Nine

The constant hum of energy flowed through the pipes in the ceiling, and the soft sparks from the welder illuminated his focused face. All was silent… except for the metallic echo of his nine tails dragging across the workshop floor.

"Almost..." Nine murmured, adjusting the stabilizer core with surgical precision. "Just a couple more tweaks and this shield will be impenetrable."

He put away the tool, but didn't get up. He stood there, alone, in front of his invention... and the distorted reflection of himself in the polished metal.

—I don't need anyone. No one came when I needed them most... so I don't need them now, right?