Random
Author: Milady Dragon
Disclaimer: it makes me sad to admit none of it is mine
Author's note: Did you think I wouldn't be coming back? Oh, ye of little faith… But this chapter is kinda short, to get me back into the habit.
Chapter Twenty-Five
It stood, awaiting acknowledgement from its Master that it had returned, all the while holding the wriggling and screaming thing that disturbed its sensibilities. It wanted the thing to be silent, but could do nothing without risking injury.
Why had the Master asked it to bring this? What use would it be?
"You question my wisdom."
It wanted to deny it, but the Master was correct. It did question. And it was an uncomfortable sensation.
"Hand me the child."
It did so, willingly. The thing bothered it more than the questioning of its Master.
The Master took the thing, and the screaming stopped almost at once. He made what it considered to be an undignified noise toward the now quiet thing.
"You have done well. You shall certainly be rewarded for your loyalty and obedience."
It bowed, glad that it could have pleased its Master. Perhaps retrieving the thing had been worth the trouble…and noise.
"Everything I have had you do has been for a purpose. The time lines are now in such turmoil the Time Guardians do no dare to leave their last bastion of defense against my machinations. And now…I have my heir. When the moment comes, you will obey her as you obey me."
It did not want to doubt the Master, but it also did not want to obey the thing. The very idea felt…wrong.
"Wait…"
It looked at the Master, who now seemed confused by the thing. Apparently something was wrong, judging from the way he glared. "This…isn't right." The Master's narrow eyes now turned on it, pinning it so it could not move. "Did you get the right female?"
It nodded, fear overcoming its own confusion.
The Master cursed.
It had never heard such language from the Master before. It did not know what to do; the Master had never been so angry. Perhaps if it offered to kill the thing, since that seemed to be the cause of the Master's ire…
"No. This is my fault. I've so corrupted the time lines, there were bound to be changes to my plan." The Master lifted the thing, examining the wriggling body closely. "This shall do. I had hoped for a female…yet this male will do admirably well. Perhaps this will work out for the best, in fact…" With those words, the Master became engrossed in the thing once more, walking into another room.
And it was left alone. It did not mind in the least. The quiet was wonderful.
But soon – or was it soon? Time had no meaning for it anymore – the Master returned.
He wasn't alone.
"Give your allegiance to my son, your new Master…"
It did. It had no choice but to obey. But at least the squealing, squalling thing was gone.