The Grand Battle [Game Over!]

Originally posted on MSPA by Dragon Fogel.

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Eximo followed the strange Gentleman.

"Query. Lifeform Drake claimed to have chosen Lifeform Amethyst for this competition. Unidentified lifeform appears to be of a similar nature. Which contestant have you chosen?"

Ari considered lying to the machine. But then he realized it would give a far more interesting response if he told it the truth. He gave in to his curiosity.

"Aeon."

Eximo paused, trying to process this.

"If Aeon is your contestant, why inform this unit of his plans?"

"An interesting question, isn't it? But does it really matter? You've been ordered to kill him, and if he's actively trying to kill you, that makes him a higher priority target. And it's not as if I could lead you into a trap that easily - you've got that life scanner, you can see for yourself that we're headed for a life form."

"This unit's analysis of the situation matches your own. The recommended course of action is to follow you."

Ari thought he detected a small amount of doubt in the vacuum cleaner's response. The machine fascinated him; nevertheless, he hoped Aeon would prove capable of winning the battle. He still had ways of observing the final round even if the Director banished him for his contestant's loss, but they would be less convenient.

It occurred to him that the machine might, in its reluctance to follow orders, hold back in some way. While that would be good for Aeon's chances, such a battle would not produce nearly as much interesting data. He would have to do something about that.

"By the way," he said, calmly, "you may have noticed that Aeon is willing to fight very hard for his survival."

Eximo did not respond.

"And the next round will be the final one. The Director will want to put on quite the show. Who knows what he'll throw at them?"

Eximo was still silent.

"If it comes down to it, Aeon would probably kill the girl if he felt it was his only chance of survival. What do you think?"

Eximo finally responded, although its voice carried a hint of reluctance still.

"Unidentified lifeform's hypothesis is consistent with this unit's knowledge of Lifeform Aeon."

"I thought you might agree," Ari said, smirking. "Well, he's just over there. I think you can handle the rest."

Eximo extended four arms, armed them all with knives, and sped off towards Aeon's position.