A/N: This idea had been in my head for a long time. Just a couple chapters. My idea of why 7 left and why she took the twins. Just a small break from my story 10 and 0.

Disclaimer: I own nothing! 9 is property of Focus Film.


5 practically flew into the work shop with 3 and 4 at his heels.

"We have to do something 2. 7's losing it." 5 sounded so upset as he continuously stroked his eye patch.

2 frowned as he paced back and forth across the work shop. The twins cuddle close, sitting on the work cot, watching 2 pace.

5 continued. "They light in her eyes is going out…and..and she…she said sorry to 1!" 2 stopped pacing so fast he almost fell and the twins flashed rapidly. 7 would never say sorry unless something was really wrong. 2 had been hoping she could hold out longer, but now, he sighed.

"Let's me go talk to 1, perhaps I can talk some sense into the old goat." 2 put on a brave smile but was truly worried inside. 7 was a strong, spirited girl. He loved her like his own daughter. As he made the quiet trek to the bucket then up the lift. He wondered if it was as bad as 5 had made it out to be. As 2 exited the bucket lift his optics took in the scene around him.

It was much worst….

7 was indeed on the floor in the corner, her pale fabric seemly hanging from her still frame. She clutched a red rag close and it reminded 2 of the blood humans lost as they died. The contrast between the two colors was dramatic. She continued to look at her knees that were drawn to her chest, quietly picking at a bit of the rag. 2 could see the frayed fabric on her wrists. She had been desperately trying to get out to do that much damage, 2 thought. The twins had practically kept him up all last night with their worry for her and now seeing her only after 2 and ½ days of imprisonment. 2 saw their fears were justified.

"What are you doing here?" 1 asked from his throne. 2 came politely to stand in from of 1. He noticed sadly that 7 barley glanced up at him. She was humming softly, trying to stay safe in her own little world.

"I was hoping 1, that you would give me permission to visit with 7? Or perhaps let the twins visit? They miss her terribly." 2 smiled at the cruel leader, he was fuming inside. 7 never did anything deserving such a cruel punishment. Sure, she talked back to 1, snuck out but…this…it was too much. 1 seemed to be thinking his fingers rubbing under his chin.

"Perhaps…perhaps you can visit her for just a bit. The twins may come up tonight, but only for a short time. Can't have her getting to excited, now can we?" 1 smiled.

2 bowed, thanking 1 and slowly walk towards 7. Not wanting to show 1 how despite he was to be by her side. She continued humming softly, refusing to look at him till he sat beside her.

"7?" 2 questioned quietly.

She looked at him and gave him a weak smile. "Hi 2…"

2 felt something burn inside him as he looked at her. 5 was right, the bright glow that surrounded her, that WAS 7… was fading away. She was becoming subservient and lost. 2 shivered at the thought of a lost soul. Unable to contain himself, 2 placed an arm around her, drawing her close.

"How are the twins? I miss them." she asked almost in a whisper, well aware 1's gaze had not left them.

"They miss you too. 1 said they could visit tonight." He watched a smile cross her face.

"I would like that." She fiddle with her chains a bit, rotating her injured wrists. 1 watched closer as if she would break the chains with her thoughts.

2 ran his finger over her fraying wrists. She shuttered, pain in her face.

"7? I should fix this." 2 spoke softly. She shook her head.

"1 won't let you. He would have to let me go for you to fix it and he won't risk it. He thinks I would run away. I would too." 2 watched as a bit of fire return to her optics. " I would run away into the emptiness and never come back."

2 nodded gently. Keeping her close, keeping her warm. Only for a few moments more…

"2 that's enough of a visit. You should head out now." 1 waved his hand and 2 slowly rose, letting go of 7. She reached for him but immediately slopped when she saw 1 staring at her. 7 had already shown 1 enough weakness. It had to stop. She returned her gaze to her knees and began humming again.

She didn't watch 2 leave, she already missed him.


As soon as the sun began to go down, 3 and 4 ran to the bucket lift. 2 said 1 said it was okay for them to visit. As fast as they could the wound the bucket up to the throne room. They had tried to remember everything for the past few days to show her. They wanted 7 to be happy. 2 had warned them she was a bit weak but, she was 7. She had to be okay…right?

As they reached the top. 4 began to rush towards 7 but 3 grabbed his arm. 1 was still on his throne. They had to pay their respects before they could go see 7. She appeared to be sleeping, her body wrapped in red fabric.

Slowly they approached 1, nervously holding each others close, they bowed to him. He grunted taking note of them and sitting up taller in his throne he spoke.

"I see you've come for a visit?" 3 and 4 nodded vigorously. 1 looked at them, board. Children were so useless. "Very well go, but no memories." 1 waved them off with his hand and they rushed to her.

Unable to be quiet about it 3 and 4 pounced playfully on 7's sleeping form. She let out a bit of a cry as her optics flew open. She batted at the twins with her bound hands weakly, till she realized it was them. A smiled crept across her face. Her twins were here.

She watched 3 and 4 study her for a moment, cataloging before she spoke. "I'm so glad you guys are here. I missed you."

3 and 4 hugged her again, they had missed her too. Having a quick conversation 3 and 4 decided to cheer her as best they could since 1 said no memories.

Smiling mischievously, 3 and 4 began to tickle 7. She yelped in surprise as the darkness of the throne room and her bondage retreating from her mind laughter taking over.

" Ha ha 3, Ha 4! Ha ha ST-Hahaha-OP! Ah ha ha ha." 7 wiggled trying to get away from their quick little hands.

Mismatched optics watched her laughter from the dark corner until 1 bellowed.

"Stop making such a racket!" 1 hated useless noise.

But 3 and 4 ignored him and continued to tickle torture 7, who was laughing wildly now and kicking her feet. They couldn't stop now, just as the light was returning to her optics, she need to be happy. She needed to feel wanted, loved. She needed to know they cared. At least that's what 3 and 4 thought.

"Oh for Creator sake, 8! 8, come put a stop to this nonsense." 1 called. 8 did not appear from the bedroom they shared.

"Gargantuan cretin, probably playing with his magnet again." 1 grumbled as he stormed off to fetch 8, 3 and 4 released 7 from there tickling grasp.

As her gears began to slow, 7 looked at them so grateful and the twins knew they had done something good. She smiled and held them as best she could for a moment before she spoke.

"Better go now, 8 will be out soon." They nodded and hurried off, blinking flashes of love and missing her until they were out of sight.

Mumbled curses at 8 for being so slow as they reemerged but it didn't faze 7 much.

She knew now she could survive this, no matter what it takes. She wouldn't let 1 break her.

She had to be strong…

And all the while 6 watched from his corner and hoped. Perhaps 7 would let him tickle her too? He liked sound, especially the sound of her laugh. He had seen the future, her time here was growing short.

He wanted to enjoy her presents in the throne room.

While he could….

A/N: Thanks for all the great reviews. I really like reading what people think.