Name: Androgene (formerly known as Cyberoid13)

Website:

Email: androgene@lycos.com

Title: Reconciliation

Summary:

The terrible deeds Saber did finally surfaced, threatening to tear friendships and his sanity apart. Redemption seems so far away, especially when he's no longer in control of himself. And how would his friends win a fight when their enemy is their best friend?

Date of completion: 10 November 2001

Category: Drama, angst, violence, blood, rude language

Rating: NC-17

Author's notes:

The time is now '2:50am' on a Saturday morning. After more than a year, part one of the third instalment is done. This instalment wasn't easy to write because of the several loose ends from the previous instalments. Only by completely tweaking all the stories together was it possible for 'Reconciliation' to take shape.

This instalment is a lot darker and edgier than 'Reunion' and 'Remembrance'. Part of it was influenced by the very nature of the story; partly it is also because I was going through a rather dark mood myself. I like to think that this fiction is rather philosophical as well – the light and dark sides in everyone and the balance we all strive to maintain. When the balance goes out of whack, we have psychological mayhem. In this fic, Saber is an extreme portrayal of this imbalance.

I am very pleased with this story, and I hope you will like it too. But as of right now, I am going to crash.

Disclaimer: All 'Saber Rider and Star Sheriffs' characters belonged to World Event Production. I make no money from them and I do not own them.


~ Reconciliation ~


One - Arrival at Planet Yuma

Planet Yuma: the centre of the New Frontier.

The heart of the political body made up of thousands of worlds and billions of humans. Being the centre of the known universe, Planet Yuma was perhaps the most urbanised and swiftly changing world of the New Frontier.

Saber Rider knew that fact intimately. But no matter how much he had braced himself for his first look of the planet he left five years ago, it still had been an overwhelming shock to find himself a stranger on a world he considered his second home. Even during the short drive from the Yuma Air Base to the Cavalry Commands headquarters, he had not recognised a single landmark. Everything he remembered of old was gone, replaced by something new and completely different.

He stared out at the unfamiliar city skyline from the seventy-third floor of Cavalry Commands HQ, silently absorbing the changes.

It will take time, he told himself. Just think of it as your first time on Yuma.

"Come on Elise," whined Colt. Saber turned to see the cowboy engaging in one of his favourite past times – flirting with Eagle's secretary. "I've just come back from a gruelling three-month tour of duty and the first person I visit is you. Doesn't that say something about me?"

Elise rolled her eyes. "Spare me, Colt. You're here because Admiral Eagle summoned you guys to meet him the first thing you land. I'm simply a happy convenience for you to practise your flirting on."

Colt dramatically clasped his hands over his heart. "Ouch! That hurts, Elise." He batted wounded puppy-eyes at the pretty secretary. "You're not a happy convenience, you know that."

The sounds of Elise's laughter filling the waiting room distracted Saber from his rather gloomy contemplation. Beside him, Fireball's shoulders shook with repressed amusement.

"Colt, leave Elise alone." April said in mock irritation. "She's got a lot of work to do."

"Aw, April." Colt protested.

"It's not easy being my dad's secretary. So leave her in peace, playboy."

"Playboy?!" Colt sputtered.

April airily waved aside the indignant cowboy's denials, winking conspiratorially at the giggling secretary.

For all the light-hearted bantering, Saber couldn't repress the brief pang of guilt that flashed through him. Colt was never always a playboy.

Admiral Eagle finally stepped out from his office. At once, the Star Sheriffs snapped to attention in the presence of one of Cavalry Command's most distinguished officers.

"Star Sheriffs reporting, sir!" Fireball said crisply as they all saluted.

"At ease, Star Sheriffs." Admiral Eagle, head of the Star Sheriffs division, said.

At mid-fifties, Eagle had definitely grown much older than Saber once remembered him. There were a lot more grey strands in his brown hair and beard, and more careworn lines etching the distinguished face. But the shrewdness and intelligence in those kind brown eyes had not faded in the slightest. 

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. The phone conference took much longer than I thought."

April couldn't resist the temptation any longer. Disregarding protocols, she abandoned her dignified posture in favour of a fierce hug and an unladylike shriek of delight.

"Daddy!"

Eagle laughed as he accepted his daughter's exuberant embrace. "Welcome back, April."

"Oh, it's so good to be back. I've missed you."

"Same here, April. Same here."

Eagle held his daughter at arms' length and examined her closely. Older, yes and more matured, his only child had grown up to be a beautiful and capable young woman. He was so proud of her and at the same time, so relieved that she was home safe. Though he recognised the fact that April could take care of herself and her team, the father in him worried constantly over his daughter's safety.

"Did you have a good journey?"

"Well, you can put it that way." April hedged playfully.

Eagle raised an eyebrow in mock concern. "Did Fireball bully you?"

"Admiral!" Fireball protested.

April giggled.

Eagle laughed again. "At ease, Fireball. I know how much of a handful she can be." He laughed again as April mock-punched him in the arm for that remark. "My office, Star Sheriffs. I believe we have a lot to discuss."

In the privacy of his office, Eagle focused his attention on the one man he was most eager to meet since he received the news.

"Welcome back, Saber. I'm glad to have you home."

"Me too, sir."

"How are you?"

Saber smiled faintly. "There're issues I'm still trying deal with. But I'm getting there."

Eagle studied the younger man for a long moment.  

Despite the warning Fireball had given him in advance, Eagle was still startled when he first laid eyes on the man standing at attention in the reception hall. His first impression was just how physically unchanged Saber seemed to be. The young man hadn't seemed to age a day in the five years he went missing. He was the oldest of the team, yet now he can be mistaken for being Fireball's junior.

The moment Saber eased his stance, Eagle realised how wrong he was.

Saber had changed. It was there in his peculiarly alert behaviour, the almost inhuman fluidity of his movement, and the slightly predatory overtone to his body language. Cold violence seemed to simmer just beneath the surface, giving Eagle a sense of unease. His eyes spoke the clearest. Saber wasn't an innocent; no Star Sheriff can be. But his eyes, in the past, were never so haunted and so...lost.

It pained Eagle to find one of his finest in such a wounded state.

"If you ever need anything," Eagle said, "please don't hesitate to ask."

"Aye sir." Saber hesitated, and then ventured, "Sir, about my parents?"

"Your father is on his way to Yuma. He should be here in the next day or so."

"My mother?"

"Unable to travel." Eagle's gaze softened with sympathy. "She has been ill for some time, Saber."

Saber's expression darkened at the worrisome news. "Do they know?" he asked softly.

"I've told them in very broad terms that you have been badly traumatised and hurt." Eagle looked reproachfully at Fireball. "It's a little hard to elaborate when all I have are vague reports."

"Sorry sir," Fireball apologised. "But I didn't feel comfortable giving you the details over long-distance communication." He scratched his head. "In hindsight, I'm beginning to see why you gave us the order of secrecy."

Eagle stared at the young captain. "What order of secrecy?" he asked carefully.

"The one you gave us to keep all news of Saber's return under wrap..." Fireball's voice trailed off as he saw the look on Eagle's face. "You...didn't give the order, sir?"

"I only ordered you to return ASAP, that's all."

The Star Sheriffs exchanged worried glances.

"Daddy, the secrecy order was given in your communication to us. We thought it came from you."

"I didn't issue such order." Eagle was troubled. He reached for his intercom. "Elise."

"Yes, sir?"

"It had just been brought to my notice that a false order of secrecy was given to the Star Sheriffs in my name. Get Garret and look into it."

"Right away, sir."

The admiral sat down in his armchair. "We'll get to the bottom of this false order. Now back to your reports, Fireball. I want to know everything, from the very first moment you found Saber." 

"Aye, sir."

The telling took a very long time. With the help of his written reports and his friends, Fireball told Eagle what had happened and the various details and plans they had uncovered. By the time they were done, the day was nearly over.

Eagle paced behind his desk, digesting the news. Documents littered over his desk, all corresponding and supporting every bit of Fireball's report.

"I don't like this," he said finally. "If what you've told me is true, then the New Frontier is in danger. The Council must know about this."

He turned to Saber and asked, "How deeply were you involved?"

"We all had our parts in the missions. But both Conqueror and War planned and executed most of the missions into the New Frontier, disguising them as Outlaw attacks. I handled a lot of the military logistics. I know a great deal of our military power."

"Not 'ours', Saber." April reminded gently. "'Theirs'. You're not one of them, remember?"

Saber flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry. I keep forgetting."

"Tell me about the other Horsemen."

"The Black Horseman is a bio-engineer by the name of Doctor Zhu'cov. He's very brilliant and gifted in his field. Unfortunately, he's also twisted in his mind. He engineered the changes for the Horsemen and he was the one behind the design of the Renegade-Hounds. He did other kinds of projects as well, for military purposes, and is highly secretive. I don't think even Conqueror knew about all the projects he orchestrated.

"War is a mystery. All I know is that the Red Horseman is a woman with a thirst for blood and chaos. She's mostly on her own, though she is the closest to Conqueror. In all the time I was Death, I had never seen her face. I think only Conqueror knew what she looked like."

"And this Conqueror?" Eagle questioned. "Who is he?"

"Lord Conqueror is the ruler. Not much is known about his background. Some says he's the son of Nemesis who set his father up for the fall so he could rule instead. Others think he's a talented if psychotic general who seized control during their civil turmoil after their defeat. There are even wilder rumours about him being the direct descendant of the devil himself, but that's absolutely hogwash."

"What is he like?"

Saber looked down at his clasped fists. "He's absolutely brilliant, a true dictator and conqueror. He's very charismatic, despite his icy persona. He's not benevolent or kind. In fact, he can be downright cruel. Yet he's able to invoke absolute devotion and loyalty from his people. It's this extremely compelling aura of power and charisma he posses. You'd want to follow him because he's victory and people loves to be on the winning side. That's his edge, Admiral. He's been known to win fights without even lifting a finger. Opponents just cave in his presence."

"How do you feel about him, Saber?"

"..."

"Saber?"

"I-I'm afraid of him."

In the silence that ensued, the others exchanged shocked looks. None of them had ever heard Saber admitting to fear so readily. Saber turned away shamefaced, unable to bear his friends' startled looks.

Eagle sighed. "I understand. It would not look good on your psychological profile. If the review committee was to hear this though, Cavalry Command would not be so open to reinstating you."

"I know." 

"For now, I'm afraid I have to confine you to your quarters. Until we find out who gave that secrecy order, I don't want to risk exposing you to further danger." Eagle smiled apologetically at Saber. "I hope you understand."

"I do, sir."

"That will be all for today, Star Sheriffs. You have given the Council and I a lot to think about. With luck and enough time, I hope we can come up with some kind of defence against this new Outrider threat. Saber, I'll refer you to Cavalry Command Medical. If it's possible, we'll undo whatever...changes the Outriders had done to you."

"Thank you, sir."

"Get some rest, Star Sheriffs."

They got up to leave, Saber hesitating. "Sir?"

"Yes?"

"I'd like to ask you not to tell my parents about Death."

Eagle frowned. "I suppose I could…but why not?"

"When I'm ready, I will tell them myself."

Eagle's gaze softened with understanding. "You have my word, Saber."

"Thank you, sir."


Two – A Moment of Reflection

       Colt peered concernedly at his friend rummaging through his duffel. "You sure you'll be all right by yourself?"

"Colt," Saber sighed. "For the hundredth time, yes, I'll be fine."

The cowboy still didn't look very convinced. "We can always stay in tonight, you know. Have dinner in our quarters and play a few rounds of poker."

"Great idea," Fireball quipped. "After all, I have yet to win back my money from you."

The Star Sheriffs' quarters were the family-type apartment buildings situated near the Yuma Air Base. The apartments were for soldiers who have families visiting them and thus had the same level of security as accorded to a military base. Normally, the Star Sheriffs would share a bunkhouse with other Star Sheriff units, but Admiral Eagle had chosen to house them in an apartment this time round. Saber knew this change of accommodation was to keep him away from public view until they have determined the sender of the secrecy order.

       "You can try, race-boy." Saber retorted. He paused in his task, sighing inwardly at their reluctance. "Lads, just because I'm confined to quarters doesn't mean you have to join me as well. This is your first night back home. You should enjoy it thoroughly."

"Yeah, but-"

       "No buts. Go. Have fun. Don't make me throw you out."

       "Throw who out?" April asked, poking her head into Saber's bedroom.

"Ah, perfect timing. April, drag your boyfriend and the cowboy out for the night."

       April giggled. "Afraid you'll cramp their styles, Top Sword?"

       "If they insist on hovering about me, I'll cramp more than just their styles."

"I don't hover," Fireball said indignantly.

"Oh really?" April arched a sceptic brow.

"April!"

Laughing, April pulled Fireball to his feet and pushed him out of Saber's bedroom. "Let's go, race-boy. You too, Colt. The night's waiting."

Grumbling, the two men followed April to the front door. Trailing behind, Saber leaned against the doorframe of his bedroom, watching them prepared to go out for the night.

"Do you want anything?" April asked.

The Highlander shook his head. "Just make sure the driver's sober."

"Will do. See you later."

"Have fun, mates."

The front door clicked shut and silence descended, leaving Saber alone in their apartment quarters. He retreated to his bedroom and retrieved his toiletries. It had been a long day and there was nothing more he wanted to do now than to relax in a hot bath.

Saber sank into the hot water with a sigh of relief. Ramrod's bathrooms were utilitarian and didn't have tubs in order to conserve space and water. After weeks on the road, a hot bath felt like a luxury. He absently ran the sponge over his body, not thinking of anything, just concentrating on the motions of bathing. The sheer normalcy of the activity gradually got to him; easing wound up muscles and a tension he hadn't even known was there.

He could almost convince himself that everything was back to normal.

Almost.

Saber paused in mid-stroke and studied his outstretched arm. Even clean, he could still feel the familiar warmth of blood staining his hand. It was psychological, he knew, but he had taken so many lives, it'd be impossible for him to feel clean again. The sponge dropped from his grasp as he flexed his biceps, watching impassively as the telltale bumps of implants rippled under his skin. He could feel the implants flexing alongside with his muscles, adjusting and shifting in accordance with his movements. As much as he wanted to deny it, they were a part of him as much as his own heart was.

He let his arm fell with a plop back in the hot water and slumped back against the side of the tub.

His thoughts wandered back to Conqueror and what he had admitted in Eagle's office. Much as he disliked baring that little weakness – any weaknesses – it was the truth. Conqueror was nothing like Nemesis. He had faced Nemesis before, in that now-infamous trip to Vapour-Zone to retrieve the precious wilderbeasts.

Nemesis had been a tyrant, a ruthless cruel ruler assured and accustomed to getting his way with force and with all the resources at his disposal. For all the fear Saber had felt at confronting Nemesis, he nevertheless managed to conquer that fear and fight for his own cause. But the Conqueror got his way in a much different manner. He seldom used brunt force. No, the Conqueror was subtler, more manipulative, using his charisma to bind and persuade people to believe him. His rule was more complete and pervasive, simply because he had made them believed in his cause and were willing to do anything for him. In comparison, Nemesis had been easy to fight.  

If he was to confront Conqueror again...

Saber shuddered, squeezing his eyes shut. That single thought scared him like nothing else ever would. He hadn't told his friends, certainly not to Eagle, but what he was most afraid of was somehow Conqueror still has a hold over him. That if he confronts him again, Saber was terrified he would willingly turn traitor and serve him instead. 

His fist suddenly slammed against the surface of the water, splashing the wall and floor with soapy water. It won't happen, he vowed fiercely. I won't let it happen. Ever.

He scoped up the sponge and resuming bathing with harsh strokes. I'm free, he sternly told himself. And I'll do anything to stay free.

Saber suddenly froze, the hairs on the back of his neck rising. Blue eyes narrowed, darting warily to the closed bathroom door.

Someone was in the apartment.  

*      *      *

       "Do you think he'll be all right by himself?"

"Fireball, Saber's a big kid now. He can take care of himself."

"But look what happened the last time we let him go off on his own, April."

Colt leaned forward from his back seat in the jeep. "Relax, race-boy. The apartment is guarded by tight security. No way the Outriders are just going to waltz in and spirit him away."

"And what if he leaves on his own volition?"

"You're being paranoid, compadre."

"Yeah." Pushing her hair out of her face, April studied Fireball's profile. "And why are you worrying so much?"

Fireball shot her a look. "You worry about him too, April."

"We all do," she acknowledged. "But I think it goes further in your case."

Fireball said nothing, keeping his gaze fixedly on the road.

Colt craned his head and peered at his friend. "You're still feeling guilty over his abduction."

The flex of his jaws was the only indication Fireball gave.

"Fireball," April clasped a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You can't blame yourself for something you couldn't have known would happen."

"He's my friend, April. He's been in hell for five years while we-"

"Continue our job as Star Sheriffs, keeping the peace and upholding justice in the New Frontier," April cut in. "That would be exactly what Saber wanted. The safety of the New Frontier comes before a single person's welfare."

"Still doesn't ease the guilt in the slightest."

"You'll get over it. He's back with us. Things will get better."

A comfortable silence fell in the jeep as their jeep sped along the highway towards the city of Yuma.

"Guys," Colt spoke. "Have you noticed how...oddly Saber's been behaving around me?"

"Odd? Like how?" Fireball asked.

"I dunno. Like he has something to tell me but he doesn't know how, or rather he couldn't find the courage to do so."

"Maybe he's just surprised or curious." April suggested uncertainly. "You weren't this...well, irrepressible years ago."

Colt scowled at her. "Me? Irrepressible?"

"Did he ask about Robin?" Fireball asked abruptly.

Colt's expression instantly shuttered. "Yeah, he did. I told him."

April gently squeezed the cowboy's hand, her comforting gesture speaking more than any words could.

The rest of the journey was spent in companionable silence, only broken when they have reached their all-time favourite restaurant-bar Ol' Whistler. The festive atmosphere and jaunty music pouring out from that place was more than enough to push away any sombre thoughts they might still carry.

"Yo! Fireball!" Came the yell the minute they entered the place.

In a blink of an eye, the caller latched himself to Fireball's side, a friendly arm about the Japanese's shoulder and a half-empty whisky bottle in his other hand.

"Hello, Street."

Street was another Star Sheriff, with the Rampart unit, gregarious and one hell of a pilot, and fast on his way on getting soused.  

"Welcome back, race-boy. How was your tour-of-duty?"

"The usual." Fireball tipped his chin, indicating the half-empty bottle of whisky. "How much of that have you had already?"

"Oh this," Street waved the bottle airily. "My second."

"Third actually," cut in a new voice.

Street scowled at the sexy brunette clad in body-hugging leather apparel. "Second, Lila. Second."

Lila simply rolled her eyes. "You guys got a seat yet?"

"Nope." Colt gave her a rakish once-over. "You look fabulous, Lila."

She coyly tossed her coiffed hair. "Thank you, Colt."

"We got get you two a room," April said dryly.

Lila laughed and the two women exchanged a warm hug.

"Can't help it," Lila admitted. She linked arms with April. "Come on, our table's big enough to seat you guys as well."

"We'll gonna have a blast tonight," Street sang.

"Not if you're stone drunk," Fireball retorted, helping the unsteady pilot to their table.

"So where is he?" Lila asked casually.

"Who?"

Lila looked surprised. "You know, Saber."

They covered up their reactions swiftly.

"You know very well he's missing," April managed to say in an even tone.  

Lila blinked surprised. "I thought I saw him disembarking Ramrod with you guys on the air field earlier today."

"You must've saw wrong," Colt said easily. "No one but us three left Ramrod."

For a moment, Lila looked doubtful. She was about to argue her case when she saw the shuttered look in their eyes. Mentally shrugging, she dropped the subject. She understood the pain of losing a team-mate all too well.

Fireball quietly let out a sigh of relief. That has been a close call.

*      *      *

       Wrapped in a terry cloth bathrobe and armed with his blaster, Saber slinked noiselessly from the bathroom. The floor was icy beneath his damp bare feet and there was an equally chilly breeze coming from his bedroom.

Saber eyed the darkened entrance to his bedroom warily. The chilly draft was only possible if a window was left open. But he had closed the window before he took his bath... 

He burst into his bedroom, blaster held high. His gaze scanned the interior rapidly, swiftly settling on the dark figure seated in the armchair next to the open window. He stared a moment longer, trying to make out the intruder's features in the dim moonlight.

"You," Saber suddenly spat.

The man's inky black clothes blended perfectly into the night. As usual, his face was concealed behind a black metallic mask that glinted dimly in the moonlight.

"Yes, me." Nemo confirmed amiably. "How do you find Yuma?"

Saber got up from his crouch, lowering his blaster slightly. He still did not trust this strange Outrider who rescued him. "What are you doing here?" he asked, ignoring Nemo's question.

"Is that how you greet your rescuer, Star Sheriff?"

"I'm not yet reinstated, Outrider." A thought occurred to him. "You knew what happened to me during that five years, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell my friends sooner?"

"And what can they do? They can't jump dimensions. Your soldiers constantly surrounded you. I had to bid my time before I could isolate you and get you away from Black Ice. As it is, I think it all turned out for the best."

"Why did you rescue me?"

"Like I've said, I refused to be caught helpless in the coming storm."

Saber shook his head. "Not good enough."

Nemo rose from his seat. Like an inky black shadow, he glided across the room to Saber who held his ground at his approach.

"I want you as my ally," the enigmatic Outrider said seriously. "I sense in you a strength rarely found in this world. You may be the only person who can stand up to him."

"You forgot how easily he broke me."

"Anyone would break under that kind of torture. It's what happen next that is important."

"You mean rebuilding my strength and confront him again?" Saber couldn't help the shudder at that thought.

Nemo regarded him silently for a long while. The eyeholes of his mask were covered with black opaque glass, yet Saber could feel the intense scrutiny that was beginning to unnerve him.

"Who exactly are you afraid of?" Nemo asked softly.

"What do you mean?"

"You know very well what I mean – Pale Rider."

Saber couldn't help but flinch at the sound of that title. "I don't know what you mean," he reiterated.

"Are you afraid of him or yourself?"

"...I don't know." The words left him on an uncertain whisper, lost in the silence of his room. "I don't know anything anymore."

Silence ticked by in precious seconds.

An odd sound escaped behind from that blank metal mask.

Saber's gaze jerked up surprised. He could have sworn it sounded like a chuckle. He stared at Nemo, sensing him smiling beneath that mask.

"You'll find your way again. And when you do, you'll know what to do." Nemo withdrew, gliding over to the open window. "But better do it fast. He will not leave you alone for long."

Saber stared at him incredulously, not believing his ears. This...stranger had such unshakeable confidence in him that it was almost mind-boggling.

He snapped out of his confusion when he saw Nemo bracing to heave himself out of the window. "Wait! How do I contact you?"

"I contact you. Oh, and by the way, beware of scythe."

"What?"

Saber rushed to the window and leaned out, searching for the man who had all but leapt out of the window. But Nemo had disappeared into the night.


Three – The Calvary Command Intelligence

The insistent ringing of the doorbell roused the Star Sheriffs from their sleep.

Colt groaned and buried his head beneath his pillow. It was too early and his head ached too much to tolerate that kind of noise. Despite the pillow, he could hear Fireball cursing as he stomped for the door. He gave up. Throwing aside his pillow, he pulled on his pants and grabbed his blaster. He was gonna shoot the moron who disturbed his sleep.

They had gotten back very late the previous night. Both Fireball and him were suffering from mild cases of hangovers. Add the lack of sleep and the noise to their aching heads...well, neither he nor Fireball were in the best of moods.    

An equally bleary-eyed April followed Fireball and Colt to the front door. Saber silently joined them from the balcony. The Japanese man threw him a look. Despite his general shitty disposition, Fireball noticed that Saber was fully dressed and armed, a clear indication that he had not slept at all during the night.

Colt flung open the front door, greeting the uniformed soldiers with the business end of his blaster.

All three soldiers momentarily froze. It was not everyday one was confronted by a dishevelled, irritated and sleepy-eyed Star Sheriff brandishing a gun in their face.

"What do you want?" Fireball barked.

With a visible effort, the soldier who had ringing the doorbell reclaimed his composure and snapped a smart salute.

"Lieutenant Malcolm Crest, sir. Cavalry Command Intelligence. I'm here to see Mister Saber Rider."

Fireball woke up completely at once, as did April and Colt.

Cavalry Command Intelligence, or CCI for short, was the espionage branch of the New Frontier military. The Star Sheriffs have their share of top-secret missions and were familiar with the nature of covert operations. But they were still essentially Star Sheriffs at heart – the policing force of the New Frontier dedicated to protecting the ordinary people. They were the ones the masses turned to for help and rely on for justice and protection; the good guys in white.

Cavalry Command Intelligence, with their shadowy methods and shades of grey, was the complete opposite of them. For the CCI, as long as it fulfils the goal of protecting the New Frontier, any method will be considered, any risks and sacrifices acceptable.

To have three CCI agents arriving at your front door at the crack of dawn...Fireball didn't like it one bit.

"What do you want with him?" he asked suspiciously.

"I'm afraid that's classified information, Captain Fireball. For Mister Rider's ears only."

"Captain," Colt corrected irritably. "You address him as 'Captain', Lieutenant." 

"Mister Rider has not been reinstated as a Cavalry soldier. The address is moot." Ignoring Colt's glower, Crest turned to the silent Highlander. "Our car is waiting downstairs, Mister Rider."

It was certainly not a request.

"He has been confined to quarters," Fireball stated firmly. "He's not going anywhere."

"If you want to know what the Outriders have been up to, you will come with us."

"Don't listen to them, Saber." Fireball glared at the agents, furious that they would use such a ploy.

Saber studied the young Intelligence agent for a long moment. Then he nodded curtly and reached for his jacket.

"Saber-" Fireball began.

"I'm not going alone. You guys would have to accompany me." Saber smiled a tiny sly smile. "After all, I am a civilian."

Fireball caught on quickly. He grinned lopsidedly at the Highlander. "And part of the Star Sheriffs' mission is to protect the civilians."

"I'm afraid I can't allow that," Crest objected.

"Of course you can," Fireball said in a voice that brooked no argument. "Mister Saber Rider is a civilian in our custody. We would have to escort him wherever he goes."

*      *      *

       The CCI headquarters was simply named as Base G1, a little known and highly restricted base tucked away in a secluded corner of Wayer Mountain Range. It was a long drive from Yuma Air Base and Saber didn't intend to spend it all in stoic silence.

The journey was tense and uncomfortable as he engaged in a staring match with Lieutenant Crest. Flanked by Fireball and Colt, Saber took his time assessing the CCI agent. Crest stared right back at them. April was not with them, having a different mission: to contact Admiral Eagle and have him run much needed interference.

Lieutenant Malcolm Crest was a young man, just reaching his twenties. He had plain features, was very harmless-looking, and had neatly combed brown hair and equally forgettable brown eyes framed by a pair of rimless spectacles. His uniform was perfectly ironed, crisp and smart, from his stiff collar to his spit-shone shoes. 

He looked and acted very much like an anal-retentive administrator, Saber mused.

Fireball was seriously questioning his abilities as a covert agent.

Colt wondered if the young man truly had an iron rod up his a–

"Lieutenant, how did CCI know I was back?" Saber asked.

"We have our methods. There's practically nothing on this planet that comes and goes without our knowing. Your little adventures on Dagora and Amarado weren't exactly low-profile either. It was easy for us to put two and two together."

       "So you would be the person who sent us that secrecy order under Admiral Eagle's name."

       Three gazes, two disbelieving and one surprised, swivelled to his direction.

       "The CCI has changed for the worse since I transferred to the Star Sheriffs so long ago," Saber reflected calmly. "I don't remember the agents in my time being so high-handed and thought nothing of impersonating a higher-ranking officer. You could have been court-martialled if you're found out even if you're CCI."

       "It was a risk I willingly took," Crest said.

       "And why's that?"

       Crest adjusted his spectacles. "Whatever I am about to tell you stays with you. It goes no further than this car."

       "All right."

       "I can live with that," Colt shrugged.

       "What do you know about the Oregon incident?"

       "Just what's in the papers," Fireball said. "A little over seven months ago, the freighter Oregon was raided by Star Sheriffs of the Rampart unit just before they entered Yuma airspace. About half a million's worth of contraband was seized."

       "You got most of it correct. The contraband though was misinformation deliberately fed to the media. In actual fact, what the Rampart unit stumbled across was human cargo."

       "Illegal immigrants?"

       "No. Human cargo." From his breast pocket, Crest took out a data padd and passed it over to them. "To be more precise, ten humans in cryogenic sleep."

       With both Fireball and Colt peering over his shoulders, Saber rapidly read through the data padd.

       "When CCI heard about this," Crest continued, "we took over the case at once. Rampart unit was ordered to secrecy and we transported the cryogenic cases to our base. We thawed the victims but they still remained in a comatose state."

       A chill of foreboding ran down Fireball's spine.      

       "We tried various means of waking them but no success. All of ten of them are in the best of health, but essentially they're vegetables." Crest cocked his head. "Does any of these sound familiar, Mister Rider?"

       Fireball scowled suspiciously at Crest. "What are you getting at, Lieutenant?"

       "When Doctor Pierre alerted Doctor McGregor to your condition, we are amazed at the similarities between the two cases. However you are the only one who woke up. I believe you are the only one who can help us wake these victims and solve the case, Mister Rider."

       "What about the crew of the Oregon? Surely they must've been arrested."

       "They died," Crest said shortly. "Committed suicide in their prison cells before we had a chance to interrogate them and vaporised."

       "Outriders," Saber stated, surprising himself with the calmness of his voice.

       Crest nodded grimly. "Now you see why I need your help."

*      *      *

       "Wait!"

Huffing, April dashed the last few metres to the shuttle, clambering on board seconds before the hatch closed. As the shuttle began to takeoff, April leaned against the bunk head, one hand on her knees, as she tried to catch her breath. 

"April?" Elise stared in astonishment at the panting blond woman. April's long blond hair, normally braided neatly, cascaded down her back in loose dishevelled tresses.

"Hi, Elise. Where's my dad?" April pushed herself upright. "I need to speak to him right away."

"He's in the main cabin. He's free at the moment." Elise led the young woman to the cabin. She knocked politely at the closed door. "Admiral? Your daughter's here."

"April?" Eagle rose from his seat as she pushed her way to him. He looked at her agitated appearance in concern. "What's wrong?"

"It's Saber. The CCI got him." Quickly, April told him about the morning visit.

Eagle's brows furrowed. "Did you say one of them identified himself as Malcolm Crest?"

She nodded.

"It must be that incident," he murmured to no one in particular.

"What incident, Daddy? What has it got to do with Saber?"

"The Oregon raid."

"I read about that in the news. I asked Lila and Street last night too. All they said it was just contraband. What has contraband got to do with Saber?"

"I wish it was just contraband."

"Daddy, please tell me."

Eagle sighed. "It's a long story. You must keep it a secret, April."

"I will," she promised. "You can tell me on our way back."

"That's not possible now. I'm heading for the Yuma Space Station to welcome some very important visitors."

"But Saber-"    

"Can hold his own for a while." Eagle's stern tone softened at her disappointed expression. "He is not made of glass, April."

April hung her head shamefacedly. "I'm just afraid he will vanish again. None of us want to go through that again." 

Eagle sat down beside his daughter and gave her a hug. "I understand, April. Beside he has Fireball and Colt with him, am I right?"

She nodded.

"Those two won't let any harm come to him. Although I do think you guys have to stop cloistering him. He hates that."

April laughed a little. "He practically threw us out last night because we won't stop hovering."

"See what I mean?" Eagle gazed out of the pot window to see blue sky. "Well, since we're in flight already, you might as well come with me to greet my visitors."

"Who are they?"

A glint of mystery touched Eagle's brown eyes. "Just wait and you'll find out."

*      *      *

       So far out from the city and the protective influence of the climate-control sphere, the Star Sheriffs felt the full brunt of the brilliance and heat of the desert sun.

The small Cavalry Command base huddled at the base of the mountain range, unimpressive, forlorn and quite deserted. It certainly did not look defensible at all, at least not on the surface.

Underground was another matter.

Colt whistled when the elevator door slid open and the Star Sheriffs got their first look of the CCI base.

A long corridor stretched away, intersecting with several other corridors. The walls and floor were plexi-steel, kept brightly lit by overhead lights. These corridors were teeming with soldiers. It was by no means as busy as a normal Cavalry Command base, but compared to the deserted look on the surface, it was certainly bustling.

"Cool," Colt said. He studied each of the closed doors they passed. All of them were marked only by a series of numbers and letters. "What's behind these doors?"

"None of your business," Crest replied crisply. "That's why they are marked with codes only the people working on this base would know."

Colt rolled his eyes.

"Where are you taking us?" Fireball questioned.

"To the hospital ward. We are keeping the victims isolated until we solve the case."

They finally stopped at a door marked 'HW-29'. Crest punched in a series of number into the door control panel. When the door slid open, he stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter first.

Saber hesitated for a long while at the threshold, trying to convince himself to enter the hospital. Finally bracing himself, he took one step inside and stopped dead in his tracks. Behind him, he heard Fireball's sharp intake of breath and Colt's hissed oath.

Ten bed, five in a row, lined up against the walls on both sides. Patients clad in plain hospital pyjamas occupied them all. An eerie silence hung in the ward, a silence borne of stillness and the absence of human spirit, broken only by the quiet beeping of monitoring machines.

Saber forced himself to walk into the ward.

They all appeared to be sleeping; he could pretend to himself that they were simply fast asleep. But Saber didn't bother. There was something about their absolute stillness that told him otherwise.

He stopped at the foot of a bed, staring at the still comatose adult man lying in it. The man's face was peacefully composed, his limbs arranged neatly over the blanket. Avoidance from the sun had washed out his tan to a pale hue.

Do I look like that when I was in my coma? He wondered. So still and pale that I could almost be dead?

Slowly, he moved on to the next bed and halted, stricken by what he saw.

Two pigtails of chestnut curls tied with pink ribbons framed a chubby face, sweet and innocent. Thick lashes rested against her pale cheeks and her closed mouth was a pale rosebud. Someone, a nurse perhaps, had arranged her arms to cuddle a teddy bear – a doll carrying a doll.

The girl could not be more than eight years old.

Saber slowly reached out to her. Distantly, he wondered at the steadiness of his hand as he carefully brushed aside her fringe. Against his callused fingers, her skin was cool to his touch.

"Her name is Maggie," said a voice.

Saber looked up. A middle-aged doctor stood beside Crest. He had a kind face and even kinder eyes. There were streaks of grey in his black hair.

"She lived at Blue Mountain Cattle Ranch with her parents," said the doctor. "The Outlaws raided the cattle ranch several months ago. Her parents were killed and she was missing until now." The doctor fondly smoothed Maggie's hair. "She will be turning nine in two weeks' time."

He smiled at the Star Sheriffs' wary looks and held out his hand to Saber. "I'm sorry. We haven't been properly introduced yet. I'm Doctor Miles McGregor, the HMO of this hospital. Welcome to Base G1. I've been wanting to meet you, Captain Rider."

"Mister," Saber corrected softly. "I'm a civilian now. What's wrong with them?"

"I was hoping you could answer that question," McGregor replied. He gestured to the exit. "Perhaps we should go to my office. I believe we have a lot to talk about."   

*      *      *

McGregor sat the tray of mugs of hot coffee onto the table. "I believe Lieutenant Crest had told you about how we had rescued my patients. Did he also tell you who was behind their abduction?"

Colt nodded. "We weren't surprised, doc. When we were on Planet Dagora, Outriders tried to recapture Saber. That was when we found out who was behind his abduction in the first place."

McGregor took out a data disc from his desk drawer. "Doctor Pierre has forwarded me a copy of your complete medical report. It's very intriguing. Your condition is very similar to those of my patients. The only differences I could spot are the implants grafted to your body and your rewritten DNA. According to your medical report, invasive bio-engineering had been performed on you. Much of your changed or enhanced abilities stem from these implants and your rewritten DNA."

"So can these implants be removed?" Colt wanted to know.

"I'm afraid not. The implants have essentially become part of Saber's vital organs. To remove them will be fatal to him. I have to agree with Doctor Pierre that the activation of the implant attached to your pituitary gland was what woke you up. My problem is that none of my patients have implants like yours. Neither do they have rewritten DNA sequences."

"So how can I help?"

"Basically, we like to find out how you managed to wake up on your own." Crest added. "If we can find the trigger, it might give us something to work on further."

"But Doctor Pierre said that unless something was introduced to 'kick-start' Saber's system, he wouldn't wake up at all." Colt said thoughtfully.

"Could that be it? Danger?" Fireball guessed. "He was in danger of losing his life. We were in danger of being killed too. If he hadn't woken when he did, the Outriders might have taken him back to the Vapour-Zone already."

"I don't remember much of those moments," Saber's frown got deeper. "What did I do?"

"You kicked butts," Colt said bluntly. "Didn't take you long to kill them. Similar to your fight with that Renegade-Hound on Amarado."

"Could it be a built-in defence mechanism?" Fireball asked McGregor. "That he was meant to wake up when he was in danger?"

"Maybe but I don't think so," replied McGregor. "The sum of the human body is nothing more than a whole bunch of chemical reactions taking place."

"So a chemical was introduced into Saber?" Colt stated.

"But Doctor Pierre didn't dare use any drugs on you," Fireball pointed out. "He didn't know how your altered physique would react, so he refrained from using any drugs. No other doctors attended to you. We barely left you alone..."

"What?" Colt pressed, seeing the realisation dawning on Fireball's face.

Fireball looked at Saber. "The night before you were kidnapped. I spent that night in your ward, watching over you. I left to get coffee and a blanket for a short while. Anyone could have entered your ward while I was gone."

The three friends stared at each other, the same thought clearly running through their minds.

Nemo.

There was no one else who fitted the bill perfectly.

"If it was a drug of some kind, it'd be impossible to trace by now." Crest pointed out. "Your system would have broken it down and flushed it out already. Would you happen to know what kind of drug would work on you?"

Saber fell silent, digging through his memories, trying to recall something from those encounters with Zhu'cov in his labs. Finally he shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Doctor. I don't really know much about my...changed physique."

Crest finally stirred from his spot. "Then it'd seem we'd need to ask someone else."

McGregor shot a look to Crest, to which the lieutenant nodded in reply. The doctor sighed and turned back to face Saber with a solemn expression tinged with sympathy.

"What?" Saber didn't like that expression.

"Believe me, Captain, when I say if I could find another way, I wouldn't put you through this."

"What exactly is this?" Saber asked warily.

McGregor took a deep breath. "I'd like to speak to Death."


Four – Scythe And A Skeletal Crest of Bone

Saber froze in his seat, an icy chill wrapping its claws around his heart. Only the sudden paling of his face indicated the depth of his shock. He couldn't think, couldn't even react as he stared at the doctor.

"How...?" he forced the word through numbed lips.

Fireball was on his feet in an instant.

"Who told you?" he demanded. "We told no one except for Admiral Eagle. Who told you?"

"Nobody," Crest answered calmly. "The CCI has been sending spies into the Vapour-Zone for the past couple of years. We know all about the new threat the Outriders pose. We know that the Outlaws raiding the New Frontier are actually the Outriders. We've known about their leader, the Lord Conqueror, and his Horsemen, for quite some time. We were well aware of Death's true identity."

       Dead silence fell so suddenly that you could hear a pin drop.

       The Star Sheriffs stared at the calm CCI agent, not daring to believe their ears. They knew, the goddamned CCI knew and chose to do nothing about it.

       "You...you..." Fireball sputtered, so angry that he was incoherent. He took a deep breath and roared, "What the hell kind of Intelligence agent are you?! Why didn't you tell us then?!"

       Crest shrugged. "We had thought him a lost cause."

       "Nobody's a lost cause," Fireball snapped. "Nobody!"

       "How long have you known?" Colt, surprisingly, was calm. But there was something in his soft voice that caught Saber's attention and started his numbed mind working again. He shifted in his chair, staring at the cowboy who stood too still and his hand too close to his blaster. 

       "Three years."

"Three years..." Saber slowly rose to his feet, inexplicably alarmed all of a sudden. The wild rage and grief radiating from the cowboy was frightening in its intensity. He had never seen the cowboy so close to losing his cool before. Apparently, Fireball also sensed the dangerous rage boiling in Colt. The race-boy was at his side, physically trying to restrain him from reaching for his blaster.

"Colt, don't."

"Three years, Fireball. Three years ago. That's when they killed Robin. If we had known about the Outriders then, she wouldn't have died!"

"I know, I know," Fireball said quickly. Sorrow clouded his face. "But nothing you do now can change it. All we can do is find the culprit and find out why the son-of-a-bitch did it. All right?"

He urged the cowboy to sit down again. He looked at Saber over Colt's head and was startled to find the Highlander staring at the grieving cowboy with pain and - guilt? - in his eyes. 

"My apologies, Colt." Crest said. "I forgot that you had lost your fiancée to the Outlaws."

"What would you know of loss?" Fireball glared at the agent, hating this man for reopening old wounds that had never quite healed in the first place. 

"Death is dead," Saber spoke then. He looked the CCI agent and McGregor in the eyes and said very firmly, "he's not coming back. Ever."

"Actually, he's not." McGregor corrected gently. "If my diagnosis is correct, this - artificial personality, shall we say – is a part of you. Granted it is the fruition of brainwashing and implant-control, but I believe that a part of it is still derived from you. I think you know that too, Captain."

Saber looked away, unable to deny the truth of his words.

"The only way now to help these people is to speak to one of the four Horsemen," McGregor continued. "If Death has the answers we need, then little Maggie will be awake in time to celebrate her ninth birthday."

It was a dirty blow. Fireball angrily opened his mouth to say so, but Saber beat him to it.

"I-I'll think about it."

McGregor nodded solemnly. "I'll be waiting for your answer in the morning."


Link to side story - The Tranquillity Massacre


Night had fallen over the rocky desert. Despite the freezing temperature, the Star Sheriffs chose to have their dinner outdoors where they could see the stars. It was unspoken; none of them wanted to be cooped up in the underground facility where they were given polite but nevertheless suspicious treatment. Crest did told them that visitors to the base were far and few and CCI agents were a suspicious lot. It was a relief to get away from them for a while.

Fireball let out a yawn as he flopped onto his back, joining Colt on the ground. "What a day." He turned his head. Against the dark moonless night, Saber was a barely discernible silhouette, arms folded around bent legs. "What are you thinking of?"

"The little girl, Maggie. She doesn't deserved to be in a coma. If I could actually help her..."

"Even if it means taking the risk that Death might just completely overwhelm your personality?"

Saber didn't answer.

Fireball turned to his other friend, who had been unusually quiet ever since his outburst in Doctor McGregor's office. "What are you thinking about, Colt?"

"Hmm...nothing much," Colt replied. His lips quirked up in a distant smile. "Robin loves nights like this."

In the darkness, no one could see the sudden rigidity in Saber's posture. His fingers dug deeper into his upraised knee as he listened to Colt's wistful reminiscences of happier times.

"Clear night sky, and you can see the stars as far as the horizon. She used to give astronomy lessons to the kids at Tranquillity on these nights, teaching them the names of the constellations...I was planning to buy her a new telescope for her birthday."

Colt shifted his gaze from the night sky to the upright black shape. "Ne, Saber?"

"Yes, Colt?" Saber tried to keep his voice even.

"Why Tranquillity?"

"..."

Colt propped his head up on a hand, his expression for once serious and earnest. "I'm not going to accuse you or anything like that, Saber. But I need to know. Why did they do it? There was nothing of value in Tranquillity. It was just a modest self-sufficient community whose only desire is to live in peace. Why did they do it?"

"Colt, I -"

"Captain Fireball?" Crest emerged from the building's shadows, stopping whatever Saber was about to say.

Fireball sat up, glaring at the CCI agent. He still hadn't forgiven Crest for his tactless revelation earlier in the day. "What?"

"Just to let you know that we'll be closing the entrance in another hour's time. I'd suggest retiring to your rooms soon, gentlemen. It'll be a tiring day tomorrow, especially for Mister Saber."

"Thanks." Fireball said shortly. "We'll be there in an hour's time."

"The desert's a dangerous place at night, Captain."

"We've been in worse situations, Lieutenant. Dismiss."

"Yes, sir." Crest said stiffly. Spinning round, the CCI agent stalked back into the building.

Colt arched an eyebrow. "You really don't like him, do you?"

"The jerk has it coming. He has absolutely no tact." Fireball looked up as Saber got to his feet. "Where are you going?"

"To enjoy the night air before we have to go back underground. Don't worry. I won't go far. I just...need to clear my head." Colt could feel Saber's gaze on him. "You will have your answer, Colt. I promise you that."  

Colt nodded slowly. "All right, Saber."

Turning, Saber walked off into the night.

He strolled around the perimeter of the base, hands tucked in his pockets and head bowed nearly to his chest. His footsteps were almost silent despite the hard-shod boots he wore. It was very dark out in the desert, but sunk as deep as he was in his thoughts, Saber hardly noticed.

He owed Colt an explanation. He deserved to know why Tranquillity was razed, but could his friend accept what he did? Saber paused and raised his eyes to the black sky. How would his friend react? How do he even tell Colt that he-?

The hackles rose on his neck. Belatedly, he sensed strange eyes watching him. The feeling of being watched consolidated into a hard lump in his stomach. Cursing himself for being so distracted, Saber turned carefully to check his surroundings, discreetly reaching for his blaster.

"Who's there?" he asked in a low even voice.

If the night wasn't this quiet, Saber doubted he would have heard the slight rustle of cloth and the soft patter of footsteps running away. He promptly gave chase, tracking the sounds to a secluded area of the base. Rounding a corner, he halted abruptly, realising that he had trapped the intruder in a dead end. He advanced warily, one hand slipping his blaster from his shoulder holster. Despite the darkness, Saber could see that the intruder was wearing a heavy cloak that concealed every aspect of him. Yet there was something familiar about the diminutive intruder, something that nagged at him at the back of his mind.

"You're trespassing on military ground. Put your hands where I can see them."  

The intruder hesitatingly raised his arms. Then quite abruptly, to Saber's surprise, he fell to his face in a prostrating bow.

"Master."

The contralto whisper reached Saber's ears, so full of adoration and joy, that it sent a tremor through him. And just like that, he knew. He knew that voice, that whispering seduction that was neither male nor female, yet both, and the weapon behind the childlike speech that consented to be only his and no one else. 

Rigidly, he held his ground, fighting the urge to run, as the intruder crawled sinuously towards him on hands and knees. All the while, the silky murmuring wrapped its words around him.

"Master, sweet Master has come back. Scythe has been waiting for so long, waiting eagerly for the day when Master will wield Scythe." Still on Scythe's knees, Scythe wrapped lithe sinuous arms about Saber's hips, hugging him, cooing softly. "Scythe is so happy, so very happy."

With shaking hands, Saber reached down and pushed back the heavy hood.

Thick silver hair spilled across his hand. The jagged tresses framed a tiny narrow brown-skinned face, the features angular and sharply defined and completely androgynous; Saber could never figure out if he was a she or vice versa. Slanted eyes of the same metallic silver stared adoringly up at him, the slit of the shining irises reminding him of cat's eyes. The ears were pointed; the arms wrapped around his hips were bare and marked with protruding ridges along the forearms. Even through his clothes, he could feel the sharp claws on the hands pressing against his trousers. When the intruder smiled, he could see two rows of gleaming sharp teeth. The rest of the body was hidden beneath the cloak, but a tail emerged from beneath the cloak, a furry tail that tapered to a sickle-shaped bone blade.

Inhuman in appearance, the intruder nevertheless possessed a strange alien beauty that was impossible to tear one's gaze from. The intruder was attractive in the same manner a fine handcrafted sword was – a weapon not only meant to be pleasing to the eye but also to be the best at what it does.

Saber recognised that face. "Scythe."

Scythe beamed happily up at him. "Master remembers Scythe. People say Master has forgotten about Scythe, but Scythe did not believe. Scythe knew Master would never forget Scythe."

Scythe rose, arms entwining around Saber's neck. The sinuous body pressed close and Scythe licked him on the cheek, purring happily.

"I thought you fell to your death."

"No, Master. Master's hand did not touch Scythe. Scythe lives, saved by cold man."

That shook Saber out of his shock. He grasped the thin shoulders and pushed Scythe away. "Black Ice sent you here?"

"Yes, Master. Cold man said Master was in trouble and only Scythe could help Master. So Scythe came to find Master." Scythe reached for Saber again. "Scythe misses Master. Scythe is so happy to find Master well."

Again, Saber held Scythe at bay. His mind was scrambling for a foothold, trying to digest this latest complication in his life.

Scythe peered up at him, confusion clouding silver eyes. "Master not happy to see Scythe? Did Scythe displease Master by coming?"

"Go back."

Scythe pulled back, hurt.

Saber looked at Scythe firmly. "Death is dead, Scythe. He will not be wielding you any longer."

"No! Master is alive." Scythe reached out and placed a hand over his pounding heart. "See? Master's heart is still beating. Master recognises Scythe."

"Go back."

Scythe shook Scythe's head vehemently.

In a move too quick to see, Scythe pushed Saber to the ground. Long silver hair fell across his chest as Scythe straddled his torso, planting both clawed hands firmly against his shoulders. Saber tried to shove Scythe away, but the sharply beautiful weapon refused to be budged. For all of Scythe's diminutive stature, Scythe was surprisingly strong.  

"Master, Master," Scythe chanted softly. Scythe bit one bare wrist and brought the bleeding limb to Saber's mouth. "Please drink. Scythe needs to know that Master still loves Scythe. Does Master remember that? Please tell Scythe."

Saber's nostrils flared as the scent of Scythe's blood reached him, stirring the hunger within him. Warning bells sounded in his mind. He mustn't drink Scythe's blood. It was tailored to his physique, a drug to keep him addicted and under Black Ice's control. To drink it now would be returning to that hellish time again.

But Scythe was insistent, pushing Scythe's bleeding wrist against his lips. Saber fought hard, trying to resist the seductive temptation. A drop of ruby blood fell from the tip of a clawed finger and hit the corner of his mouth. Despite himself, Saber couldn't help but lick it.

He shuddered. Scythe's blood remained as potent as he remembered.  

"Does Master still love Scythe? Scythe is so lonely without Master. No one cares for Scythe. Only Master cares."

Scythe curled up against his chest, arms around his shoulders, and buried Scythe's face against his neck. Instinctively, Saber's arms reached up to wrap around the slim body, holding Scythe close. The memories of those nights threatened to drown him. He closed his eyes against those images.

"Please don't send Scythe away." Came the muffled plea. "Scythe will be good. Scythe wants to stay with Master forever and ever."

The plea almost did Saber in. He knew Scythe was completely ignorant of deception and lies. In a world where everyone could not be trusted, including the Horsemen, Scythe was the only trustworthy one. Scythe's plea was heartfelt and true, but Scythe's simplistic nature was so easy to manipulate. Scythe was not here of Scythe's own choice but because Black Ice had manoeuvred Scythe into coming.

Jaws clenching, Saber grasped the slim shoulders and firmly pushed Scythe away, dislodging the weapon from him. He sat up, trying his best not to be affected by the utter misery and loneliness in those silver eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, fully intending to refuse Scythe.

"Saber!"

They both jerked, startled to hear Fireball's far-off call. Saber glanced nervously at the alley entrance and back to Scythe. If Fireball and Colt find Scythe here...somehow he was strangely reluctant to let his friends know about Scythe.

"Go," he said.

Scythe shook Scythe's head. "No, Scythe wants to stay."        

Saber got to his feet, almost yanking Scythe to Scythe's feet, as he thought rapidly. "Master needs you to stay out of sight. Wait out of sight and close by until Master calls you."

Scythe gazed uncertainly at him. "Really?"

"Are you questioning me?" Saber snapped.

Scythe cringed. "Sorry! Sorry!"

Saber's stance softened, feeling somewhat guilty for intimidating the childlike weapon.

"Saber!" came Fireball's call away, this time much closer.

At his wits' end, Saber did the only thing he knew would convince Scythe to leave. He grasped the bleeding wrist and, mentally bracing himself, touched his lips to the open wound, resisting the urge to drink. Just as quickly, he dropped the wrist and licked the blood from his lips.

"Now go."

Scythe smiled, a brilliant smile that exposed gleaming sharp teeth. Scythe stepped close and licked his cheek again, pressing a hard package wrapped in soft cloth into his hands.

"Scythe is waiting, Master."     

Then Scythe was gone, disappearing rapidly into the darkness.

Saber stood motionlessly for a few moments in the alley. Then like a puppet with its strings cut, he sagged against the wall, shaking like a leaf.

Scythe was the last person he had expected to see, believing the weapon to be dead. He wiped his mouth, shuddering at the smell of blood. Scythe's blood scent was the most fragrant perfume in the world and so potent. Already he wanted more.

He stared at the package Scythe gave him. Hesitantly, he unwrapped the black velvet cloth. Blood roared in his ears as his heart thundered crazily. He stared at the object in his hands, the single incriminating proof of his sins.

It was a skeletal crest of bone.

"Saber!" Fireball called again, this time sounding much closer.

Hastily, Saber rewrapped the crest and tucked it beneath his jacket beside his holstered blaster, an accusing memento of his crimes burning him even through his shirt. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Saber left the dead end to rejoin his friends. 


Link to side story - Scythe