Forgotten Reality
Chapter Three: Protection

Okay, this is going to be almost as short as my previous fics. But that's okay - Epilogue is the only LONG one I've written. And Run For It should be somewhere in between. Neat-o! So anyway, review!

Adrian barely got any sleep that night, and woke up in a foul mood. It was a dreary, rainy day, and his morning walk to school was peppered with puddles and drive-by splashings. At Meridiana High School, he was forced to deal not only with Lori's attentions (did that EVER change?) but also with the gossip of the halls.
Most of it was about Cybersix.
At lunch, he decided it was worth the stings of pain to talk to Lucas, and so he sat down beside the biology teacher in the teacher's lounge. Thankfully, Lucas had no newspaper with him. He did, however have a story.
There's two of them now, he commented between bites of a sandwich, and the second one's male.
This surprised Cybersix. Could it be Cyber Ten? Cybersix rarely saw her younger brother, but if the smart-alecky, unusual Cyber was around, maybe it meant she WASN'T losing her mind just yet. Adrian returned his attention to the conversation. How do you know he was male?
Because he was standing in a streetlight outside my apartment. Had on dark sunglasses, maybe that's what caught my eye.
What else? Ten wore sunglasses, but usually not at night.
Uhm... black trenchcoat, boots, gloves like hers... I didn't get a very good look at him. He must have seen me looking, because he jumped just like her. He seemed to have to use more energy, though, and wasn't as graceful. Heh. But men never were exactly graceful, were they?
No, I suppose not. Adrian was now genuinely puzzled. If it WAS Ten, he shouldn't have to use more energy, and he'd be just as graceful as his sister. Can't be a Cyber... maybe some other creation? The rest of the day seemed to drag on, with Adrian anxious to get home. He declined an offer for coffee with Lucas in favor of rushing back to the apartment, eating some sort of early dinner, and going up to the peninsula.
Truthfully, it was a very risky idea, but with José's headquarters completely empty, Cybersix thought there wasn't much to be afraid of. And besides, a part of her hoped to meet the strange man Lucas had seen the night before. Briefly, Cybersix wondered why she hadn't seen him during her rounds, but blaimed it on her confusion and fright.

And so, easily sidestepping trees, rocks, and the other obstacles of the forest on the peninsula, Cybersix silently made her way to the location of Von Reichter's scientific labs. However, her breath was quickly knocked from her lungs. There was no towering castle of crackling machinery, no flashing lights, no Fixed Ideas, not even a door. This is insane, she muttered, groping and leaning heavily against a tree. He doesn't exist... and, she realized with a shock, I have no sustenance. Oh my God...
A pair of eyes watched her leave the peninsula, studying her dazed walk in the red light of the setting sun.
As Cybersix leaped from roof to roof with a sinking heart, her mind spun wildly, unable to make sense of this strange Meridiana. She was so caught up in her reverie that she didn't notice the slightly heavier sounds of a figure behind her. In fact, she only became fully aware of her surroundings when a gloved hand grabbed her shoulder, twisted her around, and held her tightly. Cybersix gave a small shriek and attempted to wrench herself away. The figure in shadow let her go, making no move to stop her. Puzzled, she peered closer at it. she breathed.
You've... seen me? the man's voice was somewhat surprised.
No, only heard a description... Cybersix looked at his fluttering trenchcoat. You're not Cyber Ten.
I'm afraid not. He shrugged with one shoulder, as if lifting two was too great an effort. Did you want me to be?
It would have helped my head... She blinked several times. I hope you don't mind my asking - can I get a better look at you?
The man shifted his body slightly, lifted his head higher.
Cybersix took it all in with a breath - the blue eyes flecked with gold, the smooth, perfect features - save the vertical scar running down the right side of his face. He was slim, but it was obvious that he lacked no strength. In fact, she thought, he seems to be almost near my power levels. Whatever they might be. How long have you been following me?
Since you left your apartment this morning, he answered truthfully. I waited around the school all day. You left late, he stated, as though she'd done him some great wrong.
You - followed me from my apartment? Cybersix caught her breath. Then - you know -
I wouldn't tell a soul who would harm you. There was fierce protection in his voice now, and Cybersix found herself wondering about that. I know you're lost, Cybersix. Somebody has tricked you, and I know who it is. Unfortunately, I can't help you more right now - not until I learn just a little bit more...
She grabbed his sleeve, afraid he would turn to go. Don't leave me alone here. I don't understand any of this - why do I feel like I can trust you more than anyone else in the city? What's going on?
The man looked down at her, a war between affection and unease raging on his face. I told you, I can't help you any more right now. I don't know why you feel like you can trust me-
You're lying.
Yes, I am, but you aren't ready to hear the truth. Brave another day, Cybersix. I'll meet you at the water tower tomorrow night, and I'll explain what I can. After that - you'll have to wait, and trust me.
and she was surprised to find herself begging. Please, don't go.
The man lifted her hand from his sleeve. Do you want me to help you?

Then I need to go now. Can you understand that?

He lifted her chin with a finger. You know, no matter where you are, you're always beautiful.

But the man had saluted, and had jumped away into the night.
What an unsatisfying exit that is. I think I'll have to work on my own...