[ABANDONED] Another Series of Oneshots

The Machine (miniseries)

"Get away from me!" I pointed the metal butter knife at the Caretaker. His eyes widened at my threat, and I was certain he saw the frantic look in my eyes.

"Easy, J26," he said, holding his hands out and slowly inching forward. I backed away as he approached. "Easy, don't do anything you'll regret."

My hands were shaking. The white walls closed in on me, and so did the white coat worn by the Caretaker. Oh god, what was I doing? My mind raced and my back hit the wall.

The Caretaker took this opportunity to swoop toward me. I swung the knife at him, hoping to cut him open like he and his Helpers once cut me and my friends open, but he grabbed my wrist and wrenched the knife from my grasp. He tossed it aside and bound my wrists together with his magic.

"Let me go!" I yelled and tried to pull away, but the Caretaker was stronger. I didn't even know what I would have done if I had broke free. Hit him maybe? Regardless, despite my struggles, he pulled me close and wrapped his arms around me like those restraints he and his Helpers tie me down with. I struggled against his hold.

"Shh, shh, I wouldn't struggle if I were you," his grip was like a snake's, tightening more and more and more with every movement I made. Frustration welled up inside me, and I willed myself not to cry.

My body didn't listen, and I sobbed. We sank to the ground, and my sobs turned into full blown tears. Everything had gone absolutely wrong, and I never should have pulled the knife on the Caretaker. His grip was oddly soothing, and he rubbed my back gently. Eventually, I quieted and the tears stopped flowing.

"There we go," he said softly, yet not letting up on his grip. "Now, tell me J26, who gave you the knife?"

I said nothing.

"I don't think you understand how much trouble you're in, attacking me like that. I know this wasn't your idea, so if you tell me who gave you the knife, we won't have to do anything drastic. Alright?"

As much as I wanted to save myself and tell him exactly what happened, I realized Tabby (or D16 as they called her) was likely far more helpful to our little resistance movement than I ever would be. I shook my head and hoped my friends would understand.

"I see," the Caretaker was serious. He let go of me and stood, and we looked at each other. His icy blue eyes betrayed nothing. "We'll have to figure out what to do with you then. Stay here."

I didn't have much of a choice anyway. Before I could think to escape, he left and locked the door behind him. I was left alone to judge myself and my decision.

.......

Everyone was gathered in the common room, except for Avon. Several people on game consoles waited for her, their champion at the game, to make the teams even. Meanwhile, 3 people: a wolf-humanoid, a male human, and a twelve year old girl, waited for an entirely different reason.

Shade twirled a pen around his fingers and wished he could use magic to make the acrobatics even fancier. However, his magic, along with his wooden leg, had been taken away. Crutches leaned against the table. He considered slamming the pen on the table, but remembered the Helpers watching them nearby.

The wolf-humanoid, Luke, watched someone (he thought it was J12) playing a computer game. Colors he couldn't make out flitted across the screen. His tail quietly swished back and forth, relaxing in its monotony.

Meanwhile, Tabby, the youngest of the trio, drummed her fingers on the table. She had regrets, but said nothing in case someone was listening. She had the most to lose if Avon didn't appear, and she knew it. If one of the Helpers, or even the Caretaker, found out what she did, Tabby would be in a lot of trouble.