Machine Story

Captured

While all the chaos was happening within the prison, David and Anaya were waiting in the distance. They could still see the outskirts of the prison but they had no idea what was going on beyond those walls. Anaya was sitting down calm and quiet but David was pacing back and forth, making sure no one would sneak up on them.

Eventually, Anaya grew weary seeing David so restless so she tapped him on the shoulder and he turned around ready to strike, startling Anaya. He apologized for scaring her and Anaya replied, “Don’t worry I’m okay, but what about you.” David replied that he was fine, before realizing what had just happened.

“Wait, you can talk?!” David jumped and yelled like a maniac. Anaya apologized for not speaking up sooner but she really wanted to know what was bothering him. If it was anyone else in the group, David wouldn’t have shared but something about Anaya’s kind demeanor allowed him to speak freely.

“When I was fully human, I always wanted to become stronger to protect those who couldn’t defend themselves. Then one day I received these robot enchantments along with extra powers. With it, I thought I could beat any enemy that came my way. But I was wrong, there were many foes I was unable to beat. Worst of all, I didn’t listen to my friend and now I don’t know if she will come back.”

David finally sat down to put his head down on his knees as his emotions began to pile on. Anaya gave him a pat on the back to assure him that his friend would return. David replied, “I don’t think it works like that. My situation is a bit complicated.”

Anaya nodded, “You are right, I don’t know your exact situation but I know what it's like to have a friend leave. Back in the palace when I served the queen, people were mean to me. I tried to stand up for myself but they would just see me as a pushover. Overtime I became silent because I felt as if my voice didn’t matter. Thankfully, there were people like Mya, Viraaj, Paco, and Queen Samiya who were very kind to me. In fact Mya was the one who stood up against those bullies when she saw them near me.”

“But then Mya had to leave on her mission to find help and that was when things turned horrible. Councilor Shen began to usurp the throne, first by imprisoning Viraaj and Paco. Then without any of the queen’s inner circle remaining, he took Samiya as well. Everyone who was kind to me disappeared. It was tough being alone but I had to hang on and believe that my friend Mya would come back. I knew I had to stay strong and do everything I could to help them. Unfortunately, all I did was stay at the palace until Mya returned. I did nothing for them.”

David stood up, “No Anaya, what you did was amazing. You hung on even though there was no guarantee Mya would come back. You also helped Mya and Shaan escape the palace. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have this opportunity to save the queen.”

His words put a smile on Anaya's face as she thanked him. “Go help your friends. I know that’s what you really want.” David hesitated as he still had many doubts within his mind. But Anaya continued to encourage him and eventually, he knew he couldn’t just mope around any longer.

“Thanks Anaya, just stay right here alright?” She nodded and David turned to face the direction of the prison. However, as he was about to make his way towards his team mates, a figure descended from the sky. David couldn’t see who it was in the dark but the aura this person emitted felt similar to Sibleon’s.

Immediately, David jumped in front of Anaya, and told her to take cover. The figure in the cloak bent his knees and then launched himself forward at incredible speed. His speed was unmatched as he knocked David in the gut and took him away, leaving Anaya all by herself.