"Fangus," you fretted, watching him lay down on N.41's operating table. "Darling, please.. you need a break."

He'd nearly lost the last arena fight. His current implants were so overheated his skin was pink from burns in spots. Fangus laughed, a reedy and excitable sound.

"I can't take a break, sweetheart," he said. He needed to be stronger so they'd keep him around. And Fangus needed to keep you safe. Fangus' general life rule was that weaklings don't deserve to live. But he just couldn't apply that to you.

You weren't scared of him. You didn't call him crazy. You didn't abandon him.

Yes, he had to protect you no matter what.

N.41, who usually adored live subjects, looked apprehensive. Her voice was cold, "Remember, you need to let yourself rest."

Fangus' grayish cheeks turned red and he began to snarl. "What are you two, my moms? Just shut the fuck up."