Chaos: I'm sorry, I don't think anybody looked at my bio, where it said I would be on holiday for the next two weeks? Which is why I wasn't updating. Pfff. Anywho, you know the drill by now…

KellyR - Ah, now you're embarrassing me…it's only good when I get inspiration! Like, err, now…

oracle apprentice – Well, here's the chapter…what can I say?

Kirbs – (gasp) You use my word! Tis mine, ne? As for hating Amy…guess I can't change your mind about that!

Mythica – Can I call you that? Y'know, I prefer the Weyrs, not the holds, but…oh, getting off track. Glad you like it!

atomcrossex – Heh heh, just read this chapter an you'll see why you're right…

star's dreams – Can I call you SD? Heh…well, I aim to be a mix of angst and humour…makes a good story, I think.

Az – Oh, new stuff is a long way away…as for the sequel….blegh. Discontinued for now.

Ladymecha – I'm not gonna drop this story anytime soon…see above!

Tarem – Yup. He's certainly trying…heh heh.

chaolovin' – O.O No, there I actually a happy ending…well, sort of. Don't hurt meee!

Spawn of 84 – Hey, I update quite often compared to others! You know who you are, others! … (shifts eyes)

……………………………………………

Mecha had just finished repairing and was stepping out of the machine when Robotnik stormed round the corner, face almost purple. Mecha took it as a serious danger sign, and he would normally slink away, but he had been seen already.

"They got Cinos!"

"Who, Master?"

"Knuckles and his lot, I think...his radio cut out. Mecha, go and get him." Metal Sonic winced at the thought of actually helping Cinos, who he felt slightly resentful of, but knew better than to argue with the doctor.

He bowed quickly and slunk from the room.

……………………………………….

Cream looked around furtively, then crept up the last of the stairs, prize clutched tightly in Cheese's paw. She reached the door, and motioned to the chao, who hovered up, jingling the keys excitedly.

She took them, and with one last glance around the silent hall, unlocked the door. Cinos was sitting on the bed, eyes blank. She crept in and shut the door with a quiet click.

Cheese hovered up to the metal face, bobbing her head curiously. Cream turned around and hissed, "Cheese! Get back here…I think he's sleeping."

"No, I am thinking."

Cream jumped nearly a foot, and squeaked, "Aah! Don't DO that!"

"Do what."

For a second, Cream puzzled over the words, then realised it was a question. With no emotion in his voice, it was hard to tell.

"You scared me!"

"Why."

"Because I thought you were asleep…"

"I do not sleep."

"You used to, all the time…guess you're catching up." Cream giggled at her joke, and Cinos' eyes flicked on, shining bright green.

"Are you laughing."

"Yeah…I made a joke!"

"…joke."

Cream blinked at him, and murmured, "Wow…you're really different." A sudden voice from downstairs startled her, and she looked around warily, Cheese zooming around their heads.

"Are you scared again."

"A bit…"

"Why."

"I'm not supposed to be in here…"

"Why not."

"They think you might be…dangerous."

"Maybe I might be."

Cream stuttered out, "W-what?" Cinos' eyes flashed.

"I made a joke."

Cream giggled uncertainly, then burst out laughing. She dropped onto the soft bed beside him, and said, "Wow…you're not so different after all!" Then another voice from the stairs made her twitch. "Maybe I should…go. Am I bothering you?"

She was already up and edging towards the door.

"No." he said hastily, cursing the lack of emotion, "I like having someone to talk to." She smiled in relief and walked back to him. Then a face appeared in the window.

Mecha was clinging to the damp, ivy-encrusted wall with difficulty, having to dig his claws right in to hold his place. Through the glowing window, he could see Cinos, and the rabbit...Cream?

He looked at the bars in annoyance.

Scanning…

Barrier identified as steel alloy.

Selecting suitable weapon…

Selected weapon56 titaniumbuzzsaw.

Initiating program…

The circular saw slid out of his wrist and began buzzing quietly. In minutes he had cut through and twisted the bars away.

He checked on them; still talking, they hadn't noticed anything. He climbed up as high as he could, praying that they wouldn't look at the window, and steadied himself on the ledge.

The window shattered loudly, sending pieces of glass across the room. Cinos threw an arm in front of Cream to shield her, and snapped his head to the window. Mecha stood among the remains, bright eyes glaring.

"Cinos. Master commands that you come with me, and bring any hostages you can." His eyes briefly alighted on Cream, looking around the side of the bed. Cinos followed his gaze, and Cream whimpered slightly. Cinos paused, unsure. For a moment the thought flashed across his mind, beyond his control;

Primary objective: obey Master. Object 'Metal Sonic' – response unknown.

But he had no time to worry about it as Mecha bristled and commanded, "Get the rabbit, and come with me!"

"…No."

"What?"

"She is my friend. I will not take her."

"Then I will!" Mecha leaped towards Cream, who darted behind the bed. The robot swiped round with his claws, and Cheese darted into his face. Footsteps pounded on the stairs.

Mecha knocked away the chao easily, and eyed the door furiously. Cinos stood in the middle, unsure of what to do. Mecha darted round the bed and grabbed Cream. Then he looked to Cinos and shouted,

"Come now! Master commands it!" Then he leaped out of the window. Cinos followed, but not because of the command. Because he had heard Cream screaming.