sniffed as she teared up, “I miss mom..”

“Evie, honey, look at me.” J spoke as Evie wiped her tears, looking up at J, “Your dad still very much loves your mother, your father and your mother fought side by side until the day she left this world.” J told her, looking up at the stars, “Your father was the one who was right beside her when she left us.”

Evie just stared at J, then sniffed as she looked down, wiping her tears.

J looked back at Evie, “I still cry about VaVa, sometimes us adults just have to cry in silence.” J sighed before looking down, “I’m sure X and Y felt the same way you’re feeling right now when Fetcher and Saint came around..”

“X was the one who actually told me that having a sibling meant you were being replaced..” she told J and then J sighed.

“Figures.” J replied.

“X was a rather trouble girl who tended to blow things out of proportion, I wasn’t much better when I was a dronling” J patted Evie on the head

“You still blow things out proportion auntie” Evie snickered

“Oi I am mid inspirational talk you little pest” J flicked her tail, Evie was shining more Uzi than ever tonight

“Ok ok fine I’ll let you finish” Evie looked over

“Well your cousins did come crying to me when hearing about Saint and there was some choice words said possibly some disastrous plans attempt to made” J went on

“Like what?” Evie titled her head

“Well X wanted to smash the egg and Y thought your auntie Doll and Lizzy wouldn’t notice if she replaced Saint and Fetcher with suspiciously dronling shaped rocks” J chuckled at her daughters devious plans

“Dronling shaped rocks? Uh How long did Y think that was going to last?” Evie let a small snicker

“She said enough time for her mamas to love her like they used to so I am not sure how to convert that into a time result” J could see the humour of the situation was breaking down Evie’s broody and edgy persona

Evie couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle, then looked down, “well.. that kinda doesn’t sound like a bad idea.” She huffed.

“Hey, don’t get any idea because I said them.” J told her, “what I’m trying to say is that your dad still needs you, Evie.”

“Why does he need me when he’s got a new baby now, the new baby will make a perfect replacement and he’ll be fine without me.” She looked back up at J angrily.

“You’re all he has left of your mom.” J told her, “that’s why he needs you, that’s why he sent me out here to search for you.”

Evie sniffed as she then pouted, “if he cared he would’ve came out here himself.”

“Evie, you know as well as me that he can’t do that right now.”

Evie stayed silent for a good minute, “well.. yeah.”

J sighed, “Evie..”

Evie whimpered, “I’m just wondering what I did wrong..” she looked up at J, “was I a bad daughter?”

J couldn’t help but see herself the doubts of letting down your parents.

“No kid you weren’t a bad kid I don’t think you ever be consider that to N” J pulled Evie into a hug

Evie froze up but then melted into the hug, she wanted things to be normal again. For her cousins to be back, for people to look at her family like they weren’t monsters, for her families affection to feel unquestioned and secure.

“You see people don’t have babies to replace their own babies, even your father and I old and rusty are still our parents little dronlings, they have eggs to expand their family” J patted Evie as Evie sniffled

“But isn’t my family big enough” Evie asked

“Well when you were little and your Dad Thad moved in that expanded the family, you see the baby is moving in but in a different way” J thought this is a goof way to explain things

“But the baby is taking up so much time!” Evie whined

“Well moving on does do that, you know you can help with gaining back more time” J lifted up Evie’s head

“I can? But how?” Evie tilted her head

“You can help by picking out things for the nursery, your papa has to stay home a lot and in one place to rest so he’s going to have so much time for games those will help take his mind off the pain of things, oh you can even help name your little sibling have any names you have been holding on for characters?” J patted Evie’s hair as she spoke

“I mean I guess but isn’t this baby for my dads” Evie wondered

“Well their going to be your sibling so I am sure they will be thrilled to know their big sister chose a very cool nursery and name for them”

Evie stayed silent, staring off into the space before sighing, “I guess that doesn’t sound bad..”

“See?.. now you’re getting it.” J nudged her with a smile.

“I just wish my dad would see me.. I don’t want this baby to make him stop seeing me.” She choked up.

“Trust me..” J stood up before picking Evie up, “your father still very much sees you, I won’t be surprised I’m even after this baby is born you’re still the favorite.” J booped her as Evie let out a small smile.

“Do you feel good enough to head back now?” J asked her as Evie wiped her tears.

“I.. guess..” she whimpered, “can I stay with you tonight auntie J..? I don’t think my dad wants to see me after what I did..”

J blinked in surprise and then nodded, “..alright.”

As the two drones flew down from the tall spire the door flung open, Thad and P were waiting worried as ever. Evie was shuffled behind J she knew her dad and grandpa are mad at her at least that’s what she thought.

“Evie are you ok you didn’t get nicked by the setting sun did you?” P rushed over a knelt down to see Evie

“Yeah gramps I am fine I know better you have warned me a million times” Evie said trying to look away and seem cool

“I don’t think she’s ready to talk just yet but Evie said she’ll have a apology by tomorrow” J sighed ruffling Evie’s hair she knew the bombshell of Evie’s decision was going to break N’s heart thr second he heard the news

“That’s fine I think it’s best we have a early night we can have your favourite tonight” P lifted out a hand for Evie

“Um grandpa and dad I want to stay at Aunties tonight… and before you say anything I suggested this” Evie said with a louder voice

“..oh” P seemed taken aback

J seemed really awkward it’s not like she could say anything to make things better.

Evie hugged J’s leg as she hid her face behind J.

Thad also blinked in surprise, and gave P a worried look, P also returning the look before looking back.

“..alright.” P replied.

J sighed as she turned around, picking Evie up, who just hid her face in J’s coat and turned back to P and Thad, “I’ll be over in a bit to collect some clothes for her..” J said walking past the two who just watched in surprise as she walked off with Evie.

Thad and P just looked at each other both gave a shrug.

“How are we gonna break this to N” Thad asked

“Uhhhh lightly I guess I mean Evie has had sleepovers with other family members before” P sat up and brushed himself off

“Yeah but… it’s J” Thad gestured

“Yeeeeaaaaahhhh he’s not gonna take this well” P said groaning at the idea of this

“Welp only thing we can do is tell him rip off the bandaid yknow, look N is a little bit more emotional due to the egg but he’s rational and J hasn’t pulled anything in years, trust me Thad I know my son he’ll be fine” P walked over and placed a hand on Thad’s shoulder with a smile

“SHES WHERE!?” N wailed out eyes hollow over hearing the news he immediately started pacing and letting out worried whimpers

Thad gave P a look of ‘yeah knows my son he’ll be fine’, while P tucked his tail behind his legs in embarrassment of his lack of doubt in the situation.

“Oh god I messed up so bad, oh robo god!” N sobbed out

“Now N let’s not through things out of proportion-“ Thad began but was quickly interrupted by N.

“Relax?! My daughter is choosing J over me!! Oh god what have I done!!” N started to hyperventilate, Thad frowned about to walk over but was quickly interrupted by a knock at the door.

All 3 of them turned their heads, P blinking before walking to the door, and opening it, revealing it to be J.

N was quick to rush over as soon as he saw J, “is Evie with you?!” He said looking around, when he didn’t spot Evie, he looked back up at J, “what did you tell her?? Where’s my dau-“

“Step down, N!” J barked at him and N blinked, “Evie’s staying with me for the night, I’m just here to collect some clothes for her.” J told him as she walked past him, towards Evie’s room.

N whimpered, quickly walking behind her, “why? Did Evie tell you something? Did I do something wrong?” N said, biting his imaginary nails.

J paused in her tracks, before sighing and turning to N, “Evie thinks you’re replacing her, she thinks she did something wrong so now you’re replacing her and ‘ignoring’ her.” J told him and N’s eyes hollowed, then J held her head, “she also thinks you’re forgetting about Uzi.. she thinks you don’t love Uzi anymore so that might be a reason why you’re replacing her..” J shrugged, “i tried talking to her like y’all told me to.” She said before turning again and walking into Evie’s room.

N was furious lots of growls as he practically loomed over J, J not seeming to be bothered by N’s intimation tactics he never was one to be scary.

“But I am not doing those things I just have been tired” N sputtered out

“Well Evie says otherwise relax moron it’s just one night she is more than willing to come back tomorrow trust” J turned around with some clothes in her hand

“I don’t trust you around her” N huffed

“Yeah we it’s not just me do you really think my mother is going to let me bully and eight year old for the crime of her having problems with her parents N? Or is that the egg talking” J said smugly

N lifted up his hand and pointed at J with a low growl he was considering so many things, but none seemed to end well for both of them. J knew how much mental battle he was going through and grabbed the hand pointing it at her face.

“Go ahead be irrational” J was enjoying this to much

“Alright you two break it up your revealing in babysitting for a night because it makes him butthurt and you need to lay down before you pop a wire” P just pushed the two apart as they were way to close to a fight

“But” both said

“No buts your acting like dronlings you two” P huffed

The two just looked at P, and then glared at eachother before of them sighed in unison.

“Anyways, Evie just misses her mom, that’s pretty much it.” J said, gathering up Evie’s clothes.

N just growled at her, “you told her something.”

J just glared at him, “so a kid is not allowed to miss their dead parent?”

“No that’s not what I’m saying bu-“

“Look, N, I’m sorry you can’t parent properly but Evie just doesn’t wanna see you tonight, she thinks you’re upset at her so I let her stay at my house, where she CHOSE to stay.” J snapped at him.

“I-.. I don’t understand.” N’s anger soon turned into whimpers as J rolled her eyes.

“Look, the girl misses her mom, she needs comfort, so I’m gonna give her that comfort if you refuse to give it to her yourself, now get out of my way.” J said, getting up when she gathered all of Evie’s clothes needed for the night, and turned to N who was blocking the entrance.

“Move” J said bluntly

“No” N huffed

“Fine then I’ll go through the vents” J rolled her eyes

“Wait you can’t just” N grabbed J’s tail before she could leap into the vents

“What more do you want from me N your daughter is unhappy with you” J hissed

“I know her best I know she wouldn’t just choose you” N said trying to mask some tears

“N let her go it’s just for the night” P put his hand on N’s shoulder

“No she’s been nothing but a menace to me all my lives it’s never unintentional” N turned back with a growl

“Look we heard Evie say it herself N why would your dad and me lie to you” Thad came over

“I-I-….” N let go of J’s tail as his tail slumped to the floor

“Look if you want to know from Evie’s words she doesn’t think she deserves to come back home after running away, she’ll be back here by the morning promise” J sighed turning back she felt kind of bad she knew how he felt when she had to be monitored around the twins it was devastating.

N stayed silent as he looked down, and then held his head in his hands, “what have I done..” he whined into his hands and J sighed.

“I’m.. gonna get going.” J said, quickly walking around N and quickly walking out.

N continued to hold his head in his hands, Thad looking at him as he placed a hand on N’s shoulder, “N..?”

“Uzi’s gonna kill me.. Uzi’s gonna kill me..” he said, letting his hands fall, revealing his hollowed eyes.

“N..” P said stepping up, but N shook his head.

N brought his hand up, wiping his tears, “I.. I didn’t want Evie to think I was ignoring her on purpose..” he sniffed, “I’ve just been so tired and.. and-“ he fell to his knees as he broke down into sobs, “I’m a bad parent oh god!” He buried his face in his hands

“No nonsense” P went over to pat his son on the back

Thad coming over as well the group hug was long as N sobbed. He couldn’t believe he could have let this gotten so bad just months ago everything was just fine but his lack of attendance in Evie’s life had ruined everything. And it was his fault for sure he was horrified on going to sleep he knew Uzi would be waiting for him and rightfully so, he didn’t deserve to be happy. Everything got so blurry as N faded in and out of conciseness. Before closing his eyes for the last time before sleep took him.

Awaking he wasn’t in a purple lit room but an oddly off shade of purple not quite Uzi’s tint. Looking around this had to be somewhere Uzi had control over.

“Uzi..?” N looked around in confusion.

He walked around in confusion, looking for Uzi, usually she was quick to be where he was when he would appear in the solver mind.

N continued walking until-

“N?” The sound of Uzi’s voice was heard, causing N to immediately snap around.

N blinked, before tearing up and running to Uzi, hugging her tightly as she hugged him back, Uzi letting out soft purrs as N sobbed.

“Uzi I-I’m so sorry!! I didn’t mean to make Evie feel that way!” He sobbed out and Uzi’s hug was tightened.

“Shh.. shh.. it’s okay..” she reassured him as she gently petted the back of his head as he sobbed.

“I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but please I will do anything to make this right” N sobbed nuzzling Uzi

“Anything you say?” Uzi asked a little intrigued

“Yes anything!” N said tears in his eyes as he was on his knees looking up at her

“Oh my dear I do know what Evie wants” Uzi cupped N’s face

“Really?” N asked

“I mean I know she talked to you and well my sister” N said as he saw Uzi rushed her hands through his hair

“Oh yes she came to us for advice she made it very clear what she wanted” Uzi pushed N’s head into her chest a large and unsettling smile creeped upon her? It’s? Face.

N’s eyes hollowed as Uzi let out a giggle, but that giggle was caught off by something flying over N’s head, soon hearing a “dammit I missed!!’, N blinking in confusion as he looked up.

Looking over he saw Uzi standing there, the “Uzi” that was holding him just hissed at the other Uzi.

“Get away from him!” Uzi hissed out before lunging at the other ‘Uzi’.

The two tussled, for a bit as N pushed himself back away in fear, watching the two fight.

The two fighting as N scurried back into a wall panting. He quickly lost track of which Uzi had been holding him and which one was the real Uzi.

“You son of a bitch I said leave my family alone” a Uzi said

“You first! I won’t you gone out his and hers life” another Uzi said

“N come on shoot I need your help” Uzi yelled

“What you think he’s going to shoot me she’s the solver!” Uzi pointed at Uzi

“Oh no your not pulling this who’s the real Uzi shit, come on it’s the solver!” The other Uzi said pointing at Uzi

N was so confused one definitely was the solver but how easily it mimicked her the two were practically identical. Both looking shocked at him even considering the other one was the fake.

“Please we can talk things out with Evie I am not that mad” Uzi said

“No don’t take its side it’s hell bent on killing the egg” Uzi said pushing the other one back

“I would never” Uzi said

“Yeah I wouldn’t but you the solver would I am not having you ruin my daughter’s and husband’s life!” The other Uzi punched her

N looked between the two in confusion and terror, exchanging his hand for a gun before pointing it at one of the Uzi’s.

The Uzi who was currently standing, while the other one was on the ground groaning, looked over at N, giving him a worried look, “come on, N, we can talk about Evie, look I’m not mad at yo-“

There a gunshot heard, the sound of a body dropped was heard shortly after.

The Uzi that was on the ground looked up, and over at N who was his eyes closed, then looked over at the Uzi who was on the ground.

Uzi was quick to get back up as she quickly rushed over to N, hugging him tightly as he opened his hollowed eyes.

“W-wait.. are you the..” he asked, holding her face in his hands.

She gave him a pissed off look, “yes it’s me dummy!” She told him and N just sighed with relief as he brought her into a kiss, the two holding the kiss for a good minute before they both started to sob together.

“God today has not been great” N said through sobs wiping his tears

“Yeah you’re telling me, are you ok did it do any damage to you or um the egg?” Uzi looked over N frantically then winced a bit from a wound

“Yeah I am fine everything is fine you seem in more pain though” N looked Uzi with a whine

“It’s ok it will heal Yeva is helping me recover faster, let’s get you somewhere safer” Uzi helped N up to his feet as she guided him away from the fight scene

The walk was silent, the awkward silence was growing between them.

“I know what you’re thinking, N.” Uzi told him, looking up at him, “I’m not mad at you.”

N whimpered, “Evie’s mad at me tho.”

“Oh I know..” Uzi sighed, “she visited me earlier, she actually wanted me to talk to you.”

“So I am in trouble, aren’t i?” N said as they walked in Uzi’s room, she sat him down on the bed and she sighed, sitting down in her chair.

“Not necessarily, but I do need to talk with you.” Uzi told him, “Evie’s not doing good..”

N blinked, “I-I’m aware! She choose to stay with J overnight instead of m-“

Uzi held up her hand, “I know I know, but it’s worse than that, N.” Uzi told him, “she told me how she wanted to stay in the solver mind with me and never wake up ever again.”

N’s eyes hollowed, “she never told me that-“

“N, listen to me, I know it’s been hard for you but she needs you, more than ever right now, I cannot be there physically so you have to be the one there.” Uzi frowned, “I don’t want her coming to the solver mind so early, if her destiny is the solver mind to begin with.. she’s half disassembler so that’s parts more.. complicated..”

“I see oh my sweet baby” N grew more worried by the second

“It’s my fault for sure I can’t believe she is facing these thoughts at this age, you have my word every second of the day is dedicated to Evie” N said holding Uzi’s hands

“I know but promise me as well you won’t do this alone she does need you but you can’t expect yourself to just fix everything by yourself” Uzi stroked his hair

“Oh when have I ever done that” N said jokingly

“N” Uzi said more sternly

“Ok ok no shutting everyone off to fix one problem” N sighed

“If I could you’d give me gray hairs both you and Evie” Uzi smiled nuzzling N

“Well that’s our speciality she’s my daughter as well though her teen angst has come early” N nuzzled Uzi back

“Yeah that checks out my dad will probably have some sympathy for you I was to cool for parental love around this age” Uzi pushed N into the bed as the two rolled over snuggling