Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The morning sun shone through the windows of the Doorman household. Things were quiet as oil coffee was made and breakfast was served. Some birds outside created ambience with their chirping songs.

Nori sat down with a grunt, holding her pillbaby in her arms. She took the mug of coffee Khan handed to her, relishing in the fact she could drink the stuff again.

“If you swallow too quickly you’ll choke.” Khan advised with a chuckle, sitting next to her.

“Shush. I wasn’t making a whole new code for four months just to be scolded.” Nori huffed back, setting her mug down.

Khan laughed and took a sip of his own drink. He eyes his daughter sitting in his wife’s arms peacefully. Her lavender purple gaze wandered around the home. Khan swore he saw a mischievous glint in those ovular lights.

“Do you want to charge Uzi today or should I?” Khan inquired.

“You do it. I’m way too tired from trying to soothe her last night.” Nori muttered.

Khan smiled and stood, taking their child from her hands. He advised Nori to get more sleep with a kiss to her head. Nori was in no mood to complain, taking her mug with her to the bedroom.

Meanwhile, her husband took the battery bottle from its charging stand and sat on the couch. He propped Uzi in the crook of his arm and brought the bottle near. A little port opened up on her metallic shell, the port clicking right in.

Khan took a look outside the window next to the couch. It was a sunny day today, and not too windy. Perfect for heading outside to grab a bite or hang out with friends.

“Maybe if Nori feels up to it, we can go outside, Uzi.” Khan smiled down at his daughter.

She made a simple boop back as she drank up the charge within the bottle. Khan chuckled again and got comfy. Even if they don’t go outside, it’d still be nice to sit with the windows and back door open to let in the sun and warm breeze.

Khan straightened with a huff, wiping some sweat drops from his visor. He put down his screwdriver and took another look at the instruction manual.

“Is the dresser almost done, Khan?” Nori asked as she entered the room.

“Almost, just putting the drawers together.” Her husband replied, picking up a couple more screws. “How’s Uzi doing? Still rolling around?” He asked in return, sitting back down.

“As always.” Nori grinned. “But she stopped moving long enough for me to grab her.” She stood next to her husband.

Khan looked up, spotting Uzi in Nori’s arms. He smiled at the two of them before getting back to work.

“It must mean she’s close to needing a proper body!” The male Doorman mused.

“Most likely.” Nori sighed, slightly less amused. “Do you think we should ask our pediatrician? I’ve never seen Uzi so rambunctious before.” She held their daughter tighter.

“I don’t think you have to worry, Nori. Besides, we still need to put together some furniture!” Khan reassured, patting his wife’s leg.

“Still. Don’t pillbabies usually get their first body around this time?” Nori wondered.

Khan sighed and took off his reading glasses. He stood and guided his wife to the plush rocking chair they bought just a few months ago.

“Nori, Uzi will be fine, trust me.” Khan told her softly, giving her an equally soft smile. “Even if Uzi is getting more energetic, I think she’s just growing curious and wanting to explore. Besides, it’s confining being home and stuck in a shell for so long. I think even I would start rolling all over the place just to see something new.” He went on.

Nori stared at him with creased brows. She sighed and let her tense posture fall. Turning back down to her daughter, staring curiously back at her, Nori nodded in agreement.

“Okay.” The woman vented. “But I still want to call the pediatrician. I at least want to see what she says about what kind of body we should go for.” She argued.

“Alright, fine!” Khan smiled again. “Let’s at least wait until I get this dresser done, first. I just need to put together a couple more drawers.” He pointed a thumb in the furniture’s direction.

“Okay, I’ll let you finish up.” Nori tittered, rocking the chair.

“You know, it’d be nice if you helped me out a little.” Khan spoke as he turned back to the wood on the floor.

“Uhm, I’m taking care of our daughter, Mr. Handyman.” Nori smirked. “I don’t see you watching her every move lest she roll right into a table leg.”

“Alright, alright, you got me!” Khan raised his hands in mock surrender. “But at least stick around, honey! Our baby should see what her finished dresser looks like!” He grinned.

“I will, I will! Don’t worry!” Nori nodded.

Khan’s smile grew bigger before he sat back down with a grunt. He put his glasses back on and resumed his work on the dresser. Nori held Uzi so she could see her papa working hard to make the house cozy and ready for her.

The night was peaceful, with music box crickets playing their lullabies, the critters going quiet, the stars shining brightly above, and Worker Drones tucked in bed inside their houses.

The Doormans were no exception. Nori and Khan slept soundly in their bed, a fan blowing against them to keep them cool during the summer’s warm nights. The curtains were drawn but moonlight snuck through the crack. The stars tried to peek in to no avail.

And for most of the night, all was quiet through the house. Just crickets playing their melodies, just the stars and moon bathing everything in an elegant silver glow.

Crack! Creeaach, splint!

Well, it was quiet until some noise started coming from the baby monitor.

Nori was the first to stir. She rolled over and lazily slapped around for her alarm clock. But even after pressing it, the cracking didn’t stop. Nori’s sleep notification blinked away in favor of her eye lights.

Turning an optic to the monitor, she finally grabbed it. She banged on it a few times to get it to stop, all to no avail. She groaned in agitation and slammed it back onto the nightstand. What the hell was causing all of that-

Squeak!

Nori shot up in her bed. She whipped her head to the door, some of her bedhead smacking her in the face. She stumbled out of her bunk with a thump before hurrying to her feet.

She jogged down the hall until she skidded to a stop at Uzi’s nursery. She ran over to the crib, halting right in her tracks at the sight.

Uzi was slowly but surely hatching– Actually hatching! –from her metal shell. Little plates moved out of the way and broke off to make way for the baby coming through.

Nori stared flabbergasted and utterly speechless at her child. Uzi managed to lift her head to give her mother another chirping squeak.

It snapped Nori out of her daze. She leaned down and carefully, very, veerrry carefully, helped her daughter out of her shell. Synthetic downy feathers covered her frame, so frail and fragile even now.

Once Uzi crawled her way from her pill-shaped egg, she began squeaking again. Nori’s hands hovered in the air, her eye lights emboldened rings. She wasn’t sure what to do. All she could manage to do was stare back at her newly-hatched daughter.

Tiny, bird or raptor-like feet, itty-bitty, fuzzy wings, a long tail, feathers curving up from her light purple locks, even more pale purple feathers covering her entire frame. She looked like a pillow with only half the stuffing inside.

Nori finally made herself move and picked up her daughter. She was so light in her arms, felt as soft as forming rainclouds. Her curious lavender eye lights met Nori’s. Uzi gave her another squeak, startling her mother.

Finally taking action, Nori hurried back to her bedroom. She ran over to her husband’s side and shook him vigorously, startling him awake.

“Khan! Khan! Get up, get up! This is very urgent!!” Nori whisper-yelled.

“I’m up, I’m up!” Khan returned a little louder. “What is it? Why are you up so late?” He asked as he sat up.

“Our daughter hatched.” Nori decided to be blunt.

Khan stopped rubbing his visor. He took his hands away and opened his mouth to question his wife, but stopped short at seeing the little baby drone in her arms.

The hair was like Nori’s, the coloring was like Nori’s, the bodily lights were like Nori’s, but all the birdy, lizardy stuff was not.

Khan opened his mouth to speak, to say something, yet all he could muster was a prolonged croak of his own. His daughter seemed to think he was trying to communicate with her, returning the croak with her own little peep.

“Wh… What should we do?” Nori whispered.

Khan…

Did not have an answer to that.

“Looks like your daughter got a rare mutation, Mr. and Mrs. Doorman!” Their pediatrician smiled.

Nori wasn’t sure she enjoyed that smile. What was there to be happy about? Her daughter was part monster!

“Is Uzi going to be alright like that?” Khan voiced her concern.

“Of course!” Their doctor waved off. “Even though she’s a Wyvern Drone, she’s still just the same as any other baby out there.” She grinned. “She might have a slightly different diet and need more exercise than most, but she’s just like any other kid otherwise!”

“How… How did she get this mutation?” Nori asked, her voice admittedly soft.

“These kinds of mutations, while rare, are naturally-occurring phenomena.” The pediatrician said. “Although the exact reasoning behind it is unknown, there’s also nothing to worry about. There are plenty of other parents who have Wyvern Drone children as well!” She beamed.

“So it just happened by chance?” Nori asked, her brows furrowing.

“Yes. Uzi just happened to have a mutation in her code, which when transferred to the pill body, turned it into a manufacturing unit instead.” The doctor replied.

That still didn’t make any sense to Nori, or even to Khan.

“What should we do about this then?” The said father inquired, wringing his hands nervously.

“Raise her like you would if she were a Worker Drone.” The pediatrician replied with a shrug. “Like I said; Wyvern Drones aren’t raised any differently than Worker Drones. Even if they have scales, even if they have fur or feathers.”

Khan still didn’t look satisfied. The pediatrician deflated, her smile falling.

“Listen, if I can be honest with you for a moment, I’ve seen way too many parents give up their child just because they have this Wyvern Code mutation.” She said, her tone turning serious yet somber. “I have a Wyvern Drone kid of my own. A teenager now, but I still love him as much as my two other worker kids.”

“I don’t want you to give up your child just because she has this mutation. Give her the love and care you would if she weren’t a Wyvern Drone. You’ll see there’s no difference at all between the two.” She finished.

Khan and Nori stared at her a little longer. The latter’s gaze turned down to her child in her lap, looking around with wonder and curiosity. Like any other Worker Drone infant would.

“Okay. Thank you.” Nori vented with a nod.

The pediatrician looked relieved, perhaps more than Nori knew. And maybe Nori was just anxious because she didn’t know her child had this mutation in the first place. If she knew beforehand, could have time to dwell on it and let it sink in, she doesn’t think she'd react the way she did-

“Uhm, one question,” Khan spoke up, a nervous sweat drop on his visor. “Just what, exactly, is our daughter? What- What wyvern?” He wondered.

“Oh! She’s a Bird Wyvern, a Seikret!” The pediatrician grinned again.

Nori poured over article, after blog, after journal, after book, after every post possible, trying to find out what she needed to do and have in order to raise a Wyvern Drone child. There was mostly stuff about the more dangerous ones, the ones who can breathe fire, generate electricity, spit water, fly, swim, dig, and more.

‘There are a surprising amount of dangerous abilities these Wyvern Drones have…’ Nori mentally noted, reading yet another article. ‘I hope Uzi doesn’t have any.’ Her gaze squinted in worry.

A squeak caught her attention. Nori turned from her computer, feeling her optics burn from looking at the screen for too long. Uzi crawled around in her playpen in the living room just next to her mother. Some pillows and stuffed animals kept her safe from bonking into the plastic walls.

“Are you hungry, Uzi?” Nori asked with a faint grin, getting up from her chair.

She went over and picked up her fuzzy daughter. Her feathers were floofing up even more. Nori wondered how fluffy she’s going to get.

But her priority was feeding her cheeping, piping daughter. Nori pulled out a special-grade formula to prepare a bottle. With Khan at the store getting more supplies, Nori was left alone with their kid.

She didn’t realize the minutes passed by so fast, the microwave beeping already. Nori shook her head, feeling so fatigued, and took out the bottle. It was warm to the touch. Nori tested the liquid on her wrist. Perfect enough.

Nori went to the nursery to sit down and bottle feed her daughter. Uzi’s little beak nipped at the bottle’s nipple, latching on and gulping down the fluid like her life depended on it. And maybe it did, since it was the only thing she could eat.

“You really are something, Uzi.” Nori laughed down at her fluffy child, whose tail was wagging in delight.

Uzi didn’t reply, just kept drinking from the bottle. Nori sighed and leaned back, watching her daughter hastily drink up her meal. Within a few minutes, the bottle was totally empty. Nori set it aside and adjusted her daughter within her arms.

Rocking the comfy and plush chair with her feet, Nori let the quietude of the room calm her anxious nerves. She felt Uzi cuddle into her chest, tucking her head against her bicep and chest plates. Nori huffed a laugh and held her a little tighter.

She didn’t know if she was prepared to raise a Seikret, Wyvern Drone child. But she didn’t want to just give up the kid she’d spent four months creating the code for. And another five months waiting to incubate- Hatch- Manufacture- Build-

Whatever.

Nori wasn’t giving up just yet. She was too stubborn to.

Much like how Uzi was too stubborn to take a nap right now.

Chapter Text

The faint tapping of claws pitter-pattered throughout the house. Uzi went running from one end to the other, full of boundless energy. Nori and Khan sipped at their oil coffee, exhausted and half-asleep.

“Are kids usually this energetic?” Nori asked, propping her head in her hand lest it fall flat on the table.

“So I hear.” Khan returned, staring into his mug.

“I’m so happy she’s going to school in a week.” Nori sighed.

Khan only hummed in return, taking another sip.

“Think we should take her to the park again?” Nori asked next. “It might just wear her out long enough for us to get some sleep.”

“I fear that if we do, sitting in the sun on a bench will make us fall asleep first.” Khan argued.

“At least there’s other parents there to watch.” Nori countered.

“I still think we should be able to watch our daughter ourselves.” Khan vented out a sigh.

The tapping of tiny claws against wood flooring stopped. Khan and Nori opened their sleepy optics. They turned to look around for their daughter. Sweat drops blinked onto their visors when they couldn’t see her in the living room.

With yet another sigh, the two got up and started searching.

Uzi ran up excitedly to the school building. But her harness stopped her short of going too far. She turned to wait for her mother, impatient and tapping her feet on the ground.

“Uzi, calm down. I know you’re excited but you can’t go running off.” Her mother scolded as she caught up.

Uzi only peeped back a whine. Nori sighed. It’s been a bit of a battle getting Uzi to speak proper words. She’s had to decipher her sounds and chirps since she was a newborn.

But at least her daughter listened for once. Uzi waited alongside Nori into the building. It was quiet, as classes had already started. Nori felt a bit embarrassed being late on the first day but concealed it enough to smile when entering the front office.

“Hello, Ma’am!” The beaming office lady spoke.

“Hi! I’m here to drop off my daughter.” Nori spoke as she walked up to the desk. “It’s her first day and we ended up getting here late. Sorry.” She rubbed the back of her neck.

“No worries! Let me just do something real quick…!” The other woman turned to a drawer.

Nori kept a tight hold on Uzi’s leash while signing a few papers. She was too excited, too curious, always trying to run off to the other desks and staff walking by. They cooed at her and adored her fluffy downy feathers, still pale in color.

“Thank you so much!” Nori spoke once she was done.

“Of course! The classroom is just down to the left, room 103.” The office lady nodded.

Nori gave her another thanks and began towards the classroom. Uzi followed behind, sniffing at the air. It made her sneeze, so many smells entering her nostrils at once.

Opening up the classroom door, the teacher stopped her current topic. The whole class turned to face the newcomers. Nori waved and gave a small smile, with Uzi wanting to run away again.

“Hi, sorry for barging in!” Nori said quietly, feeling even more embarrassed. “You’re Mrs. Goodwin, right?” She questioned.

“That’s me!” Goodwin replied with a nod. “And let me guess, this is Uzi Doorman?” She questioned, staring down at the Seikret child.

“It is.” Nori smiled. “Uzi, say hello to your teacher.” She urged.

Uzi waddled up to her, her tail ever-bouncing. Goodwin kneeled down to become more optic-level with her. Uzi sniffed at her offered hand.

“Sorry, she doesn’t like to speak very much.” Nori apologized.

“No, it’s alright!” Mrs. Goodwin waved off. “But hello there, Uzi! It’s nice to meet you!” She directed to the fuzzy child.

Uzi eyed her up and down for a moment.

“Hi.” Was her simple response.

‘Where’d all that excited energy go?’ Nori wondered as her gaze narrowed and her smile tightened.

“I’m your kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Goodwin! We’ll be getting to know each other throughout the year, so I hope we can become good friends!” Mrs. Goodwin beamed.

Uzi nodded. Her gaze fell to the teacher’s hands, resting on her knees. Goodwin noticed, lifting one up for Uzi to inspect.

Meanwhile, the other Worker Drone kids eyed her up. Some whispered to each other while a few had sweat drops on their visors. There was an uneasy tensity amongst them.

“Has she gone to Pre-K?” Goodwin asked Nori.

“She has.” Nori replied with a nod.

“Good! Then I’ll work on getting her to speak first and foremost!” Goodwin smiled, standing back up. “Okay, everybody! With all the kids here, we can finally introduce ourselves!” She clapped.

The children erupted in noise and cheer. Nori knelt down to take Uzi’s harness off. She worried about not having it on, especially since recess is a thing. She doesn’t want her daughter going off on her own…

“Uhm, just in case you need it, please take Uzi’s harness.” Nori told the teacher, giving her the Palico-themed leash. “She has a bad tendency to go running off and straying from others. I don’t want her getting lost.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll make sure to keep a good eye on her!” Mrs. Goodwin promised.

Nori didn’t know how much she believed in the teacher, but she supposes she can’t argue now.

“Uzi, you make sure to be good for your teacher, alright?” Nori turned to her daughter, kneeling down again. “Don’t cause trouble and don’t go running off! You hear me?” She pointed as her brows furrowed.

Uzi peeped back at her with a nod. Nori let out a silent sigh. She nodded and hugged her daughter.

“I’ll be back in a few hours. Be a good girl for Mrs. Goodwin and the other kids.” She said again.

“I will!” Uzi giggled.

‘Doubtful, but at least she seems willing to try.’ Nori thought.

Letting her daughter go with a goodbye kiss, Nori left the room. Uzi waited until the door closed to sit back down with the other kids. The few around her scooted away, looking nervous and suspicious.

“Now, who wants to introduce themselves first?” Mrs. Goodwin asked with an ever-beaming smile.

Kindergarten was very much a blessing for the Doorman family. The parents could finally sleep and eat, and their daughter learned to speak with words not vague noises. She also took on doodling and scribbling on paper with crayons.

Uzi also was a lot less energetic when getting home, using so much of it during the school day. Khan and Nori couldn’t be more relieved about it!

And of course, Uzi would rave about the new things she was learning and all the running around she was doing. She’d show her parents her scribbles of animals and robots alike. Some were hung on the fridge.

But going to school does come with its own challenges for the young Seikret Drone.

The classroom was loud with rambunctious children, drawing, playing, and chattering. Uzi walked up to a group of girls, holding a bird figure in her clawed hands. One of the girls noticed her approaching, immediately whispering to the two others.

“Hi, uhm, I wanna play with you.” Uzi spoke bluntly, her downy tail wagging.

The other girls eyed her up with narrowed looks.

“We don’t wanna play with you.” One of them returned, her hair blonde.

Uzi’s grin fell and her tail stopped in its tracks. She made a whine in the back of her voice box.

“Why?” She returned with a cock of her head.

“Because, you are a monster.” Another girl with blue hair said.

Uzi didn’t understand. She wasn’t a monster, just a wyvern. Monsters were big and scary and could breathe fire and ice and water. She could just roll around like a little bug!

“I’m not a monster.” Uzi pouted back, her brows furrowing.

“Yeah you are!” The blonde girl spoke. “You have claws and fangs and feathers! Only monsters have them!” She retorted.

Sure, Uzi had them, but they were tiny. She couldn’t do much with them.

“But I wanna play…” Yet she didn’t have the words to argue that.

“Play by yourself!” The blue-haired girl spoke with a shooing hand.

Uzi stared at them with creased brows. But she turned away. Clearly these girls weren’t going to let her join them. Maybe they will tomorrow? Or during recess?

For now, Uzi will see if any of the boys will let her play with them. And if not, she can always go back to drawing.

Today, Uzi saw some other Wyvern Drones at recess. They were playing on the little kid jungle gym on the small playground. Uzi trotted over to them with an eager grin on her face plates. The other animalistic kids turned to her, returning the smile.

“I-! I wanna play too! Can I play too?!” Uzi asked with a fervently wagging tail.

“Yeah!” One of them, a Yian Kut-Ku she thinks, returned. “We got another player!” He told his friends.

They popped out of the jungle gym’s various equipment. They were draconic, monkey-like, bird-like, and feline in nature. And for once, Uzi was allowed to play with some kids. And to boot, they were Wyvern Drones just like her!

Uzi ran over to the jungle gym to climb up it. The other kids crawled and trotted all around, hanging on the bars, going down the slide, kicking up mulch only to get scolded, and playfully nipping at each other.

The group of Wyvern Drones had a couple more kids join in on the fun during their recess. The Worker and Wyvern Drones laughed and cheered loudly as they played and tumbled around the monkey bars and slides.

Teachers watched from afar, chatting amongst themselves. Other kids stared with uneasy stares, too wary to come close. The swinging claws and spiked tails of the Wyvern Drones were dangerous, they knew that much.

But that just meant there was more room to have fun on the jungle gym! And Uzi was going to take full advantage of it!

Khan picked her up from school today. Uzi was a little reluctant to go, having lots of fun hanging out with her Wyvern Drone friends. But she was picked up much like a melon and carried to the car.

“How was school today?” Khan asked with a smile, buckling his daughter in.

“Fun!! It was lots of fun!” She exclaimed with flapping wing arms.

“That’s good to hear!” Khan laughed, getting into the driver’s seat. “Have you made any new friends?”

“Some wyvern kids!” Uzi returned, her gaze wandering towards the window.

“Are they nice?” Khan inquired next.

His daughter squeaked fervently, clearly excited. It made Khan chuckle.

“Well, it’s good to know you’re making some friends.” Khan sighed contentedly, his optics on the road.

Things went quiet for a few minutes. The school wasn’t far from the house, about a fifteen minute drive. But to Uzi, it felt like an hour.

“Daddy?” Uzi called, her enthusiasm gone.

“Hm?” Khan hummed in acknowledgement.

“Am I a monster?” She asked.

Khan didn’t say anything. His optics then hollowed out with a blink. He whipped his head around, only to have to hastily right his car after being honked at for straying on the road.

“Uh- G-Give me a few minutes to get home first, okay?” He returned, looking in the rearview mirror.

Uzi only hummed and nodded in reply.

Dinner was a little tense to say the least. Khan still hadn’t answered Uzi’s question, and he wasn’t sure if she was waiting or forgot about it entirely.

Glancing at his daughter, she ate her wire spaghetti as usual. A sweat drop scrolled down his visor, both at seeing the mess she was making, and also at her earlier question in the car.

“So… What were you talking about in the car earlier?” Khan finally spoke up, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

Uzi perked up from pecking at her nickel meatball. She gobbled down the rest of it before she spoke. Nori wiped her beak with a napkin before she could utter a sound.

“Some girls at school said I was a monster. Is that true?” Uzi told him, looking to her father.

Khan blinked back at her with worried optics. They turned to Nori. She stared back just as mutely.

“Uhm- Why-y did they say you were a monster, sweetie?” Nori questioned with an uneasy grin.

“Because I have claws and feathers and fangs.” Their daughter returned, fumbling with her baby fork. “They said I was dan- Danner- Dangie-”

“Dangerous?” Khan finished.

“Mhm.” Uzi nodded, pulling more wires into her beak.

Khan and Nori looked at each other again with worried expressions. They turned their gazes back to their daughter, unperturbed by the girls’ words. She was too busy trying to eat spaghetti to care right now.

“You… Aren’t a monster, sweetie.” Nori said, holding Uzi’s wing hand in reassurance. “Those girls are just mad that they don’t have feathers as pretty and fluffy as yours.” She smiled.

“Y’u fink soh?” Uzi asked through a full beak.

“I know so.” Nori nodded. “And don’t speak with your mouth full. It’s rude.” She lightly scolded.

Uzi swallowed her bits of spaghetti.

“Do you know the names of the girls who said you were a ‘monster?’” Khan inquired.

“No.” Uzi replied.

“Do you remember what they look like?” Her father asked next.

Uzi trilled and nodded, pecking at another meatball.

Khan and Nori looked to each other once again. Looks like they’ll be paying a visit to the office tomorrow…

Chapter Text

Although Uzi had the occasional bully, she didn’t really have classes with them since kindergarten. She’d see them in the hall or in the cafeteria during lunch, outside on the playground and lower baseball field during recess, but they mostly left each other alone.

Uzi was much more content playing with her Wyvern Drone friends anyway. Even if she wasn’t always assigned a class with them, either. Even if they moved away and she had no way to contact them.

But she made the most of her Elementary school life, getting by with good grades and lots of Good Noodle stickers. And although she occasionally got in trouble because she played too rough or was a little too mean, Elementary wasn’t bad.

The fieldtrips were fun and the assemblies were cool. One was even a whole lazer show! She wished her parents could’ve seen it. At least she was able to tell them all about it though!

But as middle school came closer and closer into her life, Uzi felt that it was a bit daunting. Despite her school getting her “ready” for it, Uzi still had no idea just what it was like. All she knew was that she had a new teacher for every subject.

Was she going to be able to keep track of all that? Eight whole classes with eight whole teachers. Not to mention all the homework that she’s undoubtedly going to get. Will she have time for herself at all?

“Is something the matter, Uzi?” Nori spoke, stirring her daughter from her thoughts.

Uzi startled but shook her head. She probably shouldn’t worry about it too much. She’s still got half a year, plus a summer, to go.

“Are you sure? You look like you’re worried about something.” Nori pressed, sitting on the couch beside her daughter.

“I’m just thinking about middle school.” Uzi finally confessed. “I don’t want to have to remember all those teachers… Why can’t we just have two like in Fifth grade?” She asked, turning to stare at her mother upside-down.

“I wish that were the case, too. But it’s been like that since before even I was created.” Nori sighed, giving her a small smile. “But I’m also sure you’ll be fine. They’ll give you a schedule with all your teachers on it.”

“But that’s still so many…” Uzi whined with a pout.

“There isn’t anything we can do about it, honey.” Nori’s grin fell. “For now, just focus on getting through Fifth grade. You have your graduation in a few months, after all!” And her smile returned.

That’s right, she does. Uzi’s gotta dress up and everything, doesn’t she? Mmm… She doesn’t care for dressing up like that…

“Are you not excited for your Fifth grade graduation either?” Nori asked with a light giggle.

“I am! I just don’t wanna dress up…” Uzi pouted again, her tail thumping on the ground.

“Well, you’re going to anyway! Everyone else will and it’s a special occasion! The least you can do is look nice.” Nori told her.

Uzi made a whining hum. Her mother sighed and stood.

“Why not, after graduation, we go out to your favorite restaurant to celebrate?” She suggested.

“Really!?” Uzi asked, perking right back up.

“Yes, really.” Nori nodded. “It can be just me, you, and your father. And we can get dessert afterwards.” Her smile grew wider.

“Please! Please, please, please!!” Uzi begged, hurrying up and hopping around her mother’s feet.

“Okay, okay! I’ll tell your father about it.” Nori laughed. “For now though, just worry about finishing up your final year of Elementary. We can worry about everything else later.” She advised, holding onto her daughter to stop her running around.

Uzi nodded as her tail wagged. Nori let out a content sigh, letting her daughter go. Uzi turned back around to resume playing with her toys. Nori left after a few moments to resume doing laundry.

And plucking all of Uzi’s stray feathers from the lint trap.

“Mom, why do I need new clothes? I have stuff that fits just fine…” Uzi asked, her brows furrowed on her display.

“Because, you’re growing older and growing bigger. Your downy feathers are also coming off, and at a rapid pace. You’ll need to cover up.” Her mother returned.

Uzi’s expression only fell more. She supposes she understands… Maybe…

“Well, couldn’t you have at least given me a heads up before dragging me out here? You were acting like it was the end of the world.” Her daughter commented.

“Sorry, I just-” Nori trailed off in thought.

How does she explain that the one time her daughter happened to bend down at home, she accidentally flashed her because Uzi’s downy feathers were fading and her adult feathers were growing in? And that the adult feathers don’t cover the sensitive place her downy ones did?

“I wanted to make sure you’re prepared for the rest of Middle school. Other Wyvern Drone teenagers need clothes as well, so it isn’t like you’re alone.” Nori decided to say, a nervous smile on her lips.

“I mean, I can see that.” Uzi replied, eyeing some other teens shopping for clothes. “But you still shoved me out of the house so fast that-” She went on.

“Look! Some nice clothes! What do you think, Uzi?!” Nori interrupted, pulling a shirt from a rack.

Her daughter would’ve said something until she turned her gaze to the shirt. Her optics squinted on it.

“It’s nice…” She muttered.

“Well then, why don’t we put it in the cart to try on later?” Her mother suggested, already tossing it inside the said thing. “And why don’t you look around some? I’m not the one wearing these clothes after all!”

Uzi only nodded. She turned to the rest of the bright and glittery, girly store. It was Justice, right? Not bad, but she doesn’t think she’s so into all this ‘glitz and glam’…

Clothes shopping with her mother is a nightmare, Uzi finds. Just about every article of clothing Uzi likes is criticized in some way by her mom. It’s either “too dark,” or “not very bright,” or “so boyish.”

‘And so what if it is? Maybe I like dark and boyish!’ Uzi thought, her beak gritting tight. ‘Maybe I should just put it in the cart anyway to spite her…’

Uzi shifted through yet another rack. It held slightly brighter clothes, reds, greens, blues, pinks. Some had glitter, others not so much. Uzi wasn’t that interested in glitter or sequins, but she admits some clothes looked nice with it.

‘This Kuromi shirt looks nice with it…’ Uzi admitted, staring at the navy purple shirt. ‘It even comes with shorts.’

Uzi plucked it from the rack and put it into the cart. Nori put some plain shirts into it as well. Uzi turned back around to look for more. Maybe there was more Kuromi stuff? There’s a bunch of Hello Kitty and My Melody.

‘Some of the summer-themed stuff is cool.’ Her gaze wandered to the warm-colored tank tops and shorts.

Uzi went over, searching through display tables and racks. She pulled some of the clothes from them and dumped them into the cart. Uzi then went over to the long-sleeved section to search through that.

But as she reached up to take a shirt from the wall, she noticed the feathers that started to grow in on her arms. They lined the outer sides of them like a bird. Would the long sleeved shirts fit around them?

“If you’re looking for specialized wing-arm shirts, they’re over there.” A nearby employee spoke, pointing to the corner of the store.

Uzi nodded and gave her a quiet thanks, heading on over. She could hear the tapping of her claws against the wood planks on the floor. It felt much more pronounced than when she was younger and always running around.

Taking a long-sleeved shirt from the wall, Uzi pressed it against her torso. She slipped her arm into the sleeve and buttoned the hem. Her feathers poked through the slit made for wing-arms and feathers.

“Is this even going to be warm?” Uzi had to wonder.

“Did you find something you like?” Nori asked.

Uzi startled and whipped around. She didn’t quite know. She shrugged.

“Well, I think that shirt would look nice on you.” Her mother said.

“But the sleeves have these slits in them. I don’t think they’re going to be very warm.” Uzi argued, her expression falling.

“It looks tight enough to wrap around your arm without problems. I think you just need to try it first.” Her mother told her.

Uzi still didn’t quite believe her. But she wasn’t in the mood to argue. She nodded and took a couple more long-sleeves from the wall to put in the cart.

Uzi took a liking to some pants, shorts, leggings, and even a couple of skirts. Still mostly in a dark color or hue, but pretty all the same. Nori did put in some other colors to give her more flexibility in her outfits, and to give her more pop.

Though, Nori wasn’t sure how much she enjoyed her daughter putting in Spongebob-themed shorts. Or a couple of video game-themed pants. But it at least gave her daughter something to wear.

But after that, the two went over to a more tucked-away part of the store. Uzi was quick to notice the kind of clothes they had on display. Her visor went flush and her tail twitched nervously.

“Mom, what are we doing here?” Uzi questioned quietly.

“Like I said before, you’re losing your downy feathers, Uzi. You need to cover yourself up.” Her mother returned. “Also, make sure to get a few different colors, including neutral. And white! For all of your light shorts and pants!” She urged.

Uzi’s brows creased and her display went even brighter. Her lavender optics turned to the underwear and panties sitting in plastic packages on stands and shelves. Some were in bundles with socks.

Her hands fell over her pelvic plating, covering what her downy feathers were starting not to. She felt so embarrassed… And she assumes that all Wyvern Drones have to buy these things?

“Uzi, what’s the matter?” Nori asked, noticing her child’s distress.

Uzi’s beak twitched and wavered. It was hard to get the words out. How does she even tell her? What is there to say?

“I don’t… I don’t wanna be here.” She whispered.

“And don’t you want to be here? Do you not like the clothes?” Nori inquired next, patting her daughter’s head.

Uzi could feel Nori’s hand run over the small horns starting to grow in on her head. They were still tucked away underneath her tresses and the long adult feathers growing in. Right now, her horns were just nubs.

“I-It’s embarrassing.” Uzi returned pitifully, unable to lift her gaze from the ground.

“What? Getting underwear?” Nori cocked her head.

Uzi nodded. Her mother sighed and pulled her daughter close.

“I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, but all Wyvern Drones need underwear.” Her mother started. “While no one knows just why their frames are outfits with functions and parts like those, it’s just something we have to deal with.” She patted Uzi’s back.

“But you don’t need underwear. Dad doesn’t. My classmates don’t.” Uzi argued.

“But all the other wyverns do.” Nori countered. “You aren’t alone in this, Uzi. Just look over there. Another Wyvern Drone is shopping for underwear just like you.” She pointed out, letting her child go.

Uzi turned her gaze to the said wyvern. The Lala Barina looked just as nervous as her, but her Wyvern Drone mother seemed used to it by now. There was a hint of understanding in the adult Lala Barina’s optics.

“They need underwear just like you do. So don’t fret over it so much. You’ll be wearing shorts and pants like any other Worker Drone anyway!” Her mother tried to look on the bright side for her daughter.

Uzi’s gaze was glued onto the Lala Barina family for another few moments. She sniffled and nodded, swiping at her visor. Nori rubbed her back and waited for her daughter to recollect herself.

“If you want, we can get some ice cream once we’re out of here?” Nori offered with a small grin.

Uzi nodded, a whimper slipping past her beak.

“Then let’s get you some underwear and check-out. It’s almost dinner time anyway.” Her mother spoke.

Again, Uzi just nodded. She turned back to the various packs of undies, all in different colors, different styles, and some having different patterns. Uzi put a few into the cart, along with some socks.

And while she was there, Uzi took a look at the leg warmers on a gondola. They were mostly plain, but were all big, baggy, and thick. There were a few thinner ones, of course, but most were definitely made for fall and winter.

Uzi took a set from the hook. It was striped with two tones of purple. Another was indigo with white stars. A third was white with pink polka dots. Uzi glanced at her mother, her tail waving nervously. Her gaze returned to the warmers.

“Mommy?” Uzi called quietly. Nori turned. “Can I… Get some leg warmers?” She asked, her talons tapping against the floor.

“I don’t see why not.” Nori shrugged. “But you better make sure you use them.” She warned.

Uzi nodded back. She put a few sets of leg warmers into the half-filled cart. And before they went over to the check-out, Uzi used some shirts to cover up the packages of panties.

Chapter Text

Middle school was such a hassle. The kids are insufferable and the constant changing of classes is aggravating. Especially when you’re Uzi Doorman and have Language Arts on one side of the school, need to go to your locker to get your lunchbox, eat lunch in the middle of the school, get your stuff back out, and then have to go upstairs and to the complete opposite side of the school, all in the span of three minutes!

And because of how crowded all the halls are 24/7, Uzi can never, ever, get to her fifth class on time. And her teacher gets pissed at her when it’s the school itself that doesn’t give her the time to get anywhere.

Uzi ran through the halls, mostly emptied by now. She wished she could use her backpack instead of having to stuff it inside her tiny locker on the first floor. She hears that they let you do it in Highschool, so why not now!?

Gritting her beak and picking up the pace, Uzi spotted her classroom just down the hall. She skidded across the floor to run up to it, only to have it close right in her face. She knocked on the door to be let in.

“You’re late! Go get a pass from the cafeteria!” Her shitty math teacher told her.

Uzi stared at the door in disbelief. Multiple anger ticks blinked onto her visor in an instant. Uzi started banging on the door in retaliation.

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN ‘I’M LATE’?!” She asked, trying the locked knob. “I GOT HERE RIGHT AS THE BELL RUNG!” 

But her teacher just ignored her, only waving her off with her hand dismissively. Uzi let out a guttural growl and kicked the door as hard as she could. She turned to stomp down the hall as her tail waved around.

“YOU’RE A FUCKING BITCH!!” Uzi hollered from down the hall.

Uzi slammed her books onto the nearest spot at a table. The others around her scooted away a few inches, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire of the pissed pre-teen. Uzi tapped her claw on the table, etching a hole into it with the force.

Some faculty bastard or another took a mic and tapped it to get everyone’s attention. The bitchy principal gave a disapproving look to all of the late students. Uzi returned it with a scornful glower of her own.

“Lately, we’ve been having trouble with students being constantly late to all of their classes. Today, we’ve rounded you all up to tell you why you should stop doing that and to get your acts together!” The principal spoke.

‘I’m not one of those kids!’ Uzi thought. ‘I’m only late because your dumbasses don’t let us out of lunch early enough!’

And it was true. Their faulty method of dismissing everyone from lunch consisted of tables being called so kids could get up and throw their trash away. If you were unlucky, your table might be called last, so you only have about two minutes to make it to your next class.

The trek was made far worse when other classes also got out at the same time. So the hallways were constantly crowded and it was consistently a hassle to get through.

‘It was also you guys that made my classes so damn far apart from each other! Dumb bitches!!’ Uzi’s beak grit harder, her sharp teeth peeking through.

She tuned out whatever nonsense the teachers had to say. It wasn’t her fault she could rarely make it on time to her math class when everything was out of her control! Not to mention she’s never late to any other class! How can they lump her in with all the kids who’ll have to repeat their Highschool years?!

“Hopefully this will teach you all a good lesson!” The principal spat at the students.

“As if.” Someone scoffed to her friends. “They didn’t even get the right kids! These adults are so annoying and stupid…”

“I guarantee you those exact kids are hiding out in the bathrooms right now.” A friend of hers spoke up.

“Of course they are!” The first girl replied.

“They’re just pissed they can’t catch them, so now they’re taking it out on us.” A boy huffed, just as annoyed as everyone else.

“You all signed some passes when you came in. We’ll call out your names so you can collect them and get to class.” The principal said. “And don’t go skipping class!” She warned.

Uzi rolled her optics and shook her head. She glanced around, spotting a couple Wyvern Drone kids looking especially irritated. Looks like she isn’t the only one who’s particularly pissed about this.

But she had nothing else to do, and she didn’t feel like getting into even more “trouble” by sneaking out, despite how tempting it was. Uzi watched the others get called and collect their passes. Minutes passed and more and more kids left, until about a dozen were left.

“We couldn’t read your names, so come and look for your pass.” Some adult or another spoke.

“Lazy fuck-holes.” Uzi clicked her tongue, getting up.

Uzi stomped up to the table with the passes. She searched around for hers, quickly swiping it from the table. She stomped away without a word, glaring at the teachers and staff watching her.

“Fuck you all.” She puffed.

“Hey-!” One teacher heard her, it seems.

Uzi ignored him and kept walking. She was in no mood to be facing her equally-bitchy math teacher. But she forced herself to slowly climb the steps and walk down the halls to the classroom.

And once she was there, her teacher gave her a disapproving look. Uzi’s brows furrowed even deeper at her in return. The teacher held out her hand. Uzi slapped the pass into it, walking to her seat.

“Uzi!” Her teacher scolded.

“It isn’t my damn fault you teachers are incompetent!” Uzi snarled back. “And I’m only ever late because all of my shit is on the other side of the damn school!” She added.

“That is no way to talk to a teacher-!” The woman exclaimed in offense.

“Oh, go fuck yourself with your damn ruler!” Uzi flipped her off, slamming her books down.

Her teacher wanted to say more but kept her mouth shut. She turned on her heel and began writing another pass for the pissed pre-teen. Uzi rolled her optics and picked her books back up.

Uzi didn’t spare her teacher a glance, ripping the pass right from the pad and stalking off. Her teacher called after her but Uzi couldn’t give less of a shit. She was too tired and furious to give her any more light of day.

The door to the principal’s office opened. The said Worker Drone sat back in her chair, probably scolding the Seikret Drone sitting in the seat across from her.

Nori sat in the only other seat available, next to her daughter. She gave a mild glare her child’s way, to which Uzi only scoffed and turned her head away. Nori sighed and composed herself.

“What was the problem, Miss?” She questioned.

“Your daughter cursed out a teacher today, on top of being late for the umpteenth time.” The other woman spoke. “She has been consistently late for a couple of months now.”

Nori turned to her daughter, clearly confused. Uzi’s claws dug at her biceps, the feathers still growing in.

“I’m only late because you don’t dismiss us from lunch early enough!” Uzi retorted. “On top of that, I have to go to fifty different places before I can get to math! And the halls are always crowded! It’s impossible to get through!” She listed.

“We can’t dismiss everyone from lunch at the same time-” The principal tried to argue, her brows furrowed.

“Bullshit!!” Uzi hollered, leaning over in her seat.

“Uzi Doorman!” Nori scolded.

“You’re just too fucking lazy to!” Uzi accused with a pointing claw. “Also, all your bullshit rules about the halls make it even more of a hassle to get through! We can only go one way on either side of the building! It makes getting to places even worse!”

“Maybe you need to quicken your pace in the halls!” The principal argued.

“Maybe you need to be less of a fucking bitch and fix your fucking system!” The student hollered back.

“Okay! That’s enough!” Nori yelled, shutting the two up. “I’m very sorry, Ma’am. Clearly there’s some problems on both ends-” She sighed, keeping a hand on her daughter’s shoulder to keep her seated.

“The only ‘problem’ here is your child!” The principal interrupted. “She has plenty of time to get to class but she refuses to use it wisely! If she wants to be late everyday, then she can face the consequences!”

Nori opened her mouth to say something, but didn’t know what. From what she could gather, Uzi has a hard time getting through the halls to get to class on time. But the principal doesn’t see any faults with how they dismiss lunch, or format their school’s halls? She isn’t quite sure on the last one.

“Ha. Yeah, it’s always the student’s fault, isn’t it?” Uzi scoffed with a dry laugh. “It’s never the person who designed shit that way, just everyone who can’t follow their dumbass and nonsensical orders!” Her brows furrowed deeper.

“Doorman-” The principal’s tone turned into a warning.

“Go fuck yourself with your damn shitty hallway and timing system, whatever. I’m out of here.” But Uzi got to her feet, picking up her bag.

“Uzi-!” Nori called, turning in her seat.

“I’m leaving! I hate being in this shitty-ass school!!” Her daughter bellowed, slamming the door shut.

Nori and the principal flinched. The former relaxed her posture and rubbed her tired visor.

‘She’s only been getting into even more trouble lately…’ She thought.

“Your daughter lacks discipline.” The principal spoke, catching Nori’s attention.

Said woman turned her gaze to the slightly younger lady. Her expression turned peeved, her hand falling.

“How so?” Nori wondered.

“She’s unable to follow simple rules and commands for one. And second, she’s clearly not willing to listen to reason or the truth.” The other woman responded. “She’s unruly and crude to boot! And she doesn’t even use her words sometimes! Just grunts and growls, like she’s unsophisticated!” She ranted.

Nori’s gaze fell even more. She stood up and grabbed her purse.

“It sounds to me like you see her more as an animal than another sentient robot.” Nori said, her grip on her purse turning tight. “Do you expect her to act like a dog and lick the peanut butter off your heels? Or is that just what you want out of Wyvern Drones like her?” She asked, her glower scorching.

Nori turned away before the principal could respond. She slammed the door closed, leaving the conversation as over and done with.

Nori got into the car, letting out a heavy sigh. The interior felt tense and annoyed. The latter mostly came from her daughter in the backseat. Nori looked into the rearview mirror, gazing at her pissed expression, crossed arms, and thumping tail.

“Have you really been late for months now?” Nori questioned.

“Only because I don’t have enough time to get to class.” Uzi answered. “And I’ve told my teacher this a million times! But she won’t listen!” She added.

“And you couldn’t find some way to get there quicker?” Was Nori’s next question.

“Not that I found or thought of.” Uzi shrugged. “I don’t think it would matter anyway. We get dismissed from lunch by tables. Sometimes your table doesn’t get called until last.”

“What about keeping your books on you during lunch?” Her mother asked, turning in her seat to face her.

“They don’t allow it. We have to put our books away in our lockers before going to lunch.” Uzi shot down, refusing to meet Nori’s gaze. “My locker is on the other side of the school from the cafeteria and my math class. Plus, the hallways are always super busy! I can never get to class on time!” She went on.

Nori sighed and turned back around, nodding in response. It seems her daughter really does have a hard time getting to class on time. She can’t really blame her for being so angry.

“You still can’t cuss out your teachers and the principal, Uzi.” But Nori also knows her daughter said some unsavory things.

“I was just telling the truth!” Uzi argued.

“Still not appropriate!” Nori countered. “And I understand that you’re angry, but it still doesn’t mean you can do that.”

Her daughter only growled and slumped in her seat. Nori held back the umpteenth sigh and started the car.

‘Still, I don’t like what the principal said either.’ Nori’s optics hardened as she started to drive off. ‘My child doesn’t “lack discipline”! She’s just angry that she’s getting blamed for something out of her control!’

Nori wished she could do more for her kid, but she doesn’t even know what. She doubts she can go changing her schedule now, it’s the middle of the year! And she wonders if the principal would even allow it considering what happened today.

‘The principal…’ Nori’s thoughts wandered to her words. ‘Does she really think my child isn’t disciplined, or is unruly? Or did she mean she wasn’t “trained” like some sort of dog?’ The thought made her grip on the wheel tighten.

That’s what the principal’s words seem to imply to Nori, at least.

Chapter Text

Despite Middle school being a pain in her ass, Uzi still managed to have fun outside of it. She went to the park on sunny days and played with any kids that stopped by. Sometimes she’d just go out with her parents to walk around and get some pent-up energy out.

Though, the park was usually her go-to. It has more to do and trees to climb. There’s also the neighborhood kids that come out on the sunny days she likes, so she can play tag or Marco-Polo.

Uzi’s claws gripped firm onto the tree’s bark. The other kids watched from below as she scaled the tall plant. Uzi had little problem getting up it, sometimes using a stray branch as a foothold.

She turned and hopped onto a thick and sturdy branch, staring down at the kids below. She cheered in triumph and pumped her fists. The children below cheered with her.

“I told you I could get up here!” Uzi taunted to a kid below.

“Shut up!” He huffed, pouting and crossing his arms.

“Why don’t you prove that you can climb trees?!” Uzi only laughed and mocked him some more.

The boy glared at her and took on her challenge, much to Uzi’s delight.

But looking around, Uzi could see the park a lot better. The old gazebo, the metal jungle gym, the rusting and creaky swings, the short climbing walls, and the monkey bars. She could also see the pathway that led to the part, and all the other drones walking up and down the sidewalk.

‘It’s not too bad up here.’ She couldn’t help but think, staring at the vibrant scenery around her.

The boy made it up about half the way Uzi did. She taunted him some more, pointing at laughing. He growled at her with angry, ringed eye lights. Maybe she should climb trees more often-

“How are you gonna get down?” Some girl questioned.

Things went silent.

Uzi looked down at the girl. It was only after she asked that question did she realize she was stuck up here. And on top of that, she was pretty high up.

Some sweat drops blinked onto Uzi’s visor. Her claws dug into the bark as her core started to race. Suddenly, she regretted taking on his double-dog dare.

But she still tried to descend back to the ground. She took especially careful steps down the tree, using her claws to grip tightly onto the rigid bark. The other kids watched with intrigue.

The other boy tried to do the same and the two ended up right next to each other. It was quickly becoming cramped. Neither drone could really get space from one another, however.

“Move over! You’re gonna make me fall!” The boy exclaimed, shoving Uzi away.

She screamed as she lost her grip and began falling from the tree. The other kids were just about to freak out before Uzi instinctively righted her body and spread her arms wide. Her feathers spread even wider, catching the wind.

Uzi had shut her optics tight. But when she noticed she didn’t suddenly fall to the ground, she peeked one open. They both snapped wide when she realized she was still in the air.

She glided a ways away from the tree, eventually landing with a stumble onto the ground. She stood on all fours for a moment, her core pounding in her chest.

“THAT WAS AWESOME!!!” Some little kid cheered.

All Uzi could do was flare her feathers in a moment of fear.

The first time Uzi found anime, she’d been watching some TV while playing with her toys. Her action figures and dinosaurs were in a fierce battle with one another, the figures trying to protect the city from the mean dinos.

But as the kid’s cartoon ended another one started playing. Uzi had no interest in it so she quickly changed the channel. But none of the kid’s channels she frequented had anything she liked, either.

With a glower, a huff, and a flick her tail, Uzi turned to start channel surfing. There was the news, adult cartoons her parents don’t let her watch, old live-action shows, various movies, a few comedy channels, and a channel she used to watch in pre-school.

After some time trying to find something even relatively entertaining, she stumbled across an odd-looking cartoon. The style was uncanny, with sharp edges and wide eyes. The lighting wasn’t realistic like all the other cartoons she’s watched.

But something about the beefed-up men on the screen roaring battle cries and throwing big balls of light at each other had Uzi all but in a trance. She disregarded her action figures and dinosaurs in favor of scooting closer to the TV and turning up the volume.

She had absolutely no idea what was going on, or why they were fighting, but the men started having this golden glowing aura around them and their hair stood on end and changed colors.

Uzi couldn’t take her optics away from the screen. She was amazed by this cartoon and the fierce, fast-paced action scene happening right in front of her. She didn’t even notice her tail start to wag and thump on the floor.

[-We’ll find out next on: DragonBall Z!] But the cartoon ended before she even realized it.

‘DragonBall Z? Is that what it’s called?’ Uzi wondered.

She picked up the TV remote to check the channel it aired on. She’ll have to remember it and find out its schedule. She wants to see more! It looked so fun!

And lucky for her, another episode started airing right after.

It wasn’t long until Uzi found out manga existed, too. She was in eighth grade at her new school, talking to some other kids that watched DragonBall Z, when they told her about it. Uzi knew she had to check it out for herself.

“I use this site.” Some boy said, pulling it up on his phone. “I hear that manga sites get taken down a lot because they pirate the stuff. But I know a bunch of good ones, so you can just ask me for another if one gets taken down!” He puffed his chest out in pride.

“Thank you!!” Uzi exclaimed, her tail wagging fervently as she hugged the boy tight in her excitement.

Said kid went flush and pushed her away. Uzi didn’t care, she was more preoccupied looking up the manga site he showed her. The boy’s friends snickered at him and teased him for getting all flushed. The boy began punching them to shut them up.

Uzi scrolled through the various manga the site held. It was even translated into different languages! Or- Most were. Some were just translated into English. But it didn’t stop Uzi from diving ever-deeper into the anime rabbit hole.

With Uzi’s new obsession came merch. She got her first ever DragonBall Z shirt when she went to the mall with her dad. She spotted the array of shirts in a small store called Hot Topic. She’s seen the store before but simply had no desire to check it out.

But she really wanted one of their DBZ shirts, and she was going to drag her father over to get him to buy it for her. And while she was there, she also checked out what else they had.

There were a lot of clothes she had no idea about. Ripped jeans, baggy shirts, belts that don’t even belt, chains, forearm warmers?? It was confusing and she didn’t bother with them.

She just got a couple of anime shirts and left the store. Khan couldn’t help but feel a twinge of worry. He had no idea what he just bought, but at least it made his daughter happy…

Graduation was just around the corner. Uzi could feel her nervousness rise with each passing day. It was the last month before summer break, and everyone was taking tests and doing final projects.

Uzi doesn’t doubt her abilities to pass the tests or projects. Maybe she struggles with Language Arts, but anything STEM is just about a breeze. Not to mention science is just fun.

But still, Highschool felt daunting all the same. It’s a whole new school, with new kids, new teachers, new classes, new experiences, and she doesn’t even get fieldtrips anymore! She has to be in certain classes in order to go!

Though, she has heard Highschool is just better than Middle school. A little less awkward despite how scary it is at first. And there’s more freedom as well! Uzi can take her backpack everywhere with her and the teachers and staff tend to be a lot more laxed in their rules.

Uzi can only hope that Highschool goes well for her.

“Are you going to join any clubs in Highschool?” Nori asked one day while doing some chores.

“I dunno.” Uzi shrugged in return, learning how to fold laundry. “Maybe if there’s something interesting.”

“I think it’d be a good idea! You can make some more friends and fill your time after school.” Nori told her, loading the dishwasher.

“I guess so…” Uzi mumbled.

Nori put in the plate and stared at her daughter. She took off her gloves and turned off the sink, leaning against the edge.

“Is there something wrong?” She inquired.

Uzi was quiet. She placed down her shorts and let her tail wave in thought.

“I’m not ready for Highschool…” She muttered.

“I’m pretty sure you said something similar about Middle school.” Nori laughed lightly. “But you shouldn’t worry. I’ve told you before, Highschool is going to be way better than Middle school.” She told her.

“Yeah, you keep telling me!” Uzi sighed.

“Well then.” Nori chuckled and turned back to the dishes.

It still didn’t make Uzi any less nervous, however.

Summer came and went far quicker than Uzi would’ve liked. She admittedly didn’t do much this time, mostly read manga and watched anime, visited family, hung out at the park, went on vacation for a week, the usual.

But as the end of August neared, the Highschool she was going to started preparing for their new batch of Freshmen. They held a Back-to-School Night and mailed the schedules to kids.

Uzi checked hers, finding relief in the fact that her classes weren’t too far away from each other. Hopefully she won’t have trouble getting to different classes this time.

“You think you’re ready for your first day of Highschool next week, Uzi?” Khan teased with a pat to her shoulder.

“Not really…” Uzi pouted back.

“I’m sure you’ll be fine! You just have to get used to it, is all!” Khan laughed.

“That’s easy for you to say…” Uzi muttered under her vents.

“Is there anything else you need for school? Notebooks, pencils, paper, binders?” Nori asked, walking into the room.

“I don’t think so. But we’ll probably get those packets with anything we’ll need for class anyway.” Uzi answered, eating her snack at the table.

“Well, double-check your backpack in case. I don’t think we’re going to find much in stores now that school is so close.” Her mother told her.

“I will!” Uzi sighed back, finishing her food.

She put her dish in the sink and retreated to her room. Closing the door, she pulled her backpack from her gaming chair. Uzi checked the inside, making sure she had at least most of what she needed.

‘Notebooks, binders, papers, pencils, colored pencils, a planner, a couple folders… There’s so much. Do I really need all this?’ The girl wondered as her optics narrowed.

“Well, I guess I have everything I need for my first day.” She spoke to herself, zipping up her bag. “I don’t feel like having to change out my books everyday, though…” She pouted to her ceiling, lying on her back.

As she lay on the floor, Uzi’s gaze wandered. Her bag was packed and heavy, her B-Day books sat on her desk for Tuesday, anime posters hung on the wall, her favorite old toys and some anime figures sat on shelves, her bed was messy and unkempt, some dirty clothes were strewn across the floor, the rug under her could probably be vacuumed, too.

Soon enough, her optics traveled over to her mirror. Uzi’s reflection stared back in silence. She sat up and stepped closer. Looking at the mirror, she spotted some old photos. One was when she was in sixth grade, on a fieldtrip with her dad.

The Uzi of the past looked so different… Still shedding her downy feathers, still pale in color. She was just getting some horns in on the corners of her head. And her arm feathers were just starting to sprout.

Uzi’s gaze turned to her mirror. Her downy feathers were all gone, leaving her a lot more lithe and a lot less like a pale purple bowling ball. Her adult feathers, while mostly grown in, still had a little growing to do. Her colors were vibrant and popped against her white plating.

She flexed her feathers and watched them rise and fall at her command. Her tail waved as it hovered over the floor. The black tips of her horns stood stark against her royal purple locks and moving feathers. Her beak shifted, the black tips subtly moving. Her stare was glued on her frame.

Uzi looked far different than she did when she was young…

Chapter Text

Uzi wasn’t looking forward to high school, for a multitude of reasons. Number 1 would be that her bullies from elementary are going to the same school as her. Uzi didn’t want to see their face plates again after fifth grade.

But she’s got multiple of them in her class. Lizzy, Doll, Rebecca; The worst of the bunch. It was just her luck.

Though, the three girls didn’t recognize her at first, thankfully. But it also didn’t take long for them to remember her lavender eye lights, purple tresses, and purple feathers.

Not long after, they started whispering.

Which caused Uzi to be the butt of many of the school’s jokes, pranks, and rumors. Uzi had to wonder if spreading rumors and tormenting her for no reason was really the only thing they could do to fill their boredom.

‘Seriously, do they not have anything actually better to do?!’ Uzi once thought, ignoring the stares sent her way. ‘Actual fucking lowlives, all of them!’

She slammed her locker shut and made her way to the cafeteria. She sat down in a lonely, dark corner and put on her headphones to watch some anime as she ate lunch. Seldom were there any Wyvern Drones in this school.

And everyone else looked so wary or discontent with her. Uzi doesn’t think it’s the same situation as with her first middle school. These stares weren’t like the principal’s. They knew what they were looking at her like that for. Or they assumed they did, anyway.

But all Uzi could do was ignore them. Hence why she sits alone all the time. And also because none of her friends from her second middle school came over to this high school. She wished even one of them transferred over here with her.

Though, sometimes Uzi can’t help but wonder if they’d turn on her because of all the whispers and rumors. Would they believe them so easily? Would they think of her as lesser because of them? Would they really be that gullible?

Uzi isn’t sure. And she doesn’t want to find out. But she mostly doesn’t want to believe her friends could be that way.

The bell for class change rang. Uzi sighed and packed up, making her way out the door. The whispers continued around her as she walked through the halls. She wished lunch lasted a little longer, so she could distract herself with anime longer.

And so she wouldn’t have to deal with all the stares on her back, when the other teens don’t think she’s looking.

Uzi’s first fight happened when she was feeling particularly sick one day. The reason was unknown, she just knew she didn’t feel well. Little appetite, hurting head, stiff joints, and an overwhelming tiredness clawing at her consciousness.

And today was the day Lizzy was especially ruthless. Part of Uzi believed she had sensed her current weakness this day, taking advantage of it to strike while the iron is hot.

“Look, it’s the monster.” Lizzy snarked to her friends. “Wonder what she’s doing here? Gonna claim the school as her ‘territory’ maybe?” Her friends laughed at the remark.

Uzi sighed and tried her best to ignore the other teen. She set her stuff down at her desk and pulled out her notebook.

“I’m surprised she hasn’t made a nest yet.” Rebecca chortled behind her hand.

‘I already have one at home, thank you.’ Uzi thought in tired reply.

“Maybe she does but she keeps it hidden.” Lizzy shrugged. “If we can find it, maybe we can ‘spruce it up a little.’” She barked a laugh.

Uzi’s head feathers twitched.

“I think it’d be better if we helped that poor piece of machinery. Those colors are so old.” Rebecca puffed with a wave of her hand, like she was dismissing a peasant.

“Forget about helping her, let’s help her parents.” Lizzy huffed as she leaned onto her palm.

Uzi’s tail thumped against the ground, her claws digging into her desk.

“It must be one hell of a sore sight seeing that thing as your child. I’d have just given her up to an orphanage or something.” Lizzy spoke, a brow furrowing down.

“Damn, girl!” Rebecca exclaimed. “But I can agree. It must be a pain cleaning up all those feathers.” She nodded.

“I’m not talking about her damn feathers, Rebecca!” Lizzy smacked her in the side. “I’m talking about how much of a damn hassle it’d be taking care of that thing!”

Her squirrelish chitter-chatter was getting on her nerves. That, and the absolute bullshit spewing past her hot pink lips.

“I honestly feel bad for her folks, having to put up with her every day.” Lizzy went on, staring at her notes for a moment. “Knowing that freak, she’s clawing up the furniture, chewing the banister, and shitting inside the house-” Her glare deepened.

“That’s funny, because the only one capable of shitting is you, Lizzy.” Uzi snarled back.

The blonde girl turned her glower Uzi’s way. The latter turned around in her seat to return it in full. Lizzy’s lips curled into a sneer.

“So, you haven’t gone deaf, huh?” She spoke.

“And you haven’t had soap put in your mouth yet.” Uzi retorted, her brows furrowing deeper.

“Ha! Yeah, I’m sure you’d know what that’s like!” Lizzy barked.

Uzi’s tail swished again.

“The hell do you want, Lizzy?” Uzi asked.

“What do you mean? Why would I ever want anything from you?” The cheerleader spat. “You’d probably infect me with some form of robo-rabies. Keep your claws to yourself, monster.”

Uzi’s teeth and beak grit and her grip on her seat back tightened. Lizzy smirked at her reaction, finding amusement in it.

“Aw, did I hit a wire?” She cooed, clasping her hands together. “Maybe your parents should take you to a dog trainer! I’m sure it’d help with your manners!”

Uzi growled at her, her head and arm feathers started vibrating in growing rage. A sweat drop blinked onto Rebecca visor, sensing the tension for once. She subtly scooted her chair away one hop at a time.

“I’m not a fucking pet, Lizzy!” Uzi yelled.

“Sure you aren’t! You’re just an oversized lizard.” The other girl jeered.

“I am not-!” Uzi tried to argue loudly despite only making her CPU-ache worse.

“Don’t even try to deny it, Dick-man!” Lizzy interrupted, leaning closer. “All you’ve ever been is a monster, ever since elementary school! You talk like one, look like one, behave like one, and act like one!” She stood in her seat.

“I’ve seen you play with other monsters, too! Biting and clawing and snapping your beak and scratching! Not to mention all the freaking animal sounds you make!” She went on, Uzi’s eye rings going bolder. “Growling, snarling, roaring, yelping, barking, you’re nothing more than an overgrown lizard!!”

Lizzy then leaned in close to the Seikret Drone, staring just as angrily back at her. Uzi let out small growls, trying to hide them and prove to her bully that she was wrong.

“You’re even growling right now.” But Lizzy could still hear them. “You can’t hide what you really are, loser.” Her pink gaze narrowed.

“All that you will ever be is a Monster, Uzi Doorman.”

It was the final straw. Uzi leapt out of her chair in a blind rage and bit down on the protective arm Lizzy hastily raised as fear quickly replaced her anger.

Oil splattered to the floor.

A pained shriek rang out.

And the next thing Uzi knew, there was a muzzle being put over her beak.

Uzi’s nest was dark. The curtains drawn and the lights off. She lay numbly in her circle bed, littered with pillows, blankets, towels, and some stuffed animals. Uzi held one in her arms, absentmindedly stroking the Nargacuga’s navy blue mane.

Her feathered tail curled closer around her feet. She could hear her parents arguing in the living room. They were no doubt talking about her. She was still suspended from school. How many days has it been? Three? And her parents have been arguing all throughout it?

Uzi buried her face into the long hairs of the Nargacuga plush. She tried to drown out the sound of her feuding parents with some music. She played it softly. She didn’t want them to think she was awake this late at night.

But even the melancholy tunes of her music couldn’t drown it all out.

“SHE BIT SOMEONE, KHAN!!” Nori bellowed.

“And that girl was egging her on!” He yelled back, slightly softer.

“That isn’t any excuse!”

“I’m not saying it is, Nori!”

“Then what should we do?! She’s on the verge of being expelled!”

“You think I don’t know that?!”

“Well, you certainly aren’t showing it!”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?!”

“You know damn well what it means, Khan!”

Uzi tried to ignore how her core raced with panic and fear in her chest. She tried to ignore how the pulsations made her plates rattle. She tried to ignore the tears threatening to fall. She tried to hold them back.

One of her friends from middle school has divorced parents. He said they always fought all the time and could rarely agree on anything. His dad was a bit of a deadbeat, but his mom wasn’t much better in his opinion.

Are Uzi’s parents going to divorce? Is she going to be the cause of it? She admits that, while angry as all hell, she didn’t mean to bite Lizzy like that. She can’t lie and say she doesn’t think she didn’t deserve it. But she also didn’t want to-

To-

…

‘I really am a Monster…’ Uzi thought with despair, unable to hold back the tears any longer.

She buried her face deeper into her Nargacuga plush, sobbing softly and hiccuping into the soft pelt and fabric.

By the time Uzi returned to school, she made a brand-new name for herself.

Everyone steered clear of her as she walked through the halls. Even the other Wyvern Drones couldn’t dare look at her, fearful they might garner the same hate from the workers.

Uzi ignored them all, her tired optics focusing on the floor beneath her clawed feet. Her tail hung low and the feathers poking from her hair flattened against her locks. Uzi ran her tongue along the teeth hidden beneath her beak. Sometimes, she can still taste Lizzy’s oil on her tongue.

Making it to her locker, Uzi opened it up. She was startled with a multitude of letters and notes falling out. Uzi picked one up, reading what was written down onto it.

‘How’d Worker Drone oil taste, Monster?’

Uzi’s expression fell further. She let the letter drift to the floor and exchanged her books. She could take a guess as to what all the other letters held.

Her locker was closed and she made her way to class. Uzi didn’t give Lizzy even a glance as she passed by her, her seat now moved further away from the girl. She ignored the deep, loathing and acidic daggers being sent her way. Uzi couldn’t bring herself to meet the gaze. She couldn’t bring herself to catch the sight of Lizzy’s bandaged arm.

“Tch. Coward.” Lizzy clicked her tongue, her voice soft. “Can’t even face the damn problem you caused. Bitch.”

Uzi sat down silently and took out whatever was needed. It allowed her to feel how much her core was pounding beneath her chest plates. She gripped tightly onto her pencil to stop her hand from shaking. Her doodles were messy today.

The rest of the year felt like a slow blur. Uzi’s new moniker as the school’s local “Monster” followed her like a ghost. Even when she tried to be on her best behavior, everyone only ever saw her as a “Monster.”

Uzi wondered if maybe the other Wyvern Drones felt the same way. Did they also think she was a Monster? Did they think she brought their whole species down by hurting a Worker Drone?

Whatever the answer, Uzi didn’t try to find it. She focused on her studies and homework, kept to herself, and didn’t bother making any friends. It was clear she wasn’t going to be making any anytime soon anyway.

But at least her parents had stopped fighting. For the most part, anyway.

Uzi still can’t help but feel their new tension was because of her.

She swiped away the prickling tears from the corners of her optical lights. Uzi resumed doing her homework in the dead of night, her desk lamp the only illumination in her room. Things were silent except for the scratching of her pencil on paper.

Uzi’s got a whole summer to relax and unwind in soon. If she can just get through finals and the last month of school, she’ll be home free to forget about everyone for a while. Maybe then her reputation will also return to normal.

Or mostly, anyway.

Uzi sighed and ruffled her hair and head feathers. She stared at the math problem before beginning to write again. More homework papers lay in messy piles next to her. She still had a few sheets left. Silence hung both heavy and comfortably in her nest.

At least tonight, her parents weren’t fighting in the living room.

Chapter Text

A relieved, albeit stressed, sigh blew past Uzi’s beak. She set down her pencil and leaned back in her chair. Finally, after so many straight hours of sitting in a chair and reading, writing, and problem-solving, she was done with her final Final.

Letting herself unwind a bit from the stress, Uzi straightened and flipped through her packet. There’s no way in the Abyss she’s getting a perfect score, but after all that student dying- studying she’s done, she better get a low A at the least.

The Seikret Drone got up and handed in her packet to the teacher. She sat back down and rested her head on her desk and arms. The early summer heat could be felt through the windows. There was seldom a breeze to cull this heat.

Uzi’s tail swayed as she waited either for others to finish up or for class to end. She didn’t bring her backpack today, just her school-mandated computer bag with a few essentials. There was no reason to bring all of her usual stuff if she wasn’t even going to use it.

Opening her optics, Uzi took a look around. Some other kids were bothered by the heat wave. Some, mostly of the fire element nature, weren’t as such. And despite having no special elemental powers or abilities of her own, Uzi didn’t mind it either.

Her feathers created both the perfect shade and perfect circulation of air to keep her cool. She can’t even say her head or face is all that hot. She does remember in biology that some creatures have frills to keep them cool. Do her horns serve the same purpose?

Uzi shook her head. She glanced at the clock. Still thirty minutes to go. And she can’t busy herself by pulling out her phone to read manga. Her teacher has always been stingy that way…

With nothing else to do, Uzi set her head back on her arms and closed her optics once more. Maybe she can get a short nap in before summer break has officially started.

As soon as the bell rang, the whole school was filled with excited chatter and running. Kids were hauling ass towards the doors or saying goodbye to their favorite teachers and staff. The principal had even come out to watch all the kids leave for summer break.

But as Uzi was in the middle of packing up to leave for the final time, to prepare to head off to college come fall, a group of familiar girls came up to her.

“Hey, loser.” Lizzy greeted, leaning against the locker next to her. “Guess you managed to graduate, huh? Though, I guess I also shouldn’t be surprised.” She shrugged, turning her optics away.

“What do you want, Lizzy?” Uzi asked, slinging her computer bag onto her shoulder.

“Nothing much, to be honest. Just wanted to annoy you before we never see each other again.” The cheerleader spoke, inspecting her fake nails.

“Well, you accomplished that. Are you happy now?” Uzi questioned as she began to walk away.

“I guess.” Lizzy shrugged, leaning off the lockers. “Just don’t go biting drones when you’re in college, okay?” She smiled knowingly.

Uzi stiffened. She stood there for a few seconds.

“Right…” She nodded and walked off.

Lizzy’s smile grew and she, too, walked away with her friends.

“Are we still going to have our Senior Week at the beach?” Doll asked.

“Of course! I’ve got a little condo house thing rented out already.” Lizzy waved off with pride. “We can’t go bringing guys back, though. Or making a mess of the place. It’s a family friend that owns it.” She added, her voice getting fainter.

“Aww! But bringing guys back would be so much fun!” Rebecca exclaimed.

“You have a boyfriend, Rebecca!” Lizzy scolded.

They walked too far away for Uzi to hear their conversation, the halls too loud. But the idea of a Senior Week to go to the beach and hang out, party, have fun, and other stuff sounded nice.

‘Maybe I can ask my parents.’ Uzi thought. ‘And maybe I could make some new friends while I’m there.’ A small smile fell onto her beak.

Uzi picked up the pace and got onto the bus. She whipped out her phone to search for a few places that would be nice to spend time in. All she hopes for is that there’s still some hotels or something with rooms to rent.

Senior Week discussions were… A bit of a mixed bag for Uzi’s parents.

They both were skeptical, but Nori seemed more inclined to let it happen. Khan was a hell of a lot more cautious and wary. He didn’t so much like the idea of his daughter going out without parental supervision to a bunch of parties on the beach.

“Khan, she is getting older and more independent. Can’t we have at least a little trust in her?” Nori asked her husband after dinner.

“I don’t disagree with you, but you know as well as I do that this event is dangerous.” Khan argued. “I’d love to agree more readily to it if Uzi had some friends to go with.” He admitted.

“Well, maybe she does and we just don’t know.” Nori shrugged.

Khan didn’t quite believe that. If Uzi had a friend, they’d have heard about them by now.

“Still, I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Khan said.

“What if she went to someplace more family-friendly instead?” Nori asked as she turned from putting food away. “There’s that one vacation spot she loves! It’s only a three hour drive and tons of families will be there.”

Khan made a thinking hum whilst cleaning his grill supplies from tonight’s dinner.

“I guess that isn’t as bad…” He mumbled.

“Alright. Then we’ll just tell her Uzi can only go there.” Nori spoke.

“Now hold on a minute-!” Khan exclaimed, whipping his head up.

“You be careful out there, okay?” Nori said to her daughter, helping back the last bag into her car.

“I know, I know!” Uzi exclaimed back, though she couldn’t help the smile. “I’ll make sure to bring back some souvenirs for you.” She added with a giggle.

“I’ll look forward to them.” Her mother smiled. “But if anything happens, call us. And don’t go running off with any strangers.” Nori advised.

“Yes, I know! You’ve told me this a thousand times!” Uzi sighed with a light optic roll.

“I’m just saying!” Nori raised her hands in mock surrender. “But do have fun out there. Get on lots of rides, eat good food, and take some pictures.” She kissed her daughter’s head.

“I will, mom.” Uzi smiled back, her feathered and scaled tail wagging. “I’ll miss you guys.” She added as she hugged her dad.

“We’ll miss you too, Uzi.” Khan returned the embrace. “But also don’t be out too late!” He quickly added.

“Geez! I’m a grown woman! I can take care of myself!” Uzi huffed as her feathers ruffled.

‘Barely.’ Her parents thought.

“I’ll be off, though. I want to get my stuff in my room as soon as possible so I can take a nap after the long drive.” Their daughter went on, heading for the driver’s seat.

“Be careful, Uzi! And have fun!” Nori waved off.

“Don’t bring any boys home! In fact, don’t go near them!” Khan puffed. He got a hard elbow from Nori in response to that.

Uzi waved back before driving off. She was admittedly a bit nervous. This was her first time going out on her own like this. No parents, no friends, not even a pet. She was on her own and was going to be taking care of herself.

Even if it wasn’t her ideal place to have her Senior Week, she knows it well enough to still have fun. There’s plenty of places and things to do near to it, and her parents refused to let her go anywhere else, so she’ll have to settle for less parties.

But as Uzi drove away and out of her parents’ view, their smiles fell with their hands. The two parents gave each other concerned looks. Not just for their daughter, however.

There were a few minutes of awkward silence between Nori and Khan. They retreated back into the house but didn’t say a word to each other. They both went about doing their own thing, letting the tenseness fill the air.

The house went taciturn.

Uzi flopped onto her bouncy bed with a giggle. She then let out a sigh as she stared up at the cabin ceiling. She had a whole entire week to herself! She could do just about anything she wanted! No parents to tell her otherwise and no chores to do!

Even if it is a little lonely without friends here, Uzi has confidence she can make some new ones while at the lake or on a trail! A sort of “new leaf” for her!

“I should see what places are here!” Uzi sprung up, pulling out her phone. “And also tell my parents I got here safely.” She added to herself.

Uzi quickly sent a text to her parents telling them about her arrival at the cabins. She then pulled up her Maps app and scoured what places were here. Uzi’s been here before for vacation, but she barely remembers where everything is. She also wants to see if anything new is here.

A couple of restaurants caught her optic, some stores for supplies were near to it, and there was even a grocery store not too far from here! Uzi made sure to write all the places down somewhere so she wouldn’t forget.

Letting out a content sigh, Uzi wondered if she should eat out today. Would it be weird to eat at a restaurant all alone? Would she look like a total loser?

“Screw it!!” Uzi then hollered, her limbs flailing. “This is my Senior Week, so I can do whatever I want!”

She rolled out of bed and headed over to the window. She gazed out at the view of the pretty lake. Surprisingly, it wasn’t too busy.

‘Maybe there aren’t too many families here yet.’ Uzi wondered, leaning against the metal railing. ‘And Maybe I should head to the lake before it becomes too crowded with vacationers.’

Leaving the window, Uzi went about looking around the cabin. She located where everything was and put a few things away. The cabin itself was small, but she didn’t need a whole lot of room anyway.

“I wonder what I should do first.” Uzi spoke to herself, sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace. “I’m not sure I’m in the mood to head to the lake or go on a trail…” She trailed off as a brow furrowed.

“I should probably get something to eat tonight, so I guess I can head out for dinner.” Her tail waved. “Maybe I can find a party going on somewhere around here…”

Pulling out her phone again, Uzi scrolled around to see if anything was going on. Most parties were happening in beach towns, places too far away from here. There was no way she was going to drive four hours to an unknown place just to miss half the party anyway.

Blowing out a disappointed sigh, Uzi turned off her phone and tossed it next to her. She tilted her head back to stare at the ceiling blankly.

“I wish my parents let me go to a beach town for Senior Week…” She muttered.

With nothing else to do, Uzi hoisted herself up, got changed into something breathable, and headed back out. She might as well take a walk around and see what’s around. Though, she has a feeling nothing has changed since the last time she was here.

‘Then again, I haven’t been here for nearly five years…’ Uzi’s expression fell. ‘But this place also doesn’t seem like the type to change much, if at all.’ She stuffed her hands into her pockets.

She turned down onto a random trail, one she remembered looped around the campsite. Uzi thinks this might just become a daily occurrence if she truly cannot find anything to do here…

An unknown truck and trailer pulled up on a back road leading to the campsite. The vehicle stopped and someone hopped out, heading over to the rusting gate. Using a bolt cutter, the chain preventing entry was chopped and fell to the floor. The same drone opened the gate wide to let the truck through.

He hopped back in once they were in the clear, the truck driving deeper into the woods. The trail they took was incredibly bumpy, tree roots, rocks, and mounds of dirt littering the healing path.

The car only stopped when it pulled up a good distance from any cabins or picnic tables. The engine was turned off and a handful of Worker Drones stepped out of the car. They opened the trailer doors and started suiting up with various supplies.

As soon as they had everything, they closed the trailer, locked the truck, and headed out into the woods on foot. Their dark clothing helped to disguise them in the pitch black of night.

And as the group passed by a billboard of notices and camp events, one of the unknown workers ripped off the missing posters of various Wyvern Drones.

Chapter Text

Some water splashed onto a dying fire pit. The embers fizzled out and smoke formed a dark but small pillar above it. Uzi fanned the clouds from her face as she set the bucket down.

The sun had set below the horizon, the trees further blocking out the moon and stars. It would be a bit of a pain getting back to her cabin, but manageable so long as Uzi stuck to the beaten path.

Picking up her stuff, Uzi began her trek back. The lack of sunlight gave way to a slight chill in the air. Despite being blocked by tall pine trees, the moon’s light managed to poke through and peer onto the dirt path.

Uzi looked around at the nighttime scenery. It felt a little more eerie with the darkness, covering farther patches of foliage among the trees. Everyone else had retired in their own cabins or camper vans for the night. Uzi was the only one out here.

A sigh blew from her beak as she turned her head to the sky. The stars twinkled brightly above, trying to peek at her through the pines and branches like curious children. The moon sat amongst them like their caring mother, providing a gentle embrace of light for them.

Uzi reached a clawed hand up. She tried to reach for the moon, the only thing that seems to be consistent and right in her life. She wondered if maybe one day that, too, would somehow disappear and leave her all alone.

The rustling of leaves startled Uzi from her staring. She whipped her head around to search for the cause. But only silent seconds ticked by. With a sweat drop on her visor, she turned back around and started trotting off.

Her feathers twitched and her beak tightened in unease. It felt as though she was being trailed. Yet the only thing following her were the stars and the moon.

‘Maybe the darkness is getting to me.’ She wondered, slowing her roll. ‘Yeah. Yeah! It’s just the darkness! There’s nothing to worry about!’ She shook her head to snap herself out of it.

Uzi returned to a walk and kept making her way back. With the moon and stars as her guide and company, her worries lessened. She listened to the ambience of night, the light winds, the brushing leaves and pines, the absence of music box lullabies-

‘Wait.’ The Seikret Drone paused, her optics snapping open. ‘Why are there no crickets?’ Her head swerved to look around.

She couldn’t hear a single cricket playing their melodic tune. They were dead silent, as if making a single sound would cause their demise.

Uzi’s worries and unease came back in full. Her feathers twitched again, the urge to start running gnawing at her legs. Her claws dug into the dirt to keep her planted in place.

Another quiet rustle of leaves. Uzi snapped her head in its direction. Her tail jerked in growing anxiety. The tapping of a moving pebble made her core start to race. More sweat drops popped onto the girl’s visor.

She took a step back to start hurrying to her cabin-

Woosh!

A dart flew right by her face, narrowly missing the tip of her beak. Uzi’s hollowed eye lights went bold and she dropped her things to run.

The man clicked his tongue. Damn monster moved just as he shot! Now she’s spooked and running off.

“She’s on the run. After it.” He ordered into his walkie-talkie.

He rushed in a hurry after the Monster Drone, chasing her down through the cramped woods. He couldn’t get a good shot with all the trees, bushes, and flora in the way. Not to mention it was hard to get a steady aim with all this moving around.

But he could hear his coworker chasing the Monster Drone down with him. He could see the rocks he was trying to throw at her head and legs to stumble her, but the Seikret Drone was agile enough to weave through them.

“We can’t let her get up high. She’ll glide off that way.” He spoke into his walkie-talkie, voice slightly muffled by his half-face mask.

[Wouldn’t it make her an easier target?] Someone asked back.

“No, not in this darkness.” He replied. “Just set up a trap. We’ll herd her to you.” He ordered.

[Got it.] The communication dropped after that.

Picking up the pace, be picked up a decently-sized branch from the ground and chucked it towards their target. She yelped and jumped back, using her wing arms to catch herself. A rock met her visor in that moment, cracking it.

The Seikret Drone stumbled and turned around. The two men kept going after her, throwing more things until she tried to take refuge within the treeline. It only did so much as the unknown men kept chasing her through the roots and trunks.

“She’s on her way. Make sure to have the trap set up within the minute.” The first guy spoke into his communication device once more.

[Already on it! You told us this before!] The second guy said.

“Just do it!” Exclaimed the first, hopping over a log.

He saw the Seikret Drone try to latch onto a tree to climb higher up, perhaps to try and glide away. He wouldn’t allow it, throwing a sound pellet at her. The high-pitched ringing made her screech and fall from the tree.

Trying to shake off the buzz in her head and the disabled audials warning, she kept on running. Clearly trying to glide away wasn’t going to work. She needs to get somewhere more public, or just to another drone in general!

With her claws digging up the dirt in her fearful sprint, the night winds blowing past her face plates, the racing of her core, and the pounding of her oil pump, she looked behind herself.

She could see two pairs of eye lights chasing after her. With the moon’s lighting she could barely make out the dull glint of small guns in their hands-

She stepped onto a plate and a pair of sharp teeth dug into her back leg. She let out a pained shriek and tumbled to the floor. Dirt, grass, and pebbles clung to her clothing and feathers as she rolled.

The Seikret Drone coughed and whined in hurt. She tried to stumble back up, only to fall and cry out in pain again. She turned her lavender gaze down to her right leg. A small bear trap clamped onto her ankle, unwilling to let go anytime soon.

Her terrified gaze snapped up to the two drones chasing her. A couple more came out of hiding, now surrounding her. Tears welled up in her optics when she saw one of them pull out chains and a muzzle from their bag.

She tried to hurry back up, but she just fell again. One of the unknown Worker Drones stomped a foot onto her head, keeping her pinned.

“She sure doesn’t stop fighting, huh?” One of them, evidently a woman, commented, kneeling down to cuff her.

“Do any of them?” A man asked, sounding unimpressed.

“Just get the damn thing chained. We can look around for any more lone ones then get out of here.” Another spoke, this time more sternly.

“Yessir.” The four others spoke in unison.

The cuffs were tight and the chains rattled as they were pried onto the cuffs’ rings. The muzzle was strapped on too securely over the Seikret Drone’s beak. Even still, her ankle burned with the bear trap’s fangs.

And they only dug deeper as she was tranqed with magnets and her consciousness faded.

The trailer was loaded and the doors were closed and locked tight. Everyone hopped into the truck, checking their supplies and making sure no one tailed them. When everything was set, the car started off back the way it came in.

“Think we got a good haul tonight?” The woman asked.

“Probably. We got another Seikret Drone, Chatacabra Drone, and a Mizutsune Drone. Two of them females, too!” A more chipper and younger man spoke.

“I doubt we’ll know until we get back and put them to work.” Another woman, with a deeper voice than the first, said.

“Well, they’ll still be of use even if they can’t work, right?” The chipper man said, seemingly new to the operation.

“They will. All of these damned things will.” The driver, the stern-voiced and leader of the group, answered.

“Then I guess we should head back as soon as possible. Don’t want to keep everyone waiting, or for these Monster Drones to wake up too soon.” The younger guy commented.

The driver stepped harder onto the gas pedal, driving through the night to their base of operations. Everyone stayed mostly silent, with a little bit of chatter here and there.

And the three monsters they kidnapped stayed unconscious through the entire ride.

A deep, sharp ache stirred Uzi from the black depths of her unconsciousness. She booted up her fuzzy optics to a dark room. Her audials slowly came back to her at the same time, taking in the quiet sounds of venting and clanking metal.

The floor under her was cold and stiff. Uzi’s nostrils on her beak sniffed and flared. She could smell metal and oil.

She lifted her head to see where she was. The place was unrecognizable. Not only because it was dark, but because of all the sturdy cages upon cages lined up in rows inside the big room. Inside them were other Wyvern Drones of various species.

“Wh-... Where am I…?” Uzi whispered to herself.

She stood up in a hurry, only to bonk her head on the top of her cage. She looked up and placed her hands on it. She could barely manage to sit up in this thing. It was really only long enough to lay down in.

And it was only then that she noticed the unusual chill in the room. It was only present because she had no clothes to speak of on her. Uzi yelped and used her arms and tail to cover herself, most notably her crotch.

As she looked around for anyone who could’ve been getting some optic-candy off her, she saw that all the others were in the same boat as her. Lying in too-small cages, unable to see, unable to move, chilled by the room and metal cells, having no clothes to speak of.

“H-... H-Hey! Where are we?! What is this place?!” Uzi tried asking someone.

But she got no response.

“Someone answer me! Where the hell are we and how do we get out-?!” She gripped the bars to her cell.

“SHUT UP!!” Someone roared, startling many other wyverns. “No one can answer your damn questions! We’re as lost as you are!” He snarled.

The unknown Wyvern Drone went quiet. So did Uzi.

“Sorry about him.” A woman’s soft voice called.

Uzi turned to the cage just right of her. An Espinas grinned at her through the dark. She looked physically similar to that of a Rathian, just a lot more thorny and with a horn on her snout. Which were also all pink, same as her unkempt, short hair.

“Many of the wyverns here are…” She trailed off, her gaze following. The look of fear crossed her gentle optical lights. “They aren’t very friendly.” She opted to say.

Uzi blinked at her in silence.

“But, as for your questions, well… No one knows where we are. And no one knows how to get out. We… We can’t.” She said truthfully. “To be honest, I’d advise to not even bother. They’ll only punish you for it.” Her grip on the cage bars tightened.

“I’ll be- What?” Uzi questioned, unable to understand it.

“I know this is a lot to take in, but you were kidnapped by the Worker Drones here. Do you remember it?” The Espinas asked.

Uzi turned her gaze away to think. She remembers being out in the woods late at night, losing track of time. While on her way back to her cabin, some guys began chasing her down. In the process, a bear trap triggered on her leg-

Uzi whipped around to gaze at her leg. There were some thin bandages over where the teeth of the trap pierced her metal. It wouldn’t be a good idea to walk on it.

“Looks like they did some damage to you. Poor thing.” The Espinas commented with creasing brows. “But it doesn’t look too bad. Just a bear trap, right?” She tried to smile optimistically.

Uzi couldn’t fathom how getting caught in a bear trap was something to just brush off.

“Who the hell even are you?” She whispered as her eye lights went hollow.

The Espinas’ smile faltered. She swallowed as a sweat drop blinked onto her visor.

“I could… Ask that very same thing myself.” She laughed nervously, quietly.

“I’m Uzi. Can I have your name now?” Uzi gave, her gaze narrowing on the other woman.

Her smile fell fully. Her thorny tail wrapped around her digitigrade legs.

“I don’t have one.” She said.

“What?” Uzi muttered in surprise.

“I was born here. They don’t give names to anyone that’s born here. In fact, they don’t bother to learn the names of those they kidnap.” The nameless wyvern explained. “They assign us numbers, maybe letters, but that’s about it.”

“I’m sure you’ll learn yours soon.” Her gaze turned back up to Uzi.

Said girl could only stare back at her.

“What… Is this place…?” She wasn’t sure she wanted to know.

“You could consider this a ‘factory’ of sorts.” The Espinas replied. “They collect Wyvern Drones and use them for their manual labor, among other things. Many both grow and die here.” Her tail curled closer around her legs.

“And you’ve never tried to fight back?!” Uzi asked, gripping onto her cage bars.

“I’m sure we’ve tried before, sometime before my creation. But it must’ve failed if no one’s gotten out of here and this place still exists.” The woman responded.

Uzi sat back onto her rump, taking in her words.

“I’m sorry to say it, but you’re not going to be getting out of here. Not anytime soon, anyway.” The Espinas went on. “No one will be leaving this place, unless they die here.” Tears welled in her optics.

The Seikret Drone’s optics stung as her own tears began to well in the corners of her eye lights. Her feathers drooped and her tail went limp. She swore she could feel her core drop out of her chest and shatter on the floor.

‘So… I’ve lost everything now? I’m never getting out?’ She wondered. ‘First I lost my friends, then any possibility of making them, I lost my parents, and I’ve- I’ve lost my freedom?’

Surely this was just a nightmare, right? No way could this- This place, these drones, these cages, this sinking sensation of drowning dread, be real? No way could she have lost it all in the span of one night?

The large doors on the other side of the room open. Some dim light pours in, stirring some of the sleeping Wyvern Drones. A group of Worker Drones walk inside, trailing wheeling cages behind them.

They stop at a few cages, boarding the wyverns inside. They’re stabbed with sharp cattle prods and whipped with hard horse crops. As soon as their cages are empty, they’re all wheeled away into the stone halls of this unknown place.

A cage comes up to Uzi’s. She stares with hollowed eye lights at the scarred man boring burning, loathing holes into her.

The wheeled cage’s door is lifted up, awaiting her entry. Uzi only stares in stunned confusion. A prod jabbing into her side startles her and makes her yelp. She reflexively turns to snarl at the man.

He only smacks her across the face with the crop. Uzi is stunned again. She turns to stare at the man in silence. He only glowers back at her. She’s stabbed and whipped again until she gets the memo and hobbles inside the cage.

Uzi stares at the Espinas woman as she’s wheeled away.

She’s hiding away in the corner of her cage, staring in terror at the Worker Drone before her.

Uzi loses sight of her as the room’s doors are closed.

Chapter Text

Although she was afraid, Uzi was a bit more surprised that these guys had taken her to do a physical. They checked her joints, her optics, her fangs and claws, and her feathers. They even weighed and measured her.

All the data they collected was written onto clipboards. The Worker Drones in padded coats barely gave her the time of day, just moving onto the part of the physical. It was confusing, but Uzi was relieved that they weren’t doing anything else.

After they were done, she was caged and carted away again. She saw some other Wyvern Drones, either in cages or pulling carts, going up and down the halls. They were all worse for wear, tired, dirty, plating weathered, and scars or wounds littering their frames.

Uzi’s fear came back at seeing them, wondering what kind of things this place was doing to these wyverns. She also wondered if they were going to do the same to her…

‘If they do, I’m gonna rip them a new one!’ Uzi thought as her brows furrowed, glaring at the workers around her.

A jab pinched her side and made her yelp. She turned to snarl at the Worker Drone who’d prodded her. Uzi’s tail swished as the worker only scoffed and returned her glare.

Soon, another doorway was opening up. Uzi turned to peer inside it, her eye lights going hollow at the site. It looked like some sort of mine, Wyvern Drones being put to work doing various tasks.

Pulling carts, carving out the walls, pushing or pulling the handles to large machines, smelting iron, cooling metal, and other such things. All the while the Worker Drones kept watch over them or led them about.

Uzi was carted along a stone pathway above the outcropping. Another room was there to greet her with another entrance on the other side. Along the wall were various supplies and accessories such as collars, cuffs, and reins.

Her cage was opened up and she was hustled towards the accessories. They kept her still by the thick collar around her neck. Uzi tried to thrash about to resist them, trying to avoid being reined, but their electrical cattle prods and leather horse crops kept her still.

Uzi wasn’t big enough to be ridden, but she was strong enough to pull a heavy cart. Or, so these Worker Drones though, anyway. Which meant that she had a bit stuffed into her mouth and she had a harness fastened to her torso. The breastplate was extremely snug against her chest plates, squeezing the vents out of her.

The Seikret Drone tried to shake some looseness into it, but she was only reprimanded and smacked with a crop for doing so. She snarled, only to be smacked in the beak with the crop again.

Her head was then forced down so that they could attach side reins to her bridle. They were pulled taut and prevented her from raising her head. She snuffed and tried to fight the constriction, but the reins were too tough.

Once she was decked out in too-tight accessories, she was pulled away by the reins to the other entrance. There, she traveled through even more halls. Some more Wyvern Drones came and went, barely even sparing her a glance. A sweat drop blinked onto Uzi’s visor, unease settling along her entire frame.

Making it to the bottom of the winding stone ramp, some carts were waiting for the Seikret Drone. She swallowed when she was brought over. The Worker Drones watching her hooked her up swiftly and fluidly. It was scary how fast they got her attached to the thing.

A smack to her rump had Uzi flushing and spinning around to snap to the worker. She got another reprimand, another jab with a cattle prod. She whimpered and was slapped again. The sounds of metal hitting metal rang out once more and Uzi got a move on.

Once the cart got moving, it wasn’t so heavy. It was a little surprising, but Uzi knew better. Once this thing is filled up with whatever they’re mining out, it’ll be a chore to drag around.

But for now, she has to follow the Worker Drones leading her around everywhere. They trekked across the large mining room, passing by other Worker and Wyvern Drones. The latter all looked so exhausted and hurt.

Uzi could only stare with growing dread. Was she going to be the same? Was she going to be worked to the endoskeleton? Was she just going to be yet another cog in their metal machine?

‘I’m already one now, aren’t I?’ She wondered, turning her gaze to the worker leading her about.

Whatever the answer may be, she had to cut her thoughts short. The Worker Drone stopped by a smaller hall. Some other workers came out, carrying buckets and crates full of smooth, almost waxy-looking white stones.

They were all dumped into the cart Uzi was attached to. She could feel its weight increase as more and more of the stones were poured into the cart. Once the pile reached above the edge of the trolley, she was ordered to start walking again.

Some of the previous Worker Drones that were following her had left. Now, just one was stuck with her. Though, he still held that electric cattle prod and sharp horse crop.

Yet he was just a passing note in Uzi’s CPU. The cart had gotten incredibly heavy. Each time she tried to take a step, her claws would scrape against the stone floor. Yet the trolley wouldn’t budge.

Uzi’s handler, as she’ll call him, gave a good shove to the back of the cart. But it still didn’t get going. He pushed a few more times, only managing to push the cart a few inches. Uzi nearly collapsed, if it weren’t for the stiff metal rods attached to her sides.

“This cart’s too heavy! We need another Monster Drone!” Uzi’s handler called loudly.

Someone else came by with yet another wyvern. This time, it was a white and antler-horned Banbaro Drone. Much of his fur was grimy and falling out. Bald patches from burns or stress left much of his tail and body barren.

He was hooked up to the cart beside Uzi. It made the space more cramped with his wide frame. But she couldn’t complain, else she get prodded or slapped again. So she kept her beak shut tight and started clawing at the ground again.

Finally, the cart began moving. The Banbaro Drone took the lead in this trek. Uzi did her best to keep up, still feeling the heft of the trolley.

‘I swear my claws are gonna wear away because of this!’ She worried, staring at her feet.

Sweat drops were quick to form on her display from the exercise. The bit tugged at the corners of her beak. Uzi had to use all her might to keep moving. She wondered just how much of this weight the Banbaro Drone was taking.

Looking to her side, the said robot didn’t seem too bothered. Perhaps he was just that used to it? Or has he long stopped complaining about such things?

Uzi shook her head to refocus. She kept going, trying to match the pace of the wyvern next to her. It was still easier said than done. He walked slowly yet his stride was longer than hers. Uzi had to jog just to keep up. And even then it was hard due to the heavy cart on her back.

But the two eventually made it to their destination. Uzi huffed and puffed as they stopped to let the cart unload. It only took a few short minutes, much to her dismay. Soon enough, the two were circling back around through the other side of the room.

The Worker Drone following her before had stopped, Uzi noticed. She and the Banbaro were left to their own devices, tugging this trolley around.

‘But since no one’s watching…!’ Uzi’s brows furrowed as she looked around.

She then turned to her straps. She started nipping and scratching at them with her beak, hiding her actions with her arm. It’ll just look like she’s grooming or getting an itch! No one will know a thing-!

“Don’t.” The gruff and exhausted voice of the Banbaro Drone spoke.

Uzi startled and whipped to him with hollowed eye lights.

“They’ll notice. They always do.” He added, keeping his fatigued gaze ahead of him.

Uzi only blinked at him. She huffed and turned back to her harness.

“You underestimate how sneaky I can be!” She retorted with a hint of pride.

The Banbaro glanced at her. His optics turned right back around.

“Your pride will get the better of you.” He told her.

Uzi ignored him, lifting her head to shake it and make it seem like she was just grooming. She waited until her cart was loaded again and she was sent on her way before resuming her nipping.

The material making up her harness and reins was surprisingly tough. Uzi has no idea what they’re made of, but it’s certainly throwing a wrench into her plans.

But she stopped again to give her beak a rest. She also had to let the cart unload of all its strange white rocks. Uzi still couldn’t decipher what they were. She’s never seen anything like it…

‘Nevermind about the damn rocks. I need to get out of here!’ Uzi huffed, forced on her way again.

She waited a couple minutes to resume her biting. She shook her head as she dug the tip of her beak into the material. Her feathers ruffled as she did so. This thing was so damn tight, too! How do they expect wyverns to vent in these things?!

Uzi was smacked upside the head by a Worker Drone. She yelped and snapped her head back up. She was met with a cattle prod to the face. Uzi recoiled and shrieked at the hurt.

Another prod jabbed into her thigh. Uzi swatted her tail at it, only to get zapped by the object once more. She whined and tried to retreat, only bumping into the side of the Banbaro Drone.

A crop met her hip and then her forearm. Uzi snarled and bore her teeth. Her beak was smacked with a hand. Uzi whimpered and lowered her head further, hiding her mouth under her hands.

“Stop biting at the damn harness!” A Worker Drone yelled at her. “Those things are expensive! Now get back to work!” He pointed, a fierce glare on his visor.

Uzi whined and kept going. She kept her head held low, her tail drooping as well. She took a glance at the Banbaro next to her. He stayed completely silent, not even sparing her a returning glance. Uzi wondered if he was thinking something along the lines of “I told you so.”

Either way, Uzi didn’t nip or scratch at her harness again.

Drool oozed from Uzi’s beak as she trudged along the beaten path. She lost count of how many times she’s circled this whole room today. Actually- She wasn’t really counting to begin with.

But still, her feet were starting to ache and her vents were coming out in hot puffs. Lines of exhaustion had sprouted from her eye lights. She could barely keep the dim things online.

Uzi took as many deep vents as possible while her cart was being unloaded. She glimpsed at the wyvern next to her. He looked even more exhausted. Was he going to pass out?

“Time to switch out. Let’s get some of these guys back to their cages.” Some Worker Drone spoke.

Uzi felt relief wash over her at hearing that. Finally she was going to get a break! Maybe even some oil or food! And here one worker comes!

The Banbaro Drone next to her was unhooked from the cart. Uzi grinned and waiting with giddy anticipation for her harness to be detached. But as the Banbaro was led away, no one came to unhook her.

‘What…?’ She had to wonder, her smile falling. ‘No… Wait… What about-’

Some other Wyvern Drone was saddled next to her. With a push to the back of the cart, they were sent on their way again. Uzi stumbled as she was forced to keep going. This time, she was sent towards a different hallway, one transporting metals.

Uzi looked at the Worker Drones that left her there, hooked to the cart. They sat all relaxed, eating some dinner or something. All while the Wyvern Drones did all of the menial and physical labor.

The drool seeping from Uzi’s mouth grew thicker. She turned back around, needing to stop again. This mining hallway was closer to the slight hill where carts were unloaded. Her trolley was packed up once again and she was sent on her way.

The Seikret Drone’s feet ache and hurt with each step. The corners of her mouth stung and they kept rubbing against her bit. She struggled even harder to vent, the harness only feeling tighter now.

A small pothole in the floor caused Uzi to stumble and fall. Her cart stopped and the wyvern next to her startled. Some Worker Drones turned to her. Uzi tried to get to her feet again, but she was too weak and tired to do so.

The Wyvern Drone began to get anxious. She nudged into her side with her foot, urging her to get up. The carts behind them stopped as well, confused. A Worker Drone instructed them to simply go around the obstruction.

Another worker came by and poked Uzi with her crop. She didn’t stir. The female worker huffed and placed her hands on her hips.

“We’ve got a downed Monster Drone! I don’t think it’s getting back up.” She called to someone.

“Trade ‘em out with someone else.” Some other Worker Drone replied.

The woman turned back down to Uzi. Said Seikret could barely even see, her vision so dark and grainy. The worker sighed and took her off the cart. She then grabbed the small handle on the top of her harness, literally dragging her away.

Uzi didn’t bother to try and get to her feet anymore. She was too fatigued, too drained. A low-fuel warning blinked onto her HUD. She needed something in her tanks. She needs them to be full.

Yet, she has the feeling that won’t be happening anytime soon.

Chapter Text

Uzi was dumped back into her cage in that dark, cold room. She was entirely limp and had even turned offline. Someone left a bowl of oil in her cell before walking away. The room’s doors were closed and it fell into complete darkness once more.

The caged Wyvern Drones lied in boredom and misery in their own cells. A few metal thumps or snuffs rang out in the room, barely breaking the silence. No one talked. What reason was there? What could they even talk about?

So the room remained silent, with Uzi staying unconscious for a while more.

A sense of deja vu overcame Uzi as she awoke to a dark room again. Her body felt hot and a warning told her of her climbing temperature. She closed out the warning and spotted the bowl of oil sitting in front of her.

Uzi weakly got up and lifted her head to sip from it. She hated that she must look like a dog doing this. She was already treated like a monster by classmates and school staff alike. She didn’t need to have it reinforced.

The bowl of oil ran out far sooner than she would’ve liked. But at least her body was cooling down. Now, she’s just stuck in here able to do nothing but wait for whenever these Worker Drones will put her to work again.

‘I want to go home. It’s so cold and cruel here.’ Uzi laid her head on the floor, her feathered tail curling to her side. ‘How does this place even exist? Why?’

Uzi took a look around, trying to decipher what or who was in this dark room. That Espinas wasn’t in the cell next to her. Was she being worked as well?

With a miserable and exhausted sigh, Uzi curled into herself closer. Her whole frame ached and felt heavy with fatigue. An ache started up in the corners of her mouth, her legs, and her waist. Her injured leg hurt the most.

Some oil blotted the white bandages, showing some wounds had opened. Hopefully Uzi will be given enough rest so they can heal. But since she doesn’t have anything to do, she might as well sleep.

Uzi huffed as she pulled a cart along with another Seikret Drone. Her sore legs only got worse as she was constantly put to work. Heaves of air weren’t enough to cool herself, especially since the room was already warm.

Some fires from Fire Element wyverns caused the heat to slowly rise. The open doorway at the front of the room made for a moderate vent. The hallways for mining took some of the heat and humidity with them.

As rock and stone melted down, the scent of smoke grew thicker in the air. It was nearly suffocating and extremely nauseating. It was so thick and strong. Uzi felt like she was going to choke on it.

But all she could really do was keep working. Whenever she slowed down, she’d get jabbed with a cattle prod or smacked with a horse crop. She shook off the fatigue as best she could and kept moving her legs. The weight of the filled carts were starting to get the best of her, however.

‘When is this going to end? Will it ever end?’ Uzi wondered, her vision becoming grainy.

She swallowed the pooling saliva in her beak and stopped at the top of the hill again. The cart was emptied and she was sent on her way once more. Drool still managed to escape from her beak, oozing to the floor.

A Wyvern Drone across the room slipped and the cart clattered. Everyone flinched at the loud noise and stopped. The Worker Drones barely reacted, just yelled and smacked for them to continue.

Uzi, getting irritated and tired by all of this, snapped back and gnashed her teeth at the worker. She was reprimanded with a smack to the cheek. She recoiled but growled, glaring at the other drone.

Again, she was hit, this time in her side. Uzi whined but refused to continue. She was going to collapse again if she kept going! Can’t they see that?!

“Get back to work, monster!” The Worker Drone shouted, his grip on his crop tightening.

“How about you get to work?! Since you love these weird stones so much!” Uzi retorted as her feathers vibrated.

The Seikret Drone next to her startled and looked away. He used an arm to hide his face, to try and silently say that he wasn’t in on this disobedience.

“You should really just be quiet and do as he says!” He urgently whispered to the girl.

Uzi ignored him, just kept her glower on the Worker Drone. Said man returned it in full.

“Someone get another Monster Drone to take this one’s place!” He ordered to a fellow coworker.

He moved to unhook Uzi from the cart. The release of weight on her body had her relishing in the feeling. But now that she was free, she could finally get out of here-!

A hard kick to her side had her sputtering and losing the air in her vents. Uzi fell to the floor and whimpered, her vision glitching out for a moment. Another harsh kick met her tanks and Uzi nearly vomited.

“When I tell you to get to work, you obey your damn orders!!” The Worker Drone hollered in rage.

He stomped onto Uzi’s side, making her bounce on the ground and whimper. She tried to get up and push him off, but the older drone stomped onto her hand in return. Uzi cried out in pain and tried to tug it from under his boot.

The worker didn’t let her go, instead grinding his sole onto her palm. Uzi growled and snapped at his leg. The Worker Drone yelped and reeled it back, now sporting a new scratch.

He stared down at his minimal injury before turning his burning red-orange gaze back to her. A sweat drop glided down Uzi’s visor, still huffing from the exhaustion and heat. The worker’s gaze narrowed dangerously on her.

“Looks like you need a little bit of ‘domestication,’ huh?” He asked. Yet, there was the hint of something more sinister and sick in his optics, like a growing sense of joy.

Uzi’s feathers vibrated again and she snarled at him. The worker clicked his tongue and hauled her up by her harness. As she was dragged away, Uzi began kicking and screeching. Her hands and legs flew about, trying to claw him up.

The worker didn’t flinch at any of the scratches left on his arm. He just took her up to the room’s entrance and then down the hall. A few other workers went past him, not even giving the two a sparing glance.

Uzi grew tired from all the thrashing, out of vents and sweating. But she refused to go down without a fight, still trying to free herself despite the fatigue. In the midst of this, the two finally made it to a new room, dim and with a single lightbulb hanging above.

The worker holding her chained her up in the middle of the room. It was a very short leash, forcing Uzi onto her backlegs. She clawed at her collar as she was strangled. She stood onto her toes to try and relieve the choke. But even that was prohibited with her ankles being cuffed to the floor.

The sturdy metal door at the entrance of the small room was closed. Uzi perked up, turning her hollowed sights back to the man. He turned around and gave her a wicked grin that chilled her to her core.

He approached the side of the room, where a wall full of “tools” lay on the wall. Sharp, blunt, piercing. Flat and round. Thick and thin. Light and heavy. Short and long. But each and every one of them dangerous.

The Worker Drone stared at the wall for a moment. He took a studded instrument from the hooks, a small whip with nine ropes. They had thick knots and barbs on them. Uzi didn’t know what it was, but she already knew she hated it.

Setting the “tool” aside, the Worker Drone chose another one. A small bat-like object with studs on it. It was also placed onto the small table.

Uzi watched the man stare at the wall again. He sighed and turned around, continuing to ignore her. Uzi felt static lump up inside her voice box as she stared at him in fear.

Her efforts to break free came back with anew. But it was still all for naught as the metal cuff and chain never gave away.

Uzi felt a pair of warm fingers on her back. She yelped and smacked her tail the worker’s way. It was roughly grabbed, the man’s grip turning tight and squeezing painfully onto it. Feathers snapped and ruffled under his grip.

Uzi turned to stare at him, a silent plead for mercy in her optics. The man laughed at the look, his smile only growing wider.

“Aww, begging for mercy already?” He asked with a sickly sweetness to his tone. “That’s no fun. Where’s all that aggression and bite from before?” His voice was disgustingly soft in her audials.

“B-Bite me!” Uzi habitually said.

A hard chomp to her shoulder had her regretting her words in an instant. She thrashed and the chains rattled above. The Worker Drone removed his head from her shoulder, oil droplets beading on the new wound.

“What? You told me to bite you!” He snickered at the fearful look Uzi gave him.

“You know damn well I meant it rhetorically!” She hollered, trying to tug her tail from his grasp.

“You did? Oh, I guess I didn’t realize it!” The man laughed louder.

“Lik-ke hell you didn’t…” Uzi muttered, her beak gritting hard.

Her tail was crushed further in his hand. Uzi yelped in pain and tried to thrash again. The tight chain holding her upright and the ankle cuffs prevented her from moving too much.

A slap to her back by nine barbed ropes had Uzi gasping at the initial shock. She didn’t even get to process what happened before the man behind her raised the small whip again. It came crashing down onto her back once more, hitting her waistband.

It was ripped open, same with some wires and oil tubes. Black droplets fell to the floor with each lash. Uzi gasped and shrieked each time she was hit. The Worker Drone causing this pain grinned wider, his visor going up in thick and bright blush lines.

More of the Seikret’s waistband opened up. The barbs cut through the material easily, for too much so. These couldn’t be normal barbs if they pierced through her rubber like this. The material was tougher than that of Worker Drones’!

The lashings stopped and Uzi gasped for air despite her strangulation. The man moved from behind her, still grinning and chuckling. He exchanged the tool for the bat thing and came back over.

“Would you look at this,” He started, peering at Uzi with a hungry look in his optics. “This mighty and fearsome Wyvern Drone is being reduced to a gasping, bleeding, mess. It’s ironic, don’t you think?” He questioned with a mocking laugh.

Uzi stared back at him in silence. Her emboldened eye rings stung with tears.

“I wonder if I can get that pretty little expression of yours to change even more?” He spoke next, approaching the younger drone. “Just what kind of pain do I have to put you through to get you to look at me with such anger again~?” He was close up in her face now.

But Uzi remained silent. If it was anger he was looking for, then she’s damn well not going to give it to him!

“I guess I’ll just experiment and see what happens~!” He beamed.

The then smashed the bat into her side. Uzi’s waist flared in pain, the studs digging into her rubber. She coughed and spit came flying from her mouth. The pain reverberated throughout her side.

Her arms were slapped back to her sides by the bat, the studs leaving dents in her plating. Uzi screamed at each hit. More came her way as the Worker Drone beat and battered her frame, leaving more and more small dents.

Uzi didn’t know how long he did that for. Minutes? Hours? Seconds even? However long, he quickly gave up. The man set the tool back onto the table before standing back in front of her.

“Still nothing?” He wondered with a cock of his head. “Guess tools don’t work. Or those ones don’t, anyway.” His hands were set onto his bare hips.

His red-orange optics trailed up and down her frame. They landed on her crotch. Uzi noticed quickly, using her scaled thighs to hide it. Another smirked played onto the sick man’s lips.

“Aw, don’t like me staring down there?” He questioned as he stepped closer. “Well, I guess you wouldn’t. You’re so young and small. I doubt you’ve even had your first time, right?”

“Why the hell do you care?” Uzi snarled back.

He blinked at her. His smirk turned into a twisted simper as Uzi accidentally gave him the reaction he wanted.

“So, being exposed like this and having someone else acknowledge it gets you angry, does it~?” He rhetorically wondered, his fingers tracing on her chest.

Uzi’s vents hitched and her frame tensed. The man’s gaze narrowed on her analytically. Soon, his hand began moving down her frame and towards her crotch. His palm flipped upright, his fingers moving to-

Uzi snatched his wrist tightly, her claws digging into his plating. The worker looked up to her. Uzi bore her fangs back at him, a frightful and loathing look in her lavender optics.

“So, you really do hate this~” He almost purred in satisfaction. “Then I guess I’ll get you to absolutely despise me by exploring and…” His red-orange eye lights fell down to her pelvic plates again.

“‘Examining’ you, hahah~~” He huffed as his visor went brighter.

Uzi let out a terrified whimper, her whole frame beginning to shake. The tears started to finally fall down her display-

“Lester! Whatever you’re doing, stop it! We need that Monster Drone unsullied!” A familiar gruff and stern voice came from the other side of the door.

‘Lester’ startled and whipped around. He growled and deflated, his hand falling back to his side. He turned to stare at Uzi once more, his tongue clicking.

“You’re lucky we’ve got some semblance of rules about you guys.” He snided with a sneer.

Lester turned to open the door. His assumable boss gave him a light scolding, mostly about assaulting the Wyvern Drones. Uzi’s frame went even stiffer at finding out he does this commonly.

A few more Worker Drones came into the room to unchain Uzi. She fell onto the ground, not even given a moment’s rest as she was put into a mobile cage again. But she didn’t care this time. She was being carted away from that man.

And for once, she was thankful for these guys. She was saved from that filth and what he was going to do to her. As a thank-you, she made no fuss when returned to her cell.

“You look horrible.” And this time, The Espinas Drone was there to talk to her.

Chapter Text

“You look horrible.” It was the first sentence Uzi heard upon returning to her cage.

She turned towards the other woman, who looked back at her in concern. There was a moment where Uzi didn’t know how to respond to that. She opened her beak, yet she had no words on her tongue.

“They must have overworked you again, right?” The Espinas cocked her head. “Just get some rest while you can! Don’t worry about me-” She offered a gentle smile.

“I was…” Uzi whispered, cutting the other robot off. “I was almost…” But she couldn’t quite get it out.

Her eye lights went hollow and bold and her vents became shallow puffs. An invisible snake seemed to have slithered into her chest cavity, curling around her core and squeezing it tight. Uzi raised a clawed hand to scratch against her chest as tears pricked at her optics.

“H-Hey! What’s wrong?! What happened?!” The Espinas Drone asked, now becoming all the more worried.

Uzi opened her beak again, but could only gape like a fish. The fear came rushing back to her like an overflowing river in a flash flood. It was hard to vent and hard to speak.

“Y-You know what? It’s fine! Really! Just relax and take the deepest vents you can!” The Espinas began to fumble around.

She knew there wasn’t anything she could do, trapped in this cage. At best, she could verbally guide Uzi into calming herself down. But she isn’t sure how well that’s going to work.

“There was-... This man…” Uzi whispered pitifully, now holding herself tightly and leaning against the bars. “He-e hurt me… Chained me… Al-lmost touched me…” The tears broke past the walls keeping them in her optical lights.

The Espinas stared silently for a moment. Her flailing arms fell onto her lap.

“It was Lester, wasn’t it?” She already knew the answer.

Uzi confirmed it with a nod.

The Espinas Drone was speechless for a moment.

“I’m sorry.” Was all she said.

Even after nearly getting assaulted, Uzi was still forced to work. Sometimes Lester would be there to watch over them, sometimes not. Uzi would always avoid looking at him, try not to acknowledge him. But she could feel his gaze on her no matter what.

But nowadays, she’s also become much more passive and submissive. She doesn’t want Lester to hurt her again. She doesn’t want to be hurt in general. And the best way to do that is to keep your head down and do as these Worker Drones say.

So Uzi does. She drags around heavy carts with other Wyvern Drones, gets exhausted and passes out, then wakes up some time later in her cage with a small bowl of oil waiting for her. And if she is given the time, she’ll have a quiet conversation with the Espinas Drone.

“I’m glad to hear you didn’t get punished today.” The woman gave her a smile.

“Me too.” Uzi giggled. “By the way, I don’t think I’ve seen you around in that mine. Where do they take you to work?” She asked, turning up to the other drone.

Her demeanor was quick to change. The woman’s eye lights went hollow and her frame went tense. She averted her red-orange gaze as sweat drops blinked onto her visor.

“Oh-h, nowhere special, really.” She spoke. “They have different rooms for all sorts of different jobs. And multiple rooms for them, of course.” She smiled again, albeit strained.

“That makes sense.” Uzi nodded.

“Any-yways, do you think you’ve gotten the hang of pulling those carts around? Is it any easier?” The Espinas changed the subject.

“Oh! I think so, yeah.” Uzi nodded again, her tail waving. “I think I’ve gotten stronger after doing it for… However long.” Her gaze fell to the floor.

The grin on her beak faded swiftly and her mood plummeted. The woman across from her noticed and cocked her head.

“What’s the matter, Uzi?” She asked.

“...” Uzi was quiet. “I miss my parents.” She whispered.

The Espinas Drone’s brows creased further.

“I don’t even know how long I’ve been here. They must be worried sick about me.” Uzi went on, tears falling from her optical lights. “I want to go home.” Her tail wrapping around her legs.

“We all do.” The Espinas replied, her own gaze falling. “Even those of us who were born here. We want to go ‘home’ to someplace freer and safer.” Her claws scratched against her thighs.

“But you can’t, right? No one can.” Uzi finished for her.

“...No. We can’t.” And the other woman confirmed it.

Sorrowful silence overcame them, hushing their conversation. Neither drone felt like speaking anymore.

“Can you tell me… What your parents are like?” But the Espinas was curious.

Uzi sniffled and swiped her current wave of tears away. She nodded.

“They’re both really nice,” She began quietly. “My dad is a bit overprotective but really nice. And he says that I’m like a carbon copy of my mom. A ‘mini-me,’ as she calls it.” Uzi chuckled breathily.

“And my mom… She lets me get away with more trouble than I should.” Uzi spoke. “I think she even encourages it, in a way. But she also knows when to get serious about stuff.” The memory of her first middle school principal came back to her.

“They both sound like such nice wyverns.” The Espinas grinned.

“They aren’t Wyvern Drones. They’re Worker Drones.” Uzi shook her head in correction.

The other woman’s eye lights went wide.

“Oh-h! I wasn’t expecting that!” She admitted.

“They weren’t expecting me to be a Wyvern Drone.” Uzi giggled again. “But they still love me, even if I’m a mutation.”

“That’s good to hear.” The Espinas vented in relief.

Uzi only nodded back. She didn’t disclose how her parents’ relationship seemed to have become rocky over the years.

“I’m sorry that you had to be taken away from them. No one should ever have to go through all that.” The other wyvern spoke again.

‘If we could break out of here and kill all these guys, then no Wyvern Drone would have to go through all of it.’ Uzi wanted to reply.

But she just opted to keep quiet and nod.

Today, Uzi was tasked with pulling a slew of empty carts around to other rooms. It was far easier and less back-breaking than the usual work. A nice reprieve in a place like this.

Of course, she still had some form of overseer or guard with her, always making sure she kept moving and didn’t try to break free or wander off. Uzi didn’t do anything of the sort, just kept her gaze in front of her so as to not bump into anything.

But as she stopped at various rooms and dropped off carts, she was able to take a peek inside them. Some rooms were mining rooms, like what she’s usually stationed in. Others were nurseries where hatchlings would be taken care of. A couple just ended up being dark hallways with dim lightbulbs hanging from above.

Uzi didn’t bother trying to look into them all that much. This place was already unsettling as it was, she didn’t need to see what other crimes they were committing.

So, she kept doing her job, dropping off carts, picking new ones up, dropping them off again, until her work was finished. After that, she was returned to her cage to rest and drink some oil.

‘Guess they don’t need me today.’ Uzi thought as she lied her head down. ‘I should take this time to just get some sleep.’ And she closed her optics.

Sleep Mode wasn’t hard to fall into in a place like this. With grueling work and the constant passing out from exhaustion, it made falling asleep far easier. But the fear always lingering in one’s systems, the primal terror etched into their very wires and circuits, also turned the Wyvern Drones into light sleepers.

The large doors opening up at the end of the room would awaken every single wyvern within the room, without fail.

All of them except those who had fallen offline, of course.

Some Worker Drones walked into the room holding all the various Wyvern Drones. They searched around for those that had died and fallen offline. Said bodies were tossed into carts and rolled away back down the halls.

“Did we get all of them?” One worker asked.

“Yeah. There wasn’t much this time.” Another replied, scribbling on a clipboard. “Think the boss will want more?” She questioned right back.

“Dunno. It isn’t like the haul is bad.” Her coworker replied with a glance to the three carts.

The woman did as well. Some sweat drops formed on their displays.

“I wonder what he does with all of them.” The woman commented, holding her clipboard under her arm. “He has to dispose of them somehow, right?”

“Maybe he takes them apart to use the machines? Or to study them?” The man next to her shrugged. “If I were him, I’d just feed them back to the Wyvern Drones. Animals like them cannibalize all the time, right? It’s not like it’ll matter.”

Their conversation was cut short when they came upon another set of large, metal doors. The woman rung the doorbell and stepped back to wait.

A few moments later, the leader of the whole operation opened the doors. The group pushed the carts inside, taken by workers in thick, pleated coats and other such winter-like clothing.

“Thank you for bringing the bodies here. You may take the rest of the night off or return to your duties.” The boss said.

“Roger that, Cain!” The man and woman saluted.

Cain nodded back and closed the doors, letting the two turn and leave. The halls became all the dimmer once the entryway was cut off once more.

Cain turned to follow the coat-clad Worker Drones. The squeaking wheels of the old carts thumping over pebbles and rocky flooring was the only thing breaking the silence.

“Where do you want these bodies to go?” One of the coated workers asked.

“Take them all the way to the back. In the Ruins.” Cain replied.

The other Worker Drone nodded.

The carts were pushed harder and the group sped up. Dim lighting in the form of torches was the only thing lighting up the stone hallway enough to travel through. But the further they went down the hall, the more it opened up.

Eventually, it would turn into whole rooms, connected by gaping holes in the walls. The flooring became splotchy with weird fauna, looking like thick webs. The carts bumped over them as the group kept going, passing by small rooms that glinted with something akin to crystals inside.

A ramp at the back allowed them to head downwards. The trek continued to be silent all the way down. And even at the bottom of this ramp, there was an elevator to meet them.

Stepping inside, Cain and one other worker grabbed the rope and started slowly descending the elevator down. The place became darker and darker. Someone pulled out a yellow flashlight, much softer than the harsh white.

The elevator softly planted onto the floor and the group stepped out. Cain took the lead this time, heading to a caged pit in the very backmost corner of the room. Staggering, diagonal, rocky pillars poked through the thick stone cage bars, crossing over each other.

Stopping right at the edge of this pit, where the darkness became an abyss and consumed all the light within, Cain stared down into it.

“How is the progress on it?” He asked, slightly turning his head.

“It’s going well. Nothing to note, actually.” Someone who was probably a scientist replied. “Any and all readings are normal and it hasn’t done much of anything.”

“Good.” Cain nodded. “Let’s get rid of the bodies.” He then ordered.

Cain turned around to help haul the first offline Wyvern Drone from a cart. The lithe Ebony Odogaron Drone was dragged over to a large crane. The tail was punctured on as someone hopped into the seat to man it.

Soon enough, the crane began to move. It dragged the corpse into the air and swerved to hover over the cage’s gaps. The Wyvern Drone was lowered into the pit, the darkness consuming it.

There was a tense moment of silence. The whirring of the crane kept going, up until something thrashed inside the lightless depths below. The crane jerked and the cord went taut. The drone manning the crane pulled up the end, the corpse now gone.

The creature within the pit growled. Cain’s gaze narrowed ever-so-slightly on it.

“Let’s get the rest of the bodies in there.” He spoke.

The other Worker Drones did just that, attaching the corpse onto the hook and letting the crane lower them into the pit. One Worker Drone took note of the creature’s reactions inside.

Soon, there were no bodies left. The carts were empty and the room had fallen silent.

But another growl emanated from the darkness below. The creature still hungered.

“There’s nothing left, so let’s get back. There’s still work to do.” Cain spoke, already turning around.

Everyone else nodded and followed him, leaving the creature all to itself. And when their steps faded and the minutes passed with pure silence, the pit began to hum a quiet tune.

Chapter Text

The cage was cramped, as always. But it was better than being jabbed and slapped with cattle prods and horse crops. Uzi tried stretching her legs out within the cramped cell, her clawed toes peeking through the bars.

She sighed and rubbed her visor, unable to sleep tonight. Or… Whatever time it is right now. She has no idea. Uzi hasn’t been able to tell since she was kidnapped.

‘I wonder how many days it’s been.’ It was a common thought that crossed her CPU.

Looking around, Uzi found a small bowl of oil in her cage. She sat up and slowly drank from it, relishing the taste and committing it to memory. She’s certain the Worker Drones here don’t feed them like they should.

Setting down the bowl, Uzi looked around a little. She huddled at the back of her cage to lean against the bars. She curled up and hugged her knees and let her feathered tail curl around her feet.

The room was dark as always. Uzi could barely make anything out, if at all. She could see about two feet in front of her before it all just became a deep, dark, endless abyss all around. It made her sigh and tuck her head into her knees.

Uzi’s lavender purple optics wandered around towards what she could see. They ended up landing on the Espinas Drone sleeping peacefully next to her. They’ve become better friends over time. Something Uzi was very grateful for.

As the Seikret Drone stared at her friend, she noticed something. It was hard to make out in the endless darkness of the room, but she managed to see how her waistband looked… Bigger.

A brow quirked down on Uzi’s visor. She was tempted to wake the Espinas Drone up and ask her about it. Was it pressure? Like steam? Was some battery in there inflating? If it was the latter, she’ll need to get it replaced soon-!

The doors at the end of the room opened up. Uzi flinched at the sudden appearance of light. Some Worker Drones came in, wheeled cages, crops, prods, and chains in their hands.

The group split up and took out various Wyvern Drones. There was little fighting or resistance. Everyone has learned to simply obey their orders now.

Uzi’s cage was approached by someone as well. She stepped out and had her collar chained. She was attached to a few other wyverns and led about. Some more had their collars and chains attached to hers before they moved on.

The line of Wyvern Drones were led down the halls. Uzi had no idea where they were going. But she did notice how the entire line consisted of young robots only. Ones around her age, if she had to guess.

Uzi made no comment about it, just kept her head low and followed whoever was in front of her. The Worker Drones guiding them kept a close optic on each and every one of them. Uzi refused to meet their gazes for fear that they would decide she looked at them wrong.

While keeping to herself, the group made a turn into another hall. Chains rattled and claws scraped against floors. Wyvern Drones kept quiet and followed wherever the workers told them to go.

Their destination ended up being another room. This time, it was very bright and white. It reminded Uzi of a doctor’s office, just lonelier and more barren.

Her chains tugged and she got a move on, stirred from her staring. Uzi and the others were led into a more compact version of the cell room. There was a single light hanging from the center of the ceiling.

Uzi’s chains were detached and she was hurried into an even smaller cage. Someone took the cage on top of hers. Another wyvern was pushed into the cage to her right. Other Wyvern Drones were crammed into the tiny cells, whether they fit or not.

Luckily for her, Uzi was just small enough to have just a few inches of venting room. Not as much as her usual cell, but she could sort of move around. Still, she hated this cell more than her usual one.

‘But what are we doing here?’ That was what her real focus was on.

Uzi stared at the Worker Drones ushering the remaining wyverns into cages. Once everyone was locked up again, the workers left. The room fell dim without the bright white light of the lobby.

Snorts and snuffs rang out in the room. Some Wyvern Drones were uncomfortable in their cages, far too big for these tiny spaces. They tried moving around or curling up even tighter to make space, but seldom did it work.

‘A few look like they’re going to break the bars.’ Uzi noted as a sweat drop formed on her facial screen.

Some growls and disgruntled hums rang out in the room. Uzi ignored them and turned her head towards the wall behind her. The room was chilly but her feathers helped keep her warm. She wondered if anyone else was cold?

“Does anyone know what we’re doing here?” Someone bravely asked with a quiet voice.

There was a bout of silence. The sudden question caught them all off-guard.

“We’re getting check-ups.” Someone finally replied. “Just do as they say and don’t make a fuss. They’ll send us to work right after, so save up your energy.” She added.

There were a few murmurs but nothing else.

‘Well, that explains why the room outside looks like a doctor’s office lobby.’ Uzi sighed. ‘And I guess having check-ups makes sense. Want us just healthy enough to drag around heavy carts and stuff, right?’

Her tail flicked in annoyance. Uzi was stirred from her thoughts when the door opened. More bright light spilled into the room, making a few Wyvern Drones grumble.

“Shut it, monsters!” The Worker Drone huffed.

He then walked in with a few more robots. Some wyverns were taken from their cages, the big ones.

‘Looks like even they have enough common sense to see that those cages weren’t gonna last long.’ Uzi kept her head down and just watched.

The animalistic robots were led out of the room and the door was closed again. Seeing as Uzi was probably going to be stuck here for a while, she opted to get some more sleep in. She’s been having trouble getting good rest in this place.

Hours passed before Uzi’s turn to have her check-up came. One of this operation’s staff members poked her hard through the bars of the cage with her prod. Uzi startled awake, her optics snapping open in hollow.

Now that she was up and rubbing the focus into her optics, her cage door was opened. Uzi yawned and stepped out, chains connected to her collar again. A short vent left the nostrils on her beak as she was led away.

Uzi moved through the lobby and into the back hall. It was short and she was shoved inside some random room. It looked like it could’ve been a vet’s office– Or some back-alley version of it, at least.

Her chain was attached to some loop on the wall to keep her there. Uzi stood and waited, looking around at her surroundings. The Worker Drone left the room seemingly to let whatever doctor come in to examine her.

As Uzi looked around at the old metal tables with remnants of rust and oil on the surface, at scratched-up cupboards, at the metal door she came in through, her core began to pick up in pace.

More sweat drops blinked onto her visor. Uzi’s tail tucked closer to her legs and her hands and forearm feathered covered her crotch. She backed into the wall and flicked her optics about.

The door opened again and startled her. It groaned as someone came in, wearing a stained white doctor’s coat. The said doctor went straight to the cupboards and pulled out some gloves. Uzi only got even more anxious.

After putting on the gloves, the doctor pulled out some popsicle sticks and a flashlight. He pulled out some more medical equipment commonly used in check-ups. Uzi watched him carefully.

After setting everything out and putting on a face mask, the doctor turned to her. He took his patient’s chain from the wall and tugged her over towards the center of the room. Uzi followed and stopped when he told her to.

The doctor gave her a once-over, front and back. He lifted different limbs and tested her joints. He listened for any creaking, groaning, or squeaking. He took a thin comb and ran it through her feathers a few times, collecting loose ones.

They were put into a baggie and labeled, pushed away to sit on the counter lining the far wall. The doctor turned back to Uzi and checked her hair and horns. He tapped against the latter with his knuckles lightly.

With a quiet vent, the doctor moved on. He took the flashlight and shone it into her visor. Uzi flinched and her optic narrowed. It dilated again when the light was brought away. The unknown and silent Worker Drone then opened her mouth wide.

He trailed a finger over the curve of the top of her beak. He gently moved her head about to gaze at it in full. His sights turned to her mouth, his optics scanning her denta and tongue. He used a stick to poke around a little and press her tongue down.

After a quick but thorough scan, he closed her mouth, threw out the stick, and turned to the counter to write down his analysis. Uzi stood there nervously as he took a few minutes to write everything down.

It passed sooner than she thought it would. The clipboard and pen was set down and the seemingly mute worker picked up another popsicle stick. Grabbing her chain, the doctor led Uzi onto the table.

She climbed up onto it and sat down. But she was quickly startled when the doctor roughly tugged her onto the table to lie down. Uzi whimpered as her chin ached from the clang against the table.

The Seikret Drone didn’t get to focus on it for long as her wrists were quickly buckled tight onto the table. Uzi’s optical lights went hollow and she tried to tug herself free, all to no avail.

Uzi yelped when her hips were grabbed. She smacked her tail towards the doctor as he sat her onto her knees. He growled at the constant hits to his face but managed to get her in the right position. He swiftly buckled her ankles and snatched her tail in a vice grip.

He made Uzi flinch again but worried more about taking the popsicle stick from his pocket. The doctor turned on the flashlight and stuck it into his mouth before checking his patient’s genitals.

Uzi kept thrashing and jerking about. She tugged at her restraints for dear life. Snarls, huffs, yelps, roars, and gnarls left her voice box with her struggling. The doctor was quick to get fed-up with it, unable to do his job with all the thrashing and bashing.

The Seikret Drone’s feathered limb was unceremoniously dropped and the Worker Drone walked towards a cabinet. Uzi heaved in relief when he left her alone. Now all she has to do is get out of these damn restraints-!

“Ow!” Uzi yelped again as the doctor smacked her head.

Uzi whipped around to snap at him but he had fast reflexes. The doctor stepped back and leaned against the counter, folding his arms in wait. Uzi grew confused but kept growling at him.

Though, it didn’t last for long, as a few minutes later, she began to feel loopy. Uzi grew even more confused, her vision growing a bit fuzzy and her limbs heavy. Her vents had stabilized some, but the odd feeling only grew stronger as more minutes passed.

The doctor straightened up and came back over. He disappeared behind her again and grabbed her tail. Uzi tried to struggle again but found it hard. Her limbs were heavy and didn’t like responding to her. Uzi panted as she quickly wore herself out.

While the magnet sat against her head and took effect, the unknown worker lifted her tail back up. It was limp in his hand. Uzi managed to weakly wave it around, but otherwise had trouble moving it.

He used a popsicle stick to open her folds and used the flashlight to peer inside. He poked around a little with the object but otherwise didn’t touch her. A couple prods were made to her clit to test for reactions.

Uzi made tiny flinches with each one. Her claws scraped against the table. The doctor looked around a little more before lowering her tail. He wrote down the results on his clipboard and finally took off the magnet.

After undoing her restraints, the doctor left the room. Uzi slowly recovered from the magnet, her whole body tingling but still unresponsive. Some Worker Drones came up and picked her up to put her in a wheeling cage.

Uzi was carted away back into the room where all the other Wyvern Drones sleep in. She was unceremoniously dumped into her cell and left to rest. Uzi panted and tried hard to sober herself up.

“Are you okay? You look so out of sorts.” The familiar and gentle voice of the Espinas Drone spoke.

Uzi couldn’t quite speak at the moment, barely getting out discombobulated hums. She opted to messily shake her head and bury her face in the cage floor. The Espinas’ eye brows creased.

“Do you think you can tell me where you went?” The other woman asked, grasping onto the bars of her cell.

“D… Doc-ctor…” Was all Uzi could mumble.

“Oh. I see.” There was a sigh of relief in the woman’s tone. “They checked your genitalia, didn’t they?” She then wondered.

Uzi nodded.

“Alright. That’s-...” She wanted to say ‘that’s good,’ but it was Uzi’s first time having an extensive check-up like that. “If you need anything, I’ll be here.” She instead went with.

Uzi only hummed and covered her face with her arms. The rest of her frame curled up tight, her tail sitting securely under her butt.

The Espinas Drone stared at her for another few minutes. Her amber eye lights had emptied and her concern grew. But her gaze soon turned down to herself and her expanding waistband.

A hand rested upon it and her anxiety rose. A static lump formed in her voice synthesizer and sweat drops blinked onto her visor. There were words on the tip of her tongue.

But she kept quiet. Uzi didn’t need to worry about her. And it isn’t like she isn’t used to this by now. All she needs to do is bear it and provide Uzi with comfort and support. She’s the one who needs it most right now.

Chapter Text

The house has been very quiet. Has been for months now. Khan and Nori barely acknowledge each other anymore. The tension has never left the home since–

“–Nori.” Her husband calls.

Nori snaps from her thoughts, turns her gaze up to his.

“Are you alright?” His voice is soft and missing its happiness.

Nori stays silent. Her gaze falls back down to the table. Uzi’s missing poster stares back at her. She misses her daughter…

“Where could she have gone?” Is what the woman replies with.

Khan stays mute for a couple of seconds. “...I’m not sure.”

Nori doesn’t like that answer.

“Have the cops found anything yet?” She asks next.

“Not that I’ve heard of.” Khan shakes his head.

Nori’s gaze falls into an even deeper sadness. More silence fills the kitchen, spanning across the table.

“It’s been months—a year! How could they not have found anything?” She wonders outwardly.

“I–... I don’t know.” Khan vents back.

Brows blink over Nori’s visor and furrow, her mood shifting. “How are you so calm?”

“What do you mean?” Khan turns his head up.

“I mean our daughter has gone missing and you’re over here acting like nothing happened!” Nori’s fist slams onto the table.

“I am just as worried as you are, Nori! But I can’t live my entire life doing nothing but worrying and fretting over her!” Her husband argues, his own brows furrowing.

“Clearly you aren’t if you’re so nonchalant about everything!”

“You have no idea what’s been going on inside my CPU, just like I don’t yours! So stop acting like I’ve never cared that our daughter disappeared one day!”

“Well you sure aren’t convincing me of that!”

“That’s quite rich coming from you, Nori! Considering you were all but afraid of our daughter when she hatched from her pillbody!” Khan stood and slammed his palms against the table.

The house fell into a sudden silence. Nori and Khan just stared at each other. Khan took in a deep vent and sat back down. The chair’s groan was deafening.

Nori turned her gaze back down to the poster. A hand ran through her tresses and she let out a shuddery vent.

“How long can we do this?”

“...” Her husband was silent.

“How long are we going to put each other through this?”

“...”

“How long are we going to pretend we still love each other?” Tears welled in the woman’s optics.

“...Not much longer.” Was Khan’s eventual reply.

This time, Nori was silent.

Uzi’s gotten so used to the timely arrival of the Worker Drones here that she’s begun to wake up just before they enter the room. It’s mildly annoying, as she really needs all the rest she can get.

And she can’t just go back into Sleep Mode since they often come to her cage to get her back to work. Which just makes it all the more frustrating that Uzi’s began to wake up so early.

Well, whatever. They’re opening up her cage, so she can’t dwell on it any longer. Uzi crawls inside and makes herself comfortable. The cage rattles as it strolls across the floor, bumping over rocks.

And as she’s wheeled off, Uzi catches a glimpse of her Espinas friend. She has no doubt about it now; Her waistband has surely gotten bigger.

Work was the same as every single other day here; Get beaten and tased, get pushed to your limits and then some, salivate from overwork and exhaustion, pass the hell out, wake up in your cramped cell.

Uzi takes careful laps of her oil. Her cracked beak makes it hard, the droplets gliding through it and making it sting. She casts a glance towards her friend’s way, watching her lie on her side.

She can see the exhaustion lines on her eye lights. Her waistband looks as big as a volleyball. Maybe bigger? Uzi isn’t sure. All she really knows is that she looks so sleepy.

Uzi shifts closer with her bowl. “Hey. Do you want the rest of my oil?” She quietly asks in the dark room.

The Espinas Drone perks up. “Hm? Oh, no. You drink it. It’s yours after all.” She gives her a reassuring smile.

“No, I’m– I’m kinda full.” Uzi smiles off her concerns. “You take it instead. I don’t want it to go to waste.”

She carefully tilts the rubber bowl, fitting it through the cage’s bars. Uzi pushes it towards the Espinas Drone, letting her take it and carefully slot it into her cell. She takes careful but relieved sips of the small portion.

“Thank you.” She says as she finishes the oil.

“You’re welcome.” Uzi smiles back.

Some quietude falls into the room again. The Espinas Drone slowly lowers back down onto her side, curling up and getting comfy. Uzi stares at her in the silence of the room.

“How are you feeling?” The Seikret Drone inquires.

“I’m tired but fine.” The Espinas replies. “How are you doing? I can tell that your beak is cracked.” The woman returns.

“It stings but it’s not the worst. I just– Need some time for it to heal.” Uzi rubs her mouth.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what happened to it?”

“I tripped onto the floor as some other wyverns were walking by. It got stepped on.”

“Well, I hope it heals up soon. It’s hard to drink with a broken beak, isn’t it?” The woman’s head cocked.

“A-A little, but it doesn’t stop me from eating!” Uzi laughs nervously. “Just– Makes it a little harder.

The Espinas Drone hums. She yawns and lies her head onto the cell floor.

“Hey, since you know my name but don’t have one yourself, why don’t I give you one?” Uzi questions.

“A– What?” The other woman turns her head up again.

“Just– I thought it would be easier when addressing each other, you know?” Uzi shrugs and smiles. “But you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Her tail waves idly, her gaze falling to her clawed feet.

The Espinas stares for a few seconds. Her hand falls onto her black rubber as the manufacturing body inside shakes. A smile falls onto her lips.

“I don’t see why not.” She agrees.

Uzi perks back up. “Then uhm… Is there anything in particular you might’ve had in CPU? Maybe a favorite food or color?” She inquires.

The Espinas makes a thoughtful hum. “I don’t think so. The only food I’ve known is oil and basic metals.”

Uzi nods her head. “Then I guess…” She glances at the woman.

She notes her bright orange eye lights and the way they shine inside the dark room like embers.

“What about Ember?” Uzi’s head cocks.

The Espinas Drone’s eye lights widen. “That sounds lovely!” She exclaims.

“Then I guess I’ll be calling you Ember from now on!” Uzi giggles.

“I guess you will! Thank you!” Ember laughs with her.

Ember hates this.

The agonizing pain and terrible frame tremors, the fear coursing through her like her own oil, the hours upon hours spent cooped up in this cage, the fleeting moments of temporary relief. All for what? To please the sick desires of these wretched Worker Drones?

A strangled yet muffled noise escapes Ember’s voice box, hitting her arm as she clenches down harder onto it. Her fangs sink deeper into her metal and pierce through oil tubes. Her legs and tail shift uncomfortably yet painfully.

Ember closes her eye lights tight as more pain rocks through her whole body. She hears an agonized roar from across the room. Others murmur or grumble, unable to sleep with the noise.

Restlessness writhes within the dark room. Ember tries her best to keep some of the peace, but the contractions are too strong to fight again. She lets out a horrid yelp of her own, whining and crying for some sense of soothe or care.

Part of Ember wishes Uzi were here. The other part curses such selfishness. Someone so young shouldn’t have to see something like this. Someone so young shouldn’t have to worry themselves about something like this.

Tears scroll down Ember’s visor as she hears a soft ‘Clack!’ and the heavy weight leave her frame. She pants and heaves for cooler air, mutely hearing her cooling fans whir themselves into disrepair.

After a couple of minutes, she turns her head over her shoulder. Her tears grow thicker and she whimpers. But she still drags her body and turns around. She takes the metallic egg under her wing and brings it close.

She has no hope for this child. They were born inside this living hell on Earth and will live their entire life within it. Just like Ember, just like her mother before her, and just like her grandmother before her. An endless cycle that can’t be broken.

A somber and defeated sigh blows past her lips. Ember wonders how long she’ll be able to hold this child. Minutes? Hours? Maybe even a day? She isn’t sure. Maybe the workers will just wait until the others have laid.

Either way, she isn’t going to get too attached.

Of all the things Uzi expected to come back to, Ember holding an egg was not one of them.

When she saw the Espinas Drone sitting inside her cell–exhausted, panting, and unmoving–she wasn’t expecting to see her holding an egg with her. Uzi’s eye lights went void when she saw it. Now she knew why her waistband was so big.

‘It also explains the nursery.’ Uzi thought, still shocked.

The mobile cell was opened. Uzi got onto her shaky legs and flopped back into her idle cage. The Worker Drones left a bowl of oil for her and locked her prison again. They then moved to Ember’s, snatching the egg right from under her wing.

Uzi watched in stunned silence. The workers locked Ember’s cell, gave her a meager portion of oil and metal, and went on their way. The whole exchange felt too quick to be real.

The Seikret Drone whipped to her friend. “They– They took your egg!” Uzi then shouted. “Why aren’t you doing anything?! Trying to fight them or something?!” She grasped onto the bars.

Ember finally opened her eye lights. Her hopelessness was held unbridled inside them. Uzi faltered and her posture tensed.

“And what good would that do?” Ember asked back. “I’d just get punished again. They would take the egg anyway. It’s what they always do.”

Uzi was mute. She just stared at the Espinas. Too exhausted to even speak above a whisper.

“But they–”

“There’s no point in fighting them. It’s better to just give them what they want, and they want eggs. It’s not like I was attached to it anyway.” Ember sluggishly turned her head away.

Uzi opened her mouth to speak, to say anything. Yet all of her vocabulary failed her and she closed her beak. Despairing silence filled the room.

The Seikret Drone took a look around. Others stared at them, the same look held in their optics. Some of the other women–manufacturing and defeated–looked exactly like Ember did. The males held some sympathy in their expressions.

“This isn’t… This isn’t fair…” Uzi whispered, her fight decaying rapidly.

“Nothing is fair, kid.” Someone else spoke. “After all, why would it be fair to Monsters like us?” A snort left his nostrils.

Uzi gazed at the rugged silhouette. Her lavender optics turned to the floor of her cell. She fell back onto her butt, her tail curling around her feet and her back meeting the bars.

“What… What did we do to deserve this…?”

‘Exist, probably.’ She hated that she knew the answer.

Uzi stared at the ceiling of her cell. She tapped her claws against it, holding her feet in the air. It was mind numbing, but it gave her something to do.

She was stirred from her claw-tapping when the doors opened up again. She sighed and rolled onto her stomach. Uzi watched the Worker Drones come into the room, holding a clipboard this time.

They discussed something with hushed voices and glanced about the room. Uzi turned her head away with a wave of her tail. She listened to their footsteps, going about the room through each cell aisle.

The workers reconvened and whispered some more. They split up again and opened up some cells. Uzi’s was one of them.

‘Is this another check-up?’ She wondered as she stood. ‘Maybe they’re going to take my vitals this time? I don’t think that happened last time.’ A bit was put into her mouth.

The Worker Drone with a science coat tugged on her reins. Uzi followed him without complaint, just wanting this check-up to be over with already. Maybe they’ll let her go back to her cell afterwards and she can try and get some more sleep?

But as Uzi was escorted out of her cell and into the hall outside, Ember watched with hollowed optics. Static formed in her vocoder and a sweat drop scrolled down her visor.

“You’re too young…” She muttered to herself. “Dear Sapphire Star, you’re too young for this…” Fearful tears welled in her optics.

But Ember knew she couldn’t do anything, even if she tried. Uzi’s fate was sealed the moment she got her first check-up—she knew that. Ember was just hoping they’d wait until she was a little older before ripping such a flower from the ground.

‘I really should’ve known better though, huh?’ Ember watched the door close. ‘Of course they wouldn’t wait. They’re nothing more than vultures—opportunists.’ Her grip on the bars tightened.

“I’m so sorry this has to happen to you, Uzi.”

“And I hope all those Worker Drone vultures die the most gruesome deaths.” Embers fluttered from her lips.

Chapter Text

Uzi had no idea where they were taking her. It wasn’t the doctor guy, she knew that much. They’d long passed that room a few minutes ago. So where this presumable scientist or doctor was leading her was unknown.

Though, it wasn’t like Uzi made much fuss. If she did, they’d punish her. Uzi wasn’t in the mood to get whipped, or tased, or prodded, or whatever. It was better to just play along.

Going down the endless amount of corridors, Uzi glanced around a little. Other Wyvern Drones followed them, heading in the same direction. A few rooms had more animalistic robots in them, working their asses off until they collapsed.

Worker Drones gave the wyverns disgusted or angry looks. Uzi just turned hers away when that happened. It would at least save her from being hit.

Her leash was tugged on harder and Uzi sped up. The group made it to some far back part of the caves, where the lights got a little more sparse and the mines ended. She was led through some large and heavy door, as were the others.

The place became something more… Professional? Uzi isn’t sure how to describe it; She just knew it didn’t really look like cave tunnels anymore.

Walking on tile flooring, Uzi was led through more halls. The lights were marginally better and definitely brighter, almost blinding her after being kept in the dark for so long. And the smell here was extremely sterile—like cleaning alcohol.

‘Are we in a hospital?’ Uzi wondered as she looked around.

She would never be able to figure it out, being led into a room with some sort of horse racing gate contraption in the center. Uzi was led to it and tied to the contraption. Her movements were constrained to just standing.

With a sigh blowing from her nostrils, the door was closed and she was left in the dark. Some minutes passed like this; With Uzi glancing around the dim room and waiting for someone else to enter.

That someone else was another Worker Drone, not that Uzi expected any less. They checked her restraints and made sure they were firm. The worker then stood behind her and lifted her tail.

Uzi startled with a flushing visor. She snarled and whipped her tail about. The Worker Drone clicked her tongue and retreated. Uzi gave her a mean glower as she took something from her pocket.

Despite there being some light in the room, it was still too dark for Uzi to make out what was taken out. But when the woman came close again, she growled and thrashed in her restraints.

“Just stay still, damnit!” The woman huffed, grabbing something from her hip.

Uzi was electrocuted with a cattle prod. She whimpered and flinched when something was slapped to the side of her head. Uzi tried to shake it off, but it was stubborn. But trying to get it off also resulted in another painful prod.

The woman let out a string of curse words and stomped out of the room. Uzi was left in the darkness to her own devices. And as the minutes passed, her CPU became more and more fuzzy.

Before she knew it, there was some hidden door opening before her. Uzi restraints loosened up in a way that she could only walk through the entry way. She took a few moments to size up the room, first.

On the other side was a relatively normal-looking area. A plush nest sat in the back and the floor was carpeted. By the wall was a trough with oil in it, and there was even another large bowl filled with metal pellets.

‘It looks… Kinda normal…’ Uzi noted as her optics widened. ‘It’s not super special, but it at least looks more friendly and comfy than the mines or cage room.’

Taking a few sniffs, Uzi caught an odd scent. She couldn’t place it. But she also picked up the scent of another Seikret Drone. She could even see him from across the room, in a cage just like hers.

A couple minutes were spent sniffing and looking around. Some Worker Drone had come into her room, impatient and shoving her inside. Uzi yelped and tripped onto the floor. The door was promptly shut, leaving her and the other Seikret Drone alone.

Picking herself up, Uzi went over to the trough full of oil to lap at it. The male Seikret Drone refused to look at her, a sweat drop on his display and his claws fidgeting anxiously.

Uzi ignored him. She instead took note how the fuzzy feeling in her head only got worse. Her visor began to go flush. She pulled away from the trough to wipe at her visor. It didn’t do anything to help.

‘What the hell is wrong with me?’ Uzi wondered. ‘What the hell did that woman do?’

A yelp came from the male Seikret Drone. Uzi looked over, watching him bow his head at a Worker Drone with a cattle prod in his hand. The wyvern looked over to Uzi. Guilt and fear were evident in his eye lights.

“Just get on with it!” The worker yelled just before the door closed.

Both Wyvern Drones flinched. They looked at each other. A sweat drop scrolled down the unknown Seikret Drone’s visor. He slowly approached, his head held low still.

Uzi felt dread crawl upon her spinal ridge. She stepped back as the man stepped forward. His optics narrowed in a grimace.

“I–... I’m sorry.” He whispered as he approached. “I’m so sorry for this.” Tears threatened to spill from his eye lights.

Uzi wanted to ask what he was doing, but the door opened behind her. The woman from earlier struck her in the leg. She yelped and stumbled forward. The dizziness in her CPU made her fall to the floor.

Whatever the woman had done to her earlier made her legs refuse to work. Any commands Uzi sent to them were barely picked up. And even when they were, it was like her legs didn’t understand the commands.

As Uzi lay there on the floor, unable to get to her feet or even roll over, the man circled behind her. He slotted over her back, gritting his beak as he adjusted his stance.

Panic pierced Uzi’s systems. She attempted to scramble away but the man carefully scruffed her. Uzi’s legs kept fumbling to get her out from under him. She was kept in place until she tired herself out and she went limp.

As she lay there, panting and scared, she felt something prod at her folds. Uzi flinched and tried to flee again, all to no avail. The man put his hands over hers to keep her pinned as he turned his attention to her rump.

Uzi still struggled under him, even as she felt her limbs go numb and saw warnings and errors pop up on her HUD. Her display got hotter and flusher and her limbs gave out on her entirely. Uzi began to pant as her internal temperature rose.

Things started getting grainy and indistinguishable. Uzi could barely even make out her hands at this point. The only thing she could make out was something stiff poking at her folds.

A whimper escaped her voice box and tears began pricking at her optics. The man above her began whispering apology after apology. Uzi’s beak grit in anger as pain blossomed in her crotch and made her bleat.

‘If you were sorry… You’d stop!’ Uzi wanted to say, even opened her mouth to say, yet all that came out was a gasp of hurt and shock.

Her frame started to rock back-and-forth. Uzi’s beak grit harder, making the healing crack in it flare in pain. But it didn’t compare to that of the pain in her ladyhood.

But even that pain started to fade into numbness as the mental fog continued to grow. Saliva oozed from the corners of her beak and her claws scraped against the carpet as she was rocked.

It was hard to tell if she was even hot or cold anymore. The room was nothing less than a grainy blur and the groaning of joints felt muted. Something inside her said she should be enjoying this, but a much larger part argued against it.

Uzi couldn’t tell who was right and who was wrong. All she knew was that she was still being rocked. There was still some semblance of pain between her legs. Someone was still trying to whisper into her audials. Her strength was all but sapped from her.

Things became clearer for a minute as a sharp pain struck her between her legs. Uzi’s eye lights went void and she jolted. The man yelped as she bonked her head into his beak. He managed to keep her pinned and spare them from a punishment by the skin of his teeth.

As Uzi thumped back to the floor, he took a moment to let her recuperate. Once things settled, he resumed what he’d been forced to start. Even still he flinched every time he leaned back into her.

But the girl under him barely made any response anymore. She stared off into space, half-lucid half-dazed. Tears silently scrolled down her visor as her frame was rocked and her joints croaked.

And sometime during this, Uzi felt her lower half tighten without her say. The man made an uneasy murmur and gave her yet another apology. Uzi didn’t reply and the man kept going. He continued his movements with a sluggish pace, as if trying to drag this out.

Uzi didn’t know why. She’d thought he’d have tried to get this over with as soon as possible. Was he enjoying this?

Were the Worker Drones?

The feeling of something warm and viscous filling her snapped Uzi from her thoughts. Her claws twitched—the only sign she’d acknowledged what just happened. The man above her missed it, just giving a few more shallow and gentle thrusts.

Finally, he detached from her. Uzi just lied on the ground as he pulled himself from her ladyhood. The man stared down at her with the guilt and worry written all over his face plates.

“I’m so sorry, Miss.” He muttered once more. “I-If I could’ve, I wouldn’t have!” He said.

“...” Uzi was silent.

She just lied on her chest with her rump in the air, something she didn’t want to affirm slowly oozing and dripping down her thighs and to the floor. Her plating began to rattle as her tears grew thicker.

The doors opened up and a couple of workers came in. The man was chained up and escorted back to his side as Uzi was hauled to hers. She was placed into a cage and strolled back to the cage room.

She stared mindlessly at the space in front of her. The tears continued to fall as she was returned to the colder and darker room with confining cages. She said and did nothing as she was dumped back into her cell.

And when the doors slammed closed from their own weight, and the darkness of the room hid the disgusting mess between her legs, and the quietness made her audials pop with static, she took in the event that just occurred.

“Uzi,” And a voice hits her through the darkness and the quietude. “Can you hear me?”

Uzi opened her beak to respond, but the only thing that came out was a staticky squeak. She felt her vocoder seize and try to crumple in one itself painfully.

“It’s okay. I heard you. You don’t have to say anything more.” Ember spoke softly. “But, do you think you can move?” She inquired next.

Uzi’s claw twitched. Her tail flicked. Her core began to pound harder and louder in her chest.

“If you can’t, that’s okay, too.” Ember said from out of her view. “Just listen to me, okay? Just focus on my voice.” She advised as she crawled to the bars closest to Uzi.

“I know what just happened is terrifying. I know that probably sounds undermining or… That it underestimates it. I’m sorry if it does.” She said. “But you’re out of that room now. You’re away from… Wh-Whoever they had with you. They’ll leave you be for the rest of the night.” Uzi had the feeling she smiled despite it going unseen.

Uzi tried to listen to her friend over the racing of her core. Her throat threatened to strangle her with how much it was constricting. Her vents were shallow and swift as the terror coursed through her.

“But can you do something for me? It’s not a favor, just something to help you.” Ember asked. “I need you to take some deep vents. I know it might be hard, but take your time in doing so.”

Uzi closed her beak and tried to swallow down some air. She began coughing uncontrollably and curled in on herself. Her hips and crotch flared in pain, making her whimper and release a sob.

“Relax your frame, Uzi! Take careful vents until you can take deep ones! Just slow your venting.” Her friend said.

Uzi followed her advice, albeit very slowly. It took everything in her to not let out too many sobs. The echo they made grated on her audials.

“Good. Just focus on taking those deep vents.” Ember’s voice stirred her. “I’ll take some with you, to help.”

The two ladies took deep vents together. Uzi eased her vents to match Ember’s. They continued to calm their venting for a few minutes. Uzi could feel the racing of her core ease just a bit.

“Good. That’s good, Uzi.” Ember let out another vent. “Now, untense your frame. It’ll help the pain subside. Trust me.”

Uzi let out another feeble whine. But she did as told and slowly unwound her curl. Her ladyhood ached and stung even more, making Uzi flinch and paused every other inch. But she managed to uncurl and stretch out her legs.

“Just give it some time and the pain will subside. It’s better to not be so tense, though.” Ember told her. “But you’re doing a good job, Uzi.”

Uzi could barely manage a nod. She wasn’t even sure if Ember saw it.

“If you ever need anything, I’ll be here, Uzi.” Ember continued through the bout of silence. “If you need comfort or advice, I’ll give it to you. If you need more oil, I’ll give you my share. If you need someone to talk to, I’ll listen.” The Espinas Drone reassured.

“Just stay strong, okay?”

Uzi wanted to reply—

‘How can I stay strong after that?’ But it was hard for her to speak. ‘How can I stay strong if this is what I’m going to be forced into doing for the rest of my life?’

Another sob ripped from her voice box.

‘I don't want to stay strong if that's what I'm going to be put through for the rest of my life...'

Chapter Text

The top of the cage rattled as something banged against it. Low snarls and gnarls resounded from within the dark pit. The few scientists surrounding it stared at it in worry.

“Is it hungry again?” One of them asked.

“We just fed it!” Another replied.

“Maybe it’s going through a growth spurt?” A third inquired with a shrug.

“The thing is fully grown by now! It should be done growing!” The second scientist replied.

“Well, clearly something is upsetting it.” A fourth Worker Drone said.

Another roar, another flinch from the smaller drones. They turned back to the pit as it faded out, echoing down the hall. Sweat drops adorned their displays in various colors as they stared.

“Well, whatever is causing its distress, we need to calm it down one way or another.” The first scientist spoke.

“And how are we supposed to do that, Mabel?” The second questioned, his brows furrowed.

“Maybe by not getting so pissy, Zed!” She scoffed back, getting fed-up herself.

Another rumbling bang from within the pit. Pebbles fell from the walls within. The sound of shifting plating and scraping claws could be faintly heard among the subtle stomps.

“Why don’t we try feeding it again and see if that doesn’t help it?” The third scientist suggested.

A few still wanted to object, but another bang against the wall of the pit shut them up. They nodded and brought over a meaty Wyvern Drone; An Uth Duna. It was hooked onto a crane and slowly lowered into the dark pit.

The Monster inside growled from within its pitch black depths. The scientists waited a few minutes. The quietude unsettled them, more sweat drops blinking onto their–

The Uth Duna was slammed against the pit’s cage top. It was slammed into it multiple times, metal bending and wires and tubes snapping. After enough force, it was diced by the thick, stony bars to shower its hunks and chunks and mechanical fluids onto the Worker Drones.

They tried to shield themselves with their clipboards and arms, but it was a futile effort. The group was soaked in oil, coolant, water, wires, and flowing fin pieces. As the last of the deceased Uth Duna landed onto the ground, the scientists stared worriedly at the caged pit.

Another loud roar bellowed from its depths. White, waxy, and faintly luminescent stones started growing along the walls of the pit. The sharp, angular points poked through the edges of the cage, attaching to the bars and ledge.

“H-Hey! Guys!” The fourth scientist called in fret. “We need to get the damn handler team! That thing is getting too worked up!” He shouted, pointing to the gems.

“Yeah, we can see that, Xavier!” Zed shouted back.

“Stop it with the damn fighting already!” Mabel shouted as another slam made the floor shake. “Marvin! Go and get the handlers! We’ll see if there isn’t any other way to calm this damn Monster Drone!” She ordered the third scientist.

He nodded and ran off. The rest of the group turned back to the growling and roaring Monster Drone stuck within its dark abyss. The Wylkrystals only grew as it thrashed within its confinement.

“Try a tranq! Maybe it’ll knock the damn thing out!” Zed hollered.

“Are you crazy?! That thing is way too pissed to be put to sleep!” Mabel whipped around to him.

“Any Monster Drone can be put down!” Zed argued.

“Well, this one might be a little tough to do so!” The female Worker Drone argued right back, her eye lights hollowed.

“How about we worry about the damn Wylkrystals sprouting from its cage?!” Xavier shouted louder than the both of them.

The two turned towards him, teeth grit and furrows to their brows. They huffed and turned back to the reverberating hole. The creature inside kept roaring and howling, slamming against its cage as its crystals grew.

“Looks like your damn fight made it even angrier!” Xavier scoffed.

“Let’s just get this damn thing under control!” Zed rolled his optics.

Lucky for them, the handler team finally arrived. They hopped off their small cart and took out some long-range weapons. Sleep ammo was loaded into Bowgun and piercing arrows were notched on Bow strings.

“You guys best be careful. It doesn’t seem like it’ll want to calm down anytime soon.” Mabel advised.

“Ease your worries, woman,” Mabel glowered at him. “This thing will be put to sleep and calm down in no time.”

The handlers approached the cage. Their weapons were raised and aimed at the black abyss hiding beneath the cage’s stone bars. A few Worker Drone glanced uneasily at the dismembered Uth Duna Drone chunks.

Getting to the pit, the leader of the team peering cautiously down into it. His gaze squinted into its endless chasm. He aimed his Bowgun, though he wasn’t even sure if he was actually aiming at the damned thing.

While silence fell over the room, the tense atmosphere only got heavier. Seconds turned to minutes as no one did a thing or spoke a word.

‘Wait– Silence?’ Mabel’s eye lights widened. ‘But the Monster Drone was just making a fuss mere minutes ago–’ Her eye lights went void.

“EVERYONE GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!!” She suddenly hollered, turning on her heel to run.

They all gave her confused looks. Xavier decided to ask questions later and pick up his feet, following the frantic woman. Before anyone could ask questions, the Wylkrystals stones started to glow even brighter.

The handler team leader turned to the bright Wylkrystal with wide optical lights. He turned down to the pit once more, catching sight of a short burst of flame and embers lighting up within the cage.

Faintly, he could just make out the white, feather-like crystals framing its cheeks and the rounded crystal covering its visor just under its messy bangs.

It was the last sight he saw before the Wylkrystals around the edge of the cage exploded with bright fire.

The said flames scorched the ground and the other Worker Drones around the pit. They screamed and horror and agony as the fire melted their metal and turned their clothes and synthetic hair to ash.

Mabel and Xavier hid behind a machine, curled up and covering their heads. The explosions wouldn’t stop ringing out and deafening them. The two could only keep huddled as the creature within the cage bellowed and made shrill shrieks.

Among the sounds, Mabel swore she heard joyous laughter. Shrill like the shrieks, but trilling like a child. But she didn’t know. The blasts were too loud and too bright to make sense of anything. The Monster Drone just kept going in its fury.

But even a monster can run out of energy. After some unknown amount of time, the explosions stopped and the roars died down. Mabel and Xavier stayed hiding behind the machine for a few minutes longer.

As the silence settled within the burnt room, they finally gathered the courage to peek from their hiding place. Xavier’s hand landed on the machine, only for him to snap it back with a pained hiss.

The two turned to the melting crane. The hook melted right off, falling to the floor in a big puddle. More droplets of hot iron fell to the floor from the missing end of the hook. The two scientists’ gazes turned to the rest of the room.

Lingering embers floated around the air and on the floor. Melted Worker Drone bodies clung to the hot ground. The Wylkrystals were gone, having done their job and done it well. All that was left was the orange-yellow puddles of coworkers, floating embers, and waves of hot air soaking into the stone walls and floors.

Mabel and Xavier just stared with horrified, voided optical lights. Their optics were stuck on the oozing globs of their coworkers. Eventually, they’d turn to the pit.

It remained dark and endless. A few embers drifted through the large holes in the cage. They withered and died within the abyss. And from that abyss, another furious growl echoed.

Uzi lurched forward as half-processed oil erupted from her mouth. She coughed as her cage was dirtied again. But at least this time she managed to only stain the edge of it.

“Try and take some deep vents, okay, Uzi?” Ember spoke from her own cage.

“I– I can’t–” Uzi managed through her coughs.

Before she threw up again, anyway. Ember winced at the oil and saliva that came up. With each vomit, there was less oil to come back up.

‘At least the Worker Drones aren’t making her work when she’s in this condition.’ It was the only thing Ember could see hope in. ‘Well– She would only get in the way of the work like this.’ Her orange gaze turned to the ground.

Ember shook her head and turned back to her friend. “Even if it’s hard, you need to get some air into your vents. Just try, even if it hurts.”

Uzi weakly nodded. She swallowed down the bitter, burning taste of her own spew and started to vent. Her hands were weak as they gripped onto her cell. She leaned her head against the bars, feeling another lurch coming on.

It came quickly, making her hack and choke on air. The only thing that came up was more spit. She had nothing left in her tanks to purge. Uzi made another few coughs as she closed her optics.

“‘T’s dizzy…” She muttered out.

“What? What’s dizzy?” Ember scooted as close as she could from within her cell.

“My head…” Uzi replied.

“Just– Don’t focus too much on it. Worry about venting. I-In fact! Keep your optics closed! Maybe it’ll help!” She gave the Seikret Drone a smile.

Uzi couldn’t reply. She just let out a pathetic whine and lowered her head more. Nausea racketed through her tanks and throat. The dizziness wouldn’t subside even with closed optics. If anything, it just made it feel worse, made the room feel like it was physically spinning—like she had her own axis.

Again, she swallowed her foul spit and tried to soothe the ache in her throat, the expulsion of her tanks, and the spinning of her head. She could faintly hear Ember try and talk to her, but Uzi had no strength to respond. She barely had the strength to stay away.

Uzi made another shallow whimper and turned from the edge of her cage. She flopped down in the center and curled up tight. The dizziness made even the floor feel tilted under her.

“Maybe you should just try and get some sleep instead.” Ember sighed in defeat.

Her friend didn’t reply. Just curled up even tighter and tried not to vomit again.

Cain made a deep scowl as he stared at the mess the Monster Drone created. The scent of molten metal and smoke hung in the air. The goopy bodies of late workers slowly cooled, the edges of their once-bodies already returning to a warped grey color.

The disgruntled man turned to the two remaining scientists. They were still clearly shaken, plating rattling and eye lights voided. He sighed through his vents and approached the pit.

He made sure to keep a decent distance from it should the monster within try to kill him, too. Cain stared into the darkness. He could feel it stare back at him with utmost lividity.

“You said it refused to calm down when this all started?” Cain directed to the scientists.

They both startled but Mabel replied first. “Yes. We tried giving it more food, but it didn’t work.”

“And you called the handlers?” Cain asked next, staring back into the pit.

“We did.” Xavier nodded. “They… They didn’t even do anything… Just got themselves killed…!” His fists balled up tight.

Cain made a hum. “And you’re sure about that?”

“Positive!” Xavier exclaimed. “They just insulted Mabel and were pompous pricks! Didn’t even fire one shot!” He went on with furrowing brows.

“It’s true. They were more worried about being douchebags than doing their job.” Mabel’s tone was scornful. “They had all the weapons, but just didn’t fire! Though, I have a feeling that it would’ve made the situation worse anyway.” She scoffed and turned away.

“I see…” Cain nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll make sure to talk to the other handler teams in case. But you two said that it calmed once the handlers and other scientists had been blown up?” He stood and approached them.

“It did. It was like it had a temper tantrum, and the chaos soothed it.” Xavier rubbed his neck. “It was… Weird, to be honest.”

“I don’t think it was a temper tantrum.” Mabel interjected.

The two men turned to her. The woman’s gaze was stuck to the floor, terrified. She bit her lip to try and recompose herself. She swallowed before she could speak.

“When those Wylkrystals were exploding and everyone was– Was dying, it was howling and shrieking.” She said. “And I– I swore that I heard it…” She trailed off, not even sure if she believed it herself.

“What did it do?” Cain urged her on.

Mabel took a deep vent. She could still see the bright blasts and feel the extreme heat. She could still hear it.

“I thought I heard it laughing.” She finally spoke.

Cain and Xavier just stared at her for a few silent seconds. Mabel could feel their muteness weigh down on her shoulders.

‘Perhaps I’m just going crazy. Or I was too in-shock to hear things correctly.’ She wondered, her gaze squinting on the ground as she bit her lip harder.

Meanwhile, Cain turned towards the pit. Any and all noises from earlier had ceased. His gaze on the cage narrowed.

“Thank you for informing me of this.” He finally spoke, stirring the two. “You both will be discharged for a temporary period. Take it to relax and unwind. Maybe commission yourselves some wyvern clothes.” He told them.

Mabel and Xavier just stared at them. The latter nodded while the former continued to look uneasy.

“May-y I leave now, Sir?” Xavier questioned.

Cain nodded. Xavier excused himself and turned to leave. It didn’t long for him to start jogging away. Cain turned to Mabel who wouldn’t switching her gaze between him and the pit.

“Something you want to say, Mabel?” The operation leader crossed his arms at the inquiry.

Mabel was hesitant. But she nodded nonetheless.

“I think… I think this is a bad idea.” She muttered.

Cain’s brow rose.

“This thing– What-t it did today–” She stumbled over her words. Mabel swallowed again. “I feel that, the further we go with this, the more unstable it may become.” She finally admitted.

Cain’s gaze on her narrowed. He let out a sigh and pinched his visor.

“Mabel, I understand your unease. What you witnessed today– It was horrifying.” He began, letting his hand fall. “It’s only natural that you double-guess this operation.” His hand landed comfortingly on her back.

The woman turned her sights up to him. Cain gave her a gentle and reassuring grin. She felt a few blush lines mark her visor. But still, it couldn’t make the fear fade.

“I think we just– We need to be more careful about this.” She spoke again.

“I agree with you. We need to take precaution should this incident happen again.” The man nodded. “And, if you’d like, you could help with that? Seeing as you have some first-hand knowledge of this?” He offered gently.

Mabel took a minute or two to think it over. “May I… Have time to think about it?” But it wasn’t enough to form an answer.

“Of course. You need some time to ease yourself after experiencing all this, anyway.” Cain agreed. “So why don’t you head back to your room and de-stress? Maybe it’ll help you form an answer.” He suggested with another pat to her back.

Mabel just nodded. She slowly turned and began walking off, hugging herself. She still could feel the hot waves of fire surrounding her, trying to suffocate her. She could still hear that thing laugh in the chaos it created.

Mabel turned over her shoulder as she walked. Her eye rings went bold as she stared at the pit. She quickly turned back around and quickened her pace.

Cain’s smile fell as soon as the woman turned. He went back over to the pit and crouched down once more.

“Getting more lively in there, huh?” He questioned. “Guess that means this whole thing is finally bearing some fruit.” His optics narrowed.

The pit was silent.

It only responded with a low growl.