Authors notes: Yes, yes, I know, I know. Short chapters, and I still haven't put out the next chapter of Encased Relations or put out the first chapter of Captive's sequel. It'll come in time. College has just taken over my life and all. As it stands, I write most if this stuff in the ten to twenty minutes between classes. ^^;
Special thanks to Alba Aulbath and Slayne, who give me feedback on ideas before I apply them. ^^b
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Deus Ex Machina Chapter Two
Every creature in existence has a subconscious list of situation they never wish to experience. Fear, famine, pain; the list is normally the same, no matter the difference in individuality. However, when one lives during a time of war, the list is extended towards individual factors.
Being dragged out of a prisoner transport ship by heavily armed Swatbots had been rather high on Espio the chameleon's list.
Struggle was involuntary; pulling and twisting against metal grasp, shade changing constantly in complete fear; it seemed, for the moment, as if there was no hope. The Swatbots had done this countless times before.
A blue robot, reminiscent of his breed, stood several feet in front of the entrance to a rather foreboding building; somehow, Espio knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what was inside.
Shade changed faster, struggling increased into a furious tempo.
It did not matter.
"Valdez, please!" The prisoner yelled more than cried out, calling upon sympathy that likely no longer existed. "Don't do this!"
A blank, metallic glare was his only response.
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"How long would it take us to get to Robotropolis?" Mighty was first to ask the question; rescue was foremost upon all their minds.
"Too long." Came a regretful reply from the current Guardian of the island. "By the time we get there, anything could have happened."
"Then what do we do?" The only female amongst the Chaotix asked. "We aren't leaving him."
"No. No, we aren't." Knuckles frowned, clearly troubled by the situation as a whole. "We need to make a call."
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It was his worst nightmare becoming real.
The Swatbots literally tossed their prisoner into the large, circular chamber; his side came down harshly upon the metal floor. He found himself not caring about the pain.
Blood leaked from aggravated wounds, dripping upon the floor; long dried crimson displayed previous horror. Briefly, he wondered whose blood it belonged to, which of the many robot slaves the blood once ran through.
Wondered if his fate lied down the same path.
He realized, suddenly, that he was terrified.
He lifted himself from the cold floor of the machine, prepared to pound his fists upon the glass and call upon his lost friend again, when he caught sight of a new robot. Pink metal gleamed under artificial light.
"Liza.." Came a stunned whisper. Catching sight of the two metal creatures that were once of his kind, desperation mounted.
"Liza! Valdez! Please, don't do this! Help me!"
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"Espio was captured? When did that happen?" Sonic the hedgehog asked in utter surprise; shock was expressed clearly across the videophone screen.
"Some time last night, we think." Knuckles grumbled. He sighed slightly. "Listen, Sonic, just get the word out. We're headed out to you guys as soon as possible, but we can't get there in time to save him. You're group is closest to Robotropolis. Just.." He paused, sighed again. "Just save him, okay?"
"No problemo, Knux. We'll make sure he'll be okay."
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The floor gave a sudden crackle, electricity charging through metal plates. It spread to the smooth glass and metal ceiling, like a virus taking the life of its host. Amber eyes widened in alarm, darting about in chaotic fear.
The end was near, it seemed.
"No!" A desperate scream, mangled and shrill in terror. Gloved fists pounded against the glass. If he had hair, if he had fur, it likely would have been on end.
The blue robot that had once been his friend sent a curt nod towards a Swatbot at the controls. The charge quickly turned from near static to remote pain.
The poundings ceased; the screams abated. Palms flattened themselves against the glass, and a face that was still flesh could only stare at his once-friends in despair.
For all intent and purpose, roboticization was death. His life was about to end.
He did not want to die.
Eyes closed of their own accord; two tears escaped in unison. He believed they would be the last tears he would ever be able to shed. Despair settled into a hardened pit within his gut; collapsing to his knees, but not from the pain, he internally prepared himself.
Even as the pain began to climb, he silently prayed.
That was when the impossible happened.
"Hold it right there!"
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Espio: Wow. Two chapters in, and I haven't been horribly mutilated, yet. What's the occasion?
Author: *glances around* _ _ *evil grins* :D
Espio: ….. Oh, crappit.
Author: Kyahaha. Viva la feedback, readers! ^^b I live off of critique!