Broken, yet still robust (Gwain Saga X OC) -ONGOING-

Chapter 9 - Metal, Blood and Magic

Kataklysm retraced his steps, hoping to bump into Ami to see if she was all right. She'd probably finished eating, and was most certainly hanging out with her little group. After a minute of walking, he finally reached the hallway between the small garden and the director's office, and suddenly, he heard something right behind him.

Thud!

He turned and saw an object on the ground that he immediately recognized. A red study notebook, his own. He reached down and picked it up. While he was at it, he noticed that the zipper wasn't completely closed. Yet he'd sworn he'd closed it properly...

Letting out an annoyed sigh, he hurriedly inserted the plastic notebook into the slot, hoping to be more careful next time.

Bang!

Kataklysm lifted his head quickly, looking fearfully to his right. A black box with small gray markings stood in the garden, as the dust from its fall rose around him. The few students quickly left the garden, avoiding Kataklysm. The human left his backpack and took a few steps forward, but stopped when a camera was revealed on the machine's face. It rotated on itself, as if analyzing its surroundings. A robotic voice came out, sounding like a long-distance radio.

-Hello ? Is my voice recognizable?

-Er... Yes?

-Alright ! I was afraid this machine might be defective after so much time gathering dirt.

Kataklysm recognized the voice coming from it. It was definitely that woman he'd seen earlier in the week ! What was her name again?

-... Lune?

-Luna, but you were almost there, Kataklysm.

-And what's... this?

-The machine ? Let me show you...

In a sequence of clicks, the machine began to shake and two equally spaced blocks appeared beneath it. Then, using her new-found mobility, she advanced towards her target as unnaturally long square robotic arms appeared at her sides. Kataklysm stood still, though the urge to take off was very tempting.

-So, continued Luna as she stopped in front of him. What do you think?

-It's... weird ? No disrespect, since you may be the one who created it, but the design seems a little too... simplified. And you're the one in charge ? Like, remotely?

-Yes, I am. As for the design, let's just say it's part of my trademark. But don't be fooled, there's more than one trick up its sleeve!

The machine triggered another series of clicks as steam billowed from the rear. The robot put his arms in front of him and clenched its fists. Kataklysm quickly looked around, reassured that there was nobody in the garden apart from a few spectators in the corridor, and imitated his opponent. Luna spoke with a certain enthusiasm.

-Come on, you've been on my mind so long, I can't wait to see what's so special about you!

She stepped forward and began to throw blows. Kataklysm dodged the first ones and rounded his enemy at the same time. She was particularly slow, probably because the machine itself was heavy. He took another step back and put some of his hair behind his ears.

-Hey, don't you think you're dragging this out a bit ? If you want to fight - and believe me, you're the only one between us who does - you might as well come in person.