A superior prototype Zack had healed quickly. Another hour was all he needed to be up on his feet again. His whole body burned with the stinging pain much like a severe sunburn. But he knew it was necessary and he trusted his life with the doctor. He stood as naked as he was the day he was born, under the shower in the back corner of lab. It was only meant for a quick douse of water if there was a chemical spill, so really he was standing is an industrial sized sink in the ground. But it helped to cool his burning flesh as well as slough off the layers of old dead skin.
It was a weird feeling, like he was some sort of snake shedding his scales. But it was also refreshing after being trapped in that aged and weak body for those hours. The whole experience was a flash into the future. One day he would grow decrepit and weak, they all would eventually. Zack placed his hands on the wall in front of him, letting his head hang down, the assault of water hitting his shoulders and rolling down his back.
Was that what they were doing here? Free from Manticore just to die so weak and frail? They probably could have died in a blaze of glory and honor, frozen in time as they would always be remembered: young, strong, perfect. The weight of this realization hung heavy on his shoulders. This whole time he had been protecting his X-5, he was preparing for some final battle with someone, be it Manticore, or any other threat to his family. He had always imagined he would die valiantly giving his life to save the others. But what if that final confrontation never came. He would grow weak and old and die off in some back alley. No one would care, just another old bum passed out under the rubbish. Maybe how he was going about this freedom was all wrong.
Tinga knew. Zack had forbidden her to get involved with that Charlie guy, but she didn't listen and had a family. She was happy with her husband and her son.
Cole. The long pushed aside images of his own son finally broke free and ran rampant in his thoughts. What he would give to be with his son again. For Cole he was willing to finally settle and live as a father, teaching his boy the ways of the world. But it was too late, Cole was now lost to Manticore who taught him the ways of war. He was probably warped beyond recognition by now. The guilt was almost enough to bring Zack to his knees.
All the rest of them had it right, settling down and having a life. Maybe it wasn't the destination but the journey that was important. 'Oh god Zack, you're rehashing old clichés and sounding like a fucking fortune cookie. It's too late. I chose this life. At least the rest will be happy. I can't let anyone else be taken. It was all about them from the beginning, that's why you left. It takes some sacrifice for the better of the whole.'
"I found you some…oh!" The doctor had walked in not knowing Zack had already taken the liberty of using the emergency wash, and quickly averted her eyes. Still staring at a back corner she felt for a solid surface and put down what she was carrying. "Ah, yeah," Alyssa was obviously uncomfortable with the predicament she had just gotten herself in, "I got you a towel and some scrubs. They should fit you."
Raven entered just behind her. Not at all phased that her father stood stark naked in the corner. Without much concern she made her way over to a stool and sat down, pulling out a chocolate bar she got from the vending machine down the hall.
"Thanks Alyssa, I'll get that," Zack said over his shoulder. He wasn't embarrassed either, making Alyssa's dilemma even more awkward, but he sensed her unease and did not turn around. Reluctantly, Zack shut off the shower and ran his hands through his hair squeezing the water out. Already the fire on his skin blazed anew. "Raven, could you toss me the towel."
"Uh huh," she said, fully enthralled with her chocolate bar, never having actually eaten one before. Picking up the towel with one hand, she threw it in his general direction. Not even needing to look, her aim was deadly accurate.
Zack quickly wiped himself down and secured the towel around his waste, turning to face them. "Is that cure of yours only for when the rapid aging disease is in full effect?"
Dr. Munrow, still blushing with discomfort, could not bring herself to look at Zack, "No, if slightly modified it can be used as a preventative measure."
Zack considered this as he walked over to where Alyssa had set down the blue scrubs. "Do you have the supplies to make enough for ten people?"
"I should," she crossed the room to her workstation, thankful to busy herself with something else, "Around two hours is all I need. I could probably even get this done by midnight."
"Please, doctor, if you would," his voice was almost pleading and surprisingly soft. So unlike Zack that it was enough to finally draw the doctor's attentions to him and he held her gaze with the grip of his sapphire eyes. "We need you again."
*****
Donovan stared out his window; every tree and rock glowed green in the night. For his short life he had never known darkness. He never feared the monster under the bed nor had he ever cried out for his mother at night. His genes forced him to grow up in weeks and Manticore forced his mind to become that of a soldier.
That is all he knew now. Being a soldier. Operations and missions, weapons and combat, stealth and recon. The little baby Zack once held in his arms now stood over five feet tall and he knew nothing, or at least remembered nothing, beyond the perimeter of Manticore.
They thought they have stripped him of all his memory, but they had only put up a blockade. When he was hunting down his prey the sight of the woman blurred the line between his world now and the world he was immersed in when he was young. Images and feelings that seemed like a vague dream had flooded his mind for a moment, which was strange because he did not know what a dream was. The memories only flashed for a moment before the soldier within him strong-armed them back into some obscure corner of his mind. Yet now, the ghostly images and strange emotions lingered like the insubstantial stars left after a brilliant flash of light.
Who was that woman? The question hammered at him when he was alone in his room. He found himself looking out to try and find that clearing where he had taken her life, but the endless forest gave him no clue, and he suspected it was on the other side of the complex anyways. Why was he caring so much? Donovan had avenged his family. He was one of the X-6 now. He had killed the traitor for them and he would do it again.
Finally, with conviction, he lay down on his bed, arms at his side. Pushing all thoughts out of his mind, he prepared for sleep.
*****
The scrubs fit him nicely and he stood in the middle of the room, looking like an intern who was shadowing the doctor.
"I need to get out of here. It's too hot," Zack said as he looked at the skin of his arms. He knew it was just a trick of the light, or his own mind playing games, but he could have sworn that he could see tiny flames lapping up from his skin. "I'm burning up. How long will this feeling last."
"Less than twenty four hours."
"Raven—"
The girl rolled her eyes, knowing the drill. "Keep an eye on her, take out any guards that come, meet up at Logan's place—"
"No. Get Alyssa home safely, make sure you're not followed, and then get to my apartment. Do you remember where it is?"
"My memory doesn't fade easily."
"Are you sure you should leave? Maybe it would be best if you stayed and I monitored your progress." It was obvious that the doctor was not happy with the prospect of being left alone with the X-6.
"Doctor, Raven has changed. She will keep you safe," he turned and faced Raven, looking into her gray blue eyes, which mirrored his own, "I trust her."
Zack's words hit Raven like a gust of torrential wind that ripped any words from her lungs. He trusted her? Had she played her role so well that even when she had her own doubts about herself, Zack came to trust her? Enough so to leave the doctor's life in her hands? Manticore was no longer her life. No, I am a rogue now. I will do what I want to do, she forced herself to believe.
"I'm sorry doctor, I need to cool my body down somehow. Besides I feel stronger than ever," he tensed his muscles.
"You are," she confirmed, "This treatment has similar effects to the other. Though, not as extreme, your strength and agility has increased. It was an interesting side effect that your…" The doctor fumbled with her words, and her voice lowered to barely above a whisper, "…the others displayed." She referred to the X-5 that had not escaped and it made her extremely uncomfortable.
"You saved them doctor, that is all you should concern yourself with. It was my fault we all didn't get out that night," he said, his own sadness and regret tainting his words, which he quickly hid, turning toward the door, "But now, I need to get out."
Finally Raven spoke, "By the way, I saw a beauty parked in the west alley."
Zack smiled.
*****
Zack flew through the streets, the midnight blue motorcycle he had found in the alley was beneath him. Wearing only his scrubs, the brisk breeze helped cool his skin, and he wished a fiery death to whoever cut him off or forced him to slow down.
Finally he had to come to a complete stop, amused by the sight that lay before him. A black van had crashed into a fruit truck, spilling fresh fruit all over the streets. Every Tom, Dick and Sally from the streets and alleyways came to loot the scene. The large burly truck driver had to split his attentions between yelling at the members in the black van as well as trying to scare off the people who were stealing his goods. His efforts were futile, for every person he drove off another two would replace.
Zack helped with the chaos as he leaned down and picked up an apple that had rolled to his feet. Wiping it on his shirt until he was satisfied, he took a bite, realizing exactly how hungry he was. As he sat there, his bike idle beneath him, crunching his apple, he looked about the city.
His eyes finally came to rest on the Space Needle. There was a figure standing atop it. Focusing his eyes he saw Max.
What are you doing? He thought to himself as he took a last bite of the apple and tossed it aside. When he awoke to find only the doctor and Raven at his side, he assumed that Max had left to be with Logan. Why was she instead standing alone on top of the Space Needle?
Her loneliness pulled at him, and he headed in her direction.
*****
The sun was long gone and the city glowed around her. Max was tired of sitting, she just wanted to get out of this town. Being so close to Logan was driving her insane, she couldn't even induce a meditative state that was meant to prepare for warfare. Behind her, thankfully interrupting her chaotic thoughts, she heard some soft footsteps.
"Max." The person spoke out to her. Her mind was so full of thoughts of Logan she thought for a moment it was him, warping the voice into something it was not. She turned to face her visitor and found Zack instead. Well of course, she thought to herself, who else could get up here?
"Zack." So wrapped up in her foolishness she did not think to hide her disappointment. She quickly wiped the look off her face when she saw the hurt in Zack's eyes. It seemed tonight would be hard to hold back emotions. "You're looking better."
"That doctor is a miracle worker."
"You left Raven with her?"
"Yeah, they are still at the laboratory. The doctor is working on something so that none of you will have to go through that. No more seizures, Max. Believe me it feels great." There was an awkward silence. "You're okay right?"
She smiled mockingly, "Even when you were all pumped up you could barely bruise me."
His brow crinkled, "Right, sorry about that…"
"I know that wasn't you Zack. Besides I should be apologizing. I'm the one who shoved that first needle into your vein." She turned again to face Seattle.
Zack looked down at where his arms were once splashed with track marks. They had already begun to fade. "You didn't know that there would be such repercussions. You did it to save me." Again there was a silence. He walked up til he was even with her, staring out over the city.
"So what are you doing up here Max?"
"I'm getting ready for the Miss America Pageant. Why? What are you doing up here?"
He dismissed her sarcasm, his tone sad yet serious, "No really Max, what are you doing up here?"
She looked at him, "What are you talking about?"
"Why aren't you with Logan?"
Even just the name threatened to release a flood of emotions which Max didn't feel like dealing with now. "Can we not talk about him please?"
"You can't just leave him like that."
"Why do you care?" The question came out more vicious than she intended.
"I just—"
"You hate the guy."
"He's—"
"You want me to leave him and Seattle."
"I—"
"And so I'm leaving. It's the best way."
"I was wrong!" Zack raised his voice to finally get her attention. Having succeeded he lowered his tone to normal again. "I was wrong. It isn't the best way."
"No, Zack, you were right. It's safest to keep away. Phony sentimentality and all that isn't worth it. It's all about survival."
"It isn't about survival, Max, it's about life."
"What are you…" she scrutinized his face trying to find some clue about what he was talking about.
"We are safe in Seattle for a while. I told Raven to meet me back at my apartment." Zack could not face her, feeling her eyes study him. "If you really believe you should leave him, then tell him."
"I can't face him again. Both he and I know I'll have to leave, if not now, some time in the future."
Still turned away Zack shook his head. "I don't think he cares. He'll savor every moment he has with you, even to say goodbye. But, you can't just leave him like that." He hoped she couldn't tell how much it hurt him to tell her this, to tell her to go to the arms of someone else. He hoped that she wouldn't understand that he was talking about himself as much as he was about Logan.
"I can't say goodbye again. It's too hard." That was it. The tears came of their own accord, and she was helpless to stop them.
Zack put his hand on her back and pulled her into a warm, brotherly embrace. His skin, still hot from the injection, helped to evaporate her tears from his shirt "You have to go to him, Max. It's all about the journey."
Though his words confused her, they filled her with a strength and courage, like a C.O. rallying his troupes. She pulled back, a small crooked smile appearing through her sadness. With a single nod, she broke the circle of his arms, and left. For once, following his orders.
Zack waiting a few minutes to make sure she was gone. Max had broken his heart of stone time and time again. And here he was pushing her to Logan. But Zack knew pain and sacrifice was necessary for the happiness to exist. Sometimes he just wished it didn't always have to be his own pain and sacrifice. Yet that was the role he accepted when they escaped, and he took that burden upon himself again.
Quietly, into the wind, he whispered, "I hope you're stronger than I am, Logan."
It was a weird feeling, like he was some sort of snake shedding his scales. But it was also refreshing after being trapped in that aged and weak body for those hours. The whole experience was a flash into the future. One day he would grow decrepit and weak, they all would eventually. Zack placed his hands on the wall in front of him, letting his head hang down, the assault of water hitting his shoulders and rolling down his back.
Was that what they were doing here? Free from Manticore just to die so weak and frail? They probably could have died in a blaze of glory and honor, frozen in time as they would always be remembered: young, strong, perfect. The weight of this realization hung heavy on his shoulders. This whole time he had been protecting his X-5, he was preparing for some final battle with someone, be it Manticore, or any other threat to his family. He had always imagined he would die valiantly giving his life to save the others. But what if that final confrontation never came. He would grow weak and old and die off in some back alley. No one would care, just another old bum passed out under the rubbish. Maybe how he was going about this freedom was all wrong.
Tinga knew. Zack had forbidden her to get involved with that Charlie guy, but she didn't listen and had a family. She was happy with her husband and her son.
Cole. The long pushed aside images of his own son finally broke free and ran rampant in his thoughts. What he would give to be with his son again. For Cole he was willing to finally settle and live as a father, teaching his boy the ways of the world. But it was too late, Cole was now lost to Manticore who taught him the ways of war. He was probably warped beyond recognition by now. The guilt was almost enough to bring Zack to his knees.
All the rest of them had it right, settling down and having a life. Maybe it wasn't the destination but the journey that was important. 'Oh god Zack, you're rehashing old clichés and sounding like a fucking fortune cookie. It's too late. I chose this life. At least the rest will be happy. I can't let anyone else be taken. It was all about them from the beginning, that's why you left. It takes some sacrifice for the better of the whole.'
"I found you some…oh!" The doctor had walked in not knowing Zack had already taken the liberty of using the emergency wash, and quickly averted her eyes. Still staring at a back corner she felt for a solid surface and put down what she was carrying. "Ah, yeah," Alyssa was obviously uncomfortable with the predicament she had just gotten herself in, "I got you a towel and some scrubs. They should fit you."
Raven entered just behind her. Not at all phased that her father stood stark naked in the corner. Without much concern she made her way over to a stool and sat down, pulling out a chocolate bar she got from the vending machine down the hall.
"Thanks Alyssa, I'll get that," Zack said over his shoulder. He wasn't embarrassed either, making Alyssa's dilemma even more awkward, but he sensed her unease and did not turn around. Reluctantly, Zack shut off the shower and ran his hands through his hair squeezing the water out. Already the fire on his skin blazed anew. "Raven, could you toss me the towel."
"Uh huh," she said, fully enthralled with her chocolate bar, never having actually eaten one before. Picking up the towel with one hand, she threw it in his general direction. Not even needing to look, her aim was deadly accurate.
Zack quickly wiped himself down and secured the towel around his waste, turning to face them. "Is that cure of yours only for when the rapid aging disease is in full effect?"
Dr. Munrow, still blushing with discomfort, could not bring herself to look at Zack, "No, if slightly modified it can be used as a preventative measure."
Zack considered this as he walked over to where Alyssa had set down the blue scrubs. "Do you have the supplies to make enough for ten people?"
"I should," she crossed the room to her workstation, thankful to busy herself with something else, "Around two hours is all I need. I could probably even get this done by midnight."
"Please, doctor, if you would," his voice was almost pleading and surprisingly soft. So unlike Zack that it was enough to finally draw the doctor's attentions to him and he held her gaze with the grip of his sapphire eyes. "We need you again."
*****
Donovan stared out his window; every tree and rock glowed green in the night. For his short life he had never known darkness. He never feared the monster under the bed nor had he ever cried out for his mother at night. His genes forced him to grow up in weeks and Manticore forced his mind to become that of a soldier.
That is all he knew now. Being a soldier. Operations and missions, weapons and combat, stealth and recon. The little baby Zack once held in his arms now stood over five feet tall and he knew nothing, or at least remembered nothing, beyond the perimeter of Manticore.
They thought they have stripped him of all his memory, but they had only put up a blockade. When he was hunting down his prey the sight of the woman blurred the line between his world now and the world he was immersed in when he was young. Images and feelings that seemed like a vague dream had flooded his mind for a moment, which was strange because he did not know what a dream was. The memories only flashed for a moment before the soldier within him strong-armed them back into some obscure corner of his mind. Yet now, the ghostly images and strange emotions lingered like the insubstantial stars left after a brilliant flash of light.
Who was that woman? The question hammered at him when he was alone in his room. He found himself looking out to try and find that clearing where he had taken her life, but the endless forest gave him no clue, and he suspected it was on the other side of the complex anyways. Why was he caring so much? Donovan had avenged his family. He was one of the X-6 now. He had killed the traitor for them and he would do it again.
Finally, with conviction, he lay down on his bed, arms at his side. Pushing all thoughts out of his mind, he prepared for sleep.
*****
The scrubs fit him nicely and he stood in the middle of the room, looking like an intern who was shadowing the doctor.
"I need to get out of here. It's too hot," Zack said as he looked at the skin of his arms. He knew it was just a trick of the light, or his own mind playing games, but he could have sworn that he could see tiny flames lapping up from his skin. "I'm burning up. How long will this feeling last."
"Less than twenty four hours."
"Raven—"
The girl rolled her eyes, knowing the drill. "Keep an eye on her, take out any guards that come, meet up at Logan's place—"
"No. Get Alyssa home safely, make sure you're not followed, and then get to my apartment. Do you remember where it is?"
"My memory doesn't fade easily."
"Are you sure you should leave? Maybe it would be best if you stayed and I monitored your progress." It was obvious that the doctor was not happy with the prospect of being left alone with the X-6.
"Doctor, Raven has changed. She will keep you safe," he turned and faced Raven, looking into her gray blue eyes, which mirrored his own, "I trust her."
Zack's words hit Raven like a gust of torrential wind that ripped any words from her lungs. He trusted her? Had she played her role so well that even when she had her own doubts about herself, Zack came to trust her? Enough so to leave the doctor's life in her hands? Manticore was no longer her life. No, I am a rogue now. I will do what I want to do, she forced herself to believe.
"I'm sorry doctor, I need to cool my body down somehow. Besides I feel stronger than ever," he tensed his muscles.
"You are," she confirmed, "This treatment has similar effects to the other. Though, not as extreme, your strength and agility has increased. It was an interesting side effect that your…" The doctor fumbled with her words, and her voice lowered to barely above a whisper, "…the others displayed." She referred to the X-5 that had not escaped and it made her extremely uncomfortable.
"You saved them doctor, that is all you should concern yourself with. It was my fault we all didn't get out that night," he said, his own sadness and regret tainting his words, which he quickly hid, turning toward the door, "But now, I need to get out."
Finally Raven spoke, "By the way, I saw a beauty parked in the west alley."
Zack smiled.
*****
Zack flew through the streets, the midnight blue motorcycle he had found in the alley was beneath him. Wearing only his scrubs, the brisk breeze helped cool his skin, and he wished a fiery death to whoever cut him off or forced him to slow down.
Finally he had to come to a complete stop, amused by the sight that lay before him. A black van had crashed into a fruit truck, spilling fresh fruit all over the streets. Every Tom, Dick and Sally from the streets and alleyways came to loot the scene. The large burly truck driver had to split his attentions between yelling at the members in the black van as well as trying to scare off the people who were stealing his goods. His efforts were futile, for every person he drove off another two would replace.
Zack helped with the chaos as he leaned down and picked up an apple that had rolled to his feet. Wiping it on his shirt until he was satisfied, he took a bite, realizing exactly how hungry he was. As he sat there, his bike idle beneath him, crunching his apple, he looked about the city.
His eyes finally came to rest on the Space Needle. There was a figure standing atop it. Focusing his eyes he saw Max.
What are you doing? He thought to himself as he took a last bite of the apple and tossed it aside. When he awoke to find only the doctor and Raven at his side, he assumed that Max had left to be with Logan. Why was she instead standing alone on top of the Space Needle?
Her loneliness pulled at him, and he headed in her direction.
*****
The sun was long gone and the city glowed around her. Max was tired of sitting, she just wanted to get out of this town. Being so close to Logan was driving her insane, she couldn't even induce a meditative state that was meant to prepare for warfare. Behind her, thankfully interrupting her chaotic thoughts, she heard some soft footsteps.
"Max." The person spoke out to her. Her mind was so full of thoughts of Logan she thought for a moment it was him, warping the voice into something it was not. She turned to face her visitor and found Zack instead. Well of course, she thought to herself, who else could get up here?
"Zack." So wrapped up in her foolishness she did not think to hide her disappointment. She quickly wiped the look off her face when she saw the hurt in Zack's eyes. It seemed tonight would be hard to hold back emotions. "You're looking better."
"That doctor is a miracle worker."
"You left Raven with her?"
"Yeah, they are still at the laboratory. The doctor is working on something so that none of you will have to go through that. No more seizures, Max. Believe me it feels great." There was an awkward silence. "You're okay right?"
She smiled mockingly, "Even when you were all pumped up you could barely bruise me."
His brow crinkled, "Right, sorry about that…"
"I know that wasn't you Zack. Besides I should be apologizing. I'm the one who shoved that first needle into your vein." She turned again to face Seattle.
Zack looked down at where his arms were once splashed with track marks. They had already begun to fade. "You didn't know that there would be such repercussions. You did it to save me." Again there was a silence. He walked up til he was even with her, staring out over the city.
"So what are you doing up here Max?"
"I'm getting ready for the Miss America Pageant. Why? What are you doing up here?"
He dismissed her sarcasm, his tone sad yet serious, "No really Max, what are you doing up here?"
She looked at him, "What are you talking about?"
"Why aren't you with Logan?"
Even just the name threatened to release a flood of emotions which Max didn't feel like dealing with now. "Can we not talk about him please?"
"You can't just leave him like that."
"Why do you care?" The question came out more vicious than she intended.
"I just—"
"You hate the guy."
"He's—"
"You want me to leave him and Seattle."
"I—"
"And so I'm leaving. It's the best way."
"I was wrong!" Zack raised his voice to finally get her attention. Having succeeded he lowered his tone to normal again. "I was wrong. It isn't the best way."
"No, Zack, you were right. It's safest to keep away. Phony sentimentality and all that isn't worth it. It's all about survival."
"It isn't about survival, Max, it's about life."
"What are you…" she scrutinized his face trying to find some clue about what he was talking about.
"We are safe in Seattle for a while. I told Raven to meet me back at my apartment." Zack could not face her, feeling her eyes study him. "If you really believe you should leave him, then tell him."
"I can't face him again. Both he and I know I'll have to leave, if not now, some time in the future."
Still turned away Zack shook his head. "I don't think he cares. He'll savor every moment he has with you, even to say goodbye. But, you can't just leave him like that." He hoped she couldn't tell how much it hurt him to tell her this, to tell her to go to the arms of someone else. He hoped that she wouldn't understand that he was talking about himself as much as he was about Logan.
"I can't say goodbye again. It's too hard." That was it. The tears came of their own accord, and she was helpless to stop them.
Zack put his hand on her back and pulled her into a warm, brotherly embrace. His skin, still hot from the injection, helped to evaporate her tears from his shirt "You have to go to him, Max. It's all about the journey."
Though his words confused her, they filled her with a strength and courage, like a C.O. rallying his troupes. She pulled back, a small crooked smile appearing through her sadness. With a single nod, she broke the circle of his arms, and left. For once, following his orders.
Zack waiting a few minutes to make sure she was gone. Max had broken his heart of stone time and time again. And here he was pushing her to Logan. But Zack knew pain and sacrifice was necessary for the happiness to exist. Sometimes he just wished it didn't always have to be his own pain and sacrifice. Yet that was the role he accepted when they escaped, and he took that burden upon himself again.
Quietly, into the wind, he whispered, "I hope you're stronger than I am, Logan."