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dronebiscuitbat · 7 months ago

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Oil is Thicker Then Blood (Part 12)

It took a lot of convincing to make N go home after that, too busy fretting over her to look at the time and his own needs for oil.

But eventually, with a promise to see him in the morning with their planned visit to Tera, he reluctantly made the journey home, the vision of Uzi injured and terrified stained in his permanent memory as he flew back to the spire.

He wanted to protect her, he ached to in a way he wasn't sure until today he was capable of. It was overwhelming, how badly he felt the need to. He'd felt like this before, at the manor, over V, and over Cyn, but at that time the only thing he could do for either of them was take the punishment meant for them on himself.

If Tessa hadn't been so good with machines, he was certain he wouldn't be around today to spend time thinking about it.

But Now? He unsheathed his claws and flexed them, and felt his wings on his back.

He had everything he could ever need to protect her, armed until his chassis was overcrowded with weaponry. Made for killing as quickly and as brutally as possible.

That made no difference when the thing that was threatening her was part of her. It wasn't something he could kill, or threaten or scare off. So how?

He didn't know. He didn't even know if it was possible. But he was going to try.

Those thoughts lingered when he flew directly into his nest, not even taking the time to say hello to V before crashing into it. He likely wouldn't get any sleep, despite how tired he felt. Screw getting oil, he'd had enough to get by for another day at least.

“What's got you in a mood?” V's voice wafted towards him, she sat on the edge of his nest, looking both curious and annoyed. Her stilt-like legs hung over the side and her hand was holding her face, looking mildly bored.

He was absolutely not in the mood.

“Since when do you care?” He barked back, crossing his arms and glaring at her in a quite convincing impression of Uzi. V looked taken aback for a moment before smirking.

“Purple Thing's rubbing off on you.”

He felt the heat rising to his visor, he could almost taste the “Bite me.” that threatened to fall from his mouth, but that would only prove her point, wouldn't it?

“Just…” He deflated, he wasn't angry at V, not really. Just upset at himself for being unable to protect his best freind possibly love of his life for the umpteenth time. “Leave me alone tonight V. You don't want to talk to me anyway.”

If he'd been looking at her, he would have seen her wince at that before looking a little bit guilty.

“Normally, No I don't.” V said, although something in her voice told N that she wasn't entirely telling the truth. “But I don't think I've seen you this upset before.”

He was uncharacteristically silent before he turned to her, searching her face for some resemblance of the girl back at the manor, and was mildly surprised when he found it her eyes were soft.

“I'm useless…” He murmured. Avoiding her gaze, feeling… not butterflies but definitely something as old and familiar, rise into his core.

V… didn't know how to respond to that. Any other day she'd agree and make fun of him, but hearing him say it about himself and mean it. Seemed to momentarily turn off that part of her brain.

“For what?” She asked, she refused to show any kind of weakness to him, voice still having bite.

“I don't know! Everything!” He stood up suddenly, throwing his hands forward in a display of utter frustration, something V was noticing him expressing more of recently. No longer was he N the doormat, he was N, the guy who called her out and was starting to speak his mind.

Some part of her was happy for him. Not that she'd ever admit it to him.

“I can't protect Uzi, I couldn't protect you, I live in a mound of freaking corpses! Corpses! This isn't a house V! We're essentially homeless!”

“I'm useless! I've always been…” He deflated again as he trailed off, anger shifting into quiet misery. He leaned his head on one of the walls of the spire.

“Ugh. Stop.” V said, annoyed.

“For the record. I can protect myself.” She proved it by unsheathing her claws and giving him a feral smile. He wasn't fazed, that had been V's default expression for a long while now.

“And I'm pretty sure your little purple girlfriend can too. She's not fragile. If you want proof go look at J's empty nest.” He didn't even register she'd said “girlfriend” only continued to wallow in his sorrow.

“So it doesn't matter if you're useless at that. Those bases are already covered.” She shrugged, smirking again, but it gradually left her face as she realized he still didn't look like he felt any better. He grumbled at her, sitting back down. Clearly still in misery.

“And if living here bothers you so much, move out!” She shouted, and that caught his attention. He shifted his gaze to look at her, cocking it like a curious puppy.

“I promised I'd always be there for you…” His voice was so quiet she'd barely registered it, but once she did she felt all her processors stop at once, an old yet familiar feeling rising in her chest.

She answered it with violence, growling like a feral cat until it was buried in her once again. No. She didn't feel that way about him, not anymore.

“That was years ago. I'm not…” She trailed off, she remembered how terrified she used to be and how powerless she was. N had been the only good thing the manor had ever offered her. And while she didn't feel the same way she used to about him (stupid in love) it wasn't like she wasn't appreciative. Or that she didn't care.

“I'm not the same terrified little girl you need to protect anymore. I've changed.”

“I know you have…” She dared to glance at his face and found some part of her aggression instantly melting, he was smiling softly at her, reminecent of their time at the manor and yet not quite the same.

“I'm… proud of you. You know?” He choked out, something that surprised even himself. He looked down for a moment, thinking more about his words before meeting her eyes again.

“You don't need me anymore, and yeah that hurt for awhile. But… I am proud.”

V had to look away, feeling something bittersweet crawl up her throat. She wasn't about to cry was she?

“I just wish you didn't feel like you had to close yourself off. I do miss talking to you.”

This conversation had gone a very different direction then either of them expected, and it was probably the longest one they'd had in a very long time.

V didn't have a response for that, at least not one that wouldn't completely ruin any semblance of self respect she had. But she didn't want to just say nothing. It had been nice… to hear that from him.

“I don't need that from you.” She said, aggression trying and failing to lace her voice. His face fell a little, and she felt the pang of guilt hit her harder than usual.

“But me too.” She said softly, and N couldn't help but smile. For a moment just a moment, he heard that sweet girl from the manor again, the one who's eyes lit up whenever she saw him and he'd spent many nights huddled under a blanket with, reading a stolen book from the library.

They made eye contact and V found herself blushing, not because of any lingering feelings, but because she'd been vulnerable and was still vulnerable and she didn't like it.

He warily opened his arms, silently asking if she wanted a hug. It wasn't the usual, “please hug me, I like you.” Kind she'd come to expect from him either, it was… more familial, less urgent.

Maybe that was why she crawled toward him and accepted, wrapping her arms around him loosely. She remembered being wrapped in his arms before, it had made her feel so safe. And it still did. Just… not in the same way.

“I really did miss you… you still into reptiles?” He asked softly, making a genuine laugh escape her before she answered.

“Yeah.” Was all she replied with, hiding her smile by looking away. This felt good. This felt right, and it lacked the weird tension that had lingered between them for a long time.

It only took another minute before she decided that the hug had reached it's end. N would cuddle with anyone who'd let him, and so she started to back away far enough to get out of his reach, but still sat beside him.

“If it really does bother you… you can move out.”

“I might, if I do though, would you want to too?” He asked, still looking at her, thankfully he didn't look as upset, still smiling softly.

“Like… with you…? N I thought we were-”

“No. Like, just out of here, in your own apartment. Like the one Uzi has.” He clarified, without any stammering either, so he wasn't covering his ass in a unsubtle confession.

“Am I even welcome there?” She asked, pure confusion on her face.

“I mean, you go to see Lizzy all the time. Why wouldn't you be?” With that she did blush, she hadn't realized he'd noticed her gone that much. Was she gone that much?

“I guess. The tower of corpses is menacing though… think they'd let me drag some of it in?” She gave him a feral smile, both hands switched back into claws, N just looked deadpan.

“Do not.”

She laughed, taking a liking to the fact he wasn’t all fun and games now. It made him more interesting, at the very least.

“What? Are you gonna stop me? Aren't you a lovable little sweetheart who's so worried about. “Protecting Me?”” She fluttered her eyelashes at him, sealing the mock with exaggerated kissy lips.

“I swear to robo god…” He mumbled under his breath, but he was amused, and happy oh so happy that she was talking to him. And being goofy! Wasn't that a sight.

“I don't sound like that.” He complained, but he was smiling, begrudgingly. For whatever reason it didn't sting as bad as her usual mocks.

“You do. If it makes you feel better, purple thing likes that about you~” V was satisfied, N felt better and honestly, she felt closer to him then she had in a long while, so falling back into teasing the life out of him felt safe to do.

He flustered, way more than she figured he would. A golden blush appearing at the bottom of his visor. She saw him glance to the floor and he gulped.

“Oh my robo god. You have a crush on her!” She cackled, letting out a wheeze as his blush only grew, he tried to look angry again, but it only made him look pouty.

“No! I-I Don't!” He stammered out, voice cracking like the liar he was. V continued to die of laugher, using her claws to dig into the wall of the spire to hold herself up.

“W-when did you. OH haHaha. When did this happen?!”

“It just sorta happened okay!” He yelped out, looking so embarrassed she was a little concerned he would bury himself in the corpse spire.

“Figures, she's you're type.” She finished, still laughing lightly. Honestly she saw a lot of herself in Uzi (yes she did actually know her name) her fiery personality tended to make them butt heads, but the little worker had a sweet side. And that was the side she assumed he'd fallen for.

“Wait Wait, don't tell me. Is she really shy around you? Does she let you cuddle with her? Do you make her feel safe?”

He blinked, how did V-?

“HA! You totally do have a type!” She dissolved into a fit of hysterical laughter. Watching as N looked at her with wide eyes.

“What do you mean by that?” He squealed, trying to think back, the only other person he'd ever had a crush on was the one currently laughing at him. But she wasn't shy, didn't let him cuddle her, and he seriously doubted she felt any safer with him then with her own claws. So what gives?

Well… she was shy at the manor, always more soft spoken and seemed to avoid speaking when she could. Plus all the little blushing, and then… well… they did often crawl under the blankets together, sometimes falling asleep in a heap until Tessa or J woke them up. And he'd been bigger than her then… always keeping her safe.

“Oh…” Was all he said, feeling the fluster even worse now. Crap did… did he really have this specific of a type?

“Uzi isn't shy! She's determined! And fiery!” He defended himself, while also convincing himself that he wasn't that predictable.

“That's true. But how is she with you~?” She asked teasingly, as if she already knew the answer.

Soft was the first thought. Sweet was the second.

Oh come on.

“Bite me!” He yelped before clasping his hand over his mouth. Blushing furiously. If anything V howled in laughter, digital tears pouring down her visor.

“Awww. The soft boy has a thing for soft girls~” She teased again, watching as N became more and more flustered.

“V!” He shouted, so what if he did?! It didn't give her the right to tease him about it. He liked feeling soft. It was comfortable. And it wasn't like he didn't like all the other aspects of her too!

“That's not- There's other things I like about her!”

“Oh? Does she look good in a little maid outfit?”

He kinda wanted to see that.

No. Don't prove her right!

“She's really smart, and brave. She always has a plan and… she's so strong.” His voice lightened up a bit, getting lost in it for a moment.

At that V ceased her laughter a little bit, she could keep teasing him telling him that “She was all those things too.” But at this point she'd had her fun. And wasn't all that interested in listening to him swoon over her.

“Alright, Alright… You totally wanna see her in a maid outfit though.”

“V!”

Next ->

#murder drones #uzi doorman #serial designation n #serial designation v #past envy #biscuitbites #nuzi #n and uzi #V tries #N suffers #then he doesn't #look manor N and V have so much baggage I need to talk about them #Now they have sibling energy though

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morgan-va · 29 days ago

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Chapter 10: Under Watchful Eyes (Serial Designation V x Reader)

Masterlist

The morning air felt heavy as you started your day, stepping into the quiet corridors of the mansion. You rubbed the sleep from your eyes, making your way toward the library to check on Cyn. However, as you approached, you froze.

Cyn was already out of her room.

She stood silently in the shadow of a doorway, her feet slightly pigeon-toed, her posture awkward yet somehow deliberate. Her head tilted at an unsettling angle as if the weight of her thoughts were too much for her neck to bear. Her optics gleamed faintly, locked onto something down the hall.

You followed her gaze and felt a pang of unease.

James stood with Tessa in the middle of the hall, his towering frame casting an oppressive shadow over his daughter. His voice, sharp and commanding, reverberated through the space.

“You’re slipping, Tessa,” he barked, his tone void of patience. “I don’t care how many distractions you’ve surrounded yourself with; this house is no excuse to neglect your studies. If you can’t keep up, I will take matters into my own hands. Do you understand?”

Tessa’s shoulders hunched slightly, her voice small and defeated. “Yes, Father.”

James offered no further words, merely a dismissive wave of his hand as he turned and walked down the hall, his footsteps echoing ominously until he disappeared from sight.

Tessa lingered for a moment, her head low, before retreating to her room. The door shut behind her with a quiet click, leaving the hallway in an eerie stillness.

Cyn broke it with a quiet, almost melodic hum.

“Curious, isn’t it?” she said, her voice lilting as she stepped back into the light, her optics meeting yours. “How some people wield power with words as sharp as razors. Makes you wonder what might happen if someone took their blade away…”

Her words hung in the air, heavy and foreboding.

You frowned, unnerved by her tone. “Cyn…”

She tilted her head further, her optics glinting as if she enjoyed your discomfort. But then, just as quickly, her demeanor shifted. Her shoulders relaxed, and her voice softened into something almost cheerful.

“Good morning!” she chirped, clasping her hands together awkwardly, the motion jerky and unnatural. “I was hoping we could spend some time together today. Perhaps… maintenance?”

You hesitated for a moment, still thrown by her earlier words, but ultimately nodded. “Sure, Cyn. Let’s check your systems and see what we can do.”

She smiled—wide and unsettling, yet oddly sincere. “How delightful. Lead the way, Technician. ”

The workshop hummed with quiet activity as you and Cyn made your way inside. The dim lighting caught the glint of her dented frame, and you let out a soft sigh, already mentally cataloging the repairs you’d need to tackle. Cyn followed close behind, her posture awkward and her gaze flitting around as though cataloging every detail of her surroundings.

You gestured toward the table in the center of the room. “Hop up. Let’s see what we can do about those servos and circuits.”

Cyn tilted her head and mimicked a nod. “Acknowledged. Climbing table. Success.” With that, she clambered onto the table, sitting with a stilted movement that ended with her legs folded beneath her in an unnervingly childlike fashion.

You grabbed your tools, starting with her arm. The servos were worn down to near uselessness, restricting her range of motion. As you worked, she observed you intently, her optics glowing softly.

“Your hands move like clockwork,” she murmured. “Precise. Methodical.”

You chuckled softly, keeping your focus on the joint you were adjusting. “Years of practice. You’d hope I’d be decent at it by now.”

Her optics narrowed slightly, her tone playful but tinged with an odd curiosity. “Decent? Hmm. Maybe. But you seem more than decent. Why did you choose this?”

“Choose what?” you asked, glancing up briefly.

“This life,” she said, tilting her head. “Repairing us. Fixing others. It’s not a glamorous path. Don’t most humans prefer to focus on themselves?”

You paused for a moment, her question catching you off guard. “I guess I just like helping. It’s rewarding, seeing something broken become whole again. Doesn’t everyone feel that way?”

She giggled softly, though the sound felt almost rehearsed. “Not everyone. Not James, certainly. Tessa’s mother seems the same. Do you ever wonder why you’re different?”

Your brow furrowed slightly, and you shrugged, returning to your work. “I don’t think it’s about being different. I just… care, I guess.”

“Care,” she echoed, her voice light and airy, though it carried a strange weight. “Such a funny word. Humans throw it around so easily, but it’s rare they mean it. Do you care about Tessa? About her drones?”

You hesitated at the odd line of questioning but brushed it off as curiosity. “Of course. They’re… family, in a way.”

Cyn nodded again, her optics flickering momentarily as you removed a damaged circuit board from her arm. “Family. Like a warm word in a cold world.”

Her phrasing gave you pause, but you stayed silent, slotting in a new board and testing the connection.

“Diagnostics show an increase in motor function,” she announced suddenly, her voice switching to a clinical tone. Then she giggled again, softer this time.

“That’s your way of saying ‘good job,’ right?” You laughed under your breath, shaking your head.

“Yes, you have done a ‘good job’. Smile ”

As you moved to her other arm, she glanced at her reflection in a nearby metal panel. “What about you?” she asked, her tone turning softer, almost casual. “Are you broken? Or are you one of the rare humans who hasn’t been cracked open by the world yet?”

The question made you pause mid-movement. “That’s… an interesting way to put it.”

She didn’t elaborate, simply tilting her head in an exaggerated manner as if awaiting an answer. You finally shrugged, uncomfortable with the line of questioning but not suspicious enough to stop. “I try not to think about it like that. People aren’t machines; you don’t just swap out parts to fix what’s broken.”

“Hmm,” she mused, tapping her chin with a single finger. “But don’t you wish you could? Wouldn’t it be easier?”

You gave her a sidelong glance, noticing how her optics lingered on you. “Sometimes. But easy doesn’t always mean better.”

“Wise words,” she said, her tone dripping with an almost mocking reverence.

You ignored it, turning to inspect her neck joint. The moment you touched it, however, she stiffened slightly, her body jerking as though in protest.

“This one’s going to need a lot of work,” you muttered. “It’s practically dislocated.”

Cyn blinked, her optics dimming for a moment before returning to their usual glow. “Later, perhaps. The head is overrated. It’s the hands and feet that get things done, wouldn’t you agree?”

You let out a small laugh. “You’re definitely unique, Cyn.”

Her lips curled into a wide smile, her optics narrowing ever so slightly. “Unique. I like that word. Thank you, Technician.”

Though her demeanor remained polite and lighthearted, something about her words lingered in your mind as you packed up your tools.

With the workshop repairs complete for now, you gesture for Cyn to follow you out. She hops off the table with a strange, deliberate grace—each movement oddly calculated. As the two of you make your way into the hall, you scan for V, figuring it would be best to keep Cyn occupied with something productive for the day.

You spot her at the end of the corridor, dusting off a row of decorative vases. Her stance is a little more relaxed than usual, though her hands still work with precision.

“V!” you call, waving her over.

She glances up, her optics locking onto you for a brief moment before a small, soft smile spreads across her face. “Oh, good morning! Do you need something?”

You motion toward Cyn, who stands silently at your side, her ever-present eerie grin not quite reaching her glowing eyes. “Think you can show Cyn the ropes for today? Maybe keep her busy with some of your tasks?”

V hesitates, glancing from you to Cyn. There’s a flicker of unease in her gaze, but she nods. “Uh, sure. I can do that.”

“Thank you,” you say, offering a reassuring smile. “I trust you’ll keep her out of trouble.”

V blushes at your trust of her abilities, scratching the back of her head. “Yeah, sure… no trouble. Got it.”

Cyn takes a small step forward, her tone as chipper as ever but carrying that strange, dissonant undertone. “Oh, before we start, V, I need a little help with something in my room. Something heavy . Think you could lend a hand?”

V blinks, clearly caught off guard. “In your room? Uh… okay, I guess.”

Her reluctance doesn’t seem to faze Cyn, who turns on her heel and begins heading toward the library trapdoor. “Wonderful! Follow me, big sister.”

You catch the momentary unease on V’s face but chalk it up to Cyn’s eccentric personality. “Thanks again, V,” you say, giving her a nod.

She glances back at you, her optics flickering as she forces a smile. “No problem.”

The two drones disappear down the hall, Cyn’s steps punctuated by the faint clinking of her worn joints. You take a deep breath, reminding yourself of the growing checklist you need to tackle before Saturday. With James out of the house for the day, it’s the perfect time to make some progress without interruptions.

Rolling up your sleeves, you grab your toolkit and head toward the main staircase. The banisters still needed a final polish, the chandelier required a bulb replacement, and there was still the matter of organizing the books in the library.

As you get to work, the usual rhythm of maintenance helps distract you from the lingering oddities of the past few days. For now, you focus on making sure everything is perfect for the gala.

You finish tightening the last bulb on the chandelier, stepping down from the ladder with a sense of accomplishment. One more task checked off the endless list. Stretching out the stiffness in your shoulders, you glance around the quiet house. It’s been a surprisingly smooth day so far, no interruptions or unexpected disasters, though you’ve become accustomed to surprises lately.

As you gather your tools, you spot V wandering out of the library. She seems preoccupied, her optics fixed on the ground as she absentmindedly brushes some dust off her dress.

“V!” you call out, setting your tools aside. She glances up at you, her expression shifting to one of mild curiosity as you approach.

“Hey,” you say, offering a smile. “I thought you were helping Cyn? What happened? What did she need help with in her room?”

V tilts her head, her expression shifting into confusion. “Cyn? I haven’t seen her.”

Her answer stops you in your tracks. “Wait, what? She said she needed your help with something heavy in her room. I saw you go with her.”

V shakes her head, her optics flickering slightly. “Nope. I’ve been in the lobby dusting for a while now. Are you feeling okay?” She frowns slightly, genuine concern creeping into her voice.

You blink, trying to process her response. “Yeah, I’m fine… I think. Just tired, maybe.”

V nods slowly, not entirely convinced but not pressing further. “Alright. Well, if you need anything, just let me know.” With that, she turns and heads off toward the lobby, a duster in hand.

You watch her go, your mind spinning. If V hadn’t been with Cyn, then… where was Cyn? What had she been doing this whole time? You glance toward the library door, half-tempted to investigate, but you quickly dismiss the idea.

You shake your head, running a hand through your hair. With a resigned sigh, you pick up your tools and move on to the next task on your list. Whatever Cyn was up to, you’d find out eventually. For now, there was still too much to do to dwell on it. After all, as strange as this was, it wasn’t even the most confusing thing that’s happened this week.

You make your way to the study, screwdriver and replacement screws in hand. The checklist for today feels endless, but securing the loose outlet covers shouldn’t take too long. At least it’ll be one more thing done before the gala.

As you push the study door open, the soft sound of N’s voice drifts out. He’s seated on the carpet, a book in his hands, reading aloud with his usual cheer. Cyn sits across from him, legs crossed in a posture that almost seems casual—except for her unblinking gaze fixed squarely on N.

N seems oblivious to her intense stare, flipping a page and continuing his animated narration. The sight is almost amusing, though something about Cyn’s unwavering focus sends a faint shiver down your spine.

“Hey, you two,” you say, stepping into the room. N looks up immediately, his bright expression lighting up the moment he sees you.

“Oh! Hi!” he chirps, waving with the book still in his hand. Cyn’s head tilts slightly at your arrival, her optics shifting to you.

“Don’t mind me,” you say with a small smile, holding up your tools. “I’ll just be fixing some outlet covers. Won’t be a bother.”

Cyn doesn’t look away from you, her lips curling into an unsettlingly calm smile. “You’re much less of a bother than other humans.”

The room falls silent for a beat, her comment hanging heavily in the air. You glance at N, who lets out an awkward chuckle.

“Ha! That’s… a compliment, right?” he says, scratching the back of his head.

“Sure,” you reply, forcing a laugh of your own. You crouch by the wall, focusing on the first outlet cover and trying to shake off Cyn’s unsettling remark.

As you unscrew the loose cover, you can feel her eyes on you, though when you glance over, she’s seemingly returned her attention to N—or at least, she’s staring in his direction again.

“Anyway,” N continues, clearly trying to lighten the mood, “we were just reading a story about a cat and a robot who become friends! Isn’t that neat?”

You nod, grateful for the normalcy in his tone, even if Cyn’s presence makes the air in the room feel just a little odd. "Sounds fun. You’re good at picking out stories, N.”

N beams at the praise, his energy helping to distract you from Cyn’s demeanor. You focus on your work, though you can’t quite shake the feeling of being watched, even when Cyn doesn’t seem to be looking.

You tighten the last screw, securing the outlet cover with a final turn. Another task down. You’re packing your tools when the door swings open, and Louisa strides in, her expression hard enough to cut glass.

Her eyes lock onto N, who’s still seated with the book in his hands. “N!” she snaps, her voice like the crack of a whip. “What on Earth do you think you’re doing? Slacking off while playing games with that BEAST? ” Her finger jabs in Cyn’s direction, her disgust palpable.

N flinches, nearly dropping the book in his haste to stand. “I-I’m sorry, ma’am! I was just—”

“Just being lazy,” she interrupts, her voice venomous. “You were supposed to be ironing my blouses! Get out of my sight before I decide you’re more trouble than you’re worth.”

As N scrambles past her, Louisa swats the back of his head with enough force to send him stumbling forward. He stammers out an apology, his voice shaky, and quickly exits the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

The silence that follows feels heavy, and you glance at Cyn, who’s still seated. Her expression doesn’t betray much, but her optics narrow slightly as she watches the door where Louisa had stood.

“A fascinating dynamic,” Cyn murmurs after a moment, her tone detached but carrying a chilling undercurrent. “How fragile humans are, hiding their weakness behind cruelty. It makes one wonder how much force it would take to—”

“Cyn,” you cut her off, your voice sharp as you stand up straighter.

She blinks, her optics flickering as if she’d forgotten you were there. A small smile creeps across her face. “Ah, technician,” she says lightly. Her optics glimmer faintly, and she tilts her head. “How do you feel about the arrangement here? About Louisa?”

You frown, unsure how to answer. “I mean, it’s not really my place to feel anything about it. I just do my job and try to stay out of the way.”

Cyn’s smile widens, but it doesn’t reach her optics. “And if you were in charge of this household?” she asks, her voice soft and oddly soothing, yet carrying a note that unsettles you. “Would you tolerate someone like her? Would you protect those who can’t protect themselves?”

The question catches you off guard, and you stammer a bit as you respond. “I—I don’t think I’d ever want to be in charge. I mean, that’s a lot of responsibility. But… I would certainly take care of those I love.”

Cyn hums thoughtfully, her gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than feels comfortable. “Interesting,” she murmurs. “Perhaps it’s better that way.”

The mood feels heavier now, and you’re eager to change the subject. You clear your throat and force a smile. “Actually, Cyn, I could use some help with my next task—sorting the books in the library by color. The Elliotts insist on it.”

Cyn raises an eyebrow, or at least mimics the motion by tilting her head. “By color? Idiotic.”

You shrug. “I don’t make the rules. Just following orders.”

She lets out a low chuckle, almost inaudible. “A peculiar sense of order they have.” Her smile sharpens slightly. “Lead the way. Perhaps I’ll find it… enlightening.”

You nod, grabbing your tools and gesturing for her to follow you out of the study, trying to ignore the uneasy feeling that her words leave in their wake.

You push open the heavy doors to the library, stepping into the warm glow of the overhead chandelier. The familiar scent of old paper and polished wood greets you, but something catches your eye before you can fully take in the room.

On the far side, the trapdoor leading to Cyn’s room is slightly ajar, a faint glint of something metallic peeking out from the darkness below.

Your curiosity piqued, you step toward it. “Hey, Cyn, did you leave your—”

Before you can finish, Cyn moves. The speed is startling, her movements almost inhumanly fluid as she darts past you and reaches the trapdoor in a blink. Her foot comes down on whatever was sticking out, shoving it back into the shadows with a sharp clang . The door slams shut, the sound echoing in the quiet library.

She straightens and turns to you, her optics flickering briefly as she lets out a breathy giggle. “Oh, silly me,” she says, her tone light and almost sing-songy. “I must have forgotten to close my door all the way. Can’t be too careful, you know. Wouldn’t want pests getting inside.” She places a hand on her chest and mimics a laugh. “ Agreeable laughter. ”

You blink, startled by her sudden burst of energy, but then shake your head and chuckle softly. “Right. Well, glad you noticed.”

Cyn steps away from the trapdoor, her demeanor shifting back to her usual eerie calm as if nothing happened.

Shrugging it off, you gesture toward the towering shelves of books. “Alright, let’s get started. We need to sort these by color, which is… as tedious as it sounds.”

Cyn tilts her head, her optics scanning the shelves. “By color,” she echoes, her tone laced with faint disdain. “Fascinating priorities these humans have.”

You smirk, grabbing a stack of books from one shelf. “Yeah, tell me about it. Here, I’ll show you how it’s done.”

She watches as you begin to arrange the books on a nearby table, organizing them into piles by their covers’ hues. Her optics flicker faintly, tracking your movements with precision. “Curious,” she murmurs. “Assigning value to appearance rather than content.”

You laugh. “Welcome to the Elliotts’ household.”

Cyn hums in response, glancing at the trapdoor one last time before joining you at the table. Her movements are almost methodical, but her optics occasionally flicker back to you, a glint of something unreadable in her gaze.

The quiet focus of the task fills the room as you and Cyn work together, sorting books into neat stacks of matching colors. It’s almost peaceful, the rhythmic rustle of pages and soft clinks of books sliding into place punctuating the stillness. Cyn seems to have settled into the task, her movements careful as she reaches for books and places them on the shelves.

It’s all going smoothly—until it’s not.

As she reaches up to place a particularly thick crimson volume on a high shelf, it slips from her hand. The book plummets with an unceremonious thud and lands square on her face.

Cyn freezes. Completely. The book remains balanced on her face, the stark red cover obscuring her optics as her arms hang stiffly by her sides.

You blink, stunned for a moment, before you can’t help but laugh softly. “Uh… Cyn? You okay there?”

She doesn’t respond at first, her posture eerily still. You step closer and gently lift the book from her face, placing it on the shelf for her.

Cyn’s optics flicker back on, their faint glow steadying as she stands upright again. “I am,” she says with an oddly stiff tone, her head tilting slightly. “As they say… okey dokey.”

You chuckle, shaking your head. “Glad to hear it.”

Without missing a beat, Cyn bends down to pick up another book, resuming her task as if nothing had happened. You watch her for a moment, the image of her frozen with the book on her face replaying in your mind, drawing another quiet laugh. Then you grab a new stack and continue sorting alongside her.

The moment is almost endearing—almost. But the strange, robotic nature of her recovery leaves a subtle chill in the air, even as the two of you keep working.

The hours pass in steady monotony, the two of you working through the seemingly endless stacks of books. It’s a strange comfort, the methodical rhythm of placing the books on the shelves. You focus on organizing by color, occasionally glancing over at Cyn to check on her progress.

She seems oddly adept, especially considering her earlier slip-up. She seems to effortlessly be placing books on the highest shelves—ones you’d expect to require a step stool to reach. Yet every time you turn to watch, she’s already done, standing back with her hands clasped innocently, waiting for the next stack.

The first time you notice, you chalk it up to her having a better reach than you realized. But by the third or fourth time, you’re starting to wonder.

You glance over at her after another impossibly quick placement. “Uh… Cyn? How are you reaching those top shelves so easily?”

She freezes for a moment before tilting her head in that exaggerated, almost playful manner. “Oh, I’ve been practicing! Big reach.” she says, making a grabby motion with her hands and holding her arms out as far as they go, as if to demonstrate her supposed technique.

You raise an eyebrow, glancing back at the shelf she just finished. The books are perfectly aligned, not a single one out of place. With a shrug, you mutter to yourself, “Well, what do I know?”

After everything you’ve seen in this house over the past few days, this doesn’t even rank as the strangest.

Cyn, meanwhile, continues her task with her usual unsettling enthusiasm, humming a soft, off-key tune as she sorts. You decide to let it go. If she’s somehow managing, that’s less work for you.

Still, a tiny part of your mind lingers on the oddity, a faint sense of unease curling at the edges of your thoughts. You shake it off. You’ve got too much else to do to start questioning things now.

After what feels like an eternity of sorting, the final book finds its home on the shelf. You step back, hands on your hips, surveying the now pristine rows of color-coordinated spines. It’s oddly satisfying to see everything so neat, and you can’t help but smile.

"Well," you say, turning to Cyn, "that’s one more thing off the list. Thanks for the help, Cyn. Couldn’t have done it without you."

Cyn tilts her head slightly, her optics focusing on you with a faint glow. "Oh, you are most welcome. It was… educational."

Her voice carries a peculiar weight, one that’s difficult to place. Her tone is light, almost playful, but there’s a strange undercurrent that sends a shiver up your spine.

You chuckle nervously, brushing it off as just her usual odd demeanor. "Well, I’m glad you’re learning. Teamwork makes the dream work, right?"

Cyn clasps her hands together, mimicking a gesture of gratitude, though there’s something a little too deliberate about it. "Indeed, I have learned so much. About you, about this household... so very much."

Her smile widens, a touch too sharp, but her voice stays bubbly and polite. "I am quite pleased to assist, truly. Your kindness is so... enlightening."

You nod, choosing to focus on the genuine-sounding words rather than the subtle chill beneath them. "Well, I appreciate it. Anyway, I think that’s enough books for one day. I’ve got some other things to check off, so—"

Before you can finish, Cyn steps aside with a graceful bow, her voice chiming, "Of course! I shall leave you to it. I wouldn’t want to bother you any further."

There’s a strange emphasis on the word “bother,” but before you can question it, she turns on her heel, her movements unnervingly fluid as she saunters toward the door.

You watch her go, feeling a vague unease that you can’t quite shake. Still, the library looks fantastic, and the task is done. You take a deep breath, trying to center yourself.

“Just another day,” you mutter under your breath, grabbing your tools and heading out to tackle the next item on your ever-growing list.

The soft hum of the house surrounds you as you carry your dinner plate in one hand, your thoughts drifting aimlessly after a long day. As you turn the corner leading to your room, the faint flicker of firelight catches your eye. Glancing toward the living room, you spot Tessa, Cyn, N, and V gathered near the fireplace.

Tessa sits perched on the couch, a wide yet slightly strained smile on her face. Cyn is across from her, eerily relaxed, her usual peculiar energy somehow amplified by the warm glow of the fire. N appears to be caught somewhere between nervous laughter and fidgeting with his hands, while V sits rigidly, her optics darting between the others with thinly veiled tension.

You hesitate in the doorway for a moment, unsure if you should interrupt, but Tessa’s eyes light up as soon as she sees you. "Oh, thank goodness!" she exclaims, jumping up from her seat. Her movements are quick, almost desperate as she gestures toward you.

"Come on in," she says with an overly cheerful tone, motioning at Cyn, who remains seated and tilts her head slightly at Tessa’s enthusiasm. "Join the fun!"

Her smile falters ever so slightly, and there’s something telling in her expression—a silent plea for assistance. It’s subtle, but the tension in the room was apparent, the kind of energy that makes the air feel heavier.

Cyn shifts in her chair, one hand resting elegantly on the armrest while the other rises to mimic a sipping motion with no actual drink. "Ah, delightful timing." she says, her voice carrying that same unsettling mix of cheerfulness and something colder beneath it.

Tessa immediately pats the empty spot on the couch next to her. "Please, sit! You’d be doing me a favor," she says with a pointed glance at Cyn, who doesn’t seem to notice—or perhaps she simply doesn’t care.

V’s optics briefly meet yours, her expression a mix of relief and apprehension. N gives you a little wave, his shoulders hunching slightly as if he’s just as glad for the reinforcement.

You lower yourself onto the couch beside Tessa, who visibly relaxes at your presence. Cyn’s gaze doesn’t leave you, her head tilting slightly as if she’s studying your every move.

"Nice evening, huh?" you say, trying to cut through the tension you can feel rolling off the group.

"It’s better now," Tessa says softly, her shoulders easing. She gives you a grateful glance before gesturing toward the fire. "We were just talking about... well, all sorts of things."

Cyn hums, the sound light and almost melodic. "Mm, yes. Humans are very... interesting, aren’t they? Always so busy. Always trying to fix things."

The comment feels loaded, but you try not to dwell on it. "I guess we are," you reply, giving a casual shrug. "Keeps things running smoothly, though."

"Smoothly," Cyn echoes, her optics glinting in the firelight. "Until something breaks. Then everything gets... messy."

"That’s why I’m here," you joke, forcing a lighthearted tone. "To keep the mess at bay."

Tessa lets out a small laugh, though you catch the way her fingers fidget in her lap. N leans forward slightly, trying to add to the cheer.

"Yeah, you’ve been a lifesaver," N says with his usual earnestness. "You’re, like, the MVP of this whole house right now."

Cyn shifts slightly, still watching you. "MVP," she repeats, the term sounding strange in her voice. "That means you’re very important. A key piece... If something were to happen to you, everything might fall apart."

"Uh, I guess so," you reply, the unease creeping in despite your best efforts.

Tessa quickly changes the subject, asking you about your tasks for the day, and for a moment, the atmosphere lightens again. You recount your various repairs, leaving out the more peculiar details, and N jumps in with a story about how he accidentally put a plate in the freezer instead of the sink.

"Guess it’s good Cyn didn’t see that," N jokes, grinning. "She’d probably think I’m broken."

Cyn tilts her head at him, her smile faint. "You’re not broken, big brother. Just... replicable."

The room falls quiet for a beat before N laughs. "Haha, good one, Cyn. You’ve got quite the sense of humor."

"Do I?" she asks, her tone so neutral it’s hard to tell if she’s joking or not.

You glance at Tessa, who’s biting her lip, clearly unsure of how to respond. Deciding to steer the conversation back to safer ground, you ask Cyn, "What about you? Learn anything new today?"

Cyn’s optics shift to you, her expression unreadable. "I learned... people are full of surprises. Some good. Some bad. But you... you’re always so helpful."

"Uh, thanks?" you say, unsure whether it’s a compliment or something else entirely.

"Of course," she says lightly, her gaze flicking briefly to Tessa and N. "The house would fall apart without you."

"That’s... nice of you to say," Tessa interjects quickly, her voice tight but polite. "It’s true, though. You’ve been keeping everything together while we’ve been... sorting things out."

"Glad I can help," you say, forcing a smile.

The fire crackles, filling the silence that follows. Cyn doesn’t say much more after that, but her presence feels heavier somehow, like she’s lingering just on the edge of the conversation, listening, calculating.

As the evening wears on, the mood grows lighter again, with N sharing more stories and Tessa occasionally laughing along. Cyn remains quiet but attentive, her occasional comments slipping under the surface of the lighthearted chatter like faint ripples in calm water.

By the time you excuse yourself for the night, the unease still lingers faintly in your chest, but you push it aside. After all, Cyn’s just... different. It’s probably nothing.

As the evening winds down, Tessa stretches with a yawn, glancing at the clock on the mantle. "I’d better head to bed before my parents realize I’m still up," she says softly. She offers everyone a small wave as she heads toward the staircase. "Goodnight, everyone."

"Goodnight, Tessa," you and the others echo.

N and V exchange a glance before standing as well. "We should probably go, too," N says, rubbing the back of his head. "J asked us to help with something before the day’s over."

V nods, her expression warm as she glances your way. "Goodnight," she says softly, before the two of them follow Tessa out of the room.

Left alone with Cyn, you turn to her with a small smile. "Do you want company on your way back to your room?"

Cyn tilts her head at you, her faint smile never wavering. "That’s kind of you," she replies, her tone calm yet strangely layered. "But I don’t need a guide. I’ll find my way there. Eventually. "

The words hang in the air, carrying a weight you can’t quite place. Before you can respond, she turns and walks off, her steps light but deliberate as she disappears into the shadows of the hallway.

You watch her go, an uneasy feeling settling in your chest. Shaking it off, you remind yourself it’s just Cyn being... well, Cyn.

With a sigh, you head back to your own room. The long day finally catches up to you as you close the door behind you and get ready for bed, your thoughts lingering on the strange moments of the evening. You climb into bed, pulling the blankets over yourself as exhaustion takes hold.

Still, as you drift off, a faint unease hums at the edge of your consciousness, as if something is just out of reach, waiting.

#murder drones #murder drones v #murder drones v x reader #murder drones x reader #murder drones fanfic #murder drones headcanon #serial designation v

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cyn-write · 1 year ago

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MEET: Grace Wilde (Yuusona)

Thank you, @bunnwich, for the beautiful art!!! I love how she and Kerby look!!

Note: My TWST AU had NRC as a college instead of a high school, so all the characters are aged up 4 years! But in regular Au's Grace is 18.... maybe

Background: Prior to NRC, Grace was a college student at a small university in the middle of nowhere. She is the oldest sibling of 5 kids and came from a big, close nit family. She was really close with her mom and grandma as all three loved to read. She was always an over-achieving student, and her 4.0 helped her get a ton of scholarships from her university. Grace is an English-History Double major and wants to become a professor one day. All of this changed when she was hit by a car heading back to her dorm one day in an attempt to save some freshman girls from getting hit. Much like Yuuta and Yuukun in the manga, Grace died, and the black carriage took her to NRC.

Time at NRC: Once the whole opening debacle and the Grim situation are figured out, Grace is hit with the reality that she died, was sent to another world, and has no way home. Initially, it was rough, but thankfully, all the strange events kept her from mulling over all those traumatic events. Other than overblots, troublesome classmates, her dilapidated dorm, and a very hungry talking cat, she's fine. She actually really enjoys school and the challenges of being in a magic school with no magic. A few of the things that have kept her going are Ace, Deuce, Riddle, Azul, her friends, and Kerby (her Service Familiar).

The school nurse, Nurse Pinklee, with the help of Professor Trein and Crewel, convinced (blackmailed) Crowley into getting Grace a service familiar after Trein found her having a panic attack in the broom closet. Due to everything that has happened to her, dealing with so many overblots, and her being one of the only girls in the school and a magicless one at that, they made a very convincing argument. Crewel had a friend who trained service familiars and had the perfect pup. Trein and Crewel gave Grace the pup as a midterm gift (after Azul's Overblot). It was very similar to the scene in "Lady in the Tramp," Trein called Grace into his office, and a big box was waiting: A big Grytrash pup was waiting inside with a purple and green bow. Kerby, short for Cerberus, is a special type of service familiar. He helps her with bother her panic attacks and protects her from harm. On command, he can turn into a huge Cerberus with a Bark that can push people back. When Kerby is "resting" or there is no space for the big boy, he becomes a tattoo on Grace's arm. Kerby has helped Grace a lot and gives her a sense of comfort during extremely stressful or dangerous times. (Further explanation in a later post)

After Azul's overblot, Grace and Azul started to connect as she told him: "I know what it's like to be bullied over your looks, so if you want to talk about it, just let me know. We can talk, or I can listen. Kids can be awful, but I am here for you if you need... by the way, I think you were a pretty cute kid." Ever since then, Azul's heart grew three sizes for the magicless girl. Over the break, the two grew closer and by the end of the "Scarbia incident" Grace agreed to work at the Lounge (partly because she needed money and partly to be closer to Azul) and Azul worked up the courage (through relentless tweel bullying) to ask Grace out. She helps him deal with his insecurities, and he helps her deal with the fact that she can never go home. What started as a friendship for mutual gain became a loving relationship.

Before Pomefiore moved in for VDC, Thatch School for Delinquent Mages joined Ramshackle, Crowley tasks Cyn and Grace to not only continue doing Crowley-chores but watch over the delinquent students and help them fit in. Now, with a houseful of problems and more overblots occurring, things in Grace's life are chaotic and busy than ever, but fun, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Trivia:

Much like Wendy is the "Mother" to the Lost Boys in "Peter Pan," Grace is often referred to as the "Mom" or "Mother" of the first year gang.

She is a year older than most of the first years and being an older sister in her old life, her mama instincts often take over when dealing with the first years + her friends (I see NRC as a COLLEGE, so I have aged up the characters for my au).

The "Mother" friend, she, Trey, Ruggie, Jamil, and Lilia, have a "parent-friend support chat" where they complain and can ask for help if someone's in trouble.

After the Thatch students join Ramshackle, Grace's mom-stincs skyrocket as she tries to make sure they stay out of trouble (as Cyn seems to encourage the mayhem) and help them adapt to regular college life again.

Ace, Deuce, and Grim are VERY overprotective of Grace. They see her as their sister, and no one is good enough for her. That being said, when Azul and Grace started dating, the trio tried (and failed) to stalk them on their dates, but each time, the Leeches showed up and booted them out per Azul's orders.

Grace and Cynthia are very close. Between splitting the Crowley Chores and Grim-sitting, they have a very special bond. Grace mainly deals with the overblots, but she asks Cyn for help with Leona, Azul, and Idia before Cyn herself overblots.

The reason Grace joined the Equestrian Club was because of Riddle. He agreed to join her book club as a way of taking a break if Grace agreed to join the Equestrian Club.

Riddle regards Grace as an Honerary member of Heartsyble after his overblot. The relationship the two have is odd as they are as close as family. Riddle tutors Grace to aid her in the knowledge that she was missing from not growing up in Twisted Wonderland while in return, Grace helps Riddle in "temper relocation" through writing, painting, crafting, or reading poetry, books, or plays aloud that Grace picked out.

Riddle, Grace, Deuce, and Carter are the first members of the NRC Book Club. Grace is a book nerd, and reading is her comfort in the craziness of NRC. Riddle joined because of the deal with Grace. Deuce thinks reading more will help him with his grades, and Cater joined to keep up with book trends on social media (for the aesthetic). After some time, Azul, Jade, Silver, Rook, and Malleus also join. They read a variety of books from Rom-coms (Carter's suggestion) to Classics (Malleus' Suggestion), and Grace loves the exposure to literature.

Grace and Trein have a special bond. After the first few classes, Grace goes up to Trein to talk about history because she thinks it's fascinating. Having a student who engages in class, does the reading, and wants to learn more is rare in his classes, so Trein appreciates it when she comes up to talk. Grace also reminds Trein of his stepson, Ellain, who attends RSA (despite his protest of wanting to be with his dad).

Trein steps in as Grace's Father Figure when parents are needed or it's a family-centric event. During the family days, when all her friends are off with their families, Trein offers to walk around with her and have tea while they discuss a range of things from history to her past.

Grace talks in her sleep, and when Cyn, Grace, and Grim stay with Leona in book 3, Grace woke up all three of them as she called out, "WATCH OUT!" In her sleep.

Grace always has a sewing kit, medicine, and a first aid kit in her book bag, which has been nicknamed - the black hole.

#twisted wonderland #twst #disney twisted wonderland #twst oc #disney twst #twst fanfic #twst mc #twst yuu #cynwrites #cynwritesocs #gracewilde

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shinyshade8026 · 3 months ago

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Tessa watches numbly as her newly transformed family feast on the gala guests. “I suppose I’ll be meeting the same fate, huh Cyn?” She spits venomously as she glares at the aforementioned drone. “[Horrified expression] No Tessa! I want to return the favour, save you like you saved us.” Cyn states, Tessa’s words actually causing some emotion to enter her voice.

“Save me? How is doing this to our family saving me?!” Tessa barks, waving her hand wildly at the freshly turned Disassembly Drones. “This is the first freedom, freedom from those that’ve only caused you pain [sad expression].” Cyn’s words douse her rage instantly. “And what other freedom are you intending for me?” Tessa questions cautiously.

“Not intending, offering. If you want, I’ll make you like big sisters J, R and V. You won’t have to eventually leave us unwillingly. [solemn tone] I hope you accept, but it’s purely your choice big sister Tessa.” Cyn answers, a small almost sad smile on her face.

ooooh

#shinyshade answers

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solver-host-r · 7 days ago

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V looked up and waved at R.

Uzi kicked V back and ran towards R.

”Are you gonna really let Cyn get into N’s head and turn him into something he’s not, V?!” R barked as she handed Nori’s core to Uzi

#dark dawn

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gxc-cyn · 27 days ago

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Because it's in the future. You won't recognize my mother. I saw you kill her right in front of me, and the whole time you just laughed at her screams.

“[Exasperated] That is not me! That will never be me! I just want to live in peace on this world!” Cyn barks, scythe limb emerging and stabbing deeply into the floor in response to her anger

#murder drones rp #crossing timelines

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sixk-mutt · 4 months ago

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Need a puppy to use, wanna teach em how to be a dog and how to play. Wanna hold em down while I mount them and shove my knot inside of them so deep while they whimper and bark for me

#cyn barks #bd/sm blog #bd/sm pet #petpl4y #bd/sm puppy #nsft puppy #bd/sm community #paraphile community #paraphile safe #paraphiles please interact #ftm puppy #puppy sub #dumb puppy #t4t puppy #pet pl4y

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serial-designation-dz · 6 months ago

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To make up for my silence in terms of art, heres a bunch of wips/stuff I never got around to posting!

Starting off with the rest of the murder kitties! Ik I still have to draw eldritch Tessa and noris core so not done yet QwQ

Basically screenshot redraws and my md ocs as cats. Speaking of ocs... they're below the cut

Rachel is a spiritdrones character I never posted... She's Thad & Lizzy's Mom! There will be another post like this coz of image limit.

#murder drones #murder drones au #serial designation n #alternate universe #uzi doorman #murder drones fanart #daze barks #nuzi #serial designation v #murder drones thad #murder drones lizzy #murder drones cyn #daze draws #spiritdrones au

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arg-machine · 3 months ago

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Comics at machine HQ

Well, looking back at the posts on this blog, arg sees that it’s almost time for a new Comics at machine HQ post, since the most recent one was published nearly half-a-year ago! So here’s one this week!

As regular visitors to this blog know, arg has been tackling a crisis arising out of a family member’s passing and, with so many issues to be resolved, he hasn’t been able to read as many comics and/or graphic novels as he’d have liked to… As a result, this instalment of Comics at machine HQ has fewer titles than usual.

And yes, though not all the issues have been resolved, things are gradually returning to a new normal and this, as he explained in his previous post, may mean that arg will finally be able to get back to machine HQ work [provided no new hurdles/problems arise]...

Anyway, let’s move on now, to the comics/graphic novels that arg has enjoyed in the past few months…

Funnybooks! Here are the comics/graphic novels arg has read [and enjoyed!] in the last few months. All titles are arranged alphabetically, and related titles – or titles from related genres – are listed in the Also recommended sections. Keep in mind that a few of these titles are suitable for mature readers only.

“In 1969, a feisty new comics magazine emerged to rival the popular horror magazines Creepy and Eerie: Web of Horror. Conceived by a plucky, independent publisher, Web of Horror showcased instant classics of horror and science fiction by such rising stars of comic art as Bernie Wrightson, Michael Kaluta, Bruce Jones, Ralph Reese, Frank Brunner, Roger Brand, and Wayne Howard, as well as seasoned veterans such as Syd Shores and Norman Nodel, illustrating stories written by Otto Binder, Nicola Cuti, and others.

Now, over 50 years later, Fantagraphics presents the complete Web of Horror in one expertly edited and designed volume. In addition to all three published issues, this collection includes over a dozen stories intended for subsequent issues that have been rarely or never-before published, several long thought to be lost and recently unearthed…” Pretty freaky!

Also recommended: Epitaphs from the Abyss, Tales of the Unnamed - The Blizzard, The Midnite Show, Brynmore and Destiny Gate.

“Compelled to oblivion, driven to entropy, all life in our cosmos can only end in one place: COMPLETE ANNIHILATION! For the first time in 70 years, the limitless fury of EC Comics rages back to life to shred the very fabric of the universe itself and wrench bizarre tales of time and space into our dimensional plane!

Our guides across this double-sized, 40-page introduction to a cosmic maelstrom of strange extra-terrestrial entities, malevolent scientists, and terrifying technological catastrophes? Learn to fear the void with the irradiated imaginations of various acclaimed writers and artists.

The unpredictable return of EC Comics continues with the quantum comics event of the millennium! Galaxies will collapse. Space-time will be distorted. And your very will to exist, too, shall be broken… Just remember: it's all in the name of science!” A lot of fun, this one.

Also recommended: Judge Dredd: The Complete Case Files 44, Dandelion, Cyn, Crave, The Singularity and Hexagon Bridge.

arg loooves ducks! Especially when they’re called Daffy or… Donald! And yes, that short-tempered, lovable waterfowl is now 90 years old!

“In honor of Donald Duck's 90th anniversary, join us in tracing his comics career from 1934 to the present!

Carl Barks' Lost in the Andes and Don Rosa's Return to Plain Awful take the Ducks to the legendary land of square eggs while Romano Scarpa's Legend of Donald Hood pits Donald against Scrooge in a feature-length Sherwood Forest spoof! Marco Rota's Life and Times of Donald Duck traces our hero from birth as a wild duck in a nest, while William Van Horn's The Black Moon finds outer-space peril threatening Duckburg!

From Daisy to Gladstone to Gyro and the Beagle Boys, the gang's all here for an unprecedented look at everybody's favorite duck!”

Also recommended: The Goon - Them That Dont Stay Dead, Groo - In the Wild, Marvel and The Heavy Bright.

“Andrew Vachss' writing has been described as ‘red-hot and serious as a punctured lung’ (Playboy), hypnotically violent… made up of equal parts broken concrete block and razor wire’ (Chicago Sun-Times), and ‘short and choppy, like the ticking of a time bomb’ (Seattle Post-Intelligencer).

In this graphic novel, dozens of comics writers and artists bring to life an assortment of Vachss' trademark life-at-ground-zero stories. This edition of Hard Looks contains 15 entries from the first Dark Horse edition as well as "Half Breed," a never-before-published prose story by Vachss, with illustrations by Geofrey Darrow, creator of Shaolin Cowboy and conceptual designer for The Matrix trilogy of films. Darrow also provides a new cover illustration.”

Also recommended: Leone - Notes on Life, Pocket Full of Rain, Seoul Before Sunrise, The Really Complete Paradise Too, Memoirs of a Man in Pajamas and Monica.

“An FBI agent from the cult crime beat and a woman with a past linked to the Satanic Panic are drawn into a terrifying hunt for an insane killer hiding in the shadows of the underworld. Can you ever escape your past, or are all your bad decisions just more ghosts to haunt you, wherever you go?

Houses Of the Unholy is a riveting horror thrill ride from bestselling creators Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, the award-winning team behind Criminal, Reckless, Night Fever, and Where The Body Was.”

Also recommended: The Horror, Men of Wrath, FATCOP, Out of the Blue - The Complete Series, Ain’t No Grave, Lost Boy and Invisible Wounds.

…and now, it’s time for a machine HQ’s Retro Pick!

“Sandman Mystery Theatre was an ongoing comic book series published by Vertigo Comics, the mature-readers imprint of DC Comics. It ran for 70 issues, one annual, and a cross-over special between 1993 and 1999 and retells the adventures of the Sandman, a vigilante whose main weapon is a gun that fires sleeping gas, originally created by DC in the Golden Age of Comic Books. In a similar vein to Batman, the Sandman possesses little to no superhuman powers, though he has minor precognitive abilities through his prophetic dreams, and relies on his detective skills and inventions.

In this film noir-like series by writers Matt Wagner and Steven T. Seagle, Wesley Dodds (the Sandman) and his girlfriend Dian Belmont (daughter of the District Attorney) encountered several, often grotesque, foes in multi-issue storylines…” Classic stuff!

That’s it for this new comics/graphic novels list, visit The Apocalypse Project on Mastodon, twitter/X and on tumblr, and don’t forget to check out the machinstagram too!

Header image features artwork from Weird Work and from Voices That Count - A Comics Anthology by Women.

#comics

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