Insides
Word count: 570
"I know your first instinct is to struggle," Lady Snare told her captive, "but I can assure you struggling is the last thing you want to do." Clad in a skin-tight, red costume, with large, gear-shaped utility racks attached at the shoulders, Lady Snare looked like a clockwork devil crouched as she smiled at her quarry.
Parity glared up at Lady Snare. A thick band of cloth around her mouth prevented any kind of verbal response. With her arms bound behind her back and rope tightly wrapped from her feet to shoulders, she was stuck with a hateful glare as the only possible comeback to Lady Snare's advice.
Lady Snare trailed her right hand down Parity's torso, letting her fingers gently drag over the ropes. "I know about your unnatural strength," Lady Snare explained, "As well, I know that with enough time and determination, you have a knack for getting out of most bonds." Lady Snare reached up to pull a small, palm sized device from the large gears on her shoulder. "Now, I think you should know something: neither of those mean a thing this time."
"The ropes binding you now are no ordinary ropes," Lady Snare continued. She paused for a moment to work with the device in her hand. After finishing her typing, she turned the device around to face Parity.
Parity's eyes narrowed as she examined the devices color screen. As she was watching the device's screen, Lady Snare threaded a finger beneath one of the ropes and tugged. Parity's eyes grew a bit wider as she understood the correlation between the sensor readings on the screen and Lady Snare pulling on the rope.
"On their insides, these ropes are embedded with numerous sensors. Sensors that will know when you apply any excess pressure on them." Lady Snare worked the controls of her device. "Ropes may not be able to hold you, Parity, but I am willing to wager that your heroic moral code can."
Lady Snare tapped on her device again. Once more she turned the device so Parity could view the screen. Parity's eyes widened as she immediately recognized the scene on her screen. "Your sidekick, Clawrizza, I believe," Lady Snare replied, referring to the pink-haired catgirl on the screen, "please note the accessory on her neck."
Parity's eyes narrowed once more, returning to fix a cold, hateful glare at her captor.
"If you struggle or strain against the ropes, she will know," Lady Snare told Parity. "Every indiscretion on your part will trigger the collar. Once will send a small electric charge, twice a not so small charge, and a third," Lady Snare trailed off. "Nod if you understand."
Parity nodded.
"Very good," Lady Snare replied happily. She stood up from her crouch. "Now, if you will excuse me," Lady Snare said. She smiled down at Parity for a second before walking toward the metal door to leave. As her hand reached the knob, she paused. "In case you decide to test my word," Lady Snare said, "I'll leave this with you." She knelt down, propping the handheld device against the wall.
Parity watched the small device as Lady Snare left. She had no desire to watch the metal door slam shut, and was hardly surprised to hear the heavy click of it locking. Once alone, Parity heaved a heavy sigh and began trying to figure her way out of this one.