Epilogue
Chapter Eighteen: Farewell

*sigh* Warm happy feelings!

As promised, the first departure was planned for the next night. Cybersix made her announcement at the midday meal to allow everyone time enough to say goodbye as neccesary. She noticed, however, that Mikae was not at the meal, and that Yashimoto slipped away early. So, intrigued and concerned, she followed him.
You should eat something, Mikae. Cybersix stopped at the doorway to Mikae's room, which seemed to be the location of a secret meeting.
I know I should, but I'm too nervous. Mikae's voice was low and thick, as though she'd been crying.
We'll be fine. You know Cybersix will take care of us, and I'll get us out of no man's land.
She should've assigned me to do it; I wouldn't have minded.
But then I'd worry.
Crying shame. There were low sounds of laughter, then Mikae spoke again. Take care of yourself, you dork. I'll hate you if you die.
No, you won't. You'll love my memory even more.
Quit saying stuff like that.
Okay, Mikae.
Cybersix smiled and shook her head slowly. Who would've thought those two would find each other? I expect Julian and Ikiko have said their goodbyes too... Though probably with a little less commitment. And she returned to her room, where she found Lucas waiting for her.
Hey, you, he said quietly, smiling.
Oh, Lucas, don't get like that on me. You know I'll be careful and safe and they'll be fine. And I'll come back, good as new. Not even cold, I'll bet you.
He laughed. I only wanted to make sure. I'm on cleanup and I know you'll be busy the rest of the day. So I wanted to say goodbye now.
Cybersix shook her head. It isn't goodbye, Lucas.
It could've been goodbye on the day I was fool enough to go scouting the city. I don't want that to happen again.
Well, then just don't leave the shelter-
I'm serious. Lucas stood up and walked to her. I've been kicking myself ever since then for being such an idiot as to let things go unsaid. You're taking a big risk tonight and I'm not going to have my head up my rear this time. He smiled briefly.
Lucas, you don't have to say it... It's been obvious for awhile, but-
I feel like I do have to say it, so let me. I love you, Cybersix. I need you to know that. Maybe it's selfish, but if something goes wrong, I want you to at least be able to hear me tell you that you're loved.
Oh, Lucas... you lummox. I have no idea what to say back to you. She allowed him to lift her chin gently with his right hand.
Just tell me... so I can hear you in my head all night.
I don't know what I'm waiting for. Dammit, girl, tell him. It doesn't matter to him that you're a lab creation, just say it. He needs it and you need it too. I... love you, Lucas Amato.
That was all I needed to hear...

In the dead of night, Cybersix led the way through the empty streets of Meridiana. Ikiko sat quietly upon Yashimoto's shoulders, sniffing quietly every minute or so. Yashimoto himself was diligent in keeping up with Cybersix, and Annie carried Henry in one arm, Joshua holding her other hand reluctantly.
As Cybersix traced the path she had memorized, she recalled her previous conversation with Mikae. The teenager showed no signs of her infatuation for Yashimoto, and instead had wrapped the older woman in a bear hug, laughing quietly. Let me go with you, she'd asked, but Cybersix had refused her request. Better one leader dead than two, Mikae. I need you here. Mikae had nearly burst into tears at that, but instead had nodded obediently. Her reply was Take care of your damn self, Cyb. I'll kill you again if you get yourself shot.
Cybersix had pretended to be absolutely terrified.
Now, as the group of six reached the short barbed wire fence (meant for stopping trucks), she turned to the group and smiled. This is it, she said quietly. Are you all ready?
Scared as hell, Henry remarked, but his was just as nervous and so did not correct his mouth. Joshua only nodded quietly, looking up at Cybersix with adoration and wonder.
Ikiko smiled right back at Cybersix, and held out an open hand. In the middle of her palm was a length of red ribbon. This's so you can remember me. Leaning closer, she whispered, I gave one to Julian, too.
Cybersix smiled, and held out her wrist. Ikiko swiftly tied the ribbon above the black leather glove, then rested again as Yashimoto took his turn to say goodbye. I know you overheard Mikae and I, Cyb. Mikae said she heard you follow me.
If there had been a light, one could have seen the red blush on Cybersix's cheeks.
But it doesn't matter. I'm glad you know - pain in our asses to keep it a secret for much longer. In any case, I'll call you tomorrow morning when we reach safety. Send Mikae my love, all right?
I'll do that, Miao. The two friends exchanged bows, then Cybersix pulled Yashimoto into a tight hug, careful not to knock Ikiko off his shoulders. All right, she cautioned, I'm lifting you all over, and then it's up to you, Yashi. You get to be the guide.
A whoohoo' is in order, but I'll save it.
Cybersix proceeded to lift Yashimoto and Ikiko over the wire, followed by Joshua. The 12-year-old received little Henry with open arms, and Annie soon relieved him of that duty. And she smiled briefly at Cybersix, mouthing the words Thank you.
Cybersix ruffled the hair of both boys, who were looking saddened and downcast (Joshua especially). Keep a smile on, all right boys? They gave her a twin pair of nods, and then Yashimoto nodded at the little group.
As they headed off through the night, Cybersix absentmindedly held the ends of the ribbon around her wrist. She watched them avoid the spotlights, holding her breath and prayed that no silenced nightvision rifle shots would shatter the quiet of the night. When she could no longer see her friends, even with her enhanced vision, and no other sounds were to be heard, Cybersix breathed again. She turned slowly and began to make her way back to the shelter.
They are free.