Epilogue
Chapter Eight: Listen, My Children...

Sorry this took so long. I was on a Tenchu kick (still am), but I kicked myself and sat down to write this chapter. That puts one more summary paper into the trash, and another one on my desk. *sigh* The things I do for you people... ;)

Ikiko clung desperately to Julian's arm. The large tent they had been placed in was guarded, and cramped to begin with, but more and more kids where brought in. Most were from the slums, and were filthy. The noise was awful. Some children bawled, other screamed in fear. Julian and Ikiko had managed to scramble up to a musty cot in the corner, away from the guards, where she huddled next to him, and he watched.
For some time, he was silent, and Ikiko didn't know what to say. Then he turned to her. he said quietly.
she responded, sitting up and trying to be brave.
We're gonna be okay. Are you doing all right?
she said meekly, and rubbed her nose with a sleeve. My brother'll find us, don't you think?
Sure. And Cybersix'll come too. Now, I've got to calm these kids down. Sure you're okay?
I'm okay, Julian.
Julian smiled at her, then stood up on the cot and waved his hat in the air. All right, be quiet! Come over here, everyone! Hurry up! It took a few more yells, but the kids soon settled on the floor near his cot. The Fixed Idea guards took their hands away from their ears, and watched the assembly warily.
Julian said. Look, I know you're all scared, and I am too. But before you all start bawling again, you gotta know something I know. Someone's gonna come save us. Real soon, okay?
said a boy who'd been picking at his knee.

Yeah, right, was the response. How d'we know you're not just makin' this stuff up to keep us quiet?
Julian wrinkled his nose. Well, I wouldn't do that. I don't lie much. But there is someone who's gonna save us. Her name's Cybersix, and she's a friend of mine. She has a panther brother, too, and he sleeps on my boat with me! Honest he does.
The older children scoffed, but the younger ones were wide-eyed. Shee, you mean a real panther? I en't never seen one, but I'se read about them in books and all. What color is it?
He's shiny black. He's just like out of a picture book!
It's true, Ikiko said softly, The panther saved me, too.
the little ones exclaimed. What happened?
Julian's eyes sparkled. He was in his element now, captivating the crowd. He's a born storyteller, Ikiko thought. Wish I could do it.
Well, we were kidnapped by these goons- like the ones here. And Ikiko's big brother - he's a detective - had to get Cybersix so the goons'd let us go! But instead, they teamed up and fooled them! And so I tricked the guy guarding me and Ikiko, and we ran. But there was a huge octopus coming, so we had to jump off the bridge. We were falling really fast, but then the panther - his name's Data 7 - jumped after us, and we grabbed on before we hit the water. He swims really fast. Anyway, then Yashimoto, that's Ikiko's brother, gassed the octopus and made it fall asleep. It was really cool!
Even the older kids were starting to believe it now.
So y'see, Cybersix and Yashimoto, they're gonna find us and save us. You'll see. In fact, I betcha they're on their way right now!
I hope you're right, Julian, Ikiko thought, and closed her eyes with a sigh.

Cybersix had managed to find Lucas, who was currently crouching behind a van, looking at the road ahead. she cautioned, and knelt beside him. What's going on?
I've been looking around, he whispered, after the initial shock had worn off. The whole city's surrounded. The roads are all blocked, just like this. Two guards up front, but I think there are probably more hiding. This is just awful. Everyone's trapped under house arrest.
Cybersix nodded, and put her excellent vision to work. Lucas was right, there were hidden snipers all around. Luckily, none had spotted them. Yet. This is dangerous, Lucas. You should get home and wait there.
No. I won't die peacefully like a coward. If I'm going out, I'm going to help this city while I do it.
She looked at him, shocked at the strength in his words.
I mean it, he said, with less conviction, and turned to face her. What's going to happen?
They'll crush any resistance and have control of the city in a week, maybe two. Probably herd us all off to camps like... like Julian and Ikiko.
Your friend Julian was taken?
He's a resourceful kid; I'm sure he's all right. Ikiko's his friend and he'll look out for her. Still, I'm worried about them... Look, I'm going to see if I can locate a few people who will help me find a way to get out of the city. We can't fight back, so we'd best run. Cybersix stood up and turned to go.
She was stopped in her tracks as Lucas grabbed her hands. Let me help, he pleaded. She could only look at him, frightened by the look in his eyes that she couldn't quite place, but finally managed to nod.
He smiled.
Thank you, Lucas, Cybersix thought as, together, they retreated back into the depths of Meridiana.