“I want to help you,” Henry said.

“Who are you? What are you?” Jack asked extremely confused. He examined the machine. The figure was similar to the ticking rodents. He was built of brass and copper. His internals spun and activated just like a watch.

“That is a good question. But first. We need to talk about the monster hunting you.”

“What is it?” Jack asked.

“A failed creation, I'm afraid. From a long-lost time.”

“Why's it here now?”

That is something that is hard to explain. As you can see, I am of a similar design.” The machine motioned to his body. “I was an Assistant to my master. We would create mechanical contraptions and machines. In a series of unfortunate events both his wife and daughter died. He became extremely distraught. He tried to keep on living. But he couldn't do anything and would simply cry every day. Finally, one day he came into the workshop with a mad look in his eye. He told me he was going to change the world. Beat God. I didn't understand but I did what I could to help. It turned out we were trying to bring his wife and daughter back to life. In the end, we failed. Or maybe not. I don't know what we created, but that beast is not his wife or daughter. In the end, he could not kill the beast. So he locked it away, me with it, to ensure it never harms anyone.”

“What the fuck? You’re telling me that monster used to be two people?”

“It's much more than two people now. It seems to be adding parts.”

“What the fuck?”

“The monster is dangerous to society, and I feel it is my duty to protect them from my mistake.”

“Ya, man. what the hell did you do.” The figure was clearly a robot, but it looked down with obvious shame. Can this thing feel? “So, what are you? Don’t tell me you are made out of people too.”

“No. I was created by my master to just be a simple lab assistant.”

“Who is this master? Where are they?”

“My master is Merlin Firedrake. He was born over 5000 years ago. He is dead now.”

“Uh wait what? Merlin? Like THE Merlin?”

“I only know of one.”

“What the fuck this is way over my head.”

“There is more.”

Jack looked back towards the robot with concern. “More?”

“The mechanical creatures spread throughout the city are under the control of the monster. I have been slowly gaining access and taking control of a few. It would appear that you were able to save your friends with your own technique.”

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

That is how it keeps evading everyone.

“How did you get out of wherever it was that you were locked?”

“I am not sure. The crypt was designed to only be opened from the outside. Someone must have opened it by mistake.”

“Why does it keep bothering me?”

“I believe the monster is interested in you.”

“Interested in me? Why?”

“Because you have absorbed an element naturally. It probably has not seen another human who has absorbed an element naturally since his master and it thinks you are him. It seems to be getting more aggressive and wild looking for you.”

“Wait, because I absorbed an element naturally?” It only took Jack a second before realization kicked in. “Ariel also absorbed an element naturally. I need to warn her!” Jack turned and ran back the way he came. He raced through the academy, pushing his way through groups of students. He frantically searched for Ariel but could not find her anywhere. He asked several of the instructors if they had seen her but they all shook their heads and directed him to different parts of the school. Jack was becoming desperate as he ran from room to room, desperately looking for any sign of her. Jack eventually reached a hallway at the far end of the school, one which he had never been down before.

As he walked through the hallway, something caught his eye – a gear lying on the floor. He bent down to pick it up and noticed that there were several more scattered along the hallway. He recognized the craftsmanship and he quickly followed the trail. The trail lead him further down the hallway until he arrived at a large door at the end of the hall. Jack tentatively pushed open the door and stepped inside.

He couldn’t believe what he saw when he stepped inside. The beast was towering over Ariel’s unconscious form. Its body was obviously damaged by Jack, but it looked like Ariel also put up a good fight. The beast turned around. Seeing Jack, it picked up Ariel’s body and dashed out a window. Jack raced out of the room and ran outside in pursuit. He saw it jump off the roof, with Ariel clutched securely in its grasp. He followed after it, determined to save Ariel and put a stop to its plan. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, dodging people and leaping over railings as he tried to keep up. Finally, Jack reached a clearing where he spotted the beast standing atop a tall building. The creature seemed to be focusing all of its attention on Ariel’s body which was still cradled in its arms. Jack quickly scrambled up a nearby ladder.

When he reached the top, he saw that the beast was intently examining Ariel’s chest where she had absorbed her element. Jack knew he had to act fast if he wanted to save her. Desperate, he leaped off the ladder and ran forward, but the beast noticed him and jumped off. Jack reached the edge of the building and looked down. There was no sign of where the monster went.

“Fuck!” He cursed loudly as he tried to think of his next move. “I need to tell somebody.”

It didn’t take him long to find a guard and get in touch with the head of security. Seras Cornwall’s response was not what Jack expected however.

“I’m sorry. We don’t have the extra manpower to find her right now.”

“What? She was taken by that fucking monster! We need to go help her!” Jack said.

Seras Cornwall was a knight that every person dreamed of being. He was known for being loyal, and courageous. Jack had heard many stories from the students of this man’s escapades. But now talking to him, the man looked tired. “I’m sorry my boy. There are bigger things going on. I would love to help one girl and finally deal with that damn monster. But we have more important people to think about.

“More important!?” Jack yelled angrily. “What does that mean?

The man’s face took on a more serious manner and he turned towards Jack. “Be careful what you say, boy. The Royal Family is the only reason you get to learn at such a fine academy.”

“Fuck the royal family.” Jack spat back angrily.

It happened incredibly fast. Suddenly Jack was backhanded across the room. “Don’t ever let anyone hear you say that! Do you understand?” The man was furious. But Jack noticed he wasn’t furious at what he said. But the fact that he said it out loud. After collecting himself Jack slowly stood back up. He didn’t say anything. He just dusted himself off and left the room.

Fine. I’ll do it myself.