AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I will be now updating this story every week on Fridays. I really love fanmail - comments, suggestions, and flames are all welcome - if you'd like to see this take a certain direction, please let me know! I am always open to new ideas.
Please keep reading and enjoy the new chapter,
Elizabeth Gibson Elg33@dana.ucc.nau.edu
Chapter Four
Sparks sat in the uncomfortable silence on the Logos, and while he understood that Trinity and Neo were, well, for lack of a better word, together, he still couldn't understand for the life of him why Neo looked now so brooding. Maybe, thought Sparks, he's a little jealous. Trinity and Ghost's relationship would always be different than his with her. Sparks sighed mentally. He hated the polatics of love - it was never the game for him, and so he didn't blame himself that he didn't exactly understand what was going on, even though the code told him everything he needed to know.
On the other side of the monitors, Neo stood with Morpheus and Niobe behind him. His eyes narrowed at each passing line of code, each line seeming to slightly irritate him. Part of him chided himself for acting so childish, and he realized that Ghost was quite possibly the one person Trinity could be most honest with. At the same time, it angered him, that whatever she told Ghost she wouldn't tell him. Why is it, he thought, is it because she loves me, or is it because I'm the. Neo quickly stopped that train of thought, not wanting to understand the implications.
Trinity and Ghost sat at the benches at the park, not saying anything of importance. Trinity watched Ghost, saw the way he kept his eyes down, how they flicked up to look at her, only to be rebuked by some outside force and move down again. In some other life, she would have been told that his behavior was shy and cute, but she now knew the truth of such actions - something was hurting him. Trinity, as always, kept a steady gaze. Ghost looked up again, pretending to look at the cottonwood trees swaying gently in the summer breezes, but really to see her face again. Here was the Trinity he remembered - strong but not hard, still feminine. Her eyes seemed softer, and she seemed more relaxed than he had seen her. Like everyone in Zion, he had seen the tapes, of their assault on the Government Building, of her quick rescue of Neo from the Agent. It was her words though, that struck him.
"Dodge this."
They were now famous words throughout Zion, viewed as the perfect expression of the cold, calculating, violent methods that must be employed to destroy the Matrix. While Ghost appreciated their sentiment, he knew how wrong they were. He knew what had brought Neo back to life, and it wasn't the same woman who had said those words. Despite all his philosophy and history, Ghost was still left with the same impression - that the only things that mattered in this life are the people you love.
And so, Trinity mattered to him, and in a roundabout way, so did Neo. Ghost wanted to believe that he was beyond feeling jealousy toward Neo, that he could use his mind to overcome his emotions. He knew, were she to lose him, that the pain she felt would be unbearable. Ghost couldn't say that he'd feel the same way - perhaps angry that The One had died and that another fighter had been lost to the cause, but aside from that. Ghost shook his head once. Enough with the morbid crap.
Trinity grew concerned, seeing Ghost's face darken.
"What are you thinking about?"
Ghost looked at her, his eyes brighter. "I was," he thought fast, "wondering about what the score is, between me and you."
Trinity half-smiled as he eyes narrowed. Ghost knew that look. "How about, we wipe the slate clean. Start from scratch."
"Fine with me." Ghost replied neutrally.
Trinity stood, cracked her neck. "Let's shake on it, then."
Ghost extended his hand, and she gave him hers. There was a pause. Both looked the other in the eyes, trying to determine what strategy the other planned on using. It was Ghost who took the initiative, and took Trinity's hand with both of his, spinning to lock her arm behind her back. He smiled.
Watching the code, the crews of both the Neb and the Logos laughed.
Trinity's kick caught Ghost straight in the face. He let go of her arms and stumbled back, regaining his composure only to feel the force of a sweep kick on the back of his knees. Ghost fell, but not before grabbing Trinity by her leathers and pulling her down too. The two wrestled in the dirt, leaving indents in the ground where their punches landed. Ghost finally managed in getting a hold on her arms. He pinned her, sweat dripping off his forehead, landing on her leathers.
"Guess you win." She said.
"Guess so."
Trinity's legs swung up, and her feet locked around his neck.
"Guess again."
Using the hold she had on his neck, Trinity threw Ghost, who landed in the grass a few yards off on his stomach. Ghost pushed himself up from the ground, feeling the thrill of the game. He saw Trinity running towards her bike, next to which was parked a Shelby Cobra, white with a British racing green leather top.
"Thank you Sparks!" Ghost yelled, bolting for the car.
On the Logos, Sparks grinned.
Trinity was still running, and Ghost got an idea that while wasn't totally original, certainly was good improvising on his part, at least in his own opinion. Still running, he reached out and picked up a rock, about half the size of a baseball, carefully aimed and threw.
Trinity ran hard, seeing the bike within her reach. She was almost there when the rock hit her in the back of the knees, sending her sidelong into the bike. Trinity tried to reach over, to flip herself over the bike, but it gave under her and she feel into the dirt. She heard the car doors of the Cobra shut, heard the wheels squealing. The car moved back, and Ghost lowered his window so that she could see him.
"Come on Trinity," He laughed, "Catch me."
"I can't watch," Sparks said, his eyes firmly glued to his monitor.
Niobe laughed. "Stolen her moves and now her words?"
Morpheus smiled. "Isn't that was siblings do?" He said, looking sidelong at Niobe, who's eyes met his for a second.
Neo watched the fight in silence. Come on, he thought, come on.
Niobe looked on, intently watching Ghost. He smoothly transitioned from gears, his Cobra roaring down the street at over a hundred miles an hour. Still, he was calm, collected, and focused. Niobe felt satisfied - she'd taught him well. Next to her, Morpheus watched, for the moment entertained. Still he kept his eye on Neo. He saw the way his fists clenched when Ghost's rock had hit her, and it worried him, if he was conscious of his reactions.
The Cobra speed off, coating Trinity's leathers with a thin layer of dust. She pulled up her motorcycle, leapt on and took off, the wheels digging to find traction, leaving ruts in the dirt parking lot. The force of the wind soon had blown off most of the dust as Trinity flew down the quiet suburban streets, following the roaring of Ghost's engines. The speedometer slowly crept, 130, 140, 150. Trinity bent over her bike, pressing close to it. Her eyes scanned ahead, finally catching sight on the Cobra.
Ghost heard the roar of the motorcycles engines and looked into his rearview mirror to see Trinity gaining on him. The freeway entrance was coming up over the next overpass, and Ghost prepared himself to powerslide onto the north bound I-15, but as he did that, he rolled down his window and let his hand feel the wind, ride on it. Trinity watched as Ghost's hand played in the wind, and she smiled. Still a child at heart. That smile quickly faded though, as Ghost have her the finger and sped off onto the freeway, leaving tire tracks that smoked. Trinity followed, her bike flying down the onramp.
Ghost carefully worked between the trucks, letting his intuition guide him as Niobe had told him to do. Trinity followed, and had the advantage in terms of mobility, Ghost knew. His hands ran over the steering wheel, and smiled. She knew like he did, that this time they were on his turf. The freeway ran uphill, carving through a natural pass in the mountains, and Ghost watched his engine begin to redline from the stress. He looked behind him, watched her gracefully weave through the heavy traffic. His eyes momentarily caught hers, but both were once again preoccupied with the slow moving cars in front of them. Looking ahead, Ghost saw opportunity in the shape of an empty double decker car transport. Ghost gunned the engines and slid over. He paused, and focused, feeling the world around him slow down. He looked again, and slammed the accelerator.
Trinity watched, amused, as Ghost ran up the transport, launching the Cobra over traffic. She thought, but only briefly, before following. She saw her chance to get Ghost, and took it. Accelerating hard, watching her bike's engine go far beyond redline, Trinity flew off the truck as Ghost had. The world slowed down as Trinity focused all her attention on her goal. She had one chance.
Ghost looked back, surprised to not see Trinity. While the impact of landing had jarred him, he was sure she had been behind him a minute ago. It was then he heard it, the throaty sound of her motorcycle's engine right above him. He watched as the bike flew in front of him, riderless.
*Rip.*
Ghost looked up to the source of the sound to see two combat-booted feet tearing through the thin leather of his roof. The rest of Trinity followed, the car creaking under her impact. She was looking down, but turned her head sideways to look at Ghost. She loved the say he looked at her - so surprised, still, at what she could do.
Finally, he broke the silence. "Nice one."
"Thanks," she replied, straightening her leathers, "but it's not over yet."
In one fluid movement, Trinity pulled out her cell phone and grabbed the wheel, jerking it from Ghost's hands. The car lurched over, out of control towards the edge of the freeway. Ghost looked, not afraid, but still enjoying the adrenaline as the car broke through the guardrails, flying through air over the Cajon Pass. The ground seemed miles away.
"Operator." Trinity said calmly, the car falling, the nose beginning to pitch.
"Lemme guess, freeze it?" Sparks answered.
"Please."
The car paused, as did the rest of the simulation. The sun had just begun to break over the mountains, and the clouds that were receding from the canyon had become tinted with the fresh morning light. Ghost let his body relax, sitting back. Trinity stretched, a light dust falling off of her clothes, and took off her glasses, letting the full light from the sun hit her eyes. Ghost watched her, but looked away when he caught himself. He knew the oracle's words, and there was no fighting the truth in them.
"Did they not tell you either?" He asked.
"I knew something was going to happen." Trinity said, looking down and smiling.
Ghost didn't know how to begin. "I'm sorry I haven't sent you a messa."
"No, it's OK." She said simply. "Everyone's been busy."
Ghost knew that all too well. He wanted to ask her about what had happened, but found that for once, he was at a lack of words.
She saw his discomfort. "What is it?"
Ghost looked her in the eyes. "You know it's only going to get harder." He paused. "Now that you've found him."
"Now that he's found himself." She mused aloud.
Ghost's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued. Trinity looked up from her thoughts.
"I believed before that we can win. I am," Ghost said softly, "still resolute in my faith."
Trinity smiled softly. "So am I."
From the Neb, Link watched. He had never seen her so peaceful. In the chairs, she was smiling ever so faintly. Her bio-monitors were steady and rhythmic. He felt suddenly far more comfortable around her, knowing that she could, in fact, relax. Link turned to the sound of footsteps from belowdecks moving towards him. Instinctively, one hand reached over to his plasma cannon, but pulled when he heard the voices of his captain and Neo. Link looked up as Morpheus walked on deck.
"Sir," he began.
"Link, please open a channel to the Osiris."
"Yes sir,"
Link quickly established a com link, requesting a video feed from the ship's operator.
"Captain Morpheus," Thaddeus began, a warm smile on his face.
"It is good to see you, my friend." Morpheus said.
The video flickered, but returned to normal. "To what do I owe the honor?"
"You are attempting to free the mind of a one Hajime Chikako, correct?"
"Yes," Thaddeus said. "That's true. We know her as Tayoranai." How did he know about this?
"One of my crew members has a unique perspective on this case, and has asked to be included when you go to free her."
Thaddeus looked curiously at Morpheus. "What stake does he have in this?"
"I don't fully understand myself," Morpheus said, "But I believe that it is important."
Thaddeus thought for a minute. Why has The One become interested in this girl?
"We'll be meeting at the usual place. If you want to come, be there." Thaddeus paused. "Are there any other visitors I should know about?"
"The Logos may be joining us," Morpheus said neutrally.
"My pilot is sending you our current broadcast location. Meet us as soon as possible. Thaddeus out."
The com died. Morpheus stood, and watched the code.
"Bring her out."
Trinity sat, watching the sun paused over the mountains. She watched as the image began to distort. She was being pulled out.
"Goddamnit," she muttered as Ghost turned to see her body wrapped in code, then disappear. Trinity opened her eyes onboard the Neb, sitting up slowly. Morpheus was speaking to Link, and Neo was sitting on the next chair over, watching her. She got up, to walk to their quarters, but as she brushed by him, she spoke softly.
"Thank you."
Neo watched her walk away. He smiled, involuntarily, that he had helped make her happy, but at the same time he looked down, disappointed.
I will be now updating this story every week on Fridays. I really love fanmail - comments, suggestions, and flames are all welcome - if you'd like to see this take a certain direction, please let me know! I am always open to new ideas.
Please keep reading and enjoy the new chapter,
Elizabeth Gibson Elg33@dana.ucc.nau.edu
Chapter Four
Sparks sat in the uncomfortable silence on the Logos, and while he understood that Trinity and Neo were, well, for lack of a better word, together, he still couldn't understand for the life of him why Neo looked now so brooding. Maybe, thought Sparks, he's a little jealous. Trinity and Ghost's relationship would always be different than his with her. Sparks sighed mentally. He hated the polatics of love - it was never the game for him, and so he didn't blame himself that he didn't exactly understand what was going on, even though the code told him everything he needed to know.
On the other side of the monitors, Neo stood with Morpheus and Niobe behind him. His eyes narrowed at each passing line of code, each line seeming to slightly irritate him. Part of him chided himself for acting so childish, and he realized that Ghost was quite possibly the one person Trinity could be most honest with. At the same time, it angered him, that whatever she told Ghost she wouldn't tell him. Why is it, he thought, is it because she loves me, or is it because I'm the. Neo quickly stopped that train of thought, not wanting to understand the implications.
Trinity and Ghost sat at the benches at the park, not saying anything of importance. Trinity watched Ghost, saw the way he kept his eyes down, how they flicked up to look at her, only to be rebuked by some outside force and move down again. In some other life, she would have been told that his behavior was shy and cute, but she now knew the truth of such actions - something was hurting him. Trinity, as always, kept a steady gaze. Ghost looked up again, pretending to look at the cottonwood trees swaying gently in the summer breezes, but really to see her face again. Here was the Trinity he remembered - strong but not hard, still feminine. Her eyes seemed softer, and she seemed more relaxed than he had seen her. Like everyone in Zion, he had seen the tapes, of their assault on the Government Building, of her quick rescue of Neo from the Agent. It was her words though, that struck him.
"Dodge this."
They were now famous words throughout Zion, viewed as the perfect expression of the cold, calculating, violent methods that must be employed to destroy the Matrix. While Ghost appreciated their sentiment, he knew how wrong they were. He knew what had brought Neo back to life, and it wasn't the same woman who had said those words. Despite all his philosophy and history, Ghost was still left with the same impression - that the only things that mattered in this life are the people you love.
And so, Trinity mattered to him, and in a roundabout way, so did Neo. Ghost wanted to believe that he was beyond feeling jealousy toward Neo, that he could use his mind to overcome his emotions. He knew, were she to lose him, that the pain she felt would be unbearable. Ghost couldn't say that he'd feel the same way - perhaps angry that The One had died and that another fighter had been lost to the cause, but aside from that. Ghost shook his head once. Enough with the morbid crap.
Trinity grew concerned, seeing Ghost's face darken.
"What are you thinking about?"
Ghost looked at her, his eyes brighter. "I was," he thought fast, "wondering about what the score is, between me and you."
Trinity half-smiled as he eyes narrowed. Ghost knew that look. "How about, we wipe the slate clean. Start from scratch."
"Fine with me." Ghost replied neutrally.
Trinity stood, cracked her neck. "Let's shake on it, then."
Ghost extended his hand, and she gave him hers. There was a pause. Both looked the other in the eyes, trying to determine what strategy the other planned on using. It was Ghost who took the initiative, and took Trinity's hand with both of his, spinning to lock her arm behind her back. He smiled.
Watching the code, the crews of both the Neb and the Logos laughed.
Trinity's kick caught Ghost straight in the face. He let go of her arms and stumbled back, regaining his composure only to feel the force of a sweep kick on the back of his knees. Ghost fell, but not before grabbing Trinity by her leathers and pulling her down too. The two wrestled in the dirt, leaving indents in the ground where their punches landed. Ghost finally managed in getting a hold on her arms. He pinned her, sweat dripping off his forehead, landing on her leathers.
"Guess you win." She said.
"Guess so."
Trinity's legs swung up, and her feet locked around his neck.
"Guess again."
Using the hold she had on his neck, Trinity threw Ghost, who landed in the grass a few yards off on his stomach. Ghost pushed himself up from the ground, feeling the thrill of the game. He saw Trinity running towards her bike, next to which was parked a Shelby Cobra, white with a British racing green leather top.
"Thank you Sparks!" Ghost yelled, bolting for the car.
On the Logos, Sparks grinned.
Trinity was still running, and Ghost got an idea that while wasn't totally original, certainly was good improvising on his part, at least in his own opinion. Still running, he reached out and picked up a rock, about half the size of a baseball, carefully aimed and threw.
Trinity ran hard, seeing the bike within her reach. She was almost there when the rock hit her in the back of the knees, sending her sidelong into the bike. Trinity tried to reach over, to flip herself over the bike, but it gave under her and she feel into the dirt. She heard the car doors of the Cobra shut, heard the wheels squealing. The car moved back, and Ghost lowered his window so that she could see him.
"Come on Trinity," He laughed, "Catch me."
"I can't watch," Sparks said, his eyes firmly glued to his monitor.
Niobe laughed. "Stolen her moves and now her words?"
Morpheus smiled. "Isn't that was siblings do?" He said, looking sidelong at Niobe, who's eyes met his for a second.
Neo watched the fight in silence. Come on, he thought, come on.
Niobe looked on, intently watching Ghost. He smoothly transitioned from gears, his Cobra roaring down the street at over a hundred miles an hour. Still, he was calm, collected, and focused. Niobe felt satisfied - she'd taught him well. Next to her, Morpheus watched, for the moment entertained. Still he kept his eye on Neo. He saw the way his fists clenched when Ghost's rock had hit her, and it worried him, if he was conscious of his reactions.
The Cobra speed off, coating Trinity's leathers with a thin layer of dust. She pulled up her motorcycle, leapt on and took off, the wheels digging to find traction, leaving ruts in the dirt parking lot. The force of the wind soon had blown off most of the dust as Trinity flew down the quiet suburban streets, following the roaring of Ghost's engines. The speedometer slowly crept, 130, 140, 150. Trinity bent over her bike, pressing close to it. Her eyes scanned ahead, finally catching sight on the Cobra.
Ghost heard the roar of the motorcycles engines and looked into his rearview mirror to see Trinity gaining on him. The freeway entrance was coming up over the next overpass, and Ghost prepared himself to powerslide onto the north bound I-15, but as he did that, he rolled down his window and let his hand feel the wind, ride on it. Trinity watched as Ghost's hand played in the wind, and she smiled. Still a child at heart. That smile quickly faded though, as Ghost have her the finger and sped off onto the freeway, leaving tire tracks that smoked. Trinity followed, her bike flying down the onramp.
Ghost carefully worked between the trucks, letting his intuition guide him as Niobe had told him to do. Trinity followed, and had the advantage in terms of mobility, Ghost knew. His hands ran over the steering wheel, and smiled. She knew like he did, that this time they were on his turf. The freeway ran uphill, carving through a natural pass in the mountains, and Ghost watched his engine begin to redline from the stress. He looked behind him, watched her gracefully weave through the heavy traffic. His eyes momentarily caught hers, but both were once again preoccupied with the slow moving cars in front of them. Looking ahead, Ghost saw opportunity in the shape of an empty double decker car transport. Ghost gunned the engines and slid over. He paused, and focused, feeling the world around him slow down. He looked again, and slammed the accelerator.
Trinity watched, amused, as Ghost ran up the transport, launching the Cobra over traffic. She thought, but only briefly, before following. She saw her chance to get Ghost, and took it. Accelerating hard, watching her bike's engine go far beyond redline, Trinity flew off the truck as Ghost had. The world slowed down as Trinity focused all her attention on her goal. She had one chance.
Ghost looked back, surprised to not see Trinity. While the impact of landing had jarred him, he was sure she had been behind him a minute ago. It was then he heard it, the throaty sound of her motorcycle's engine right above him. He watched as the bike flew in front of him, riderless.
*Rip.*
Ghost looked up to the source of the sound to see two combat-booted feet tearing through the thin leather of his roof. The rest of Trinity followed, the car creaking under her impact. She was looking down, but turned her head sideways to look at Ghost. She loved the say he looked at her - so surprised, still, at what she could do.
Finally, he broke the silence. "Nice one."
"Thanks," she replied, straightening her leathers, "but it's not over yet."
In one fluid movement, Trinity pulled out her cell phone and grabbed the wheel, jerking it from Ghost's hands. The car lurched over, out of control towards the edge of the freeway. Ghost looked, not afraid, but still enjoying the adrenaline as the car broke through the guardrails, flying through air over the Cajon Pass. The ground seemed miles away.
"Operator." Trinity said calmly, the car falling, the nose beginning to pitch.
"Lemme guess, freeze it?" Sparks answered.
"Please."
The car paused, as did the rest of the simulation. The sun had just begun to break over the mountains, and the clouds that were receding from the canyon had become tinted with the fresh morning light. Ghost let his body relax, sitting back. Trinity stretched, a light dust falling off of her clothes, and took off her glasses, letting the full light from the sun hit her eyes. Ghost watched her, but looked away when he caught himself. He knew the oracle's words, and there was no fighting the truth in them.
"Did they not tell you either?" He asked.
"I knew something was going to happen." Trinity said, looking down and smiling.
Ghost didn't know how to begin. "I'm sorry I haven't sent you a messa."
"No, it's OK." She said simply. "Everyone's been busy."
Ghost knew that all too well. He wanted to ask her about what had happened, but found that for once, he was at a lack of words.
She saw his discomfort. "What is it?"
Ghost looked her in the eyes. "You know it's only going to get harder." He paused. "Now that you've found him."
"Now that he's found himself." She mused aloud.
Ghost's eyes narrowed, his curiosity piqued. Trinity looked up from her thoughts.
"I believed before that we can win. I am," Ghost said softly, "still resolute in my faith."
Trinity smiled softly. "So am I."
From the Neb, Link watched. He had never seen her so peaceful. In the chairs, she was smiling ever so faintly. Her bio-monitors were steady and rhythmic. He felt suddenly far more comfortable around her, knowing that she could, in fact, relax. Link turned to the sound of footsteps from belowdecks moving towards him. Instinctively, one hand reached over to his plasma cannon, but pulled when he heard the voices of his captain and Neo. Link looked up as Morpheus walked on deck.
"Sir," he began.
"Link, please open a channel to the Osiris."
"Yes sir,"
Link quickly established a com link, requesting a video feed from the ship's operator.
"Captain Morpheus," Thaddeus began, a warm smile on his face.
"It is good to see you, my friend." Morpheus said.
The video flickered, but returned to normal. "To what do I owe the honor?"
"You are attempting to free the mind of a one Hajime Chikako, correct?"
"Yes," Thaddeus said. "That's true. We know her as Tayoranai." How did he know about this?
"One of my crew members has a unique perspective on this case, and has asked to be included when you go to free her."
Thaddeus looked curiously at Morpheus. "What stake does he have in this?"
"I don't fully understand myself," Morpheus said, "But I believe that it is important."
Thaddeus thought for a minute. Why has The One become interested in this girl?
"We'll be meeting at the usual place. If you want to come, be there." Thaddeus paused. "Are there any other visitors I should know about?"
"The Logos may be joining us," Morpheus said neutrally.
"My pilot is sending you our current broadcast location. Meet us as soon as possible. Thaddeus out."
The com died. Morpheus stood, and watched the code.
"Bring her out."
Trinity sat, watching the sun paused over the mountains. She watched as the image began to distort. She was being pulled out.
"Goddamnit," she muttered as Ghost turned to see her body wrapped in code, then disappear. Trinity opened her eyes onboard the Neb, sitting up slowly. Morpheus was speaking to Link, and Neo was sitting on the next chair over, watching her. She got up, to walk to their quarters, but as she brushed by him, she spoke softly.
"Thank you."
Neo watched her walk away. He smiled, involuntarily, that he had helped make her happy, but at the same time he looked down, disappointed.
