Chapter Text
"Introducing... Vee Version Two! The better version of Vee Version One."
The window revealed the offline model of the new Vee, hooked up onto several monitors as the body sat on a metal bed leaning slightly off to the side. The electric blue vest bore the white "V2" on it with pride, as if showing off that it was the new and improved second model. Her screen was off, but it reflected the shocked face of Vee Version One, who was outside in the hall looking in. Her tail landed on the floor with a soft thud as questions blurred through her processor, her robotic heart starting to race with unknown emotions.
Delilah stood next to her, a pleased smile on her face as she stared at the improved clone. It took a lot of work to get this right, since Vee's ichor sample was much more delicate than the rest of the Toons. She barely had it to begin with, but the amount she did have was used to power up her heart, despite just being a robot. Delilah patted Vee's back as she continued to gloat about the upcoming replacement.
"This new version of you will be MUCH more technologically advanced, AND will be waterproof! Since you glitch at the mere touch of water in your systems, this one will have no problems being around water, or any liquids for that matter. She will take over your show and your spot in the Main category, but I'll make sure it'll be like you were always here. Isn't this exciting?"
No. It was not.
Vee couldn't move. Couldn't talk. Couldn't breathe, even though she didn't need to.
She felt... numb.
Ever since her handler Veronica told her the news, of course she was more than upset to hear that they were making a copy of her.
But seeing is definitely different than hearing.
Seeing first hand... the finished clone that would... just take away her life, her purpose...
Vee - for the first time - lost her voice.
Delilah however, took her silence as a positive thing. She patted Vee's back once more before gently turning the Main to face her, her eyes hidden underneath her bangs as usual. She stared at the screen face of Vee, whose eyes carried a hint of hurt at what was happening.
"Now, you may be thinking this is an immediate thing. But it's not." Delilah started, catching onto the surprised twitch of Vee's antennae. "I want you to take this as a grave sign; you're failing miserably. Always have been for the past - what? - MONTH, now? It can't keep going like this."
Vee didn't think she was failing, at all. She didn't notice any glitches in her system, any external injuries on her body, or even missed any recordings or live shows for her game show. Everyone always said that she was amazing at what she did, no matter how rough it was for her on the inside. Even Veronica constantly told her that she was doing a fantastic job, even though Vee would just brush it off due to her flowing confidence.
"Think of this as... a punishment if you continue to mess up. You always claim you're the best, so act like it if you want to stay here." Ms. Keen warned, her voice soft yet carrying that subtle point of warning. "I have no problems getting rid of you if you're just going to be a pain in my ass."
Biting her digital lip, Vee felt the gravity of her dilemma prick and prod in her wires like virus bugs breaking down her firewall. Her literal existence was on the line, she couldn't mess it up now. Her microphone tail curled around her waist loosely as she lowered her head, not wanting to stare at the woman in front of her.
".... You have some nerve." She muttered, making sure Delilah could hear the bitterness dripping from every word. "You really... have some nerve. I won't let you replace me that easily just because you prefer to get a quick few bucks in your pocket. I'm more than just my code... You know that."
Delilah stayed quiet, her lips pressed together in a thin line. She knew Vee would be against this 100%, but she had a business to run. Yes, she quite enjoyed the money that Gardenview brought into her bank account every day, and she also liked being in control over all the Toons. So naturally, whatever she said would go into motion - regardless of whatever or not Arthur had any say in it. If she was considered a monster because of that, then she'll gladly wear that badge with pride.
"I know you believe you're more than your code, but-"
"I am more than my code. You may be my creator, but you're blind in the sense of seeing the real me." Vee hissed, her voice glitchy with anger. "I will NOT let you take this away from me. I'm just as good as Dandy, and you have no problem with him!"
She got in Delilah's face, challenging the one who made her alive. "I will be the best. You can dump that disgusting rainbow mess in the trash, because I will remain here for the rest of Gardenview's days. Don't underestimate me. I hate it when people do that."
She glanced once more at the unconscious clone, seeing how she was hooked up like she was on life support. Her angered face caught on the dark screen again, her eyes narrowing before she scoffed and walked away, her tail lashing out behind her. Delilah watched her, her teeth gritted with annoyance. She knew Vee was going to be a problem with all of this, but at least she'll have some entertainment watching this little robot grasp with the looming future of being replaced and forgotten.
"Count your days, Version One. I'll be waiting."