Mechanical Beast

The mechanical beast sat in the corner, looming in the darkness. The only thing really visible were its eyes, which had a golden glow in the darkness.

Star entered the coffee shop looking for regulars, but the shop seemed empty. There was a presence she sensed in the corner. Looking closer, she could see an enormous figure that was eerily human, but not. Its golden eyes became apparent when it blinked.

This new being attracted her, drawing her in. As she approached, she felt a disturbing mix of emotions. A desire to meet the personage and help them. A feeling of urgency also tugged at her, but there was also a fear that niggled at her.

The beast moved out of the darkness at a speed that was inhuman. It seemed as if it was there in the corner, then standing in front of her in the blink of an eye. It stood at least seven feet tall, had skin like metal plate armor, a short snout, and golden eyes that showed great intelligence, yet also held a hint of violence.

It uttered in a low, reverberating voice, “I have been waiting for you.”

Startled be its movement toward her and its sheer size, Star jumped back, uttering a quick shielding spell. The air between them shimmered with force.

Reaching a clawed hand out, the beast tapped the shield. A metallic ting sounded, and the creature smiled, showing metallic teeth. The smile reached its eyes, showing no malice but more humor as it studied the shield. Once again it flicked the shield, this time it popped like a bubble. It then turned to the side and sat at the nearest table.