Chapter Text
What if one day enemies stopped hating each other?
What if an eternal rivalry birthed a love so strong it tore down every wall meant to divide them?
What if, in a moment, you stopped hating the one you were told to despise... and simply started to love?
The disassembly drones and the humble colony of worker drones didn’t know the answer... or at least, not until they learned the story of two drones, different in purpose but equal in heart, whose forbidden love led them to their demise.
Two factions, alike in dignity on the lands of Copper 9, born of an ancient feud, found themselves linked by the clasp of two hands that had been taught only to clash.
The hand of a small, rebellious, purple drone and the hand of an angelic, yellow one.
V focused on gutting her latest victim, indifferent to the unpleasant sounds of her feast. N, on the other hand, gazed at the sky, ignoring V's indulgent behavior. To him, she was just another brute among their kind, insatiable and unremarkable.
The sky of Copper 9 fascinated him. It was so different from the one he remembered on Earth: twin moons surrounded by stars, with purple and black auroras dancing among the clouds. It offered a momentary escape from the grim routine—and from a thought he couldn’t shake.
He hadn’t meant to see her again, yet his optics always seemed to find her during hunts. That worker drone was small, curious, and... so beautiful. He shouldn’t feel this way, but he couldn’t help himself. If J ever found out, it galled him to admit it, but he would give her the perfect excuse to get rid of him.
"Ugh, this one was old," V complained, wiping her mouth after slurping up a core like it was noodles. "How long before F and J bring us something decent to eat?"
But the only male on the team remained silent. V frowned, leaning toward him to see where his optics were focused. She followed his gaze, but there was nothing—no worker drone hiding atop the buildings he might be stalking. So what was wrong with him? Had snow gotten into his hardware again? Or had another fuse blown in that head of his for lack of better use?
"Hello? Idiot? Did you disconnect?" V raised her voice, a bit aggressive now, leaning even closer to N.
Still nothing. V narrowed her visor.
"Well, bad news. Those parasitic drones have gotten faster and shut the doors before we could get to them. Looks like we’re stuck with leftovers again," Designation Serial F stated. Her sleek black suit, yellow sash, and long platinum ponytail gave her an elegant and commanding presence.
"And what’s wrong with him?" J asked arrogantly, pointing a metal finger at N.
"Synergistic Liability here reseted himself again... or something," V explained, her frown deepening.
"N? You good, buddy?" F waved a hand in front of him, but there was no response.
J stepped forward, hands resting on her hips. "N!" she nearly shouted.
Finally, N shook his head, looking around. He hadn’t even noticed they were all together now.
"O-oh, I... I’m sorry... I was just... thinking," he mumbled, still visibly distracted.
"You’ve been processing more than usual, dumbass. If you keep this up, we’ll never improve our quarterly score," J snapped.
"Ease up on the insults, J," F said calmly, motioning for silence before sitting beside N on a nearby crate. "What’s on your mind, my friend? You seem a bit preoccupied."
"Don’t worry, F. I’m fine... it’s just that... my core’s been acting up lately," N admitted, fidgeting with his hands. "And... it’s not a virus. It’s... someone."
"Hmm, well..." The platinum-haired drone tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Care to share what’s been bothering you? Or are we dealing with one of those thoughts our company forbids?"
"F, this is N we’re talking about. The only thing he thinks about is golden retrievers," V added disinterestedly, standing beside J.
N sighed, gazing back at the sky.
"I think I’m falling in love," he confessed softly.
The trio exchanged visibly surprised glances.
"You? In love?" J asked with a mocking laugh.
F, on the other hand, rolled her eyes and placed a reassuring hand on N's shoulder. "And who’s the lucky drone that’s got you so distracted, huh?"
"I wouldn’t say I’m crazy about her... I’d say I’m going crazy because of her. A few weeks ago, during a hunt, most worker drones ran from me, while others hid. I was just looking for oil, but... when I lifted my gaze and saw her eyes from her hiding spot... it felt like our worlds collided for the first time. She was afraid of me, and that fear stopped me. I don’t know why—compassion, empathy, curiosity—it doesn’t matter. But I returned to myself and felt... worried for her. She realized I wasn’t trying to hurt her anymore and... I think she felt the same as I did."
"And then you opened her stomach and ate her entrails, right?" V asked, licking her lips and cleaning metal scraps from one of her claws.
"No," N corrected almost immediately. "We just stood there. She didn’t run, and I didn’t chase her. I tried to greet her, to show kindness—maybe that’s what I should do: treat her kindly. But J called... and even though I didn’t want to leave... I thought it’d just be a one-time thing. But it’s happened again and again. Every time I see her, it’s the same: her curious eyes, her fear awakening my... weakness. I want to show her she’s safe with me. I... care about her. It’s so strange. I don’t know what it is about her that makes me feel this way. She’s my enemy, and I’m hers. Yet I want the chance to see her again and feel this... whatever it is she makes me feel."
"Aww..." F cooed, visibly moved.
"At least tell us she’s hot," V said, resting her metal hands on her cheeks.
"She’s small and has a mischievous, lively voice. Her hair is purple, her face is so beautiful, and she wears a hat with a black pom-pom on top," N said dreamily, placing his hands on his chest as he leaned back to admire the beautiful purple hues of the sky. "I’ve never met another drone like her... and that’s what makes her so special to me."
"N, do you realize you’re talking about a worker drone?" V asked, her tone nearing hysteria, claws still extended. "Worker drones are supposed to be our food, not our lovers."
"Does it have to be that way, V? I know we’re supposed to hate them, and we were sent here to destroy every one of them. But... I don’t feel any hatred toward her. I feel... something beautiful. And I want to explore that... with her by my side."
"Aw, that’s so sweet, N," F said, shrugging with exaggerated cuteness.
"Yeah, yeah, very sweet. But I suggest you tone down those feelings, buddy. Remember, she’s just another parasite among her kind, and we have a mission to wipe her and her colony out," J snapped bitterly, repeatedly poking N’s chest with her metal finger.
"And if we’re being honest, we haven’t been very successful at that lately," V added, peering over J’s shoulder.
"Ugh, don’t remind me," J groaned, rolling her optics in annoyance. "These damn workers are so desperate to survive. They know exactly where and when we’re going to strike. I’m afraid we’ll have to resort to new tactics."
"Actually..."
V’s voice sang, causing the rest of the group to focus on her, surprised.
"I think I know how we can launch a proper attack and wipe that colony out," V exclaimed with excitement, her laughter echoing. She pulled out a phone and, after a few taps, opened her gallery.
N’s optics widened in shock as he saw the screen: a snapshot of his companion with a blonde worker drone by her side, posing coquettishly, sticking out her tongue, and holding up her index finger. As V swiped through more photos, N recognized the drone and another, a tall, purple-haired one he’d seen earlier from a distance.
"Her name is Lizzy, her father is the teacher of her class. We met one day when I went hunting. She's super friendly, but pretty naïve... manipulable. Enough for her to believe I'm her friend and trust me like it's nothing," V explained with a malicious tone, striking a diva pose. "So much so that... she told me that in two days there will be a very elegant dance among the students of the colony, and she said that, if I wanted, I could invite my friends so we could all be 'besties'."
J seemed skeptical about what V was saying, but that last piece of information immediately triggered a reaction in her system, making her realize what all this was about.
"So... if we're invited, that means we can get into her bunker," J analyzed.
"Uh-huh..." V hummed, shaking her head up and down.
"And everyone will be there..." J finished her analysis.
"That's right. We just have to look sharp, greet Lizzy and her friends, dance for a while, enjoy the evening, and when it's about to end, we annihilate them!" V exclaimed, slamming one of her fists into her palm violently.
"I... have a better idea," F interrupted immediately, stepping between the other two disassembly drones. "How about we show up all elegant, dance, pretend to get along, gain some good reputation with them, and later, when they think we're all friends... we annihilate them!"
V, J, and N exchanged looks, as if they were trying to come to an agreement.
"Playing with the feelings of our prey before eating it? I like that, F," J complimented her colleague, giving her a pat on the back, making F laugh happily.
"So, we're going to a gala? And we'll be elegant?" N stood up from his spot with hope, clasping his hands together in excitement.
"Seems like it, kid," J said, looking over her shoulder at him.
"And if you're lucky, maybe you'll meet the girl of your dreams," F said to N, winking at him.
N gasped excitedly, bringing his hands to his cheeks while smiling.
"Now go, find the best outfit you can among the corpses, and while you're at it, get something for us," J ordered the only male in the group, pushing him away so he would leave.
"Preferably a red dress for me. That color suits me quite well," V requested.
The three doors were finally open, as Lizzy had informed V they would be. It had been relatively easy (according to F), too easy (according to J). The quartet walked following V's instructions, and within minutes, they were in the school territory. From the distance, the music echoed.
The party was taking place in the gymnasium where these young ones usually did sports and played dodgeball. Countless tables filled the space, some with batteries, cables, chips, and oil, while others only had crumbs. Some guests were chatting cheerfully, while others had gone to the dance floor. The atmosphere was in blue and purple tones, perfect for the music that kept the soul of the party alive. It was a true paradise, a perfect Friday night.
That's what N thought when he crossed the doors with J, F, and V. All dressed for the occasion, just like him. He didn't often say it, but he loved these kinds of outfits; they made him feel very beautiful.
"Let's find Lizzy, don't do anything stupid, alright? Remember, we need to build a reputation," J ordered the others as they walked.
But there he stayed, alone in the middle of the party, dazzled by the lights. He glanced around. His curious yellow eyes quickly traveled the room, and as soon as he turned to look at a corner, his eyes narrowed into fine ovals, glowing with a yellow light underneath them. Everything that had once been dead in his chest came back to life.
A beautiful purple drone stood before him, wearing a lovely skirt of the same color. Her dress exposed her arms and shining joints, which served as exposed shoulders. She stood out among the students, her purple vision lost in the surrounding crowd. Her gloved hands were also purple. The most beautiful among these worker drones.
But the biggest giveaway was the small purple hat atop her short dark hair.
She appeared to be alone at the party, motionless, lost among the crowd, noticing how everyone danced with their partners while she danced alone in the tone of the hall. N couldn't understand why no one else had a perforated core like him.
At that moment, dominated by affection, N felt enchanted by seeing her again. She shone just like the moon at night, and he couldn't help but admire her... and be thankful to the higher force that had granted his wish to be with her again. To meet her that night, to give himself the chance to stop being a genocidal and evil drone.
That night was bright and special. How could he let her go?
N looked around. His companions were busy with their own things, and no one was giving him judgmental looks. Then, with a determined frown, he decided he didn't care about the consequences. He no longer wanted to make excuses for his feelings. With slow steps, he walked toward her, smiling bravely, although still blushing. The closer he got, the more he could feel his core trembling, a desperate heart trying to break out of its shell to be with his new owner.
Uzi then looked toward him, noticing he was approaching, and she, smiling shyly, shrugged her shoulders as a small shadow glimmered in her visor.
"It’s you..." N said once he had her in front of him, his eyes twinkling mischievously.
"It’s you..." Uzi repeated, now looking at him, her gaze softened. "I think we already know each other, well... at least from afar."
"We can get to know each other now, only if you want, of course..." N let out an awkward laugh.
"That sounds epic to me," Uzi replied playfully, sticking out her tongue, which made N let out a small chuckle.
"You’re pretty crazy and small. I like that a lot. I’m Serial Designation N, it’s a pleasure, my lady." Immediately, the platinum-haired drone struck a firm pose, placing his left arm behind his back and raising his right arm as if he were a soldier.
Uzi put her fingers to her chin, entertained and very fascinated by the beautiful drone in front of her. Was he really one of those genocidal drones she was supposed to be afraid of?
"But you can just call me 'N.'"
"Alright, N. My name is Uzi, Uzi Doorman".
"’Uzi’? Like the gun?" he commented, surprised.
"Yeah..." Uzi sighed. "Like the gun. You’re not the only one in your class, are you?"
"I’m the leader of my squad... well, not really, everyone except F says I’m useless and terrible," the drone scratched the back of his neck.
"Well, you don’t seem like a useless or terrible drone to me. Actually, you seem like a very charismatic drone... and way too cheesy, but enough for me to like it," Uzi expressed.
"And you’re... very... dark, I guess," N said shyly, interlacing his hands.
"Are you serious?" Uzi asked with a smile, only to see him nod. It couldn’t be! He liked her goth and emo aesthetic!
"Yep," N said happily, interlacing his hands. "I noticed that ever since we crossed paths during my hunts, but now that I have a better view of you, I can finally say your hair, your style... is... cute..." The blush on his visor grew stronger. "You’re very cute, Uzi..."
Whatever N had planned to say to her, or at least what she expected him to say... that definitely wasn’t on her list.
"Ah..." Uzi said, stunned, her eyes narrowing into fine ovals, and under them, a strong purple light blazed on her face. She could do nothing but look down and shrug. "B-bite me!"
"As you say... I like doing anything..." N guided his eye and peered toward her.
Then Uzi’s expression was worth its weight in gold, because at the moment she heard those words, she felt the large hand of the disassembly drone reach for one of hers and grab it. It was really big... he pulled her forward so they could both see it. Raising an eyebrow in confusion, she watched as he then removed her glove, exposing her hand, stretched one of her metal fingers, brought it closer to his, and gently caught it between his fangs, biting it.
Without words, just an Uzi Doorman whose eyes were wide and whose levels of lust and attraction were at their peak.
"Oh, robo-Jesus..." Uzi lowered her gaze, the embarrassment too much, but she couldn’t stop smiling mischievously. "Shit. Don’t. Do. This. To. Me. Fuck."
N just laughed, releasing her at once.
"You’re so... damn and conventionally attractive..." Uzi said again, completely blushing.
The music then slowed for the guests. An opportunity for couples to share a nice moment that night. Exactly what the newly united lovers deserved. The purple-haired worker drone stayed silent, smiling fondly while being guided in a smooth waltz by that disassembly drone, who held her as if she were the most delicate thing in his hands. That gentleness made her feel so loved by the one who was supposed to be her enemy. His large palm rested firmly on her back, and the other was intertwined with hers, fascinated by how perfectly they fit together, like a crystal heart. They couldn’t stop looking at each other. They moved elegantly from side to side, tracing the floor with their feet. Wherever N went, Uzi let herself be led, and wherever Uzi went, N didn’t let himself be led. It seemed like the other students were too busy with their dances, or maybe they were already aware of Lizzy’s friendship with murder drone V, so they didn’t pay attention to them.
They felt shy and had clear blushes on their visors but were very happy and kissed each other every moment, looking like they were very happy.
"Where did your killer pride go, huh? You don’t seem like that same drone who rips out the insides of my colony when they’re not around."
"I have no idea, but all I know is you look really gorgeous tonight."
"You look great tonight too, N."
There was a brief pause where N made her spin quickly before letting her fall back into his arms.
"Can I stay with you...?" the disassembly drone asked, his tail swaying side to side with joy.
"But... you’re a murder drone..."
"Yeah, I know I am, but if you don’t want that, I’ll change my name and leave all that behind," he assured her sincerely.
"You’re not looking to hurt me, right?" Uzi asked doubtfully, even raising an eyebrow. "I know you’re not like your other friends, but I don’t think that’s enough to trust you."
"Never, Uzi. Let me be part of your world, every part of it... baby steps... together?" N expressed, bringing her hands to his chest.
"Will you make me a promise?" Uzi asked softly, just loud enough for him to hear.
"I promise," he affirmed in the same tone.
Oh, N had such a beautiful voice... a male drone with such a beautiful voice.
In a swift movement, the lovers leaned in, he slightly bent down, and Uzi stepped onto the tip of his boots, allowing their mouths to meet in a tender kiss that lasted only a few seconds but was filled with softness and tenderness. That night, now and always, they knew they belonged in each other's arms. Uzi just closed her eyes and knew what she wanted to know... she wanted to know what love was... what love felt like... and N, after many doubts, could know it too. Just feeling her in his chest, her arms wrapped around his torso, just running his fingers through her beautiful blue hair. With that, he knew.
While the couple remained locked in a delicate embrace to the rhythm of the beautiful music, the other two murder drones remained as witnesses.
"Well, we lost Him." J said bitterly, placing both hands on her hips.
"Oh, come on. Don't be like that, J." F replied, glancing back at the couple with a sweet smile. "They look so cute together. I'm glad to see N found his soulmate, I thought he had completely given up on V."
"The idea was to kill the colony." J clarified, turning back to her friend with platinum-colored ponytail.
"And can't we make an exception?" She raised an eyebrow. "Maybe we can even get her on our side... or do you want N to go into one of his depressing dramatic episodes and listen to him whine all day?"
J thought for a brief moment and then sighed heavily.
"I hate when you're right." She saw her friend smile triumphantly. "Fine, let's just focus on trying to get along and enjoy the evening. Let's go get some fuel to drink, you coming, V?"
When she turned to meet her short platinum-haired friend, she found her in the corner, pinning her friend Lizzy against the wall, now surrounded by her legs while both kissed passionately, groping each other in the act.
"OH, C'MON!" J complained, shrugging.
"Ugh, shut up, silly." Lizzy silenced her as if the complaint were just a pesky mosquito.
"Yeah, we're just... reinforcing our friendship." V replied shamelessly before attacking Lizzy's lips again, squeezing her waist.
"Don't get too heated up, if you need a fire extinguisher, I won't be there." J expressed irritably, crossing her arms while going for a drink.
It was 11 PM, the event was over, everyone had danced to their heart's content and enjoyed the moment, and thanks to the strong influence of Lizzy (and by that we mean she’s the daughter of the school's teacher), V ended up being the prom queen. Many of the worker drones were already exhausted in their rooms, taking off their costumes or going straight into rest mode. The serial designation quartet was getting ready to leave, with J carrying F like a sack since she was intoxicated after so many drinks of diesel. However, Uzi offered to guide her lover and her friends to the exit. They had to leave, but it seemed that N... simply didn’t want to let her go or release her. He was stuck to the ground, facing her, the purple glow on the back of her hands still shining between his.
"It was the first time a drone asked me to dance, it was pretty sweet." Uzi confessed, diverting her gaze with a blush that for her was already annoying and "cringe."
"Excuse us, we’re leaving." J shouted as her impatience grew.
Knowing their time was almost up, they held onto each other as best as they could, and N couldn’t help but run one of his hands through her beautiful purple hair in the process and, in a gentle motion, kissed her temple.
"Please, stay with me." She asked softly, running her hands over his cheeks. "...we can stay together and have a better life, and your friends too."
"I can't... at least not tonight." N expressed, holding her by her back.
"Will you come back?"
"I promise... if J doesn’t inject me with a virus when we’re alone..." N said with a nervous laugh.