INTRODUCTION

This story takes place eight years after the original virus stopped the world. It's five years after season five, which I've changed for plot purposes. I know fans out there might not like what I've done with the characters but I'm a firm believer in growth and change. I simply couldn't write them the same as they were when they were teenagers. But whatever changes that have occurred were only taken from aspects already present in the characters themselves. I'm a true fan of the show and only hope I've done it justice with this story of love worth fighting for.

I hear the wind call your name

it calls me back home again

it sparks up the fire, a flame that still burns

Oh it's to you, I'll always return, yeah

I still feel your breath on my skin

I hear your voice deep within

the sound of my lover, a feeling so strong

oh it's to you, I'll always belong

now I know it's true, yeah

my every road leads to you

and in the hour of darkness darlin'

your light gets me through

I can't stand the distance

I can't dream alone

I can't wait to see you

'cause I'm on my way home

Oh I hear the wind, call your name

the sound the sound that leads me home again

it sparks up the fire, a flame that still burns

always to you, I'll always return

I can't stand the distance

I can't dream alone

I can't wait to see you

'cause I'm on my way home

I will always return. Yes I will always return

I've seen every sunset

and with all that I've learned

is to you, I will always, always return

-Brian Adams

PROLOGUE

This story changes many events in season five. Mega has a big plan but it's not to wipe out the city with a deadly virus. After getting rid of Ram, Mega attempts to rule over the city. Making Ebony go crazy and creating the horde of Zootists to divide the reliance. The Mallrats and many others, resenting his control, rebel. This begins what is later known as Mega's War which lasts for months. The rebels gain little headway having not only Technos to fight, but chaotic Zootists as well. In the end, Mega gains the upper hand and crushes the rebellion.

Liberty still exists and though Ram does regain his health there, his attempts to create computer software with Zoot's personality never goes though. The War claims the same lives including, Java, Siva and Ved. While the Mallrats try to pick up the pieces of their lives, Mega begins construction on the New City. He starts with a perimeter wall cutting off seven of the original city's sixteen sectors. Three sectors along the shoreline, the other four moving in towards the center of the city. Think of the shape of one quarter of a pie. He builds only one main road into the New City, the border gates equipped with scanners to keep those without the encrypted numerical tattoos on their hands out.

When the three story wall is finished and fully equipped with security cameras, Mega's Technos raid the old city for anything of value and usefulness. Wood, metal, glass, fabrics of all kinds, furniture, books, computers... anything that can be used or recycled for use. Riots ensue at the gates of the New City for lack of supplies and many, including the Mallrats, wonder where Mega is going with this. They debate leaving the city for good. Many do, including Mouse who has Salene take her to the Gaians.

Finally Mega surprises the Mallrats with a visit. He invites them to become members of his New City promising to provide them with all Ram had offered in the beginning. Running water, plentiful food, schools, a hospital, safe homes, law and order... a return to life before the virus. He even asks the elders of the tribe (Lex, Amber, Salene, Trudy and Jack) to be on a special council to ensure the city is run for the people.

The other bombshell he hits them with is the fate of their friends who were taken at the beginning of the Techno invasion. Those taken served a dual purpose. First, it made the city easier to control with nearly a third of it's citizens gone, and the remaining kids were easier to control with the missing used as leverage. Second, those taken were placed in rehabilitation to get the years of fighting and surviving out of their heads. Those who took to the program were retrained in useful trades (computers, medicine, education, science...) to become productive members of the New City. Those who didn't take to the program were unfortunately considered too high a risk due to their spirited natures and were used as test subjects to further scientific research. Alice, Bray and Taisan had been among this group.

While Jay was aware of the first objective, he was oblivious to Mega's plans of a New City as were most Technos under Ram's directive, Ram included. They had been told that those taken were working in camps. Mega explains that all those who completed rehab were now members of the New City, rebuilding life as he spoke. Mega gives the Mallrats one day to decide while he makes this offer to others. Once the Gates of the New City are closed, members will be scanned and their information computed. Their tattoos acting like social security cards with all their information. Passports if you will. Those not in the city's computer will not be able to gain access into the city without approval from Mega and the council.

Once Mega is gone, the Mallrats ponder their future. Many are angry at what they've lost, (Ellie, Lex) others saddened with the final fate of lost loved ones, (Amber, Salene) some are too numbed with indifference to feel anything, (Trudy, Jack) and others exhilarated at the thought of a new life without scratching for survival (Sammy, Gel). In the end, many choose the New City hoping this isn't a way for Mega to become a tyrant over them all. Others choose to stay behind or leave the city all together, opting instead for total freedom. There are plenty who have no choice since Mega considered them too dangerous to merit an invite, Ram and many Zootists included. The next day, Hundreds of kids move into the unknown while another hundred watch the gates close on them. It will be known as the day the city divided into light and darkness.