Imperfect Life: Arc 4

Chapter 21

Crys was at home, peacefully minding her own business. She was laying in bed, mindlessly scrolling through one of her social media feeds on her phone while the TV was on in the background. Everything was fine as far as she was concerned, at least, it was for about five more seconds. The show she had on in the background suddenly cut off. A new program was taking up the whole TV. Crys turned to see why her show stopped so suddenly, and her answer was staring back at her. The Mecha-Werewolf's smug grin plastered the screen. It was standing in the local news studio.

"I would like to get the attention of all watching, if I haven't already." The Mecha-Werewolf said charmingly with a smile.

Crys sat up to pay attention. She furrowed her brows, frustrated already.

"I'd first just like to make it clear that I'm here thanks to the generosity and kindness of our local news team. They graciously let me borrow their studio so I could get this message out. There's no need for alarm." The Mecha-Werewolf continued sweet talking. "Now, the real reason I'm speaking to everyone. I have done nothing but help this city while that horrific Werewolf goes around committing felonies left and right! So! With that being said, I would like to confront The Werewolf once and for all. I am going to put an end to her rampant disregard of the law tonight." The Mecha-Werewolf paused for a second. "So, Werewolf, wherever you may be." It said sinisterly, giving a knowing look. "I'd like you and I to have a little talk. I'll tell you where I am, and then I will bring you to justice." It paused again. "Well, unfortunately that's all the time I have. Goodnight dear citizens!"

The television screen went back to playing what was on before as if nothing had just happened.

Crys sat in silence, taking in what had happened. Her phone dinged. She held it up and saw she had a text. It was from Emma.

"The news station, and don't be wastin my time, darlin'." It read. "As you might be able to piece together with that witless brain of yours, I have my dear creator here with me as well as a... captive... audience. Be here in an hour or they all meet their maker."

Crys threw her phone down on her bed in sheer anger. Emma was kidnapped again and now a whole news crew was taken hostage as well. It was time to end this. Either she'd put a stop to the Mecha-Werewolf now, or she'd die trying.

Just a few minutes later, Crys found herself on the roof of the news studio in her werewolf form. She looked around for an entrance and saw that the Mecha-Werewolf had already made one for itself earlier. The door to the stairwell was completely mangled and disfigured. Crys walked through carefully and made her way down the stairwell. She found the floor with the actual studio and opened the door to see the scene. The Mecha-Werewolf was standing front and center, staring right at Crys. Emma was at the back wall by a computer console and camera while the rest of the hostages were against the right wall.

"How nice of you to finally join us." The Mecha-Werewolf said.

Crys carefully took a few steps in. "Let them go! I'm here!" She called out fiercely. "Leave them out of it!"

The Mecha-Werewolf let out a sort of mechanical grunt or sigh. It was hard to tell. "I don't care about those low-lives." It said. "You're right, though. You are who I want." It stopped for a second, then turned its head to face the captive audience that now had serious doubts about who was the real hero here. "Get out." It snarled.

The news crew didn't have to think twice. They all bolted out of the room as fast as possible. Now only Crys and the Mecha-Werewolf remained... and Emma.

The Mecha-Werewolf looked over its shoulder. "I said you're free to go." It growled.

Emma didn't say anything. She just had a look on her face. It was a mix of pain and anger.