Epilogue
Chapter Thirteen: You May Rely On Me
It has been far too long. Anyway, here's the next chapter! Chapter 14 is on its way (very close behind, mind you) so keep checking back, and keep reviewing!
The low sun in Cybersix's window brought no warmth with it, and she was angry at it. She woke up in a cold sweat, unable to remember her dreams. The bedsheets were flung aside, and every inch of her skin was icy to the touch. She had only a loose white tanktop on, and the night had been warm; sweatpants were deemed unneccesary. Which was a mistake.
Cybersix looked at her digital clock and groaned softly. Though it was early, she was not looking forward to more nightmares, and knew that falling asleep really wouldn't happen again tonight. Or, rather, today. She winced as her feet hit the cold floor of her bedroom, and she got up to shut the window. Resisting a strong urge to cry out from the cold, she dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a gray sweater. Hugging herself through the soft materal, she turned her attention to her desk, where homework assignments lay ungraded.
Oh, Lori... The girl's paper was decorated with tiny hearts, as well as flowery sketchings of both and Crud, Cybersix thought, holding her hands against her eyes.
A small rapping at the window shocked her, and she brushed the beginnings of tears away from her face. Data 7's glowing eyes at the glass held a secret sense of urgency, and the window was opened somewhat frantically. A pile of arms, legs, and paws tumbled into the room, followed by shouts of joy and Cybersix's exclamations of disbelief. Julian! Ikiko - Brother, you're wonderful, you - oof!
Four small arms around her neck cut off any other flattering, and Cybersix hugged both children close to her. Data 7 sauntered around them, quite obviously pleased to be a hero, and looking as though he felt he deserved a reward. But even his appetite understood that now was not the time.
Julian stopped laughing long enough to ask, Can we stay with you now, Cybersix?
Oh, can we?
Cybersix's mind raced. You wouldn't be safe with me, not really. Besides, Ikiko, don't you miss- A flash of inspiration. She smiled and stood up, a hand on Julian's head, the other holding Ikiko at her hip. Data 7, you carry Julian.
Why? he asked as Julian swung up and took hold of his shoulders.
Because these two will be safer with Miao than with me.
Ikiko gasped, then hugged Cybersix tightly.
There were less troops in the city early in the morning, and so the quartet walked through the streets with minimal trouble. Cybersix far preferred the openness of the sky to the cramped streets in Meridiana, but she jumped far higher than her brother, and did not want to make Ikiko sick.
With her free hand, she rapped on Yashimoto's door. Ikiko held her breath, and then the door opeed a crack. A moment passed, then it swung open in a rush. Data 7 leaped in, depositing Julian in the room. Yashimoto watched with a relieved smile as Cybersix entered, handing him his sister. As both exchanged feverish hugs and kisses, Cybersix glanced down at Julian.
Though he would never say anything, he was hiding a feeling a longing. Cybersix felt a pang of regret for him. Like her, he wouldn't ever have an acceptable father figure. Julian was a sweet child, despite his upbringing, and even if he didn't mention wanting it, he deserved the warm hugs of a sibling of parent. And no one else is bound to step in... She looked at the young man - he was, after all, growing up - and made a decision. Julian, until I find your parents, you may rely on me. And... if I figure out where my heart is, Lucas too. She squeezed the boy's shoulder gently, and gave him a soft, tender smile when he looked up.
she said, can you watch Julian, too? I want to make sure he stays safe, but I think he'd be better off if he wasn't in the care of a wanted woman.
It isn't a problem, but what are you going to do?
Find some help. Can you locate Enrique? He's in the police force, or he was when I last spoke to him.
I could find the address, but you won't find him. Von Reichter imprisoned most of the police the first chance he got - and the ones who fought back... well...
Cybersix nodded. I understand-
Well I don't! Julian burst out. You mean Enrique is in those camps too?
Julian, we don't know-
We gotta save him! Come on, Data 7, let's-
No, the panther growled, shaking his head.
But why?!
I'm sorry, Julian, Cybersix said quietly. I want to help him, too, but it's dangerous, even for me. We don't stand much of a chance.
Julian fell silent, and Ikiko silently went to him and put her hand in his.
Take your own advice, Cybersix, Yashimoto suggested, and stay out of danger. I can easily watch Julian, and you - if you stay. He smiled.
I have friends waiting for me in a small shelter, though. Rebel Technos, maybe some Types, maybe humans. Mikae is there, and ... so is Lucas. I sent him there with a mild bullet wound. I'd like to check on him.
Miao closed his eyes for a moment, thinking. When they opened, he looked somewhat calmer. Does Von Reichter knows about the shelter?
Maybe, maybe not. It was José's, but he won't use it again now that the camps are up. They've both forgotten it, probably.
Better than nothing. It's going to be safer for us, as well as the children. You know the way?
Of course...
Yashimoto studied her face. Cybersix, you can't help anyone if you're dead.
Hey, you don't know that. She forced a smile. But all right. Any ideas what to do once we're there? The group wants me to lead them.
I've been trying to find ways out of the city, and a way to get the citizens out of the camps. He led her into his office. Cybersix gave Data 7 a look that quite distinctly meant watch the kids. So far, he continued, it's been rough going. There are a lot of guards at the camps, especially the ones with adults. And Von Reichter's troops have gotten most people out of their homes.
Ah... which is why you don't want me to go back to my apartment.
Well, I also don't really want to find your body.
Hah, hah.
You've changed quite a bit, you know. You're fiercer now, more protective. A bit different from the intriguing, beautiful woman who saved my sister, but it's understandable.
Cybersix blushed slightly at the unexpected compliment, but took on an air of sadness. A lot of things have changed, Miao.
I heard about the students that were killed.Were you close to one?
Lori Anderson... She loved Adrian. And it's also... I'm worried about Lucas.
Yashimoto nodded. A lot of things have changed, indeed.
A shriek, then a loud crash came from the living room. Cybersix and Yashimoto exchanged panicked glances, then lunged for the door.
Ikiko stood wide-eyed, hands over her mouth.
Oops, Data 7 said eloquently.
Julian looked sheepishly from the shattered lamp to Yashimoto, then to Cybersix.
Yashimoto groaned, and Cybersix shook her head.
But a lot of things have stayed perfectly the same.
