When Video Games Come to Life

(13) When Dawn Approaches

Wesley's P.O.V

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I found her! Laura had tears running down her face as we dashed to meet each other. We were only feet away when a shadow slipped out of the nearest alley and grabbed her, with yet another damp cloth in his hands. I ran towards her as fast as my feet would carry me, and as soon as I got within a foot of her, both the shadow and Laura vanished into a pile of ashes. "Laura?! Laura! Laura, please!" I only half expected to get a response. I was suddenly amid a large crowd, as someone came up to me and smacked me. Then another came up and kicked me, and I realized they were all Eggbots.

"Wesley's stupid! He thinks he's going to get his friend back!" That's when I had the realization.

Then I was sitting up with a start. In fact, I jerked up so hard I tumbled off my bed. "You okay in there?!" That was a dream I never want to have again. Although it gave me an idea.

"Fine. Uhh, Claire? Have you seen any more Eggbots lately?" I assume she would have told me, but I reckon it wouldn't hurt to ask anyway.

"Not that I can remember. Why?" came her reply.

"I was just thinking..." then Claire appeared in the doorway. "perhaps it was one of the Eggbots that captured Laura?" She looked both thoughtful and considering.

"Perhaps..? Nightmare?" She knew me too well to presume I had just thought of it. We had assumed until now it had been some shady guy wanting a victim of... I don't want to think of what whoever it is might do to her. We'd continue our search today.

"Who all's going on the search today?" Chris and Chuck had been staying here recently, although I don't like it. I guess we'll all deal with it, though, because it doesn't seem as if they'll be going anywhere anytime soon. They were actually at the hospital with Cream, at the moment, who in turn was delighted. I left Chuck to tell her what happened with Laura, and I assume that happiness will soon fade to vague pleasure with most of it disappointment.

"I believe it's me, you, Knuckles, and King Dedede looking for her in the car today, Sonic and Amy running, of course, Tails and Meta Knight flying, so long as Meta stays hidden, and Kirby wandering around looking; running, flying, whatever." That sounded good, but not enough. I was so scared we'd never find her, and I knew Claire was too.

"Well, let's get on with it then."

~~~^v^v~~~^v^v~~~

Laura's P.O.V

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I could hear voices. That's all I knew. I was too scared to think, and I wasn't sure if I was wearing a blindfold, or if it was just that dark. I couldn't make out what the voices were saying, all I happened to catch was "But what if she...?" but his voice faded from my hearing range. I was trying to calm myself down, by making stupid jokes, such as 'Why did the chicken cross the road? I don't know, I can't see!' That one only made me inwardly laugh because of just how dumb and bad it was. I inwardly laughed once more until I realized there were footsteps heading right for me. Then I couldn't breathe at all. The door to where I was hidden opened and they had a camera. I'm not sure who it was, for they were in disguise, but it was not hard to imagine they were not a rescuer of any sort. He took me and placed me on a stool, and gave me some cards. I didn't know what they were for, or what they said, but I was terrified beyond anything I had ever felt before, and I found that all I could get myself to do was stare at my attacker dumbfounded. "Read them. Read them to the camera when I say 'now'." I looked at the camera, then back at the cards. He set the camera on a tripod in front of me. "Now." I looked at the cards and started to speak. My voice sounded gruff and raspy, as if I hadn't spoken for days; which for all I know, it could have been days.