Epilogue
Chapter Ten: Expect The Unexpected
Okay, I promise, no more spoiling the cliffhangers. It's more fun to make you wonder if Lucas is REALLY going to kick the bucket.
Cybersix held Lucas' shoulders, kneeling in front of him as he sank to the ground. Answer me, Lucas! Trying to keep calm was not working. Her deft fingers searched for the source of the ungodly amount of blood that he was sitting in, and she smacked his cheek repeatedly. Lucas, don't do this to me!
His eyelids slowly lifted, then snapped wide open as Cybersix found the wound and pinched the area tightly in an effort to slow the bleeding. he cursed.
Yeah, you look it, she said quietly. Lucas still wasn't completely with her, and if he went limp again, she wasn't sure she could get him to the proper care facilities in time. Don't close your eyes, Lucas, she ordered.
I won't. He shifted slightly, seeming to wake up from his shock.
Hold on. You're not going anywhere, Lucas. Least not until you get that bullet out and the wound bandaged.
Don't even try to argue this one. You're going to a hospital.
Without waiting for his response, Cybersix stood up and braced herself. With a good deal of difficulty (that she managed to hide), she managed to pick him up off the ground, blood resuming its flow and now coursing down her bodysuit. The warming leather against her skin was rather uncomfortable, and she wrinkled her nose. You all right, Lucas?
...sure. Are you?
Of course, she answered, and gave him a reassuring smile. She looked around to get her bearings, then leaped from the alley and took the fastest route to Meridiana General.
Tabitha, the receptionist on duty, nearly fainted at the sight that her two newest arrivals made. The woman in leather (with cape and hat to match) deposited the man she'd been carrying on a chair, squeezed his shoulder, then headed for the desk. Tabitha noted the tired expression on her otherwise pretty face, and shakily picked up a pen. N-names, please?
His name is Lucas Amato, the woman said softly. He needs direct care.
Y-yes, of course... Your name, miss?
This question seemed to stump the young woman.
Miss, I can't admit him unless-
she said dully, but please don't write my name down. I know this is bending the rules, but a whole lot have been broken these past few days. I'm afraid if you do record this, I'll have to incapacitate you, remove my name, and get my friend the help he needs. I'll ask you politely- get him to the ER immediately, please.
Tabitha nodded, shocked by the calm commanding tone in Cybersix's voice. Yes, miss...
Thank you. And the woman returned to Lucas' side, where they proceeded to speak in low tones. Tabitha shook her head and called in the appropriate doctors. They arrived shortly, something which Cybersix was grateful for. She stood up, as if to protect Lucas.
Tabitha says this is a Mr. Lucas Amato, but she didn't get your name.
That's right, sir, but she's-
Yes, yes, the doctor said irritably, We'll take care of him. Are you hurt, miss? The blood on your... ah, suit-
It's not mine, she replied bitterly, It's his. I had to carry him here.
Of course. The doctor waved at two nurses, who helped Lucas onto a stretcher and wheeled him away. Shall I let you know how things go?
Yes. Hurry if you can, sir. We may have been followed here, in which case things can get a lot worse. For everyone.
A lithe figure, dressed in black pants (similar in style to Cybersix's) and a black tank top, slid open her friend's window. No lights were on, so she assumed that the friend was out on the town - as could only be expected. So, shall I wait for you?
Ice blue eyes scanned the darkened house, and shortly, the blue-gray light of the television filled a small living room, where test papers and a half empty cup of coffee rested on the table in front of the couch. I think I shall.
As Cybersix waiting impatiently (both for Lucas' blood to stain, and for him to be released), her black eyes were fixed on the fuzzy television in the reception room. The shaky camera panned over the destruction. Houses were empty shells. Here and there were remains of walls, or stairs. Some buildings were partially intact, but were fairly well bombed out and useless. Blood splatters added tinges of brilliant color to the dusty brown of the streets. In the distance, Cybersix could make out groups of people being herded along by Fixed Ideas, or sometimes, Types. The place they are going is not a happy place, Cybersix thought sadly, and may He protect them in those camps.
She thanked whatever providence there was that the news station was deep in the heart of the city. It allowed her to get an idea of what she was up against - though that thought was chilling to the core. The camera switched to a helicopter view, and she drew an involuntary breath as tears welled in her eyes. Heartless. The angel statue, from which she had always drawn some comfort, was cracked and broken beyond all possible repair. One wing lay in several large pieces on the street, another's feather pattern was all but gone. The arms and legs were peppered with bullet rounds, and the face... the beautiful face of that stone angel was now an uneven crater, destroyed by an MIL-15.
Rage filled Cybersix's heart, an emotion which she hated to feel, and was usually only provoked by direct dealings with Von Reichter. But this statue had done nothing, and here it was, a lonesome reminder of the ruthless, irrational beings she was dealing with. And then her heart broke. The camera panned over Meridiana High School, which now reminded her of Swiss cheese. The place she had made her living was wiped out, and the memories with it. The classrooms, the lockers, the hallways - even the cafeteria food. All of it had disappeared in only two, maybe three days. Has it only been that long? Oh, the students... Lori...
Tabitha ventured, would you like a... a tissue?
Cybersix looked away from the TV, not even aware of the tear that had slipped down her cheek. she said timidly, have you lost anyone because of this?
No'm. My family lives out in the United States. Mostly I'm worried about them, but they're probably more scared for me... why?
Because I'm going to hunt the people who've done this, Tabitha, Cybersix said, her conviction growing. And I'm going to hurt them.
The stranger in the apartment shook her head. That's a shame, that is. Mom'll have my head, now that the school's gone. She looked around the room and clucked her tongue. Where are you, renegade? she said aloud, and turned back to the television, as if hoping it would have the answer.
Been waiting long?
Cybersix smiled. I was just beginning to worry. Are they letting you out, then, Lucas?
He rubbed his neck. No hospital food for me.
Cybersix stood up and waited as Lucas signed a payment form. So, how bad was it?
Not as bad as it could have been. He lifted a corner of his still blood-soaked shirt, revealing a tight bandage. Turns out the bullet only grazed my hip- pretty bad graze, though.
Does it hurt much?
No, not particularly anymore. Though I'll tell you, I never want a bullet to be pulled from anywhere deeper.
Hopefully, you won't have to, Cybersix said, and they left the hospital. But I want you to stay somewhere safe for awhile, where a friend or myself can watch you... I don't think I'd better let you stay at my place. Any ideas?
Well.... so long as we don't startle him.... Do you think Adrian'd have me?
Nice going, Cyb. ...I ah, don't see why not. Think! Her mind searched for a way to play the innocent. Where does he live? Not too far, I hope.
No, it's just- here, I'll lead.
Phew.
They made it to the apartment complex without incident, though every little noise had Lucas on edge, and Cybersix stayed fully alert, prepared for an imminent attack - which never came. The doors inside were bolted and locked as they ascended the stairs. At least SOME people have the sense to stay inside, instead of getting shot up - like me, Lucas thought.
Cybersix tried the doorknob to apartment, and was surprised to find it open, despite the darkness inside. He ah... must have forgotten to lock it.
Hard to believe. He's usually pretty careful.
Thank you, but it IS neccesary, Lucas.
Cybersix led the way in and closed the door softly, her ears picking up on the muted sounds of her television - which she did NOT remember leaving on, or even turning on, for that matter. Lucas obviously could not hear it, and Cybersix could have kicked him as he called out, Hello, Adrian? Anyone home?
came a yell from the living room, followed by a crash. Cybersix darted through her apartment and ran into her couch, hands grasping the top tightly, her cape twisted around the side. Lucas was directly behind her, and stopped against the wall, gaping.
Oh, no, Mikae-
The teen looked up with a sheepish grin. Hey, Mr. Amato.
