Chapter 9

"That makes it card number 9, excellent Ty" Bret congratulated two weeks later when she returned with news of successfully seizing another tag.

"Thanks, although I must admit, I'm exhausted—they were expecting me" she informed as she fell back onto her bed.

"Another one? That makes it two in a row that have put up a fight Tyana" At Bret's silence she knew he was thinking about her safety. Despite the one on one 10 minute combat she'd narrowly escaped without injuries she was determined to carry on as an important roll in this operation; dangerous circumstances or not. Ty sorely pushed herself up so that she was propped up on her elbows.

"I kicked their ass though" She offered to ease his nerves that she knew were increasing as they became even more accustomed to speaking so regularly and entrusting each other so deeply. He smiled warmly at her and nodded,

"If you say so"

Ty nodded, "And I do so no worries…I just need some sleep" she deliberately left out the bit about being repeatedly thrown against a wall by her opponent and she also failed to mention the huge knot that had formed painfully in the back of her neck. "Just a little bit of sleep" she repeated as she dropped from her elbows so that she was lying properly.

From where the communicator sat alone on the dresser opposite the bed Bret raised an eyebrow,

"Ty, are you sugar coating something here?" Bret asked, noticing she was far more tired than she was after her last success.

"No…not at all"

"Fine, if you insist. Sweet dreams" he switched the monitor off automatically so that Tyana wouldn't have to get up and do it.

She smiled appreciatively even though he couldn't witness it and rolled over to get comfortable for her much needed rest. A second before she left this world for her own her cell jumped to life…

***

Jeff popped a bubble in his gum while he waited for Tyana to answer. Amy smiled at him from where she sat on his bed and Matt shook his head, beaming at his brother, while Jeff continually blew and popped bubbles. Just before he was about to hang up she answered,

"Hey Jeff" her voice squeaked.

He smiled, "Hey you, how's it going?" he asked of the woman he'd been speaking to for the past two weeks and dreaming of for much longer.

"Ok i guess, very tired though. And you?"

"Ditto" he answered.

As he started off the conversation Matt smiled,

"She's really hot isn't she?" he asked of the red headed diva that was also watching Jeff in amusement.

She nodded, "Hell yeah. She's beautiful. And really mysterious…it's no wonder he's so mad for her" she filled in, Matt not yet having the opportunity to meet the new woman in Jeff's life.

He laughed knowingly of the type of woman Jeff fell for, noting that this girl Tyana sounded exactly like it.

"Some how that doesn't surprise me"

Both of the younger brother's friends had long since fled for their own rooms in search of the wonderful thing called sleep when Jeff finally ended the call.

"I've really gotta get some rest Jeff," Tyana explained as she yawned.

"Ok, just a quick question before you go?"

"Sure, go right ahead"

"Do you know where you're headed next?" he asked curiously, hoping that not only would she have already decided but that he would be in the same area.

"Uh, I'm seriously considering Chicago."

"Ok, well sleep tight"

"And you, bye"

"Bye Ty" he hung up. He wouldn't be seeing her for a while yet.

And Jeff swore that at that thought his heart frowned.

Jeff watched Tyana distractedly as she round house kicked a boxing bag and landed correctly before hitting punch after punch to the centre of a red square tapped to it. She huffed tiredly but continued training none the less, her body clearly exhausted and yet shining with a healthy glow. Jeff twisted the cap of his water bottle round and round, beginning to get aggravated that no matter how many times he turned it the lid refused to lock properly. He threw it away and as it flew through the air the water spilled from it, splashing partially onto Ty.

He shrugged, smiling a sheepish apology at the woman that paused the assault for long enough to capture his adorable face. She rolled her eyes at him familiarly. Winking she pulled the blue bag down. She dropped it to the floor and nudged it gently with her foot. Strangely enough it rolled away with a speed you would have expected if she'd put her every fibre of being into moving it with.

Jeff's vision faded temporarily as he was beginning to get used to and by the time it returned to its usual status Tyana was kneeling in front of him in the corner of the perfect white room. She beamed innocently and leaned into him. Assuming he was finally going to get what he'd been wanting since he'd first laid eyes on her Jeff leant into her too, only to have her whisper to him,

"It's getting dangerous—you should really be going" She pushed herself backwards and jumped to her feet without the use of her hands for leverage. Jeff struggled to get up, displaying barely any grace in comparison.

"But…but the clouds are darkening" he stated confused.

Tyana shook her head, disagreeing, "I don't care, you'll get hurt if you don't leave now" she turned to leave but he pulled her back, wrapping his arms around her tightly.

"Jeff" she murmured, her lips too close to his to bear. He was about to ask what was wrong when an invisible force broke them apart, dragging Tyana roughly backwards. Jeff tried desperately to reach her but he couldn't break free of the energy that kept a hold of him, rooting him to the spot. As they struggled to reach one another millions of cameras appeared, screaming alarms piercing the air.

"Let him go" Tyana screamed painfully as she blatantly thrashed against whatever it was that gripped her so forcefully. Suddenly she launched into combat, something invisible fighting her with a skill that challenged hers equally. Jeff watched on with eyes wide, his voice stolen and added to the torturing screech of the sirens. As Tyana delivered brutal kick after punch to the hidden adversary her facial expressions twisted in agony, until eventually she broke down, clasping her stomach excruciatingly. Jeff stared at her mutely, tears rolling as she clutched at her torso. Slowly a screen developed on her abdomen and crackled visibly, a shadowy figure laughing sickly at her pain.

From behind Jeff was dragged off, helplessly watching the turquoise blur cry out as something unseen battled her, a puddle of her crimson life pooled under her seemingly lifeless form.

The last thing he heard before he lost sight of the scene was her piercing scream that shattered his soul.