#tmwmag

The rain pattered around the graveyard.

Rain was a near constant.

But life wasn’t.

A sharp gasp cut through the marching of the drops, heavy breathing followed with movement.

The graveyard watched from its many eyes, eyes that belonged to drones long gone. There was no one to help them escape, the little girl was long gone.

But that wouldn’t stop Uzi.

Uzi just layed there, processing everything that happened that seemed mere minutes ago.

D-did we win… where’s N? V? W-why can’t I TALK? I-I-I-I- The crunch of glass and flap of leathery wings echoed through, the guard was back.

Who’s here… Her violet eyes only had white, gray, and black around her vision with an uneven red overlay. The only piece of the outside was minimal. Like a small scratch. All that she could see out of it was a puddle, some tree root, chain-link fence, and grass.

Am… I dead? Then how am I alive… Well, I feel alive… But that alone doesn’t mean anything…

Her thoughts froze when she saw a drone's arm come down, the hand replaced by a claw.

Who are you… small chirps could be heard. Then the arm left in an instant, they had taken off. I should probably start a timer, see how long it takes them to come back….. And Uzi did just that.

Whomever it was, they take about 11 minutes. Best say it’s 7…

Uzi waited till they left for the 8th time, then 2 minutes, before trying to move.

The metal above her groaned and creaked when she pushed up. She didn’t notice it before, but something had punctured her chest, thankfully only getting her voicebox.

Uzi used her solver to support the pile above her, allowing her room to sit. 5 minutes left… get over the fence, then run… yep, best plan i got…

Uzi then recognized what was surrounding her: Corpses. Drone’s. I’m in a graveyard. So am I dead? 

Uzi pushed a body away, pulled herself out, then pushed it back in place. 2 minutes?! I’m really cutting it short… I have to go now! Uzi dashed to the fence, it was barely taller than her. She put her foot in one of the holes, her other foot swung over and made contact with another hole.

Uzi took a glance back, bodies Piled upon each other. The fence connected to a small shed, it could barely have two workers fit in there from what Uzi could judge.

She then dropped from her position on the fence, and looked the other way. It was a large forest, Filled with oaks, weeping willows, and other trees Uzi didn’t even know. The floor of it looked damp, puddles everywhere, hard to tell if it was grass or moss that covered the floor. A low and wispy fog trickled from the woods, it would barely reach the top of her socks.

Uzi dashed to it, it was the only thing that seemed relatively safe from whomever came. How much time is left-... 34 seconds…

Uzi panicked. GET-BEHIND-A-TREE-GET-BEHIND-A-TREE-GET-BEHIND-A-TREE-IT DOESN'T-MATTER-JUST-LIVE! Uzi ran, not daring to look behind herself.

She tripped. Face planting into a puddle. Uzi pushed herself up, her jacket and beanie drenched. She froze for a second, then ran again. Times up… they’ll be here soon…

Uzi kept running, flaps of leather seeping into the sound of the rain. Uzi ducked behind a tree, still standing.

Less than 3 seconds later, a blur of white and black passed her. Giggles surrounding it. Uzi booked it, going left from where the thing had passed her.

Uzi’s processors were going into overtime. Hide! Hide! Find a route! Find a route! She kept running,the fog grew taller and denser the farther she went in. Suddenly the blur from before tackled her right side. Their right claw held her head down along with blocking her view of them.

nononONONONONO! Uzi kicked her attacker in what would be considered the stomach. They recoiled from that, but was barely down for a seconded before jumping to their feet, snarling and hissing. She was a worker wearing a maid outfit, only her right hand was clawed with a yellow eye on top of it, she had the striking yellow eyes and armband that any D-drone would have. Her silver hair seemed somewhat messier than usual. 

Uzi froze as she looked at her attacker, then quickly ran again.

Uzi ran and ran and ran, turning whenever she could, until the attacking drone got caught in some of the branches of the trees. Taking this chance, she ran to a tree, and climbed it.

She waited and waited. The rain covered her.

—

After being so bored from waiting for the hunter, she climbed higher, she kept climbing, breaking through the blanket of leaves. She scanned the area, trees seemed to stretch everywhere, the only clearings being the graveyard and a building. 

There! A house! No, not a house, a mansion of sorts! Who would live all the way out here? Actually, where IS here?!

Uzi then saw her attacker, flying to and from the mansion and graveyard. So she gave up? Weird, seems unlike her… but i think that’s my best bet…

Uzi crawled down, and walked in the direction of the home. Careful of the vines, branches, roots, and puddles.

When she reached the tree line, she didn’t run out immediately, instead, she waited till she knew that the drone couldn’t see her.

Now! The drone landed onto the roof and was walking on it, still completing what they were doing. Uzi ran to the doors, it was less than a mile away. 

Uzi ran but then her core ran cold, the leather wings were getting louder, Uzi kept running. But the wings grew quiet. Uzi didn’t slow until she reached the porch.

It was somewhat simple, just an extrusion with 2 posts on the corners with lanterns on each and a roof. Uzi climbed up the stairs and went to the grand double doors, they were a nice deep brown with golden colored handles. She stepped closer to the door bell, the same gold color but a nice white button that had a warm glow to it, and pressed it.

Uzi heard the soft jingle of the bell, and then someone rushed to the door. It opened with a nice soft creak, and she saw the familiar yellow eyed worker drone in a butler’s suit, his sweet smile the same. Something is wrong…

Uzi tried to say his name, but only a sharp pain and garbled static emerged, she slightly freaked out at that.

“Whoa! Slow down! Don’t want to damage yourself more!” he joyfully said, voice still the same. “You're new here, yeah?” his tone softened. “We’ll get you cleaned up and a new uniform.”

Uzi slowed with his words, watching him carefully. Don’t you remember me? Uzi? Please..? She then picked up the flaps of wings nearby her, she moved smoothly out of the doorway, onto the outskirt of the porch.

Uzi peeked inside, only to see V scrambling and apologizing over and over to N, who only chuckled.

‘Everyone okay?’ is what Uzi wanted to say, but all that happened was static and pain. She instantly became the center of attention, Which made her panic slightly.

V squinted at Uzi, then fished something out of her pockets. Glasses, they were glasses and she put them on her face, then looked at Uzi again before speaking a shocked “Oh!”

“Sorry if I scared you! I-I-I-I didn’t mean to!” V panicked, holding her hands up. What? V being sorry? What's going on… Uzi looked at her confused.

“A-Are you okay? I saw you trip into a puddle earlier…” V sheepishly continued, Uzi gave a thumbs up to her. Robo-god this is weird…

Then a voice Uzi didn’t care about cut into their conversation. “N! V! Why are you slacking!” The annoying twin pigtailed drones marched down the hall. Uzi grimaced at her.

“Uh-Well-I-We found another one!” V jumped at J’s voice, slightly moving to N.

“Well? Get them ready and get back to work!” J demanded before walking away. Uzi rolled her eyes at J.

“Don’t mind her-... We don’t know your name…” N talked to Uzi. You don’t know me..? N..?

“I’ll get her ready.” V smiled at N then looked at Uzi, asking her to follow. Uzi complied.

They walked in silence for some time, before V spoke up.“So, uh, look at these doors and if you see your name tell me, that’s your room, and I'll help you get ready.” 

Uzi moved faster, now knowing what she needed to do. “Oh you're fast!” V lightheartedly commented. Uzi turned in a circle grinning at V, then looked at the place she just passed and walked to it, eyes locked onto it. 

‘Uzi’ was written in Times New Roman in black ink on the golden plaque that was placed upon the dark wooden door. She felt uneasy looking at it, just something felt off.

“Uzi?” Uzi jumped when she heard her name, then gave a thumbs up. “Ah! Never heard of that name before! Well let’s go inside and get you patched up.” V smiled and opened the door for Uzi.

Uzi walked through the door scanning the room before V softly gasped. Uzi turned around with an eyebrow arched, V had her hand and claw over her mouth.

“So that’s why you're not talking… your voice box has been punctured… Want me to help you with that?” V reached her claw out, but then hesitated, her voice was soft and caring.

Uzi was very unnerved, but slowly nodded. She personally didn’t want to try to remove it and flinch every time she tried to move it. V smiled at that and spoke again. “Now, please hold still, I’ll try and have this be done quickly…” 

V carefully used her clawed hand to grab the metal. “This is only going to hurt for a second…” V tried to say in a steady voice. Uzi concentrated on the floor.

“And out!” V ripped the metal shard out. Uzi screamed from the sudden pain, but all that happened was garbled static and more pain. Uzi fell from the sudden pain.

“Sorry! Are you okay!?” V rushed over after putting the metal on the bedside table. Uzi was trying to slow her breathing.

“y-Yea-h.” Her voice was sore and scratchy, side effects of it still healing.

“Y-You can talk again! I-I think I got all of it!” V was ecstatic, causing Uzi to laugh.

“Y-eah I thi-nk you did. Good jo-b V.” Uzi softly smiled, but V stood there shocked.

“How… How do you know my name?” Uzi froze. A-Oh dear.

“Didn’t J say it earlier? Said your and N’s name?” Uzi sat up.

“Yeah, she did… That makes sense.” V smiled. “I’ll grab you your uniform.” and she walked over to the dresser behind Uzi.

“Uniform? I don’t have one… or need one?” Uzi said, confused.

V looked back and she had her hands in the dresser. “Well, you’ll need one because you're working here?” she raised an eyebrow.

“What? Working? I’m not even done with school! Where the hell was the job application?” Uzi exclaimed, standing up with panic, eye’s slightly distressed.

V just gave a sad look, grabbed an outfit, and laid it on the bed before heading to the door. “We can talk some more after you get that on…” then she left the room, closing the door behind her.

“Well great.” Let’s see what we have at least- Oh Robo-god no. Uzi glared at the maid outfit that she had laid out on the bed. She walked over to the dresser and opened it to find 2 more of the same outfit. What!? Why?! Out of all, ALL outfits, I have to wear that?!

Uzi aggressively sighed and got dressed with it. When she was done she walked over to the mirror to look.

She hated it. She had the headband on, figuring that it was probably required, but kept her beanie. Her combat boots were replaced by black classy shoes, her socks changed to a charcoal black, and jacket tossed away for the despicable uniform. Stupid pieces of fabric.

With an aggravated sigh she opened the door and stepped out. V was not nearby. Uzi scanned the hall, then read the plaque on the door beside her door: Doll.

Ah, she’s here… “Why are you just standing around?! There’s work to be done!” J walked down the hall.

“Ehn? I haven’t been here for an hour, cut me some slack. And work? What are you on about?” Uzi glared confusedly at J. J glared back.

“You're here for a reason: Help maintain the Elliot's manor. There are no if, ands, or buts about it. So, get. To. Work.” J looked at Uzi with disgust. Uzi stood her ground.

“Oh Uzi! I’m sorry! I didn’t realize that you were done yet!” V quickly appeared, causing Uzi to jump slightly.

“Oh? You're showing the new worker around? I will take care of this. You always take forever.” J turned her attention to V, her displeasure growing.

“Well, I started to help her-” V was interrupted by J. this kept happening back and forth till Uzi was done with it.

“If it matters, I’d prefer the Shy Killer over the Corporate Bootlicker.” Uzi stated, waiting for the downfall of what she said.

“WHAT IN YOUR RIGHT MIND MAKES YOU THINK THAT!?” J angrily, and with panic, quietly shouted to Uzi, who had a smug grin. V just questioned how Uzi knew that.

Uzi jolted awake with her alarm blaring in her processor before she slapped herself to turn it off. She stared at the roof of the canopy before sluggishly rolling off her bed to get ready.

She grabbed a new dress and got changed regretfully. She walked over to the mirror to put the headband in, not wanting it lopsided. 

“Hey, Uzi? Are you up?” V called from the outside of the door. Uzi opened it and peeked her head out.

“Yeah, I’m ready, I guess…” Uzi shuffled slightly. V gave a soft smile.

“Alright, we’re going to the commons. It’s really the only place we can really get everyone together…” V sheepishly said as she stepped back.

Uzi walked out of her room and closed the door, hand lingered on the handle for a moment before Uzi faced V again. “Everyone?” Uzi questioned.

“Oh, there's about 26, nonono, 31 of us, me included.” V smiled as she led Uzi. Uzi simply followed. So, we got alphabet gang, and Doll, but who are the other 4? 

V stopped in front of a door and opened it, jestering Uzi to go in. She complied and went into the room. It looked like the rest of the manor, just more drones. Instead of the normal dark oak it was tan wood. There were small pods of chairs and couches around plenty of tables. Most pods looked like 3-4 drones could sit there. There were some nice deep blue rugs and dark oak tables with elegant carving. The couches and chairs were a nice tan color. Lamps were near them too, a nice golden base with a tan shade on it that casted a warm glow.

“You’ll meet your group over-r-r-r… There!” V pointed to a table that had a couch and 2 chairs that were arranged in a triangle pattern, the couch’s back facing Uzi. There was a drone in one of the chairs with a cowboy hat with a piece taken out of it. They waved to Uzi, She awkwardly waved back.

Before Uzi could go to him, J stormed by them to leave the room, grumbling about someone being late or something along those lines, Uzi didn’t care. She then walked to the new drone.

Uzi took her seat on the couch. “Hi?” Ah yes, lovely social skills Uzi, great job! You definitely shouldn’t try to drown! The new drone tipped his hat to her. He had light blue eyes and light brown hair.

“Howdy, Name’s Beau! You're, uh, Nori’s kid… uh, oh never heard your name…” his cheer melted into a sheepish embarrassment. Uzi gave him a very confused look.

“How do you know me?! I don’t recognize you?! But name’s Uzi.” She slightly glared at him.

“Uh, the office? I was the pill baby… Ma couldn’t make a body my code liked, so I kinda had to stay like that…” He rubbed the back of his head. “Who knew I had D-drone code too?” He gave an awkward smile.

“What?! You do?! That’s kinda cool!” Uzi immediately lit up. “What parts of you are? Any extra features? How did she work that in?” Uzi was practically jumping with enthusiasm, but masked it under an expression of slight curiosity.

“Heh, Arms are, got the extra eyes too, just hid ‘em under ma hat. I have no clue how she did it… and can’t really ask her…” His smile faded to a slightly saddened expression at the mention of his mom.

“Oh, uh… sorry…” Uzi rubbed the back of her head.

“[Uzi doorman? apologizing for once? Impossible.]” A familiar voice cut through, causing Uzi to jump.

“DOLL?! Why are you here?!” Uzi turned around to look at her, a small blush on her face. NONONONONONONONO Doll is sooooooo going to bully me for this. WhyWhyWhyWhyWhy. Uzi saw Doll in a maid outfit too, but still had the little button patch on her eye. Her other eye looked tired and done with life. Uzi instantly felt less embarrassed.

Doll’s eye just narrowed onto Uzi. “[Why are you here? Perhaps you have the answers? What makes you think I know?]” She didn’t move from her spot.

Uzi glared at Doll. “Well you normally know stuff. You said it yourself.”

“[You're still pathetic. Guess I shouldn’t expect that to change.]”

“At least I don't look like a train wreck.”

“[At least I could do better at any job they give us, unlike you.]”

“Really? How about you prove that with your new schedule.” J walked by, dropped 2 cards and  walked away.

“Well then, how about we review what you guys got?” Beau chipped in.

“[Fine by me]” Doll moved to the other chair while grabbing her card, tossing Uzi her’s.

Doll had the tasks of Serving food, Vacuuming, and Laundry. Uzi was given Dusting, Library work, and Yard work.

J walked by. “Are you done with reviewing your schedule now?” she asked as she tapped the table with her finger.

“Yes, J. We’re done.” Uzi said in a monotonous tone, glaring at J.

“You have 15 minutes until your shift starts, You both are assigned in the Right wing on the first floor.” J walked away.

“And she said words that make no sense.” Uzi said when J was gone.

“Oh I know where that is! I could show ya before we need to be workin.” Beau spoke up, smiling slightly.

“[That would be appreciated.]” Doll spoke as she got up, grabbing her card. Uzi followed suit as Beau did the same and started to lead the way.

“So this is probably the best one you guys coulda gotten, it’s the one closest to our rooms.” Beau walked through the door Uzi had come in early through, walked to the hallway to the comments, then turned away from them to another door. “This is the door for it, the only one that connects to it and thankfully directly.”

Beau walked through it, held it open for Doll and Uzi, then closed it. He then showed them all the rooms they’d need to go to, a quick rundown of what to do, and off to the next place.

Suddenly, a soft chime of a bell rang, signaling it was time to work. “Go! You only have one minute to get where you need to be!” and Beau quickly walked away, heading to wherever he was needed. Uzi and Doll went in different directions for their first tasks. Doll went into the kitchen area, and Uzi went to the closest to grab a duster, getting straight to work. This is going to be hell…

[---]

Sorry if things are worded weird, this was a chapter I rewrote.

By the end of the day, Uzi was exhausted and annoyed to bits.

All that happened was ‘How to do this, how to do that, here are the rules, oh don’t mind that we have guests!’ it all got on Uzi’s nerves. I died and the punishment was working in a human manor just like how N, V, and J did? With them too? What the heck?! 

And the rules… of course there were rules, like ‘No foul language, Always make the guest happy, be attentive, talk properly, strive for effectiveness, etc, etc.’ ugh. At least I get to go back to my room, but in the morning I have to meet up with the rest of the staff in the commons room, wherever the hell that is. Uzi walked to her room in a slouched position, then mid-way through she fixed her posture. Another thing I have to watch out for, yay.

When Uzi arrived at her door, she opened it and closed it without the angsty teen way of over exaggeration. Uzi walked in, and flopped onto her bed.

She picked her head up, shuffled over to the pillows, and forcefully shoved her head in them to quietly scream. Why?! What did I do to deserve this?! Someone knocked on her door.

Uzi grumbled to the drone outside. “Who’s there? What do you want?”

“Um, thought you might like something?” It was the golden boy himself. Uzi slightly panicked, but got up to open the door. When Uzi opened the door she saw N and his doofy looking smile. He was holding something behind his back.

“Uh, hi N…” Uzi nervously spoke. What the heck do I do? N doesn't remember me! N just smiled as he moved his hands away from his back, presenting a small gift box to Uzi.

“This is for you! Most have a hard time adjusting, so I thought you might like a gift!” N was ecstatic, but Uzi was trying to keep a straight face, she didn’t want to cry right in front of N. He’s N… But not the N I know, not the one that saved me, not the one that helped me, not the one to be my friend when no one else would… “Uh, thanks. Really.” she gave a weak smile as she grabbed the box.

It was a nice crimson red with gold snowflakes printed on it. She lifted the lid up and peered inside. Inside was a darkish blue bat with the inside of its ears and the membrane of the wings a darker blue. It had very light blue eyes, to the point they just looked white, embroidered on. It was winking.

“Th-Thank you N… but, how did you know I liked bats?” Uzi just looked at the plushy. She grabbed the bat out of the box and put the lid back on. “Oh, would you like the box back?”

“Just had a feeling! And yeah, not often I can grab a box before J throws them away, if they aren’t broken or damaged too much…” His happiness slightly faded to embarrassment and sheepishness. “Oh and there's some PJs for you in the lower drawer of your dresser!”

Uzi handed the box back, a soft smile formed on her face. “Again, Thanks… That means a lot to me…” N lightened back up, smiling bright.

“Oh, I should probably go now, J might be mad if she thinks I’m slacking off! See you round!” N waved Uzi goodbye and ran with little jumps.

Uzi’s soft smile faded to one of pain. He’s gone… We…  l o s t … 

Uzi slowly trudged inside, unknown if her door did or didn’t close, and laid back down on her bed. She gazed at the wood that was held up by the 4 posts on her canopy bed. There were soft cream colored curtains that went with the dark wood and gold ribbons that tied it back. It’d be fun to put stars up there, the glowing kind. Uzi reached her right hand up to it, then grasped the air. Tears slowly fell from her digital eyes, yet no noise could be heard.

The door opened slightly, a red eye watched for a second before leaving, leaving the door almost closed. Uzi stayed still, not even aware someone peered inside her room.

Uzi clenched her jaw and brought her hands to her chest as she rolled onto her side, back facing the door.

Her breathing quickened, with an occasional hic. Why? Was this Cyn’s sick idea of a punishment? Try to stop her, and you get forced into the work of a servant? Is there any way out of this hell? Who else is here? Why is Doll here? Did she wipe their memories? Is she going to slowly wiPE MINE UNTIL I’M JUST A HUSK FOR HER TO USE?! WILL THEY EVER BE THE SAME?! WI-ll, will I still be me? Uzi stared off to the wall, curling up on herself, tears more frequent.

The solver symbol flickered over her eye, causing her to panic. She immediately got up and spotted the door letting a line of light into her room. She quickly closed the door and then shuffled quickly over to the dresser.

The dresser was a 4 drawer one, 2 small ones on top, and 2 bigger ones stacked below those. Uzi opened the one closer to the floor to find some forgetful grey tee-shirts and shorts. Th-this will probably be fine to sleep in.

Uzi grabbed a pair and quickly changed into it, haphazardly tossing the previous outfit on top of the dresser. She then turned the lights off, but turned the lamp on her bedside table on, not wanting to sleep yet. I don’t want to panic too much, but if i get too stressed out i at least don’t want a uniform ruined because of my wings.

Uzi looked around her room. It was sparse. The bed was queen sized and placed in the middle of the room, only the headrest touching the wall. There was a bedside table with a nice lamp right by it. The door was almost in the corner, but offset by a foot. On the back of the door was a mirror. Directly behind that on the other wall was the dresser that was in the corner. Next corner over had a desk, it was rotated in a different way, where your back would face the dresser. 

Uzi walked back to her bed, and crawled under the covers. They were silky smooth, the pillows supported her head just right. Uzi then found the little bat that she had left and grabbed it. Uzi quickly dozed off, sleepiness winning the battle.

Once Uzi was done dusting, She headed over to the library, rolling her eyes before she looked inside, only to be amazed by it.

It was 2 stories tall, books clawed their way to the top. It was beautiful to say the least. In the direction ahead of her it had a huge window that was centered, and extended to the roof, making a lovely sky light with small lines that formed a multitude of squares with it. A storm was going on, but made the room all the more comforting. Rain patter could be heard, alongside soft mutters and whispers. 

The floor plan was in a ‘T’ shape. Lanterns hung on exquisite carved hooks, with small fairy lights hanging from post to post. Warm light and soft tones filled the room perfectly. The walls rounded to the roof and a chandelier hung perfectly in the center, it looked like it was floating but a strong, clear material held it in place.

The room smelled like soft pages, coffee, cinnamon, and vanilla. Both sides of her had a small seating area with gray chairs, and spruce tables. It was practically carved into the walls. Both buildings were one story, with the 2nd story to them displaying books, none were real, only there for decor. 

Uzi was enraptured by the room, she took a good minute gazing at it, mesmerizing every detail she could see.

She refocused on her job and headed to a room that was tucked away. It displayed a board of tasks that needed to be done. After reading, she headed on out of the room to complete them.

Uzi wandered into the library, and took a right to find a counter. It was a lovely mahogany brown desk with a trolley right by it, filled with books.

—  

The time flew by quickly with her putting books away, and having to do more dusting. Over the course of the time it took Uzi to do her work,the storm died out to reveal a lovely afternoon day.

Jeez, they expect me to do that everyday? No wonder some drones rebelled against the humans.

Uzi completed all that was on the board for her to do, so she headed outside. Yard work… greaaaat. Can’t waaaait.

Uzi walked outside and stood on a small porch leading to a small garden, which had a white picket fence surrounding the greenery. The garden was in a square shape, some paths were set in stone, while others weren’t, winding around rather than the straight lines.

Yellow, White, Red, and Purple were the most common colors among the flowers, some of which weaved around, like the center circle which didn’t obey any idea of separation, and others were meticulously planted.

In the middle of the circle was a proud and well grown weeping willow, which a small trail led to it, which could provide a nice reading space.

“Oh, you get to work out here too?” V dropped down beside Uzi, causing her to jump.

“Oh jeez!” Her eyes hollowed before realizing who it was, almost anticipating her to cackle like mad at her reaction.

But she didn’t, in fact, she jumped back. “Oh sorry!” Uzi slightly frowned at it.

“You’re fine, just… wasn’t expecting you to jump out like that… that’s all.” Uzi half-hartley responded. I was never on the best terms with V… But… I don’t like this… This isn’t V…  

“Sorry, bad habit…” She looked down to the side, her left hand resting on the craws of her right, avoiding the eye on it. Her wings slightly curved around her.

Uzi studied the hand. “If you don’t mind me asking… Are you able to see out of that? The eye on your hand…” V glanced up with a curious expression.

“Why are you asking?” V barely mutters out.

“Well… I know that with the tail you can… it kind of has night vision in it.” Uzi tapped the first knuckles on her index fingers together, slightly deep it thought.

“Tail? What… What do you mean by tail? But… Yeah I can…” V gave a shy, yet quizzical look to Uzi.

Uzi mentally slapped herself. “You know how you have wings… But a clawed hand? Well, I think I still have that too… But a tail instead of the fleshy hand thing…” Uzi tapped her fingers together, a slightly embarrassed look was on her face.

V studied Uzi. “What do you mean think? And… If you have them… Why don’t you have them out? Are they not permanent for you?”

“I can feel them under my casing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I just can’t use them… And they aren’t perma-” Uzi stopped, her gaze softening. “You’re constantly stressed… Aren’t you…”

V slightly jumped back, her eyes widened some, wings flaring out just a bit more than before.  “What! No! I-I’m not!”

Uzi barely stepped forward, hand reaching out, and V hissed at her. V’s eyes went hollow once she realized what she did, her hands quickly going up to cover her mouth, but Uzi hadn’t reacted at all, simply just stopping.

“I… I’m sorry…”

“You don’t need to, I’m the one who suddenly moved, so it’s my fault.” Uzi pulled her hand back, which V’s wings slowly retracted back to their resting point.

“I still shouldn’t ha-” Uzi’s eyes narrowed.

“No. You are not at fault, I am.” Her voice remained calm. “But, I have an Idea on how you could possibly not have the wings-” V cut her off with a sad voice.

“I’ve tried to cut them off… They just keep regrowing…” She held her right arm.

Uzi sighed. “Yeah… They just keep growing back… But I know a different way… Yes you’ll still have them, but it’ll be easy to hide them…” 

V raised a digital eyebrow at Uzi, interested in her proposal. “But first I have one question. How do you calm yourself down? Like if you’re feeling extra stressed, how do you calm down?”

“Reading. I used to read to calm down… But now… I can’t really, without… well. Tearing the book up…”

“Ah… That explains it then…” Uzi fiddled with her hands. “Could someone… Like… Read to you? Would that give the same effect?”

V stared blankly at Uzi. “I guess? I.. I don’t know for sure?”

“Then you might want someone to do that… Because the wings, and I’m willing to bet the hand too, are reacting to your stress. At Least… That’s how it is for me.” Uzi quickly rambled, wanting to get her sentence out without interruption.

V was slightly stunned. “You… Think so?” V asked, almost hopeful.

“I hope so… because if not… Then I’ll want to find a way…” Uzi smiled at V. 

V smiled back. “I should probably get going, do the only job I have…” V slightly waved to Uzi, and took off flying.