I had not intended to do this story. It is the companion, or rather the continuation of "Singing in My Sleep." However, that story was so favorably received that I decided to continue it along. Thanks to all who supported me so warmly in that first posted endeavor. The title to the story is the same title as the song by Switchfoot. I'll include the lyrics to that song at the end of this chapter.

Rating: PG-13

Teaser: (Post-Series) Everyone deserves a second chance, right? But second chances are not simply handed out; they are fought for. The destruction of identity is not the end of life. And everything inside screams for second life.

Summary: After the destruction of Factory. Amon and Robin will not be content to remain hunted forever. How much strength, how much trust, can make a person? How much strength does it take to break a person?

Disclaimer: I own nothing. I go to college and work in a fast food joint. I have no money. But you can try to sue me. I like getting funny letters in my mail.

Meant to Live

by ShiroKitsune

Chapter 1: MADBRAIN NOON

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"Robin," Amon's careful voice broke in on her thoughts. It was time to leave. She had known it was coming. She had known from the minute she escaped the Factory. And yet, now, looking around at the apartment still littered with unnecessary belongings, the knowledge that the end of her old life was here, left her with a lump in her throat and a curious tightening of her lungs.

"Robin," Amon tried again his voice still cautiously soft. He came to stand just behind her to the left. He reached a hand out to lay on her shoulder when she twitched apprehensively away. His eyes flashed in surprise for a moment before returning to their usual closed slate color. He saw the gray hint of exhaustion that flitted through her eyes and it embarrassed him.

He had been on the couch half asleep while she made them food and tea. And through her haunting song he had found peace and comfort. He had been able to rest.

"Come," he said to the lightly swaying girl. He kept one hand on her shoulder to steady her and guide her to the door. "Are you ready?" he asked.

Such a loaded question. Was there any way to be truly ready for this?

"I have brought what I need," she said indicating the black duffel bag beside the door. His eyes sparked in recognition of her evasion. He looked at the soft, trembling lines of her form as though he had never seen her before.

Where had her fighting spirit gone? Where was the determined angel of hope?

"Are you afraid," he asked betraying a slight hint of worry in his voice. She seemed so much smaller, standing there in that same flowing black skirt, but now paired with a soft gray sweater. He looked at her downcast face expectantly. She huffed out a sharp breath of air and rocked her head slowly back and forth. She lifted her face, her head tilted to the side, and smiled a rueful little smile.

"No," she replied honestly and captured him within her eyes. Those eyes trapped him in their fire.

The most ancient goddess. The goddess of fire. The burning sun that gave rise to all life. The crackling logs, ablaze, could warm a home or destroy a city. Those flames were slowly consuming him.

He stared at her, unable to move.

Almost bewitched.

She turned away and lifted the duffel bag. The strap settled firmly on her shoulder. "I'm ready."

That was all she said.

"I'm ready."

Amon nodded, his voice lost as her words echoed in his mind. No matter what may come later, now, they were ready. He had made his promise to her as the morning light had filtered into the apartment, and Amon was a man of his word. His eyes were distant as he replied to her in his own mind.

"As am I."

He drove in silence. Not that silence between the two was unusual. Amon was truly glad that his partner seemed to have no inclination to fill in the comfortable silences with aimless rambling.

But just this once, couldn't she have said... something. Anything that could help him to understand her and her unnatural calm.

It was-- irritating, he decided looking at Robin out of the corner of his eye one again. She had been silent since they left the apartment, dark, unlocked, and abandoned to the prying eyes of the world.. He had thought at first that she was still worried about the future and saddened by having to give up her life. She had shifted slightly and his eyes had quickly flicked to her but what he saw there was not sadness.

It was peace.

She sat, properly, though comfortably, with her hands folded gently in her lap and her eyes on the road ahead. A ghost of a contented smile lay upon her face. Her body moved slightly in tune with the car. She was so tranquil.

Somehow, that bothered Amon greatly. He didn't know how long he could take her Mother Teresa serenity. How could she be so strong? Didn't she realize that her life as Robin Sena, craft user, and STN-J member was over?

"You never asked," he said sharply and noticed with some satisfaction that she startled at his voice.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"Where we're going," he said.

"Oh," she said and smiled as though she knew a secret.

"What?" he asked more sharply than he had intended but her smile didn't slip.

"Didn't you already plan where we were to go?" she asked. He nodded and looked at her suspiciously.

"Then why would I go pushing into it. I trust your judgment," she said.

There was that word again. Trust. That was what it all came down to in the end.

"We are going to see my brother," Amon volunteered the information.

"Nagira." It was not a question.

"Yes. He will help hide us. When it is safe to travel, we will leave Japan," Amon said. Robin simply nodded again as though she had come to that conclusion as well.

"We have to be careful, Robin" Amon warned her.

She continued to sit silently. That peaceful silence.

"They are hunting us. And if they catch us…" he let the end trail off.

"I know," she said still looking out the window. She turned toward him and it seemed that her eyes were suddenly very dark. Amon's hands clenched the wheel tighter as his lungs burned for air.

"I have made my peace." She said and turned away.

Authors Notes:

Feh. It's the first chapter. What are we expecting? Ah well. Hope they aren't too OOC. The whole, "I am ready. As Am I", is a severely loaded part but it will be explored further later.

Thanks again for all the kind reviews for "Singing in My Sleep." I hope this story doesn't dissapoint. Before fanfic net's newest dumb idea, the space below showcased the lyrics to the title song "Meant to Live" by Switchfoot. But since a harmless, helpful song lyric is now apparently a crime (dick-holes) I had to remove it. And of course, I can't give you a link as to where you can find the lyrics because, 'lo and behold' we can't include links either. Morons.