Epilogue
Chapter Five: A Ring Of Fire
Chapter Five! Review for your life! *gets tomato goo in the face* Okay, okay... Sheesh.
Data 7's padded paws smacked noiselessly against the rooftops of Meridiana. If what Ikiko said was true, then time was not on his side. He needed to get to Cybersix and he needed to be filled in on the whole thing. In fact, he was a little upset that she had not seen fit to tell him earlier. And now, he thought, Ikiko will get in trouble for leaving the house. Peachy.
He jumped down through the open window of his sister's apartment, snarling lowly. Both she and Yashimoto were seated at a table, looking as though he'd interrupted some secret rendezvous.
Er... evening, brother-
Oh PLEASE don't pull that shit with me, sister mine. I've had a very interesting night.
Cybersix stood up and crossed over to him, rubbing his head. And what have you heard?
I've heard the things you should have told me. If he IS creating a mass army, then I ought to be informed!
I'm sorry, Data. I've been a bit preoccupied.
Yashimoto interrupted. If you didn't tell him, then how does he know? Who did you tell?
Well, no one. Cybersix wrinkled her nose, puzzled. I did tell Lucas to be careful, but I said nothing about armies of any sort...
Don't get your cape in a twist. Ikiko came to the boat and told Julian and I about what was on the TV screens. She was pretty upset and thought she'd be in trouble, so-
Yashimoto cursed, slamming his hand on the table. I left the monitors on! She shouldn't have gone in, but... damn!
No use blaming yourself, Yashimoto. If she and Julian are together at the boat, they'll be all right.
Boom.
Cybersix looked up, started, and jumped for the window, peering out into the night. Echoes of the first explosion sounded from all around the bay. She slid over the edge of the window, standing on the ledge outside.
Yashimoto was quick to follow, but Cybersix stopped him halfway through. Are you crazy? You can't jump that far!
My bike's right outside, and he pointed to the ground. I can follow you.
No. Too slow.
Then what do you propose, Six?
Cybersix held out her hand to Yashimoto. I can hold you up. It'll be awkward, but as long as you don't restrict my cape, we should be fine.
If we get there faster. Yashimoto nodded and allowed her to hold him around the waist. I hope they're all right.
You and I both, Yashimoto. Cybersix leaped from the ledge, followed by Data 7, and the trio sped off for the docks, hoping they wouldn't be too late.
As they arrived, the last of the boats were sinking into the water, flames from the MIL-15s being doused as they did so. The only craft standing was Julian's; the rest were gone. What happened here? Cybersix cried softly, letting go of Yashimoto.
I'll see if they're still inside. Data 7 leaped onto the beaten deck and disappeared into the open cabin door.
Yashimoto jumped awkwardly to the boat, slipped, and crashed into the cabin wall, steadying himself with a hand. He inspected the boxes and discarded netting on the deck. Either Julian or Ikiko did a good job of defending themselves... but there were too many of the Fixed Ideas. There are nine places on deck where the boards are dented in; there were at least nine creatures after them.
There are heavy footprints down here. Probably a tenth, Cybersix answered, rubbing her wrist anxiously.
Data 7 emerged slowly from the cabin.
Any sign, brother?
He slowly shook his head. Nothing down there. The place is pretty well shaken up. The kids probably came up when the rocking started getting bad.
Then... what happened? Yashimoto asked.
Cybersix sighed. If there were ten Fixed Ideas, neither of them could have fought to get away. I think it's safe to say that they were taken, probably as hostages.
Which means that bastard is serious about taking over this town.
And probably the world.
Yashimoto beat his fist several times against the cabin, then jumped back down to the shore. Why didn't she stay at home, like I told her to? Dammit! I've lost her to the same evil again. Dammit!
Cybersix looked around at the burning bay. He's succeeded. Meridiana is cut off from the sea. That means we're at his mercy now... Heaven help us. Help us and the children. She looked at the mess her creator had ordered, and she felt tears begin, unwelcome, in her eyes. A ring of fire... Cybersix clenched her fists. We'll get them back, Yashimoto.
Not tonight, Data 7 warned, they'll be waiting for us tonight.
It's nearly morning anyway, Yashimoto said in defeat. I'll go back and see if my cameras can pick up anything on their location. You'll contact me if you get new of Ikiko?
Yashimoto turned and began to walk away.
Yashimoto... ...I'm sorry I pulled you into this.
...don't be, Cybersix. The detective looked over his shoulder. Besides. I know you won't let Julian and Ikiko be in danger for long.
You're right, Yashimoto. She'll do everything she can.
Yes, yes, and I'll help.
