the descent

Chapter 10

how long espio had stayed in foetal position he was not sure

lying in a puddle of tears that were still growing

hugging himself tightly as the overwhelming thoughts and feelings of what he had just seen and experienced

body shaking from the shock but also the pain, his body completely covered in friction burns, bleeding cuts and growing bruises

"such a mess you've gotten yourself into" a vile voice crackled from behind

the ninja's head turned so fast that it was a miracle it hadn't snapped

eyes blurry with water and panic, backing away and trying to camouflage

and yet was only electrocuted, stopping him in the process

"calm down now, the worst is over" the voice continued as it came closer

"Please...stop" Espio begged as he backed himself into the corner

the footsteps stopped in front of him

the ninja bracing himself for whatever pain was next

but when nothing came the ninja looked up to see the egg man looking down, patient yet impatiently

allowing the chameleon to steady his breathing, tears flowing but getting easier to see

"Now listen to me, you can either accept this offer or stay here" Eggman began darkly and yet softly, gaining his full attention

"Follow me and I will take you to an open space, you try acting out and see what happens" Eggman warned as he dragged the poor reptile up by the collar

espio nodded as best he could, despite having the large man's hands so close to his neck

and with that Eggman dragged him to the middle of the room where a panel began bringing them up

looking up he watched in amazement as he finally saw something that wasn't artificial light

a clear star-filled night

...

Eggman had brought them up to what looked like a field

green grass with stray flowers

a tree with cherry blossoms

and a bolder one that had the smoothest top

"quite beautiful no?" Eggman asked rhetorically as he took in his handy work

"Now you can't go too far or you'll get shocked to full power, but this freedom should suffice" Eggman warned

not that the chameleon was truly paying attention

the place was gorgeous

freeing

and yet his mind was still trapped in the coffin

"you did it" espio started as he held the boulder for support

"you did kill them all" espio continued darkly

"enjoy tonight" was all Eggman answered as he began to descend

leaving the chameleon alone once more

and yet all the ninja could do was fall to the floor

throwing up as it was too much

how could it have come to this

he could....he should have.....

"why...." Espio cried once again

"vector....charmy.....I failed you...I'm so sorry" Espio cried as he begged for their forgiveness