The Grand Battle [Game Over!]

Originally posted on MSPA by Dragon Fogel.

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"The... cleansing..."

The words weakly came out of Eximo's vocal processor. Emily had to admit it was strange to see a demon so obsessed with something that didn't involve death and destruction. She probably would have left it alone a bit longer, had it not suddenly decided to attack Alcarith.

"Estimate... one minute... fifty seconds... to detonation..."

"What?" This took Emily aback. Did this bizarre abomination know something about the bomb?

"Lifeform... better suited... to achieving primary objective... this unit... unnecessary... one minute... forty-three seconds..."

Emily was shocked. It was hard to understand, but it sounded like the vacuum cleaner had been trying to save Alcarith by attaching the bomb to itself. But... a demonic machine, thinking in such away? That made no sense.

There isn't much time. I might be able to slay this demon first, and then we'd escape before the bomb went off... But it would be close, and if I failed, her death would be on my conscience. The thoughts rushed through Emily's head. No, this device will have to wait. There might still be a chance to save the dragon-girl, if I act now...

"Demon!" Emily shouted at Eximo. "Did you see where her vehicle went? Quickly, there isn't much time!"

Weakly, Eximo pulled out a bony arm, and pointed the way Alcarith's vehicle had gone.

"That... direction... one minute... twenty-nine seconds..."

"Then we'd better hurry."

Emily directed the barrier towards the machine. I pray I can make it in time, she thought.