Meta and the Beast

Sending Martin Away

            My heart pounds in my chest, I barely had to think, blurting out my answer. "Yes, I'll take his place." I would not allow the man who took me in, raised me, to rot away in a prison he did not deserve. Clarissa needed him, and he needed her. I did not have anyone else.

Light reflected off the ice as her head snapped back and she stared at me, her eyes studying me intently. "You are sure of your decision? Once made, you cannot change it."

"I am." I tell her after taking a deep breath, standing straighter as I looked her in the eyes.

"No Ronald, you will not- "Martin blurts in an attempt to stop me.

"I am sorry Professor Stein, but Ronald-"She tested the name as if making sure it was the right one, her eyes never breaking contact with mine "has made his decision. He shall be taking your place effective immediately." Taking a breath, she turned her face away from mine and stepped forward as I stepped out of her way, drawing out a key she reached for the lock. Her small hands working easily on the lock, and the cell was open.

"Professor, you are free of your sentence." She spoke directly to him and he had an almost panicked look in his face about leaving me behind.

"But-"He started and I cut him off.

"Professor go." I managed to keep my voice strong, and ordered him to go as I clasped my hand on his shoulder. "Matrix is outside, he shall take you back home to Clarissa." Swiftly I have our places switched and the cell door closed with me now locked in the cell so that he has no choice but to comply.

"I am sorry Ronald." His shoulders droop and he sounds defeated. Martin now runs, only after promising to come back for me and I turn to speak some more with the mysterious woman to find out more about what is going to happen only to find her already gone.