Family Among Us

Part 24- Teleported onto Skeld

The morning in the kitchen started as usual, filled with laughter and clinking utensils as Y/N and the crewmates enjoyed their breakfast together. White was telling one of his classic exaggerated tales, arms flailing with dramatic flair, when suddenly, a strange, swirling portal erupted out of thin air. The room fell silent, the light from the portal casting ominous shadows across the walls.

Before anyone could react, Y/N felt an inexplicable force tugging at her. She gasped as it pulled her in, and one by one, the crewmates began to follow, their panicked yelps filling the room. Black tried to hold onto the edge of the counter, but it was futile. The last sound was White's surprised shriek as they were all swallowed up.

Moments later, they landed with a collective thud on cold, metallic floors. Familiar sounds of hissing airlocks and the distant hum of engines filled their ears.

"Oh my gosh!" Purple gasped, eyes wide behind his visor. "We're on the Skeld!"

Red looked around, recognition dawning as he took in the dull, familiar halls. "This is...we're back on the spaceship."

White, ever the jokester, nudged Black. "Looks like we're back to old business," he muttered with a wry grin.

Black's gaze shifted to Y/N, who was still on her knees, catching her breath. She slowly stood up and surveyed the ship with a mix of curiosity and determination. "We don't need to play by those old rules," she said. "I'll help you all get your tasks done, and we'll make sure nothing goes wrong. Black, White,"—she shot them a pointed look—"no funny business, and keep an eye on things."

White grinned, eyes dancing with mischief. "Who, me? Never."

The crewmates split up, moving to their assigned tasks with Y/N helping to lift heavier equipment and watching the halls. Black stayed close, his eyes shifting warily as if sensing a lurking presence.

It didn't take long for Black's instincts to kick in. He tugged on Y/N's shirt, his visor glinting with urgency. "There's someone else here," he said in a low voice.

White's playful expression vanished as they slunk into the shadows, following the subtle sound of footsteps. The source? A figure clad in the light gray suit of an imposter, eyes sharp and calculating.

"Light Gray," Black growled. "Leave them alone."

Light Gray cocked their head, a smirk twisting their lips. "Why should I? Imposters thrive on chaos. It's what we're made for."

"Not these ones," White cut in, stepping forward with an uncharacteristic seriousness. "They live with us. They're part of our crew now. You're not touching them."

The standoff was tense. Light Gray's eyes flickered between Black and White, narrowing with disdain. "You're weak," they spat. With a scoff, they turned and disappeared down the corridor.

Meanwhile, Red was fixing a tangled mess of wires in Electrical. He paused, the hairs on the back of his neck prickling. A shadow moved behind him. He turned, but before he could react, Light Gray lunged. A flash of panic crossed Red's face, and in an act of pure instinct, he kicked out. Light Gray stumbled back, giving Red just enough time to break free and sprint toward the emergency button.

The alarm blared, and within moments, everyone materialized at the table. Y/N's eyes widened as she saw Red's torn suit, blood trickling down his leg.

"What happened?" she asked, voice laced with concern.

Red's breath came in short, panicked gasps. "Light Gray...they attacked me." Tears welled up in his eyes, both from the pain and fear.

Black stepped forward, fists clenched. "We told you not to attack anyone," he barked at Light Gray.

White added with a dangerous edge in his tone, "You have no idea who you're disrespecting. Y/N is the one who saved us, gave us a home. You'll never understand what that means."

Light Gray's gaze shifted to Y/N, puzzlement flashing across their face. "What is this creature?" they muttered. "Why do you speak as if..."

"That's none of your business," Black snapped. "Come near our family again, and you'll regret it." His voice carried an unmistakable threat.

Light Gray faltered for a moment, caught between confusion and defiance, before backing away with a scowl.

"Come on," Y/N said softly, bending down to lift Red. "Let's get you to MedBay." She wiped a tear from his visor and smiled reassuringly. "You'll be alright."

Purple led the way, glancing nervously at every shadow as they moved. Once Red was patched up, the final tasks were completed, and the portal reappeared, shimmering with a warm, golden glow.

The crewmates filed through one by one. Black and White lingered for a moment, their eyes meeting Light Gray's one last time. Black shook his head, while White made an exaggerated L sign, sticking his tongue out before turning on his heel.

As they stepped through the portal, Y/N couldn't help but smile. Despite the chaos, they had protected each other. And that, she knew, was what family was all about.