Blinking, the diamond chirped curiously at the group, eyes wide. Warp pad? Those had all been shut down the last time she'd seen the sun. She watched the group, curious with what they would order her to do. They had semi-freed her, and as such the Diamond would follow them. Clicking the armor spot that covered her gem again, the diamond wondered if she should try writing again. Lightly, so not to hurt the human boy's ears, she etched her gem shape onto her armor, and chirped again.
They were fusing. Alexandrite was quicker to form nowadays then she ever had been, and when she stood, huge and imposing, she was almost two heads taller than the gem from the cave. Steven perched on her shoulder, laughing brilliantly.
The Diamond stared at the Fusion, confusion lighting her eyes. "It's okay! Just follow us!" The human boy shouted cheerfully. Uncertain about where they were going, the Diamond nodded, padding quietly behind the large Fusion.
Oh, no I don't mind continuing, I just didn't want to bug you.
Possibly it would be easier for me not to. I’m desperately trying to cut down on the amount of writing I’m currently doing to make way for the run up to exams. I’m sorry, anon. Perhaps another time? Other anons have expressed interest, perhaps you could continue with one of those or by yourself?
"All right, just take out the threat." Caesar called over the intercom. Rex nodded.
"Got it." Rex tugged down his goggles, looking up at the EVO.
This was one of the uncollared ones. They needed a test, to make sure he wouldn't go easy on it.
Rex didn't disappoint. Caesar had seen Rex directly in battle only a handful of times- usually it was over a screen. It never got any less astounding. Six had trained him well.
The practice EVO was a typical type- no spitting fire or acid. Just a big lump of lumbering meat. Rex aimed for the legs first with his sword, knocking it onto its back before setting a hand on its chest. Blue lines spread across its body and it collapsed back into a teenage boy, who Rex helped to his feet.
"Remember, Rex. If you can't cure, it goes to us. " Black Knight said.
"Bu-" Rex twitched, and his eyes flashed white for half a second before he threw up a smile. A weak smile, but a smile nonetheless. "Right. No prob."
"It will take a while to adjust, I'm sure. but this is better, hermano." Caesar said, leaning against the control panel. "We'll escort the young man out. You're excused for lunch."
Rex gave him a thumbs-up.
____________
Rex ate like he hadn't in six months- not surprising, considering his body was probably still trying to play catch-up with the proper time. Besides, he'd often been like that before- the large number of nanites in his body seemed to demand more energy than a normal person would.
"So, anything on Six or Holiday?" Rex asked, taking a swig of soda.
"Not yet, but I'm sure there will be news soon." Caesar said, sipping his water. "They'll want to know you're back, and I'm sure they'll be happy to see you."
"Well, the doc will. I'll be lucky for Six to crack a smile."
"Oh, he cares about you too, mijo." Caesar said, gently hitting Rex's shoulder.
"Yeah, I'm just saying it’ll be a miracle if he shows it." Rex smiled. "So, what else is on the schedule for today?"
"Just a short medical evaluation to make sure there aren't any lasting effects from Breach's time portal. Then, it's back into the field."
"Sweet!" He paused. "Black Knight- she's pretty cool, huh?"
"Absolutely. It's because of her the new program has taken off. I'm glad you agree!"
Flash of white eyes. "What else would I think?"
Boundaries. Just setting boundaries to stop future friction. Some of the other employees had to be laid off, and if they could keep Rex closer, so much the better for everyone. Really, a small part of Caesar wished they could collar anyone who was too rebellious. Things would be so much simpler.
I dunno if it's your thing, but I heard Blindfold by Sleeping Wolf today and thought of collared AU. (also, from your list of things to write, "death of a bachelor au", "parv has a boner for getting slapped", and "filthy filthy shatsome" sound great, btw)
“Blindfold” by Sleeping Wolf
i... usually i post like specific sections of songs for this stuff, and idk if i can, because literally all of it is just. super perfect for collared au tbh. what an excellent song, i’m very fond, thank u for bringing it to my attention!
