Beginnings Have An End
Chapter Eight: Cease Fire
Well, this one's coming slowly to an end. It's probably the only one I'll ever write completely offline and then upload in a day. My next story'll be a request from a friend of mine-hopefully he's writing his crossover, too. Beyond that, I've got about four more ideas, so don't worry, anyone - Thou shalt not suffer overlong. :) Review!
From then on, the Cybers showed no respect for the aides, and listened to their mother only on days. Good days didn't come around very often, but the children were never hostile to Eva, and never went out of their way to hurt her. However, the training was all but abandoned.
Cybersix kept up her fighting skills, mostly sparring with Ten-he was the only one who actually proved a challenge to her, and assuredly, the only one who could beat her. The others were easy fights, and though they held their own, Cybersix could always beat them.
Some of the Cybers spent their time studying. They'd lost education for training, and were more concerned about getting it back. The younger Cybers, however, chose to have mud fights, and sometimes things would get hairy, and rocks would start flying. This made Eva nervous, and though she'd broken off contact with Von Reichter as much as possible, she considered calling him to ask what to do.
It was a cloudy day, one that threatened to rain at any moment. While Cybers 30 through 50 held a dirt clod war - which involved stones, whenever it could - Cybersix took on Ten.
she grunted, struggling to hold him down.
he laughed, and rolled onto his back, pinning her beneath him. She responded with a loud smack on the back of his head, sending him tumbling forward.
Wash your hair, she snarled.
Aw, come on, go easy, he smirked.
Cybersix smirked back for about a second, then tackled him around the waist, sending the both of them crashing into the ground. Both adopted positions that would easily end the other's life, if followed through with.
I think you lost, Ten panted.
I think YOU lost, Cybersix replied, and stood up.
I think we both lost, he corrected, and took her outstretched hand. Shall we join the mud fight? he asked innocently.
Cybersix wiped her forehead. Sure, why not? Hope it rains.
Best mud's over by Cyber 35.
They raced each other to the battleground and joined the fight.
Eva leaned over and looked out the window, just in time to see a few stones fly through the air. Oh....Julia, finish draining the beans, will you? This has got to stop.
She opened the door and headed out to the muddy field. 45, come here.
The boy ran and stood in front of his mother. Of all his siblings, he'd remained the most loyal. What is it?
I want you to stop throwing rocks at each other.
B-but, Mama...no one ever gets hurt... he gestured behind him as the participants easily dodged a barrage of stones. We're too fast to let the rocks hurt us.
Well, one day you might trip, and then what?
Then someone'll help me up. We have a code of honor, too, y'know.
SOMETHING FATHER DOESN'T HAVE! came an anonymous yell, followed by snorts of laughter.
45 smiled weakly. he said, and darted back into the game.
Eva stood on the sidelines, watching her beloved children act out their battles with drama, passion, and - sometimes - humor.
Don't throw that at me!
Why not?
You're on MY team!
What team, stripes or solids?
This is not a game of pool!
I meant the shirt colors, halfwit!
Don't throw that at me!
Quit your whining!
Etcetera. Rocks flew more consistently now; in fact, the barrage was almost all rocks, though some were cleverly disguised as mud balls. Eva could no longer stomach the playful, yet brutal form of excercise, and ran into the middle of it all.
CEASE FIRE! came the yell, but too late, as a crash of thunder overpowered it.
The Cybers stood in shock as their mother lay still in the dirt. Cyber 45 fell to his knees beside her form, trying to shake her awake, like a five year old who didn't understand. Cybersix, followed by Ten and a few others, crouched down and gently wiped the blood from Eva's forehead. Her eyes fluttered open and seemed to focus only on Cybersix.
My...little Six...I love you...
The brown eyes closed again, and Cybersix took her mother's limp hand, pressing it to her face.
Mama.....oh Mama.....I'm sorry, Mama. I'm sorry.
I understand, nodded Von Reichter. Thank you, Julia. You know what to do.
Yes sir. Shall I tell the other facilities?
I'll do that myself.
Yes sir.