Healing Hearts
Chapter Thirteen

The Canyons-Wolf Pack Camp...

"Amber," Austin exclaimed.
"Your cousin," Sally asked.
"That's right," he said. "I may not have to fight Metal after all."
"Can she handle this by herself," Sally said.
"Oh, absolutely."
Amber kept her gaze on Metal as she addressed Austin.
"Are you alright, Austin," she asked.
"I'm fine," he replied. "And, boy, am I glad to see you."
"Yes, well, you and I are going to have a long talk after this," she said, ominously.
Austin winced. He knew that tone of voice all too well.
"Now, whatever you are," Amber said, addressing Metal, "I will give you a choice: Leave here now, or, I will dismantle you, piece by piece. What say you?"
Metal responded by charging Amber. His steel tipped claws lashed out and clanged against Amber's blade. Both combatants moved fast, sparks flying, the air ringing with metallic clangs.
Sally watched, impressed as Amber fought methodically and coolly. She moved with a grace and agility Sally had never seen before. She dodged and struck out, leaving a long scrape across Metal's body. The robot turned and retaliated. His claws hissed through the air. Amber moved backwards, narrowly avoiding the attack. A thin red line appeared on her cheek. She didn't even seem phased by it. Instead she pressed the attack, her sword a blur as she pushed Metal back, putting him on the defensive.
"Wow," Sally gasped. "You weren't kidding. Her sword fighting is incredible."
"You haven't seen anything yet," Austin said. "She's just getting warmed up."
Metal decided to change tactics. He fired up his thrusters and took to the air. Then he zoomed down straight at Amber. She dodged, and then looked up tracking Metal's flight. The robot turned in midair and refocused on Amber. Then he flew at her once again. This time, though, he curled up and became a large metal buzz saw. Whirring, he hit the ground and made straight for Amber. Dirt and rocks flew through the air as Metal closed in. Amber brought her blade up and braced herself.
Metal crashed into the sword. Amber was pushed back slightly, then she pushed back, holding Metal at bay. Both robot and Edenian pushed against each other, neither giving ground. Everyone present watched the battle, wondering how this would turn out.
Finally, Amber managed to shift and sent Metal spinning away. The robot righted himself and came at her again. Amber lept into the air, the buzz saw speeding past. Amber landed back on the ground and turned quickly as Metal changed his trajectory and charged at her again. Amber brought her sword up. The blade began glowing, and she slashed in an arc. The energy released from the sword shattered into hundreds of star-shaped lights. The lights cut through the air and struck Metal. The robot hedgehog uncurled from his buzz saw mode and stumbled to the ground. He regained his footing and charged her, his claws ready to rend her to pieces.
"Stubborn machine," Amber growled.
She countered his attack and blocked his claws."I'm warning you, stop this now, or I will be forced to destroy you!"
"I WILL DESTROY YOU," Metal said. "AND THEN I WILL DESTROY AUSTIN AND THE PRINCESS AND EVERYONE ELSE."
"Then you leave me no choice," Amber replied.
She lept back, putting a few feet between her and Metal. She was suddenly surrounded by a silver aura. The light flared brightly around her and her weapon and then, faster than the eye could follow, she lunged at Metal. The robot charged as well. Both combatants closed in, then Amber's sword struck, slicing in a star pattern. Time seemed to slow for a moment as the sword struck five times, then both Amber and Metal passed by each other. They stopped, their backs turned towards each other. They stood still, the air heavy with silence. Then, Metal collapsed. He hit the ground, reduced to several pieces. Sparks flew and wires and circuits spilled out. Metal's eyes flickered, some life still remaining. Amber walked over and stood, gazing down at the dismembered bot. Metal looked up at her, his eyes flashing with what could have been rage.
"YOU...WILL PAY...FOR THIS," Metal ground out.
"I think not," Amber replied.
She brought her sword down and plunged it into Metal's head. The eyes widened briefly and then the light faded. Amber withdrew her sword and sheathed it. Her opponent was defeated. As she turned away from the fallen robot, a great cheer arose from the gathered wolves.

"Amazing," Sally said. "You're cousin is awesome."
"I know," Austin said, smiling proudly. Then the smile vanished as Amber approached. "Oh, boy. She doesn't look too happy. And I can guess why."
Amber stopped and stood before her cousin, staring at him with a stern expression. Austin wilted under the intense gaze.
"Look, Amber," he began. "I know why you're upset. I messed up. I shouldn't have taken off without telling the others where I was going."
"I should say so," Amber said. "What were you thinking? You could have been killed! Why must you be so reckless?"
Austin remained silent, not quite sure how to answer.
"It's not entirely his fault," Sally spoke up. "I'm to blame, too."
Amber turned her attention to Sally. "You're the leader of the Freedom Fighters, correct?" Sally nodded. "You should know better as well. You're friends are very worried about you."
Sally nodded. "I know. And you're right. I messed up, too."
"We never expected this to happen," Austin said, knowing that wouldn't fly with Amber. And he was right.
"That's no excuse," Amber snapped. "You should always expect the unexpected! Damn it, Austin! Do you have any idea how I would feel if anything happened to you? You think I want to bring news to your parents that you perished?"
Austin looked to the ground, unable to face Amber. He didn't really know what to say. She was right. He hadn't been thinking. He had been so obsessed discovering the truth about the spy that he hadn't considered the consequences if anything went wrong. It was a rookie mistake, one he should have avoided. Suddenly, he felt someone embrace him. Looking up, he saw it was Amber. He was a bit surprised. A second ago she had been chewing him out and now she was hugging him. She looked up at him.
"Don't ever do anything so reckless again," she said. "I almost lost you once. I don't want to go through any of that."
Austin hugged her back, tears misting his eyes.
"I'm sorry, Amber," he said. "I promise I won't do it again."
Amber let go and a smile finally crossed her face.
"I glad you're okay," she said. "I really missed you." She turned to Sally. "Forgive my harsh tone earlier. Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Amber, Austin's cousin."
"Austin's told me all about you," Sally said. "I'm Sally. Nice to meet you, Amber. Your cousin told me you were an incredible sword fighter. And he was right."
"Thank you," Amber said. "By the way, Austin, you almost got way worse from me, but, a certain little rabbit back at Knothole asked me to go easy on you."
"Cream," Austin said, smiling. "Bless her heart. I owe her big time."
"I'll admit, she melted my heart," Amber said. "She reminds me so much of Eden."
"Who," Sally asked.
"My little sister," Austin said. "She's very polite and adorable like Cream. Heck, they'd probably become best friends if they ever met."
At that moment, the wolves joined them. Lupe stepped forward, offering her hand to Amber.
"I don't know who you are," she said. "But you saved us from Metal. You are an amazing warrior. And you have our gratitude. If there's anyway we can thank you, please, let us know."
"You helped my cousin in his time of need," Amber said, glancing at the bandage adorning Austin's chest. "That's thanks enough."
Suddenly...
"Lupe! There's a ship heading this way," a wolf called out.
Everyone looked up and sure enough, a hover craft had appeared on the horizon and was heading straight for the wolf camp.
"Oh, what fresh hell is this," Austin said.
Amber drew her blade. "I will deal with this."
The ship arrived and then landed just on the outskirts of the camp. The wolves grabbed any available weapon and stood alongside Amber, determined to defend their home.
"Just one ship," Sally wondered. "That's odd."
The door slid open and out stepped Snively. He immediately noted the hostile gazes that greeted him. And, in particular, he noted the red-haired girl with the katana.
"Great, another one," he murmured. He held up his hands and spoke aloud. "Just relax. I'm not here to start any trouble. I just came to retrieve Metal Sonic."
"So, you sent that abominable machine," Amber said.
"Actually, miss," Snively said, "he acted of his own accord. Seems he knows how to hold a grudge." He glanced over at Austin. "So, we finally meet face-to-face...Austin, is it?"
"Snively," Austin said. "You're boss sent you here? What, was he too afraid to leave the safety of his city to come get his wayward robot himself?"
"The Doctor is busy with other things," Snively replied. "But that's irrelevant. Just let me get Metal and I'll leave here."
"Very well," Amber said. "You can have him." She turned and retrieved Metal's head. She tossed it to Snively. "There. He's all yours."
Snively stared at the robot's head at his feet.
"Wonderful," he sighed. "And after we just repaired him, too." He glanced up at Amber. "What about the rest of him?"
"Don't push your luck," Amber replied. "Tell your master he can build a new body for that thing."
Snively shrugged and picked up Metal's head. He turned and started back up the ramp into the ship. He stopped and turned back to face everyone.
"To be honest, I really didn't care for Metal," he said. "He was nothing but trouble. I say good riddance."
Then he turned and entered the ship. A moment later, the ship lifted off and flew towards Robotropolis. After it was out of sight, everyone relaxed. Lupe turned to some of the wolves.
"Take this rubbish and toss it into the canyons," she said, indicating the remains of Metal Sonic.
"With pleasure," one wolf said.
As they gathered up the remains, Lupe turned her attention back to her guests.
"Amber, was it," she said. "Would you care to join us for lunch? The least we can do is offer you our hospitality and some food."
"I would be honored, Lupe," Amber replied.
As she walked off with the female wolf, Austin staggered slightly.
"I think I'd better lie down," he said. "Too much excitement."
Sally helped him back to the tent and he lay down. She sat down next to him.
"I thought for a moment Amber was really going to lay into you," Sally said. "She's pretty scary when she's mad."
Austin chuckled. "Strong as I am, even I try not to get on her bad side. Even as children, she always kept me and Darren in line."
"That aside, she really is kind and caring like you said," Sally said.
At that moment, Amber entered the tent and sat down on the other side of Austin. She looked at the bandage on his chest.
"Lupe told me how bad your injury was," she said. "And she said you had a terrible fever."
"I'm feeling better, now," Austin said. "Their healer is top-notch." He glanced at Sally and smiled. "And I've had Sally by my side."
Sally leaned down and kissed his forehead.
"You're such a sweet talker," she said.
Amber watched the tender moment.
"Are you two...together," she asked, a surprised tone in her voice.
"You didn't know," Austin said. "Phoenix or Darren didn't tell you?"
"No, they didn't," Amber said. "I'm going to have to have a...word with them."
Austin fell silent, recognizing that familiar tone. He didn't envy Darren or Phoenix.
"Soooo, what do you think," Austin asked. "About me and Sally being together?"
"I'll admit, it seems a bit fast," Amber said. "But, I can tell you two are sincerely in love with each other. I was worried when you left home, Austin. I wondered if you would find peace of mind. You were very broken up over Jill's death."
"I know," he said. "But, everything worked out for both of us. Amber, did Darren or Phoenix at least fill you in about Robotnik?"
"Phoenix told me about Mobius and how Robotnik was attempting to take over," Amber said. "When I arrived at Knothole, Darren explained the rest to me. This Robotnik has certainly done some terrible things."
Austin looked at Sally and she nodded.
"Listen, Amber," he said. "I...I want to help the Freedom Fighters against Robotnik. In fact, I already promised to help them." Amber was about to speak, but Austin interrupted. "I know what you're going to say. Phoenix already discussed my obligations to return home and assume the throne one day. But, I still wish to help them. And...I was hoping maybe you could also help. I know Darren will."
Amber fell silent, thinking.
"I know I'm asking a lot of you, Amber," he said. "But you and I know what it's like to have evil threaten people's lives. I know with all of us working together, we could very well defeat Robotnik and free Mobius."
"I understand what you're saying, Austin," Amber said. "And, really, I don't mind helping those in need. But, have you stopped to consider one thing? If Robotnik is defeated, yes, you could return home, but what about Sally? You would end up leaving her behind on Mobius."
That caused both Austin and Sally to fall silent. Neither one had considered that.
"Austin," Amber said. "You wouldn't be able to stay on Mobius. I'm sorry."
"No," Sally said. "That's not fair. We've finally found happiness again, and now you're saying we'll have to separate?"
"Maybe we don't have to," Austin said.
"What do you mean," Sally asked.
"Sally, if we do defeat Robotnik, would you return with me to Edena, my home kingdom," Austin asked.
"Y-You want me to go with you," Sally gasped.
"Yes," Austin said. He sat up and took her hand in his. "You'd be more than welcome there. And I know you'd love it there, too. Please, say you will."
"I-I don't know," Sally said. "This is a little sudden. I mean, I'd love to go with you. But....I couldn't leave my friends behind. They've been my team and family."
Austin nodded. "I understand. I certainly couldn't ask you to leave them anymore than I could leave my friends."
They fell quiet, despair starting to set in.
"Maybe...maybe you don't have to leave them," Amber spoke up.
They both glanced at her.
"What do you mean," Sally asked.
"Well, why not invite them to go with you," Amber suggested.
"You mean it," Sally asked. "You wouldn't mind?" She looked at Austin. "Would it really be alright?"
"I have no objections," Austin said. "They'd be welcome. Besides, they've become my friends, too. I'd hate to leave them behind as well."
"And...would your family be alright with it," Sally asked. "And with us?"
"Sally," Austin said. "My family will love you. I promise."
Sally knelt down and embraced Austin.
"In that case, yes," she said. "I'll go with you."
"Are you alright leaving Mobius," Amber asked. "It is your home."
"I'm alright with it," Sally said. "There's really nothing left for me here. Mobotropolis is gone, my parents are gone....Sonic's gone. I want to start over. Start a new life. A peaceful life."
Amber nodded. "You'll have that life in Edena. I promise."
"Well, now that we have that problem solved," Austin said, "we need to get word back to the others in Knothole. Amber, would you be willing to fly back there and tell everyone what's happening? I still have to wait one more day before I can travel."
"Why don't you just call for Phoenix and ask him to transport you back to the village," Amber suggested. "In fact, why didn't you just call him before?"
"Ah....Oh, my god, I'm such an idiot," Austin said, smacking his forehead.
"Now, Austin," Sally said, "Given everything that happened, you can't really blame yourself."
At that moment, Lupe entered the tent.
"Austin, there's someone here to see you," she said.
She stepped aside and Phoenix entered.
"And here we were just talking about you," Austin said. "Sometimes I think you're psychic, Phoenix."
"No, everyone at Knothole told me you and Sally had gone to the canyons," Phoenix said. "And that Amber had also gone there to search for you. I merely followed the trail and ended up here. I trust you're alright, Austin?"
"Yeah, apart from feeling totally stupid for not calling you in the first place," Austin replied. "But, I digress. I don't suppose you could take us back to Knothole, could you?"
"I can," Phoenix said. "But first, I believe Lupe here has prepared a feast for all of you."
"Well, we don't want to be rude and leave without joining them for lunch," Austin said.
"You're welcome to join us, Phoenix," Lupe said.
"Do Entities even eat," Sally asked.
"We may be immortal, Princess," Phoenix said, "but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy food and drink like everyone else."

Later, after everyone had eaten their fill, Austin, Sally and Amber were making their farewells to Lupe and Lobo, and the other wolves.
"I can't thank you enough for helping me," Austin said. "I'm forever in your debt." He turned to the old healer. "I'm especially indebted to you, Lady Healer."
"Ah, away with you, you charmer," the old healer cackled. "I'm glad you're doing better. Here. Take this with you." She handed him a small jar. "Make sure to apply that salve twice a day until it runs out."
"Thank you," Austin said.
"Lady Amber," Lobo said. "We'd like to thank you for saving us from Metal Sonic. Our pack is indebted to you."
"No need for debts, Lobo," Amber said. "You're friendship is reward enough."
Lupe hugged Sally. "Farewell, Sally. Take care of yourself."
Sally hugged her friend. "You, too, Lupe. We'll have to get together again sometime when there isn't an emergency."
Lupe turned to Austin and took his hand in her own. "Farewell, Austin. I wish you a full and speedy recovery. And, take good care of Sally."
"It's a promise," Austin said.
They turned to leave when Austin suddenly halted.
"Hey, wait a minute," he said. "I need my sword. Anyone seen it?"
"Right here," Lyco said, stepping forward. "We found it near the cave. I was holding onto it until you were better."
"Thanks, Leeta," Austin said, taking the sword from her.
"I'm Lyco," the female wolf corrected him.
"Oh. Sorry," he apologized.
"We get that a lot," Lyco said, smiling.
Austin turned and walked over to where Phoenix, Amber and Sally were waiting. He stood with them and they waved goodbye to the Wolf Pack. Then, a flash of flames surrounded them , and they were gone.

Knothole Village...

"Okay," Amy said. "I'm sick of waiting. We're going to the Canyons. Tails, fire up the Tornado."
"Uh, hello," Tails said, pointing to his arm. "I can't fly the Tornado like this."
"Well, let Rotor fly," Amy said. "I'm sure he can do it."
"We're going to wait," Darren said firmly. "Amber will find them. Have a little faith."
"I can't help it," Amy said. "What if something happened to them? The suspense is killing me."
Tails placed his hand on her shoulder.
"We're all worried, Amy," he said. "Believe me, I'd like nothing more then to fly out and look for them. Right now, all we can do is wait and hope for the best."
Amy stopped pacing. She placed her hand on Tails' hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
"You're right," she said.
Suddenly, a bright flash of flames flared up out of nowhere. Amy yelped in surprise, jumping back. The flames dispersed and there stood Phoenix, Sally, Austin and Amber.
"Sally! Austin," Amy cried out happily. She rushed forward and hugged them both. "You're okay!" Then she let go and glared at them. "Just where the heck were you two? Do you have any idea how worried we were? What's wrong with you?"
Despite the situation, Austin and Sally couldn't help but smile as Amy ranted at them.
"We're glad to see you, too, Amy," Austin said. "Amber already went over this with us."
Amy fell silent. Then she smiled.
"Well, while I'm glad you're both back, safe and sound," she said, "you still haven't told us where you went or what happened."
"We'll tell you in a minute," Sally said. "First, we have an important matter to deal with. Namely, the spy."
"Oh, yeah," Darren said. "Did you find out anything when you questioned Nack, bro?"
"I did," Austin said. "The good news is, Cream's not the spy."
Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief.
"How could you even think that sweet little child was a spy," Amber asked.
"It's a long story," Sally said. "And for the record, none of us believed she was a spy."
"So who is it then," Amy asked.
"Not who, but what," Austin said. "It's Cream's doll. I think it was created by Robotnik and is transmitting information to him. Think about, Cream had the doll with her the day of the meeting. After I began suspecting it was the doll, Sally and I tested my theory and fed it false information. We pretended a Chaos Emerald had been located in the canyons. That's why Sally and I went there."
"Why didn't you tell us," Tails asked.
"We weren't entirely sure about the doll being the spy," Sally explained. " Once we knew for certain, we were going to come back and inform everyone. It was supposed to be a simple recon mission."
"Unfortunately," Austin said, "we were ambushed. By Metal Sonic."
"Metal," Tails gasped. "We haven't seen him for sometime."
"Austin fought Metal," Sally said. "And while he won, he was seriously injured. We were then found by the Wolf Pack. They took us back to their camp and treated Austin's wounds. He recovered, but then, Metal returned, looking for a rematch."
"Fortunately, Amber showed up," Austin said. "She took Metal down."
"So, Metal's scrapped," Amy asked.
"For now," Sally said. "Chances are Robotnik will rebuild him."
"Okay, that explains what happened to you guys," Darren said. "But what about the doll? If it is the spy, what do we do with it?"
"I'll tell you what we do with it," Amy said, pulling out her hammer. "We smash that little snitch into the ground."
"Now, Amy," Amber said.
"No, I agree with her," Sally said. "We're destroying that doll."
"Yes," Amy cheered. "Finally, I get to take my frustrations out on something."
"Alright. Where is the doll," Amber asked.
"I left it in my hut," Sally said.
"It's still there," Darren said. "We saw it there earlier in the window."
"The window," Sally said, confusion tinging her voice. "I didn't set it in the window. I set it on the table."
"Then how did it get in the window," Tails asked.
"Who cares," Amy said. "Lets just get over to Sally's hut and smash the creepy little sucker."

Soon they arrived at Sally's hut. Darren glanced at the window and saw no sign of the doll.
"Hey, guys," he said. "It's not there."
Sally unlocked the door and entered. She glanced over at the table but saw nothing.
"It's not on the table," she said.
Everyone entered and began searching. They checked under the bed, in the cabinets and cupboards, the wardrobe, everywhere. But there was no sign of the doll.
"What's going on here," Amy demanded. "Where is it?"
"Do you think someone took it," Tails asked.
"How," Sally asked. "My door was locked. And no one's been in here since then."
"So, what, did it just get up and walk out of here," Amy said. "I highly doubt that."
"Actually, you may be more correct than you think," Amber said. "Look what I found."
Everyone gathered around where she stood. Near the floor, they saw a small hole. Austin checked the edges.
"This hole was burned into the floor," he said. "It's still a little warm."
"Are you telling me that not only can this thing move on it's own, but it has a laser," Amy exclaimed.
"Looks that way," Austin said. "We have to find it and fast. If it's armed, then that makes it dangerous."
They turned and exited the cabin.
"Everyone spread out," Sally ordered. "If you see Bunnie, Antoine or Rotor, tell them what's going on and to keep a lookout for that doll."
Tails, Amy, Amber and Darren took off in different directions. Just as Sally was going to head out, Austin suddenly stopped her.
"Hold on, Sally," he said. "I think I have a good idea where the doll might be going."
"You do," she asked. "Where?"
"Vanilla's house," he replied.
Sally felt her blood run cold.
"Oh, no," she gasped. "Vanilla and Cream could be in danger."
"C'mon, let's get over there," Austin said.
They took off at a fast run, hoping they would arrive in time.

Soon they arrived at Vanilla's house. Sally frantically knocked on the door. They waited, fearing the worst. Then, to their relief, the door opened and Vanilla stepped out.
"Sally! Austin," she exclaimed. "You're back. Where have you been? We were all so worried about you."
"Vanilla," Sally said, "Is Cream here?"
"Why, yes," Vanilla replied. "She's upstairs in her room."
"Thank goodness," Sally said.
"Oh, by the way," Vanilla said. "Thank you for repairing Cream's doll for her. She was glad to see it again."
Austin and Sally glanced at each other.
"You mean, the doll's here, with Cream," Austin asked.
"Yes," Vanilla said. "She found it sitting on the doorstep a little while ago. Did you drop it off earlier? You could have stopped in and let me know you were alright."
"Vanilla, listen to me," Austin said. "That doll is not what it seems. It's actually a spy device created by Robotnik."
"What," Vanilla gasped. "Are you certain?"
"Oh, we're certain alright," Austin replied. "And nobody dropped it off. It came back here by itself."
"It may even be armed," Sally said. "We have to get it away from Cream."
Vanilla glanced at each of them. Crazy as it sounded, she knew they weren't the type to make up such stories.
"Cream," Vanilla called out. "Could you come downstairs, please?"
A moment passed and Cream appeared at the top of the stairway. As she made her way downstairs, Sally and Austin saw the doll in her arms.
"Miss Sally! Mister Austin," Cream said. "You're back!"
She rushed forward and hugged them.
"Where have you been," she asked. "Did something happen to you?"
"Cream, sweetie," Vanilla interrupted. "Sally and Austin need to talk to you about your doll."
"Cream," Sally said, kneeling down in front of Cream. "I need you to give me the doll. It's dangerous."
"What," Cream asked. "But it's just a doll."
"No, Cream, it's not," Austin said. "That doll was actually created by Robotnik. It's been spying on us and relaying information to him."
Cream glanced at the doll in her hands. She just couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her doll was a spy for Robotnik?
"Please, Cream," Sally said. "I know it's hard to believe, but I need you to trust me on this. Will you give us the doll?"
"Well, I know you wouldn't lie to me, Miss Sally," Cream said. "If you really need the doll, then here."
She handed the doll to her. Sally nodded and reached for it. As soon as she touched it, she staggered back, crying out in surprise as the doll electrocuted her. The doll fell to the floor and scuttled towards the door.
"Quick, catch it," Sally said, rubbing her singed hands.
Austin moved quickly. He got in front of the doll, pointing his sword at it.
"You're not going anywhere," he said.
The jewel on it's head flashed and some instinct warned Austin. He dodged aside as a thin crimson beam shot out from the jewel. With Austin no longer blocking it's path, the doll continued towards the door. Austin scrambled back to his feet and ran after it. The doll fired it's beam at the door, steadily burning a hole in it. Austin lunged at the doll, but missed it as it scurried through the hole it had made. Austin grabbed the door and opened it, pursuing the doll.
"My word," Vanilla gasped. "It really was Robotnik's invention!"
"Stay here," Sally said. "I'll be back."
She rushed out the door and caught site of Austin. He had cornered the doll, which was firing it's beam at him. The Edenian warrior dodged as he moved closer. Then the doll changed tactics. Suddenly, it swelled and pulsed and began growing. Austin halted and watched as the doll changed. It quadrupled in size and long metal claws unsheathed from the doll's hands and feet. The head altered and the mouth widened, sporting sharp metal fangs. The button eyes were replaced by glowing red orbs. The doll hunched forward, staring down at Austin.
"Oh, you gotta be kidding me," he said.
The doll let out a piercing, metallic shriek and lunged forward, metal claws raking the air.

End of Chapter Thirteen...