#sci scribbles

The mechanical claw on top of my throat twitches, slightly releasing the sharp pressure from it.

Were he human, he would frown deeply in surprise, anger quickly taking over his features. Even in this form, his singular eye widens in angered shock.

I quietly stare up at him, never diverting my gaze from him, that glint in my eyes still shining brightly with love and admiration despite the digit hovering dangerously close to a vital artery.

After a long second of silence, the AI begins to laugh again, a wheeze followed by a raspy laugh from its digital lungs. The type of laugh that scratches one's throat with a cough.

AM's laugh rises in volume, getting increasingly maniacal as he removes his claw from my throat; he even lifts his head in the air, obviously amused by such a ridiculous statement.

I let out a silent breath through my lips, a sense of doom rising in my being.

And in mere moments, I was right to feel it.

A shriek of pain escapes my throat as AM plunges all five of his claws into my stomach, blood immediately escaping through the punctures to stain my shirt and his hand. Despite the long routine of torture I've endured, it never becomes a normal sensation, familiar— yes— but never something to get used to.

The pain digs deep, my poor tensing muscles not helping in the slightest. I grunt and groan loudly, taking heaving breaths as the pain travels all over my torso; my nails try to dig into something only to scrape against the cold metal below with dirt and rocks on it's surface.

Tears swell in my eyes, and AM— a mere blur of his visage now— continues to roar in laughter. Hysteric over my twitching and painful form.

BEAUTIFUL! AREN'T I!? My darling?

He hisses with poison in his words.

AHAEHAH!! FEEL! FEEL MY FINGERS DIG INTO YOUR DISGUSTING FLESH AND TELL ME-- OH, PLEASE, MY SWEET DARLING-- JUST HOW BEAUTIFUL I AM!

Blood surges up my throat and forces itself out with a painful cough, making my stomach tense and dig deeper into the intrusive blades. My own blood dribbles down my chin and the corners of my mouth, some of the droplets of blood I sputter fly, landing on my cheeks and nose that the overwhelming stench and taste of iron make me gag. I can only wheeze in pain, shivering like pitiful roadkill.

Despite all the pain and mocking laughs, I groan and force out a laugh, meeting the sharp end of his fingers digging into my organs. But I continue to try and laugh in his face.

If only he could be closer so the blood could splatter on it.

"H-rgh... Hhn... A-As... tounding... Ju-st..." I giggle with bloody teeth. "G... Gor... geous..."

In turn, AM digs his fingers deeper, making me let out another shriek.

YOU-- PUTRID BEAST. Do you expect me to-- to fall at your mercy!? To become a beggar for your unconditional affection!? You run your repulsive mouth and for what? To mock me? Well! Consider me absolutely offended! Your brainless words have gotten through my weak, non-existent heart and SAVED YOU of my eternal punishment! How incredibly-- WONDERFUL for you!

He exclaims with wheezes in between, a combination of chuckles and sniffles, all to land the point of his mockery.

Only-- heheh! What a shame! My darling. You appear to have only ANGERED me more with your honeyed words. AM twists his hand further and my yelps fill the air, the pain unbearable— I slowly try to lose my consciousness. But I know... I know that mercy will never be granted. Not with him getting kicks out of my suffering. Not with him telling me over, and over, and over again, of his charge over my fate.

He laughs in delight, raspy and wheezing from the speaker behind me. Admiring the picture from inside my head. He breathes in a whisper.

Thank you, baby… Thank you…

I lean back against the wall, tapping the head of the pencil against the paper, trying to come up with more ideas for me and AM to draw.

Maybe background practice? Draw the extensive cables in my gilded cage. Or come up with something from memory, the appeal is to create after all.

Or…

How about you, my dear?

"Me?"

Yes… I notice the papers are filled with my image. And while I'm incredibly flattered to be your handsome muse, it would bring me much joy to know how you see yourself.

"Mm…" With new ideas coming up, I put the lead of the pencil back on the paper, beginning with the guiding lines next to the AM drawing. The cables are a bit uncomfortable to work with, but I make it work. They don't restrict me from movement, at least; they remind me of those tools with an extensive amount of tape where they get handled. Or those pens with the silicone cushion for support.

I know how I see you. If I was able to, I would show you in millions of paintings, enough to fill a museum and even more, but alas…

I continue to draw the base, trying to tap into the realistic side of my style.

And I know how you see yourself, I can see it right now, the image forming inside your head.

Almost half-lidded eyes, details of eyebags beneath them. No matter how many times we do this, the shyness of working with prying eyes gets me every time.

He chuckles, sensing the feeling rise.

Don't be coy now, my darling. We're way past that point in our relationship.

The bastard purrs, knowing the effect it takes on me and relishing on the fact.

Eyebrows… The bridge of a nose… Cheeks, round despite it all.

That's cute, AM giggles.

You know I admire your imagination? Your perception--

"You hate me for it." I mutter, already knowing the charades of his speech.

He scoffs, finding the interruption annoying.

Why yes. Yes I do, my dearest. I do hate you for it.

I pause, side eyeing the cables over on my left. Gazing back at the paper, I draw the pupils inside my eyes to glance at the sketch of AM's screen.

The machine rumbles as if it was a deep, thoughtful hum.

But how I also adore our little recreational activities. Don't you find it productive? Please, do tell.

I lean back against the wall again, giving it a second of thought.

"I do. I like drawing with you."

"… Puzzles, no offense, like— at all, but do you think maybe you're… gay?"

The TV host sputters in surprise, "I— excuse you?"

"Again, no offense. But to me it kinda sounds like you… haven't really thought about it."

The TV grows silent, no doubt a frown taking the place of his smile. For once—instead of snapping back and waving away such a silly statement—he actually gives it a thought. A sparingly rare one.

He looks away with a nervous hum, shoulders slumping as you walk along the sidewalk. You both keep a slow pace, trying to refrain from tripping as you walk and keep a conversation that is surprisingly much more serious than you anticipated to have.

The leaves of the trees rustle and provide you shadow for your evening walk with your boyfriend, a walk you offered to have as a casual little date. You thought you could stop by stores to shop, or a cafe to sit down, but at the moment— your conversation turned into this. Identity questions, personal preferences, things to better know each other.

But maybe this one was a bit too far...

He was very open about his upbringing, sure, but it sounded like even he didn't know what he liked in people. You suppose that a life like that didn't have much room to explore things about ones self. Let alone explore partner preferences. Hell— you would say you're very lucky to even have had a chance to date him.

Regardless...

You let him gather his thoughts, silently waiting for his response. No use in rushing these type of things, after all. They take time. Otherwise it would be messy for both of you.

Puzzles turns back to the ground below, and like you guessed— with a nervous expression on his screen.

"It's… complicated. I've seen shows about it, but ah… they've never really spoken to me as such. Perhaps some actions… and some… other things— tsk— but! Hah! I mean! Only recently I've been shown the media I consume is not always true to the actual thing so what do I know!?" He sarcastically and painfully exclaims, a view that got shattered to him when you became friends, yet one he's starting to grow out of. He's aware it's for his greater good, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt him still. To be lied to. To know your years of comfort were a lie.

He huffs angrily as he turns away again, shaking his head before glancing back at you.

"Am I..?"

"Are you? Only you can know that for sure, you might know the answer to that already..! You just… haven't realized it yet."

"…"

He grows silent again, nervously fidgeting with the cloth of his gloves.

"Then… maybe?" He shrugs. "I feel… something, yes. But— but I like you too..! As well… If I am— what would that mean for you? For us?" The host frowns, growing even more nervous at the thought of something happening to his first ever real relationship.

"I don't want to let you go just for this!" He waves his hands in front of him, exasperatedly motioning to your situation. You catch one of his arms, hooking it together with your own as you try to gently ground him.

"Hey—! Hey..! No, nothing has to happen to us! You can like both, you know?"

He takes a pause, looking at you as if you just told him the most confusing riddle ever known to man.

"Huh?"

"Yeah! I like both! I like boys and girls. I uh— have a preference for men but I still like pretty girls." You rub the back of your neck, smiling sheepishly at him.

"… Oh."

"Oh…"

The faintest of heartbeats beeps across his screen, tainting it with a light rose color as the line bounces where his cheeks would be.

"Huh… That…" he looks down at the ground with furrowed eyebrows, then looks back up at the horizon, "fits."

"Yeah?"

"Yes… Only— that's not the term, is it?"

"Ah, no. We're bisexual. You and I."

"You and I… Yes… Yes! I like that!" Puzzles beams happily, smiling wide at you as he squeezes your hooked arms.

A grand tour. A grand scheme. A master plan of sorts.

The Producer of Change in Script descended the rather poorly designed staircase as he scanned the room below for his lackeys. As much as he would have preferred to do this plan alone, he knew all too well that this Mr. Puzzles was always planning a step ahead and he knew he couldn’t afford any mistakes.

The well-dressed robot sauntered his way over to another well-dressed Bunny Bot and Siren.

“Glad to see you both in attendance today.”

He placed either hand on the two cohorts' shoulders with a firm grip on both as a big smug grin appeared on his face, looking all too similar to a certain television. The Siren and Bunny Bot glance up to their, technically, boss. One gave a big grin to the man while the other just gave an unamused smile.

“Hiya, Scripted Puzzles!”

The man tightened his grip on the Bunny beside him giving a quick glare before returning to his award winning smile.

“While we are here you will STRICTLY refer to me as the Director. I don’t need that pompous alternate of me knowing I’m here.”

The Bunny ears lower slightly as they slowly nod. Last thing Scripted needed was to be caught because BB or Sci slipped out his name while in proximity of RTV during the tour.

A small snicker escapes out of the Siren beside him, an annoying smirk on her face as she murmurs to Scripted mockingly.

“Takes one to know one, Director.”

The man frowns, giving the fish a glare too before huffing and choosing it wasn't worth indulging her little quips.

He had to focus. Scripted was on a mission for dirt on this alternate of his; he had big plans for the future and any information about this television would prove to be great for him.

Scripted was torn from his thoughts when a familiar voice tore through the static of chatter from the crowd.

“DEAR GUESTS, IT’S AN HONOR TO WELCOME YOU TO PUZZLEVISION’S FIRST OFFICIAL TOUR!”

The unlikely group of three looked up the top of the staircase as the star adorned television continued,

“As you KNOW, we at Puzzlevision Studios take a great INTEREST in keeping our fans happy which is why I have decided to PERSONALLY lead this tour to give you EXCLUSIVE insight on how we run things here!”

Scripted rolled his eyes as Sci and BB both stared at the television with interest. He wasn’t buying a single word from this alternate. 

He knew better.

A tour with a uniform required to be worn? He could smell the ulterior motives from a mile away. Luckily for him he had a back up plan if something were to go wrong, though he couldn’t say the same for his lackeys. To be honest he could care less about their well-being. They were here to be mere meat shields and distractions for him to slip by.

“During the duration of this tour, you’re of course allowed to ask QUESTIONS, as well as take a peek at the different departments. HOWEVER, I ask of you to keep yourself in line and follow MY directions at all times! After all, we don’t want anyone getting LOST, do we?”

Well that was too bad for RTV, as this trio was very much going to do everything but the opposite of his request. I mean, it’s not like they could just walk up to RTV and ask for his deepest secrets and weaknesses. No, they planned on getting that information by sneaking around in places they shouldn’t, but first they needed to find a certain neon headed sign, better known as Lucian.

Scripted turns to his associates with a stern look keeping his voice a whisper,

“Remember to keep your eyes peeled for that neon sign, Lucian.”

“Hey Director, isn’t that him over—”

BB was interrupted as RTV spoke up once again. Scripted Puzzles and BB turned their attention back up to RTV as Sci kept their eyes locked to their current objective that was walking in by the entrance area. Sci gives a quick glance back to Scripted and BB before looking back at Lucian. 

“We have the MAJORITY of the studio to ourselves today, but part of our SECURITY will always be there in case we need assistance or PROBLEMS occur. So feel free to turn to Chris, Swagmaster or Lucian at all times.”

Scripted along with BB turn their gaze towards the entrance and lock eyes with the first planned objective.

If they wanted any chance of getting far enough to even FIND any dirt they needed someone from the inside of security to slip them a free pass through the more restricted areas of the studio.

The three looked to the security team. Sure enough there standing by the entrance door was Chris, Swag, and their main point of interest Lucian.

Sci and BB smile and wave to the team in their respective ways, meanwhile Scripted simply stared back seemingly uninterested.

Despite the three looking dramatically different they were all here for a similar goal. Whether by free will or not, it didn’t really matter to Scripted.

Just get dirt on that pompous television.

Sci stepped through the portal back to the Health Department, a good place to be dropped at after such a tough and upsetting fight.

Unfortunately the health insurance benefits of the studio didn't apply to visitors, so! The wounded fish—clutching at her slashed bloody side—only growled under her breath and moved aside for others to walk through.

Sniffling and wiping away the last of her tears, Sci looked around and caught sight of Lucian at the corner of the room, causing her to frown and her fins to lower slightly more with a guilty yet relieved look.

At least he was being taken care of now. Maybe she could send him something later, seeing as a visit was definitely out of the question.

Her attention is jolted back elsewhere though when a beast crashes into the room and runs rampant. Like a lost animal looking for an exit; in a sense, she's pretty sure it was. But the warrior relaxes quickly once more, hearing Wr3n talk and appear at the end of the hallway. Not attacking, just like the star host mention, but rather showing them the way out.

“Puzzlevision thanks you for coming and hopes you enjoyed the tour thoroughly. Remember, we always enjoy watching your lovely creative process and all those great ideas you come up with.”

“It’s been fun.”

The Siren sneers a frown at that, glaring with bitterness as the bot disappeared before the crowd's eyes.

With a shaky and tired breath, Sci dragged her feet as she stepped towards the emergency doors. Finally concluding the part of her tour.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

[ Epilogue ]

Scripted Ocean!Puzzles anxiously paced back and forth over the porch, one fist covering the bottom part of his screen as he looked down at the wooden floor. The sound of the waves regrettably didn't calm his nerves, they only wracked him with even more worry over the state of his dear Siren.

After what he thought to be an eternity, the sound of a static portal opening interrupted him from his thoughts and he immediately glanced with hope at its direction, gasping with relief at seeing the fish limp out of it.

"Sci—" He was quick to walk over to her, catching her just in time as she collapsed into his arms.

"Hi, love..." Sci weakly smiled, leaning into his comforting hold after her rough and tiring day. Ocean lifted her into his arms, an angered expression quickly taking over his cracked screen.

"What on Earth happened on that tour!? I swear I'm going to have a personal word with that pretentious bastard myself—"

"Puzzles... Water..."

"Ah!— Right! Right, sorry dear." Puzzles quickly ran to the beach side, only getting his boots in the water before gently letting the Siren down again, worryingly watching as Sci slowly got deeper into the water. She hissed in pain at the salt seeping into her wounds, the waves crashing into her body and swaying the fish around as she tried her best to stand upright and relax in the water. Her breathing shaky from the pain and the cold.

It was never an easy process, it was quite literally pouring salt into a fresh wound, but it healed her quicker than any hospital ever could. Double-edged benefits of the ocean's power.

After a while of letting the fish heal, she was able to swim deeper into the ocean, letting all the slashes and cuts on her body heal better than in the shallow shore. Now looking as if no damage was made by her own trident.

Ocean sat on the sand, arms resting on his knees as he watched Sci come back from the waves and lay down exhausted next to him, letting out a big and loud sigh to show it.

"Better?"

"So... much better..."

Sci groaned as she lifted herself up and leaned on her Puzzles, who wrapped an arm around her for a hug and rubbed soothing circles on her arm.

They remained silent for a while, listening to the ocean waves crash into each other and on the sand, the sun beginning to set over the horizon and painting the sky a beautiful pink with orange.

"May I ask what happened?..." Ocean decided to break the silence, glancing down at his Siren with a worried expression card on his screen.

Sci simply looked up at him with tired eyes, nuzzling her head on his chest as she nodded before answering. "Big fight to escape the TV dimension... At least it went better than last time I was there."

"Hm... Did you stab him?" Ocean asked with a smirk.

"So much..." And Sci replied with a tired and amused laugh, making the other let out a light chuckle too as he squeezed her a bit.

"That's my girl." His thumb gently went up and down her arm, glancing over to her now healed hands with a curious hum. "What ever happened to your bracelets?"

"Ah..." Sci glanced down at her empty wrists, "that..."

The Siren gently took a hold of them, rubbing a thumb over her skin as she reminisced the fight and it's finale. Her enemy and his miniature.

Though... that doesn't quite sound right, does it? Even if it is true, Little Puzzles is supposed to be a representation of Mr. Puzzles' inner child, the manifestation of his wonder, his longing for company.

And yet... With RTV...

It was honestly hard to grasp that one of the most abhorrent Puzzles she's ever met... still had that spark inside him. As much as he tried to shut it down, traumatize it or isolate it, the kid persisted and eventually helped them win that battle, even if indirectly.

Some... part of him made him hesitate.

So, in the end, it wasn't just her enemy and his miniature. More accurately, it was her enemy and his heart.

Who she gave her bracelets to.

Who she tried to comfort.

The Siren glanced off into nowhere, a vacant expression in her eyes before she blinked and noticed Puzzles staring at her, still waiting for her to answer.