Disclaimer: See last chapter. Me fingers hurt.
Revamps: This whole chapter is a re-vamp. ^_^
Chapter Four: Death's Evil Left Hand
Tanya had called me three hours after I just fell esleep. Which pissed me off to no end. My anti-psycho meds had worn off and the Mask was using that to it's advantage. Tanya would give me the shots I need to keep it at bay, but waking up when the shit's worn off is a killer. I didn't care much about how I looked, getting my shots were more important. I walked down the hallway ingoring the old ghosts that were barely visible in the corner of my eyes. One trait the Mask gave me was a 'second sight' of sorts. I could see ghosts sometimes. And feel what someone has been through when I touch them. I hate that to the point of spiteful.
When I made it to the Lab I noticed that Lightening and William were already there. Usually I'd give him a noogie then tease him about his lastest A+ he got. Not this time around. My temp was up way too high. I noticed that from my soaked clothing. Damn meds dependency.
" I don't know why they think you're dangerous," William told 'Faith'.
I heard her mumble " pre-teens" as I sat down and prepared myself for the rather painful shot Tanya was about to give me. She gently put the device to my neck and I could feel the needle prick my skin.
" Ready?" She asked.
I noticed how 'Faith' watched me so intently like she was watching her favorite movie.
" No but go ahead anyways," I said.
It fizzed as the serum went streaming through my system. I was used to the shots, but it still felt like someone was running sandpaper down my veins.
" How much longer?" Light asked.
Tanya looked over at the small lap top's screen.
" Not too long now," She said. " Gonna stay for this Wildwing?"
I glanced over at 'Faith's' cage for a moment and she looked away from me.
" Yes," I said. " It's not like I can move or anything."
Tanya's eyes went back to the computer screen, " It's all done......"
Her expression changed from Skeptic to complete shock. I nearly wanted to jump out of my seat.
" OH MY GOD!" She nearly screamed.
Tanya got up in a speed I've only seen on the ice and unlocked 'Faith's' cage. 'Faith' gave a worried expression as Tanya pulled her out and put her on the med cot.
" Bring up Faith's autopsy report," Tanya said.
" But..." Light said.
" NOW!" Tanya barked.
Light just about ran to the lap top and started to type furiously.
" Okay," She said. " What now?"
" What side was she shot?" Tanya asked.
I watched her pull the shirt almost completely off 'Faith'.
" Uh, lower back off to the left side some. There's another one between her shoulder blades," Light said.
I watched as Tanya ran her fingers along the pale circular scars on Faith's back. I noticed how her tattoo'd wings were distorted by the scar on her lower back.
" I need you to scan her with the Mask," Tanya said.
I swallowed, " There's no need. If the DNA, tattooes and scars match she's the real article."
" Please, humor me," Tanya said.
I sighed and put one finger to the side of my eyes and scanned her. Her bones were scarred more then I thought they would be.
" Check to see if she has screws in her left hip along with a metal ball and rotater cup. She should also have four screws in her right ankle," Light said.
I swallowed the hard lump in my throat, " Everything is accounted for."
" One last thing," Tanya said.
I knew what she was going to ask and I didn't like it at all.
" Come look at these scars, you were the last one to see them when they were fresh," Tanya said.
I walked over normally, and noticed how Faith held her arms tightly around her chest. I ran one hand along her back, remembering where she was shot. Visions of what she felt played with my eyes and I just about ripped my hand off her back.
" You look ready to be sick," William commented.
Faith glanced over at him, " Good. I feel how I look."
I really wanted to leave the room. But I know Tanya wouldn't let me. She pulled Faith's shirt back down and coaxed her to bear a arm to start a IV.
" Will this fade with time?" Tanya asked.
Faith winced as Tanya pushed the needle into her arm, " Depends how long ago my last dose was. I kept them up with everyone else."
" When was your last one?" Tanya asked.
Faith watched the needle tick with her pulse, " Maybe 12 hours ago. Don't know how long I was knocked out. Wraith warned us we'd regress back to normal...But didn't say if we'd survive the process or not."
Light then took William and they left the room. Faith looked like she really wanted William to stay. Tanya covered her up with a thermal velvet like blanket.
" You need to get some rest," Tanya told Faith. " Wildwing has offered to stand watch over you."
I didn't offer to watch over her. But I didn't feel like arguing with Tanya about it. So I just collapsed into my 'crash' chair and covered my eyes up. I could feel Faith's eyes on me.
" Sleeping?" She asked. " I can't."
" I gave you alittle helper a moment ago," Tanya said. " You'll be esleep in no time."
" Sneaky," Faith said with a yawn.
Tanya then left the room. Faith yawned again and moved in the cot to where she could watch me more closely. I could see her watching me from between my fingers. I hated the shots after effects. I always want to either sleep til the next century or have sex until the girl can't walk right. This time around I got the sleeping urge, which I was very thankful for.
" Sleeping or trying to hide from the sun?" She asked sofly.
I slowly moved my hand from off my face and looked at her.
" You don't scare me you know, " She said. " You're the same Wildwing I knew twelve years ago."
I sighed and slowly shook my head, " Sorry to disappoint you, but he died several years ago."
She almost looked annoyed with my answer.
" I doubt that," She said softly still. " He just lost sight of himself."
Don't start this now Faith. I don't want to have this conversation with you.
" You should get to sleep," I said quietly. " You have a long day coming."
I know she wondered what I meant, but she drifted off to sleep before she could ask.
@-----/--------
I watched her sleep for hours. I used to do it way back when. She was always so peaceful when she slept. This time around she wasn't. She kept on moving, and the blanket slipped off her several times. I had to stand the whole time because I kept putting it back on her. I had to figure out what was going to happen when she woke up. Yes we know she's Faith, but how much of the Faith I loved, that we loved so much remained? We didn't know. Shit, I didn't know! So I shut off all the lights and took out my small gun that Captain Klegghorn had given me several years ago. I slipped out of view when I sensed her starting to wake up. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes for a moment. She then pulled the IV needle out of her arm and gently rubbed that spot.
" Anyone here?" She nearly whispered.
Her voice echoed as she got up and felt her way around the darkness. Last time I checked Saurians had excellent night vision. Why wasn't she using it? Maybe that was the first thing to fade away.
" I would tend to think you wouldn't be be so trusting of the darkness," I heard myself say.
I noticed that a smile spread across her beak, " I don't trust it. Trying to see if I can find you or something?"
" Something, " I muttered.
I noticed how my voice sounded, almost like it did so many years ago. I could hear her pulse in the back of my head thundering. Or was that mine?
" Why don't you kill me?" She asked.
My heart sank to my knees.
" You wouldn't believe me if I told you," he said.
She smirked, " Look who you're talking to. I'm the one who dragged you into getting that 'hidden' tattoo of yours."
I felt a chuckle escape me, " It's not so 'hidden' anymore."
" Answer my question," She said.
I turned the Mask's level up higher as I noticed her hands starting to twitch. I then raised the gun and pointed it just inches away from her upper back.
" You may not want to hear it," I said.
" I'm a strong girl," She said. " I can handle it."
I swallowed up my emotions and let bitterness take it's place.
" I knew it was you all along," I said. " But honestly, I didn't give a shit. There wasn't any proof you could be recovered."
Several emotions played over her, bitterness, hatrd, then fear. I could feel her disapointment.
" And now?" She asked coldly.
" Honestly, think I'd watch you un-armed?" I asked in return.
She then slowly turned around to look at me and I kept my aim. The barrell ended up resting just above her clevage. I could tell the Mask was only half showing.
" And now you want to kill me?" She asked.
I didn't answer her and she kept watching me.
" What's stopping you then? You should admit that it's probably the only thing that's kept you going all this time. Twelve years of angst, lies and deceit of your team mates. You tell them you're fine, or they just assume. Even though you want to use their rib cages for trampolines if they ask you 'Are you Okay?' just one more time," She kept on. " You didn't ask for that thing to evolve like it did. It just happened. And my death didn't help it any. Fuck, I think it brought it on."
I kept the barrell pressed to her breastbone, spite how much she ached. It just about oozed out of her pores, threatening to take me over as well. Tears welled up in her eyes and I wanted to turn my eyes away. All this time I've taunted her with the threat of killing her and I can't do it now.
" Fucking kill me already!" She screamed at me.
I kept my stance as the tears finally started to drift down her cheeks. She cried hard enough to make her chest heave with each sob. She slowly reached over and pried the gun out of my hands. I let my arms fall to my sides and fought the urge to pass out.
" You never wanted to kill me did you?" she asked me.
" No," I admitted.
Her sobs started to quiet down, " Was it some kind of test?"
" Yes," I said.
" To prove what?" She asked.
" It was to prove you are what the tests say you are," I said. " I wanted closure."
" Closure?" She asked. " I never got mine."
I could tell what she was feeling, and I didn't blame her. She then tossed the gun across the room and it fell onto the floor with a ping.
" Then how would you get your closure?" I asked.
She blinked for a moment, " You realize he's your son don't you?"
" Come again?" I asked in return.
" You heard me right," She said.
I glared at her, " William isn't my son. You slept with Canard and he's what came of that mistake."
She then stormed to the door, punched the access panel and walked out. I followed her, I wasn't done arguing with her yet. I noticed that the Emergency lights were on, but only half cared. She started off in a full run and I bolted after her. I'll be damned if I loose her again. She probably thought this was some sick game of mine. I heard her fall and slam her bill into the floor. I nearly ran right on top of her. She was face down, blood seeping out of her nostrils. I then grabbed her 'round the arms and picked her up. She started to scream and kick like some kid on a temper streak.
" Let me go!" She screamed.
" We need to do something about your bleeding," I said.
She fought me even harder as I walked as backwards towards the Med room. I know how I was the last one she wanted to be looking after her injuries.
" I can take care of myself!" She protested.
My breath almost glowed as it hit her neck. Slowly she stopped fighting with me. I could of let her walk, but I chose not to. Having her this close was actually pleasant on some levels.
" Why are you doing this?" She asked. " Feeling pity on me?"
" No," I said. " I'm doing this on my own accord."
She bit back what she wanted to say, And I'm sure it would of been true. I gently put her onto the cot and made her sit facing me there. I then clicked the small overhead lamp on and opened up the First Aid kit. The Mask slowly faded away and just left it's 'burn' mark on my beak. I could feel her watching it.
" We're gonna keep on trying to kill each other aren't we?" She asked.
I glanced up at her and she didn't look away.
" No," I said. " We need to find some common ground here."
She flinched as I cleaned off one part of her arm.
" Common ground?" She asked, wanting to jerk her arm out of my hands. " Only way we can get that if we finish that talk we were having. You know the one where I ripped my soul and insides out for you to see?"
I stopped in mid-wipe and I don't think I took a breath for a moment. I then shook my head and put the knee sized bandage on her arm.
" You should be fine by morning," I said starting to get up.
She eased back into laying position on the bed and I covered her up again. I then retreated back to my 'crash' chair to watch her the rest of the night.
Revamps: This whole chapter is a re-vamp. ^_^
Chapter Four: Death's Evil Left Hand
Tanya had called me three hours after I just fell esleep. Which pissed me off to no end. My anti-psycho meds had worn off and the Mask was using that to it's advantage. Tanya would give me the shots I need to keep it at bay, but waking up when the shit's worn off is a killer. I didn't care much about how I looked, getting my shots were more important. I walked down the hallway ingoring the old ghosts that were barely visible in the corner of my eyes. One trait the Mask gave me was a 'second sight' of sorts. I could see ghosts sometimes. And feel what someone has been through when I touch them. I hate that to the point of spiteful.
When I made it to the Lab I noticed that Lightening and William were already there. Usually I'd give him a noogie then tease him about his lastest A+ he got. Not this time around. My temp was up way too high. I noticed that from my soaked clothing. Damn meds dependency.
" I don't know why they think you're dangerous," William told 'Faith'.
I heard her mumble " pre-teens" as I sat down and prepared myself for the rather painful shot Tanya was about to give me. She gently put the device to my neck and I could feel the needle prick my skin.
" Ready?" She asked.
I noticed how 'Faith' watched me so intently like she was watching her favorite movie.
" No but go ahead anyways," I said.
It fizzed as the serum went streaming through my system. I was used to the shots, but it still felt like someone was running sandpaper down my veins.
" How much longer?" Light asked.
Tanya looked over at the small lap top's screen.
" Not too long now," She said. " Gonna stay for this Wildwing?"
I glanced over at 'Faith's' cage for a moment and she looked away from me.
" Yes," I said. " It's not like I can move or anything."
Tanya's eyes went back to the computer screen, " It's all done......"
Her expression changed from Skeptic to complete shock. I nearly wanted to jump out of my seat.
" OH MY GOD!" She nearly screamed.
Tanya got up in a speed I've only seen on the ice and unlocked 'Faith's' cage. 'Faith' gave a worried expression as Tanya pulled her out and put her on the med cot.
" Bring up Faith's autopsy report," Tanya said.
" But..." Light said.
" NOW!" Tanya barked.
Light just about ran to the lap top and started to type furiously.
" Okay," She said. " What now?"
" What side was she shot?" Tanya asked.
I watched her pull the shirt almost completely off 'Faith'.
" Uh, lower back off to the left side some. There's another one between her shoulder blades," Light said.
I watched as Tanya ran her fingers along the pale circular scars on Faith's back. I noticed how her tattoo'd wings were distorted by the scar on her lower back.
" I need you to scan her with the Mask," Tanya said.
I swallowed, " There's no need. If the DNA, tattooes and scars match she's the real article."
" Please, humor me," Tanya said.
I sighed and put one finger to the side of my eyes and scanned her. Her bones were scarred more then I thought they would be.
" Check to see if she has screws in her left hip along with a metal ball and rotater cup. She should also have four screws in her right ankle," Light said.
I swallowed the hard lump in my throat, " Everything is accounted for."
" One last thing," Tanya said.
I knew what she was going to ask and I didn't like it at all.
" Come look at these scars, you were the last one to see them when they were fresh," Tanya said.
I walked over normally, and noticed how Faith held her arms tightly around her chest. I ran one hand along her back, remembering where she was shot. Visions of what she felt played with my eyes and I just about ripped my hand off her back.
" You look ready to be sick," William commented.
Faith glanced over at him, " Good. I feel how I look."
I really wanted to leave the room. But I know Tanya wouldn't let me. She pulled Faith's shirt back down and coaxed her to bear a arm to start a IV.
" Will this fade with time?" Tanya asked.
Faith winced as Tanya pushed the needle into her arm, " Depends how long ago my last dose was. I kept them up with everyone else."
" When was your last one?" Tanya asked.
Faith watched the needle tick with her pulse, " Maybe 12 hours ago. Don't know how long I was knocked out. Wraith warned us we'd regress back to normal...But didn't say if we'd survive the process or not."
Light then took William and they left the room. Faith looked like she really wanted William to stay. Tanya covered her up with a thermal velvet like blanket.
" You need to get some rest," Tanya told Faith. " Wildwing has offered to stand watch over you."
I didn't offer to watch over her. But I didn't feel like arguing with Tanya about it. So I just collapsed into my 'crash' chair and covered my eyes up. I could feel Faith's eyes on me.
" Sleeping?" She asked. " I can't."
" I gave you alittle helper a moment ago," Tanya said. " You'll be esleep in no time."
" Sneaky," Faith said with a yawn.
Tanya then left the room. Faith yawned again and moved in the cot to where she could watch me more closely. I could see her watching me from between my fingers. I hated the shots after effects. I always want to either sleep til the next century or have sex until the girl can't walk right. This time around I got the sleeping urge, which I was very thankful for.
" Sleeping or trying to hide from the sun?" She asked sofly.
I slowly moved my hand from off my face and looked at her.
" You don't scare me you know, " She said. " You're the same Wildwing I knew twelve years ago."
I sighed and slowly shook my head, " Sorry to disappoint you, but he died several years ago."
She almost looked annoyed with my answer.
" I doubt that," She said softly still. " He just lost sight of himself."
Don't start this now Faith. I don't want to have this conversation with you.
" You should get to sleep," I said quietly. " You have a long day coming."
I know she wondered what I meant, but she drifted off to sleep before she could ask.
@-----/--------
I watched her sleep for hours. I used to do it way back when. She was always so peaceful when she slept. This time around she wasn't. She kept on moving, and the blanket slipped off her several times. I had to stand the whole time because I kept putting it back on her. I had to figure out what was going to happen when she woke up. Yes we know she's Faith, but how much of the Faith I loved, that we loved so much remained? We didn't know. Shit, I didn't know! So I shut off all the lights and took out my small gun that Captain Klegghorn had given me several years ago. I slipped out of view when I sensed her starting to wake up. She sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes for a moment. She then pulled the IV needle out of her arm and gently rubbed that spot.
" Anyone here?" She nearly whispered.
Her voice echoed as she got up and felt her way around the darkness. Last time I checked Saurians had excellent night vision. Why wasn't she using it? Maybe that was the first thing to fade away.
" I would tend to think you wouldn't be be so trusting of the darkness," I heard myself say.
I noticed that a smile spread across her beak, " I don't trust it. Trying to see if I can find you or something?"
" Something, " I muttered.
I noticed how my voice sounded, almost like it did so many years ago. I could hear her pulse in the back of my head thundering. Or was that mine?
" Why don't you kill me?" She asked.
My heart sank to my knees.
" You wouldn't believe me if I told you," he said.
She smirked, " Look who you're talking to. I'm the one who dragged you into getting that 'hidden' tattoo of yours."
I felt a chuckle escape me, " It's not so 'hidden' anymore."
" Answer my question," She said.
I turned the Mask's level up higher as I noticed her hands starting to twitch. I then raised the gun and pointed it just inches away from her upper back.
" You may not want to hear it," I said.
" I'm a strong girl," She said. " I can handle it."
I swallowed up my emotions and let bitterness take it's place.
" I knew it was you all along," I said. " But honestly, I didn't give a shit. There wasn't any proof you could be recovered."
Several emotions played over her, bitterness, hatrd, then fear. I could feel her disapointment.
" And now?" She asked coldly.
" Honestly, think I'd watch you un-armed?" I asked in return.
She then slowly turned around to look at me and I kept my aim. The barrell ended up resting just above her clevage. I could tell the Mask was only half showing.
" And now you want to kill me?" She asked.
I didn't answer her and she kept watching me.
" What's stopping you then? You should admit that it's probably the only thing that's kept you going all this time. Twelve years of angst, lies and deceit of your team mates. You tell them you're fine, or they just assume. Even though you want to use their rib cages for trampolines if they ask you 'Are you Okay?' just one more time," She kept on. " You didn't ask for that thing to evolve like it did. It just happened. And my death didn't help it any. Fuck, I think it brought it on."
I kept the barrell pressed to her breastbone, spite how much she ached. It just about oozed out of her pores, threatening to take me over as well. Tears welled up in her eyes and I wanted to turn my eyes away. All this time I've taunted her with the threat of killing her and I can't do it now.
" Fucking kill me already!" She screamed at me.
I kept my stance as the tears finally started to drift down her cheeks. She cried hard enough to make her chest heave with each sob. She slowly reached over and pried the gun out of my hands. I let my arms fall to my sides and fought the urge to pass out.
" You never wanted to kill me did you?" she asked me.
" No," I admitted.
Her sobs started to quiet down, " Was it some kind of test?"
" Yes," I said.
" To prove what?" She asked.
" It was to prove you are what the tests say you are," I said. " I wanted closure."
" Closure?" She asked. " I never got mine."
I could tell what she was feeling, and I didn't blame her. She then tossed the gun across the room and it fell onto the floor with a ping.
" Then how would you get your closure?" I asked.
She blinked for a moment, " You realize he's your son don't you?"
" Come again?" I asked in return.
" You heard me right," She said.
I glared at her, " William isn't my son. You slept with Canard and he's what came of that mistake."
She then stormed to the door, punched the access panel and walked out. I followed her, I wasn't done arguing with her yet. I noticed that the Emergency lights were on, but only half cared. She started off in a full run and I bolted after her. I'll be damned if I loose her again. She probably thought this was some sick game of mine. I heard her fall and slam her bill into the floor. I nearly ran right on top of her. She was face down, blood seeping out of her nostrils. I then grabbed her 'round the arms and picked her up. She started to scream and kick like some kid on a temper streak.
" Let me go!" She screamed.
" We need to do something about your bleeding," I said.
She fought me even harder as I walked as backwards towards the Med room. I know how I was the last one she wanted to be looking after her injuries.
" I can take care of myself!" She protested.
My breath almost glowed as it hit her neck. Slowly she stopped fighting with me. I could of let her walk, but I chose not to. Having her this close was actually pleasant on some levels.
" Why are you doing this?" She asked. " Feeling pity on me?"
" No," I said. " I'm doing this on my own accord."
She bit back what she wanted to say, And I'm sure it would of been true. I gently put her onto the cot and made her sit facing me there. I then clicked the small overhead lamp on and opened up the First Aid kit. The Mask slowly faded away and just left it's 'burn' mark on my beak. I could feel her watching it.
" We're gonna keep on trying to kill each other aren't we?" She asked.
I glanced up at her and she didn't look away.
" No," I said. " We need to find some common ground here."
She flinched as I cleaned off one part of her arm.
" Common ground?" She asked, wanting to jerk her arm out of my hands. " Only way we can get that if we finish that talk we were having. You know the one where I ripped my soul and insides out for you to see?"
I stopped in mid-wipe and I don't think I took a breath for a moment. I then shook my head and put the knee sized bandage on her arm.
" You should be fine by morning," I said starting to get up.
She eased back into laying position on the bed and I covered her up again. I then retreated back to my 'crash' chair to watch her the rest of the night.