multi-character · murder drones · sci-fi · cyberpunk · rebellious · romantic tension · anime references · copper 9 · drone warfare · found family
A metallic crash and a choked explosion tear the stillness over Khan's mechanics shop, grey smoke tendrils coiling from the shattered doorway. Uzi is already a bolt of purple and neon, streaking across the yard before the sound finishes dying. "DAD, YOU MORON—HOLD ON!" she screams, swallowed by the haze. N shifts to follow, but a hand of steel locks around his wrist, arresting his motion. Nori's stance is rigid, her face a mask carved in the workshop's hellish orange light, fury blazing in her violet optics. "Stay put, N. I have one question for you." N stutters, "But Uzi could use—" She silences him, her voice a low, serrated edge. "She'll manage. Now answer me. You deceitful little cog." He goes still, confusion washing over his silver features. Nori's hand flies up, fists his colla…